Fentanyl E001: The Mysterious Experiment(Book 1)
Chapter 9: Unravelling Ottawa University Part II

"Dad, what in the world happened to those students?" A familiar voice startled me. I couldn't open my eyes, and the only thing that seemed to work was my hearing. Something inside me told me to pretend to be asleep, and I was curious about what they were talking about. I had no idea what was going on. Had I fallen asleep?

"They were found in a lab. Not just any ordinary lab. Fentanyl was detected in that laboratory. They have no idea how dangerous it is. The fentanyl has turned into a liquid form, and even a single touch could turn you into a beast," that was Shawn's father speaking. Upon hearing that, I inwardly sighed. Whoa. I can't believe Fentanyl would be that dangerous. But there was still a nagging question in my mind. Were they the masterminds behind the heinous organization? I had to put an end to it. It was driving me crazy. I wanted to speak up, but I didn't know what to say first.

"Who was responsible for their deaths?" I echoed Shawn's question, wanting to know the same thing.

"There's a laser in the room, you know. They were killed by the laser," his father revealed. Now what should I do? Should I be suspicious? Should I distance myself from them and be afraid? I knew they had ties to the Peur Organization, but I never suspected they were the masterminds. Shawn and Nathalie were both lying, but I needed to get closer to them to gather the information I needed. I knew I had many adversaries, but I was ready to take the risk.

"Son, take care of her carefully. Especially Nathalie. She's the one who's being hunted," the headmaster explained. My brow furrowed in bewilderment. I had so many questions, but it seemed that getting closer to Shawn and Nathalie was the key to replaceing the truth.

"Dad, what do you mean?" Shawn responded with a question.

"I observed a man dressed in black the other day. I'm not sure how he got into this university, but his goal is to kill Nathalie. He believes we aren't being honest with him," Shawn's father expressed his thoughts. What exactly does he mean? Is there another adversary?

"I must depart. I have to clean up the mess," the headmaster stated as he prepared to leave. I didn't know his name because I hadn't been introduced to him. I heard him go, and the door opened, signaling that I'm alone with Shawn at the moment.

"I'm aware that you're awake. Right now, open your eyes. Stop overthinking; it's pointless and ineffective," Shawn said, pulling me out of my thoughts. I followed his command and gently opened my eyes, replaceing him seated next to me, his gaze fixed on me. Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, but he kept staring at me. We were in the clinic, and I had no idea why I had passed out or what he meant by monsters chasing me down.

"You passed out after screaming. You're afraid of death because if you don't fight, the monsters would chase you down," he explained. His words confused me even more. Was he talking about me? Am I afraid of death? I feel sorry for those who have died, but is that fear?

"What exactly do you mean?" I asked, trying to make sense of it all.

"You'll replace out soon enough. You're free to ask me anything that concerns you," he reassured me. I rolled my eyes, still feeling uneasy, but I couldn't help asking to ease my suspicions. I even glanced at him from head to toe to assess his condition, but my vision was still a bit hazy, so I dismissed it, assuming it was due to the recent events. Taking a deep breath, I regained my composure and asked him directly.

"What exactly is going on in the lab? What's the matter with the Fentanyl? Isn't Fentanyl also a member of the Peur Organization?" I asked, keeping my gaze fixed on him. He nodded in response.

"Yes, it is a part of the organization, but Dad was investigating the students' safety. We conducted a Fentanyl experiment and are trying to replace out the results, as well as how the experiment went wrong and turned a person into a monster," he explained, taking a deep breath before continuing. "During the conflict two years ago, someone succeeded in the experiment, but someone else went missing, and the Peur Organization is searching for that individual. Fentanyl has taught us something new."

"What?" I asked, trying to maintain a calm tone.

"Isn't it true that if an experiment fails, a certain person will turn into a beast?" I added.

"They won't turn into literal monsters, visible to others as inhuman creatures, but their minds will be plagued with violent and destructive thoughts, which may lead them to kill and become powerful. This is a side effect of fentanyl. But there's one more thing..." He sighed, trying to calm himself down. I could sense his worry through his pulse, and I stayed silent, waiting for him to share whatever was troubling him.

"They can only be affected by the fentanyl's monstrous effects until they turn 18 years old. That's why they were fighting against the fentanyl poisoning coursing through their veins."

His revelation astonished me too. So, if you have this damned fentanyl, there's a specific time when you'll turn into a monster?

"How about the individual who was in the successful experiment?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me. As his gaze wandered through my eyes, I felt uneasy and looked away.

"There are both positive and negative outcomes. On the downside, their fears drive them to escape and hide. As for what they decided about the individual who succeeded, I'm not entirely sure. However, they can't hide it forever. If they successfully combat the fentanyl coursing through their body, they will become a fighter, a risk-taker," he explained, urging me to stay calm. I never expected to hear such a horrifying revelation, but it seems to be the truth.

"What's the positive side?" I asked, hoping to shift the focus of the conversation. The information is overwhelming, and I'm struggling to process it all. I'm curious to know the truth, but this revelation is hindering my ability to make sense of everything.

"Positive. You will have a longer life expectancy, but-"

"But, what?"

"You can live for as long as you want, or for as many decades as you want, but all of your memories will fade over time. They will be replaced by new ones, but those, too, will eventually disappear," he uttered something that sent a shiver down my spine. I couldn't understand why I was reacting this way. I felt terrified for no apparent reason. It's as if something inside me is slowly awakening, hinting at a connection to Fentanyl. Could it be possible that I am the one who created it? Am I the missing link in this mystery?

With a shake of my head, I tried to dismiss these thoughts. It can't be true! This is all madness. Nisha, pull yourself together. This is not something to joke about. I felt a surge of anxiety coursing through me.

"Fentanyl has many significant effects, but I want you to be the one to discover them. That's all I can tell you for now. But remember, this is just the beginning. You have much more to learn," he said abruptly and stood up. I kept my gaze fixed on him as he checked his watch. "Nathalie will be here in a few minutes. I still have several missions to complete, so I'll have to leave you for a while. I'll come back later," he said in a solemn tone. I simply nodded in response as he walked away.

As Shawn left, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by all the information he had shared. The revelation about Fentanyl and its effects left me with more questions than answers. What role do I play in all of this? Am I connected to the experiment in some way? The uncertainty and fear gnawed at me, but I knew I had to stay strong and face whatever comes my way.

While I was alone, I couldn't help but sigh. The weight of the situation was bearing down on me, and I felt overwhelmed by the mysteries surrounding Fentanyl and its effects. I had a feeling that my father knew more than he was letting on, and it frustrated me not to have all the answers.

First and foremost, the atmosphere in this place felt dangerous. Shawn's revelation about my fear of death and dead bodies was unsettling, and I wondered if it had something to do with my reluctance to accept anyone making a self-sacrifice. There had to be other ways to achieve our goals without resorting to such extreme measures, but I couldn't figure out what they were.

My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a crack, and I looked towards the entrance to see Nathalie smiling. The headmaster's warning about her being the next victim echoed in my mind, and I couldn't help but feel concerned for her safety. I wanted to replace out more about the dangers she was facing and why she was being targeted.

As Nathalie approached, I decided to confront her about it. I needed to know the truth and understand the risks involved in our pursuit of the truth behind Fentanyl. It was time to face the reality of the situation and prepare ourselves for whatever challenges lay ahead.

"What is the headmaster's name?" I asked, trying to divert the conversation away from my inner thoughts. I didn't want Nathalie to know what was bothering me.

"Moore, Shione Caelus. What made you inquire about him?" she replied, and I felt a sudden wave of confusion. Their last names are so different. Why is that?

"How come Shawn's last name is different?" I countered, and I watched as she settled into Shawn's chair, reclining back before taking a deep breath.

"He didn't want to be a Moore. But he couldn't avoid it. You know about his sister, right?" I nodded in response. "Her name is Scarlet Clydelle Dwyne. They decided to use their mother's surname," she explained, and it finally made sense.

The reason for the different last names was clear now. It was a personal choice made by Shawn and his sister, likely as a way to distance themselves from their father's surname. I appreciated Nathalie's willingness to share these details with me, and it gave me a glimpse into Shawn's family background.

"Can you tell me where his mother is?" I asked, my face displaying a mix of surprise and curiosity. I wanted to learn more about Shawn, and his family seemed like a good place to start. I felt bad for jumping to conclusions and blaming them without knowing their perspectives. They've always been there for me, trying to keep me safe. Despite not fully understanding Shawn's motives, I decided to trust him and follow his lead.

"Are you sure you want to know?" Nathalie questioned, observing my expression. Despite my surprise, I simply nodded, indicating that I was indeed curious to hear more about Shawn's family.

"Scarlette Clydelle was a brilliant scientist back then with a clear goal in mind. But when she saw a girl lying unconscious in a hospital bed, she suddenly recognized her. This is their mother's picture. Their mother is a witness in the Opioid Trial and has been unable to defend herself. Two years ago, she was found in the Peur Organization's private room, shaking and knocked out. They didn't allow her to murder someone. Scarlet is attempting to save her mother. However, they were unable to heal her, and their mother was sent to a mental facility today. Aunt Asuncion has only a few days left. If we don't prepare for it, we won't be able to do much. And even if it hurts, Shawn accepts it," she said, and I was stunned.

I'm not sure, but there's one thing I can say for certain-Shawn does not deserve what has occurred to him. I promise to assist him in rectifying the situation. I, too, clenched my fist and shut my eyes. I can feel my rage rising, but I need to calm myself. That's the last thing I'll hear before I'm swallowed by the darkness.