Ever since he had begun frequent contact with the Firstborn, Hao Ren had known that he needed to strengthen his resistance to mental attacks. That mass of tentacles showed no mercy and knew every weakness of every living creature. Powerful shields and sturdy armor might make someone as impervious to weapons as Superman, but the fragile mind was always the hardest weakness to defend against. It was impossible to arm, and once breached, there was no escape from disaster. After strengthening his body and undergoing long-term training, Hao Ren had gained a mental resilience far beyond that of ordinary people. However, he knew very well that he still needed something life-saving as insurance: one's own mental strength was the decisive factor, and once that defense was breached, even the mightiest warrior could not save himself. At that point, only powerful equipment could keep him alive.
The Crystal Core Research Station had provided him with help in this regard. The prison built specifically to deal with the Firstborn was filled with structures that could isolate mental attacks. Arrays made of protective crystals were affixed to the outer shell of its main containment vessel. These little things could isolate any unauthorized mental activity. Even if the Firstborn awoke, its mental roar could not travel even an inch beyond the Space Station.
When Hao Ren left the Crystal Core Research Station, he had casually taken along a few things he felt might prove useful. Now, it seemed that impulsive decision had helped enormously. Unfortunately, he had only taken one protective crystal—he hoped its power would be enough.
It should have been enough. In theory, below the level of a deity, no mortal species possessed mental power that could surpass the Firstborn's.
Hao Ren, Lily, and Vivian quickly returned to the main entrance of