Humanity was dying.
That was, if the twisted lumps of flesh sealed inside test tubes could still be considered human.
Even without using any instruments, Hao Ren could tell that the lumps of flesh in the containers were gradually losing their vitality. Something rooted in their genes from the very beginning was changing under the influence of the Firstborn's fury. This change crossed the distance of space and acted directly upon these "survivors" who had once escaped their homeworld. In truth, they had never survived at all. Their destruction had begun long ago; it had simply taken a little longer to finish.
It seemed that "lucky ones" like Horleta were ultimately few and far between. The overwhelming majority of civilizations simply could not escape the Firstborn's slaughter.
"Once humanity dies, the entire vassal society will be finished as well." Vivian shook her head. "They were born to serve humanity. Every mission system, every mode of thought, and even their social structure was built around that purpose. Once they lose the goal that serves as their foundation, the entire society's operation will collapse. The Main Brain concealed the truth about humanity precisely to prevent that from happening."
Lily's ears drooped listlessly. "But the Main Brain itself can't escape that framework either. When humanity truly reaches its end, it'll be the first one to malfunction."
Hao Ren did not interrupt this time, because he was thinking about something else. From the Main Brain's various actions, and from the words "vassal," he seemed to have glimpsed another side of the matter.
"You're not willing to accept this outcome, are you?" After pondering for a long while, he suddenly raised his head and spoke to the air.
The Main Brain's answer was as rigid and mechanical as ever. "I act according to humanity's orders.