Industrial Cthulhu doesn't believe in the end times.

Chapter 54 These people are wicked beyond belief

June 10, 2030, countdown: five days.

The weather is overcast.

Taimon Base, Research Area.

Although this newly built building is located on the ground, it is heavily guarded, with several sentry machine guns and anti-aircraft guns distributed around it. The building itself consists of several interconnected concrete fortresses.

Su Xun stood at the door and saw a convoy approaching from afar.

The first person to jump out of the car was Academician Xu Huan from the Soybean Research Institute.

"Mr. Xu, you must be tired from the journey. How have you been lately?"

"No problem, what's so hard about taking the bus?"

Xu Huan walked closer and complained to Su Xun, "Even when I want to do something myself, there are a bunch of people blocking me. I don't know what's going on lately, but no matter what I want to do, someone won't let me do it myself."

Su Xun smiled without saying a word. In his previous life, Xu Huan fell ill when the apocalypse came, which could be considered as an overworked illness. If he hadn't awakened his superpower after the apocalypse, he probably would have had a hard time getting through it at his age.

So when Su Xun left the research institute, he specifically mentioned this to He Ping, asking them to pay attention to Xu Lao's health.

So far, the results are very good. The old man is in good spirits, but he's a little dissatisfied with being managed too much.

“These people are wicked. Come, Mr. Xu, come into the lab and take a look. You’re the one who calls the shots here.”

Xu Huan was pleased with Su Xun's attitude. He nodded in satisfaction and followed Su Xun inside.

Although it's called a laboratory, many experimental devices are not fully equipped. This is to prepare for the development of many studies after the apocalypse. The current cutting-edge instruments are not suitable for the future, and many things have to be started from scratch.

"Everything is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt. Looking at this laboratory, I can almost see what the post-apocalyptic world will look like."

Xu Huan's mood was lifted by the desolate atmosphere, and the two wandered around the somewhat empty research area.

"As you can see, this area will be developed into a plant research institute in the future. All the land outside is yours. We have airlifted representative soils from various regions and specially opened up experimental fields in this mountain that meet the requirements."

"A psionic research institute will be established here, mainly focusing on things related to psychics and superhumans. Across from it is the animal institute, and the area adjacent to the animal institute is our breeding area. Whether we can eat meat in the future depends on the efforts here."

After introducing everyone, Su Xun turned to look at Xu Huan solemnly. Although it was still before the apocalypse, Su Xun, who had known him for hundreds of years, still regarded him as a reliable elder.

"Old Xu, the future of this place will depend on you to take the lead. Whether it's research on plants or supernatural abilities, you are an indispensable part. We are short-handed, and perhaps for a long time, no one will be able to help you."

Seeing Su Xun's seriousness, Xu Huan smiled and waved his hand: "Actually, I don't quite understand many of the things you're talking about, such as superpowers and spiritual power, but I still trust your judgment. If you think I can do it, then I will definitely do my best."

"Besides, it's unnecessary to talk about these things. As long as the organization needs me, I'm willing to go anywhere and do any job."

"However, I still have a question. Animal husbandry is not my area of ​​expertise, and I don't know much about it. Who will be responsible for this matter in the future? I don't seem to have noticed that there is a relevant person in charge here."

"Oh, it'll be here soon. Mr. Xu, you can go and rest first. I'll just wait here for a while."

"Sigh, I'm not tired at all. I should at least meet my future colleague in advance. Which expert is it?"

"Uh..." Seeing Su Xun remain silent, Xu Huan became even more curious: "What's wrong? Is it some kind of expert with access to classified information? Should I excuse myself?"

Su Xun didn't know how to explain for a moment, but finally said, "No need, you'll see him eventually. Let's wait together."

A few minutes later, another military vehicle stopped in front of the research institute. A man got out of the vehicle with a military dog. Xu Huan looked at the man curiously, feeling quite puzzled. The reason was simple: compared to himself, the man in front of him was very young.

Are there any livestock experts this young in China? Or is Su Xun interested in this person's future achievements?

Just as he was wondering, the man came up and gave a proper salute: "Greetings, Commander!"

"Hello there!"

Su Xun returned the greeting. Xu Huan was really curious, so he turned to look at Su Xun and asked, "Is this the expert? I don't quite recognize him."

"He's an expert, I suppose. He must have a lot of experience in raising and training military dogs, but actually... I really want to invite this person."

He crouched down, stretched out a hand, and met the gaze of the German Shepherd that had been led there.

The German Shepherd turned its head to look at its trainer, and after receiving permission, placed one of its paws on Su Xun's hand.

Su Xun laughed: "Squad leader, it's been a long time."

In Su Xun's previous life, this military dog ​​evolved all the way to the eighth rank, possessing extremely powerful combat strength. Moreover, its special ability was quite unique, belonging to the mental category, which in turn enhanced its intelligence, reaching a level that surpassed many humans.

Among all extraordinary beings, superpowers can be roughly divided into four types: physical enhancement, elemental affinity, magic, and some extremely rare and special types.

Among special abilities, the most representative is the prophet. Su Xun had dealt with them before. Unlike himself, a reborn person, the prophet's predictions are very vague and not necessarily accurate. For example, Tao Yue in the base can only rely on the River Chart and Oracle Bone to judge the fortune of something she is going to do. Many prophets cannot even reach this level.

Magical abilities exist only among humans and zombies. They grant their users a powerful, spell-like ability. These abilities are not unique and can occasionally be inherited by the next generation.

These innate magical abilities are generally quite powerful, and they often come with an affinity for the relevant elements, sometimes even being confused with elemental affinity-based superpowers.

Such individuals with superpowers are relatively rare, appearing only about once in every ten.

As for elemental affinity abilities and body enhancement abilities, they are basically self-explanatory. These two types are the most numerous, accounting for 40% and 50% of the total number of ability users, respectively.

In his previous life, Su Xun awakened a rather special affinity for all elements, which, after gradually advancing and becoming stronger, transformed into elemental mastery.

Of course, even without superpowers, many people can become extraordinary, such as Qin Chang, who has gone very far on the path of the extraordinary.

Ultimately, the environment has undergone tremendous changes, and spiritual energy has descended upon every corner of this world, affecting everyone. Under these circumstances, the existence of superpowers is simply a talent.

The most important thing is still people, and it can only be people.

The classification of mental mutants has always oscillated between physical enhancement and magic-based categories, and some people have even created a separate category for them. But putting all that aside, this kind of ability is actually very rare, especially among zombies and mutant beasts, where they are natural zombie kings and lords of the beast hordes.

The dog squad leader—now known as the Sentinel—possesses a relatively basic intimidation ability, which will be of great help to the research of many mutated beasts in the future.

(End of this chapter)