Chapter 27: The Watchtower Research Institute

On the outskirts of the capital stands the Whistleblower Research Institute. He Xingzhou gave it a simple and memorable name: "Watchtower." It symbolizes that this institute will become the watchtower for China and all of human civilization, sounding the alarm for the impending apocalypse.

Following days and nights of non-stop renovation by the engineering corps, a small section of the Watchtower Research Institute has been completed. Construction continues on the rest, but He Xingzhou is already impatient to meet his team. Given the current situation, no one knows when the Zerg might erupt across the Earth. Time is life.

Inside the Watchtower, in a conference hall capable of holding hundreds, experts and researchers from all over the country—and some who even rushed back from abroad—have gathered. A few already know the purpose of their summons and wear grave, somber expressions, but the majority were suddenly drafted by their institutes, departments, or organizations and remain in the dark about the task ahead.

"Good grief, they've rounded up so many of us. Biologists, physicists, chemists, military strategists, psychologists... experts from every field. What is this all for?" the crowd whispers before the meeting begins.

"It’s no small matter. I signed a non-disclosure agreement before I came. This is a state secret!"

"It’s not just us. I heard some people were transferred elsewhere. What are they being asked to do?"

"To bring all of us together like this—could it be that war is breaking out?"

As they debate, four people enter the hall. At the lead is a young man. The attendees—mostly in their thirties and forties, with some veteran professors and experts in their seventies and eighties—stare at him with curiosity. The young man stands out, and following behind him is Yang Bo, a leader from the National Security Agency who arranged their arrival. Two individuals dressed in military attire, a man and a woman, also accompany them.

Yang Bo joins He Xingzhou on stage and begins: "Quiet, everyone."

The elite crowd immediately falls silent.

"You should all know who I am," Yang Bo says. "Today, the organization has gathered you here for a matter of grave importance—one that concerns the security of our nation, the fate of the Chinese people, and the future of all humanity. Some of you may have heard whispers, but you lack the details. Now, I ask the head of the Watchtower Research Institute—the whistleblower of the Black Tortoise Project—to explain the project in detail and the significance of your presence here. We welcome Comrade He Xingzhou!"

He concludes with a round of applause, joined by the others, who watch the young man with intense curiosity.

He Xingzhou takes the stage, gazing at the crowd with a calm expression. If he were an ordinary student, facing so many heavyweights would have left his legs trembling and his speech stuttering. But He Xingzhou has already faced larger crowds and higher-ranking officials; he is prepared, and his demeanor remains poised and composed.

"Respected predecessors, greetings. My name is He Xingzhou. I am currently a student at the Beijing University of Science and Technology, but I have taken on a new role: the whistleblower of the Black Tortoise Project."

"To understand what the Black Tortoise Project is and why you have been gathered here, please watch these videos."

He activates the electronic screens in the hall, displaying a short film documenting his cultivation of the mutant Zerg and the subsequent verification by the Academy of Sciences. At first, the experts are skeptical. "Are they making us watch a movie?"

"Wait, the label says this is a true event!"

Gradually, they realize the gravity of the situation. One by one, they cannot help but voice their disbelief: "My god, how can such monsters exist? Is this real?"

"The Academy of Sciences verified it with so many academicians; it must be true!"

"Even the top leadership has appeared, ordering the formation of a Zerg Crisis Response Team!"

"The Black Tortoise Project—is this it? Pooling all of China's strength to prepare for a Zerg catastrophe!"

"So that’s what 'whistleblower' means! And the 'Black Tortoise Executive'! This He Xingzhou’s plan is insane; it’s almost impossible to achieve!"

"The Watchtower Research Institute—so that’s how it came to be! No wonder we were brought here!"

They feel their worldviews collapsing. It turns out that this seemingly peaceful world has encountered a disaster unprecedented in eons. A disaster that threatens to sweep the globe is currently gestating beneath the ocean.

Shocked and horrified, the crowd is drawn into the magnitude of the disaster and the scope of the Black Tortoise Project, unable to pull themselves away.

He Xingzhou waits for a full ten minutes before speaking. "As you have seen, everything in the video is true."

Yang Bo raises his voice: "Comrades, China has reached its most critical moment. Are you willing to join the Black Tortoise Project and dedicate yourselves to it?"

"We do not force anyone. Once you join, it will certainly affect your normal life and work. Those who do not wish to participate may leave now."

No sooner has he finished speaking than an eighty-year-old professor stands up. "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every citizen! To be able to participate in such a project—I would die without regrets!"

"Professor Liu is right," another expert shouts. "With the nation in peril, how can we, as children of China, stand on the sidelines? I am willing to join!"

Others follow suit: "The Black Tortoise Project makes my blood boil! I wouldn’t miss this for the world!"

"I’m already here, I can’t exactly be a deserter now, can I?"

"I was mentally prepared when I signed the non-disclosure agreement! I never imagined I’d be participating in such a magnificent plan."

"Ha! How could I not join? I’ve already told my wife and kids!"

"Though my knowledge is limited, I am willing to contribute my strength!"

"If I backed down now, I wouldn't have the face to face my ancestors!"

"Stop wasting time! Tell us what to do, let’s get started!"

He Xingzhou looks out at the hall. Everyone has their hands raised, their faces filled with righteous indignation. Not a single person chooses to leave.

They know that this project will likely lead to an incredibly difficult situation. It might mean years, perhaps a decade, without a normal life. It could even lead to life-or-death struggles. Yet, these Chinese elites—from the vigorous young men and women to the aging titans of academia—have chosen to stay without hesitation. They know that by joining the Watchtower Research Institute, they are standing on the front line of the defense against the Zerg. If they, the elites of China, do not step up, who will? Should they leave the ordinary people to face the catastrophe alone?

The country comes first; only then does the home exist.

"Good! Good! Good!" Yang Bo’s face flushes red as he shouts the word three times, deeply moved by their commitment.

He Xingzhou bows sincerely. "Thank you all for your support! Do not worry too much; we have not yet reached the moment of absolute crisis. Mutant Zerg are still rare in the oceans today. We still have time!"

"Now, let me introduce the work we must undertake at the Watchtower Research Institute!"