Chapter 477

The electronic voice just now was the Hyperion's artificial intelligence. With its assistance, Theresa was able to quickly take control of the modified Hyperion. Now all functions are normal, and her legs are no longer weak. After resting for a night, Theresa has finally recovered. It's time to contact the ground.

Yes, boss!

The AI's voice was incredibly lively, and after the ground communication was established, a white-haired girl suddenly appeared on the screen. Kiana put her hands on her hips and waved at Theresa. Seeing how energetic she was, Theresa was also very happy.

"Hi, Headmaster!"

Kiana? How could it be you?

Although she was happy, Theresa was still a little surprised to see Kiana. At this time, it should only be morning at Salt Lake Base. Why was Kiana in the command center? Shouldn't this be Einstein and Tesla's responsibility?

"Hehe, didn't expect that, did you? Actually, I just finished breakfast and wanted to go find Shen Gonglin to play, but she wasn't in her room. I heard from Einstein that she was sleeping in the command center, so I came with her. Einstein was about to take over Dr. Tesla's shift, and this guy was sleeping in the command room. He's really messing around."

Kiana on the screen shook her head, feeling helpless against Shen Gonglin. Einstein beside her, hesitated, unsure whether to say anything. Could she say that Shen Gonglin was sleeping there to avoid Kiana? This girl even dragged Shen Gonglin along for training, and Shen Gonglin couldn't handle it after just one day yesterday. That's why he had to Tesla to leave him at the command center. He never expected that this girl would actually come looking for him.

"Hello, Ms. Theresa, everything seems to be going well."

Let's leave Kiana here and let Shen Gonglin sleep a little longer. Einstein still dotes on Shen Gonglin Einstein. She took over the conversation and squeezed into the screen. Judging from Theresa's expression, the Hyperion's space journey seems to be going smoothly.

"Yes, thanks to you. I really didn't expect that you would install a gravity simulation device on the Hyperion before we set off."

Upon seeing Einstein, Theresa sincerely felt that the two doctors from Anti-Entropy were truly outstanding. She had originally thought she would experience the feeling of weightlessness, but she did not expect that they had anticipated this situation in advance. They had even installed a gravity simulation device inside the Hyperion capsule, which felt exactly like flying in the atmosphere.

"You should thank Bronya for this. She helped Dr. Tesla develop a system that uses a replica of Star of Eden to provide regional gravity."

The power of the Herrscher of Reason is truly useful; it can easily create replicas of the Star of Eden for research. Applying technology to "convenience for the people" has always been Anti-Entropy's long-cherished wish, and now it has finally been achieved.

"Hmm... So, even in space, you can have an experience similar to flying in an airplane?"

Kiana made this analogy, and upon hearing it, Einstein and Theresa looked at Kiana in surprise. This girl was actually willing to use her brain now, and that really made sense.

"If you ask me, it's even smoother than the Hyperion that used to travel through the atmosphere. I slept very well last night, and I even vaguely felt like I was back in the faculty dormitory at St. Freya."

Theresa interjected, and after speaking, the girl blushed slightly. She felt that her comfortable sleep was probably not due to the smooth ride of the Hyperion. After being drained of blood by Shen Gonglin, her body felt warm and comfortable, and Theresa felt that this was probably the reason.

"Hehe, thank you for the compliment, Ms. Theresa. Although the predecessor of the Anti-Entropy organization, the North American Branch of Schicksal, was founded by Miss Nancy Edison, who was dedicated to civilian use... this is indeed our first attempt to develop civilian functions for Star of Eden."

Einstein accepted Theresa's praise with a smile, and was also very pleased that it could be put to such use, because it made her feel that Anti-Entropy was still following the path of its predecessors, remaining consistent.

"The Star of Eden... Bronya told me that it played a very crucial role in Anti-Entropy's independence from Schicksal, right, Doctor?"

Kiana seemed to be quite interested in the name Star of Eden. It seemed to be something very meaningful to Anti-Entropy, and the entire Anti-Entropy seemed to have a special feeling towards Star of Eden.

"Travel along the Path of Freedom, then visit Lexington at midnight... Indeed, without the Star of Eden, Anti-Entropy, even if it could have been born, would never have grown to its current size. Although in the days when we fought against Schicksal, Anti-Entropy's guiding principle could be summarized as the strategy of 'the best threat is no action'... But this deterrent undoubtedly had to be built on the foundation of an initial victory. At the very least, we had to make Schicksal genuinely believe that they did not have the capacity to start a full-scale war and destroy us."

Recalling the past, Einstein's face was full of reminiscence. The days of Anti-Entropy back then were not as good as they are now, and it was precisely because of the efforts made back then that things have become what they are now.

"I know what happened next, which is why Mr. Welt had to use the Herrscher of Reason's abilities to disguise himself. Deceiving Otto was no easy task."

During her time at the Salt Lake Base, Kiana heard a lot about Anti-Entropy's past. This massive organization, capable of contending with Schicksal, had also experienced similar things before, and Kiana was quite impressed by its development.

"It should be said that thanks to Professor Planck's skill, Anti-Entropy was able to gradually gain a foothold in such an extremely difficult situation. Perhaps this also made us somewhat dependent on the teacher back then... to the point that after her sudden passing, the management of Anti-Entropy was in a state of great chaos."

Einstein also sighed softly. That time... although it was somewhat difficult, it is still something to cherish.

Chapter 269 The Growth of Young People

Looking back on those years, I was quite useless back then, relying on my teacher for everything. I entrusted everything to my teacher, which may have made them somewhat dependent on her back then... to the point that after her sudden passing, the management of Anti-Entropy became very chaotic.

However, things are different now. I can now stand on my own, and if my teacher saw me now, he would be very surprised.

"Sorry, I was thinking about something else and almost went off-topic."

"This is not the time to reminisce about the past, "Einstein. Neither Theresa on the other side of the screen nor Kiana beside her cared about such things. The absent-minded, reminiscing expression that Einstein had just shown was rarely seen. These were things she had experienced herself.

"It's alright. Listening to the doctor analyze these things from the perspective of Anti-Entropy is very enlightening for us. Whether it's the Herrscher of Reason or the Herrscher of the Void, both of these powers have a wealth of possibilities. If we can integrate the experience of Anti-Entropy and Schicksal, we can probably further enhance the team's strength."

Theresa on the screen shook her head and said, "Back in Schicksal, Anti-Entropy was considered by them to be some kind of evil organization that did all sorts of evil deeds. This was all a misconception from Schicksal. But now it's different. From another perspective, Anti-Entropy is undoubtedly much more humane than Schicksal was back then. After learning so much, their view of Anti-Entropy has completely changed. Now Schicksal and Anti-Entropy have reached a deep cooperation. With the joint efforts of the two organizations, their ability to fight against the Honkai will only become stronger."

"Indeed. Just like the Star of Eden mentioned before... Miss Changguang is very interested in it, and we are happy to share information with her laboratory and explore the future possibilities of the Ninth Divine Key together."

Theresa was right. Even Einstein hadn't anticipated that Anti-Entropy and Schicksal would be in this state. It seems the problem was indeed just one person. Now that person is shining brightly in the Hyperion's engine, and the two organizations are cooperating deeply with a promising future. Perhaps there hasn't been such a good opportunity in thousands of years.

"Oh, it's that scientist. She seems quite motivated even without a salary. Does that mean we'll have the chance to meet a unique Star of Eden next?"

Kiana still had some impression of Nagamitsu. When the Kolosten incident ended, she confessed to concealing information and was punished with a year's salary for unpaid work. It seems that such punishment did not affect her much. After Changguang, she was a mad scientist, and money was probably just a piece of paper to her.

"Yes, Miss Kiana is right. With the progress of various collaborative projects, the level of cooperation among all parties has been steadily improving. As a vision, I think we will eventually have the opportunity to realize the Moonlight Throne Project that Miss Nancy once envisioned. So, Kiana, this is a rare opportunity. Would you like to observe our space exercise next? According to the established plan, we will be practicing deep space artillery and extravehicular combat today."

Einstein invited Kiana in this way, and the girl was initially very interested, but then she showed a slightly regretful expression and shook her head.

"That sounds interesting. Hmm, but it seems I won't have the chance, because I have to participate in the Valkyrie's mobile tactics training later, so I probably won't be able to keep observing. That strongest Valkyrie Schicksal is indeed a very good and powerful person. But, how should I put it... it would be better if the training intensity wasn't so terrifying, haha."

Kiana shrugged helplessly. She wanted to stay and observe the Hyperion's various experiments in space, but time was of the essence. Durandal's training schedule filled her days to the brim. During this time, Durandal would be taking her to participate in various systematic Valkyrie training programs and had devised a very strict training plan. Although Kiana felt that she was already very strong, this kind of training could still improve her. Since that was the case, there was no other way but to continue to work hard.

I'm so busy every day that I don't even have a chance to cultivate our relationship with Shen Gonglin. I can only continue to cultivate it after we get married.

However, given the relationship between myself and Shen Gonglin, there's no need to nurture them like this; they'll grow into towering trees on their own without any intervention.

"What are you laughing at? That's Durandal, I advise you to give up on that idea of slacking off."

Theresa rolled her eyes at Kiana on the screen. She used to hate training the most, but now Kiana had become like this. This growth made Theresa sigh. The two continued to chat about daily life until the Hestia of Schicksal landed on the helipad of Salt Lake Base. Only then did Kiana wave goodbye and leave the command room. Durandal's care was something not everyone was entitled to receive.

"That's great."

Watching Kiana leave, Theresa sighed softly, thinking, "It's so good that Kiana has become like this. She's mature and reliable, yet she still retains her lively personality. Looking at Kiana like this, Theresa felt a surge of emotion, like my little girl has just come of age."

"Yes. Compared to when she was in Changkong City more than half a year ago, she's like a completely different person."

Einstein echoed her sentiments. She knew how miserable Einstein's time was when she was corrupted by the power of the Herrscher of the Void and wandered away from Schicksal. Although Shen Gonglin was by her side, there was a sense of deathly loneliness... Now, she has completely transformed. Anyone who knows her story will sincerely admire her. This girl is indeed very hardworking.

"Young people grow up so quickly. In the blink of an eye, they may mature to the point that even their parents are surprised."

Theresa sighed sincerely, while Einstein first nodded and then shook his head. Theresa was right, but there were exceptions.

"Indeed, but the speed at which some young people mature is still a bit speechless, for example, this one."

Once she was sure Kiana had left, Einstein finally left the spot where she had been standing. She bent down and opened the cabinet door, where a boy was fast asleep. Kiana hadn't found Shen Gonglin when she first arrived, but he had actually been hiding here all along. Seeing how tired the boy was, Einstein couldn't bear to let Kiana take him out to cause trouble.

Chapter 270

"... I was wondering why I hadn't seen Shen Gonglin all this time. Turns out he was hiding here with you. You're right, he's maturing at a really slow pace. He doesn't seem to have changed at all."

Theresa on the screen was speechless. She watched Einstein carefully take Shen Gonglin from the cupboard and place her on the bed behind him, and she smirked. She said that Shen Gonglin was immature, but a large part of the reason was because of them. Fu Hua was like that, Mei and Bronya were like that, and now even Einstein was the same. They all spoiled Shen Gonglin so much that he never grew up.

Theresa stood with her hands on her hips, indignant. In fact, all the girls had the same thoughts. They all thought that the other had spoiled Shen Gonglin and hadn't considered their own situation at all.

"Isn't this a good thing? Alright, let me reiterate today's training plan. As we indicated in the plan, this exercise aims to test the Hyperion's unmanned deep-space cruise system and fully automated combat system, and in the process, enhance our command's operational scheduling capabilities. According to the exercise schedule, today's main exercises include: deep-space artillery fire, extravehicular combat, and electromagnetic silent cruise. We will first practice the individual exercises, and then test the ability to coordinate between the exercises."

He settled Shen Gonglin on a small bed in the command room's rest area. This was where he and Tesla slept when they were on duty, and it was much more comfortable than sleeping in the closet. Before, it was to avoid Kiana, but now that Kiana was gone, Einstein naturally wanted Shen Gonglin to be more comfortable. After settling him in, Einstein looked at Theresa seriously. It was time to get down to business.

"Alright, let's start directly with the extravehicular combat section. Ai-chan can prepare for the two subjects later in advance."

Theresa was eager to try, and her enthusiasm was very high. Seeing the younger generation making progress, as a senior, she was certainly not willing to be far surpassed by them. Einstein must have felt the same way.

As the saying goes, "An old man can suddenly feel the exuberance of youth," and who isn't a young man at heart?

Having finalized today's schedule, Theresa hung up the video call, put on her headset, took a deep breath, and left the command center. The hatch opened, and Theresa stood on the deck of the Hyperion. Looking directly at the universe gave her a unique perspective. With the help of gravity sensors, even though she was in space, she could walk on the Hyperion's deck as if it were flat ground. Technology has truly changed many people's lives.

Because spacesuits for ordinary people are extremely cumbersome, only Herrscher, Flame-Chaser, and Stigmata Awakener truly possess the ability to fight agilely in outer space. Furthermore, in a weightless environment, it is difficult for personnel engaging in extravehicular activities to control their trajectory; therefore, gravity simulation devices are also a necessary condition for such operations. However, even if all the above difficulties were overcome, we still cannot change the extreme low-temperature environment of outer space.

Before them stretched the vast and boundless universe. As Theresa marveled at its immensity, Einstein explained everything to her through the headset. He explained that combat in outer space would require overcoming numerous difficulties; the previously mentioned challenges of control had been resolved, but this extremely low-temperature environment...

[This requires the combat personnel, that is, you, Ms. Theresa, to be careful not to stray too far from the set-up heat radiation devices during operations. Under the current exercise conditions, we can only prepare training mechs as the hypothetical enemy. If the Changguang experiments proceed smoothly, perhaps we can introduce some more advanced targets for live-fire exercises. Dr. Tesla is very interested in this; she has even prepared names for potential training targets, from Tezcatlipoca to Huitzilopochtli.]

Theresa's lips twitched at the names Einstein uttered. What kind of names were these? Why would anyone deliberately choose such tongue-twisting names? Truly, Dr. Tesla's aesthetic sense was impeccable. Were these the names of two deities from Aztec mythology? Theresa was speechless about Tesla's aesthetic sense. However, it was truly remarkable that Einstein could remember the names she had chosen. The two of them had a very good relationship.

Although Theresa had heard that strange name before, she forgot it immediately, while Einstein remembered it perfectly. She was truly remarkable.

Having given up hope on Tesla's aesthetics, it's already quite impressive that a mecha can simulate a powerful enemy in space. Theresa placed the cross on the ground, marking the start of the experimental combat phase. She needed to collect as much data as possible to be prepared.

Leaving aside the details of the battle, Theresa breathed a sigh of relief after taking down the last simulated enemy. Fighting in space was still a little uncomfortable, but it wasn't a major problem. Her body temperature would drop rapidly if she stayed away from the heat radiation device. Until that was resolved, she could only fight around the heat radiation device. It seemed that there were no other problems.

[Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Theresa. Please return to the cabin and rest for a moment. We'll take a short break before proceeding with the next part of the exercise.]

During Theresa's battle, Einstein also collected the data she needed. The battle outside the pod can be temporarily concluded. She still needs to make various adjustments to the Hyperion based on the data fed back by Theresa, and try to prepare a combat environment similar to ground combat for the combat personnel.

"Understood."

After the experiment ended, Theresa returned to the cabin and sighed deeply. Ah, it was definitely more comfortable inside the cabin. Although the heat radiation device could maintain body temperature, it was a completely different experience—warm on the chest but cold on the back, even though there was no wind in space.

Since it's time to rest, let yourself relax.

While waiting for Einstein to prepare for the next experiment, Theresa wanted to relax for a while. For her, enjoying a glass of delicious bitter melon juice was the perfect way to unwind.

"Ai-chan, is there any bitter melon juice left in the fridge?"

When asked by the AI, Theresa said that she felt uncomfortable if she didn't replenish her body with some bitter melon every day, so whether at the Salt Lake Base or on the Hyperion, Theresa instructed that a lot of bitter melon juice be prepared. After a busy day, Theresa wanted to lie on the sofa and enjoy a nice cup.

Chapter 271 Unexpected Situation

"Of course, Captain Theresa... However, before you drink the bitter melon juice, there is some information I need to report to you. Just now, our voyage encountered a small problem."

The AI's voice sounded incredibly lively. This AI, dedicated to the Hyperion, seemed to have transcended the realm of intelligence. It even teased Theresa, calling her "Captain." If Shen Gonglin knew this, she would definitely protest, since he considered himself the captain of the Hyperion. This guy had an inexplicable attachment to status, and he often mentioned both "Bishop" and "Captain."

"A minor issue? What happened?"

In space, no problem can be ignored for the Hyperion. Theresa came here to eliminate all possible situations that the Hyperion might encounter before anyone else. Even Einstein was preparing to rest, was energized. Logically, there shouldn't be any problems.

[Please see here. The Hyperion's actual course has been deviating from its theoretically predicted natural course since this morning. Initially, this deviation was very small, almost indistinguishable from normal natural fluctuations, but in the last half hour, as you see at the far right of this chart... this deviation has begun to become systematic, and the deviation value itself is getting larger and larger.]

The situation was reported to Theresa and Einstein, and the two ladies' expressions became serious. Just like a stroke patient who initially walks involuntarily to one side, they can control and adjust themselves at first, but if this situation continues to evolve, the situation will only get worse and unimaginable.

"Are you saying that this deviation has already affected the Hyperion's normal cruising?"

Theresa was aware of the seriousness of the situation, and since it was still under control, shouldn't some kind of correction be made?

Currently, I can still solve this problem by manually correcting the course. However, if this continues unabated, it will pose a safety hazard. In the worst-case scenario... the Hyperion could even find itself in an extremely dangerous situation.

The current situation was reported to Theresa. Just because it was still under control now did not mean it would be under control in the future. At the Salt Lake Base, Einstein was also typing away on her keyboard. She mobilized the satellites of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy to investigate the Hyperion's current orbit. After the two organizations reached a cooperation agreement, they gained a lot from the use of satellites. Soon, Einstein's investigation yielded results.

"I mobilized the satellites of Schicksal and Anti-Entropy to conduct a concentrated investigation of the Hyperion's current orbit, and the conclusion is that there are no detectable anomalies in the space environment around you."

[Strange... the autopilot test showed no abnormalities. What else could be causing the vehicle to continuously deviate from its course?]

Einstein and Ai-chan's self-examinations did not find any problems, but a problem has indeed arisen. The current situation makes it difficult to understand what happened or how it happened.

"Could it be that there's a mechanical problem with the spaceship's propulsion? After all, the Hyperion is using a new engine now."

Theresa raised this possibility. The Hyperion's engine Honkai Furnace now entirely the "lifeblood" of her grandfather's Soul Steel bodies. Theresa's understandable that there might be some problems. After all, it's her grandfather's work, so problems are to be expected.

"That shouldn't be possible. Have you forgotten, Theresa? The Hyperion's core power system has been completely upgraded to a remotely programmable Soul Steel material. If there were any problems, I would have detected them long ago."

Ai-chan denied Theresa's suggestion, but Einstein on the other side of the screen had a sudden realization. "Yes, that's a possibility too. Maybe that's why we can't detect it."

"Yes, that might be the reason, it's a programming problem. If... I mean, if a certain interference signal happens to be mistakenly received by Soul Steel as a control command... then the actual response of the mechanical system might deviate from the expected response of the control system. And if the source of this interference signal remains uncontrolled... then the error will accumulate."

Having figured out the possible reasons, Einstein quickly concluded that continuing the experiment under these circumstances would be unwise; they had to ensure the stability of the space operation.

"Ms. Theresa. Considering that the Hyperion is unable to troubleshoot such problems on its own in deep space, I recommend that you immediately terminate this exercise and begin the return journey. The Anti-Entropy space station will dock with you in low Earth orbit to conduct a complete overhaul of the Hyperion."

Einstein proposed terminating the experiment, Theresa hesitated for a moment before nodding. Although a failed start was hardly a good omen, considering all factors, returning to base was indeed the only option. While navigation in this state was inevitably somewhat disappointing, safety was clearly the more important factor.

"Ai-chan, proceed with the emergency evacuation plan as outlined in the exercise plan and return to base! I will remain on the bridge to provide you with any necessary supplies..."

Theresa rose from the captain's seat and was conveying the order when a wave of dizziness surged into her head. It wasn't because she had been sitting for a while and suddenly stood up. This intense dizziness, along with extreme fatigue, suddenly struck her without warning, and the girl quickly lost consciousness and collapsed back onto the captain's chair. What was going on?

[Boss? Boss?]

Ai-chan tried to wake Theresa, but it was to no avail. Einstein's expression on the other side of the screen also became serious. Why did this happen...? Never mind, we'll think about the reason later. What we should do now is develop an emergency plan for this matter.

The young doctor turned and quickly ran into the lounge. On the bed in the lounge, Shen Gonglin was still fast asleep. Another reason for letting him sleep here was for "insurance" purposes. Theresa was going to conduct experiments in space, and who knew what kind of accident might happen? Shen Gonglin was kept here on standby to deal with such situations.

They can't get in touch with Theresa right now, and Shen Gonglin, who has the Herrscher Authority of the Void, is obviously the most suitable person to do this. Get up and get ready to work!

"Shin-gu, wake up, get up quickly."

Einstein pushed hard on Shen Gonglin's shoulder, but Shen Gonglin was fast asleep and could not be woken up so easily. Looking at his half-asleep state, Einstein gritted his teeth and decided that this was the only way.

Chapter 272 In a Dream

Shen Gonglin has a problem with low blood pressure upon waking up. In this state, his body is awake but his mind is not clear at all. Einstein had actually made some contingency plans for this situation. All it takes is to do something to raise Shen Gonglin's blood pressure to solve the problem. So the doctor girl hardened her heart, lifted her leg and knelt on the bed. She cupped Shen Gonglin's face and pressed it against her.

Anyway, I've already taken advantage of him many times before to encourage him to study hard, so it doesn't matter if I do it again now. Practice makes perfect, Einstein won't feel any pressure after doing this so many times.

Huh? Suddenly attacked like this, even in his half-dreaming state, Shen Gonglin instinctively reacted. After all, he was exceptionally talented and loved learning. His previously hazy consciousness quickly returned to normal. The face in front of him was... Einstein?

Shen Gonglin's expression was incredibly complicated. Even Einstein had become like this now? Kiana used to be the only one who would do something like this.

"You're awake? Don't look at me like that, I had no choice... If you're awake, come over quickly, I have something for you to do!"