In the near future, gene-editing technology has matured but is strictly regulated. The military obtains samples of extraterrestrial organisms on the black market.
The story takes place mainly at the underground Black Mountain military base and in Songlin City above it, an ordinary-looking second-tier city.
The military's secret Project Ark has been underway for thirty years, with the goal of creating biological weapons. An experimental accident three years ago allowed an extraterrestrial organism codenamed "Queen Bee" to escape. It established a nest underground and began mutating local species.
Synopsis
- An Unexpected Discovery: Biologist Ning Hao discovers an abnormal insect specimen whose genes contain encrypted military markings. He is captured by agents and taken to the secret base.
- The Truth Revealed: At the base, Ning Hao meets the project director, General Lu Yuanshan, and chief scientist Liang Meng. He learns that the military has been using extraterrestrial DNA to create hybrid biological weapons.
- Disaster Strikes: The test subjects erupt in a massive revolt, and the base falls. Ning Hao and Liang Meng discover that the Queen Bee has evolved the ability to control the human nervous system.
- A Difficult Choice: Faced with the military's order to destroy the base with a nuclear strike, Ning Hao proposes an alternative: use his genes to establish a connection with the Queen Bee.
- The Ultimate Sacrifice: Ning Hao volunteers to undergo genetic modification and become the medium. At the last moment, Liang Meng chooses to stay behind and record the truth, and the base is permanently sealed.
This story focuses on Ning Hao's gradual discovery of the truth behind Project Ark after he is taken to the military's secret base, and his struggle to face the test subjects' revolt. It explores the conflict between scientific ethics and military ambition.
