Departure

For unknown reasons, Shirley and SCP-682 were picked up from Site-14. Zhang Jue didn't know where they had gone. Despite his high authority and he could have check through the internal database, he didn't do that.

The Foundation is a very strict organization and will not do something that does not make sense. There must be a reason for the O5 Council to make that decision, just like they trust him. Hearing that Shirley wanted to see him, Zhang Jue's expression eased slightly.

He picked up his cup and took a sip of water, "Tell me, what's the situation?"

Seeing that there was hope, Hael immediately said, "Advisor Zhang. Ever since SCP-053 was brought to Site-17 a few months ago, her behavior has become unusual."

"Unusual?" Zhang Jue's brows furrowed.

"Right." Hael said, "According to the observation records provided by Site-14. SCP-053 has been very cooperative as long as she was given toys and food on a regular basis. But recently, she has become irritable, constantly asking to interact with other people and saying that she wants to see you. As usual, people began to have homicidal thoughts after being around her for a long time, and we can't help it. "

Zhang Jue's face was getting grim, while Hael's voice was getting dimmer. In the distance, both Hael and Huang Xingwen could only look at Zhang Jue with bemused eyes, waiting for him to make a decision. Zhang Jue sat on the sofa, with his grim face considering the situation.

Shirley was the first SCP he came into contact with after coming to this world; he gave even the name. He had different emotions for Shirley. Not to mention that she was the reason he is still alive. Shirley's self-healing ability had helped him a lot.

Shirley behaved out of the usual, and he could not ignore it. But deep within himself, he sensed something ominous. If he agreed to Hael's offer and went to Site-17 together, something would definitely happen.

That is a good hunter's intuition of danger, just like when he faced the Nobody.

Zhang Jue cupped his chin, his fingers twitching at a very fast rate as if he was weighing them up. Hael was a bit nervous. However, he wouldn't be punished much if Zhang Jue didn't accept his offer but failed to complete the mission. The Deputy Site-17 Director, Harvey, would definitely give him a penalty.

Fortunately, Zhang Jue didn't have much time to think about it because he didn't have any other options. He sighed and asked, "When are we leaving?"

Seeing Zhang Jue's response, Hael was relieved and said, "The situation of SCP-053 is not too stable. So, If it's possible, we can depart in just a moment."

Zhang Jue nodded, "At the moment, I still have a few experiments on hand that needs to be wrapped up. I'll make the arrangements, and we'll leave in three days."

-----

On the roof of Site-14, Zhang Jue was holding the railing and gazing into the distance. The sound of footsteps came from behind him, and without guessing, he knew who it was.

"Dr. Yang, you're still up even this late? Could it be that you're looking for me to perform some stimulating and loving activities?" The trash talk didn't even need to go through the head. It just came out of his mouth.

Yang Xue had already been immune to these verbal phrases and gave him a blank look. "I heard that you are going to Site-17?"

"Yeah." Zhang Jue nodded, "Shirley misses me… but also I don't want to leave."

Hearing his voice seemed a bit helpless, Yang Xue said, "So you're not leaving?"

"I wanted to see Shirley." Zhang Jue said, "But I always have a very bad feeling. If it were you, knowing that there is a trap in front of you, would you go?"

This was nonsense to ask. Yang Xue hesitated, "Then don't go there?"

"Not going is even worse." Zhang Jue sighed, "With Shirley's current state. If she can't see me, it's estimated that something more malicious will happen." The atmosphere became serious.

Yang Xue suddenly thought of something, covered his lips, and laughed: "You can go without fear. I will burn the paper for you."

Zhang Jue froze and then sighed, "It's not easy to learn from past mistakes. The world is getting worse, and people's minds are still the same."

-----

Three days later, Peking Airport.

Zhang Jue carried his suitcase and waited for the security check. Hael followed along, seemingly afraid that he would run off halfway. He chuckled about that possibility until they went through security, and only then could Hael relax.

Site-17 is located at the foot of the Alps in southeastern France, and there is no direct flight from Jiangzhou to France, so they had to catch a flight from Peking to Jingzhou and then fly from Jingzhou to France.

"Hey, handsome, can you help me carry my suitcase?" A flirtatious voice came from behind them, and Zhang Jue couldn't help but winced at the voice at least four times.

"Handsome man, don't pretend you can't hear me. The suitcase here is heavy, you know." A slender finger with a black lace glove rested on his shoulder, "Will you help me? I can't seem to lift it."

Hael turned around and wanted to help, but he coughed violently when he saw the lady's face. A woman with black heels, black stockings, and a black trench coat was looking at Zhang Jue with a smile on her face.

Her appearance could be described, and only two words were perfect to portray her. Charming and captivating. The moment he saw her, Hael didn't even dare to move. Afraid that his carelessness would ruin her appearance.

Zhang Jue mechanically twisted his head, and after seeing the woman's attire, he let out a chortle, "Holy shit, this woman is black from top to bottom."

The woman in the black dress shook her finger, "Handsome, that's not polite."

Zhang Jue had thought this was just a small incident. But after boarding the plane, the woman followed him all the way. Hael had bought two window seats in front and Zhang Jue in the back. The woman happened to be sitting right next to Zhang Jue.

Zhang Jue didn't think he could attract such a gorgeous woman. Some abilities were, of course, invisible. He thought this might be one of his abilities to attract such a figure.

But the woman just gave him a flirtatious smile, leaned back on her chair, and closed her eyes.

Was he being too sensitive? Zhang Jue rolled his eyes. It might be that he was too handsome, too handsome to believe it himself.

-----

The plane took off.

It took more than ten hours to fly from Jingzhou to where Site-17 was located, and with the time difference. They chose to leave at night so that they could arrive at their destination at approximately afternoon local time.

Zhang Jue put on an eye mask and prepared for a good night's sleep while praying that nothing would happen on the plane. On this journey, he had many dreams. Dreaming that Site-14 was nuked after he left and again dreaming that Shirley was crying for him.

In short, sleep was not too restful for him.

By the time he woke up, the plane was still moving smoothly, and it was already dawn, probably around seven o'clock local time. Most of the passengers around him were still awake, asleep in their seats. Hael was drooling his shirt, and the woman in black was flipping through a magazine.

Zhang Jue breathed a light sigh of relief. Everything seemed to be normal. According to the itinerary, they were now in Europe, and below the plane should be the Alps.

In Zhang Jue's world, the Alps is a famous scenic spot. He hadn't been off the plane yet, so he couldn't help but take a couple more looks. He was admiring the beauty of the Alps when suddenly, someone shouted.

"Look, what is that?"

Zhang Jue's heart thumped, and he hurriedly looked in the direction that the person pointed, only to see that a huge black shadow was gradually flying towards them from the side and back of the plane.

They were on a Boeing 1027, over a hundred meters long. It was like the difference between a chicken and an eagle compared to the black shadow. The black shadow gradually approached from behind, covering the sky.

Hael had woken up. He and Zhang Jue looked at each other and nodded. Hael called the stewardess, opened the suitcase, and took out a small telescope. Zhang Jue took the binoculars to the window and finally saw the face of the massive black shadow.

"Holy shit, it's a fucking dragon."