C14 Confinement
The Weight Increasing Machine was capable of measuring the actual weight load, but if Yang Chuxia had never attempted to lift heavy objects, or if her strength was a latent potential that only manifested when triggered, it would be perfectly normal for her to be unaware of her superpower.
With this in mind, General Edi grew restless. He decided to see for himself and, before he could gather detailed information on Yang Chuxia or confirm her identity, he needed to manage the situation discreetly to prevent other military factions from catching wind of it and having a laugh at their expense.
Upon noticing Edi stride purposefully out of his office, Sean hurried after him and inquired, "General, are we heading to the training track?"
Edi grunted in acknowledgment before asking, "What's your opinion of Sergeant Yang Chuxia?"
Unaware that Yang Chuxia had just run an additional ten kilometers, Sean assumed the question pertained to her starting a run with a 100-kilogram load. He speculated, "Perhaps she possesses innate superhuman strength? I've heard that those with great power tend to have hearty appetites!"
Edi, realizing that Sean was alluding to the previous afternoon when Yang Chuxia had been eating in the cafeteria, gave him a look and continued on his way to the track without another word.
After completing yet another kilometer, Yang Chuxia spotted Edi and Sean entering the area. She was so infuriated she nearly keeled over. That accursed Instructor Cleo had stirred up such a fuss over four Weight Increasing Machines that even General Edi had come to investigate!
Embarrassed by her antics from the day before, Yang Chuxia wished she could use teleportation to escape their scrutiny. With that thought, she took off at a breakneck pace, completely forgetting her earlier desire to lie down and take it easy. Indeed, embarrassment proved to be a powerful motivator!
Sean watched, utterly astonished, as she sprinted away. He rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was dreaming. How else could Dr. Yang run with the speed of the wind while carrying 58 kilograms?
Instructor Cleo, already stunned by Yang Chuxia's performance, saluted Edi and then silently stepped back.
A hint of amusement flickered across Edi's stern face as he watched Yang Chuxia bolt the moment she saw him. Cliff had been right; the girl was a bit foolish.
Yang Chuxia's slightly foolish behavior had left General Edi in awe for quite some time, especially after learning she had run a total of 60 kilometers. Eventually, she collapsed, succumbing to exhaustion as the Weight Increasing Machine blared its shrill warning.
As she hit the ground, Yang Chuxia humorously thought to herself, "Why am I not foaming at the mouth?" In a daze, she seemed to hear Instructor Cleo urgently calling for medical assistance.
A towering figure dashed to her side and scooped her up. As she lost consciousness, Yang Chuxia wondered, 'Is it General Edi holding me? Or could it be Deputy Sean?'
General Edi carried Yang Chuxia into the medical room, startling the on-duty Janice. When she realized it was Yang Chuxia in Edi's arms again, her first thought was, 'Do Dr. Yang and General Edi have a serious feud? Did he knock her out again?' Without hesitation, she activated the Medical Cabin and allowed Edi to place Yang Chuxia inside.
Watching the Medical Cabin lid close smoothly, Edi turned to Janice and asked, "How long before Dr. Yang regains consciousness?"
Janice glanced at the Medical Cabin's display and replied, "General, it should be about half an hour. She's simply exhausted."
Edi nodded, exchanged no further words with the nurse, and left the medical room. He instructed Sean, who was following him, "Once Dr. Yang wakes up, escort her to the Confinement Room. Also, have Janice check Dr. Yang's genetic sequence."
Sean, understanding Edi's concerns, nodded solemnly.
When Yang Chuxia opened her eyes, she saw Janice sitting anxiously beside the Medical Cabin. Upon noticing her awakening, Janice opened the cabin and helped her out, gently asking, "Dr. Yang, you're awake! How are you feeling?"
With a wry smile, Yang Chuxia responded, "I'm alright. This is my second time in the Medical Cabin in two days; I must be setting a record for the treatment department."
Janice managed a strained smile, fond of Yang Chuxia. Anticipating the difficult conversation ahead and unable to face it with ease, yet compelled to speak, she lowered her gaze and softly offered, "Would you like some water?"
Yang Chuxia chuckled, reassuring her, "Hey, don't worry, I'm completely fine now."
Janice passed her a cup of water and made a face toward the door.
Yang Chuxia took a sip and asked, "What's going on?" She walked over and opened the door of the Medical Cabin, only to find two fully armed soldiers standing guard. She was taken aback.
Upon seeing Yang Chuxia open the door, one of the soldiers said without emotion, "Sergeant Yang Chuxia, General Edi has ordered you to report to the Confinement Room. He will meet with you later."
All this for four malfunctioning Weight Increasing Machines? She was forced to run until she collapsed, and then they reported her to General Edi, resulting in confinement?
Yang Chuxia was at a loss for words. After drinking the water and taking a moment to collect herself, she followed the two soldiers to the Confinement Room. As she entered, the soldiers pressed the button to close the door, and the metal door slid shut with a heavy thud.
Surveying her surroundings, Yang Chuxia noted that the tiny Confinement Room was barely five square meters. Apart from its diminutive size and lack of windows, it was furnished much like the dormitory.
Yet, it severed all contact with the outside world, not even a sliver of sound could penetrate its walls. Above, a surveillance device known as the Heavenly Eye watched unabashedly.
For many, the Confinement Room might be a terrifying prospect, but for Yang Chuxia, it was akin to a period of rest.
As a child, her parents would have her stay in a specially made small room for internal training. The smaller the room, the better for cultivating her inner strength, as it helped concentrate Qi. It also allowed her to quickly focus her spirit and energy.