Chapter 6:The Experiment In The Congo Basin

Miles away in the Congo Basin, under the dense cover of ancient trees, a concealed testing facility operated in silence. Surrounded by electrified fences and armed guards, it was a fortress hidden within the wilderness. The only sign of life beyond its steel walls was the occasional call of birds and the rustle of unseen creatures in the undergrowth.

Inside the facility, the air was sterile and cold, a stark contrast to the humid jungle outside. The lead scientist, Dr. Elena Rossi, stood in the observation room, her gloved hands holding the vial of the antidote. It was a shimmering liquid with a faintly iridescent quality, almost beautiful in its lethality. A bead of sweat trickled down her temple as she stared at the vial.

"This is it," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else. Around her, a team of scientists and technicians moved with precision, their faces masked but their unease visible in their tense movements.

"Proceed with the trials," Dr. Rossi ordered, her voice firm despite the tremor in her hands.

In the testing chamber, the first subject was led in—a majestic African elephant. Its deep, wise eyes seemed to search the room, as if sensing the unnatural aura that clung to the place. The handlers secured the elephant with thick restraints, though its sheer size and strength made the effort seem almost futile.

A mechanical arm descended, holding the injection device. The needle pierced the elephant's thick skin, delivering the serum. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the elephant let out a deafening roar, its massive body convulsing violently. Its muscles rippled unnaturally as it thrashed against the restraints.

"Vitals spiking," a technician called out, his voice edged with panic.

Dr. Rossi's eyes remained glued to the monitor. "Hold steady," she instructed, though her heart was pounding.

The elephant's convulsions stopped suddenly, its body going eerily still. Its eyes, once warm and intelligent, now glowed a bright, unnatural yellow. It stood motionless, its chest rising and falling in shallow breaths.

"Cognitive enhancement observed," Dr. Rossi muttered, typing rapidly on her tablet. "Motor functions restored. DNA stabilization… incomplete." She hesitated, glancing at the creature. "Prepare the next subject."

The elephant was led out, its glowing eyes tracking every movement in the room with unnerving precision. Next, a gorilla was brought into the chamber. The creature snarled and thrashed as the handlers secured it. Its wild eyes darted around the room, filled with primal fear and aggression.

The injection was administered, and the reaction was immediate. The gorilla let out a guttural roar, its body contorting as it slammed against the restraints. Its muscles bulged, veins protruding unnaturally from its skin. The creature's eyes turned the same glowing yellow as the elephant's, but this time, something else happened.

The gorilla stopped thrashing and sat still, its breathing ragged. Then, slowly, it looked around the room, its gaze locking onto Dr. Rossi through the observation window. The intensity in its eyes sent a chill down her spine. There was something new in its expression—something terrifyingly human.

"Cognitive functions elevated," Dr. Rossi whispered, her voice shaking. "But… this isn't just enhancement. This is transformation."

The gorilla tilted its head, as though studying her. Its calmness was unnatural, almost sinister. Dr. Rossi stepped back instinctively, her mind racing. These results were far beyond anything she had anticipated—or been told to expect.

"Results are promising," she said aloud, masking her unease.

But deep down, a sinking feeling gnawed at her. These weren't just advancements—they were aberrations. The jungle beyond the facility, with its ancient, untamed energy, seemed to hum with awareness. The creatures of the Congo Basin, long undisturbed, now felt like they were watching. Waiting.

As the gorilla was led out, Dr. Rossi lingered in the observation room, staring at the empty chamber. "This is only the beginning," she whispered.

Outside, the jungle seemed to stir, the wind rustling through the trees like a warning.