While Lance was inspecting the Long Island plantation, Nancy rode Brynhildr—her motorcycle—back and forth between the New York Police Department and her former residence, before finally deciding to visit her friend Sidney, Raz.
Fortunately, Raz did not come empty-handed.
Raz had found several clues related to AIM.
Specifically, the clues pointed to someone who was searching for Nancy.
This afternoon, the Steinitz Hotel was scheduled to host an academic seminar, with the main highlight being a genetics paper presentation by an expert from Japan named Tanaka.
According to the information Raz obtained, most of the data related to Nancy was indirectly connected to this seminar. Meanwhile, the rest—small but suspicious—indicated the possibility of AIM's involvement.
Nancy nodded. It made sense.
Tanaka was not just an ordinary geneticist—he was a world authority. And AIM, the organization that had made Nancy a test subject, would surely have an interest in a seminar like this. Especially if the main creator of their genetic system was present as a participant.
Without wasting any time, Nancy activated some of her old connections to obtain a press pass from a biology magazine. She then hurried home, changed into a professional high-collared outfit that could conceal the back of her neck, and sneaked into the conference area at the Steinitz Hotel.
Spotlights illuminated the stage.
"This is what Jude Thatcher looked like at birth. He weighed only 3.5 pounds."
Dr. Tanaka's voice was warm yet full of gravity, capturing everyone's attention in the room.
"Because his mother abused drugs and could not afford basic healthcare, Jude was born an addict... Jude's heart had not fully developed, and he lacked the reflex to swallow. We provided Jude with nourishment through intravenous injections."
"Initially, Jude was destined to die young... until we took over that responsibility."
Dr. Tanaka paused, allowing the silence to create emotional tension before continuing.
"We launched a series of intensive treatments—surgical, medical, and genetic. The results were extraordinary. Now Jude is six years old, healthy, and... I'm sure you will be amazed by Jude's talent."
Tanaka waved his hand, and a small boy with neatly combed hair and formal attire stepped onto the stage, sitting in front of a piano.
Jude's tiny hands began to dance over the keys.
A melody flowed.
Nancy remained silent. Her eyes were fixed on the boy, but her thoughts were thrown far back into the past.
Behind the innocent face and disciplined movements of the child, Nancy could sense something else. Something... cold. Trained. Imprisoned.
Nancy recognized that expression.
Once, Nancy had been part of a group of children like that. Raised not with affection, but with genetic formulas, military discipline, and fear.
The scientists behind the project often made them do extreme things in the name of "pushing genetic boundaries." And the cost of that... was the death of many of Nancy's friends.
They used to compete to be the fastest, the strongest, the deadliest. Capable of breaking necks in an instant. Yet still... they never had the courage.
They might have been fearless killing machines, but every time they were in front of that scientist—who was always silent, always observing from behind glass—fear silenced them from within.
Nancy's heart raced. Her body tensed, an instinctive reflex that emerged before her thoughts could catch up.
Like an animal sensing the scent of its natural predator.
"Is anyone sitting here?" someone asked softly—too softly, too calmly.
"No." Nancy's voice came out before she could think, flat yet subtly trembling. She didn't even turn her head. Too afraid.
It was Dr. Redrick.
The man... one of the main creators.
But Dr. Redrick wouldn't recognize Nancy. Back then, when they escaped from the military base, the oldest child was only fifteen. Nancy was still thirteen—skinny, dirty, and not fully grown.
Years had changed them all.
If it weren't for the barcode on the back of their necks, they wouldn't recognize each other. Even Nancy herself might not recognize the faces of her old friends.
Today, Nancy was in disguise. Her hair, clothes, voice, and even her body language had been completely altered.
Dr. Redrick shouldn't be able to recognize Nancy.
Yet still, Nancy's heart had not slowed down.
Nancy sat stiffly in her chair, her shoulders tense as if her body were being pulled by an invisible wire. Confusion clouded Nancy's thoughts, and a sense of helplessness hung in her chest like a thick fog that refused to lift.
As far back as Nancy could remember, this man—Dr. Redrick—had always haunted the shadows of their childhood. The small admiration that had been subtly nurtured grew into a great fear as they aged. Nancy had once sworn to confront that figure one day. But now, with the man sitting just a few meters away, her courage evaporated.
Dr. Redrick did not appear to be a threat. Where Dr. Redrick looked ordinary, in a clean white coat and neatly combed hair, he was nothing like the image of a mad scientist.
Noticing the change in Nancy's expression, Dr. Redrick asked in a friendly yet attentive tone, "Ma'am, are you alright?"
Nancy looked down, avoiding Dr. Redrick's gaze. "I'm fine," Nancy replied softly, trying to sound calm. "Just... a little cold."
"The AC here is indeed a bit chilly," Dr. Redrick murmured, mimicking Nancy's tone with a small smile. Dr. Redrick's eyes lingered on Nancy's face for a moment—there was a sharp, probing look, as if he were trying to remember something. "Have we met before? You look familiar."
"People often say that." Nancy forced a smile, one that felt stiff on her face.
"Beautiful women are indeed easy to remember." Dr. Redrick's smile was now softer but hinted at something not entirely comfortable. His gaze dropped to Nancy's ID card. "Rachel Grace... So, Miss Grace, what do you think of this meeting?"
"Amazing," Nancy replied flatly, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "Is genetics really your area of expertise?"
"I have researched similar topics," Redrick replied casually. "Gifted children are my main subjects. I try to guide them as best as I can, creating an environment where they can thrive."
------------------------------
[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
[Note: 285+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead,
Now you can access the chapters before Webnovel And Scribblehub by following,
Just become a patron on Patreon:
Patreon.com/Alex_Fabianoki]