As a great conglomerate, JinCorp was known for its numerous research facilities, laboratories, and factories all over Daitoshi City and beyond.

So, it was normal that the JMC Research Center housed the most top-secret, beyond cutting-edge, and maybe even illegal research.

However, as imposing as the JMC Research Center building may be from the outside, its interior was identical to hospitals in general.

As they walked through the facility, they marveled at the advanced technology and cutting-edge research being conducted by JinCorp. But they also remained vigilant, knowing that danger could come from unexpected places and individuals.

Even if one of those individuals was their original ally.

Their vigilance was well-placed because Shingo and his team were met with a surprise attack from the building security. That was because they were entering a restricted area. JinCorp was conducting illegal experiments, and those who witnessed them must be eliminated without a trace.

The next moment, Shingo and his eclectic team fought with fierce determination in the sprawling corridors. The air crackled with the scent of ozone, punctuated by the whirring of workbots and the ominous hum of drones hovering above. Enhanced human clones emerged from their spawning incubators, their eyes gleaming with a cold, lifeless intensity. It was a battle against not only technology but the twisted machinations of human experimentation.

Amidst the chaos, Shingo wielded the katana Hayato gave him, Odenta with masterful precision, his movements a fluid dance of steel and lethal intent. Each swing of his blade sliced through the air with deadly accuracy, carving a path through the onslaught of adversaries. His focus remained unbroken, his mind honed on the task at hand.

Beside him, Shiori unleashed the full power of her katana, Mikazuki-Munechika, her strikes swift and calculated. Her movements embodied grace and lethal force, her blade dancing through the ranks of their enemies.

Nishi, the girl with a gun, positioned herself at a strategic vantage point, her sniper rifle poised and ready. She took careful aim, her finger gently squeezing the trigger, sending bullets whistling through the air, finding their marks with precision.

Ryonoken, the nimble ninja, wielded his twin kodachis with lightning speed, his movements a blur of acrobatics and lethal strikes. With every slash and parry, he moved with the grace and agility of a phantom, dispatching enemies with ruthless efficiency.

Keiji, armed with a gun and naginata, fought with unwavering determination, his strikes were a blend of elegance and raw power. His naginata spun and twirled in his hands, striking down adversaries with each expertly executed swing.

Gale, the kung-fu expert, relied on his bare hands and lightning reflexes. His fists blurred as he delivered powerful blows, evading attacks with a dancer’s grace.

Chiyo, the painter with lightning magic, unleashed bolts of electricity that crackled through the air, lashing out at their foes with devastating force.

As the battle raged on, the team fought with unwavering resolve, their spirits unyielding in the face of adversity. Though Gale, Chiyo, and Keiji bore wounds from the fierce combat, they pressed forward, propelled by their shared purpose and the desire to bring down the nefarious director.

With each step, they pushed closer to their destination—the director’s office. The anticipation and tension grew as they approached, their breaths coming in shallow gasps. The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them, but their determination burned brighter than ever.

Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

Fighting with all their might, the team finally reached the research facility director’s office room. As they suspected, a secret door was opened on a corner. Junishi “Nishi” Abe hurriedly went into that opening into a tunnel, and the rest followed her.

Arriving at the end of the tunnel, Nishi came into a large hall. Her jaw dropped in shock as she realized where she was. It was the secret laboratory of the research center.

The reason for its secrecy came into view at once. Incubator-like tubes lay scattered around the hall, leaving a very spacious room at the center, probably to conduct operations or sorts.

Nishi’s heart sank as she recognized the man working at the seat, with holographic monitors lining up in front of him. It was her father, Yasuaki Abe, the Head of JinCorp Research Center. “F-father! So you’re working here in JinCorp!” Nishi exclaimed.

Yasuaki turned around, his expression a mix of surprise and irritation. “What? Nishi-kun? What the heck are you doing here? Bringing people to the secret lab too!” he snapped.

Nishi didn’t falter. “I’m rescuing my friends, helping out some more friends, and upholding justice. That’s my job as a GI agent!”

Yasuaki’s eyes widened. “Really? You’re with the GI? If only I knew it, I would’ve—” he trailed off, his expression turning contemplative.

Nishi knew what he was thinking. “Prohibited me to enroll in the academy and be an agent? Wasting years of rigorous training and the inner strength I’ve cultivated?” she said, cutting him off. “You knew I’d enroll anyway! And what about you, who also kept your job secret from me?! Are you afraid I’d prohibit you?”

Yasuaki paused for a moment before replying. “No. I didn’t prohibit you either, right?” he said, his tone softer.

Nishi sighed. “Yup. Heck, we’re a dysfunctional family since day one anyway,” she said, feeling a pang of sadness as she remembered her difficult childhood.

“It was love who made me marry your mother, Mina, despite me going too deep as a scientist,” Yasuaki said suddenly, his voice low.

Nishi looked up, surprised. Her father rarely talked about her mother. “When Mina died because I ran out of money to pay for the operation to lift her tumor, I was devastated,” Yasuaki continued, his eyes misty.

Nishi’s heart ached. She had always known her mother had died, but she had never heard her father talk about it.

“If only I can find a way to gain infinite power and conquer death. Or at least be filthy rich, so I can avoid things I shall regret later,” Yasuaki muttered, almost to himself.

Nishi listened, a mix of sadness and anger rising within her.

“That’s why I dedicated my whole time, health, body, mind, and energy to this Infinity Project by JinCorp,” Yasuaki said, his eyes gleaming with a fanatical light.

Nishi felt a chill run down her spine.

“I even sold my soul to a devil to harness her power, so I know what I’m doing,” Yasuaki continued, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

Nishi knew then that her father had truly lost his mind.

“On top of it all, I’ve sacrificed the most real and precious thing I have, that’s my time with you, my daughter,” Yasuaki said, his expression turning wistful.

Nishi shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. “You’ve sacrificed nothing but your sanity,” she retorted, steeling herself for what was to come.