Saving the Pre-Civilization by Hand-Crafting Black Tech in Honkai Impact 3rd

Su's "I've heard so much about you" was indeed sincere.

He had first heard of Ai Yue's name from his own mentor, the head of the Fifth Science Department. The mentor had mentioned a new scholar who was very close to Mobius, and was definitely not a good person.

The Fifth Science Department's main focus was medicine, and the vast majority of its members were doctors. Their head, Spasi, was no exception. Each of them adhered to the beliefs of a healer, and therefore had a strong aversion to Mobius, who repeatedly crossed the boundaries of human morality.

Although Su was new and didn't have too many preconceived notions about Mobius and Ai Yue, he hadn't paid much attention to Ai Yue's affairs due to Spasi's influence. This continued until a few days ago, when a mysterious formula suddenly appeared on all the computers in the Fifth Science Department.

At first, Spasi thought some audacious individual had come to provoke the Moth to Fire. However, Dr. Mei soon came to the Fifth Science Department specifically to explain the situation. Only then did Spasi realize the gravity of the matter. But as the head of the Fifth Science Department, he naturally couldn't accept that someone had so easily developed a drug that could resist mental contamination.

However, the Fifth Science Department could not disobey Dr. Mei's orders. They had to proceed with mass production, bypassing all experimental procedures under her coordination. It was only then that Su became curious about Ai Yue due to Dr. Mei's trust in him.

What kind of astonishing achievements could a young scholar, who had only joined Moth to Fire a few months ago, have accomplished to make Dr. Mei so willing to bear all potential consequences for him?

The result proved Dr. Mei and Ai Yue were right. The formula's effectiveness even exceeded expectations. All the soldiers who took the drug and participated in the battle against the Honkai Beasts showed no abnormal conditions. In contrast, two-thirds of the local army soldiers, who served as the control group, fell unconscious the moment they entered the battlefield.

So, when Kevin asked him if he wanted to attend the party, Su agreed almost without hesitation.

Upon arriving here, he learned that Ai Yue had even developed a potion that could temporarily control Kevin's body temperature, allowing the lovers, who should have been unable to touch, to embrace.

This invention of his proved that Ai Yue's research into the Fusion Warrior Project had even surpassed its original creator.

A young scholar who, within months of joining Moth to Fire, had already surpassed both Dr. Mei and Dr. Mobius.

This was no longer a matter of genius; it was almost frightening.

If such a person harbored even a sliver of malice towards humanity, it could lead to immense disaster.

Therefore, Su wanted to see for himself what kind of person this Dr. Ai Yue was.

Compared to Su's complex thoughts, Ai Yue's ideas were much simpler. The first reaction he had upon seeing Su was—Finally, I've made a connection. Now I won't lack excuses to visit the Fifth Science Department.

He hadn't forgotten that he still had a side quest to "reduce the cost of the Honkai Sickness vaccine."

"It's just a small part of my job," Ai Yue said after shaking Su's hand. "I've also heard about the achievements of the Fifth Science Department. I heard you've completed research on curing the Honkai Sickness?"

"We can't say it's complete yet," Su's gaze dimmed slightly when this matter was brought up. "As for the Honkai Sickness, we still have a long way to go."

To trade a thousand lives for one—could such a result truly be considered a cure?

At least Su couldn't accept it.

"I'm also curious about this project," Ai Yue continued the conversation. "If Dr. Spasi doesn't mind, could I schedule a time to visit?"

"Of course, Teacher will be very happy!" Su was taken aback for a moment, then promptly agreed. "I imagine Dr. Ai Yue also has considerable research in medicine. We could..."

"Alright, alright, can we talk about work later?" Their conversation was finally interrupted by Kevin, who wore a wry smile. "Even Mei wouldn't be thinking about work at a time like this. You should enjoy this rare moment of relaxation and leave the work for tomorrow."

Ai Yue and Su exchanged a look, then exchanged contact information.

Dr. Mei was about to say something else when her gaze suddenly shifted past Ai Yue to the area behind him. She then smiled, "Then we won't disturb you. Dr. Ai Yue, see you later."

Ai Yue turned around and saw Aponia walking towards them with Hua and Kalpas.

Chapter 5: Rejecting Flatness Starts With Me

"You're quite late."

Seeing the three approaching, Ai Yue waved, nodded to Dr. Mei, and went to meet them. "You don't seem to have dressed up much?"

"A nun's wardrobe doesn't have many special outfits," Aponia, still in her simple nun attire, smiled and glanced to the side. "Most of my time was spent on other things."

Kalpas, who received the glance, crossed his arms, the corners of his mask drooping downwards, clearly the one who had wasted time. "To put it bluntly, what does this event have to do with me?"

"The food is quite good, so I called you to try it," Ai Yue patted his shoulder. "Honestly, kids these days don't lack toys. You might as well learn some cooking skills and show off when you get back."

As Kalpas's semi-guardian, Ai Yue knew very well where his "salary" was mostly spent.

Kalpas was silent for a moment, then finally walked into the banquet hall and began sampling the desserts one by one.

"You're the one with the solutions," Aponia glanced again at Hua, who looked a bit flustered, and then nodded at Ai Yue. "Well then, I'll go greet my friends first. See you later."

Friends? Besides Elysia, were there others?

Ai Yue had this thought, but then set it aside for the moment and looked at Hua. "Don't be nervous, Hua. Everyone here is quite easy to get along with."

"I'm not worried about that, Dr. Ai Yue," Hua pursed her lips and looked past Ai Yue towards the banquet hall. "I just feel that this kind of occasion isn't suitable for me, and honestly, I didn't really contribute anything to this plan. You didn't need to invite me."

Hua still felt like the past few days had been a dream. She had been suddenly chosen by Ai Yue as a member of a team for an outdoor mission, but in reality, she hadn't done anything. She had just followed along for a tour and then returned. After returning, she went to the Fifth Academy of Sciences according to the arrangements, and after delivering the mental resistance drugs, she went to the battlefield with the first batch of soldiers. Not long after, she heard that the Eighth Herrscher was dead.

Then, she and a nun named Aponia brought the berserk Kalpas back to the Moth to Fire base from the battlefield, and that was it.

During this time, she hadn't played any significant role. Anyone else could have done what she did. So, she didn't understand why Ai Yue had specifically invited her.

"Because you have real potential, Hua. You should be more confident," Ai Yue couldn't say it directly, so he could only pat her shoulder. "Besides, I've learned a little about your situation."

"You know?" Hua was startled, then realized what he was referring to. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hide it..."

Because she had survived alone under Himiko, the captain of the Fifth Squad who had become a Herrscher, Hua was seen as a jinx by other soldiers. Some even secretly called her a witch and deliberately kept their distance from her.

Combined with Hua's inherently low self-esteem, this made her question her own existence even more. That's why she was so surprised when Ai Yue specifically requested her for the mission.

"It's not about intentionally hiding it, and besides, it wasn't your fault," Ai Yue waved his hand. "I just wanted to ask you if you would be willing to work for me?"

"Huh?"

"My current plan is to update the equipment for the Moth to Fire soldiers, and someone needs to test this new equipment during its experimental phase," Ai Yue said seriously. "Also, I might occasionally go on field missions and will need an excellent warrior to protect my safety. So, are you willing to help?"

"I..." Hua hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I am willing."

"Excellent," Ai Yue immediately produced a paper document from who-knows-where and placed it before her, handing her a pen at the same time. "Then sign your name right here."

"Huh?" Hua's eyes widened again. "So, so soon?"

She had thought something like this would at least wait until after the banquet, or perhaps be signed the next day. She hadn't expected Ai Yue to be so impatient.

"That won't do. What if you toss and turn all night and then back out?" Ai Yue offered an encouraging smile. "You're the optimal candidate I've carefully considered. Of course, I can't let you slip away."

Hua blinked her eyes and, in the end, obediently signed her name on the contract without even carefully reading it to check for any unusual clauses.

Who was the last person to encourage and affirm her like this?

A graceful figure with red hair and a black dress flashed through Hua's mind, only to be engulfed by flames.

"There's still a long road ahead. Don't be bound by the past." As if sensing Hua's thoughts, Ai Yue patted her shoulder. "Come on, I'll introduce you to your future colleagues."

Looking at Ai Yue's retreating back, Hua paused for a moment before following.

She would probably never forget that flash of red, but Ai Yue was right. One couldn't live in the past forever.

I'll keep moving forward, Captain. You'll support me like you always did, won't you?

Ai Yue quickly introduced Hua to everyone present. To her surprise, apart from a few individuals, most of them had some impression of Hua.

Although they were puzzled as to why an ordinary soldier could join the new Poison Pupa, everyone present had witnessed Ai Yue's capabilities and therefore had no objections to his judgment.

Of course, there was a small interlude.

"You're interested in her too?"

Mobius, who arrived at the scene slightly later than Aponia, looked at the gray-haired girl beside Ai Yue and couldn't help but frown. She pulled Ai Yue aside, her expression displeased. "I got here first!"

"What do you mean, 'you first, me first'?" Ai Yue looked at her inexplicably. "You don't plan on experimenting on her, do you?"

"Do you remember the first Hypervariable Factor formula you created?" Mobius didn't answer, continuing instead, "Among the Garuda's Hypervariable Factor, one of the individuals with the highest compatibility is her."

"No, absolutely not!" Ai Yue immediately realized Mobius's intentions and sternly refused. "I am warning you very seriously, Mobius. Within three years... no, within five years, you are absolutely forbidden from performing the Fusion Warrior surgery on Hua!"

What a joke. He had gone to such great lengths to build a good relationship with Hua precisely to see if her future was indeed bound by the Hypervariable Factor.

Chapter 6: You Dare Assume My Gender?

Although Elysia's banquet primarily consisted of a few scholars and the various Fusion Warriors, it didn't actually restrict them from inviting family members or friends. This was why Hen had brought Blanca and Griseo, and why Ai Yue was able to bring Kalpas and the others here.

However, he still encountered someone unexpected.

"Mr. Ai Yue?"

At the bar area in a corner of the banquet hall, a familiar voice called out to Ai Yue. He turned his head and saw Elysia sitting on a nearby sofa, swirling her wine glass. "Have your matters been resolved?"

Although Elysia lived at the Moth to Fire headquarters, she was only there for psychological treatment and wasn't yet considered a member of Moth to Fire, with limited knowledge of internal affairs.

If Pardofelis hadn't brought Ai Yue's letter to her, she wouldn't even have known that he might have encountered trouble.

"Everything's resolved, nothing major," Ai Yue casually picked up a sparkling beverage and walked over. "Didn't I send you a message?"

After the situation was resolved, Ai Yue had reported his safety to Elysia. After all, Pardofelis was with her at the time, so it was necessary to clarify things.

"I was talking about Phelis's situation," Elysia said with a smile, a hint of teasing in her words. "Making a young lady sad is not something a gentleman should do, Mr. Ai Yue."

"Ah, you mean that. I guess that's resolved too," Ai Yue gave an awkward smile and quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of which, I haven't properly thanked you yet. Thank you for taking care of Pardo."

"It's my duty. I've received many favors from you, and protecting a child is a small matter, not worth mentioning." Elysia took a sip of wine and let out a satisfied sigh. "Would you like a glass? This is a special vintage I sponsored for tonight's party."

"No, I don't drink," Ai Yue raised the beverage in his hand. "If my thoughts aren't under control, it's easy for unforeseen things to happen."

The secret Ai Yue carried was too heavy, so he had to ensure he was always clear-headed.

"That's a shame. I thought we might have had a similar hobby," Elysia shook her head slightly but didn't insist. "It seems I can only hope the lady Elysia mentioned shares my taste."

"That lady?" Ai Yue frowned, vaguely feeling like he had overlooked a detail.

"Yes, according to Elysia, she's a gentle and mysterious lady." As Elysia spoke, she suddenly looked behind Ai Yue and raised her wine glass. "Oh, look, they're here."

Ai Yue turned his head and saw Elysia walking over with Aponia. It was then that he remembered that in the original storyline, these three were indeed drinking buddies.

Now it seemed that because he had altered the original plot, their acquaintance had been brought forward considerably.

"What are you two chatting about?" Seeing that they had been discovered, Elysia quickened her steps and sat down next to Elysia. "Speaking of which, if Elysia hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known you were also skilled in music, Ai Yue!"

"I wouldn't say skilled," Ai Yue said somewhat awkwardly. "I just have a slight understanding."

He could righteously claim the System's creations as his own efforts and sweat, but he felt too embarrassed to claim the songs of the music legends from his past life as his own.

After all, the System belonged to him, but the music did not.

"It seems this is the new friend Elysia mentioned." Elysia stood up and extended her hand to Aponia. "Hello, my name is Elysia."

"Just call me Aponia, Miss Elysia." Aponia also extended her hand to shake Elysia's, then sat down next to Ai Yue. "The children at the sanatorium really enjoy listening to your songs."

"Is that so? It's truly delightful that there are still children who appreciate music these days," Elysia personally poured a glass of wine for Aponia and pushed it towards her. "I think we should drink this fine wine together and celebrate."

"Is this... brewed by 'Purple Helen'?" Aponia brought the cup to her nose to sniff, then showed an expression of surprise. "I never thought I'd actually get to taste it one day."

"Yes, it is indeed Purple Helen," Elysia said with a happy smile. "It seems my wish has come true."

Ai Yue couldn't help but look at the nun with a strange expression—Wait, you can actually taste wine?

"Before Twilight Street was Twilight Street, we were able to drink wine on Prayer Day," Aponia explained. "But I only knew that Purple Helen's wine was more refined. This is the first time I've seen it with my own eyes."

"That makes three of us, perfect!" Elysia raised her glass. "I think we could hold these ladies' nights more often, don't you think?"

"You're trying to kick me out, aren't you?" Ai Yue sighed, noticing how she emphasized the word "ladies." "Alright, alright, I'll make room for you all."

He then got up and left amidst good-natured laughter, not forgetting to take his sparkling water with him.

What's so good about alcohol, anyway? A cola is much better!

Speaking of which, where did Pardo go?

Ai Yue drank his beverage and began looking for Pardofelis.

However, before he could find Pardofelis, someone else approached him.

"Doctor Ai Yue."

The pink-haired, fox-eared girl had appeared behind him silently at some point. "Do you have time right now?"

Her expression was a little flustered, as if she had something she wanted to say.

"Yeah, I do." Seeing her expression, Ai Yue became more serious. "What's wrong? Is there a problem at home?"

Sakura was a very resilient person—unless it involved her soft spot, her sister Ling.

Ling was practically Sakura's emotional anchor. If anything happened that involved Ling, Sakura would become vulnerable.

"No, not yet," Sakura shook her head, her expression laced with worry. "But I don't know if something will happen if this continues, especially with those people upstairs..."

Sakura didn't know that Ai Yue had resolved his conflict with the higher-ups of Moth to Fire through rather forceful means. She thought his safe return was the result of some kind of negotiation.

All she knew was that the balance achieved through negotiation was temporary. Since she had already chosen to side with Ai Yue and the others, the conditions those people had promised her could be revoked at any moment.

For her sister's sake, she had to ask Ai Yue for help.

"That matter has been resolved perfectly," Ai Yue explained briefly, but he knew this wouldn't be enough to dispel Sakura's doubts. "However, your concerns aren't entirely unfounded. I'll find a way to resolve them."