Scapegoat

Lotus gave Karl a pitiful look, as if he should take the entire fall for this discovery. 

Not that it was going to be a negative mark on their record, very much the opposite, actually. But the discovery of a Holy Relic of any calibre came with an intensive interrogation, dozens of reports to be filed, hours of descriptions, and much more.

Karl had been spared much of that last time thanks to Colonel Valerie's interference, but this time it was System Stones. 

Actual, functional, System Stones.

If they brought compatible candidates directly here, they could test them without the dangers of the serum. At least in theory. For all Karl knew, it only worked if you already had the System activated to some degree. 

Alice sighed and took out her phone, then smirked and handed it to Karl.

"If we're going to do this, we will do it all the way." She decided.