Chapter 105

Finally, Ai Yue wasn't entirely certain about the last point, but at least the Stigmata Factor on Cosmo, which possesses the ability to devour Honkai Beast genes, is unique among the current samples.

As for whether the other people's Stigmata Factor simply lack this ability, or whether Ai Yue simply hasn't discovered it yet, it's still hard to say, since his research in this area is still quite superficial.

However, as the amount of data and samples gradually increases, Ai Yue's understanding of the Stigmata Factor also becomes more in-depth. Perhaps it won't be long before he finds a way to artificially catalyze the Stigmata Factor.

After all, at the current pace, it will obviously take a long time for the Stigmata Factor in Kevin and the others to become concentrated enough to naturally form Stigmata. Even if Ai Yue can be patient, humans probably don't have the luxury of waiting indefinitely.

However, artificial catalysis involves another problem— the Stigmata Factor cannot be preserved after leaving the holder and will gradually dissipate within 4 to 8 hours. In this case, if you want to conduct experiments, you can only do so on people who have the Stigmata Factor, but human experimentation has always been something that Ai Yue is most resistant to.

Not to mention projects where the specific experimental guidelines and procedures are still uncertain, even Mobius would probably not choose to directly use human subjects at this time.

... No, it seems the original Stigmata Project started with human experimentation?

Ai Yue's thoughts began to wander, and he tried to simulate in his mind a plan to trick Mobius into coming over for human experiments.

After all, Mobius can't die, and if we can find a way to catalyze the Stigmata on her, it might solve the problem of her physiological decline after her resurrection.

"Ai Yue?"

Just then, Mobius's voice suddenly came from outside, and as the door opened, two figures walked in together. "What are you hiding here to study again?"

Mobius had a deep understanding of Ai Yue's research habits. She knew that when Ai Yue chose to work in this slightly crowded little laboratory, he was usually busy with cutting-edge technologies that were still incomprehensible to human civilization at present.

Hua, who was following behind Mobius, was also looking at the layout of the room with curiosity. Even though she had lived in the Star of Light Experiment Base for quite some time, she rarely saw Ai Yue use this laboratory.

"It's nothing, just a rather complicated project."

Ai Yue turned around. "Why are you here?"

"Divine Tone Project has come to a temporary halt. I've come to bring the person back to you."

Mobius patted Hua on the shoulder and then pushed her forward. "Aponia has already returned to Twilight Academy. Eden has a banquet to hold, otherwise they would all be here."

"Oh, so you've entered the observation period."

Ai Yue nodded. "In that case, shouldn't Hua stay with you? Otherwise, how will you observe him?"

Because the Divine Tone Project originated from the "commandments" of Aponia, Ai Yue was very cautious about it and specifically set phase goals. After the goal of a phase was achieved, the project would be temporarily suspended. Only after observing the participants for at least fifteen days and confirming that there would be no side effects could the next phase of research be carried out.

Although the observation period is relatively short, the use of relevant laboratory equipment and the assistance of Aponia can help eliminate potential risks to the greatest extent possible and avoid the gradual mental distortion caused by long-term neglect of risks.

"That's because I'm going to be staying here for a while, of course."

Mobius said matter-of-factly, "The higher-ups have approved the plan to fully open up the mass production of Fused Warrior, so the First Research Institute will be fully responsible for performing Fused Warrior surgeries on more than 15,000 soldiers, and there is no way to conduct experiments."

"I see,"

Ai Yue nodded, then a subtle expression appeared on his face. "So you just left Klein there alone?"

Based on Ai Yue's understanding of Mobius, the other party had definitely overlooked some crucial factors—for example, the reason why this plan required the use of the First Research Institute was because the person in charge of the project was actually Mobius.

The other party is making an excuse to slip over here at this time, which is definitely to dump all this troublesome stuff on the unlucky guy to solve.

"What are you saying? She still has Sōgen and Danzhu with her."

Mobius showed no embarrassment at being exposed and said without any remorse, "Besides, as my assistant, it's only natural that you should share my burden at times like this."

Ai Yue could only shake his head at this, because he knew very well that Klein would definitely not have any complaints about this, and it would be pointless for him to stand up for her. Instead, he would only become the one who ruined the two people's special play.

"Forget it, it's none of my business."

Ai Yue then looked at Hua and asked, "How are you feeling?"

"Fine."

Hua remained as taciturn as ever, but at this moment he showed it to Ai Yue, "I am now able to do this much, Doctor Ai Yue."

She clenched her right fist, and then a layer of blazing flames enveloped it, spreading all the way to the middle of her forearm. Clearly, compared to the previous situation where she could only rub out flames, her current level at least had some practical value.

A small flame might only be enough to light a cigarette, but a burning fist can inflict both physical and magical damage.

Ai Yue was about to offer a few words of praise when he noticed that both Mobius and Hua looked somewhat surprised.

"I remember the last time we did the test, your flames couldn't reach this area, right?"

Mobius pulled out an instrument from his pocket and did a quick check. "The energy level has also increased—Hua, you actually kept this from me? Just so you could tell Ai Yue right away?"

"I don't!"

Hua immediately shook his head, then looked puzzled. "I don't know what's going on, I just feel great right now, and I can unleash even more power than before..."

The two women immediately focused their attention on Ai Yue, clearly believing that Ai Yue's presence was the cause of this outcome.

Only Ai Yue scratched his head, looking completely bewildered.

What do you mean? I still have the passive effect of the amplification aura? How come I didn't know that?

60

Chapter Sixty: Help Me, Dr. Mobius.

Although Ai Yue's understanding of the Divine Tone Project was no less than that of Mobius, he clearly could not explain what happened to Hua.

Moreover, based on his understanding, the current progress of the Divine Tone Project should not have resulted in such a situation.

"Could it still be related to his mental state?"

He looked thoughtful. "After leaving the oppressive experimental environment, my mood improved, so it's reasonable that my mental state would improve as well."

As soon as Ai Yue finished speaking, Mobius glared at him. "Who are you calling repressed? What do you take my place for, a den of demons?"

As she spoke, she turned to look at Hua, who was still trying to control the flames. "Hua, were you feeling very repressed while doing the experiment?"

"Well,"

Hua paused for a moment, and the flame in her hand went out. After thinking for a moment, she nodded honestly, "There is a little bit."

Mobius was stunned by the other person's words and didn't know what to say for a moment. Ai Yue next to him laughed without giving him any face, which then drew an angry glare from Mobius: "Look what you've taught!"

As she spoke, she lightly kicked Ai Yue's shin.

"How can you blame me for this?"

Ai Yue deliberately put on a wronged expression, "It's clearly your place that has a problem, okay? Hua wouldn't lie!"

At this moment, Hua Cai belatedly realized something and couldn't help but show a somewhat embarrassed expression. "Sorry, I misspoke..."

It seems that one should think carefully before speaking.

"No, you're quite right,"

Instead, Mobius shook his head, saying, "You should say what you mean directly so that we can make corrections later."

As he spoke, Mobius looked at Hua seriously. "So, what exactly do you feel is oppressive?"

"Hmm... it feels like something's missing."

Seeing Mobius's serious attitude, Hua then voiced his thoughts, "Dr. Mobius, I think you could grow some flowers and plants in the lab."

"Oh, of course she wants to raise it!"

Ai Yue, who was standing to the side, finally couldn't hold back and burst into laughter, "But she can't possibly be kept alive, hahaha... um!"

Mobius was naturally going to retaliate against Ai Yue's shameless exposure of his past, so he ruthlessly elbowed Ai Yue in the stomach, knocking him to the ground.

"Doctor Ai Yue!"

Hua instinctively wanted to step forward and help the other person up, but Mobius stopped him, saying, "Don't worry about him, he might be stronger than you now."

Although Ai Yue did not say it directly, Mobius was so perceptive that he naturally noticed the changes in the other party long ago.

However, the noise still woke up the sleeping beast in the corner. With the sound of Ai Yue falling to the ground, Pardofelis, who was sleeping in the corner, also suddenly opened her eyes. "Huh? What happened? An earthquake?"

"Hey, isn't this Pardofelis?"

Mobius recognized her at a glance and noticed the non-human organs on her body. Then, in a subtle tone, he said to Ai Yue, "It seems you haven't been lonely these past few days."

"Brother Yue?"

Pardofelis quickly noticed that the atmosphere was a bit strange. Without thinking too much, she ran to Ai Yue's side and asked, "Um, what happened?"

"It's nothing, I was just joking."

Ai Yue stood up nonchalantly, clearly unharmed by Mobius's attack. "Speaking of which, Pardo, aren't you quite familiar with Hua?"

"Magnificent?"

Pardofelis then noticed that there was another person next to her, and then recognized him. "Oh, isn't this Ahua? We've worked together on a few missions before, but I heard that Ahua was transferred and I haven't seen him much since."

Only then did she belatedly realize what had happened and looked at Ai Yue: "So you transferred me, Brother Yue?"

"It's been a long time, Phyllis."

Hua nodded to Pardofelis as a greeting, "This seems to be the first time we've met since Doctor Ai Yue transferred me away."

"Since you two know each other, that makes things easier."

Ai Yue clapped his hands with a smile, "Alright, let's all have a meal together, as a celebration of the successful completion of the first phase of the Divine Tone Project!"

Before we knew it, this place had become lively.

Although Mobius seemed somewhat subdued, lost in thought, and Hua herself was not particularly talkative, the presence of Pardofelis ensured that the atmosphere was lively enough. Thus, despite everyone having their own thoughts, the meal was quite enjoyable.

Even Ai Yue, who was used to being alone, couldn't help but start to enjoy this atmosphere.

However, things changed once again after the meal.

Having been cooped up in the lab for too long, Hua heard that Ying and her team were in the heart of Australia, so he decided to go find them and, incidentally, train the power he had gained through the Divine Tone Project. Therefore, he left the base immediately after finishing his meal.

Whether Pardofelis thought that with Mobius around, she didn't need to worry about Ai Yue's mental state, or whether she sensed something was off from the way Mobius looked at Ai Yue, she made an excuse to slip away after dinner and disappeared somewhere.

So, once again, only Mobius was left alive by Ai Yue's side.

"Tell me about it,"

Once they were alone, Mobius stopped trying to hide his feelings and began to scrutinize Ai Yue with a critical eye. "You've run into a problem?"

"No way,"

Ai Yue denied it casually, saying, "When have I ever encountered a problem? It's just that there are too many methods available, so I'm deciding which one to use."

"Given your personality, don't you usually combine several methods to create a new one?"

Mobius rolled his eyes. "To say something like that now, you're obviously in trouble, aren't you?"

"Don't act like you know me so well,"

Ai Yue stubbornly insisted, "What if I want to try a different approach this time?"

"Then let me guess,"

Mobius shook his head slightly. "Are you working on a new project, but you've discovered that the experimental protocols required for this project are ones you've always been reluctant to use, so you're struggling with whether or not to continue?"

"You..."

Ai Yue was stunned for a moment, then touched his face, "Really? Am I that easy to see through?"

"I've known you for so long, can't you tell that something's not normal?"

Mobius then revealed a slight smile, "By the way, your good Pardo also noticed, but she knew she couldn't do anything about it, so she chose to give the place to me."

When Mobius said "Your good Pardo," he deliberately emphasized the pronunciation, which contained a certain emotion that made Ai Yue's scalp tingle.

But that's not the point now.

"Okay, I admit, I might, probably, really need your help."

Now that things have progressed to this point, Ai Yue naturally sees no need to continue being stubborn. "Mobius, are you willing to participate in human experiments as a volunteer?"

That's it?

Mobius paused for a moment, then gave a subtle look. "I'm willing."

61

Chapter Sixty-One: Man, Are You Playing with Snakes? (4,000 words)

Upon hearing Mobius's answer, Ai Yue couldn't help but show a surprised expression.

He had indeed thought that Mobius would agree, but he did not expect that the other party would agree without even knowing the specific details of the project, and even his tone was full of "Why didn't you say so earlier for such a small matter?"

Why are you so surprised?

Mobius was not satisfied with his reaction. "Do you think I would refuse?"