Chapter 6: Old Man

"What's your name?"

For the first time, the angel—who had always relied on brute force rather than words—felt a sense of curiosity about someone.

"Dane."

"I hope you survive long enough to mutate." The angel's voice remained as cold and distant as ever.

"Because you're the only one who has made me talk this much."

A moment of silence passed before she continued, her tone carrying the faintest hint of something unfamiliar—hesitation, perhaps?

"If you're willing… I hope I can stay by your side."

Dane, who was willing to do whatever it took to stay alive, didn't hesitate to play along.

"Heh, then keep dreaming."

Even if she held a sliver of interest in him, the angel had no intention of defying orders. Without hesitation, she handed both Dane and Wade over to Zone B, just as she had been instructed.

Upon arrival, two men with strong, well-built physiques stepped forward to receive them. They efficiently transferred Dane and Wade onto separate high-tech hospital beds, each equipped with metallic restraints. Thick handcuffs and foot shackles secured their limbs, while sturdy leather straps held their waists and necks in place.

As the beds began to move, Dane turned his head slightly toward the angel and flashed her a bright, almost carefree smile.

"Goodnight, Angel."

Even though he was fully aware of his dire situation, he still smiled—like a sliver of light piercing through the darkness.

The angel froze. No man had ever smiled at her before. The only expressions she had ever seen were those filled with fear, disgust, or hatred.

[The angel wanted to forget about you.]

[But your 'goodnight' and that smile will take root in her heart.]

[Strength +20 (Current Strength: 20)]

[Bladder Endurance +20 (Current Bladder Endurance: 50)]

[Bladder Endurance reached 50! Unlocking: Stinky Gas Resistance.]

After being wheeled down a long corridor, Dane and Wade were eventually separated and sent into different rooms.

Dane found himself in a cold, clinical-looking space. Inside, an elderly man stood beside a bed, his wrinkled hands slowly pulling a white sheet over the motionless figure lying there. Along the walls stood two imposing bodyguards, both heavily armed, their muscular forms exuding an undeniable sense of intimidation.

The old man let out a regretful sigh, his voice filled with disappointment.

"What a shame. Ten days of relentless torment, ten different experimental serums injected into his body… and yet, he still failed to mutate."

After a brief pause, the old man turned his attention to Dane. His gaze, once dulled by exhaustion, immediately lit up with renewed interest.

"Oh? Another young one?"

A slow smile crept across his face.

"Not bad. Ajax certainly works fast."

Stretching his stiff shoulders, he let out a tired groan.

"I was hoping for a bit of rest, but it seems I have work to do again."

The moment the old man's sharp gaze locked onto Dane, the atmosphere in the room grew tense. The guards gripped their weapons a little tighter, ready for any unexpected resistance.

And then—

"Excuse me, is there a restroom here?" Dane suddenly asked, his expression dead serious. "I really can't hold it anymore."

The tension in the room shattered instantly.

The old man blinked. The bodyguards exchanged puzzled glances.

Dane continued, his tone completely sincere.

"Also, I'd appreciate it if there's toilet paper inside. I don't have any on me."

[You have successfully disrupted the heavy atmosphere.]

[The old man is speechless. He wants to say: 'You're here for an experiment, not a bathroom break.']

[Stench Resistance +15 (Current Stench Resistance: 15)]

If not for his steadily growing Bladder Endurance, Dane would have already experienced a rather unpleasant situation. However, he had now reached his limit. If he didn't relieve himself soon, things would take a disastrous turn.

He had no choice. No way was he going to die with his bladder full.

The old man let out a short chuckle, a mixture of amusement and condescension.

"There's no bathroom here, but plenty of devices designed to make people suffer. I'll make sure to introduce you to them soon."

A knowing smirk tugged at his lips as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a slim syringe filled with an ominous-looking liquid.

Slowly, he approached Dane's bedside.

"Relax your body. There's no need to be so tense."

He spoke in a calm, almost soothing voice, as if comforting a child before an injection.

"This here is a very special serum."

He flicked the needle lightly, watching a single drop of liquid drip from the tip.

"It will awaken any latent mutant genes hidden inside you."

The corners of his lips curled slightly as he leaned in closer.

"If you're lucky, you might even develop abilities similar to those of real mutants."

Dane widened his eyes, playing along with feigned excitement.

"Wow, really? That sounds amazing!"

His voice carried just the right amount of curiosity, admiration, and eagerness—like an ordinary person who had just been promised superpowers.

"That's right. It's that incredible—it can turn an ordinary person like you into a true mutant."

The old man smiled, his voice smooth and persuasive.

"Just imagine it. Having superpowers—how cool would that be?"

Dane raised an eyebrow, pretending to be intrigued.

"That does sound pretty amazing. But if it's so great, why haven't you injected yourself?"

[The old man is momentarily stunned.]

[He has never heard such an unexpected counter-question before.]

[Undying Resistance +10 (Current Undying Resistance: 40)]

The old man blinked, then let out a dismissive chuckle.

"Superpowers are better suited for young people like you. I'm too old. It would be a waste on me."

Dane smirked.

"Not necessarily. What if you inject it and gain an ability that keeps you young forever?"

[Your words have planted a seed of hesitation in the old man's heart.]

[Undying Resistance +10 (Current Undying Resistance: 50)]

For a brief moment, the old man actually considered it. But the second he realized he was wavering, he immediately shook his head and pushed the thought away.