Chapter 185

"Damn it, what a treacherous snake! Whatever he wants from the Hyperion, I won't let his plan succeed. Doctor, I'm leaving the task of regaining control of the Hyperion to you and Bronya. The rest of you, come with me to engage the enemy at various points throughout the ship. Let's see what tricks the Gray Serpent is up to!"

The situation has already become like this, and getting angry won't help. The most urgent task is to solve the immediate problem. Theresa made arrangements as quickly as possible. The hacking problem will be left to the hackers to solve. The task of regaining control will be given to Bronya and Einstein. Everyone else will take on the responsibility of fighting. Tesla will be responsible for mobilizing the available mechs to fight. In the face of this crisis, everyone has to move.

"Yes!"

Everyone obeyed Theresa's orders, and even Shen Gonglin did not raise any objections at this time. How dare this vile snake covet her ship? Didn't he know that this Hyperion belonged to her? Shen Gonglin was particularly protective of her food. If he wanted to take what belonged to her, he would have to pay the price.

"Shen Gonglin, be careful in everything you do."

As Mei and the others prepared to leave the research lab, Bronya stepped forward and gently tugged at the hem of Shen Gonglin's sleeve. She couldn't fight alongside him this time, but although they were on different battlefields, they were still striving for the same goal. Not being able to stay by Shen Gonglin's side bothered Bronya, but she also knew that this battlefield needed her more. Shen Gonglin's body hadn't fully recovered; the power of the Herrscher of the Void and the abilities of the Universal Angel were still unbalanced within him. Bronya couldn't bear to see Shen Gonglin participate in the battle in this state.

"It's alright. You don't know how capable I am, do you? I don't even care about a bunch of junk. I'll leave this to you, Bronya, and Dr. Einstein. It's all up to the two of you."

Although Bronya's expression remained unchanged, Shen Gonglin could sense that the girl was genuinely worried about him. Shen Gonglin smiled gently and pinched Bronya's smooth cheek. He always had the strongest confidence in himself, and no matter the predicament, he never thought he would lose. Feeling the warmth of his hand on Bronya's face, Bronya relaxed. Meanwhile, Einstein, who had been secretly glancing over, was suddenly startled. What did Shen Gonglin mean by mentioning him? Did he want to treat him the same way he treated Bronya?

"Yes, don't worry, we'll do our best... Hey, Shen Gonglin... are you just going to leave like this?"

Einstein took a few steps toward Shen Gonglin with great restraint and nodded to Shen Gonglin. To his surprise, she did nothing and turned to leave. This left Einstein somewhat bewildered. What was going on? He had already come over. Was Shen Gonglin playing hard to get?

This shouldn't be happening. Shen Gonglin shouldn't have this kind of brain. This person's emotional intelligence is really problematic.

"What? You're not leaving but planning to attend the banquet... Oh, I forgot, Doctor, please keep up the good work. And please, you two, be careful too."

If he didn't run out with Mei and the others, Shen Gonglin was worried he would get lost in the Hyperion. Don't laugh, it's perfectly normal. After all, the Hyperion is so big, it's only natural to get lost once or twice. However, seeing the hint of disappointment in Einstein's eyes, Shen Gonglin realized something. He reached out and gently placed his hand on the doctor's head. Her sea-blue hair looked messy, but it felt very soft to the touch. Girls are truly amazing creatures.

"Be careful... be careful not to get electrocuted, honestly... shouldn't you be the ones saying be careful?"

When Shen Gonglin touched her head like that, Einstein felt completely out of sorts. It reminded her of the morning when she had practiced on Shen Gonglin's body and secretly bit his ear. To hide her feelings, the professor turned her head slightly and muttered to herself, "What danger could technicians like us possibly be in? If anyone's in danger, it's him."

"Yes, yes, I'm very careful about safety. Don't worry, I definitely won't cause any deaths."

Shen Gonglin nodded and said something incomprehensible. Bronya didn't understand, but Einstein seemed to understand something. She bit her lip and looked up at Shen Gonglin. His expression was normal. Could it be that she was overthinking it?

"Shen Gonglin, hurry up! Troops have already landed on the deck... What are you guys doing? Your Chicken Coop Head is a mess. Why do I feel like you're blushing a little? And... and your head looks even more like Chicken Coop Head, hahaha. Let me tell you, a lady has to pay attention to her makeup at all times."

Before he even arrived, Tesla rushed in again. What was Shen Gonglin doing? Didn't she know she should get involved? Why was she dawdling like that? Einstein quickly snapped out of her daze upon hearing Tesla's voice. She took a step back to avoid Shen Gonglin's hand that was about to be on her head. The professor didn't know why she did this; she felt a little embarrassed if Tesla saw it, so she couldn't let her see it.

"Perhaps it's because I slept last night, Dr. Tesla. The mechs on the Hyperion are now our last remaining stock. I'm handing over my mech access to you as well, hoping it will be of some use."

After briefly assessing his current state, Einstein gently smoothed his hair, which had become even more disheveled—a fact everyone knows. As if changing the subject, Einstein handed over control of his mecha unit to Tesla. In any case, they were now in the same boat, sharing both glory and ruin, so there was no problem at all.

"Huh? That's unusual. Why would you give me that access?"

"It's alright, consider it compensation... No, you misheard, Dr. Tesla, and Shen Gonglin, please join the battle as soon as possible, we need to start here too."

Chapter 86 The Battle in My Memory

"Doctor, you and Shen Gonglin seem to have a pretty good relationship?"

Having silently observed everything, Bronya asked softly Bronya Einstein chased away the bewildered Tesla and Shen Gonglin. Shen Gonglin hadn't even touched her head; he'd only pinched her cheek. Given their relationship, a kiss would be perfectly normal. But his relationship with Dr. Einstein was clearly not like that. It would be slightly more reasonable to say it was Dr. Tesla, since she was also close to Shen Gonglin. But this Dr. Einstein ... Bronya subtly pursed her lips. Damn it, another enemy has appeared.

"It's just so-so, a normal friendship... Come to think of it, with Shen Gonglin's personality and face, it's hard for anyone to have any ill feelings towards him. Although he sometimes acts recklessly, he always has his own bottom line. Even though he should be the most unreliable person, we can't help but place our hopes on him at crucial moments... Is it a natural leadership quality?"

Einstein tried to cover it up, saying, "Well, it's nothing special. It's just a normal relationship where we accidentally ended up in the same bed and whispered in each other's ears. And how could I have thought that Shen Gonglin had any leadership qualities? I must have lost my mind. No matter which organization it is, if Rin Shen Gonglin were to be the leader, it would be doomed. He's more suited to being a mascot."

"Shen Gonglin is the leader... Doctor? Is it because you're too tired? You can leave the rest of the work to Bronya. If you're too tired, Doctor, you can go and rest first."

This person must have lost their mind to say such nonsense. Their sudden close relationship with Shen Gonglin is probably because she's not mentally sound. Bronya looked at Einstein with great sympathy. How pitiful. She's already out of her mind. Is it because of Shen Gonglin?

"... No need. Just pretend I was out of my mind earlier. Bronya, we should begin. Since Gray Serpent has taken control of the main system, let me try to bypass it and control the warship. Eins, connect to the Hyperion."

Einstein shook his head, banishing the beaver-like thoughts from his mind. The doctor entered work mode, and following her instructions, the hovering ball robot that had been floating beside her began to rotate and approach the main control panel. Several connecting cables connected to the main control terminal and began to work in place of the main system. However, this was far from enough, since the problem this time was not so simple.

"Bronya, this time the opponent is no ordinary hacker. I need you to connect to the Hyperion's virtual control space and assist me from there."

Pointing to the control panel beside him, Einstein manipulated his hovering robot to try to take over the program. This step required Bronya's assistance, and Bronya was very familiar with this kind of work. After all, she was one of the top hacking geniuses on the Hyperion. The girl nodded and put on the virtual data helmet. Shen Gonglin was fighting outside, and this was also her battlefield.

Bronya understood; the neural external terminal was connected and synchronization was beginning.

Bronya took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She calmed her mind and opened herself up, immersing herself in the ocean of information formed by the Hyperion and the Eins database. In this infinite loop of zeros and ones, data drifted across her cerebral cortex like snowflakes. Without needing to deliberately look with her eyes or listen with her ears, the information seeped into the consciousness called "Bronya" and became part of her senses. However, in this ocean of information, a black figure quietly appeared.

"Don't interfere with the adults' work, Bronya Zaychek."

Even in the data space, the Gray Serpent still maintained the image of holding a black umbrella. Suddenly, the snake's figure appeared in the data space. Bronya looked at the Gray Serpent in front of her with a serious expression. Bronya was not surprised that he would appear in the data space. After all, he was the one who entered the Hyperion's system through the hidden chess piece in the humanoid machine. But how did he know her name?

"You have always been in the eyes of the serpent, and I know everything about you."

Seeing Bronya's confusion, the Gray Serpent in the virtual space gave this answer, but this riddle-like response was clearly not what Bronya wanted to know, nor did Bronya care about such things. What she needed to do now was to drive this intruder out of the Hyperion!

"Today is not April Fool's Day, and this joke is not funny. Get out of the Hyperion system immediately."

The girl was ready for battle. In this virtual space, she also had her own means of fighting. Bronya was very good at things like information warfare and data warfare.

"You don't understand who you're fighting against. Our antiquity is beyond your imagination, as is our power. Before humanity realized that life was merely a series of data expressions, the serpent had already revealed the truth to us. To us, the world is a flowing collection of information; we read, manipulate, change... Your memories are the same..."

The Gray Serpent continued his declaration, worshipping his own truth like a fanatical believer: the snake is the master of this world, and why can't others understand?

"Bronya hates the Riddlers, and besides, Shen Gonglin said that just because something is ancient or old doesn't make it powerful. No matter how old or historical the snake you worship is, the past is the past. Bronya doesn't have time to discuss these things with you now. Now, leave the Hyperion system."

Bronya interrupted Gray Serpent directly, not having time to argue with him about such riddles. Like Shen Gonglin, Bronya now scoffed at these self-proclaimed ancient things. Ancient things weren't necessarily better, and Bronya had learned this from Shen Gonglin.

"Oh? You don't believe me? No problem, I'll prove it to you. As for the Shen Gonglin you mentioned... I admit, he is indeed a variable, but an insignificant one. One day, he will also submit to the Serpent's Eye."

Somewhat annoyed that Bronya had interrupted him, Gray Serpent's red prosthetic eye gleamed with an eerie light. Manipulation and alteration were trivial matters to a snake.

Chapter 87 The Gray Serpent's Methods

As if to reinforce her own words, the previously blank data space began to change, and a familiar scene unfolded before Bronya's eyes. The girl's gray eyes flickered slightly. This is St. Freya Academy.

Indeed, what appeared before Bronya was the academy that held so many of her fond memories. After betraying Schicksal with Theresa Bronya never returned. Now, every brick, tile, blade of grass, and tree was exactly the same as the academy in Bronya's memory, as if nothing had ever happened. Everyone at the academy was living a carefree life as usual.

Nothing happened? Let's take another look.

The Gray Serpent's voice suddenly rang out, and a black figure that was completely out of place with everything around it appeared in the academy. It was like a drop of black ink on a blank canvas. Everything in the academy changed. Flames, explosions, ruins, students lying on the ground. Bronya stared in astonishment at everything in front of her. Such a scene had appeared in her mind before, or rather, she had seen it in her nightmares!

As the price for your and Theresa's betrayal of Schicksal, and as revenge, Schicksal destroyed the academy. The ruthless bishop reduced St. Freya Academy to rubble, and innocent students bled profusely. This fear truly resides within you; it is more maddening than reality itself.

The snake's whispers echoed in Bronya's ears. Bronya remained silent. Could this Gray Serpent truly see into her heart? He knew what she was afraid of... But even so, what could she do? To think she could be defeated by such a scene would be to underestimate herself. Bronya was not the kind of fragile girl.

The girl quietly raised her head. The devastation around her could not disturb her peace of mind. These were just nightmares that Bronya had always feared. As long as they were just nightmares, Bronya would not be defeated.

[Oh? That's quite something. I know everything about you, Bronya. You are powerless before me.]

Somewhat speechless at Bronya's current reaction, the girl's gray eyes were filled with composure. Gray Serpent was surprised but also felt joy. That's right, it's good that Bronya has such a strong mindset, because only with such a mindset can one bear more things.

"It's just a little fear. Bronya has been accompanied by fear since birth. For Bronya, fear is a very familiar friend... To borrow Shen Gonglin's words, it's like... You're stupid, aren't you? I was scared all my life. Yes, Shen Gonglin would definitely say that."

Remembering someone's figure, Bronya's expression softened further. Bronya was still far from being as capable. If it were Shen Gonglin, he certainly wouldn't have been affected by the illusion just now. Shen Gonglin had strong confidence in himself; he would never allow such a thing to happen under any circumstances. Similarly, Bronya had the utmost confidence in Shen Gonglin. With him around, she could do anything. As for this nightmare...

At most, it's just a reason why I go to Shen Gonglin's room and squeeze into a bed with him because I'm afraid to sleep alone at night.

[...You're quite a strong-willed young lady, but it's alright. You're just an appetizer. Before I finish my work, I'll play the next game with you.]

It seems that Shen Gonglin's presence has a significant impact on this girl's mindset. Gray Serpent can't understand this kind of trust. According to all the information he's gathered, that guy isn't a reliable person, so why does Bronya trust him so much? Gray Serpent doesn't understand, but that doesn't affect what he's going to do next. There's still some time to gather data and intelligence, and he can play with Bronya a little longer, using her inner fears to break her spirit. There are many other ways.

The scene changed again, and this time Bronya was in front of a storm-ravaged meadow. This scene was also familiar to Bronya; it was New Zealand, the place where they first met Wendy.

[New Zealand, Fourth Herrscher, how is this memory? The same age, both rendered immobile by Honkai energy, Wendy's experience deeply saddens you, because she is so similar to the person you loved most in your memories. The one who took them from you was the same person, your mother, Cocolia. So, can you still stubbornly say you've accepted this memory?]

Having changed the environment, Gray Serpent pointed at Wendy, who had appeared in the illusion, and continued to bewitch Bronya. As the Serpent's agent, he knew many things. He knew that this former Fourth Herrscher was very similar to the person in Bronya's memories, and was still trapped in the Sea of Quantum. If he used her, it should be easy to break Bronya's heart... However, why was she reacting this way? This was completely different from what he had thought!

"Is that all? It seems you don't have any more powerful tricks up your sleeve. You can only try to disrupt Bronya's mind with these outdated illusions. Wendy is alive and well. She regained her mobility when we left St. Freya Academy, and Bronya can move freely now. All of this is thanks to Shen Gonglin. As for Cocolia... don't you know that interfering in other people's family affairs is immoral? And Seele, Shen Gonglin said that he had seen Seele before, and she is still waiting for Bronya to take her home."

Bronya possessed extraordinary inner strength, or rather, she wasn't actually that afraid of Wendy. This was because Shen Gonglin was also present, and because of him, Wendy, who was destined to die after being stripped of her Gem of Desire, had her fate reversed. Therefore, knowing this reality, Bronya wouldn't be defeated by the Gray Serpent. He had changed many things, altering Wendy's fate and also his own. Moreover, he had met Seele more than once, which filled Bronya with confidence for the future. With him by her side, the future would surely be bright.

[...It's him again. It seems that having memories of Shen Gonglin is indeed a bit difficult. So, back in the past, before Shen Gonglin appeared in your life, it was like...your hometown, Siberia, which was destroyed by the Honkai.]

Chapter 88 Jungler Fu Xiaohua

The scene shifted again, suddenly appearing on a snow-covered plain from the ruins of New Zealand. Bronya reached out and caught a snowflake; the icy touch spread through Bronya fingers. Looking at the scene before her, long-buried memories began to resurface. Here...

[This is your homeland, Siberia, ravaged by the Second Honkai. Bronya, do you still remember this place?]

The figure of the Gray Serpent still exists. In other memories, because Shen Gonglin was involved, Bronya was not defeated because she had a pillar of support. But this place is different. Shen Gonglin will not exist here because they do not know each other here. This is Bronya's childhood.

"Bronya, remember..."

The white snowfield before her eyes overlapped with the scenes in her memory. Bronya's voice lowered. There were indeed many bad memories here, and besides... Shen Gonglin wasn't here.

[Siberia, it transformed you from an innocent child into a cruel child soldier. Not just you, but Seele, and everyone at the orphanage—do you remember? The experiments you endured, Project X-10, that took away your beloved butterfly—do you remember? Or do you simply choose not to recall them?]

Gray Serpent's words struck Bronya's heart directly. The once composed girl's face turned pale. Bronya covered her head and breathed heavily. How could she forget these things? She had just kept them deep in her mind and refused to think about them. Now that Gray Serpent had brought them up like this, Bronya felt a sharp pain in her heart. This feeling was truly unbearable.

"Bronya ... Bronya's emotional center has been damaged for a long time. Bronya can't feel pain at all!"

Bronya couldn't let herself be defeated by this Gray Serpent so easily. She forced herself to lift her head and look at the Gray Serpent in front of her. Yes, that's it. She wouldn't feel any pain at all. The Gray Serpent was delusional to think it could defeat her with such methods.

[Heh, some emotions have nothing to do with the brain. You say your emotional center is damaged, so how could you fall in love with Shen Gonglin? Some feelings run deep in your soul and you can't forget them. Experience the revenge of your memories, savor the pain of your own powerlessness.]

The whispers of the Gray Serpent echoed in Bronya's mind, and images from the depths of her memory assaulted Bronya soul. It seemed that starting from this point was indeed the right thing to do. Her originally steadfast resolve was gradually crumbling under such attacks. Very well, if this continued, it would only be a matter of time before Bronya submitted to the serpent.

Bronya crouched on the ground in pain, while Gray Serpent slowly approached her. Looking at the girl crouching on the ground, Gray Serpent continued its attack.

Bronya, are you still troubled by the past? Let the serpent's embrace relieve your pain. You are the chosen one who passed X-10. So many people failed, but you alone survived and brought back the gift of the Sea of Quantum. You should come to the Serpent's Eye and become His child.

These seductive whispers greatly agitated Bronya. The girl slightly raised her head, her gray eyes flashing with pain. Bronya wanted to resist, but due to the emotional impact, it was difficult for her to do so.

Bronya... refuses!

Don't be stubborn, child. I can see the pain deep inside you. Do you remember the switch Cocolia once put in your head?

Looking at Bronya on the verge of collapse, Gray Serpent was quite satisfied with his plan. He would use Bronya to enter the Sea of Quantum, and then bring the Lord back from there. Good, let's continue like this.

"The switch... no, the chip should be burned out..."

Bronya shook her head. There shouldn't be any control mechanisms in her head. When Bronya chose to burn the chip, she was already prepared to face death. However, Shen Gonglin entered her brain and controlled the aftereffects of burning the chip. There shouldn't be any more accidents.

[Yes, the chip was burned out, but the pain it caused hasn't disappeared. It remains like a scar... Come on, Bronya Zaychek, let yourself be crushed. Remember what happened to you: the cruel training in your childhood, being the sole survivor of X-10, losing loved ones, being controlled by your trusted mother to hurt those you cherish, and then, throw yourself into the snake's embrace.]

Red and black figures appeared around Bronya, the same figures she had when Cocolia controlled her with a chip. Seeing these images reminded Bronya of the harm she had done to everyone, and the girl's rebellion grew increasingly subdued. However, just when Gray Serpent thought his plan was about to succeed, another change occurred.

"Are you plagued by nightmares again, just like before?"

A crimson light appeared silently, and falling feathers dispelled the darkness around Bronya. A slender figure stood beside Bronya, seemingly enveloped in a faint glow. This glow brought Bronya immense warmth, and she always felt a sense of security whenever she saw this person. Bronya, kneeling on the ground, gradually calmed her breathing. She turned her head slightly to look at the figure beside her, and a faint smile appeared on her previously pained face.

You can always trust Immortal Fu Hua.

"Phew... Class President, entering other people's memories so easily... isn't something to be praised for. You always show up in these situations... No wonder Shen Gonglin calls you 'antivirus software.' Anyway, thanks."

With a faint laugh, Bronya slowly stood up. Her composure had gradually returned after Fu Hua's appearance. Standing with that fiery red figure, Bronya knew she was never alone.

"Antivirus software? He once said I was a jungler, but I don't quite understand what that means. Bronya, do you know what that means?"

Although it was just a feather, it carried some memories. Fu Hua's phantom asked curiously, "Shen Gonglin... This really suits his style."

"Junglers... ganking to help players in every lane who need help, Shen Gonglin's description is really apt for you, Class President."

Bronya chuckled softly. This guy was absolutely right.

Chapter 89 The Feathers Left Behind

"Uh, how did you get in here? But it's okay, Bronya, no one can help you now..."

Unexpected things seemed to keep happening. Looking at the fiery red phantom standing next to Bronya, the Gray Serpent began to feel troubled. The plan had been proceeding as expected, but this uninvited guest suddenly appeared and interfered, controlling the surrounding data. Since it was impossible to make Bronya fall into depravity on her own, it could only help her. If she was defeated in this data space, she would still fall into the snake's arms.

Bronya is not afraid of any form of combat.

Even in this data space, the Heavy-duty Rabbit still appeared beside Bronya. This was a gift Seele left for her. It looked like a mecha, but it could traverse the Sea of Quantum and virtual data. Bronya, who had regained her spirits, prepared to fight. The Honkai Beast simulated by these data were not worth mentioning in her eyes. After all, Bronya was a world-class gamer.

The battle began abruptly, but with Bronya and Fu Hua's phantoms working together, the outcome was clear from the start. Data-constructed Suicide Squad, Honkai Beast, mechs... no matter what kind of enemy they were, they all vanished under their combined efforts. Gray Serpent's face, hidden behind his mask, was incredibly gloomy. It seemed that this time, there was no good way out.

[What a hassle. Wasting time on this was a mistake, but it's alright. Every small victory in this operation is a victory, and besides, I've found what I was looking for... So, farewell. May you forever wander in this labyrinth of illusion.]

The battle, which could hardly be called a fight, ended. Looking at the two girls in front of him, Gray Serpent made the right choice decisively. He was not the type to fight head-on, and besides, he had already gotten what he wanted. Although he couldn't take Bronya for himself right now, he understood the principle of not biting off more than he could chew. Knowing when to stop was the right thing to do.

As soon as she finished speaking, the Gray Serpent's figure vanished, leaving only Bronya and Fu Hua's phantoms in the chaotic space. Bronya looked around; this disordered data space offered no way back. However, Bronya felt that there were more important things to do now than go back.

"Class President, why are you here...? Who are you?"

Looking at Fu Hua beside her, Bronya had also raised this question after the battle. Although she was very grateful to Fu Hua, this should have been a space created by Gray Serpent using her memories. Why was the Class President here? How did she get here? And shouldn't she have already been... by Otto?

"My form of existence is beyond my own comprehension, but without a doubt, I am not the person you know. I am the trace she left in your memory. I possess some of her memories. I am the Eighth Divine Key [Feather Dust]... I am one of the many feathers left behind by Feather Dust, appearing because I sensed her desire to protect you. Now, pass through here and continue onward, Bronya. Sooner or later, our paths will intersect again."

After she finished speaking, Fu Hua's phantom gradually lit up, and the red-clad girl's figure burned like a flame held high in the night. Under the illumination of this flame, the maze-like illusory space began to gradually disintegrate. Then, Bronya crossed this data space and arrived at a brand new place. In this brand new sea of consciousness, Bronya saw many things.

"The Sea of Quantum, the Eye of the Abyss... Dr. Einstein, and... the leader of Anti-Entropy? This isn't the Hyperion's database, nor Bronya's memories, but... Anti-Entropy..."

Meanwhile, besides Bronya, another group of people were fighting on other battlefields. Due to the temporary paralysis of Hyperion, the task of fighting the enemy had to be done manually. Looking at the mechs on the deck, Shen Gonglin flicked her finger and Railgun that pierced through all the mechs blocking her way. There was no other way; since she couldn't use the power of the Herrscher of the Void and the Universal Angel, she could only use a relatively strenuous move.