The Endgame Chronicles (by Hugh White) novel Chapter 509

Chapter 509

When Nathaniel first saw the inhibitor, he had been genuinely tempted. Even at that price, he was willing to buy it.

Because it was never just about the cost. Falling behind was the real danger.

All three bases had started on the same line. The moment Ark Two claimed they had developed an inhibitor, they were already pulling ahead.

If Ark Three bought it and took it back to study, and if they actually made a breakthrough, that gap would turn into something no amount of supplies could ever close.

That was why Nathaniel followed Ark Three’s bid almost immediately.

Of course, everyone there knew the truth.

Buying something like that was a gamble. No one could be sure the inhibitor really worked, or whether it was worth the price.

They were betting massive resources on the hope that their own research teams could crack it and keep pace. If they won that gamble, the payoff would be enormous.

But now, Nathaniel was about 60% sure Ark Three had just lost big. They had lost catastrophically.

Thankfully, Hayley had walked away mid–bidding. That hesitation had pulled him back.

Otherwise, the one taking the hit right now would be Ark One.

As he moved forward, Hayley’s voice floated up behind him.

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Aren’t you going to help Ark Three demand an explanation?” she said.

Her timing was perfect.

Ark Three immediately jumped on it.

“Yes, stay and watch! We paid that much. If Ark Two thinks they can play us, they’d better be ready for consequences. Now that Ark One is here, bring the body out right now!”

Nathaniel’s interest sparked. Staying to watch wasn’t a bad idea at all.

He turned his attention to Ruth. All eyes shifted to her at once.

The pressure hit like a wall.

Ruth looked visibly strained. She tried to contact the inner zone manager again, but Ark Three cut her off immediately.

“Take us there right now! Otherwise, we’ll consider this fraud, and Ark Three will declare war.”

Hayley, who had been stirring things nonstop, was practically glowing with satisfaction.

She added casually, “We’re all witnesses here. If you don’t give an explanation today, Ark Three has every reason to hit you.”

That was the final push.

Ruth’s composure cracked.

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“Fine,” she said through clenched teeth. “Come with me.”

She led them toward the research facility.

The lab was underground.

Ruth swiped her access card and took them down a stairwell, where a stark white corridor opened up in front of them.

“Our research area is normally off limits,” she said stiffly as she unlocked the second door.

At the third door, she stopped.

“This one can only be opened by the inner zone manager. I need to contact him first.”

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