(Regarding the issue of Texas smoking, let me clarify here: Texas originally smoked, as can be seen in various images by the original artist. Long-haired Exusiai also comes from there. But due to reasons of social harmony, Texas could only gradually quit smoking and pick up Pocky; of course, we all understand the specific reasons. So, I won't elaborate further on this issue. There will be one or two more updates tonight, that's all.)
The Lazarus File, it wasn't a single document. It only became famous initially because of the Lazarus Project. Therefore, all plans and potential documents related to this type were classified as the Lazarus File.
The Lazarus File was correctly recognized three months ago on a biology sharing forum. The purpose of this biology sharing forum was to share related non-classified biological scientific research techniques and prospects. Many professionals and great scholars had shared much valuable information and inspection projects on this forum. But one day, a public ID that was completely untraceable appeared directly on the external sharing forum, proposing a plan.
This plan was the later infamous Lazarus Project.
The originator was very likely a Laterano, as it contained many religious terms and structures. This nameless originator expressed confusion and incomprehension towards the current direction of biological research, believing that all current related research was walking on an unbalanced path.
Facing verbal attacks from other practitioners, he didn't provide much description but instead published the Lazarus Project on the website. This was a bloody plan centered on human immortality. It included data related to human experimentation, rejection reactions, live subject research, blood irrigation, etc. Although the authenticity of most of it was uncertain, the point that transfusing young people's blood into the elderly would briefly rejuvenate the elderly was confirmed by dozens of institutions.
The Lazarus Project post was deleted. But its subsequent impact remained.
The plan, dubbed the Immortality Project, was put on the agenda by various powerful leaders, and many large companies even dissolved on the spot due to disagreements over aspects of the plan. This turmoil hasn't ceased even now, but instead led to the establishment of a biological organization in Columbia, Umbrella—Umbrella Bio.
There were even rumors claiming that this Umbrella organization, following some directions proposed by the Lazarus Project, had already preliminarily researched byproducts of the Immortality Project. This news circulated only within small circles, but countless high-level officials and company heads were spiritually shaken, providing Umbrella with vast amounts of funding and protection. Safeguarding their eternal life. Other Columbian biological companies and companies from other regions jointly launched protests, but it was utterly useless.
An immortal leadership, that sounds terrifying, right? But this wasn't just one.
Similar posts published by that blank ID on various forums numbered in the dozens. And after investigation here in Lungmen, it was discovered that a considerable portion of the posts had inseparable ties to Penguin Logistics, which was seen as extremely honest in the eyes of many in Lungmen. At the very least, many could confirm that some IPs appeared in areas related to Penguin Logistics.
Although there was no concrete evidence, nor anything left behind by surveillance cameras, the people driven mad by the Lazarus File decided to give Penguin Logistics a slight warning. Why is it that only your side has relatively more, while other places have relatively fewer? Although we don't know how much you took, you definitely took some. It's good if we can extort something; if not, it's no loss. After all, quite a few people in Lungmen found this Penguin displeasing.
"In other words, you have neither evidence nor relevant regulations to support you, and just because of baseless reasons, you decided to attack Penguin Logistics?"
"Isn't that enough?"
Looking at the calm Texas, the tall man grinned, his teeth looking exceptionally sharp and ferocious.
"I'll say it again, hand over the Lazarus File. Our demands aren't high, just make the Lazarus File public, and then no one in this city will target you."
"I'll also reiterate, Penguin Logistics has never possessed anything like the so-called Lazarus File. At least, I know absolutely nothing about it."
"Are you choosing the hard way over the easy way? Your companion is still here, won't you think about it more? Hm?"
"…It seems we can't reach a consensus. What a pity."
Texas looked at the large group of black-clothed men gradually surrounding the smiling Croissant, and couldn't help but slowly shake her head. The tips of her hair instantly dyed a shade of crimson.
"Exusiai, warning shot."
"Apple Pie!"
"?!"
Almost instantaneously, it was as if a beautiful firework bloomed within that black vehicle. Accompanied by gunshots that rang out almost simultaneously, over a dozen sparks carrying brilliant light scattered out from the vehicle, accurately nailing the mercenaries those men had hired at great expense.
Because it was simply too sudden, to the point that the thugs below hadn't even struck a pose to rush forward, they saw a dozen of their brothers falling from the tall buildings, or clutching their hands, constantly letting out miserable screams and cries. Those slow to react were still wondering what the hell 'Apple Pie' was when they saw the dozen or so brothers they had carefully positioned get their hands pierced by bullets and their crossbows shot at the same time, kneeling on the ground howling.
There were even some unlucky ones who fell directly from the building and went silent thereafter. Watching this, the tall man's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
"Do you have a spy on our side?!"
"Who knows?"
Texas raised an eyebrow, wiped her hand over her waist pouch, and two black sword hilts slid into her hands.
With a soft '嗡 (wēng)' hum, two bright yellow pillars of light condensed above the hilts, swirling with a slightly ominous dark red hue.
"Is it a spy? Or are we simply very strong? Let your imagination run wild. But now you've lost your long-range shooting capabilities, still want to continue? Then next time, it won't just be a warning. Penguin Logistics values client safety very much, I hope you won't make things difficult for us."
"…Damn it!"
Looking at Texas, whose body was gradually being enveloped by dark red light, the tall man gritted his teeth, realizing this attack was probably completely ruined.
Instantly sniping thirteen of their sniper positions, next, the enemy would engage their melee fighters from range; even with a hostage, this fight was impossible. Guns are definitely faster than knives; by the time you hear the gunshot, the person is already dead. Although Laterano weapons aren't enormously powerful, they are more than sufficient against trash mobs like them.
But why Apple Pie?
Looking at the crossbowmen and mercenaries falling like raindrops onto the ground around him, constantly screaming, the first reaction in the big man's mind was whether there was something wrong with that slogan.
However, even if suppressed, the tough talk still had to be delivered, at least not to lose face. Seeing the faces of the surrounding black-clothed men gradually contorting, the tall man gritted his teeth, intending to grab the Forte woman and propose some 'looks like we're evenly matched' kind of conditions.
But before he could even issue the order, he saw a shocking scene.
"Eh eh, make way everyone, I need to get my equipment."
That Forte, Croissant, whom he thought he had under control, tore apart the handcuffs made of pure steel as if ripping through two pieces of paper.
Grinning amidst everyone's shocked gazes, she pulled out a heavy hammer and a shield that looked very weighty from her travel bag. Casually smashing it on the ground.
After a dull thud, looking at the spiderweb pattern on the ground, everyone swallowed hard. And Croissant, having broken free from her shackles, twisted her neck and smiled slightly at these unprofessional attackers. Giving a thumbs-up. Her smile under the car headlights was incomparably brilliant and dazzling.
"Since this isn't a mission, then we'll be leaving now. But the deposit won't be refunded."
"You, you weren't restrained at all?!"
"Don't judge me by my appearance, I'm actually quite sturdy. My strength is considered quite significant among the Forte. That's all. Please use Penguin Logistics more often in the future, okay? If you specifically request me for escort, I'll give you a 10% discount."
"…"
No, this isn't a matter of being sturdy or not, right?
Looking at the handcuffs crushed into a ball of scrap iron, the black-clothed men subconsciously took a step back, their morale completely shattered.
"That's all then, Penguin Logistics thanks you for your support. Goodbye."
If you are satisfied, please give our service quality a five-star rating, thank you.
The crimson hair tips returned to normal. Watching Croissant walk over smilingly, carrying her large shield and power hammer, Texas bowed to the crowd frozen in place, calmly returned to the vehicle. Under everyone's complicated gazes, she directly started the car and drove off, leaving them in the dust.