CHAPTER 58: BREAKING THE ENCRYPTION

"Seriously? You’re going to work instead of having fun with us? And I’m not even talking about sex! Stop being a nerd, Jin." Angela tried to drag Jin out of the room, but he was stronger than her, so she wasn’t able to move him at all.

"Is this related to the Sons of Adam?" Addison saw him take out the laptop that he had confiscated from the breeding grounds. She thought he had given it to the Aegis Corps, but it turned out that her thoughts were wrong.

"Yeah. Mrs Horton still doesn’t want me around this matter and is having the higher-ups handle it. Normally, I wouldn’t mind this, but—"

"They’re looking for you as well." Addison finished his sentence."

"Exactly. They want me to join their cause, meaning I’m on a list of potential individuals that they are trying to seek out. This also means that there should be a lot of other individuals they are trying to seek out."

"Ohhh! So you’re trying to find that list!" Angela got it.

"No. I’m just trying to see what’s on the laptop."

"Okay, smart ass. Just ruin my moment to shine and be smart. Fuck you."

"No one told you to be dumb."

"Shut up, Addison."

"If I can decrypt the contents on the laptop, I can maybe find clues to whatever projects they are working on. So, instead of ’having fun’, I’ll be working. Shut the door on your way out, please."

"Whatever. Let’s go, Addison. I need someone strong to punch in the training grounds."

Addison furrowed her brow, not liking Angela’s words. "Are you saying that you’ll beat me up?"

"Do you think I can’t?"

"Bring it on!"

---

Jin connected all of his own tech to the computer to decrypt the files and break through the firewalls it had. The protection on it was top-notch, and it was more difficult than he imagined, not hard, but not as easy as he thought.

It took around 3 hours for his algorithm to completely give him access to all of the laptop’s content, finally allowing him to search through the files.

He made sure to disconnect the device from any and all networks while also using one of his own tools to prevent the computer from pinging other devices.

"Alright, time to dig into these files."

There were multiple file folders, each of them labeled for the purpose they served. He clicked on a folder that said "DNA Splicer" and saw that the contents of it were damn near what had gone on at Bellmire Corporations.

"These are the plans for the permanent power-dampener. There’s a timeline for stealing it and for delivery as well. No address, unfortunately. They also managed to get their hands on this device. I wonder what crazy plans they have instored for it."

Jin downloaded the files to his power kit, then moved on to the next file. This one said ’Flaming Falcon,’ which was a codename for Phoenix. When he looked inside the file, there were extensive plans and instructions on where the red bird habitat was, how to breed them, and what to look for.

There were even instructions on how to safely remove and preserve a phoenix core. Unfortunately, there were no plans for what they planned to use a phoenix core for.

Again, Jin downloaded the files and moved on to the next folder.

"Cybernetics." Jin read the file name. "What’s in here?" He clicked on it, and awe many, many plans for a type of high-tech endoskeleton that would be implanted inside a person’s body, as well as nanites to help regulate the skeleton and allow a person to use it like a power kit, just like Jin can.

"Whoa. This is some serious shit right here. They plan on replacing a person’s skeleton with a cybernetic one! Crazy! That procedure is dangerous, even with the tech and powers in this world. Besides, where do they even plan on getting a high-tech endoskeleton? From these notes, it doesn’t even seem like they plan on building one."

Jin clicked the arrow to go to the next page and got his answer.

"Oh, it’s right here. Hmmm. Seems like they plan on stealing it from Carlnitus Industries. That guy is a genius. I read a lot of his articles. I remember him saying that he was working on creating an endoskeleton for the military and Aegis Corps men to use. But this was years ago, and the technology wasn’t advanced enough. Does he plan on showing his work soon or something?"

A quick internet search later, Jin saw that Carlitus was indeed planning on showcasing his work at an event that was happening a month from now.

"So the cult is already looking for ways to take his work, huh? But even if they are able to surgically implant the endoskeleton without any issues, there’s still the matter of the body accepting it." Jin clicked to the next page.

"Maybe I should just read this whole thing before saying anything." On the next page, he saw that the nanites that would be injected into the body would serve as a way to make the body accept the endoskeleton without any issues. Still, that technology wasn’t completed yet.

"If the Sons of Adam learn that I can create nanites that bond with cells, they would do everything they can to get me on their side or force me to work for them. Luckily, I don’t keep any paper or digital trail when it comes to my knowledge."

Jin looked through the rest of the file before clicking out of it, downloading it to his power kit once he was done. He checked the contents of the many other files on the laptop, but there was nothing of importance. Still, he downloaded all of them just in case.

"Hmm? What’s this?" On the very last file, he saw a time and place for a meeting that was happening just three days from now. It was at the Golden Boar, the restaurant that the Brotherhood man was going to go on a date to. There were no names listed and no pictures. Still, this was something to look into.

"So let’s recap. The Sons of Adam have a DNA Splicer to take away the powers of women, want a phoenix core for some reason, plan on making what, super soldiers, by using the endoskeleton from Carlitus’s Industries? I’m good at math, but not even this math is mathing."

Addison walked into the room to get some new clothes after taking a shower. She and Angela had come back from the gym around half an hour ago. "You’re still on that? Take a break and come eat with us."

Jin was about to decline, but he decided that a break was needed. "Alright, I’m coming."