Chapter 1631

Austin's eyes finally flickered, showing a sign of response. However, his gaze merely shifted to Mike, then returned to the ceiling. His distrust was evident.

Anticipating this, Mike smiled and sat by the bed. "You don't trust me, do you?"

Austin didn't bother to look at him.

Mike said, with a hint of self-directed emotion, "You're right not to. Who can we trust in this world? You can choose not to believe me, to think I'm lying again. But I won't repeat this. Believe it or not, it's your choice."

Without waiting for a reply, he continued, "Tomorrow, you'll be transferred. We're moving the experiment—to a bigger, safer location. For you, tomorrow is your best chance to escape."

Austin reminded himself that Mike was a liar, that he shouldn't trust him after his last deception. Yet, the word "escape" held his attention. He slowly turned his gaze to Mike. Mike appeared to be speaking to him, but a closer look suggested otherwise.

"Tomorrow, someone will bring you to a car, taking you to a new research center. The personnel here will leave at different times to avoid suspicion. If you can gauge the timing, try to break free and take control of the car twenty minutes after you leave. Getting attention, creating a commotion—that might save you. However..." Mike paused, then continued slowly, "If you miss that window, you'll not only fail to escape, but face severe consequences. Do you understand?"

Austin thought, Of course I do! This hellhole—the gunshot wound, the hunger, the endless confinement—that's nothing compared to this virus, tormenting me day and night. Failing to escape? It's already worse than death; I have nothing to fear.

His lips moved, his voice, unused and raw from pain and the drug's effects, a husky rasp. "You guys used a special knot. How do I break free from these ropes?" He asked the crucial question.

Mike's suggestion seemed simple, but execution was another matter. Confined for days, Austin had tried to escape, but the knots were unbreakable. The drug's agonizing effects left him drained, unable even to kill himself by slamming against the wall. If they move me, they won't just tie me up and drug me. They'll be more vigilant, making escape harder. He makes it sound so easy.

"Don't worry about that. You'll know when they tie you up. They'll give you a drug before you leave, but take this first…" Mike slowly extended his hand, a small pill resting in his palm.

Austin hesitated, his eyes brimming with mistrust. Mike pushed the pill into Austin's hand, closing his fingers around it.

"I haven't time to earn your trust, and it's not necessary. Remember everything I said. Do it or don't—it's your choice."

He stood, turning to leave.

"Why?" Austin asked suddenly, "Why help me?"