"Just a glance at the financial expenditures will reveal anomalies. In recent years, since the central government hasn't overseen local finances, those in the finance department haven't covered their tracks well. The loopholes will be easy to find."

"But that pales in comparison to the military budget misappropriations. Besides, Ren was the one who brought those people in, not us."

"I understand, but we can't completely distance ourselves. At the very least, it's a charge of negligence."

The number of citizens outside the city lord's mansion continued to grow. Dawn broke, and surprisingly, the weather was clear. The snow stopped, and the sun shone brightly, lifting the heaviness in people's hearts.

"We need to get inside, at least to find out where the lab is and destroy it. Otherwise, who knows? Tomorrow we might be the ones on those experiment tables." The safety of their own lives was the citizen's primary concern.

"Exactly, we have to save those heroes first. They can't be silenced."

"Also, we need to deal with the monsters in the lab. If they escape, who knows how many will die?"

"Moreover, they should disclose the government's financial reports from previous years. The finances are funded by our hard-earned money, and the public should oversee its use. We won't allow funds to be directed to that lab."

"They should also release a list of victims. Those responsible should compensate, and the bereaved families should receive consolatory money. The sacrifices shouldn't be in vain."

"Exactly, those responsible for this tragedy must face the death penalty. A life for a life!"

"Yes! A life for a life!" The crowd began to chant, "No more human experiments! Punish the perpetrators!"

The Secretary-General personally approached the crowd to reassure them, announcing that the city lord would hold a press conference in half an hour. The citizens could elect ten representatives to attend, ensuring that no one doubts the government's sincerity.

Chapter 105: No Escape for Anyone

Just as Chen Jingzhou finished donning his coat and opened the doors to the conference room, a barrage of camera flashes assaulted him. Fortunately, everyone remembered that they were in the City Lord's mansion and refrained from mobbing him with questions, which put him slightly at ease.

If Ren Zhiyuan refuses to step forward, so be it; I'll handle it all myself.

After a brief cough, he stepped forward and was about to sit down when a sudden scream caught him off guard. He immediately stood up, exclaiming, "What's happening? Has a protestor outside caused harm?"

The reporters were curious about the commotion outside, but the City Lord's response was equally crucial. Thus, someone promptly initiated the questioning.

"Lord Mayor, are you aware of the underground laboratory's activities?"

With a calming breath, Chen Jingzhou managed a smile and responded, "I'm not entirely informed, but I have heard bits and pieces about it."

Someone quickly followed up, "When did you become aware? What actions did you take in response? Moreover, do you know the laboratory's location?"

The Secretary-General swiftly stepped up and announced through the microphone, "Please, one question at a time, in an orderly fashion. Each media outlet is limited to one question."

The same reporter then prioritized their inquiry, "Could you disclose the lab's location? The entire city is awaiting your response."

"Well... I only know it's outside the city, but as for its exact location, I'm unsure, I've never been there."

"Do you know who's in charge of the lab?"

"I don't."

"Has the city's treasury funded or sponsored this laboratory?"

"No."

"Why didn't you expose this matter when you first learned of it?"

Chen Jingzhou sighed deeply and shook his head, choosing not to respond, implying that the answer was evident in his silence.

Someone astutely inquired, "Could it be that the lab was established by someone of even higher authority than you?"

Such a question indirectly hinted that Ren Zhiyuan might be behind the lab, as the only authority above the City Lord would be the regional military head.

Chen Jingzhou wished to evade further scrutiny. Unfortunately, the screams from outside grew louder and more frequent, causing everyone to grow restless and anxious. Could it be that the military was suppressing the citizens?

Realizing the possibility, Chen Jingzhou boldly shifted the blame onto Ren Zhiyuan, "For detailed questions about the lab, you might want to approach Commander Ren. Not suggesting he funded it, but I do know he's acquainted with the person in charge."

"Bang…" The conference room doors were violently thrown open, and all cameras immediately captured a heart-stopping scene.

Several citizens stumbled through the entrance, falling to the ground. Following them was a creature, covered in golden fur, which lunged at one man, biting deeply into his neck. The man's screams were silenced almost immediately as the creature turned to its next victim.

A nearby reporter, paralyzed with fear, failed to flee. His camera captured the creature's detailed features, even the wounds on its lips, its sharp teeth, and the blood oozing between them.

Piercing screams echoed. Chaos ensued as people ran aimlessly, bumping into one another. In the end, no one managed to escape, resorting to hiding under tables or behind curtains. Some even tried breaking the windows with their cameras in a desperate attempt to flee.

"What... what's going on? How... how did this creature appear here?" Everyone had seen this creature on live broadcasts, believing they had died in the laboratory explosion. Yet, not only have they emerged, but they've infiltrated the base and reached the city lord's mansion. How did they manage it?

Dragon Gang and his group following behind also wanted answers. Of the three laser cannons, they'd used two, killing only one creature with sharp claws. The other two surprisingly jumped over the walls into the base. By the time they gave chase, the creatures had vanished.