Chapter 309

The next elevator arrived, and Evelyn Carter squeezed in with Rosalind Baskins. The cramped space was filled with Aldenria's top experts, all summoned to handle the aftermath of the catastrophic explosion. The air hummed with hushed, urgent whispers.

"What are these violet particles? I've never seen anything like them before."

"Rumors say it was triggered during hydronium missile development."

This is from N?velDrama.Org.

"Hydronium? But the lead researcher on that project died years ago. How is this possible?"

"Two vials remained, but they're likely destroyed now."

"Could the particles be a byproduct of hydronium reacting with something? The blast was catastrophic—half the continent shook. Earthquakes, tsunamis—"

"Quiet. We're here."

The elevator chimed, cutting off the conversation. Everyone filed out, tension thick in the air. Evelyn exchanged a glance with Rosalind before following the crowd into the expansive conference room.

Inside, the space was packed with military brass, elite engineers, and chemical researchers. Among them stood Ethan Reynolds and Benjamin Hart, faces Evelyn recognized from prior encounters. The atmosphere was grim, discussions laser-focused on disaster relief and reconstruction.

With limited seating, junior personnel stood along the walls. Evelyn and Rosalind positioned themselves in a corner, absorbing the heated debate. Liam Blackwood was so consumed by the crisis, he barely registered Evelyn's presence.

Benjamin Hart pulled up a presentation, detailing the experiment's failure, the devastation, and proposed solutions for airborne contaminants. Evelyn's expression darkened as she listened.

"General Blackwood, based on our analysis, this is the fastest method to mitigate pollution," Benjamin stated.

"How long?" Liam's voice was clipped.

"One week for air purification. Water decontamination will take sixty days. Nearby residents must evacuate immediately."

Skeptical murmurs erupted.

"Ten thousand personnel are stationed here, not counting equipment and armories. Relocating everything is impossible."

"Exactly. It's not feasible."

"Even if civilian numbers are low, we're still looking at thousands scattered across the region. Evacuation logistics are a nightmare."

Liam scanned the room. "Other options?"

The researchers scrambled through data, desperate for alternatives.

"Liam," Victoria Hudson interjected, "what about specialists from Solterra? They might have insights."

A shadow flickered across Liam's face before he schooled his expression.

"Ms. Hudson, we already consulted Solterra," the secretary-general replied. "Their hydronium explosion data was lost, and the lead researcher is deceased."

"So Dr. Hart's plan is our only solution?" Victoria pressed.

"For now, yes," the other scientists confirmed.

Rosalind leaned close to Evelyn, voice taut with worry. "Evelyn, surely you have ideas?"

Evelyn hesitated. Helping Liam without exposing her true identity was a razor's edge. The debate raged on, but no breakthroughs emerged.

Just as Liam moved to finalize the decision, Evelyn stepped forward. "Wait."

Every head turned. Liam's tense gaze softened imperceptibly.

Victoria scoffed. "Ms. Carter, you shouldn't even be here. This is no place for amateurs."