Chapter 57.2

Director Zhou wasn’t sure and said, “The Federation has tried this before—letting retired war beasts maintain their in-service training regimen, treating them no differently, and even assigning them simple tasks. Yet, their condition didn’t significantly improve.”

Major General Mark pondered, “Perhaps it’s only effective in life-and-death situations. By the way, wasn’t that leopard already disoriented earlier? Its eyes were unfocused, which might have made it easier to deceive. When they’re rational, it’s harder to trick them.”

Director Zhou shook his head. “Let’s report this first. The War Beast Center should investigate and question Director Mu if needed. We’re not professionals; speculating won’t help.”

The Forestry Bureau handled regular animals, while Major General Mark wasn’t from the Beast Tamer’s Army- they were both amateurs in this field.

Major General Mark nodded and then looked inside, planning to confirm the rebel situation with Mu Ling after she finished treating Ji Xiang.

At 12:30 PM, after much effort, the large group finally managed to get Ji Xiang back onto the hospital bed.

At this moment, Dr. Julie, who wasn’t on duty today, arrived hurriedly.

She had rushed over after hearing that Lucky was in critical condition, only to find him doing better upon arrival.

Dr. Julie was baffled until a young nurse whispered the whole story into her ear.

Dr. Julie was stunned after hearing it. She glanced outside the veterinary station to the small pavilion where a uniformed officer and a young woman with a backpack were talking.

“Julie, you’re here,” Dr. John stepped out, removing his gloves. He apologized, “Sorry to trouble you with a special trip.”

“It’s no trouble. Is Lucky inside? I’ll go check,”Dr. Julie replied, heading into intensive care while Dr. John went to the equipment room to retrieve rejection reports for Roumei and Xiaoduo.

Upon reading the reports, Dr. John froze before quickly heading to another small ward.

Inside were staff from the Fu’ai Zoo. Seeing Dr. John enter, Director Harry anxiously looked outside, trying to see if the mutant beast had left.

Dr. John ignored this and went straight to the two lions, carefully observing their condition.

“Dr. John…” Director Harry’s face went pale at Dr. John’s grave expression. “Are Roumei and Xiaoduo okay?”

Dr. John frowned and said seriously, “They didn’t ingest ordinary substances. The rejection reports indicate an external substance is interacting with their viral antibodies.”

“Viral antibodies?” Director Harry was confused.

Dr. John explained, “In simple terms, after animals are vaccinated, their bodies produce viral antibodies. These antibodies kill viruses, protecting the animals. However, some foreign substance is challenging their antibodies. The antibodies can’t kill it, and it’s destroying their immune systems.”

“What should we do?” Director Harry panicked. “What is this substance?”

Dr. John shook his head. “The test results didn’t match any known substances. Further analysis is needed. It could either be an undiscovered natural substance or a synthetic chemical designed to bypass vaccines.”

Director Harry struggled to comprehend, but Dr. John said firmly, “This must be reported to the Veterinary Association immediately.”

As he turned to leave, he found Major General Mark, Director Zhou, and Director Mu standing in the doorway.

Both Major General Mark and Director Zhou looked grim. Major General Mark asked Dr. John, “Could you repeat what you just said?”

Dr. John pursed his lips and reiterated his findings, showing them the report.

Major General Mark and Director Zhou couldn’t understand the technical details, but Mu Ling took the report and studied it. After a moment, she said seriously, “As you can see, this isn’t a coincidence. Just as I mentioned earlier, I have reason to suspect rebels were involved in the exchange event. I also suspect there are rebels aboard the starship. This report highlights the gravity of the situation—they’re developing ways to bypass viral vaccines. If they succeed, I can’t imagine how many normal animals would become mutant beasts without vaccine protection.”

She exhaled, “At that point, they wouldn’t need to breed mutant beasts themselves; they’d be everywhere.”

Major General Mark’s face darkened. He turned to Dr. John and said, “Please follow me outside.”

The group left, but Mu Ling stayed behind, studying the two lions with concern.

Those in the room were already terrified. Director Harry looked at Mu Ling, asking, “Director Mu, did you just say rebels?”

Mu Ling didn’t respond.

Fass, however, didn’t understand. “But why? Why would the rebels want to bypass viral vaccines? If vaccines fail and animals turn into mutant beasts, chaos will ensue. They’d be attacked too.”

Director Harry shook his head. “Their goal isn’t to turn all animals into mutant beasts. They want to weaponize this against the government. If the government refuses to negotiate, they could create chaos on any planet. The government would have no choice but to compromise.”

He looked sorrowfully at his two lions. “But why us? What did we do to deserve this? Roumei and Xiaoduo are so pitiful.”

The two lions lay lifelessly in their cage. Mu Ling reached through the bars, gently stroking their fur. They sensed her touch but were too weak to react.

Yes, why them?

Why had the rebels chosen the starship traveling from Shenwang Star to Four Bay Star?

This exchange event involved zoos from countless planets. The three zoos from Shenwang Star were just a few among many participants. Why didn’t the rebels come from other planets to Four Bay Star?

Did they have a base on Shenwang Star?

Mu Ling suddenly recalled the mutant beasts from the Bi Ke Jungle.

Major Chang had mentioned that mid level infected mutant beasts were uncommon…

Mu Ling’s thoughts raced. While Director Harry wondered why this misfortune had befallen his Roumei and Xiaoduo, she questioned why it had targeted Shenwang Star and her Bi Ke Forest.

She stood abruptly and headed outside, but at that moment, her light brain beeped. Checking the caller ID, she saw it was Director Chen.

She answered.

“Why haven’t you returned yet? The exchange meeting has started,” Director Chen said.

Mu Ling glanced at the clock—it was already 1 PM.

She turned to Director Harry. “Director Chen is asking when we’ll return.”

Director Harry waved dismissively. “We can’t go back now. We won’t participate today.

Mu Ling relayed this to Director Chen, who asked, puzzled, “What happened?”

“We’ll explain when we’re back. It’s too complicated to explain over the call,” Mu Ling replied before stepping outside.

Outside, Major General Mark was asking Dr. John to prepare a detailed analysis report of the foreign substance—examining what components could overcome viral antibodies—so he could submit the data with his report.

Dr. John began his analysis with Mu Ling observing nearby. Soon, she felt movement in her arms as Lingren stirred awake.

The snow-white fox, with its striking violet eyes still drowsy, began frantically sniffing the air upon waking. Although the mutant beast had been taken away by military personnel, its scent still lingered.

Mu Ling stroked its head soothingly. “It’s okay now. Everything’s fine.”

Lingren continued sniffing for several minutes until, apparently satisfied there were no mutant beasts nearby, it finally calmed down. The white fox lifted its head, nudging Mu Ling’s chin with its damp nose.

Mu Ling laughed softly and kissed its forehead. “I’m sorry for sedating you. I won’t do it again.”

During his analysis, Dr. John caught glimpses of this interaction, recalling how Ji Xiang had refused to leave her side earlier. He began studying her methods carefully—no matter how unusual, if there was something to learn, he’d better learn it quickly.

After completing the preliminary analysis and report, Major General Mark prepared to leave. Before he could, Mu Ling called out to him.

“Major General Mark,” she said, walking up to share a few words. After listening, he nodded gravely. “Understood. Thank you for your assistance.”

In the military vehicle, before it even started moving, Major General Mark contacted Federation Military District Headquarters.

They happened to be in a meeting.

“Lieutenant Luo is reporting on the starship incident. Come directly to the conference room,” they told him.

Entering the holographic conference room, Major Mark heard Lieutenant Luo saying, “Team Seven is fully deployed, but no suspicious individuals have been identified yet.”

A leader frowned. “No suspects at all? Have the passengers and crew been thoroughly checked?”

Lieutenant Luo hesitated. “The starship passed through seven stations between Shenwang Star and Four Bay Star. Passengers boarding and alighting at each station, as well as ground staff, have all been re-examined. So far, nothing suspicious…”

“Excuse me,” Major General Mark interrupted. “I have something to add.”

The conference room members, unaware of what Major Mark needed to report, all turned to his holographic window.

The leader nodded for him to continue.

Major Mark said, “Actually, I’m relaying a message from Director Mu of Bi Ke Zoo. She insists there’s someone aboard the starship you absolutely must investigate.”

“Who?” Lieutenant Luo asked, frowning.“

The person who was bitten by the Mutant hamster in the restroom,” Major General Mark replied. “People tend to sympathize with victims instinctively, but Director Mu points out that if everyone is a suspect, then naturally this victim is no exception. Sometimes, playing the victim can be quite effective.”