Chapter 32

"Neural connection successful, chip loaded normally, now beginning to awaken..."

In the laboratory of the Australian Forward Base, the screens flickered as various data converged and transformed into a blue data stream before Dr. Manhattan's eyes.

Dr. Manhattan's face was tinged with a hint of madness, but he paid no attention to the data. Instead, he turned to look at Colonel Hoover in the sterile room. At this moment, Colonel Hoover was slowly waking from his slumber, his appearance completely transformed. His right arm, which had been severed at the shoulder, was now replaced by a cold, metallic alloy arm.

In addition, Colonel Hoover's right eye had been removed and replaced with a crimson electronic eye. This electronic eye not only replaced the function of the eye but also contained a microprocessor connected to his brain's neural network, which could double his neural response speed.

"Colonel, how do you feel?"

Dr. Manhattan asked.

Colonel Hoover's expression was cold as he looked at his right hand, now a mechanical limb, and slowly clenched it. A powerful force roared within his right hand. "Never, better."

Dr. Manhattan laughed heartily. "That's good. Quickly, try on the modified combat armor I prepared. I'm eager to see how terrifying it will be when controlled directly by brain waves."

Previously, the combat armor was perfect, but there was one insurmountable obstacle. No matter how fast the armor's reaction speed, it still required human control. There was a physical barrier between the human and the armor, preventing the human from controlling it as naturally and responsively as their own limbs.

But now, in a certain sense, Colonel Hoover was no longer a pure human. The alloy arm on his right side was just to ensure he retained superhuman abilities even without the combat armor. The true transformation was the crimson electronic eye, which was directly connected to the combat armor and his brain's neural network.

This was the true integration of human and machine. The entire combat armor would be controlled by Colonel Hoover's brain, meaning he would operate it as naturally and easily as moving his limbs.

"Eliminated, eliminated. Eliminated! Eliminated! Eliminated?"

In the simulated battle, Colonel Hoover displayed a surprising performance, taking on five opponents and single-handedly defeating an entire squad equipped with combat armor.

This result made everyone in the laboratory cheer.

"Colonel, congratulations. Your performance exceeded my expectations. The chip and your brain's neural network have no conflict at all..."

Dr. Manhattan smiled, but before he could finish, Colonel Hoover coldly interrupted him.

"That's because every cell in my body yearns to kill him! It's time to make our enemies fear."

Colonel Hoover sneered, his crimson right eye flashing coldly. "Now, I'm going to kill him! Subject 4000!"

"Then I wish you luck. Of course, from my perspective, I still hope you can capture Subject 4000 alive if possible." Dr. Manhattan said.

"I will. After all, zombies have strong survival abilities, don't they? I'll bring him back in pieces for you to study." Colonel Hoover said coldly and stepped away.

Dr. Manhattan was unsure, but he clapped his hands. "Alright. Our colonel has set out. Prepare the visuals, let's wait and see."

Dr. Manhattan smiled, and suddenly a set of data appeared before him.

"Doctor, this is an unexpected discovery about Subject 4000. In the data from Huaiwei Company, the pendant he possesses was purchased by Dr. Luoshui from China."

...

In the apartment by the Clear River in Melbourne, night was falling. After dark, Melbourne lost its usual prosperity, with bloodthirsty zombies wandering. In this post-apocalyptic world, the warm, orange light representing civilization and warmth shone, ignoring the darkness, the apocalypse, and the terror. Unrestrained laughter echoed from the building.

On the 40th floor, a luxurious club had been set up. Colorful lights, white tablecloths, and although the food was scarce—only simple canned beef, pork, fish, and fruit—it did not hinder the long-lost smiles on everyone's faces. Moreover, there was plenty of alcohol.

Will looked at everything with some surprise. He had just endured great hardship, crossing six blocks to reach this legendary Lost Paradise. He had lost two companions along the way, and his mood was somewhat gloomy. But he never expected that on their first night here, they would be greeted with a grand ball.

Although it couldn't compare to the pre-apocalypse days, a party where they could drink freely and enjoy food was like a dream come true.

"Will, you arrived just in time. This is the first ball. Ha ha, don't be sad, don't be upset. Let's enjoy tonight's party, okay? Damn, how long has it been since I last felt the taste of a ball?"

A man laughed and handed Will a glass of wine, his eyes clearly moist with tears.

Will nodded and drank the wine in one gulp. The alcohol stimulated his taste buds and nerves, making him roar, "We came to the right place, didn't we! George, John, we came to the right place!"

George and John were the two companions Will had lost on the way to Lost Paradise.

"To George, to John, to all the fallen!"

Will raised his glass, his expression solemn and dignified.

The people at the ball paused and then raised their glasses in unison, "To all the fallen!"

The atmosphere became somewhat heavy, but soon the classic "Yesterday Once More" began to play, and everyone hummed along, the mood gradually becoming more harmonious.

"Mr. Li, Mr. Li is here."

Will felt the people around him become agitated. He was stunned for a moment but quickly realized that the Mr. Li they were referring to must be the one who created this Lost Paradise and provided them with food and shelter.

Will looked up and saw Mr. Li standing on the balcony of the second floor, wearing a black windbreaker, black trousers, and a sapphire tie. Even in the darkness, he wore black sunglasses, looking very cool. His tall and strong figure was like a mountain or the sea, giving a sense of stability.

A red parrot, as large as an eagle, perched on his shoulder, making funny poses. Behind him, Annie, wearing a white evening gown and light makeup, was still stunningly beautiful without the embellishment of jewelry. Standing behind Mr. Li, she made him seem even more extraordinary.

Although it was the first time Will met this legendary figure who created Lost Paradise, he had to admit that Mr. Li was indeed an outstanding and unforgettable person, much like the king who was always the center of attention at pre-apocalypse balls.

Before the apocalypse, Will wasn't particularly envious of the rich, but he always thought that so-called important figures were fat, seemingly elegant but actually ugly. But seeing Mr. Li, Will had to admit that there were indeed great people in the world, like Mr. Li, who could make one feel inferior, whether before or after the apocalypse.

The music at the ball gradually became more intense, and the heavy metal music plunged the ball into a state of狂欢. In the clinking of glasses, the alcohol completely released everyone's long-suppressed emotions. Some people began to get drunk, some began to cry, and others were eager to escape their long-suppressed despair and pressure through more intense sensory stimulation.

No one knew who shouted, but even the intense music of the ball couldn't drown out the cry. Everyone stopped, raised their glasses, and shouted, "To Mr. Li!"

"To Mr. Li!"

Will also shouted, his eyes red from the alcohol.

Mr. Li, standing on the balcony of the second floor, had a blank expression. Hearing the passionate shouts from below, he nodded slightly and extended his hand. Annie immediately handed him the prepared glass of wine.

Mr. Li took a gentle sip of the wine, looking down at the noisy revelry below. The expression on his face, which seemed carved by a knife, gradually softened.

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