Virtual Reality Cultivator-Chapter 31: The First Mission – Shadows at the Zenith Facility

Chapter 31 - 31: The First Mission – Shadows at the Zenith Facility

Ethan stood before the briefing table, staring at the digital map showing the secret Zenith facility. The red dot highlighted by Claire pointed to a hidden complex on the outskirts of the city—officially listed as a biotechnology research laboratory, but the Investigators knew it was something far darker.

"This isn't just any lab," Claire said. "We have strong reason to believe they're conducting experiments on players who've shown signs of cultivation in the real world."

Ethan clenched his fists. "So... the missing people, they're here?"

Adrian nodded. "Most likely. But to be sure, we need to get in and gather data directly from their systems."

Lazarus, who had been silent until now, spoke up. "This isn't just a simple reconnaissance mission. If you're coming, this will be a real fight."

Ethan looked at them with full resolve. "I know. And I still want to come."

Claire gave a slight smile. "Good. Then get ready. We leave in an hour."

The Journey to the Enemy's Nest

The team consisted of Claire, Adrian, Ethan, and a hacker named Vincent—an expert in security systems who would help them breach Zenith's digital defenses.

They climbed into an unmarked black van and drove through the city's streets, eventually reaching a quieter, more isolated area.

In the distance, Ethan could see the Zenith complex—a large building surrounded by high walls and watchtowers. Security lights rotated, and there were armed patrols around the perimeter.

"Their security is tight," Ethan muttered.

Adrian grinned. "Of course. They're hiding something big in there."

Vincent, sitting up front with his laptop, typed rapidly. "I'll disable their camera system for a few minutes. That should be enough time for you to get inside undetected."

Claire signaled everyone. "Alright, we'll split into two teams. Adrian and I will enter from the east side, Ethan, you come with me. Vincent will stay here and control the systems remotely."

Ethan nodded. "Got it."

They donned light tactical gear and used sound-dampening shoe covers to ensure their steps were silent as they approached the outer fence.

Claire whispered, "Once we're in, stay quiet. We don't want to draw attention before it's time."

Ethan took a deep breath. "Understood."

Vincent finally gave the signal. "Cameras are off. You've got three minutes before the system restarts."

Without wasting time, they moved.

Infiltrating the Zenith Complex

They successfully scaled the fence undetected and slipped inside the building through an unlocked side door.

The hallway inside was sterile, with bright white lights and metal walls that gave the impression of a high-tech laboratory.

But even though the place looked clean and orderly, something felt off.

Ethan could feel the Qi vibrating around him, as though there was energy trapped within these walls.

"This place... it's not normal."

Claire noticed his expression and whispered, "Do you feel something?"

Ethan nodded. "Yes. There's something here. Qi... but it doesn't feel natural."

Before they could discuss further, Adrian signaled. "We need to move quickly. Vincent, where's the main server?"

Vincent's voice came through their earpieces. "Downstairs. There's a control room there. But be careful, I can't disable all the sensors inside."

Claire nodded. "Alright, let's head down."

Shocking Experiments

As they moved deeper, they began hearing faint sounds from behind the walls.

Screams.

Ethan paused. "What... is that... people?"

Adrian frowned. "It seems so."

They followed the sounds until they found a steel door with more advanced security systems than the others.

Claire attached a scanner to the door panel, trying to hack it. "This will take a few seconds."

Meanwhile, Ethan's sense of something strange grew stronger.

The Qi in the air felt erratic, as though there was a distorted force inside the room.

And then—

BEEP!

The door opened.

What they saw inside made them freeze in place.

Several people—or more precisely, former Immortal Cultivation VR players—lay in glass capsules.

Their bodies were surrounded by a mysterious fluid, with sensors and cables implanted into their heads.

Some of them were twitching, as if experiencing seizures while in a coma-like state.

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Ethan's chest tightened. "What have they done to them?"

Claire stepped forward and glanced at the monitors beside the capsules. Her eyes narrowed as she read the data displayed.

"They... are forcibly channeling Qi into their bodies."

Ethan tensed. "What?!"

Adrian cursed under his breath. "So this is their experiment... they're trying to see how far the human body can accept energy from the virtual world into the real world."

Ethan clenched his fists, rage beginning to burn within him.

"This is beyond messed up."

But before they could do anything—

ALARM SOUNDS!

WEEEOOO! WEEEOOO!

Vincent shouted through the earpiece. "Damn! They know you're there! I can only hold the security system for a few more minutes—you need to get out now!"

Claire immediately gave the order. "Adrian, grab the data from the server! Ethan, help me open these capsules! We can't leave them here!"

Ethan quickly moved, trying to find a way to open the capsules without harming the people inside.

But just as he found the emergency release button—

BANG!

The door at the end of the hall was forcibly opened.

Armed Zenith troops appeared, their weapons raised.

Their leader, a man with artificial eyes glowing red, looked at Ethan and the team coldly.

"I expected this... you were bound to come."

Ethan tensed.

Claire immediately raised her weapon. "Get ready to fight!"

Adrian took a deep breath. "Well, this just got a lot more interesting."

Ethan clenched his fists, Qi swirling within him.

"If they want to fight... I'm ready."

Ethan's first battle against Zenith had begun.