Honkai Impact 3rd, Saving the Pre-Civilization Starting with Hand-Crafted Black Tech

After continuously trying three batches of materials with different natures, attributes, and categories, Ai Yue couldn't find anything that could advance the special research project. It's worth noting that these materials included rare and even precious ones. If materials of this caliber weren't sufficient, did that mean the entire project required at least world-class materials to proceed?

But as far as Ai Yue knew, all world-class materials were related to Herrschers. How many such materials could possibly exist in the world?

Regardless, he had to start somewhere.

Ai Yue sighed and took out a light pink crystal, holding it in his palm.

This was a special crystal found at the birthplace of the Eighth Herrscher. Like the "Honkai Thunder Crystal" he obtained from Vill-V earlier, it was a product that accompanied the Herrscher's birth, inherently carrying a trace of abilities related to the Herrscher's authority. Thus, it was labeled by the System as "Honkai Energy Sample · Eighth Herrscher."

Such an item should have been used for research projects related to the Eighth Herrscher. However, Ai Yue was more curious about what exactly was in the special research project, so other matters would have to wait.

Yet, as he held the crystal, a complex expression of surprise and relief appeared on Ai Yue's face.

There was now one piece of good news and one piece of bad news. The bad news was that this item couldn't advance the special research project either. The good news was that it at least confirmed the special research project wasn't about the quality of materials, but had other restrictions.

"Gene information transcription"... so it required materials related to genetic information? But he had already tried Aponia's hair earlier, and that didn't work either.

Ai Yue shook his head and, unwilling to give up, took out various materials like hair and blood from Fused Warriors to test. He found that none of them worked.

Damn it, he'd worry about that later. He'd focus on getting the artificial synthesis of Honkai energy crystals project done as soon as possible.

Ai Yue finally resigned himself to it and sighed, closing the interface for the special research project. He reopened the regular technology tree, preparing to restart the temporarily halted research project.

However, as he glanced over, he froze in place.

In a familiar corner, the name of a familiar star had an unexpected description added to it.

"Fused Warrior Formula: Usable Value 100%."

Wait, that was what "specific materials" referred to?!

Ai Yue blinked, a subtle expression appearing on his face. On one hand, he no longer had to worry about materials, which was good. But on the other hand, once the materials were consumed by the System, they would be gone. Wouldn't the research projects already developed also disappear after being consumed?

After confirming with Prometheus that all data on current Fused Warrior technologies were backed up with her, Ai Yue confidently chose to use it to advance the special research project.

However, the conversion progress of the special project was astonishingly slow. Ai Yue stared motionlessly at the special research project interface for five hours. To free up his brain for the System's use, he didn't think about anything else (though such an action was actually useless). He ended up going to sleep and woke up the next day to find that the overall progress had only advanced by one percent.

At this efficiency, when would it be usable?

The only good news was that consuming the "usable value" of the "Fused Warrior Formula" did not affect its existence, nor did it erase Ai Yue's memories. In fact, everything seemed unchanged, as if the usable value that never existed in the first place had simply been returned.

It wasn't until a month later, when this project was finally unlocked, that Ai Yue finally understood what made the special research project so special.

Unlike ordinary research projects, the results of special research projects could not be mass-produced.

Although on the surface it was a technology, its realization was impossible without the System's help. Therefore, it couldn't be taught to others like ordinary knowledge after fully grasping the principles, as was the case with regular research projects.

But similarly, due to the System's intervention, the results of special research projects were also incredibly outlandish.

The final product was made by Ai Yue into the form of a wristwatch, which he wore on his wrist.

"So, this is considered..." Ai Yue looked at the various patterns and silhouettes flashing on its "dial," a subtle expression appearing on his face. "A low-profile Superpower Instrument?"

Chapter 26: The Fairy of the Lake is Born

"Data Transcription Technology for Genetic Information."

To put it in simple, easy-to-understand terms, it's a technology that converts genetic information into data.

It sounds straightforward, but it's not. This technology doesn't simply decipher the content of genetic information and input it into a computer. Instead, it transforms the actual physical genetic material into pure information, allowing for convenient storage, transfer, and other actions.

In essence, this technology completely overturns the inherent viewpoint that "matter is the basis of information," enabling genetic information to be stored like electronic data, greatly reducing the difficulty of long-term preservation of genetic information.

Of course, this was just Ai Yue's conclusion after a brief understanding of the technology. Ultimately, the concept of "matter is the basis of information" is merely humanity's current interpretation of the rules of the universe, not the absolute truth. Therefore, subverting it might not be an outlandish idea.

However, if the special research project was only at this level, Ai Yue wouldn't be able to create a machine similar to the Superpower Instrument. Its most crucial aspect was that, perhaps due to absorbing too many research projects related to Honkai Energy, the transcribed genetic information could combine with Honkai Energy, creating a phenomenon of "energy mimicry."

When this energy mimicry combined with a human, it could enable them to manifest certain abilities carried by the genetic information.

Therefore, although it couldn't transform Ai Yue into another species on a biological level like a true Superpower Instrument, it could still allow Ai Yue to unleash abilities possessed by others.

For example, if Ai Yue activated the genetic information from Kevin, he could temporarily use the latter's ability to control ice and snow. If he activated the genetic information from the Second Herrscher or the Eighth Herrscher, he could also briefly master their authority—albeit in a degraded form.

This was why Ai Yue called it a low-profile Superpower Instrument. Strictly speaking, the Gene Information Index and transforming into other species were the primary functions of the Superpower Instrument; manifesting various biological abilities was merely a bonus.

Of course, if one day Ai Yue could fully master this technology, creating a true Superpower Instrument might not be difficult.

The current problem was that this premise was already quite challenging, as he couldn't even understand the basic principles of this technology.

Fortunately, even if he couldn't understand it, the device was usable.

Ai Yue fiddled with the watch on his wrist, a satisfied smile on his face.

Since it was a low-profile Superpower Instrument, why not just call it a Low-Energy Device?

However, Ai Yue ultimately didn't use this somewhat feeble name. After all, although it was a low-profile Superpower Instrument, it was still the first special piece of equipment he possessed in this world. Unlike consumables like the Limited Gauntlet before, it deserved a more solemn designation.

So, Ai Yue decided to call it the Superpower Instrument—there was no one in this world who could sue him for copyright infringement anyway.

Although it was a low-profile version, the Superpower Instrument in Ai Yue's hand had actually been improved. Firstly, the manual selection of the transformation target had been removed and replaced with automatic activation based on mental commands. This would prevent the various issues that arose from bizarre operations in the original work.

Secondly, Ai Yue's Superpower Instrument could directly replace its energy core and didn't require charging. Since the artificial synthesis of Honkai energy crystals had been successfully developed, there was essentially no need to worry about energy issues.

However, due to the immense consumption of energy mimicry, each core could only support Ai Yue in borrowing the power of Fused Warriors for no more than thirty minutes. If he were to use the genetic information of a Herrscher, this duration would be even shorter.

Of course, a short duration wasn't necessarily a bad thing, as it also served as a form of protection for Ai Yue—prolonged use of this ability placed a significant burden on him.

The human body was still too fragile. He needed to hurry up and develop the Ultimate Fused Warrior Formula.

Ai Yue actually had high hopes for the Fusion Warrior Project. For humanity today, mass-producing Fusion Warriors was the most convenient and highest success rate method to combat Honkai. However, because the success rate had been too low in the past, he didn't want to send potentially salvageable warriors to the operating table so carelessly.

After this period of iteration, the current Fusion Warrior Formula had matured. As long as one followed the prescribed steps, even if Sōgen and Danzhu performed the surgery, the success rate would not be lower than ninety percent. If paired with the "Honkai Beast Gene Compatibility Screening Method" to eliminate candidates with poor compatibility in advance, the surgery's success rate could basically be stabilized at one hundred percent.

Of course, Ai Yue's expectations for the Fusion Warrior Formula were not just for it to be "mature." He hoped to continuously optimize and upgrade it through the System, and then merge it with other similar Research Projects to achieve even more perfect results.

In Ai Yue's heart, he hoped that the "Ultimate Fused Warrior Formula" could eventually become something like a "controllable X-gene."

Of course, this was just a fantasy of his. After all, truly mastering the X-gene was no less difficult than hand-crafting the Plasma Spark Tower. In comparison, even the Plasma Spark Tower was simpler.

Speaking of which, shouldn't he find someone to test the power of this Superpower Instrument?

Ai Yue pondered in his mind when he suddenly heard Prometheus's voice: "Dr. Ai Yue, you have a call from Dr. Mobius."

Speak of the devil.

Ai Yue put down the Superpower Instrument and answered the call: "What is it?"

"You haven't forgotten, have you? Today is the day the Fusion Warrior Project restarts?" Mobius's voice from the other end of the phone was filled with deep exasperation. Ai Yue could even imagine her rolling her eyes, "And judging by your reaction, you haven't read the report I sent you yesterday either, have you?"

Ai Yue rubbed his slightly sore eyes. In order not to miss the moment when the special research project was completed, he hadn't slept for 24 hours and naturally hadn't paid attention to anything else. "What report? I remember I entrusted the entire project to you, didn't I?"

"It's mainly about the participant selection... Forget it, nothing can be changed at this point." Mobius sighed. "Hurry over here. With you present, everyone will feel more at ease."

Participant selection?

Ai Yue hung up the phone, then found the message Mobius had sent yesterday. Upon opening it, a familiar figure appeared on the first page of the photo.

"Su?"

The white-haired warrior looked at his friend with concern: "Aren't you going to reconsider? You have no reason to become a Fusion Warrior."

Kevin really couldn't understand why Su would voluntarily apply to join the Fusion Warrior Project. The strained relationship between the Fifth Academy of Sciences and the First Research Institute was something even he knew about. How could Spacy agree to Su acting so recklessly?

"I've thought about it for a long time, Kevin." Seeing his friend's worried expression, Su, lying on the medical bed, instead showed a relaxed smile. "Besides, becoming a Fusion Warrior doesn't mean I can't be a doctor anymore, does it?"

"But..."

"There's no Fifth Department of Science anymore, Kevin." Seeing Kevin still wanting to say something, Su took the initiative to speak, "You've probably heard about the specifics, right? My teacher has already gone to the Mu Continent to be in charge of Honkai Sickness containment and treatment projects."

"I know, but that has nothing to do with this, does it?" Kevin scratched his head, showing a rare look of confusion.

Ever since Ai Yue solved his body temperature issue, his "individuality," which had become faint with a series of experiences, had gradually become clearer again.

"Of course it's related. The Honkai Sickness has been conquered, but its source has not been resolved." Su continued. "To truly eliminate Honkai Sickness, we must defeat Honkai. And to defeat Honkai, we need more Fusion Warriors, don't we?"

Kevin fell silent, and finally nodded.

"Fusing Honkai Beast genes is indeed difficult for a doctor to accept, but if this is the only way to eradicate the source of the disease, then doctors must be at the forefront for the patients." Su said calmly. "I heard from Dr. Mobius that the Second Generation Fused Warrior Surgery has a very high success rate, and I have excellent compatibility with 'Māhori,' so there will be no danger."

Māhori was the Emperor-class Honkai Beast that accompanied the Eighth Herrscher. It resembled a giant peacock, hence its codename.

After the Eighth Herrscher appeared, Moth to Fire realized the importance of Mental Perception Fusion Warriors. Therefore, this surgery was mainly aimed at this aspect, hoping to create powerful and controllable Mental Perception Fusion Warriors once again.

"Su, are you ready?"

Just as both of them fell silent, Dr. Mei walked out of the operating preparation room. She was already wearing full gear, clearly about to participate in the surgery. "If you're ready, Kevin, you can push him in."

"Then I'll be counting on you, Kevin." Su spoke up.

Kevin still didn't speak, just nodded, and pushed Su's medical bed towards the operating room.

Just then, the door not far away was suddenly opened, and Ai Yue walked in while tidying his messy hair. "I think the headquarters' transport vehicles should be upgraded. Isn't this too slow?"

"Dr. Ai Yue!" Kevin saw Ai Yue and immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "You're finally here."

Compared to Mobius, Kevin trusted Ai Yue more. This man, who was always one step ahead in everything he did and had created countless miracles, gave people a sense of security just by being present.

"Looks like I made it in time." To save time, Ai Yue directly used Desdrobia's energy mimicry and flew over using telekinesis, so he arrived just in time. "Su, you're really going through with the surgery?"

"As a doctor, this is a responsibility I must bear." Su's tone was still firm. "I'll trouble you, Dr. Ai Yue."

"Alright, then I won't try to dissuade you." Ai Yue shook his head. He knew Su's personality, so he just patted Kevin's shoulder. "Don't worry, there's no risk of surgical failure. Also, don't leave after it's over. I have something to talk to you about."

And so it was. The safety of the Second Generation Fused Warrior Formula was undoubtedly high. The entire surgical process didn't even show the slightest rejection reaction. None of the three doctors lifted a finger; Klein and the Sōgen Sisters completed the entire surgical procedure.

"How boring, it's over just like that?"

Once everything was confirmed to be completed, Mobius even complained, "Removing an appendix is more troublesome than this, right?"

"In any case, it's good that everything went smoothly." Dr. Mei breathed a sigh of relief, then walked towards the preparation room. "I'll go out and share this good news with Kevin first. I'll leave the subsequent observation to you all."

"I really didn't expect I could participate in such a high-level surgery..." Danzhu looked down at her hands, her face filled with disbelief. "Sister, we're so amazing!"

"Danzhu, we were just responsible for handing things over and wiping sweat." Sōgen said speechlessly. "It was Senior Sister Klein who was actually doing the work."

"Oh, right! Senior Sister Klein is the most amazing!"

"I just did the preparatory work." Klein was as steady as ever, with no expression on her face, only huge dark circles under her eyes. "And thanks to Dr. Mobius, this surgery basically has no difficulty anymore."

"Hmph, soon there won't even be surgeries anymore." Mobius turned her head and looked at Ai Yue beside her. "In a short while, it will only require an injection, right?"

"That depends on your research progress." Ai Yue shrugged. "To be safe, it's better to have an observation period."

"You really won't take any risks, will you?" Mobius sighed. "It doesn't matter, you're in charge now anyway."

With that, her gaze focused on Ai Yue's left wrist again. "By the way, when did you start wearing a watch?"

Mobius knew that Ai Yue would never wear useless decorations, so she looked at the Superpower Instrument with some curiosity. "What is this thing?"

"You'll know soon enough," Ai Yue replied with a mysterious smile, not answering Mobius's question.

Since this was a practical test, the more subjects the better. If the other Fused Warriors weren't on missions, Ai Yue would have even considered testing them all to gauge their skill levels.

Speaking of which, now that Su had completed the Fused Warrior surgery, his gene information should be transcribed as well, right?

As Ai Yue's thoughts drifted, Su suddenly let out a hoarse cry and then opened his eyes.

Because the anesthetic was still in effect, he couldn't control his body and could only weakly open his mouth to ask, "Did, did it succeed?"

"You're awake?" Ai Yue leaned in with a mischievous grin, a wicked smile on his face. "Congratulations, the surgery was a success. You're a girl now!"

Su:?

Chapter 27: Stop, you two, don't fight

Seeing the panic on Su's usually calm face, Ai Yue couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The gender change was, of course, a lie. Even if Ai Yue had the capability to unlock the "TS Virus" technology tree, he wouldn't waste precious research time on such a useless advancement.

Not to mention, the technological requirements for this thing were even higher than the Fused Warrior Formula. If Ai Yue really wanted to develop it, he'd need to have fully mastered Ouroboros's cyborg surgery first.

After all, the "TS Virus" offered a perfect gender transformation, a completely different league from ordinary gender reassignment surgery.

But that was a digression. Seeing Ai Yue's triumphant expression, Su realized he had been tricked and breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're far more mischievous than I am," Mobius walked over, frowning at Su. "But honestly, seeing that guy's student walk out of my lab completely intact feels… unpleasant. How about we start something while the anesthetic is still working?"

Since this surgery was the first practical application of the Second Generation Fused Warrior Formula, they had initially estimated two hours for the procedure and given Su a correspondingly long dose of anesthetic.

However, it only took an hour to complete. Thus, even though the surgery was over, Su was still under the influence of the anesthetic. His regaining consciousness was already a testament to the power of a Mental Perception Fused Warrior.

"The two of you, please stop making fun of me," Su said with a helpless smile, knowing they were just talking. "Speaking of which, is there any way to quickly dispel the anesthetic?"

"That depends on you," Ai Yue raised an eyebrow. "Based on the results, you've become a Mental Perception Fused Warrior as the plan predicted. Anesthetics, in the end, are just drugs that act on the nervous system, blocking nerve impulse transmission. By using your powerful mental energy to guide it, you should be able to break free from the paralysis early."