A Journey of American Comics Starting from the Zombie Universe

Chapter 686 Fragments
In the dark and deep underground laboratory, the air seemed to freeze, and every breath echoed with anxiety and despair. Bai Ye suddenly appeared again, accompanied by the crystal snake that disappeared before. In the core area of ​​the laboratory, an unprecedented huge crystal snake flashed an ominous light. Its translucent body looked even more weird in the weak light, as if it was a terrifying creature that penetrated from another dimension.

The crystal snake's eyes flashed with cold wisdom. It slowly twisted its huge body, and every wriggling was accompanied by a slight tremor in the surrounding environment. In the laboratory, several surviving researchers huddled in a corner, their faces pale, their eyes full of fear and helplessness. They once thought that this was a holy place to explore the unknown and reveal the mysteries of the universe, but now it has become a cage of death.

At this critical moment, Bai Ye's figure flashed by like a ghost, and there was no hesitation in his eyes, only determination and coldness. He knew that the appearance of the crystal snake meant that the experiment was completely out of control, and the only way out was to completely destroy this indescribable threat. Without any hesitation, Bai Ye suddenly jumped up, his legs drew a sharp arc in the air, and kicked the crystal snake's seemingly fragile abdomen heavily.

"Bang!" A deafening crash sounded, and the entire laboratory seemed to tremble. The crystal snake screamed shrilly, and the sound was sharp and piercing, piercing people's hearts. However, this fatal blow did not defeat it as expected, but instead provoked it to counterattack more violently. But Bai Ye did not retreat. He used this reaction force to quickly adjust his posture and launch another attack.

This time, he aimed at the crystal snake's vital point, which was the most vulnerable part of all snakes. Bai Ye's power seemed to be infinitely magnified at this moment, and his eyes flashed with unquestionable determination. Another powerful kick, accompanied by a deafening explosion, the crystal snake's huge body finally couldn't bear it and began to gradually disintegrate, eventually turning into countless dazzling but cold fragments, scattered all over the ground.

The dust settled, and the air in the laboratory seemed to have become a little fresher. Bai Ye stood in the mess, gasping for breath, but his eyes had already turned to the researchers who were still alive. Their eyes showed both the relief of surviving the disaster and the deep awe of Bai Ye. Bai Ye did not say anything, but gave orders with actions.

He slowly walked towards the remains of the crystal snake. The fragments still shone with an alluring light in the weak light. Bai Ye squatted down and gently touched a fragment with his fingers, feeling the strange energy contained in it. He knew that these fragments were not only the relics of death, but also the key to solving this crisis and even the secrets behind the entire experiment.

"Study it." Bai Ye's voice was deep and powerful. His eyes swept over every researcher. It was an irresistible command. "I want to know where it came from, why it appeared here, and the true source of the power in it."

The researchers looked at each other in bewilderment, but soon understood Bai Ye's intention. They all stood up, and although their bodies were trembling from long periods of fear and tension, their eyes were rekindled with a desire and persistence for science. They knew that although this crisis was terrible, it was also an unprecedented opportunity, an opportunity that could change the boundaries of human cognition.

Then, the atmosphere in the laboratory quietly changed. The original dead silence was replaced by busyness. The researchers began to carefully collect the fragments of the crystal snake and use the instruments at hand to conduct preliminary analysis and testing. Although their movements were cautious and slow, each step was full of exploration and desire for the unknown.

Bai Ye stood aside, watching all this quietly. He did not feel relaxed or relieved at all, but felt even heavier. He knew that the appearance of this crystal snake was no accident, and the secrets hidden behind it might be far more complicated and dangerous than they imagined. But he also understood that as scientific researchers, their duty was to keep moving forward and find answers in the unknown, even if the answers might bring devastating consequences.

As time goes by, the lights in the laboratory gradually become brighter, as if foreshadowing that new hope is being nurtured. In this exploration journey where crises and opportunities coexist, Bai Ye and his team are moving step by step towards the unknown abyss, vowing to uncover the truth hidden in the darkness.

Following Bai Ye's unquestionable order, the researchers acted quickly, knowing the urgency of time and the importance of the mission. In a tense and oppressive atmosphere, the group hurriedly shuttled through every corner of the laboratory, carrying heavy and sophisticated new machines. These machines were designed specifically for studying unknown substances, capable of capturing the most subtle energy fluctuations and chemical changes, and were key tools for uncovering the secrets of the crystal snake.

The lights in the laboratory were adjusted to the best state, and every inch of space was fully utilized. The researchers performed their duties, some were responsible for installing machines and adjusting parameters; others carefully collected the fragments of the crystal snake and placed them in special containers to prevent their energy from escaping or unpredictable reactions. The air was filled with a tense and excited mood. Everyone knew that they were standing at the forefront of scientific exploration, and every step could be a breakthrough in human cognition.

However, in this seemingly orderly research process, there is a hidden undercurrent of uneasiness. When a young researcher, perhaps out of curiosity or blind worship of unknown power, reaches out his finger and gently touches a seemingly harmless crystal snake fragment. The fragment flashes an alluring light under the light, as if it has some kind of magic, tempting him to touch and feel it.

"What...what does this feel like?" He murmured to himself, his eyes flashing with surprise and greed. At that moment, he seemed to be pulled by some force and couldn't extricate himself. His fingers gently stroked the edge of the fragment, and then he did a shocking thing - he tasted the cold fragment twice.

This sudden action immediately attracted the attention of the people around him, and exclamations and reproaches were intertwined. But it was too late. The young researcher seemed to be controlled by some mysterious force. His expression gradually became distorted, his eyes widened, and he let out a low roar. His body began to tremble violently, as if countless tiny snakes were swimming in his body, tearing at every inch of his nerves.

"Quick! Isolate him!" Bai Ye's voice rang out in the chaos, and he quickly directed others to take the young researcher away from the scene to prevent the situation from getting worse. However, all this was just the beginning, and the power contained in the crystal snake fragments was far more complex and dangerous than they had imagined.

As the research deepened, the researchers found that these fragments not only have amazing energy density, but also contain unknown biological information. They seem to be constantly transmitting some kind of signal to the outside world, trying to establish a connection with the surrounding organisms. And this connection is often accompanied by unpredictable consequences.

Some people began to report hallucinations and strange sights; some felt inexplicable changes in their bodies, as if something was growing inside them; others fell into deep fear and could not extricate themselves. The atmosphere in the laboratory became more oppressive and weird, and everyone felt an unprecedented sense of crisis. Bai Ye stood aside, watching all this with cold eyes. His heart was filled with complex emotions: curiosity and desire for the unknown, as well as worry and fear about the possible catastrophic consequences. He knew that he had to make a choice - to continue to study this unknown power in depth, or to stop the loss in time to avoid a greater disaster?
However, for scientists, exploring the unknown is often more powerful than any fear. Bai Ye finally chose the former. He ordered the researchers to speed up the research progress and strengthen safety measures to prevent accidents. He knew that the appearance of this crystal snake was not accidental, and the secrets hidden behind it might be related to the mysteries of the entire universe and the future of mankind.

In the following days, the research in the laboratory became more crazy and desperate. The researchers worked day and night to try to uncover the secrets of the crystal snake fragments. They used various methods to analyze and test, from physics to biology to mysticism. However, as the research deepened, they found themselves step by step towards an unknown abyss...

In the tense and depressing atmosphere, time seemed to be infinitely stretched, and every second carried the researchers' desire for unknown exploration and fear of potential dangers. Bai Ye stood in the center of the laboratory, his eyes swept across every tired but determined face, and a complex emotion surged in his heart. He knew that this research was not only a pursuit of science, but also a test of the limits of human nature.

"Stop." Bai Ye's voice echoed in the silent laboratory, with unquestionable majesty. Although his tone was light, it was like a sudden thunder, causing everyone to stop their work involuntarily. The researchers looked up at Bai Ye, with surprise and relief in their eyes, as if at this moment, they were finally freed.

"We all need to take a break." Bai Ye emphasized again, his eyes revealing a deep concern, "Long-term high-intensity work has put our bodies and minds under tremendous pressure. If we continue like this, not only will we fail to make more progress, but we may put ourselves in a more dangerous situation."

The researchers looked at each other, then nodded in agreement. They knew that Bai Ye's words were not without purpose. During this period of time, they had devoted almost all their energy to the research of the crystal snake fragments, neglecting their own rest and health. At this moment, when Bai Ye suggested taking a rest, they realized how much they needed this moment of peace and relaxation.

“But please remember,” Bai Ye changed the subject and his tone became serious, “Rest does not mean giving up. We need to adjust our state during this time and restore our energy and physical strength so that we can better cope with the challenges ahead. At the same time, I also hope that everyone can use this time to organize and reflect on previous research results to see if there are any omissions or errors.”

The researchers nodded when they heard this. They knew that Bai Ye's words were harsh but full of meaning. They began to pack up the experimental equipment and data in an orderly manner, preparing to leave this laboratory full of unknowns and dangers. However, in their hearts, their love for science and their desire to explore the unknown did not extinguish.

The laboratory gradually returned to calm, with only a few dim lights flickering in the empty room. Bai Ye stood alone in front of the window, staring at the dark night sky outside. His heart was filled with complex emotions: awe and fear of the unknown, as well as persistence and determination in scientific exploration. He knew that this research had just begun, and the road ahead was still long and difficult.

In the next few hours, the researchers each found their own way to relax. Some chose to go back to the dormitory and fall asleep to dispel fatigue; some gathered together to exchange their thoughts and feelings, sharing the confusion and gains they encountered in their research; and some sat alone by the window, staring at the starry sky outside, thinking about the meaning of life and the value of science.

Bai Ye was not idle either. He used this time to conduct a comprehensive inspection and cleanup of the laboratory to ensure that everything was under control. At the same time, he also had in-depth discussions and exchanges with several core researchers, sorted out and summarized previous research, and formulated the next research plan.
"Honestly, have you ever thought about where this crystal snake came from? Why did it appear in our laboratory?" An elderly researcher suddenly changed the subject and directed the topic to the research itself. His eyes revealed a deep curiosity and desire to explore the unknown.

"I think it might be the product of an alien civilization." A researcher who is usually passionate about science fiction immediately responded, "After all, our understanding of the universe is still too limited. Maybe there really is an advanced civilization observing us in secret."

"It is also possible that it is the result of the natural evolution of the earth, but we have never discovered it before." Another researcher expressed a different opinion, his tone full of awe and respect for nature.

"No matter what, this is an unprecedented opportunity." Bai Ye had walked into the crowd without anyone noticing. His voice was not loud, but loud enough for everyone to hear. "We have the opportunity to uncover a secret that may change human cognition. But this also means that we will face unprecedented challenges and dangers."

At this point, Bai Ye paused slightly, and glanced at everyone present, as if observing their reactions. The researchers all stopped smiling and became serious. They knew that Bai Ye's words were not alarmist, and this research was indeed a gamble, and the stakes were the future of mankind.

"But precisely because of this, we must persevere." Bai Ye continued, his voice full of determination and encouragement, "No matter what the outcome, we will become a part of human history. Our efforts and explorations will always be remembered by future generations."

Hearing this, the researchers nodded in agreement.

(End of this chapter)