My Honkai Star Rail: Reversing All Phenomena

Beep.

A certain executive's terminal was the first to sound its notification tone, followed almost immediately by a string of alerts.

The notice was out!

The big shots exchanged glances, feeling an unusual nervousness, as though they had returned to their youth and were waiting for the results after an extremely important examination.

The executives from the Department of Light Abyss Archives gritted their teeth and opened the message interface first. They had already made up their minds: if Station Master Asta assigned Hua Yi to another department, they absolutely would not accept it calmly. They had to protest.

"Given Hua Yi's outstanding performance since joining the Space Station, his rank is hereby promoted to Level IV Researcher, applicable to the Department of Light Abyss Archives..."

"Yes!"

Emily immediately cheered and jumped up in delight.

He's a loyal servant of our Department of Secret Scrolls!

The big shots from the Department of Light Abyss Archives gave Emily approving looks, their faces full of gratification, only to freeze at the latter half of the executive's announcement.

"Ap-applicable to the Department of Light Abyss Archives, Galaxy Ward Department, Department of Universal Matter, Department of Astral Boundary and Flora, and Department of Universal Geodesy."

"??"

"Yes!!"

This time, Wen Shiling from the Department of Applied Materials, Lamina from the Department of Boundary Seeds, and several other young researchers without particularly deep schemes cheered. The executives of their respective departments were equally approving, nodding repeatedly.

We have loyal servants here who care about the department's future too.

"Could Station Master Asta mean for Hua Yi to familiarize himself with each department's working methods before choosing one to join? She can't possibly intend for him to belong to all Five Departments forever, can she? A person's energy is limited. It won't do to spread it too thin."

"Indeed. Once Hua Yi has seriously learned about the characteristics of the different research departments, he will certainly make the right choice."

"Wait, there's one final line in the notice—the relevant situation has already been reported to Madam Herta."

"?!"

"Madam Herta already knows?"

"Station Master Asta couldn't have told Madam Herta that our departments have been acting recklessly and violating Space Station regulations, could she...?"

The expressions of the gathered big shots became extraordinarily colorful and unpredictable.

"That's not true, I didn't do that, don't make things up. We have always strictly followed every Space Station regulation and have never tried to cause trouble. Our eagerness to recruit Hua Yi comes solely from cherishing talent."

"Us too!"

The executives looked at one another, guilty consciences robbing their words of confidence.

The Department of Land Surveying and the Department of Applied Materials, who had never seen eye to eye, no longer had any desire to needle each other. They were terrified that Madam Herta might suddenly appear through one of her puppets, making them lose face before that Genius.

As for whether Hua Yi becoming a Level IV Researcher whose fields encompassed all five directions was merely a temporary measure or the final decision, no one dared speculate carelessly. Only uneasy breathing remained around them.

Herta, that Genius Club Member and the true master of the Space Station, possessed absolute authority that no one could question.

It was at that moment that Hua Yi entered the crowd.

"There is no need for everyone to worry. Station Master Asta understands your feelings and trusts your abilities and character. The Space Station is flourishing now, so the Station Master will only report each department's hard work and contributions to Madam Herta."

"You're back!"

The executives of the Department of Light Abyss Archives brightened and hurried forward to ask after him.

"The Station Master... your conversation with her must have gone quite pleasantly, right?"

"Yes, Miss Asta was very friendly. She treated me to an exceptionally lavish breakfast, so there is no need for everyone to bring me food anymore. I really can't eat another bite."

"Hahaha."

Hua Yi deliberately clutched his stomach with a troubled expression, drawing good-natured laughter from the crowd. Quite a few elderly Scholars stroked their beards with kindly smiles.

"That's good, that's good. Young people always find it easy to have things in common."

"As for the [Simulated Calyx: Seed of Erudition] experiment, I have prepared my paper as well and can answer everyone's questions at any time. What is the situation in the laboratory now? If possible, I would like to give an on-site presentation there."

"Good, good, good. Your laboratory has remained exactly as it was, and we are ready to hear you share your academic work at any time. But are we starting now? Why not sit down and rest for a while first? Don't wear yourself out."

Presentation

At Hua Yi's insistence, a group of experts and Scholars surrounded him like stars around the moon as they headed to the laboratory.

Previously, the executives of each major department had been focused on where this extraordinary newcomer would go in the future, temporarily setting aside the high-level rite involving the Path of Erudition. Now that they learned Station Master Asta had reported the matter to Madam Herta, they no longer dared take any unnecessary action. With the future of their departments still at heart, everyone returned to their identities as Scholars and felt a different kind of excitement.

Including the Department of Light Abyss Archives, which had been the first to learn of the rite's product, the [Key of Inspiration], none of the researchers had been able to carefully analyze its composition and properties. They feared that rash handling might damage this incomparably precious research result.

Senior Scholars capable of independently holding interstellar academic exchange conferences and attracting countless civilizations by reputation brought over chair after chair and sat neatly in the laboratory.

At this moment, they were no longer department executives, nor were they leading figures in their respective fields. They were merely pure seekers of knowledge.

Their cloudy old eyes shone with a different light as they gazed at the Key of Inspiration inside the transparent case.

Even though the case itself contained Herta Space Station's most advanced technology and could ensure that every environmental condition inside remained within an extremely narrow range of fluctuation, nearly constant and unchanging, with even molecular motion following the contents' initial state as much as possible, its value was still far inferior to the key itself, which glimmered with obscure light.

Erudition—it was a crystallization of the Path of Erudition's power!

Across the endless universe, among Sapient Life that knew the great name of Nous, among those seekers who painstakingly pursued knowledge and tried to knock open the gates of truth, who did not yearn for [Wisdom]?

Had the executives present not either weathered countless storms and possessed extraordinary experience, or been exceptionally gifted with composure far beyond ordinary people, they would have already swarmed over, pressed their faces against the case, and stared wide-eyed at the Key of Inspiration.

"—Using the above materials, primarily referencing low-level rites related to the Path of Erudition, along with a mid-level rite that can affect space and theoretically guide in the elusive Path power when a beacon is available, I successfully completed the [Simulated Calyx: Seed of Erudition] and condensed this [Key of Inspiration]."

Behind Hua Yi, the Holographic Projection recreated the entire process of him completing the rite. Beside it, an interface displayed various energy parameters. Combined with the experimenter's detailed explanations, the experts and Scholars seemed to have personally walked through Hua Yi's train of thought, and their understanding of the Seed of Erudition rapidly deepened.

"Simulated Calyx is not an entirely new term. The academic world has long defined it as a special entity produced by spatial distortion. If such spatial distortion involves a Path, then it is indeed possible to attempt to guide in the power upon it."

"What extraordinary creative thinking!"

"Could we use equipment or Curios capable of affecting space to try to find a more stable method of connecting to the Path of Erudition?"

"If it were truly that simple, would there be so few Pathstriders in the universe? Forget Paths—even the principle behind the growth of Simulated Calyxes is a mystery. Isn't the reason the rites of the Department of Light Abyss Archives are called rites precisely because they contain many mysteries we have yet to uncover?"

"Stop discussing it for a moment. Hua Yi has been speaking for so long, he must be thirsty. Tch, how does this laboratory not even have a water dispenser?"

"Ex-excuse me."

A young female researcher nervously knocked on the laboratory door, holding purified water she had just fetched from the office.

An executive from the Department of Boundary Seeds recognized her and nodded approvingly.

"Lamina, you came at just the right time. Quickly bring the water to Hua Yi so he can wet his throat."

On the small scale, this merely showed that a researcher was quick-witted, had considered the details of the meeting, and was likable. On the larger scale, it reflected the overall quality of the Department of Astral Boundary and Flora's personnel. Why had no one from the other departments thought that Hua Yi might be thirsty?

Even if, out of fear of displeasing Madam Herta, the major departments no longer dared openly clash or publicly compete for Hua Yi, there was no harm in doing better in the small details.

"Don't leave after this. Sit beside us and listen. When the meeting ends, help put away the documents so Hua Yi, who is already working very hard, does not have to expend more effort."

"Yes!"

A flash of delight crossed the eyes of Level III Researcher Lamina. She hurriedly sat down as quietly as possible, afraid that even the slightest noise might disrupt the meeting.

Hua Yi smiled and nodded to the female researcher he had interacted with while optimizing the Department of Boundary Seeds' Database earlier, then continued.

"Next, I will explain the effects of the Key of Inspiration. As you can see, it is a product of a rite, a droplet splashed from the Path of [Wisdom]. Not only can it serve as material for preliminary research into the power of Erudition, it can also stimulate inspiration deep within the holder's consciousness. Grasping the key is the same as grasping the sparks that dart through one's mind."

"W-wait! You mean the Key of Inspiration can truly open the gates of truth? That is not a metaphor?"

"It only stimulates inspiration. The specific effects still depend on the beneficiary's own abilities. As for opening the gates of truth—that should be a description barely applicable only to a higher-level product of the Key of Inspiration, or perhaps something even higher."

"You... no, you mean the Seed of Erudition still has room for further improvement?!"

"That's right."

"!!"

The atmosphere in the laboratory, now serving as a conference hall, immediately changed. Amid heavy breaths, even the elderly Scholars who had experienced the vicissitudes of life and possessed exceptional mental fortitude looked at the Key of Inspiration with burning eyes.

Using the Key of Inspiration might let me break through the academic bottleneck that has held me back for years.

No, no, how can I think that? As the product of an entirely new rite, it is currently one of a kind. It must never be used up as a consumable. If I can obtain an opportunity to study it further and write a high-quality paper beginning with the Key of Inspiration and extending to the Path of [Wisdom], I will have already advanced another step!

I-if I am fortunate enough to participate in the follow-up research and help Hua Yi further improve the Seed of Erudition, condensing a product higher than the Key of Inspiration...

Setting aside the differences in direction among the Five Research Departments, everyone present was a scientific worker. What they sought was nothing more than to explore truth and unravel mysteries.

Their quick minds had already sketched the scenes they dreamed of. How could the experts and Scholars remain reserved?

Every pore on their bodies opened, their blood raced, and every cell in their bodies trembled.

What He Meant

"Let me study the Key of Inspiration, just once! I feel like ants are crawling all over me!"

"The possibility of advancing further in academia is right before me. I have to consider whether this is the only chance I will have in my life! Every other project can be cast aside. Please, name me as a participant in the Key of Inspiration experiment. I really want to improve!"

"Please give me an opportunity to cooperate. My research direction has always been related to Imaginary Energy, and I can absolutely contribute to the Seed of Erudition project. Please believe me!"

A group of researchers rose to their feet in agitation, surrounding Hua Yi and introducing themselves, striving to join this experiment that was destined to leave a profound mark on the academic world.

If Asta knew what was happening here, she would definitely hurry over again. Otherwise, allowing so many highly esteemed experts and Scholars to gather around Hua Yi could lead to unpredictable consequences if the matter was not handled properly.

Faced with one excited face after another, some resolute and some persistent, Hua Yi remained humble and composed.

"I am ultimately still a newcomer to the Space Station and have limited understanding of the fields each senior has devoted themselves to. As for the follow-up experimental arrangements for the Seed of Erudition, I will have to rely on the Department of Secret Scrolls and the other major departments to put their minds together."

Hearing the implication in his response, quite a few Scholars who had already been prepared to assist Hua Yi or even offer immense benefits widened their eyes in disbelief.

"Hua Yi, y-you mean to delegate authority to the research departments and let us discuss more freely how to analyze the Key of Inspiration and research ways to improve the Seed of Erudition? Do you know how much benefit is involved here?"

"Herta Space Station is a platform for sharing knowledge and jointly seeking truth. My ability to create a new rite also benefited from the valuable information provided by the Department of Secret Scrolls' Database. Since this achievement was made within the framework of the rules, I naturally hope to continue following that spirit of sharing."

Hua Yi continued, ignoring the countless astonished gazes fixed on him.

"I was also acting recklessly before. I told Station Master Asta that I hoped to possess advanced permissions for all Five Research Departments and freely consult their materials. That was what led the Station Master to make such an unconventional decision. For the negative impact caused by this wild idea and my greed for knowledge, I sincerely apologize to everyone here."

"No, no, a talented young person like you should venture boldly and make more new attempts. Station Master Asta must have recognized your talent too, which is why she made an unprecedented exception. We understand, we completely understand!"

What a wonderful child.

The affection in the elderly Scholars' gazes toward Hua Yi was almost tangible.

Everyone present was intelligent. How could they fail to understand what he meant?

Hua Yi was making an exchange. He was using the research opportunities represented by the Seed of Erudition in return for the knowledge accumulated by the Five Departments over many years, making his all-department Level IV Researcher status more reasonable. At the same time, he was speaking for Station Master Asta, preventing the department executives from resenting her and feeling that this arrangement of "wanting everything" was too simple and heavy-handed.

Now it was the researchers who had eagerly spoken up and competed for experimental opportunities earlier who felt ashamed.

"We were so carried away just now and behaved far too disgracefully. You truly do not need to go this far. Knowledge is there, and the Space Station welcomes any capable member to read, learn, improve themselves, then produce new results and enrich this treasury once again. It is all what you deserve!"

"You are the creator of the [Simulated Calyx: Seed of Erudition]. No one can change that."

"If experiments involving the Key of Inspiration lack your input, how would we dare act rashly? Please still serve as the project leader. We can simply assist you."

In truth, Hua Yi was not retreating in order to advance. He truly intended to yield the academic value of the Seed of Erudition.

No matter how brilliant a paper or project might be, when placed in this universe filled with Aeons, it was only a tiny component with limited radiance.

Herta Space Station researcher was Hua Yi's current identity, but it would not be the direction of his future development.

Knowledge was a tool, used to explore the truly important Paths and find truths guarded by the universe.

The added value brought by tools was not particularly important to Hua Yi. It would be better to hand it to scientific workers genuinely passionate about such matters. If it could also serve as a little tuition for absorbing the Space Station's knowledge and help that adorable Station Master and the major research departments understand one another, why not?

However, he treated others with sincerity, and they responded in kind.

Even Wen Huairen of the exceedingly shrewd Department of Universal Matter spoke with particular kindness at this moment.

"Young man, you are still too young. How can research not cost money? The scientific and economic value derived from the Seed of Erudition will always include your share. The Department of Applied Materials will keep the accounts crystal clear. No one will be allowed to infringe upon the intellectual property rights."

"Old Wen actually said something human for once."

"A young person who does not seek fame or profit and pursues knowledge so purely makes me think you are overly mature. Could you have suffered some hardship in the past... Ahem. Since you have come to the Space Station, you should relax a little more. Take walks when you have time, go online and find some interesting videos or novels."

"Enough, enough. Next, let us follow the parameters Hua Yi mentioned and begin a conservative study of the Key of Inspiration. We can analyze more conclusions and save him energy during the initial data processing."

The major departments became busy, coordinating methodically as they launched a joint study.

Although the participation of so many people meant that in the paper published by Hua Yi, the creator of the rite and the experiment's completer, the second-author field might end up bearing the joint names of Herta Space Station's departments, greatly lowering the weight of individual experts and Scholars, they could simply write another derivative paper as long as they gained something.

It was truly blood-stirring.

Most people threw themselves energetically into the research. However, several attentive department executives noticed that when Hua Yi left the laboratory, Lamina followed closely behind him while holding documents, clearly taking on the role of a little secretary. They raised their brows and wanted to step forward to recommend outstanding young people from their own departments as Hua Yi's assistants.

Seeing this, the Department Head of Secret Scrolls hurriedly stepped in and began negotiating with the other departments, hoping to secure an opportunity for Lamina.