Beautiful Country, somewhere inside a laboratory.
"Thank you all for your cooperation. We'll be conducting this research together. I believe that with your country's technological assistance, deciphering Surtur's brain is only a matter of time."
An elderly researcher spoke to the many Huaguo experts.
Before them was a glass container as large as a swimming pool. Inside it was the head of a strange creature, immersed in an unknown solution. Its owner was none other than Surtur.
"I didn't expect you to have already found a way to maintain Surtur's cellular activity." An unknown Huaguo expert spoke softly.
"No. To be honest, we didn't maintain the activity of this head." The old man shook his head slightly.
"We merely used strong acids and cooling agents to keep it stable. Otherwise, what would be before us wouldn't be a house-sized head."
"It would be a complete, hundred-meter-tall Fire Giant."
The moment he said this, everyone was utterly shocked. They had only known the general situation and hadn't expected the truth to be so unbelievable.
Their hearts were filled with curiosity toward the unknown, excitement at the chance to investigate, and shock at the facts.
"That sounds incredibly unbelievable, like something out of a science-fiction movie."
"The high-concentration energy tissue throughout Surtur's body—we'll temporarily call it the core. Apart from the core in his head, all the others were destroyed by Mr. Novgir. Even so, the core remaining in his head is still continuously absorbing that unknown energy, attempting to repair his entire body."
"After conducting countless experiments, we now have the ability to observe this unknown energy. The observation machines are still in their trial phase. We'll name this energy after this cooperation is complete."
The old man continued explaining everything to the Huaguo experts and sharing the results of their research.
"We're willing to share all these results with your country. We hope that this time, we can work together with one heart and mind. Although we still know very little about this disaster, there's no doubt that this upheaval will be a major crisis for humanity."
The old man walked to a huge screen. A world map was displayed on it. He turned to face everyone. "These are the results of our observations of the unknown energy fluctuations."
"Although we were short on time, we still gained quite a lot. We discovered that areas where this energy is relatively concentrated will see large numbers of monsters and unknown diseases, as well as infected people resembling zombies. Unfortunately, only Surtur possesses a complete brain."
"This disaster was destined to endanger the entire world from the very beginning. Everyone, this isn't the time for two countries to contend with each other. We'll disclose our research results to your country without reservation. Everything we're doing is for humanity. The disaster has already arrived."
No matter whose shoulders the responsibility fell upon, no one could let it hit the ground.
The old man's words were gentle yet heavy, striking every person's heart.
They were workers ahead of their time, and everything they said and did carried weight.
"Mr. Ross, rest assured. We Huaguo people understand that the bigger picture comes first. We'll give this research our all!"
The old man exhaled, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. "On behalf of all humanity, I thank you!"
This time, Beautiful Country needed Huaguo's technological support. Otherwise, the deciphering work would be difficult to carry out.
As for the previous idea of obtaining key technology and gaining an advantage over the world, it had long since been abandoned. It had been nothing more than an unrealistic fantasy.
Of course, whether this was what everyone thought was unknown.
"Bzzzt!"
Just as the group was about to leave, a piercing alarm suddenly rang out.
"What's going on? Did something go wrong with the observation system?"
The old man hurried to the screen and stared intently at the world map.
On the map, a dazzling red spot appeared in the North Continent, followed by the South Continent...
Red spots representing high-concentration energy reactions rapidly appeared. In just two minutes, 172 locations across the world were covered by red spots!
"Contact the Ministry of Defense! Quickly!"
"So, sis, we're just going to keep this from Mom?"
"What else can we do? We should keep it secret from ordinary people as much as possible."
"Even if that person is Mom?"
"Yes."
Gu Yan nodded. He hadn't actually wanted to tell Mother Gu. He had only been using his sister's attitude to confirm whether Mother Gu was an ordinary person.
After all, the lesson this time had hurt too much.
He had spent the entire afternoon at work reading books and looking up information to understand the situation. He was too ashamed to face anyone.
Since work wasn't busy and his colleagues were avid gossipers, his deeds had spread throughout the bureau. The dazed, dumbfounded expression he'd worn when he learned the truth had also been photographed and pasted onto a picture of the wall he'd cracked with one kick.
A handsome face was pasted onto it, along with the words, "I'm really cracking up." A meme was born.
Gu Yan: This world has never been beautiful.
As for Zhang Yu, after receiving friendly greetings from the siblings, he had been punished with cleaning the training grounds for two months.
The mental hospital was full of laughter and joy today as well.
I'm blowing it up tomorrow!
Through the rearview mirror, Gu Li saw the utterly lifeless expression on Gu Yan's face. A faint smile also appeared on her usually impassive face.
The car continued down the road, city lights reflecting across Gu Yan's handsome features.
The two had already eaten. It was currently rush hour, but because the road was remote, there were few pedestrians or vehicles.
At that moment, an unexpected change occurred.
A man rushed out from the intersection ahead. When he saw their car, he ran into the middle of the road and waved frantically.
"What's wrong with that guy? Is he drunk? Does he have a death wish?"
"Wait, he seems to be calling for help!"
Whoosh!
As soon as the words left her mouth, a figure shot out. A silver spear pierced through the man's body, killing him instantly.
A Knight-class Honkai beast!
Gu Yan cursed inwardly. He hadn't expected a Honkai beast to appear in Huaguo so soon.
Gu Li had already gotten out of the car and was attempting to interfere with the Honkai beast's thoughts using her supernatural ability.
But while her ability was highly effective against humans, it was utterly useless against the Honkai beast.
Even after she increased its intensity, her face turning pale, she still failed to affect the Honkai beast in the slightest.
"Damn it, it doesn't work? What do I do? Xiao Yan is still here!"
This Honkai beast clearly wasn't good-tempered. Its spear thrust forward in the blink of an eye.
Grant: Charge, Strength, Swift Steps...
While buffing his incredibly brave sister, Gu Yan suddenly drove power into both legs. He instantly closed in on Gu Li, grabbed the spear, and yanked it sharply to the side.
How could the Honkai beast's physique compare to Gu Yan's current body? It lost its balance and fell to the ground. Gu Yan turned the spear around and hurled it.
Clang!
The spear pierced through it and plunged deep into the ground. The Honkai beast ceased to breathe.
"My dear sister, could you not be so reckless? It was dangerous!"
Gu Li paid no attention to her brother's complaints. She walked over, looked him up and down twice, pinched him here, and examined him there.
"Whew, as long as you're fine. What did you say just now?"
Gu Li smiled faintly, showing no awareness that they had only just escaped danger.
"Xiao Yan has gotten stronger. But remember, if you aren't confident, drive away first. Your sister will cover your retreat."
Gu Yan was rendered speechless. He could only complain, "You're sounding more and more like Mom."
Besides, I was the one who saved you just now!
"Sis, let's head back. The bureau may be in chaos, and who knows how many of these monsters there are."
"No need. Come with me."
A detached voice drifted over, carrying the chill of early winter and seeming all the colder for it.
Gu Li faced the enemy as if confronting a great threat, staring intently at the woman who had appeared beside them at some unknown point.
"Who are you?"
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