NOVEL NEXT Chapter 96: Chapter 96
Noah Technology Park.
Universe Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
The sun gleamed off the reflective glass windows of the towering white building, exuding a sense of cleanliness, beauty, and cutting-edge innovation.
Bardi stepped inside. He had just returned from the entertainment district in the south, where he had extracted a hundred million in funds from the original international gang and organizations, leaving only the bare minimum required for their operational and maintenance costs.
Bruno and Tobias were originally destined to be second-generation gangsters, but their rebellion had elevated them to gang leaders. Now, after being under Bardi's control, their once-rough demeanor had been tempered. The act of pulling a gun on someone was now done with a certain composure.
Of course, Bardi had not mistreated them. In fact, they were in the process of a true transformation—gaining unique abilities beyond the reach of ordinary people. As long as they remained loyal to Bardi, living for two or three hundred years was well within reach.
That promise alone was worth more than any amount of money.
They had no objections. Even if doubts lingered in their hearts, they dared not voice them.
As Bardi approached the elevator, a striking woman was already waiting for him. She had an enchanting face yet was dressed in a professional secretary's outfit, exuding an air of seriousness.
Her form-fitting attire accentuated her curves, and her glasses lent her an intellectual allure. The contrast between her stern expression and her natural beauty made her an irresistible temptation.
She was his secretary.
Upon seeing Bardi, she straightened her posture, maintaining a professional stance that nonetheless invited attention.
Pushing up her glasses with a practiced motion, she opened a notepad and delivered a concise report.
"Boss, the other companies in Noah Technology Park have rejected our offers."
"Tomorrow at eight o'clock, there's a party at the Galaxy Hotel."
Her voice was sultry despite its seriousness. With a swift motion, she snapped the notepad shut. Her attire—white blouse beneath a tailored black blazer—was completely professional, revealing no unnecessary skin. Yet, the way she positioned her arms subtly emphasized her figure.
Her mannerisms weren't deliberate seduction; they were simply the unavoidable reality of her presence in the workplace.
"A party?"
Bardi frowned slightly. He didn't recall agreeing to attend any such event.
"Yes. Mr. Luthor informed me that you're expected to participate. It's an event hosted by 'the Family.' They want Universe Biotechnology Co., Ltd. to join their ranks to integrate with them and divide the benefits accordingly."
She clasped her hands at her waist, her posture composed yet naturally enticing.
"I see," Bardi mused, smirking slightly.
These capitalists never wasted an opportunity.
His biopharmaceutical company had seen immense profits, and now the so-called Family wanted to pull him into their fold, either by persuasion or by force to carve up the wealth.
If he refused, he could expect a series of calculated attacks: sudden issues with bank loans, distribution channels mysteriously closing off, hospitals refusing his products, regulatory crackdowns, and scrutiny from the Food and Drug Administration. Step by step, they would attempt to dismantle Universe Biotechnology Co., Ltd. entirely.
Noah Technology Park itself had once belonged to Noah Corporation—until it was swallowed whole by the Family.
Now it made sense why none of the other tech companies in the park were open to acquisition, even when offered double their market value.
They had already been assimilated.
"Well, I do need additional funding, land, and a headquarters for the group's expansion," Bardi remarked, showing no concern for the alluring secretary beside him as he stepped into the elevator.
This particular elevator led to the underground levels. Only Bardi had access.
She did not follow him inside. Instead, she bowed slightly, exuding a devilish mix of obedience and temptation.
Only when the elevator doors fully closed, sealing Bardi from view, did she straighten again.
The motion was so sudden that the fabric of her white blouse trembled.
Her expression changed. The cool professionalism vanished, replaced by something cold, almost murderous.
Adjusting her glasses, she narrowed her eyes behind the lenses, brimming with dissatisfaction and intent.
He's pretending.
She had studied Bardi's character in depth. She was certain that her serious-yet-alluring demeanor, the delicate balance of professionalism and unspoken temptation was the perfect weapon against him.
No man could resist me.
And tomorrow night, at the party…
That will be the moment his life ends.
A subtle, knowing smile curled at the corner of her lips.
Then, as she turned back around, all traces of malice vanished. She resumed her composed stance, awaiting her boss's return.
---
The elevator descended to the underground level, a transit floor cleared out by Bardi himself. It housed various essential instruments, stored neatly for future use.
Stepping out, he crossed the smooth white flooring, which had a subtle, cleansing effect with every step. The air carried a faint scent of disinfectant, and cool mist drifted from vents along the ceiling.
He moved down a set of stairs.
The second basement level was the heart of his biological research.
The space was vast and sterile, lined with rows of sealed glass chambers, each filled with a green nutrient solution. Within them, human figures floated in suspension.
A sharp click echoed as the overhead lights switched on, illuminating the facility in bright, sterile white.
The temperature remained steady at around ten degrees, with a faint chill spreading through the air as a light mist of disinfectant was released periodically.
Bardi reached into his pocket and retrieved two vials of blood. Holding them up, he spoke.
"Hera, run a controlled intensive research protocol on these two samples."
In response, two mechanical arms extended from above, carefully taking the test tubes from his grasp. The samples were immediately transported for testing, analysis, and formulation.
"Understood, Master."
A feminine figure materialized beside him, a holographic projection clad in a flowing red dress.
"Master, the implantation of the subconscious-guiding spores has been completed."
Bardi's gaze sharpened, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.
These subconscious-guiding spores were an advanced form of mental influence. Once embedded in the brain, they merged seamlessly with neural cells, exerting an undetectable influence over thoughts and decisions.
A person would never realize they were being guided, every choice they made would feel entirely their own.
This was leagues beyond the crude subconscious rewiring used on Sam Lane. Sam's method had been rushed, leaving behind side effects that required years to subside.
But these spores?
They were the perfected version.
Their only drawback was the time required, five to ten years for full integration with the host's brain.
But for Bardi, that was a small price to pay.
With this, he could exert subtle, undetectable control over the highest levels of power—the U.S. government, Congress, the military, and beyond.
Over time, the entire nation would shift, subtly but surely, toward the future he envisioned.
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