Chapter 1541
At that time, Philip received the message from the research base and had no choice but to move out
with Phil.
Phil was like his shadow – a shadow devoid of independent thought.
Whatever Philip told him to do, he did.
Seated on the plane, Phil leaned over and murmured, "Are we going to make sure Ian never comes
back?"
Philip nodded coldly. "Yeah, he must die a horrible death."
In this treacherous times, anyone daring to venture into Astronia was practically signing their own death
warrant.
Internationally, the outbreak in Astronia was making headlines daily. Countries around the globe
commanded immediate evacuations, urging their citizens to return home before the virus spread
beyond the borders.
Otherwise, if the disease were to escape containment, it would spell disaster on a global scale.
Upon landing, Ian headed straight for a hotel.
00 was with him, ever trailing him like a loyal shadow.
Later, more people checked into the hotel, all Ian's people. He was having a meeting with these people
in front of a computer until his phone rang once, indicating a map sent by a stranger.
It was also this map that had guided Ian to Astronia.
He did not know who this stranger was, but four days ago, the person had given him a map of
Forbidden Island. The map detailed every location of Forbidden Island, revealing even the secret
passages.
More importantly, this stranger knew about the pigeon post Ian had used to communicate with the
outside world from Forbidden Island – a detail Ian had never shared. This person knew the secret
passages and the only place that could communicate with the outside world.
It was clear this was no ordinary informant.
But by that time, Ian had already accepted Quentin's proposal and had entered the secret passage, so
the map was not used.
Two days ago, however, another map had arrived, this time detailing the research base's location.
Due to the outbreak, he dared not bring Maja along. Knowing her temperament, she would never have
agreed even if he had discussed it with her.
So Ian took the risk, bringing only his trusted men to verify the authenticity of this mysterious map.
Right now, no one else knew the location of the research base, but he couldn't delay with Augus
anymore; action was imperative.
Tonight, the small squad he had brought with him was all checked into the hotel, ready to investigate
the marked location. Ian pointed to a spot on the map that indicated a hospital allegedly cooperating
with the research base.
They would start there. If it can be found that the hospital is indeed colluding with the research base
and providing human bodies, then it meant the map was genuine.
Ian paused his finger at this spot, instructing his people.
"Just go in to investigate. Look for surveillance and try to find out where those bodies donated
voluntarily end up finally. Be cautious – we don't know if this map is authentic. If anything seems off,
pull out immediately."
His men nodded. They were Ian's secret trained forces, chosen for their exceptional investigative skills.
Ian looked out at the darkening sky: It was so dark that one couldn’t see their hands in front of their
faces, perfect for stealth.
"Head out for your first sweep."
The men promptly left the room.
Subsequently, Ian called for 00.
"Sir," 00 knelt before him.
"00, wear a mask and hat. Wander around the city for the next few days. With the outbreak, there's a
good chance it's connected to the research base. K and his crew might show up, and if they do, they Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.
won't hesitate to target you."
To be more precise, they wouldn't hesitate to target Maja.
Without the willingness to sacrifice, there would be no success.
"Understood, sir," 00 replied.
After issuing commands, Ian allowed himself a moment of relief.
Only then did he look at his phone, which had been remained off.
He hesitated, then turned it on and sent Maja a message. Coոtent оf Draмaոovеls.cом
No words. Just a question mark.
His heart softened, and he quickly sent a coquettish kiss emoji.
[I'm fine, don't worry. Stay safe and take care of yourself at home.]
A rush of irritation flooded her, hot enough to pain her chest.