Several other people came over, and Dr. Sang flipped through the papers. Finding that the handwriting was still readable, he continued to translate:
The 90th record.
Extracted parts: blood, tissue stem cells, spinal cord cells.
Transplanted experimental subjects: No. 14, No. 49, and No. 183.
Experimental results: No. 14’s transplantation failed, the subject went berserk, and the experiment failed. No. 49’s operation was successful, and he is currently in good condition without rejection. The body is strengthened, accompanied by albinism, the subject is under continuous observation, waiting for further experiments.
No. 183, the tissue transplantation was successful, but rejection occurred three days later, and blood necrosis occurred in the subject. After three days, hematopoietic stem cells in large areas were damaged, and test subject 183 lost blood and died.
Dr. Sang’s deep voice resembled that of a professional broadcaster as he read all the above content aloud.
Closing the record book, the man slowly placed it on the damaged computer console and said, “I understand now. What was stored here before was the key that made scientists believe that human beings can complete the evolution of species. They call it ‘Mother embryo’.”
“According to the records above, those experimenters extracted tissues from the mother embryo and integrated them into human experimental bodies for experiments.”
The bearded man looked at the broken glass wall and spoke in a heavy voice, “The glass wall is broken. Did the mother embryo escape?”
Dr. Sang responded, “Maybe it did. It appears that it was not part of the experimental plan. Either the mother embryo was destroyed from the inside and it escaped, or someone destroyed it from the outside.”
The bearded man looked at the large glass vessel with curiosity and asked, “What was put in it back then that made those top IQ researchers believe that human beings can evolve? The laboratory is damaged, so did the experiment fail?”
Bai Lixin and Dr. Sang exchanged glances, and Bai Lixin said something eerie in a calm tone, “Don’t you think that the current ability users are similar to the human beings strengthened by this experiment?”
The ability users suddenly looked at Bai Lixin, their eyes widening in shock as they stared at the huge glass vessel.
The bald man frowned and questioned, “Is it just a coincidence?”
“The end came suddenly. It is natural for human beings to seek higher power to resist those infected zombies. Although studying this is inhumane, sacrifice is inevitable for the entire human civilization. What is missing is the artificially transformed human beings. To put it bluntly, they are creating new species. Judging by the appearance of this laboratory, they should have failed. Of course, this can also be explained. Mere mortals want to replace gods and become creators. This will, of course, be condemned by God.”
“But people with abilities are different, right? We have been judged as people with supernatural powers since birth. This is the result of the natural differentiation of human beings, and it is God who gave us the gift of being able to resist zombies.”
“How can the two be the same? Don’t think that just because they are also strengthened, you can talk nonsense.”
Bai Lixin wasn’t in a hurry to refute but pointed to a string of numbers on the cover of the record sheet.
“April S3010.”
“If I remember correctly, the nuclear power plant outbreak was in February S3011, and the virus first appeared in December S3011. The zombie virus did not spread on a large scale until February S3012.”
“If this experiment was for them to defend against zombies, how could they have predicted the outbreak of the nuclear power plant and even the emergence of the zombie virus before the zombies appeared? The timeline is very problematic. Don’t you find it strange?”
“They are scientific researchers, not theologians.”
Everyone looked at the year on the cover and fell into deep thought for a moment.
“Did country R deliberately conceal the time when the zombies appeared to the world?” the long-haired ability user pondered. “Is it possible that the zombies appeared before the nuclear power plant exploded?”
Naia glanced at the glass container and said, “If we’re speculating, it’s better to guess that this experiment led to the appearance of zombies. Maybe the experiment went out of control, causing the subjects to escape, including the mother embryo, resulting in an irreversible tragedy. If we consider the timeline, my logic seems more sound, right?”
After Naia finished speaking, everyone turned their gaze towards him.
He hesitated for a moment, nervously wrinkled his nose, and said, “Why are you all looking at me like that? I’m just making a bold guess.”
The bearded man took a deep breath and responded in a deep voice, “I have to admit that your speculation is quite reasonable, and I couldn’t find any flaws in it immediately.”
The Third Brother chimed in, “Forget it, it’s too late for discussions. Let’s act quickly. This place is eerie, so let’s leave.”
The long haired ability user smiled and said, “What kind of wind is blowing today that makes you feel scared, third brother? I’ve seen you bravely infiltrate zombie strongholds alone before.”
The third brother waved his hands, his face tense, “That’s different. I can’t explain the feeling. I’m just a bit nervous, that’s all.”
The bearded man grabbed the record book and stuffed it into his backpack, stating firmly, “Alright, we’ll study the origin of these creatures once we return to the ark. The third brother is right, let’s stop complaining and act quickly.”
The captain spoke, and the group of people stopped arguing and instantly switched to preparation mode, a testament to their well-honed training.
Although they initially entered under Dr. Sang’s orders, they sensed something amiss upon entering. Even without Dr. Sang present, they planned to investigate further before leaving.
The group exited the room and continued down the flickering corridor. The glassware was no longer in sight; instead, hospital rooms and operating tables replaced them. One of the operating rooms perfectly matched the image in Bai Lixin’s mind.
Some beds still held dried corpses or skeletal remains. The group pushed the door of a ward open and carefully examined the remaining remains.
On one of the hospital beds lay a withered corpse, its skin aged and lifeless. The tough skin tightly clung to the bones, and it was firmly affixed to the bed.
Yes, it was fixed.
Leather belts and chains, now weathered and deteriorated, secured the body. Scratches adorned the bed, and debris from the wooden frame was scattered near the dried and shriveled nails.
The dried corpse’s weathered eyes were wide open, conveying a deeply pained expression.
Naia gasped and his muffled voice came through the gas mask, “Was this person left here to starve to death?”
The bearded man drew his knife from his waist, effortlessly cutting the belt, and turned the dried corpse over with a bit of force. Four bones protruded from the back, near the shoulder blades, resembling small bat-like wings.
The bearded man: “Judging from his expression and posture, he was likely alive when he was imprisoned here.”
“The abandoned laboratory was filled with experimental subjects left behind, but none of the research personnel were present. It seemed that there had been an emergency situation that year, causing the scientists to evacuate hastily without attending to the experimental subjects.” The bearded man sighed as he looked at the corpse on the hospital bed, whose face had contorted in pain.
He picked up a piece of cloth from the side of the bed and covered the corpse’s face completely. After completing this, he addressed the group, saying, “Let’s continue moving forward.”
Just as the door was about to close, Bai Lixin’s steps halted, and he turned his head anxiously. In the dim and dilapidated room, there was nothing but a corpse covered in a white cloth.
“What’s wrong?” Naia asked upon seeing Bai Lixin’s reaction. “Are you afraid?”
Bai Lixin looked back suspiciously and shook his head. “No, I felt as though someone was watching us just now.”
Naia quickly reassured him, saying, “It’s probably just an illusion. I sometimes experience the same in dark and unfamiliar environments. Don’t worry, Bai Lixin, I’ll make sure to protect you.”
Naia nervously extended a hand and said, “If you’re really scared, hold my hand. It’ll make you feel better.”
Bai Lixin hesitated, about to refuse, but someone forcefully wedged their arm between him and Naia, pulling his wrist forward.
The man took long strides with an expressionless face, dragging Bai Lixin along, his somewhat jealous and sour expression hidden beneath the gas mask.
The man turned his head to look at Naia and coldly said, “You need to use your powers to protect us. Let me guide him. It’s time for the task, don’t forget your primary responsibility, Mr. Warrior.”
Naia stood there in astonishment, scratching his head in embarrassment upon hearing the man’s words, then quickly followed.
He trotted all the way and caught up with Bai Lixin within a few seconds. He explained to Bai Lixin guiltily, “I don’t mean to take advantage of you, but I was genuinely concerned when I saw you earlier. Bai Lixin, you don’t think I’m the type of person who forgets their mission when encountering an attractive person and takes advantage of them, right?”
Dr.Sang, a lecherous character who uses his status for personal gain: “…”
No, why don’t you just report my ID number?
Bai Lixin smiled awkwardly. Should he nod or should he nod?
———————-
In the live broadcast room.
[Boss Dengtuzi: Hey, who are you scolding?]
[The boss fell silent for a while.]
[The wrist I’m holding is no longer fragrant.]
[The fragrance is probably still there, but it’s a bit embarrassing.]
[I warn you, little friend Naia, that was too accurate a strike.]
———————
As the group continued moving forward, Bai Lixin felt the sensation of being watched once again.
Simultaneously, a white line crossed his mind, and a voice abruptly entered his thoughts.
–Come over.
–Come to me.
–It’s so painful, help me.
–Hurry up and help me.
Bai Lixin was momentarily stunned and asked Dr. Sang beside him, “Did you hear a sound?”
Dr. Sang, still aggrieved, shook his head and replied in embarrassment, “No.”
You’re asking if I’m feeling ashamed? Not at all.
Just as Dr. Sang finished speaking, Bai Lixin heard the voice again.
This time, it was no longer a vague presence in his mind, but much clearer.
— “You can hear my voice, right?”
— “Come here, come here quickly.”
— “Please, give me release.”
Bai Lixin cautiously attempted to communicate with this strange brainwave: [Who are you?]
Upon receiving a response, the voice grew increasingly excited.
—“Who am I? I was… I was… I forgot.”
A bold idea flashed through Bai Lixin’s mind, and he asked: [Are you a player?]
At the question, the voice became completely thrilled.
— “Player? Haha, player? You’re asking me that? You’re a player too, right?!”
— “My God, I can’t believe I actually get to meet another one in my lifetime.”
— “Very good.”
Bai Lixin double-checked: [Say a few words that only players know. I want to confirm your identity.]
—“Prop cards, game lobby, copies, systems, escape games, mall points, performance points… What else do you want to know?”
Bai Lixin’s eyes sparkled: [That’s enough. Where are you?]
—“Go straight ahead, turn left at the end, and the third ward is where I am. Come here quickly, and kill me.”
Bai Lixin’s footsteps paused for a moment; he was afraid he had misheard: [What? Kill you?]
— “Yes, kill me. You’ll understand why when you see me now.”
— “I’m running out of strength. Hurry, come here.”
As the voice faded, the volume gradually approached zero, devoid of strength.
The last two words, “come here,” vanished into thin air instantly.
Bai Lixin glanced at Dr. Sang and, in the next second, turned around, surprising the others as he pulled Dr. Sang along, striding ahead of everyone toward the location indicated by the voice.
Dr. Sang looked down at the hand that was willingly grasped, and his bad mood disappeared immediately.
The other members of the team were unsure of what had happened, but they quickly followed when they saw the two of them. From a distance, they saw Bai Lixin halt in front of a locked room and then forcefully kick the door, resulting in a resounding “bang” as the door swung open.
Everyone: “…”
Naia: “…”
So fierce.
Dr. Sang: “…”
So adorable.
After kicking open the door, Bai Lixin and Dr. Sang stood outside, hesitant to enter.
The curious members of the group leaned forward and froze upon seeing the scene inside clearly.
The somewhat spacious room was covered in various yellow substances. The material of these things appeared to be similar to skin, with strips scattered and entwined together in dense clusters.
If one were to describe it accurately, it resembled a tangled banyan tree root.
Numerous objects grew within these sinews, emitting a joyful gleam in the cold darkness from time to time.
The bald-headed man focused his flashlight on those flickering areas. Upon seeing what was entangled among them, the crowd erupted in exclamations: “Damn, crystal cores!”
The sinews filling the room seemed to be made of an unknown material, crowding and piling up, even moving rhythmically.
– Ba dum
– Ba dum.
– Ba dum.
If one listened closely, they could still hear the beating sound of a heart.
The crystal cores formed on the branches were densely packed, but their quality wasn’t very high, with most being black and only a few were in blue, which was the best color there.
It was a little eerie and somewhat repulsive.
Seeing the strange scene, the long-haired man leaned against the wall and retched, asking with difficulty, “Crystal cores… why are they growing on a tree? Aren’t crystal cores something unique to zombies?”
The bearded man looked at Bai Lixin with a complex expression, “Why did you suddenly rush over? Do you know something?”
Bai Lixin continued to search the dense sinews, as if looking for something, while also searching for the location of the voice for help. He explained, “I am a mental ability user, so I may perceive spiritual energies better than ordinary people. I came here when I heard the cry for help, and he is in this room.”
Bearded man: “Cry for help? Are you saying there are still people alive here?”
Years of combat experience made the group remain vigilant and the bearded man glanced at Naia, who instantly understood and cautiously activated his ability.
The sinews, whose origin was unknown, instantly exploded into a spherical shape, releasing bright red blood and flesh pulp in all directions.
Several other people came over, and Dr. Sang flipped through the papers. Finding that the handwriting was still readable, he continued to translate:
The 90th record.
Extracted parts: blood, tissue stem cells, spinal cord cells.
Transplanted experimental subjects: No. 14, No. 49, and No. 183.
Experimental results: No. 14’s transplantation failed, the subject went berserk, and the experiment failed. No. 49’s operation was successful, and he is currently in good condition without rejection. The body is strengthened, accompanied by albinism, the subject is under continuous observation, waiting for further experiments.
No. 183, the tissue transplantation was successful, but rejection occurred three days later, and blood necrosis occurred in the subject. After three days, hematopoietic stem cells in large areas were damaged, and test subject 183 lost blood and died.
Dr. Sang’s deep voice resembled that of a professional broadcaster as he read all the above content aloud.
Closing the record book, the man slowly placed it on the damaged computer console and said, “I understand now. What was stored here before was the key that made scientists believe that human beings can complete the evolution of species. They call it ‘Mother embryo’.”
“According to the records above, those experimenters extracted tissues from the mother embryo and integrated them into human experimental bodies for experiments.”
The bearded man looked at the broken glass wall and spoke in a heavy voice, “The glass wall is broken. Did the mother embryo escape?”
Dr. Sang responded, “Maybe it did. It appears that it was not part of the experimental plan. Either the mother embryo was destroyed from the inside and it escaped, or someone destroyed it from the outside.”
The bearded man looked at the large glass vessel with curiosity and asked, “What was put in it back then that made those top IQ researchers believe that human beings can evolve? The laboratory is damaged, so did the experiment fail?”
Bai Lixin and Dr. Sang exchanged glances, and Bai Lixin said something eerie in a calm tone, “Don’t you think that the current ability users are similar to the human beings strengthened by this experiment?”
The ability users suddenly looked at Bai Lixin, their eyes widening in shock as they stared at the huge glass vessel.
The bald man frowned and questioned, “Is it just a coincidence?”
“The end came suddenly. It is natural for human beings to seek higher power to resist those infected zombies. Although studying this is inhumane, sacrifice is inevitable for the entire human civilization. What is missing is the artificially transformed human beings. To put it bluntly, they are creating new species. Judging by the appearance of this laboratory, they should have failed. Of course, this can also be explained. Mere mortals want to replace gods and become creators. This will, of course, be condemned by God.”
“But people with abilities are different, right? We have been judged as people with supernatural powers since birth. This is the result of the natural differentiation of human beings, and it is God who gave us the gift of being able to resist zombies.”
“How can the two be the same? Don’t think that just because they are also strengthened, you can talk nonsense.”
Bai Lixin wasn’t in a hurry to refute but pointed to a string of numbers on the cover of the record sheet.
“April S3010.”
“If I remember correctly, the nuclear power plant outbreak was in February S3011, and the virus first appeared in December S3011. The zombie virus did not spread on a large scale until February S3012.”
“If this experiment was for them to defend against zombies, how could they have predicted the outbreak of the nuclear power plant and even the emergence of the zombie virus before the zombies appeared? The timeline is very problematic. Don’t you find it strange?”
“They are scientific researchers, not theologians.”
Everyone looked at the year on the cover and fell into deep thought for a moment.
“Did country R deliberately conceal the time when the zombies appeared to the world?” the long-haired ability user pondered. “Is it possible that the zombies appeared before the nuclear power plant exploded?”
Naia glanced at the glass container and said, “If we’re speculating, it’s better to guess that this experiment led to the appearance of zombies. Maybe the experiment went out of control, causing the subjects to escape, including the mother embryo, resulting in an irreversible tragedy. If we consider the timeline, my logic seems more sound, right?”
After Naia finished speaking, everyone turned their gaze towards him.
He hesitated for a moment, nervously wrinkled his nose, and said, “Why are you all looking at me like that? I’m just making a bold guess.”
The bearded man took a deep breath and responded in a deep voice, “I have to admit that your speculation is quite reasonable, and I couldn’t find any flaws in it immediately.”
The Third Brother chimed in, “Forget it, it’s too late for discussions. Let’s act quickly. This place is eerie, so let’s leave.”
The long haired ability user smiled and said, “What kind of wind is blowing today that makes you feel scared, third brother? I’ve seen you bravely infiltrate zombie strongholds alone before.”
The third brother waved his hands, his face tense, “That’s different. I can’t explain the feeling. I’m just a bit nervous, that’s all.”
The bearded man grabbed the record book and stuffed it into his backpack, stating firmly, “Alright, we’ll study the origin of these creatures once we return to the ark. The third brother is right, let’s stop complaining and act quickly.”
The captain spoke, and the group of people stopped arguing and instantly switched to preparation mode, a testament to their well-honed training.
Although they initially entered under Dr. Sang’s orders, they sensed something amiss upon entering. Even without Dr. Sang present, they planned to investigate further before leaving.
The group exited the room and continued down the flickering corridor. The glassware was no longer in sight; instead, hospital rooms and operating tables replaced them. One of the operating rooms perfectly matched the image in Bai Lixin’s mind.
Some beds still held dried corpses or skeletal remains. The group pushed the door of a ward open and carefully examined the remaining remains.
On one of the hospital beds lay a withered corpse, its skin aged and lifeless. The tough skin tightly clung to the bones, and it was firmly affixed to the bed.
Yes, it was fixed.
Leather belts and chains, now weathered and deteriorated, secured the body. Scratches adorned the bed, and debris from the wooden frame was scattered near the dried and shriveled nails.
The dried corpse’s weathered eyes were wide open, conveying a deeply pained expression.
Naia gasped and his muffled voice came through the gas mask, “Was this person left here to starve to death?”
The bearded man drew his knife from his waist, effortlessly cutting the belt, and turned the dried corpse over with a bit of force. Four bones protruded from the back, near the shoulder blades, resembling small bat-like wings.
The bearded man: “Judging from his expression and posture, he was likely alive when he was imprisoned here.”
“The abandoned laboratory was filled with experimental subjects left behind, but none of the research personnel were present. It seemed that there had been an emergency situation that year, causing the scientists to evacuate hastily without attending to the experimental subjects.” The bearded man sighed as he looked at the corpse on the hospital bed, whose face had contorted in pain.
He picked up a piece of cloth from the side of the bed and covered the corpse’s face completely. After completing this, he addressed the group, saying, “Let’s continue moving forward.”
Just as the door was about to close, Bai Lixin’s steps halted, and he turned his head anxiously. In the dim and dilapidated room, there was nothing but a corpse covered in a white cloth.
“What’s wrong?” Naia asked upon seeing Bai Lixin’s reaction. “Are you afraid?”
Bai Lixin looked back suspiciously and shook his head. “No, I felt as though someone was watching us just now.”
Naia quickly reassured him, saying, “It’s probably just an illusion. I sometimes experience the same in dark and unfamiliar environments. Don’t worry, Bai Lixin, I’ll make sure to protect you.”
Naia nervously extended a hand and said, “If you’re really scared, hold my hand. It’ll make you feel better.”
Bai Lixin hesitated, about to refuse, but someone forcefully wedged their arm between him and Naia, pulling his wrist forward.
The man took long strides with an expressionless face, dragging Bai Lixin along, his somewhat jealous and sour expression hidden beneath the gas mask.
The man turned his head to look at Naia and coldly said, “You need to use your powers to protect us. Let me guide him. It’s time for the task, don’t forget your primary responsibility, Mr. Warrior.”
Naia stood there in astonishment, scratching his head in embarrassment upon hearing the man’s words, then quickly followed.
He trotted all the way and caught up with Bai Lixin within a few seconds. He explained to Bai Lixin guiltily, “I don’t mean to take advantage of you, but I was genuinely concerned when I saw you earlier. Bai Lixin, you don’t think I’m the type of person who forgets their mission when encountering an attractive person and takes advantage of them, right?”
Dr.Sang, a lecherous character who uses his status for personal gain: “…”
No, why don’t you just report my ID number?
Bai Lixin smiled awkwardly. Should he nod or should he nod?
———————-
In the live broadcast room.
[Boss Dengtuzi: Hey, who are you scolding?]
[The boss fell silent for a while.]
[The wrist I’m holding is no longer fragrant.]
[The fragrance is probably still there, but it’s a bit embarrassing.]
[I warn you, little friend Naia, that was too accurate a strike.]
———————
As the group continued moving forward, Bai Lixin felt the sensation of being watched once again.
Simultaneously, a white line crossed his mind, and a voice abruptly entered his thoughts.
–Come over.
–Come to me.
–It’s so painful, help me.
–Hurry up and help me.
Bai Lixin was momentarily stunned and asked Dr. Sang beside him, “Did you hear a sound?”
Dr. Sang, still aggrieved, shook his head and replied in embarrassment, “No.”
You’re asking if I’m feeling ashamed? Not at all.
Just as Dr. Sang finished speaking, Bai Lixin heard the voice again.
This time, it was no longer a vague presence in his mind, but much clearer.
— “You can hear my voice, right?”
— “Come here, come here quickly.”
— “Please, give me release.”
Bai Lixin cautiously attempted to communicate with this strange brainwave: [Who are you?]
Upon receiving a response, the voice grew increasingly excited.
—“Who am I? I was… I was… I forgot.”
A bold idea flashed through Bai Lixin’s mind, and he asked: [Are you a player?]
At the question, the voice became completely thrilled.
— “Player? Haha, player? You’re asking me that? You’re a player too, right?!”
— “My God, I can’t believe I actually get to meet another one in my lifetime.”
— “Very good.”
Bai Lixin double-checked: [Say a few words that only players know. I want to confirm your identity.]
—“Prop cards, game lobby, copies, systems, escape games, mall points, performance points… What else do you want to know?”
Bai Lixin’s eyes sparkled: [That’s enough. Where are you?]
—“Go straight ahead, turn left at the end, and the third ward is where I am. Come here quickly, and kill me.”
Bai Lixin’s footsteps paused for a moment; he was afraid he had misheard: [What? Kill you?]
— “Yes, kill me. You’ll understand why when you see me now.”
— “I’m running out of strength. Hurry, come here.”
As the voice faded, the volume gradually approached zero, devoid of strength.
The last two words, “come here,” vanished into thin air instantly.
Bai Lixin glanced at Dr. Sang and, in the next second, turned around, surprising the others as he pulled Dr. Sang along, striding ahead of everyone toward the location indicated by the voice.
Dr. Sang looked down at the hand that was willingly grasped, and his bad mood disappeared immediately.
The other members of the team were unsure of what had happened, but they quickly followed when they saw the two of them. From a distance, they saw Bai Lixin halt in front of a locked room and then forcefully kick the door, resulting in a resounding “bang” as the door swung open.
Everyone: “…”
Naia: “…”
So fierce.
Dr. Sang: “…”
So adorable.
After kicking open the door, Bai Lixin and Dr. Sang stood outside, hesitant to enter.
The curious members of the group leaned forward and froze upon seeing the scene inside clearly.
The somewhat spacious room was covered in various yellow substances. The material of these things appeared to be similar to skin, with strips scattered and entwined together in dense clusters.
If one were to describe it accurately, it resembled a tangled banyan tree root.
Numerous objects grew within these sinews, emitting a joyful gleam in the cold darkness from time to time.
The bald-headed man focused his flashlight on those flickering areas. Upon seeing what was entangled among them, the crowd erupted in exclamations: “Damn, crystal cores!”
The sinews filling the room seemed to be made of an unknown material, crowding and piling up, even moving rhythmically.
– Ba dum
– Ba dum.
– Ba dum.
If one listened closely, they could still hear the beating sound of a heart.
The crystal cores formed on the branches were densely packed, but their quality wasn’t very high, with most being black and only a few were in blue, which was the best color there.
It was a little eerie and somewhat repulsive.
Seeing the strange scene, the long-haired man leaned against the wall and retched, asking with difficulty, “Crystal cores… why are they growing on a tree? Aren’t crystal cores something unique to zombies?”
The bearded man looked at Bai Lixin with a complex expression, “Why did you suddenly rush over? Do you know something?”
Bai Lixin continued to search the dense sinews, as if looking for something, while also searching for the location of the voice for help. He explained, “I am a mental ability user, so I may perceive spiritual energies better than ordinary people. I came here when I heard the cry for help, and he is in this room.”
Bearded man: “Cry for help? Are you saying there are still people alive here?”
Years of combat experience made the group remain vigilant and the bearded man glanced at Naia, who instantly understood and cautiously activated his ability.
The sinews, whose origin was unknown, instantly exploded into a spherical shape, releasing bright red blood and flesh pulp in all directions.
