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John nodded in agreement: "The detective is right. We need more intelligence to ensure the operation is precise."

Lynn stood up, his gaze resolute: "We'll first send a team to investigate and confirm whether this location is related to the 'Main Line Experiment,' while continuing to decipher these records. Time is of the essence, but we must ensure that every step is effective."

Eric paused for a moment, then finally nodded: "Okay, let's do it your way."

Not long after.

As the technician was focused on trying to decipher the experimental data, the screen suddenly flickered, and a string of red warning messages quickly appeared.

"Remote attack! They're trying to track our equipment!" the technician exclaimed, frantically typing in commands to try and stop the intrusion.

Lynn immediately walked to his side, her gaze darkening: "Are they trying to destroy data or track their location?"

"It looks more like they're trying to track our decryption equipment and simultaneously attempt to sabotage the storage module!" The technician, sweating profusely, worked quickly. "Their technical skills are very high; I need time to deal with them."

"We'll buy you time," Lynn said calmly, quickly taking out his communicator and ordering the other technical team members: "All terminals immediately disconnect from the external network and block the internal network. Don't let them find a breakthrough."

Eric walked over, looking at the constantly updating code on the screen, his tone tense: "They've already entered the outer system. If we don't stop them, the core data will be completely erased."

Lynn thought for a moment and said to the technician, "Direct the attack to a virtual node, disguised as the location of the host we are decrypting."

The technician quickly nodded and followed the instructions to build a fake data node in the system. A few seconds later, the source of the warning messages began to shift, and some of the attacks were concentrated on this virtual node.

"We successfully guided part of the attack!" The technician breathed a sigh of relief, but then added, "However, another part of the attack is still focused on the core files of the storage module. They seem to have guessed that we are decrypting it."

Eric frowned: "Then we can't let them continue. Give me the authority, and I'll directly block the storage module's exit channels."

"We can't block it directly," Lynn decisively stopped them. "If the storage module is completely disconnected, the other party may trigger a self-destruct program, and our data will be completely lost."

Eric glared at him: "So what's your plan?"

Lynn pondered for a moment, then quickly said, "We'll trace their signal source in reverse, while simultaneously protecting the integrity of the data with real-time backups. Once we can confirm their location, we can launch a counterattack."

The technician immediately set up a backup channel and started a reverse tracing program. The code on the screen scrolled rapidly, and a few seconds later, a blurry IP address appeared on the monitor.

"This is their signal source!" the technician exclaimed excitedly. "They're very well hidden, but we've tracked their approximate location... somewhere on the East Coast."

Eric sneered, "Found them. Now lock onto them and retaliate against their system!"

"Don't rush," Lynn stopped him. "With this kind of technology, they can't possibly have only one signal source. Their main control system must be hidden much deeper. Keep tracking them, but don't reveal that we've located them."

The technician nodded and continued operating, while Lynn stood aside, remaining vigilant.

A few minutes later, the attack gradually subsided. The attacker seemed to realize it couldn't completely destroy the data and began withdrawing its signal. The screen returned to normal, and the technician breathed a sigh of relief: "The attack has temporarily ended; the core data is intact."

Lynn nodded and looked at Eric: "We protected the data this time, but the other side clearly knows exactly what we're doing. They'll be extra cautious with every move we make from now on."

Eric clenched his fist: "We can't stay on the defensive forever. Now that we've pinpointed their location, we need to be one step ahead of them."

Lynn's gaze was firm: "That's right. But we need more detailed intelligence. This declassification proves we're on the right track; it's just a matter of time."

Time passed slowly.

The technician continued decrypting the experimental data, and more fragments of information gradually appeared on the screen. In one of the encrypted files, a name appeared: William Coleman.

Lynn stood behind the technician, his gaze sharpening. "William Coleman... that name sounds familiar. Who is he?"

The technician quickly searched the internal database and retrieved Coleman's file. The screen displayed a photo of a middle-aged man, accompanied by a long resume and notes.

“William Coleman,” the technician explained, “was a leading bioengineer specializing in gene editing. He had served as a senior researcher at several multinational research institutions and published numerous papers on gene manipulation. But five years ago, he suddenly disappeared from public view, reportedly due to an ethical controversy.”

Eric flipped through the file and said coldly, "I remember this guy. He was expelled from the industry for trying to cross ethical boundaries in genetics, and was even implicated in several undisclosed cases of illegal experiments."

"And then?" Lynn asked.

The technician continued, "According to intelligence, after his research was suspended, he disappeared for a time. But now it seems that he may have secretly joined this 'Enhanced Mutant Project' and become a key figure."

John leaned against the table, his brow furrowed. "That explains why these experimental data are so complex and advanced. Only a genius like Coleman could design such a technique."

"More importantly," Lynn added, "Coleman's disappearance was clearly planned. He may have been recruited by this organization long ago to drive the implementation of the entire project."

The technician nodded: "The declassified data also mentions that his most recent location was likely a private laboratory on the East Coast."

Eric looked at Lynn, his voice tense: "If we can catch Coleman, we can find the core clue to the whole project."

Lynn pondered for a moment and said, "But he's no ordinary target. His background and intelligence mean he definitely has an escape plan and backup options. We must plan our operation carefully."

The technicians uploaded Coleman's possible whereabouts to the operations system and marked several suspected locations. "These locations are all near the East Coast, most likely an abandoned research facility. We can start there."

Eric nodded: "Okay, then let's prepare for the raid immediately."

Lynn raised his hand to signal for patience: "No rush. Their defenses are very tight, especially against key figures like Coleman. We need to send out a reconnaissance team to confirm the intelligence and make sure they haven't set any traps."

Eric frowned reluctantly, but nodded in agreement: "Okay, but we need to be quick. Every minute we delay could mean the difference between them moving and us."

Lynn stared sharply at Coleman's photo on the screen: "Whatever his plan is, he won't have another chance to escape this time."

Lynn and the headquarters team split up. He returned to downtown New York City with an assistant to investigate William Coleman's background. By reviewing numerous old files and interviewing those in the know, he gradually pieced together Coleman's activities after his disappearance.

Initially, Coleman's reputation in the industry plummeted due to numerous ethical controversies. His gene-editing technology, though cutting-edge, faced collective backlash for its transgressions. However, such bans did not seem to deter Coleman. Lynn learned through an informant familiar with the underground market that after Coleman's disappearance, he became active in the black market gene trading.

"Coleman worked under an alias with several black market brokers," the informant said, handing Lynn a handwritten list of vaguely documented transaction locations. "He provided specialized genetic modification technology, and his clients included the wealthy, mercenary organizations, and even some small countries."

Lynn looked at the list, his eyes turning slightly cold. "These clients are willing to take huge risks to buy this technology; Coleman must have given them an irresistible reason to refuse. Is there any direct contact information for him?"

The informant shook his head: "He's very careful and never shows up in person, but he has a few key contacts, one of whom is a business tycoon in New York, James Callahan. That name is well-known as a 'broker' in the black market."

After noting down the name, Lynn continued to track Callahan's activities. Through analysis of bank transfer records and business transactions, he discovered that Callahan had recently made large transactions with several gene research companies, even involving the purchase of a large amount of experimental equipment.

"The types of equipment these are used are exactly the same as the experimental equipment we seized," Lynn told his assistant. "Callahan is likely one of Coleman's sources of funding, and may even have been involved in the operation of the project."

Lynn then began investigating Callahan's social circle, discovering close ties with several business figures. These individuals were all wealthy entrepreneurs who shared a common thread—they had invested in multiple biotechnology companies, some of which had been suspected of involvement in illegal genetic testing.

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“These people are not just investors,” Lynn analyzed. “They are likely the funders of the entire experimental project. Coleman needed a lot of money and equipment to advance the experiment, and these people provided everything.”

The assistant asked, "Should we investigate Callahan directly?"

Lynn shook his head: "He won't talk easily. We need more evidence. Continue monitoring his transactions and communications to see if we can find records of him contacting Coleman directly."

Meanwhile, Lynn reported the findings to headquarters, and Eric frowned upon hearing them: "This means that our enemy is not just a mad scientist, but a group of capitalists who use wealth and resources to promote dangerous experiments."

“That’s right.” Lynn’s tone was calm but firm. “This is not just a scientific experiment, but an organized and planned conspiracy. Our goal is not just to capture Coleman, but to uproot the entire network.”

Headquarters quickly consolidated the intelligence and began formulating the next course of action.

The following day, Lynn led his team to another suspicious location in the suburbs of New York. It was an abandoned warehouse that appeared calm on the outside, but the messy surroundings and the occasional low rumbling sounds sent chills down their spines.

"Everyone be careful," Lynn whispered to his team, raising his hand to signal them to spread out.

Upon entering the warehouse, a pungent odor immediately assaulted the senses, like a mixture of some chemical substance and blood. Broken equipment and pipes were scattered on the ground, and some areas were even charred, as if a violent explosion had occurred.

"Detective, there's blood here." A team member pointed to a large patch of dark red stains in the corner, which led all the way to the depths of the warehouse.

Lynn gripped his weapon tightly and led the way cautiously. Soon, they discovered a shocking sight at the other end of the warehouse—a mutant curled up on the ground, his body emitting a faint glow, his skin covered in irregular cracks, as if he might collapse at any moment.

"Oh my god..." one of the team members whispered, "What's wrong with him?"

The mutant was clearly in extreme pain, constantly emitting low growls as his body convulsed. The surrounding metal objects were attracted by the unstable magnetic field around him, suspending in the air and threatening to become deadly weapons at any moment.

"He is a victim of the experiment," Lynn said in a deep voice, a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "The failed genetic modification caused his abilities to go out of control, and he may not even be able to control his own consciousness."

Just then, the mutant suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming with an eerie light, and charged towards Lynn and the others. His power erupted, and metal fragments from the warehouse shot out in all directions like a storm.

"Take cover!" Lynn shouted, dodging a flying piece of metal as he aimed his gun at the mutant, but did not fire immediately.

"Don't kill him!" Lynn shouted to his team. "He's a victim, not an enemy!"

Eric arrived at the scene and, seeing what was happening, frowned and said, "He's completely out of his mind right now. We have to subdue him immediately, or he'll cause even more harm."

Lynn nodded, agreeing to handle the situation non-lethally. He directed his team to spread out, using the surrounding obstacles and tools for cover, as they attempted to approach the mutant. At the same time, he quickly retrieved specially made suppressor handcuffs, equipment specifically designed to control mutant abilities.

After a chaotic chase, Lynn seized the opportunity, pounced on the mutant, and fastened the suppressor handcuffs to his wrists. As the suppressor activated, the mutant's powers gradually subsided, his body went limp, and he collapsed heavily to the ground, panting heavily, his eyes filled with pain.

"Call the medical team immediately," Lynn said to his team members, while crouching down to check on the mutant's condition.

"How much longer can he hold on?" Eric asked.

"The situation is terrible." Lynn shook his head. "The side effects of the genetic modification are destroying his body. He needs professional medical care and isolation."

The mutant weakly raised his head and murmured, "Save...save me...they...will continue..."

Lynn grasped his hand, her voice firm: "We will stop them. This will not happen to anyone else."

The medical team arrived quickly and carried the mutant onto a stretcher to the headquarters medical center. Lynn looked at everything in the warehouse, his heart heavy. He knew that what he saw was just the tip of the iceberg, and the truth hidden behind it might be even more cruel.

Eric walked over to him and whispered, "What you see are their failed attempts. Their successes might be even more dangerous."

Lynn nodded, his gaze cold: "That's precisely why we must find Coleman as soon as possible and put an end to this experiment."

Lynn arrived at the black market late at night. It was an underground trading area hidden in the city's shadows, dimly lit, with a damp, tobacco-scented atmosphere. The crowd was a mixed bag, with various whispered conversations and transactions taking place quietly; no one gave a second glance to a stranger. (End of Chapter)