Chapter 391

"Why don't we apply for our own lab?" Evelyn Langley suggested abruptly.

Hannah Flores' chip bag hit the floor with a rustle.

Liam Kalmien's pen left a long streak across his paper.

"Professor Roland..." Hannah hesitated.

"The old lady is more open-minded than you think," Evelyn chuckled. "She's the one who hinted at this idea."

That afternoon, Liam submitted the application through the academic system.

System notification: Feedback within three business days.

Three days later, a glaring red alert flashed on the screen: Application denied.

Reason: Lab resources fully allocated.

"Strange," Evelyn frowned. "I saw that lab empty yesterday. The lock was rusted."

Hannah crunched a chip loudly. "Someone's sabotaging us, aren't they?"

Liam closed his laptop and marched straight to the academic office.

"That lab is clearly vacant. Why claim it's full?"

The administrator pulled up the system. "See? It shows unavailable here. Let me check the records..."

Mouse clicks echoed sharply in the quiet office.

"Found it. Approved to Victor Dimucci three days ago. He's from your department—you must know him?"

Liam's eyes darkened.

Victor already had his own private lab, with special funding and equipment from the university.

"How about Lab B-174 or C-112?" the administrator offered helpfully.

Liam shook his head.

Their research required the CPRT Analyzer. Only two existed in the entire department.

One was permanently reserved by Professor Merouin's team. The other sat in the lab they'd just been denied.

"So now we can't even access the equipment?" Hannah's breakfast wrap plopped onto the table.

"This is blatant resource hoarding! I'm going to the professor!"

Evelyn grabbed her arm.

"Professor's at her medical checkup today," Liam said quietly.

Hannah deflated instantly.

Professor Roland's health had always been fragile—her office perpetually smelled of herbal remedies.

"What now?" She looked between her teammates.

"The system process was followed correctly." Liam adjusted his glasses. "Victor did apply before us."

Only one solution remained...

"Talk to Victor directly," Evelyn declared.

The trio stood in the hallway as the lab door creaked open.

Victor stepped out, peeling off gloves, his white coat stained with chemical splatters.