North American Detective: I am Proficient in All Kinds of Gun Quick Draws-Chapter 543 - 314: Mutation, The Game Begins! (Two in One)_4
Physical changes indicated the drug had taken effect.
Dean was certain that although Barton seemed to have recovered, he was only putting up a front, hiding it for fear of being ostracized by everyone else.
Barton wouldn't last long.
Apart from that, Dean had also figured out the drug's function.
It catalyzed hormone secretion! Under different emotions, the body secretes different hormones, stimulating it and exhibiting various symptoms. The two are mutually responsive. The drug injected by the people of the Lucifer Organization, nine times out of ten, served to catalyze and magnify these hormones. As for the onset time, it depended on each person's physique and their compatibility with that specific drug. This was actually the same as taking medicine; some people absorb drugs quickly, while others are much slower. And for individuals like Barton, who were constantly in an emotionally heightened state, their resistance to that kind of drug was undoubtedly much poorer. These guys probably wouldn't live much longer.
If Little Mike knew about this drug, he'd surely be delighted, Dean thought with a smile, turning his gaze back to the slowly approaching freighter in the distance.
Nearby, Cheston En stroked his chin.
For some reason, he felt that when Dean had looked at Barton and the others just now, it was as if he were looking at a group of dead people. Hmm... Anyway, I'd better stay away from those guys from now on!
「In the laboratory.」
What a clever guy! Dr. Sean thought, somewhat amazed as he listened to the words transmitted from Subject No. 37 through the handset.
The entire cruise ship had been thoroughly modified. It wasn't just filled with surveillance cameras; it also concealed many invisible audio devices to ensure they could monitor the movements of all the subjects.
Sean hadn't expected that Subject No. 37, despite not knowing what was happening, had deduced they were undergoing an experiment merely from a piece of trash—a failed product.
He had a fondness for high-IQ subjects. Such subjects possessed strong self-control and had a high likelihood of becoming successful, albeit of a secondary grade—the kind like the skull-masked men and sailors, with beast-like physiques and strength. Unfortunately, these test subjects suffered severe brain damage and had short lifespans. Their bodies could collapse at any moment, making them definitely unsuitable for those important figures.
I hope this guy can really give me some surprises and become the first subject to retain his intelligence. Even if he fails, there must be some progress compared to before; otherwise, the pressure on me will be immense! Dr. Sean thought, unconsciously clenching his fists.
The miracle of modern science is that once an experiment succeeds and has complete monitoring records, there's a very high probability of artificially replicating that change and success. This continues until the principles of the change are grasped, allowing for optimization, improvement, removal of side effects, and ultimately, achievement of the true goal.
His urgent need for success made him hesitate for a moment before he chose to accelerate the experimental process. "Tell the Piggy Boat to speed up its approach! Also, we can proceed with the next stage of the experiment!"
"Yes, Dr. Sean!"
A series of commands were sent from the base to an encrypted military satellite and then relayed to the cordoned-off sea area...
As Dr. Sean's instructions were issued, the freighter began to accelerate slowly.
Back with Dean's group, the collars around everyone's necks finally showed a change!
A distorted mechanical voice sounded simultaneously from everyone's collar:
"On September 10th, you, driven by various motives, chose to participate in a memorable battle royale game.
"A few individuals who did not abide by the game rules were disqualified.
"On September 11th, the game entered a standby phase.
"When you awoke, you found yourselves without food or water, trapped on a cruise ship, devoid of any hope for survival.
"In your search for a glimmer of hope, you considered various actions, such as destroying the collars on your necks or smashing the surveillance devices overhead...
"These were some commendable ideas.
"However, the arrival of a freighter caused your plans to be shelved before they could even begin.
"You are fortunate.
"Had you actually attempted those actions, the collars around your necks would have exploded, and you would have been disqualified from the game.
"One contestant, however, was unlucky.
"He perished before the game even started. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎
"Now, as the freighter draws near, the real battle royale game finally begins!
"Are you ready?"
BZZT...
Amidst a faint electrical buzz, an emotionless female voice continued:
"Battle Royale, First Round: Official Start.
"A freighter has appeared in your field of vision.
"This is an old Piggy Boat that has been at sea for a long time, carrying many stowaways attempting to reach the United States. Among them are young people bearing the hopes of their families, malicious fugitives—murderers and fraudsters—and also entire families full of yearning for a new life.
"They have endured many hardships and paid a great price, finally on the verge of reaching their dream country.
"However, a small problem has arisen.
"Due to years of disrepair, the freighter has almost entirely lost its braking capability. Their distress signals were rendered useless by a storm, and the food and water on board can only sustain them for another day or two. If things continue this way, they will perish before reaching their destination, becoming new phantoms of this vast sea.
"Until today.
"Today, they spotted you: a surprisingly large cruise ship!
"Driven by their instinct to survive, they have begun to approach you.
"In their eyes, you are their hope for survival.
"But is that truly the case?
"Mission One: Survive on the cruise ship until 5:00 PM on the 25th.
"Reminder: Leaving the cruise ship will result in the loss of player status!
"Mission Two: There are only six slots for successful completion in the first round.
"Reminder: If, by 5:00 PM on the 25th, there are more than six players remaining on the cruise ship, the excess players will be randomly eliminated until only six are left.
"The first round of the game...
"Officially begins!"
As the cold, mechanical voice faded, an electronic countdown timer appeared on the collar around everyone's neck.
WHOOO~
With a long blast of its horn, the freighter finally reached the vicinity of the cruise ship.
