A Core Ship From The Start
Chapter 1446 - 979 Selection_3

Chapter 1446: Chapter 979 Selection_3

"Marlin..."

Upon seeing this woman, Joel’s expression instantly turned serious. The reason was simple: this was the woman who had handed Ellie over to him back then... He never expected to see her here again.

"Honestly, I never thought you could actually make it here... It seems that maybe this is our destiny, the child’s destiny."

Marlin pulled Joel to his feet, lit a cigarette for him, and spoke quietly.

"Maybe I was lucky."

"Well, my luck hasn’t been great."

Marlin shook her head.

"I sacrificed many people to get back here... but forget that. Now, all of this is worth it. Thank you for bringing Ellie here."

"And after this? What will happen to Ellie?"

"You don’t need to worry about her anymore. We’ll take over."

Marlin stared directly at Joel, then glanced at Mary and Ogis, who were standing nearby—perhaps she didn’t see any serious threat coming from these girls.

"No, I’m very concerned. What are you going to do to the child? Let me see her..."

"No."

Marlin shook her head.

"She’s about to undergo surgery."

"Surgery?"

At this, not only did Joel freeze, but even Duanmu Huai and Mary were surprised. Could Ellie really be sick? But throughout the journey, there was no sign of such symptoms.

Joel’s face darkened slightly.

"What exactly are you talking about? What surgery?"

"You already know the child is infected."

Marlin fixed her gaze on Joel.

"The doctors told me the bacteria inside her mutated, which is why she’s immune. If they can extract the bacteria from her, they’ll be able to create a vaccine... and save everyone."

"But..."

Hearing Marlin’s explanation didn’t reassure Joel; instead, it made him more tense.

"But the infection has already spread to Ellie’s brain..."

"..."

This time, Marlin said nothing. She simply stared at Joel and, after a moment of silence, nodded.

"Yes."

"..."

The onlookers, including Duanmu Huai, now understood. It was clear that Ellie was infected with the same virus that could turn people into fungus-like creatures. However, the virus inside her had mutated, making Ellie immune. The Salvation Army intended to use this mutation to produce a vaccine.

The only problem was that the virus had already reached Ellie’s brain, which meant the doctors would have to operate on her brain.

And the outcome... well, judging by the situation, the answer was obvious.

"..."

Joel was silent for a moment upon hearing this.

"Find someone else to do it."

"There’s no one else. Only her."

"I don’t care about that!"

Joel took a sharp step forward, grabbing Marlin by the collar.

"Ellie, she..."

But before Joel could finish his sentence, a soldier beside them suddenly extended his hand, grabbing Joel by the head and slamming him to the ground.

Marlin simply looked down at him.

"Joel, this is destiny’s arrangement. You know, I once thought maybe you’d escape with her, maybe you’d die on your way here. If that had happened, it would merely be heaven’s will. But you’ve come here, and this is the outcome... The vaccine can save everyone, and the cost is only Ellie."

"Why... why does it have to be her?"

"No reason. That’s just the way it is."

Marlin lowered her head, shaking it lightly.

"Anyway, you can stay here. I’ll report to the General; your contributions are enough to let you become official citizens of this city... As for Ellie, Joel, forget about her."

With these words, Marlin turned and left, and the heavy metallic door slammed shut behind her.

Faced with this scene, the group... couldn’t say a word.