Chapter 24: Preparing the Plan

Lin Yi flipped through the communication logs page by page, his expression growing increasingly solemn.

"These communications... are the source of the infected outbreak?"

Soichiro Takashiro nodded and said in a heavy voice, "Correct. These messages came from a vessel conducting archaeological research in Antarctica. After the crew came into contact with that ancient corpse, they were successively infected and turned into terrifying monsters. The ship eventually spiraled out of control, and the government found a way to transport it near the Sea of Japan."

"What is the current situation with that ship? Is there any further news?" Lin Yi pressed, hoping to learn more details about the disaster.

Soichiro Takashiro sighed and said, "After the ship was brought back to Japan, the government took emergency measures to blockade it within a specific area. However, the number of infected is simply too large, and their strength far exceeds that of ordinary people. The military is completely unable to control the situation."

"Where?"

"Tokyo Bay."

Clearly, the Japanese government had not given sufficient weight to the warning messages sent from the research vessel.

The information sent from the ship had struck like bolts of lightning across the night sky, capturing the attention of all high-ranking government officials.

In their eyes, the viral outbreak on the ship was nothing more than a minor stumbling block that could not halt their determined steps toward the dream of immortality.

This blind fanaticism for eternal life left the upper echelons of the Japanese government teetering on the edge of a rational precipice.

Ignoring the potentially catastrophic consequences, they were single-mindedly focused on bringing the secrets of the ship back to the country to add another brick to their dream of immortality.

Once the research vessel was towed back, the spread of the virus was as swift and violent as a runaway horse.

The Japanese government had clearly lost control of this gamble; not only had they failed to obtain the long-awaited resources for immortality, but they had instead triggered an uncontrollable disaster.

Lin Yi gently placed the documents on the table and pushed them toward Soichiro Takashiro, who sat composedly opposite him. His fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop, as if playing a silent melody, while his mind rapidly wove together his next plan.

"Head of the Takashiro family, I have a request. I wonder if I might have your assistance?" Lin Yi's tone carried a hint of sincerity.

Soichiro Takashiro slowly raised his head, his deep eyes seemingly capable of peering into one's soul. He gazed at Lin Yi with a look of inquiry. He gave a slight nod, signaling Lin Yi to continue.

"I wish to use your family's helicopter to take me to Tokyo Bay."

Upon hearing this, Soichiro Takashiro's teacup trembled slightly, the tea swaying gently at the rim without spilling.

He set the cup down and fixed his gaze on Lin Yi again, seemingly trying to read more information from his eyes.

"Mr. Lin, could you tell me exactly what your purpose is for going to Tokyo Bay?" Soichiro Takashiro's tone was laced with caution and curiosity.

"It's nothing much. I just intend to take a look at that ancient corpse. If possible, I plan to send him back to where he belongs."

A flash of surprise crossed Soichiro Takashiro's eyes upon hearing Lin Yi's answer.

He clearly had not expected Lin Yi's purpose to be so simple, rather than pursuing immortality like those politicians.

After a moment of silence, as if contemplating Lin Yi's request, Soichiro Takashiro finally nodded.

"The day after tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, I have a group transporting supplies to Tokyo. I will arrange for a helicopter to take you along."

Leaving the drawing room, Lin Yi took a deep breath of fresh air and then strode toward the exit of the villa.

He had a clear goal in mind: to exchange for [Adrenaline] as quickly as possible to fully prepare for the upcoming trip to Tokyo Bay.

Facing that unknown ancient corpse, Lin Yi had to prepare every possible contingency, and [Adrenaline] was undoubtedly a crucial chip to increase his chances of survival.

When Lin Yi reached the main gate of the manor, two security guards wielding katanas immediately blocked his path.

"Please stop, sir," one of the guards said in a serious tone. "The area outside the manor is crawling with infected; it is very dangerous. Please do not act rashly."

The other guard also recognized Lin Yi. He remembered that Lin Yi had returned with Saya Takashiro, so he naturally assumed Lin Yi was a student of Ritou Academy.

He sized Lin Yi up and said somewhat puzzledly, "Young man, you don't look like the impulsive type. Why risk your life to go out? It is best to stay in the manor for now to ensure your safety."

Just as Lin Yi was explaining himself to the manor guards, Yuriko Takashiro appeared at the right moment.

She walked gracefully toward them and smiled, diffusing the tension for Lin Yi.

"Let him go." Yuriko Takashiro's voice was soft yet commanding, causing the two guards to nod in immediate agreement.

"Yes, Lady Yuriko," they responded respectfully, then stepped aside to clear the way for Lin Yi.

After nodding his thanks to Yuriko Takashiro, Lin Yi stepped out of the manor gates.

Watching Lin Yi's departing figure, Yuriko Takashiro let out a soft sigh.

She had already learned of Lin Yi's intentions and purpose from Soichiro Takashiro, and she held his strength and wisdom in high regard.

In her view, Lin Yi was a rare talent; if he could stay with Saya Takashiro's team, he would undoubtedly provide immense help to their survival and combat capabilities.

However, Lin Yi was about to head to Tokyo Bay, which meant he would no longer be staying with Saya and the others.

Following the winding mountain road down from the manor, Lin Yi discovered that a large number of armed personnel were constantly patrolling the perimeter.

Their presence ensured the security of the manor, but it also made it difficult for Lin Yi to search for infected.

Thus, Lin Yi decided to venture further. He passed the boundaries of the manor and headed down until he reached a small town at the foot of the mountain.

On the streets of the town, a dozen infected were wandering aimlessly around a burning car.

The raging flames illuminated the dim surroundings and cast a glow on the hideous faces of the infected.

Judging from the wreckage of the car, a fierce chase must have occurred here; a survivor had attempted to flee by car but was ultimately surrounded by the infected, resulting in the destruction of the vehicle and the death of the occupant.

Standing at a distance, Lin Yi took a deep breath and then let out a whistle.

The whistle immediately drew the attention of the surrounding infected, who all turned their heads toward Lin Yi.

Seeing that the infected had been lured, Lin Yi drew the Black Abyss Sword.

This sword had accompanied him through several battles; at this moment, the blade was covered in nicks, and its durability had dropped to 8 points.

Lin Yi knew that the lifespan of this sword was nearly exhausted; once the durability dropped to 0, it would likely shatter instantly in combat.

After killing the surrounding infected one by one, an unadorned white treasure chest actually emerged from the corpse of one of the infected.

This discovery was undoubtedly an unexpected surprise for Lin Yi.

Without a moment's hesitation, Lin Yi hurried forward and collected the treasure chest into his personal space.

Finally, a contract was signed.

(End of Chapter)