Chapter 176

"Ladies and gentlemen, please wait a moment after the meeting."

Using the techniques he had learned from Aponia, Eden conveyed his meaning through mental power. "Doctor Ai Yue has something he wants to tell you."

Chapter 57 Herrscher, you are too despicable.

When representatives from several major countries approached Ai Yue, he was busy at his lab bench.

"Come in."

Hearing the knocking behind him, Ai Yue waved his hand without turning around. "This isn't a formal meeting, so please make yourselves at home and find your own seats."

Upon hearing this, the group of people obediently found chairs and sat down. Judging from this scene alone, it was impossible to imagine that these people were all influential figures outside.

However, after they sat down and waited for a long time, Ai Yue showed no intention of speaking and continued to concentrate on his own work, which made the representatives uneasy.

What does this mean? Does it mean we have to take the initiative to speak up?

The group exchanged glances, and then all looked at the representative from Shenzhou.

Doctor Ai Yue is, after all, a citizen of your country, so this task is entrusted to you!

Looking at these seasoned veterans, the Shenzhou representative couldn't help but roll his eyes. However, considering that waiting like this was not a solution, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and ask, "Doctor Ai Yue, is there something you need us to do?"

"Oh, it's nothing, I just wanted to know how your specific plans for Fused Warrior are going."

Ai Yue then turned around, glanced at everyone present, and said with a half-smile, "By the way, I'd like to ask you a few questions."

So they really came to hold us accountable? Could it be because of that plan for dealing with the Fused Warrior?!

The group once again locked their gazes on the North America representative standing to the side—you came up with the proposal, so hurry up and take the blame!

The North America representative turned his head away, avoiding eye contact with the others, but he knew very well that this was something he couldn't avoid. So he gritted his teeth and finally decided to speak up, "Doctor Ai Yue, I can explain the matter of the Fused Warrior."

He doesn't care what happens to himself, but if this incident causes Doctor Ai Yue to have a negative view of the North America United Government, then he will truly be guilty beyond redemption!

"You've got it wrong, that's not what I asked about."

After listening for a couple of sentences, Ai Yue realized that these people had misunderstood something, so he interrupted them, "I'm asking about the current plan. Have you finalized the specific details? Who will be responsible for unified management of each continent, and how many scholars will be sent to headquarters to study?"

"Well, we still need to determine the specific plan through further negotiations."

The representative of the European Community said cautiously, "You should also know how difficult it is to carry out such a large-scale coordinated plan without the internet."

"That's true, I was a bit too hasty."

Ai Yue nodded in understanding, "It's alright, I'll find a way to help you resolve this. Now, next question."

He narrowed his eyes slightly. "I'd like to know the specific containment measures that various countries currently have for Fused Warrior."

Isn't this still about holding people accountable?

Several representatives inwardly grumbled, but couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief—because in this matter, they could say they had a clear conscience.

After several people introduced themselves, Ai Yue also gained a certain understanding of the current Fused Warrior containment measures. The most stable solution was provided by Elysia, who used her ability to condense energy crystals to "seal" the Fused Warrior in the distorted state inside. In this way, as long as the power of the energy crystals is not exhausted, the Fused Warrior inside will not have any problems.

Besides this, the most widely used method is to force the Fused Warrior to remain calm by using large doses of drugs. Although this method has many drawbacks, such as damaging the Fused Warrior's bodies and being expensive, and it is not guaranteed how long it can last, it is the method with the lowest threshold, and even countries with low levels of technology can use it.

But no matter what method is used, it is ultimately only a temporary measure and cannot be sustained in the long run.

"I see."

After listening to the introductions from several people, Ai Yue nodded and then took out several blueprints from behind him. "I just designed a relatively simple cryogenic chamber. If used in conjunction with this mental sealing device, it can solve the problem of containing Fused Warrior at a relatively low cost."

Ai Yue's cryogenic chamber was designed based on the power of the Fifth Herrscher, the "Herrscher of Ice." This power allows the body to be contained in a state where changes are almost stopped. Combined with a device that can sever the link between mind and body, it is easy to control the Fused Warrior in its distorted state.

"Take the blueprints back with you and let your country's scholars study them. They should be able to start production soon."

Ai Yue waved his hand. "Alright, next question—have you tried to reconnect to the network system during this time?"

Before the group could recover from the surprise of finding the cryogenic chamber, they heard Ai Yue's question. Recalling what he had said earlier—that "the Herrscher might be hiding in the online world"—they immediately realized the seriousness of the problem.

If someone attempts to reconnect to the network system and succeeds, then he will very likely release the Herrscher was locked in the network world once again!

What's the difference between this behavior and opening Pandora's box?

No one dared to take on such responsibility, but they also dared not lie to Ai Yue.

"Looks like you all did it."

Ai Yue shook his head. Although the representatives didn't speak, their reactions made it easy to understand. "However, there seems to be no progress?"

"Yes, this is probably the best of a bad situation."

The representative from Shenzhou sighed somewhat awkwardly, "At least our country gave up on this idea after the first few attempts failed. When I go back this time, I will also make sure to implement this and prevent any other people from trying it."

"We are the same."

The North America representative nodded. "However, Doctor Ai Yue, I'd like to ask, can Herrscher truly be trapped in the cyber world?"

Anyone with even a basic understanding of the internet knows that the so-called online world is just a virtual concept. As long as information can be transmitted via radio waves, it is impossible to completely isolate it.

In this situation, is it really possible for Herrscher to be trapped in the network?

"Explaining the specifics is complicated, but you can understand it this way."

Ai Yue shrugged. "It's true that it's hard to completely cut off the internet, but we still have to do what we need to do—especially for you guys. I don't know how many devices are still physically connected to the internet, but I hope that number will be zero when you go back this time, understand?"

It is indeed difficult to isolate a network, especially an open network system, where any device can try to connect. Ultimately, complete isolation requires physical disconnection.

And indeed, there exists an environment in this world that is completely isolated from other places, which is perfect for sealing off Herrscher.

That was his own experimental base— Star of Light.

It seems that we cannot go back without making thorough preparations.

After seeing off several representatives, Ai Yue began to think about the next steps.

Soon, there was another knock on the door, and this time it was Dr. Mei and Eden who came.

"I've heard everything from Eden. Let's put the matter of the Sea of Quantum aside for now. The most important thing right now is the issue of the Fused Warrior."

As soon as Dr. Mei entered, she got straight to the point, "How exactly did you solve the aberration? I tried many methods, but I couldn't completely eradicate the influence in the Fused Warrior's body. And as long as it can't be completely removed, it won't be long before it takes over the entire body again."

"It's simple, just don't delete it."

Ai Yue took a document out of his pocket and handed it to Dr. Mei. "Think about it from the opposite perspective. If we can control this distortion, can't we solve the problem in the same way?"

"Accept the distortion and harness its power for your own use?"

Dr. Mei glanced at it a few times, then looked up and said, "But wouldn't the risk be even greater if we did that?"

The so-called acceptance of aberrations involves performing "Mutated Weapon" surgery on Fused Warrior have undergone aberration. However, if this surgery fails, the price is the life of the Fused Warrior, and it may even further stimulate the aberration phenomenon, leading to unpredictable consequences.

"It's a big deal, but it's the best way because Fused Warrior restored in this way are immune to the effects of aberrations, achieving a permanent solution."

Looking at Dr. Mei's reaction, Ai Yue suddenly frowned. "Didn't Mobius tell you? Her 'Mutated Weapon' works on a similar principle."

"She said it, but we can't even reproduce it."

Dr. Mei sighed, then realized something. "Wait, Sakura also underwent the Mutated Weapon surgery, but she was also affected by the mutation. How do you explain that?"

"I don't know, I haven't seen Sakura's current situation yet."

Ai Yue shrugged and said, "Abnormalities will definitely have different effects on different people. We just need to treat the symptoms accordingly."

"You make it sound so easy."

Dr. Mei sighed, a hint of envy in her voice, "What are your plans next? Will you start with Sakura?"

"No, let's go find Aponia first."

Ai Yue shook his head. "We need her powerful mental strength now. If we can awaken Aponia from the aberration, it will be of great help to our subsequent plans."

Even without undergoing the surgery to Mutated Weapon, Aponia's mental power is now enough to cover the entire Earth. In the original storyline, the "Sea of Quanta" created based on her can almost completely simulate everything in reality. If this terrifying mental power is combined with the power of distortion and Mutated Weapon, even Ai Yue would find it hard to imagine how terrifying it would soar to.

A mentally capable individual of this strength could, in a sense, replace the role of a network system in communication, directly creating a mental communication network.

With such a network, the work of the United Earth Government around the world can be greatly advanced.

Just then, Ai Yue suddenly felt something rubbing against his feet. He looked down and saw a tabby cat with brown fur and some stripes.

The other person rubbed against Ai Yue's feet affectionately, and when it noticed Ai Yue looking down at it, it even barked at him twice.

Ai Yue picked her up with a strange look on his face, then looked at Dr. Mei: "This can't be Pardo, can it?"

"Yes."

Dr. Mei sighed, "It's fair to say that Pardofelis is the only Aberration Fused Warrior who wasn't contained."

"Because you can't keep an eye on her at all, right?"

Ai Yue shrugged. "I've read Sōgen's report. Pardo can still use the ability to travel through matter in this state, and ordinary containment methods are completely ineffective against her."

"Yes, but fortunately she shows no signs of going crazy at all. She spends her days eating and sunbathing, living just like a cat, so everyone just lets her be."

Dr. Mei stared at Pardofelis with a complicated expression. "Her secrets might be able to solve the problem of the aberration Fused Warrior's mania, but unfortunately, I have no way to get her onto the operating table. Perhaps I can only rely on you?"

"This is purely a personality issue, and I don't think it's easy to apply to other people."

Ai Yue, who knew Pardofelis very well, shook his head, not even considering giving it a try. "Based on my current research, the reason why the aberration causes the Fused Warrior to go berserk is mainly because it stimulates their minds, making them see everything as an enemy. This is the root cause of their madness."

Ai Yue speculated that this was also the reason why the Mental Perception Fused Warrior fell into silence after the aberration, because the stimulation of the aberration was not enough to have such an effect on their minds, so they could only shut down their mental power, causing the phenomenon of silence.

Of course, since this inference lacks data support, it is only a guess. Therefore, Ai Yue did not really understand why the Mental Perception Fused Warrior fell into silence.

And Pardofelis? She would only choose to run away when she encounters an enemy, how could she possibly fight?

"In short, let's just leave her as she is for now. Anyway, she's often said she wanted to be a cat."

Looking at Pardofelis, who had fallen asleep in his arms, Ai Yue didn't let go, holding her like that. "Where is Aponia now? At the Morning Sun Academy?"

"No, I've moved her to headquarters. Apart from Desdrobia and Cosmo, all the other first batch of Fused Warrior are at headquarters."

Dr. Mei led Ai Yue outside, saying, "I originally intended to save the Fused Warrior in the aftermath of their deaths, but the outcome was much better than I expected."

"To be honest, I was a little surprised too,"

Recalling what he had just witnessed in the conference hall, Ai Yue couldn't help but smile. "How should I put it? It felt like my efforts had finally paid off."

Ai Yue did not initially have any hope for the United Earth Government's decision, which is why he chose to resolve the distortion problem first, and then bring Eden as proof to the headquarters of the Moth to Fire to gain enough influence to change the final outcome.

Unexpectedly, before he even appeared, the United Earth Government made its own final decision—despite the uncertainty about when the anomaly would be resolved and how the Herrscher would launch their attack, they still did not choose to abandon these 100,000 Fused Warrior.

Although this was just a meeting between representatives of various countries and cannot fully reflect the attitude of all mankind, it can still be considered a beginning of human civilization moving towards unity.

And this is naturally the result that Ai Yue has always wanted to see.

As they spoke, the two arrived at the underground part of the Moth to Fire's headquarters, and as they went deeper, Ai Yue felt the temperature around them begin to drop.

"This is the room where Aponia is."

Dr. Mei led Ai Yue to a door. "Since none of the Mental Perception Fused Warrior go berserk, we haven't taken any containment measures against Aponia. You'd better be careful."

"Don't worry, although the reason is still undetermined, the safety of the Mental Perception Fused Warrior is beyond doubt."

Ai Yue waved his hand, but quickly noticed that Dr. Mei's expression was somewhat conflicted. "What's wrong? Is there anything else you want to say?"

"While this may just be my personal speculation, Aponia's state is very likely different from all other Fused Warrior; she has deliberately shut herself off,"

Dr. Mei said, "Furthermore, I compared the timing of all the aberrations that occurred among the Fused Warrior so far, and Aponia was one of the first to show signs of aberration."

Upon hearing this, Ai Yue frowned. "You think she might be carrying an infection source?"

"No, quite the opposite, I think it's very likely that Aponia did not undergo any distortion."

Dr. Mei shook her head. "Her self-imposed isolation is very likely an attempt to avoid the worst possible outcome by foreseeing something through her abilities."

"It sounds like it might actually lead to even worse results,"

Ai Yue, who was familiar with the situation in Aponia, couldn't help but sigh, "No matter what, let's make contact and see."

Despite saying that, after Dr. Mei's reminder, Ai Yue couldn't help but recall the time when Eden had just recovered from the aberration.

According to Eden's description, she could not feel any connection with the outside world during the distortion, but she could vaguely hear countless sounds, which were extremely indistinct, as if there was something in between.

Apart from that, she could not feel anything else.

If Dr. Mei's inference is correct, could this be related to Aponia?

As Ai Yue pondered this, he walked into the room.

The room prepared for Aponia contained nothing superfluous; it simply had a bed as a base for the "cocoon" she had transformed into.

As for this "cocoon" that appears to have a semi-transparent texture, it looks quite strange because it is not made of silk threads or similar materials like a real cocoon. Judging from the surface texture alone, it looks more like some huge sheet-like objects tangled together.

Ai Yue couldn't help but recall that Aponia in the game seemed to have grown butterfly wings—if this was Aponia's Artificial Honkai Collapse state, then it meant that she had also undergone a mutation.