Caroline and her group stood a short distance away, watching as the chaos settled. She could also see that, all around the institute, there were researchers in lab coats hiding. Most of these researchers looked extremely thin and pale with fear. Even after the fighting stopped, they didn't dare come out. Unlike Nelson, though, none of these people wore shackles on their legs. Just then, Nelson spotted Caroline and her group. He watched them warily for a long time before finally speaking. "Are you with Harry?" His voice was extremely hoarse, as if he hadn't had water in a long time, or maybe his throat was injured. Francis stepped forward, showing off his uniform. "Harry is dead. We're with the army. From now on, this place belongs to us. You can choose to work for the army—we'll treat you well. Or you can leave. We won't make things hard for you." The moment Francis finished, the researchers hiding in the shadows started whispering among themselves. Some even burst into tears of joy. It was clear that Harry had been oppressing these researchers for a long time. A few researchers came out to ask Francis if all of this was true. Francis waved his hand, and a young soldier immediately stepped over to explain things in detail. But Nelson still didn't speak. He didn't even step out from behind the mutant tree. He just kept staring at them, deep in thought. Caroline immediately understood that Nelson didn't trust the army. She remembered what people in her previous life used to say about Nelson. He was powerful and suspicious. He had a mind that worked differently from others, and he was completely obsessed with research. Most importantly, he was ruthless. Besides being called "the strongest ability user," he had another nickname—mad scientist.Even though he was known as "the most powerful healer," he had almost no interest in saving people. Whenever he did save someone, it was either because he was forced to or because he found it entertaining. The only things he cared about were research, studying mutant creatures and plants, and experimenting with new drugs. Caroline immediately understood why Nelson hated the army. He probably disliked how rigid and serious the army was. And since Harry was from the Lowlands and had ties to the army, that made it worse. So she stepped forward, looked at Nelson, and said, "Hello. I'm Caroline. I was the one who killed Harry." As soon as she spoke, Nelson's gaze snapped to her. Caroline saw the corners of Nelson's mouth twitch. A look of pure satisfaction flashed across his face. "Well done," Nelson spoke through gritted teeth. Caroline shot Francis a look, telling him she'd handle Nelson. Francis noticed Nelson's hostility toward the army and went off with the soldiers to handle other matters, leaving Caroline in charge here. Caroline slowly walked a few steps closer, with Raven right by her side. The mutant tree immediately spread its branches, taking on a defensive posture. "I mean no harm. I might be here with the army, but I'm not one of them. I killed Harry, and I only found this place because of my deal with the army." Caroline kept it simple. "If you don't trust the army, I can get you out of here." She walked a short distance, then stopped. She didn't want to provoke Nelson by getting too close. Nelson heard what she said and let out a cold laugh. "So ... Ms. Sinclair. You killed Harry, and I guess I should thank you. Harry was my enemy. Maybe you don't see it that way, but I owe you a huge favor. If I ever get the chance, I'll pay you back double. "But there's one problem. I can't leave this place." As Nelson spoke, he lifted his foot.Caroline looked carefully and noticed his shackles were flashing red, like they were sending out a signal. "I searched everywhere just now and couldn't find the key to unlock these electronic shackles. If I step out of here, the bomb inside will go off instantly." Hearing this, Caroline's eyes went wide. Harry really was ruthless. But the key ... Suddenly, she remembered she'd found two keys in Harry's suitcase. She quickly reached into her pocket, pretending to rummage, but really pulling a key from her storage space. "Mr. Valdez, I found this in Harry's suitcase. Try it and see if it unlocks your shackle." Nelson's eyes instantly lit up. He caught the key that Caroline tossed over, but after fiddling with it for a while, his face turned darker and darker. "It doesn't work ... "