Chapter 83: Bruce, I'm Sorry

He really managed to bring it back, though it was indeed perilous—for a serpent... Well then, Little Azure, I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with a bit of grievance. I’ll go prepare some good food for you.

With those words, Karn led the azure snake toward the kitchen, recalling that the fridge was well stocked with meat. The snake from the Dragon’s Cave clung to Karn, its body writhing in lingering fright; it had felt as though it had narrowly escaped death. Serpents are mortally afraid of low temperatures—if Karn were not the cave’s bonded master, the snake would never have agreed to such a thing.

This snake was uncommonly intelligent—given time, it would even be able to speak. The snakes of the Dragon’s Cave matured swiftly; within ten years, this one would likely grow to a girth of several meters. By then, Karn would have to ensure his own strength grew as well, so that protecting such a serpent would pose no problem.

After feeding the snake all the meat from the fridge, its mood settled, and it lazily fell asleep in the living room. Compared to the cave, Karn’s villa was paradise: a mouthful of meat at every turn, and after a hearty meal, the snake no longer held a grudge for having been carried here frozen.

“Why do you just eat and sleep...” Karn nudged the snake with his foot in disdain, but it merely flicked its tail like a rattlesnake and continued dozing, not even bothering to open its eyes. He’d intended to take it to the biological research center for a check-up, but now—even asleep—it would simply have to come along.

There were still matters to deal with at the pharmaceutical wholesale company, accumulated emails to answer, and the military security firm Laura was managing had finally been established. Karn split off three shadow clones: one to handle the backlog of emails and coordinate with Laura, another two to monitor the research center’s surveillance, in case something untoward had occurred during his absence.

As for himself, he needed to visit the biological research center in person—optimizing the new Desolation Virus and researching dragon’s blood were his true priorities.

...

“Boss, what brings you here so suddenly? I could have had Paul pick you up—my god! What is that?”

Betty had come forward to greet Karn, but when she saw him lift a two-meter-long snake out of the back seat, she recoiled in terror, stumbling back a couple of steps, nearly tripping over herself.

“I’ve brought this snake for research. Don’t worry, Betty—it won’t attack anyone unprovoked. You can even come touch it.”

“I don’t like snakes, so I’ll pass,” Betty replied firmly, retreating several more paces.

Karn shook his head. “A pity—you’re missing out. Such a lovely creature, and you don’t even dare touch it. Anyway, give me a rundown of recent happenings.”

Betty’s lips twitched; she seriously questioned her boss’s taste—since when were pythons considered cute? Nonetheless, as an assistant, Betty Ross was exemplary: she reported on finances, recruitment, equipment procurement, and all other affairs in perfect order, and sent out emails accordingly.

She had no access to experiment content or progress, nor could she view laboratory surveillance—which frustrated her. But in all other duties, she was flawless—a truly qualified assistant.

“You’ve done well, Betty. I’ll consider increasing your bonus,” Karn said as they reached the laboratory entrance, holding the azure snake. Beyond this point, Betty could not follow.

“Thank you. By the way, boss, there’s a new restaurant in town—if you’re free tonight, perhaps we could...” Betty called out as Karn was about to enter the restricted area. She hadn’t come here solely for the generous salary, though tempting; she had other motives.

As an assistant, it might take decades to gain access to the research areas—if she wanted to uncover the lab’s secrets, she’d have to approach her boss directly. She’d considered probing the researchers, but Karn’s security measures were airtight: the confidentiality contracts carried ruinous penalties, and security monitored anyone who tried to privately approach the staff. After being questioned by a guard once, Betty dropped the idea, not wanting to alert suspicion.

“You go ahead and reserve a table. If I have time, we’ll give it a try. If not, perhaps another evening,” Karn replied, the door closing behind him. Betty’s heart quickened—since the boss had agreed, this was her chance.

Last time, Karn had invited her to dinner, and tonight she might glean information or reveal something about her own background. Even a wealthy student knows to court the favor of those with power—Betty thought. Though her relationship with her father was distant, she could at least use his name to probe for research data.

She’d once glimpsed an investment memo from .M Research; as a biologist, she saw immense value in the project, but before she could act, the .M team had been snatched away. Karn, however, was oblivious to Betty’s designs—her skills as a spy were laughable.

First, he visited Lais’s laboratory. The new Desolation Virus only needed continuous refinement, but Lais’s work could determine whether Karn could wield magic at all.

“Mr. Karn, I’ve sent you three emails and was about to ask Miss Ross for your address—oh my! What is that?” Lais greeted Karn with enthusiasm, then led him into the core lab.

“All core experiments are performed by me alone—absolutely no leaks. The others merely process data and handle operations; they don’t even know what the research subject is,” Lais assured him. Karn nodded, having already received information from his shadow clone—Lais’s security was indeed impeccable.

“Mr. Karn, though I don’t know what these two types of cells are, both exhibit extraordinary vitality. One even defies the Hayflick limit—so far, not a single cell has died!” Lais’s voice trembled with excitement. He had accelerated cell division in the experiments, and even after 271 splits, the cells did not weaken—instead, they seemed to rejuvenate, as if reborn. He had yet to discover their upper limit of survival.

“What about the other aspect—how is the serum research going, the one that fuses with the other cell type?” Karn pressed. He was already aware of the phoenix’s properties; his primary concern was compatibility.

Swallowing nervously, Lais replied, “The other cells appear to have already been injected with the Desolation Virus serum, and there are traces of the second cell type as well. Yet under the virus’s influence, there’s no strong rejection. Still, to be safe, we should conduct more human trials...”

Though moved to this project, Lais’s team continued work on the Desolation Virus elsewhere. Yet his boss had already provided a cell sample injected with the virus serum... and another cell that, in theory, could grant immortality. Lais was curious, but memories of his previous life—and his daughter—kept him cautious.

“The results match our simulations perfectly. Now all that remains is human trials...” Karn reviewed the data, conflicted. He had little phoenix flesh—barely enough for a few clinical tests. Moreover, test subjects’ emotions and motives were unpredictable; if they gained immense power, it could pose a threat to Karn and the lab itself.

Lais interjected, “We’ve run countless animal trials, all without a hitch—no rejection at any stage. But for safety, human trials are still preferable.” As he spoke, he led Karn through all the test subjects.

“Prepare a fusion serum at once, Lais,” Karn instructed after a second, more careful perusal of the data. Things were going almost too smoothly; both he and Lais were suspicious. For Karn, his confidence stemmed from being the Desolation Virus’s living proof—he had already survived one transformation.

Lais, however, still regarded the virus as it had been when he left Killian’s team. Even though Karn had supplied his own flesh, without the support of bioelectricity, the virus’s effects diminished outside the body. Yet the fusion still succeeded—this emboldened Karn to proceed. Unless subjects were altered to match him, human trial data would remain inconclusive.

“But, Mr. Karn—” Lais began hesitantly.

“Just do as I say, Lais,” Karn cut him off. “I understand the risks. Prepare everything by this time tomorrow. As for your team, have them study the azure snake I brought.”

“Yes, Mr. Karn,” Lais agreed, recognizing that the boss’s mind was made up.

Afterward, Karn paid a visit next door. Maya and Killian were making swift progress. Maya hoped to create a product that would benefit humanity; Killian had only revenge on his mind.

The comfort and security Karn offered could not dispel Killian’s hatred for Tony Stark. His resolve was unshakable. Still, Killian’s team had many talents—Karn would try to keep as many as possible. Ideally, Killian would leave alone; he was dangerous, and if he stayed, he might one day be branded a terrorist.

“Boss, the restaurant is booked—a new place with excellent reviews,” Betty called out just as Karn emerged, the sun almost set. She saw the content expression on his face—as if he’d just received good news—which made her all the more eager.

“You’ve finally noticed my fondness for fine cuisine. Let’s go,” Karn said, checking the time. Since his body changed, his appetite had grown, and he was hungry now—also curious about Betty’s intentions.

“Paul has the car ready, boss,” Betty said with a gentle smile, leading him to the underground garage. But she suddenly remembered the restaurant was rather upscale—should she change clothes?

Karn had never shown signs of stinginess, so Betty was willing to indulge.

“What’s wrong?” Karn asked when Betty abruptly stopped.

She glanced at her attire. “I was wondering if I should change into something more suitable?”

A tailored pencil skirt, fitted white shirt, and sheer black stockings that accentuated her long legs—Karn looked her over, finding nothing amiss.

“This is perfect. I’m starving—let’s go,” he decided, stepping into the elevator. At his words, Betty hurried to join him.

...

“Paul, you can head home. I’ll call if I need anything,” Karn said after helping Betty out of the car. Paul, perceptive as ever, left once he was sure his employer had no further need.

When the driver was gone, Karn turned to Betty. “Well then, Miss Ross, would you care to come in for a cup of tea?”

“If you’re inviting me, of course,” Betty replied. She wasn’t as drunk as she’d hoped—she’d wanted to get Karn tipsy, but his capacity was astonishing, leaving her the only one unsteady. She’d have preferred a vegetable juice by now.

“Boss, you’re certain there are no snakes in your home?”

“Of course. The only one has been sent to the research center,” Karn said, opening the door and gesturing for her to enter. The villa was spacious but, if he intended to keep the azure snake, perhaps he’d need a larger, more secluded place. Not that he feared attack—unless someone launched a dozen RPGs at point-blank range, he was untouchable.

After serving drinks to ease the alcohol, Karn brought up the matter of house-hunting—within Betty’s purview. But she rolled her eyes, not wanting to discuss work at that moment.

“Boss, may I ask about the lab’s research? The recent expenses are unusually high... You know I’m a specialist in cell biology—perhaps I could offer advice, ensure funds are better managed...”

Karn regarded her obvious fishing with silent amusement. The dim lighting hid his smile, but he was now certain Betty was acting on her own—if she was part of a team, it would have to be a league of fools.

Apparently, General Ross trusted his daughter enough to leave her unchecked.

“You make a good point, Betty. But the research center is closed for the night. I do have some files in my bedroom—would you care to take a look?”

The bedroom?

Betty’s breath quickened. At this hour, in this state, to enter a man’s bedroom... she could almost read Karn’s expression. But the progress on the Desolation Virus... and that smile on his face when he’d left the lab...

“Very well, boss. Reviewing the project will help me make a better assessment,” she agreed, still couching her motives in terms of professional duty.

Following Karn, she ascended the stairs step by step.

Inside the bedroom, Karn switched on only a few dim, seductive lights, then retrieved a file from the wardrobe.

“Miss Ross, here is the Desolation Virus project file. You may read it, but you’ll need to earn it—a massage, perhaps, or something more intimate...”

“Boss, perhaps I could offer a more professional—”

“My dear Miss Ross, I’m not in the mood for that right now. Perhaps tomorrow, as an investor, you can meet me in my office. But tonight, you won’t see the file unless...” He held the file before her. If she left now, she might never get another chance. And after all, it was only a massage—ten minutes, and then she could demand the file.

“Understood, Mr. Karn,” Betty said, taking a deep breath to calm herself. There was only one place to sit—the bed—so she settled beside him.

“Is this pressure all right?”

“Perfect. I never knew you had this skill, Miss Ross.”

...

“Mr. Karn? I thought I was supposed to be giving you a massage...”

“You’ve worked all day, Betty. You must be tired. Relax—my technique isn’t half bad either.”

Under the influence of alcohol and those fervent hands, Betty felt the room growing hotter, her own motions slowing, shifting from serving to being served.

Rip—

The sound of silk tearing echoed, but Betty made no outcry; instead, she felt a profound comfort...

The gentle rustle of clothing, and before long, Betty felt something pressing against her—a sensation that brought a fleeting clarity.

“I’m sorry, Bruce!”

“Oh—”

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Chapter 83: Bruce, I’m Sorry—Free to Read.