"Setting aside their unstable genetics, those three subjects were a triumph. They leaped from ordinary low-ranking warriors to experts that even high-ranking generals would struggle against. Do you have any idea of the worth of three such experts?"

Shao Qi snorted, "I see no value, only potential disaster. Imagine if they invaded human bases. A wise investor would foresee potential pitfalls. Do you only see the benefits and ignore the risks?"

Zhou You, not in the mood for extended discussion, asked, "Do we bring them in or what?"

Shao Qi signaled to Zhuo Hao, who then fired a flare into the sky, "Military personnel will take over. I just wonder if their end is already wrapped up."

Within the base, many had gone sleepless. Broadcast recordings quickly spread across platforms, waking many. After watching, sleep was impossible. At dawn, countless individuals, as if compelled, took to the streets marching. They gravitated towards the city lord's mansion, banners appearing mysteriously among them. There was little conversation, yet their goal was eerily unified.

Inside the city lord's mansion, the meeting was hastily concluded after Chen Zihao's interruption. However, the department heads did not leave, having rooms within. With the city lord's recent erratic behavior, a meeting could be called at any time.

When idle, they all browsed the web, thus learning of the lab incident. Linking it to unusual financial activities, they surmised the lab couldn't function without substantial funding.

An alarmed guard reported, "Commander, sir! Citizens have gathered outside the mansion, protesting against human experiments. They demand the joint shutdown of the black lab by both government and military, execution of those responsible, and revelation of victim identities."

Cheng Ziang relaxed upon hearing the news, believing that public sentiment would bring his opponents down. They wouldn’t dare harm him unless foolish.

Shortly after, an injured soldier burst in, "Commander! The military district is in chaos!"

"What do you mean by 'chaos'?" Ren Zhiyuan demanded.

"After your departure, Major Ding left the base with two squads, claiming it was on your orders..."

Ren Zhiyuan interrupted, "Indeed, I dispatched Ding Xuesong."

"Yes, sir, but soon after Major Ding's exit, Major Zhao took over all exits and the armory, killing or detaining dissenters. I escaped during the chaos."

Enraged, Ren Zhiyuan grabbed Cheng Ziang, his face contorted with fury, "So, you were playing a double game with me, Cheng Ziang? Do you really believe I won’t kill you?"

Confusion flashed in Cheng Ziang's eyes, but denying seemed pointless now. Trying to intimidate, he responded, "Commander Ren, you know the capabilities of the man investigating the underground lab. It's illegal to begin with. Am I wrong for being law-abiding?"

Ren Zhiyuan scoffed, "So, you want to gain favor in Mr. Shao's eyes? Ambition is not shameful. To think you knew about his identity. Was I too careless?"

Cheng Ziang pondered the mention of the name 'Shao', warmth flooding his chest. If his hunch was right, his risks might pay off.

"So your disputes with Zhao Jinghao were just a façade!" Ren Zhiyuan jeered.

Cheng Ziang felt wronged, thinking, 'I'm not with Zhao at all!'

"I wonder who's more valued by him, you or Zhao. I no longer wish to kill you. I want to see who has the last laugh."

Cheng Ziang sighed, "Commander, I must say, your perspective and vision leave much to be desired. With such an egregious act, anyone with a conscience wouldn't side with you. Have you no regrets?"

Chen Jingzhou sat despondently behind his desk, supporting his head. While Ren Zhiyuan appeared remorseless, he deeply regretted his actions. Gaining no benefits and facing potential downfall, his position as city lord seemed untenable.

The mansion's defenses were weak. Calls to the city's defense team went unanswered, leaving the military district to assume the defense.

Another person hurriedly rushed in, reporting, "Lord Mayor, that group has started to breach the Mansion."

Chen Jingzhou stood up and said to Ren Zhiyuan, "I will organize a press conference right now. The sooner we address this, the better. I will take responsibility for the error."

He turned and left, ordering calls to be made to all media outlets, announcing a press conference at the Mayor's Mansion in half an hour.

The Secretary-General adjusted his glasses and gestured outside, "There's no need to wait for thirty minutes. I believe all major media from the city are already outside. How could they miss such a significant event?"

Chen Jingzhou waved dismissively, showing signs of fatigue, "Regardless, I'll need that half-hour to gather my thoughts."

The Secretary-General glanced towards the office, murmuring, "Sir, are we truly going to take the fall?"

"What's the alternative?"

"You were mostly informed, not deeply involved. You could push the blame outward."