Chapter 20

Before the lecture, Natalie had to rehearse the surgical procedure. This was one of the most influential surgical operations across Aclor. She had to execute it flawlessly. However, when she entered the laboratory, she noticed several key instruments were missing. Something was off. She had prepared everything last night. How could they suddenly be gone? Time was short, so she didn't have the luxury of investigating. She turned to leave, only to discover the door was locked from the outside. She pounded the door, and laughter trickled in from the hallway. Yet, no one responded. "What are you trying to do?" she shouted. A woman's voice came through the crack, smug and cruel. "What am I doing? You snatched my chance at the lecture from me. Since you're so capable, why don't you stay in this lab for the rest of your life?" Natalie had no idea who the woman was. Since arriving in Aclor, she had been nothing but polite, getting along with everyone. Never did she imagine someone would