Rebirth: 100 Days Before Doomsday - Chapter 181

Chapter 181: The Secret of the Boxes

“What’s in the boxes?”

Professor Neil stiffened the moment Davian’s question brought everyone’s attention toward the particular tent he was checking. His expression shifted to one of deflection as he answered, “Just equipment and samples. Nothing you need to worry about.”

Grace, who had been studying the professor closely, narrowed her eyes when she noticed the contrast between his words and the way his body reacted.

“And you plan to bring these along?” Rune asked as he signaled toward the series of boxes. Something about his expression was telling Grace that he already knew what was inside those boxes.

[Master.]

Right at that moment, she heard 2025 contacting her through their shared mindlink. The information that it shared with her next made her decide the future of the boxes.

She turned her attention back at the Professor and heard him responding to Rune’s question. “… it’s possible, then bringing these boxes along with us will be a huge help. Me and my team will be extremely grateful to your entire team.”

“How do you think we can bring these giant boxes with us? If these are just equipment and samples, you should just left them behind and focus on saving your asses first.” Aleena threw at the old man, not giving a darn about her language.

Professor Neil clearly looked offended, but just as he opened his mouth, Grace decided to intervene. “Professor, I don’t have time for your half-truths. Whatever’s in those boxes could be a liability if we are taking it with us. I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

Professor Neil hesitated, and glanced at his team. “I don’t see why that’s any of your business. Just help us bring these boxes along if you can. Isn’t that what your task is?”

Grace stepped closer, her voice dropping to a dangerous calm. “Listen carefully, Professor. I don’t know what you think we are, but we are not some government soldiers here to confiscate your research. However, if you keep lying to me and those boxes turn out to be a threat, I will leave them behind – along with you and your team… and I will not look back.”

Professor Neil’s face paled at her words. His sharp eyes darted to the boxes and then back to Grace. He was clearly torn between his desire to protect his research and the pressing reality of the situation.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled and nodded. His shoulders slumped in reluctant acceptance. He knew that this might be his only chance to save his life and his team’s.

“Fine,” he said in a voice that was laced with weariness. He took a deep breath before he focused his full attention at Grace and revealed what she had already learned through 2025.

“The boxes contain such plants and animals that have absorbed the black and red rains. We found them around the mountains and collected them to study the changes that is happening in them.”

Grace just nodded her head while speaking, “You should have told me sooner.” She returned her attention toward the team members who were still trying their best to keep the zombies from crossing the barricades.

“Try to hold for a few more minutes. We will be leaving right after I’m done dealing with these boxes.” She told her team and received nods from them.

Listening to her words, Professor Neil immediately took a step forward. His wariness morphed into suspicion. “What are you going to do with the boxes?”

Grace turned to him. She kept her expression calm but unreadable as she simply said, “Watch.”

Usually, she shouldn’t have done what she did next to keep her secret safe incase Professor Neil decided to not accept her offer for working for her. But after finding out the secret of the boxes, she was determined to have him and his team on her side. She wouldn’t be giving them another option.

With a subtle mental command, she activated her space. The air around the wooden boxes shimmered faintly before, one by one, they began to vanish into thin air.

The entire research team of Professor Neil froze. Their eyes widened as the last box disappeared without a trace.

“What the-” Professor started, his voice rising with shock and confusion. He took an instinctive step back while his sharp gaze flickered with disbelief.

“We will discuss it later,” Grace said curtly as she cut him off before he could launch into a barrage of questions. “Right now, focus on getting your team ready to move. We don’t have time to waste.”

Professor Neil looked like he wanted to argue, but the urgency in her voice silenced him. With a terse nod, he turned to his team and began helping them gather what little personal belongings they had left.

– – –

It took Grace’s team merely minutes to finish the preparations for their return.

All the Injured researchers were bandaged and supported by those who were still in good condition, while the remaining supplies were divided among the group. As the last of the researchers lined up in the small clearing outside the tents, Grace turned her attention to one of her boyfriends.

“Davian, get us out of here,” she informed him about his turn of taking action.

Giving her a nod, Davian stepped forward. His movements were calm and deliberate despite the chaos surrounding them. Closing his eyes, he summoned his energy, and his hand sliced through the air as he opened a shimmering blue portal. The crackling energy immediately lit up the snow-drenched camp.

Once again, Professor Neil and his team froze. Their eyes went wide for the second time within minutes as they stared at the magical window, or door, in stunned silence.

“This is our way out,” Grace explained to Professor Neil while signaling at the portal with her head. “Go, now!”

Professor Neil hesitated and so did his team. Their gazes flickered between Grace and the portal. It was clear that the entire team was grappling with a mixture of awe, fear, and distrust.