Return of the King

In a laboratory somewhere within the Beautiful Country.

"Thank you all for your cooperation. We will conduct this research together. I believe with your country's technological assistance, deciphering Surtur's brain is only a matter of time."

An elderly researcher said to numerous Huaguo experts.

Before them was a glass container as large as a swimming pool. Inside, immersed in an unknown solution, was the strange creature's head – belonging to Surtur.

"I didn't expect you'd already found a way to maintain Surtur's cell activity," one Huaguo expert murmured.

"No, to our shame, we haven't maintained the head's activity," the old man shook his head slightly.

"We merely used strong acid and a coolant to keep it stable. Otherwise, what we'd be facing wouldn't be a head the size of a house."

"But a complete, hundred-meter-tall flame giant."

The statement shocked everyone present. They only knew the general situation and hadn't expected the reality to be so unbelievable.

They felt a mix of curiosity about the unknown, joy in exploration, and a tremor of fear at the truth.

"This sounds incredible, like something out of a sci-fi movie."

"Surtur's body is composed of high-concentration energy tissues, which we've tentatively termed 'cores.' Mr. Novgir destroyed all of them except the one in its head. Despite this, the remaining core in the head is continuously absorbing that unknown energy, attempting to repair its entire body."

"Through numerous experiments, we've gained the ability to observe this unknown energy. The observation equipment is still in its trial phase, and the naming of this energy will occur after this collaboration."

The old man had been explaining and sharing research findings with the Huaguo experts.

"We are willing to share all these findings with your country. We hope this time, we can work together with one heart. Although we still know very little about this disaster, there's no doubt it poses a major crisis for humanity."

The old man walked to a large screen displaying a world map. He turned to face everyone. "This is the result of our observation of the unknown energy fluctuations."

"Although time was short, the harvest was considerable. We've discovered that in areas where this energy is relatively concentrated, large numbers of monsters, unknown diseases, and zombie-like infected individuals appear. Unfortunately, only Surtur possessed a complete brain."

"This disaster was destined to endanger the entire world from the start. Everyone, this is not the time for a contest between two countries. We will openly share our research findings with your country without reservation. This is all for humanity; the disaster has already arrived."

No matter who bore the responsibility, it could not be shirked.

The old man's words were gentle yet heavy, striking a chord in everyone's hearts.

They were workers ahead of their time, and their words and actions carried weight.

"Mr. Ross, rest assured, we Huaguo people understand the importance of the bigger picture. We will go all out in this research!"

The old man exhaled, a sense of relief washing over him. "On behalf of all humanity, I thank you all!"

This time, the Beautiful Country needed Huaguo's technical support; otherwise, the deciphering work would be difficult to proceed.

The idea of obtaining key technology and leading the world, which they had entertained before, had long been abandoned as an unrealistic fantasy.

Of course, whether everyone shared this sentiment was unknown.

"Buzz!"

As a group was about to leave, a piercing alarm suddenly sounded.

"What's going on? Is the observation system malfunctioning?"

The old man rushed to the screen, his eyes fixed on the world map.

On the map, a dazzling red spot appeared over the North Continent, followed by the South Continent...

Red spots representing high-concentration energy reactions appeared rapidly. In just two minutes, 172 locations worldwide were covered by these red spots!

"Quick, contact national defense, hurry!"

"So, sis, we're just going to keep this from Mom?"

"What else? We should try to keep it secret from ordinary people."

"Even if she's Mom?"

"Yes."

Gu Yan nodded. He didn't necessarily want to tell Mother Gu, but he wanted to confirm if his sister thought Mother Gu was an ordinary person through her attitude.

After all, the lesson learned this time was too harsh.

He had spent the entire afternoon at work reading and researching to understand the situation, feeling too ashamed to face anyone.

Because his job wasn't demanding, his colleagues were quite gossipy, and his recent exploits had spread throughout the department. His stunned expression the moment he realized the truth was captured and pasted onto a photo of the wall he had kicked and cracked.

A handsome face was pasted onto it, accompanied by the words "I'm really cracked," completing the meme.

Gu Yan: This world is never a beautiful place.

As for Zhang Yu, after being "friendly greeted" by the siblings, he was punished with two months of cleaning the training grounds.

Today, the psychiatric hospital was also filled with laughter and joy.

We'll blow it up tomorrow!

Gu Li saw Gu Yan's ashen expression in the rearview mirror, and a faint smile appeared on her usually placid face.

The car drove on, the city lights reflecting on Gu Yan's handsome face.

The two had already eaten, and it was currently rush hour. However, because the road was secluded, there weren't many pedestrians or vehicles.

Suddenly, the situation took a drastic turn.

From the intersection ahead, a man ran out in a panic, waving his arms wildly in the middle of the road as he saw their car approaching.

"What's wrong with this guy? Drunk and suicidal?"

"Wait, he looks like he's asking for help!"

Swish!

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a figure darted out, a silver spear piercing the man's body, killing him instantly.

A Knight-class Honkai beast!

Gu Yan cursed under his breath, annoyed that a Honkai beast had appeared in Huaguo so quickly.

Meanwhile, Gu Li had already gotten out of the car, attempting to use her powers to disrupt the Honkai beast's mind.

However, her abilities were highly effective on humans but proved utterly useless against the Honkai beast.

Even when she intensified her efforts, her face paling, she couldn't affect the Honkai beast in the slightest.

"Oh no, it's not working? What do we do? Xiao Yan is still here!"

This Honkai beast clearly had a foul temper, and its spear was already lunging towards them.

Bestowal: Charge, Strength, Swift Steps...

As Gu Yan buffed his brave elder sister, he forcefully pushed off the ground with his legs, instantly closing the distance to Gu Li and grabbing the spear, yanking it to the side.

How could the Honkai beast's physique compare to Gu Yan's current state? It lost its balance and fell to the ground. Gu Yan then turned the spear and threw it.

Clang!

The spear pierced deep into the ground, and the Honkai beast ceased to move.

"My dear sister, can you please not be so impulsive? It's dangerous!"

Gu Li completely ignored her brother's complaint. She walked over, scanned the surroundings, pinched here, and looked there.

"Phew, you're okay. What were you saying just now?"

Gu Li smiled slightly, showing no awareness of the danger they had just escaped.

"Xiao Yan has gotten stronger. But remember, if you're not confident, just drive away first. I'll cover your retreat."

Gu Yan was speechless, only grumbling, "You're starting to sound more and more like Mom."

Besides, I was the one who saved you just now!

"Sis, let's head back. The bureau might be in chaos, and we don't know how many more of these monsters there are."

"No need. You're coming with me."

A cold voice cut through the air, carrying the chill of early winter, making it even more piercing.

Gu Li felt as if she were facing a formidable enemy, her eyes fixed on a woman who had appeared beside them at some unknown time.

"Who are you?"