The metal door swung open, releasing a chill so intense it could be felt even through the thick layers of the protective suit. The cold storage unit for the parasitic hydras paled in comparison to this arctic vault.

Stepping inside, Cyrus was immediately taken aback. Looking up, she felt as if she had entered the underwater tunnel of an oceanarium, peering through the glass at the swimming fish and water. But this was no oceanarium; it was a massive ice vault, filled to the brim with crystal-clear ice.

Encased within the solid, clear blocks of ice was an exotic creature resembling an octopus, so enormous it almost filled the entire vault. Its yellow, murky eyes had pupils slit horizontally, and the suckers on its thick tentacles were larger than a soccer ball.

The specimen was preserved impeccably, almost lifelike, and Cyrus felt a palpable unease under the gaze of its yellow eyes. Unfortunately, they only had half of the creature, allowing just a glimpse into its living form.

"The Kraken Beast," Shu Xuyao announced, "Impressive, isn't it?"

"The Kraken?" The familiar term snapped Cyrus back to attention.

"Legend speaks of a monstrous sea creature known as the Kraken, believed by people in less technologically advanced eras to dwell in the deep sea, dragging ships and their crews down to their demise," Shu Xuyao explained. "The legends were true. The creature known as the Kraken is indeed an exotic species. But nowadays, people no longer believe in such sea monsters. The Enforcement Department secretly eradicates these creatures, maintaining order in human society."

The Kraken Beast and the Kraken Ship—could the name of the freighter carrying mysterious cargo have originated from this folk tale?

"How did the Enforcement Department manage to eliminate such a terrifying exotic creature as the Kraken Beast?" Cyrus inquired.

"This Kraken Beast wasn't killed by the Enforcement Department; it died naturally and washed ashore. The Kraken Beast doesn't need to parasitize humans; it hunts on its own, although it sometimes preys on humans."

Time was up, and Shu Xuyao led Cyrus out of the ice vault.

"Does the Enforcement Department preserve exotic species specimens just for educational tours?" Cyrus questioned. "It seems quite costly. Maintaining temperature and humidity control, along with cryogenic freezing, requires a lot of resources, doesn't it? Couldn't images and holographic projections achieve a similar educational effect?"

"Indeed, it's costly, and technically, we could compensate for education through other means," Shu Xuyao admitted. "Therefore, the Enforcement Department's preservation of exotic species carcasses isn't solely for educational purposes."

Cyrus pondered, "It must be for research, then. You mentioned Black Sea Academy; are they also studying exotic species?"

"Yes, that's correct," Shu Xuyao confirmed. "We're finished with the sub-level six specimen hall. Next, we'll head to sub-level five. There are some other things you need to be aware of."

They exited the chilly specimen hall, removed their protective suits, underwent another round of disinfection, and returned to the elevator.

"Adam, sub-level five," Shu Xuyao said, glancing at the elevator clock. "We still have plenty of time."

"Access to the floor is granted," Adam replied.

The elevator ascended, and the doors opened within seconds.

"Do we need protective suits this time?" Cyrus asked. "They're quite cumbersome to wear."

"No need for suits, but we do need to change into sterile dust-proof clothing," Shu Xuyao informed her.

The process was much simpler this time. After disinfection, they donned dust-proof suits, neatly tucking their hair into caps, and were ready to proceed.

Unlike the deserted specimen hall of sub-level six, sub-level five was bustling with activity. Through the glass isolation windows, Cyrus could see people in white lab coats busily working at their stations.

"Where are we?" Cyrus asked, surprised.

"The laboratory, our own lab dedicated to studying exotic species," Shu Xuyao said succinctly. "The Enforcement Department collaborates with many institutions, like the biotech labs of Black Sea Academy, the federal government's cell research institutes, and research departments under private consortia. These research organizations share a common research topic—exotic species."

Cyrus surveyed the lab, "Are they researching how to combat them?"

"Not just that," Shu Xuyao hinted at something deeper. "They're mostly studying how to extract value from them."

"Extract value?" Cyrus turned to look at Shu Xuyao.

He led her into the lab, "You'll understand once you see."

An older researcher noticed Shu Xuyao, "Ah, Shu, bringing in a new recruit?"

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"Yes, we'll just be ten minutes," Shu Xuyao replied courteously.

"Not bad," the researcher glanced at Cyrus. "It's been a while since we had new blood. Do well, young lady."

The researcher returned to his work, and Shu Xuyao picked up a vial filled with a pale blue substance.

"This is the venom of the Red Thorn Hunter, unrefined and highly corrosive—it can even eat through metal." He donned gloves, took a metal piece, and dropped some liquid onto it.

As the metal piece fizzled, a small hole appeared.

"Hunting exotic species is dangerous. Our bulletproof combat suits can't withstand the pressure of the parasitic hydra's tentacles or the corrosion of the Red Thorn Hunter's venom," Shu Xuyao said. "They are dangerous species, but their bodies also hide treasures."

"The parasitic hydra and Red Thorn Hunter both proliferate by parasitizing humans. They share a common trait: they only parasitize living beings. Humans parasitized by them, no matter how deformed or mindless, will stay alive until all nutrients are drained. Even when reduced to skeletal frames or unable to move, they remain alive." Shu Xuyao set down the pale blue substance. "They secrete a special substance to sustain their host's life, keeping them clinging on."

"Like leeches?" Cyrus caught on to Shu Xuyao's train of thought. "Leeches secrete an anticoagulant when they suck human blood. Although their blood-sucking is harmful, the anticoagulant found in their bodies can be used for medical purposes."

"Exactly, that's what I'm getting at," Shu Xuyao smiled. "They are terrifying creatures but also hold value. If we can understand the composition of their secretions and synthesize them artificially, it could bring breakthroughs in the medical field."

"Do we have any findings?" Cyrus asked curiously.

"Of course." Shu Xuyao moved to another table and picked up two vials. "This one is extracted from the parasitic hydra and functions as a potent anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. And this vial accelerates wound healing and promotes cell division. These two substances have been widely adopted by the Enforcement Department."

Cyrus was impressed, "Did I also receive these substances during my skull surgery? The wound recovery was incredibly fast."

"Likely so," Shu Xuyao said. "It's highly effective. In the past two years, our field casualties have decreased significantly, thanks in part to these scientific achievements. The researchers are trying to uncover more value from exotic species."

"Is the primary value of exotic species in researching pharmaceuticals?" Cyrus questioned. "Are there other applications?"

"They have three kinds of value. The first lies in the medical field, and the second is in materials science," Shu Xuyao explained. "Materials science isn't a research topic in the Enforcement Department's lab; it's outsourced to biotech companies. However, we have some samples in our lab."

On a table in the corner lay a piece of pitch-black fabric. Shu Xuyao picked it up, "Give it a tug, Cyrus."

Cyrus grabbed the fabric and pulled. The short piece of cloth stretched several times its length. She stepped back, pulling it further, and the fabric seemed to have no limit to its elasticity.

"This is a new type of biomaterial extracted from tentacle-shaped exotic species. It can't be mass-produced yet, but its advantages are excellent stretchability and resistance to sharp objects," Shu Xuyao demonstrated by slicing the fabric with a small lab knife, leaving no mark. He tried to pierce it with the knife tip, but the fabric remained undamaged.

"It seems these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to research results," Cyrus remarked.

"Indeed, just the tip. Our collaborative research institutions have many more scientific achievements," Shu Xuyao said. "Cyrus, remember that our primary goal is to eradicate exotic species to ensure public safety, not to capture them for profit. New drugs and materials are merely incidental gains. Compared to the risks, our benefits are minuscule... I can't even remember how many teammates and colleagues have died in battle. The Enforcement Department holds memorials every year, and I attend every one."

Cyrus spoke calmly, "I'll do my best to stay alive."

She had been aware of the risks from day one. On her first day in the second world, Cyrus had resolved to survive by any means necessary, steering clear of the BE and striving toward the HE.

"Captain, you mentioned three uses for exotic species. What's the third?" she asked.

Shu Xuyao patted Cyrus's shoulder, "Come with me to sub-level three, and you'll find out."

"Sub-level three? I remember that's where the temporary detention cells are, holding some criminals who haven't yet been tried in court," Cyrus followed, speaking up.

"Sub-level three is indeed the temporary detention area, but you might not know that it doesn't just hold ordinary criminals," Shu Xuyao explained. "It's the most secure area in the entire Enforcement Department building, actually divided into two sections, the East and West. The East holds common criminals, the West is different."

After shedding their dust-proof suits, they took the elevator once more.

Cyrus curbed her curiosity, waiting for the revelation.

The heaviest hitters always come last. She had learned about exotic species, their dangers, and their value. What was next? What awaited her now?

The elevator doors opened, flanked by two armed security officers.

Exiting the elevator, there was a path to the left and right. Cyrus glanced briefly; both directions were blocked by heavy metal doors. Shu Xuyao led her to the right, then scanned his iris.

The door rumbled upward. Unlike the silent and smooth opening of doors on other floors, this metal door made a significant noise. On closer inspection, the door on sub-level three was over thirty centimeters thick, undoubtedly weighing a ton.

The security measures were indeed strict.

Shu Xuyao's footsteps echoed in the empty corridor. Instead of bars, the cells were enclosed by glass, bulletproof glass. Many cells were vacant; there seemed to be few inmates in the West section.

"We recently received a new inmate, in very poor health. He might die in a few days; the doctors can't save him," Shu Xuyao spoke as they walked. "I'll take you to see him."

This prisoner must be unique. Cyrus surmised.

It wasn't long before Shu Xuyao stopped.

He turned to point at a cell, gesturing for Cyrus to look.

She couldn't help but gasp upon seeing the inmate.

The male prisoner lay on the floor, his eyes vacant as they stared at the cell ceiling. His exposed skin was a terrifying shade of grayish-blue, his knuckles twisted and protruding, his fingers grotesquely elongated and limp like tentacles—exotic creature tentacles!

The prisoner suddenly coughed, vomiting a clump of bloody flesh that writhed slightly on the floor.

"Is he parasitized by a monster?" Cyrus said with disgust.

She had barely eaten breakfast, but the successive shocks were too much; she felt nauseous.

"No, he isn't parasitized by a monster," Shu Xuyao said calmly. "He turned himself into a monster."

He looked at Cyrus, "This is the third use of exotic species I wanted to discuss with you."

"Some illegal religious cults, driven by nefarious purposes, collect and purify the blood of exotic species. They consume the blood, attempting to derive power from it."

"They refer to exotic species as the legacy of ancient gods; the extracted blood of these creatures is called 'divine blood.' Those who gain supernatural powers through 'divine blood,' we call them 'Exotics.'"