A day later, Chen Ran met up with MEI and Kevin.
This newly formed couple did not have any couple-like feelings, but Chen Ran was still sensitive enough to notice the joy in Kevin's brows.
That was the carefree spirit of youth.
After joining Fire Moth, Chen Ran rarely saw such an expression on Kevin's face.
"The Staff of the Underworld has been set up."
Chen Ran said to MEI, "For now, we just need to wait, but I suggest you withdraw to the vicinity of Twilight Street. We still can't guarantee the experiment will succeed."
This experiment was about the Staff of the Underworld's interference with the Herrscher's thought processes, rather than direct control.
Interference and control are not the same thing.
The Herrscher's appearance did not have a directly controlled experimental chamber, nor was there a coding program for mimetic Soulium that could be directly inserted into the Herrscher Core.
So, they could only rely on the Staff of the Underworld to disrupt the Herrscher's thoughts.
The reason for setting up the Staff of the Underworld from a distance was that MEI wanted to test what frequency could directly interfere with the Herrscher and to what extent it could directly affect the Herrscher's judgment.
Moreover, what kind of powerful thought interference source would be needed to sever the connection between the Herrscher and Honkai.
This was a very meaningful study; if successful, humanity's fight against the Herrscher would become significantly easier.
However, judging by the deviations and corrections of fate, Chen Ran was not optimistic about the significance of this experiment.
He believed the experiment would undoubtedly succeed.
But he also believed that Honkai would continue to create new Herrschers, unaffected by the Staff of the Underworld.
Whenever humanity found a way to solve Honkai, Honkai always had a way to create new difficulties.
Whether it was the Ether Anchor Point and artificial world bubble technology developed in the Mu Continent.
Or the Moonlight Throne, which could directly convert Energy.
These were all feasible methods to overcome Honkai.
In comparison, the Staff of the Underworld merely developed a possibility.
"Well done. I've also notified people in various places to evacuate, although the probability of those evacuating will be very low."
MEI paused and looked at Durandal: "What weapon do you have in your hand?"
Durandal instinctively looked at Chen Ran, who explained, "It's a new weapon I asked Vill-V to develop, powered by the Herrscher of the Void core."
"Is it that idea?"
Chen Ran had collaborated with MEI before.
When the first simulation scenario was initiated, Chen Ran consulted MEI about the issues with Wendy to improve the success rate of the Divine Authority Project.
As a result, MEI's answer was to cover the Herrscher Core with materials, allowing one to gain powers akin to the Herrscher.
That was the Divine Key.
But at that time, MEI was still studying in various research institutes and had no resources to create the Divine Key. Later, due to the God of War Project, the idea of the Divine Key was temporarily shelved.
MEI also did not expect that the Divine Key would actually succeed.
"That's right, thanks to Vill-V's help."
Chen Ran paused and said, "The Herrscher of the Void core was given to me for use by the First Research Institute. Vill-V modified it into the Divine Key, basically consuming both my and her salaries for this year."
"If it weren't for the investment we secured, you would have seen me being supported by Kevin."
He said half-jokingly, "Divine Key Cosmic Juggernaut, just in time for this opportunity. If the Staff of the Underworld's blocking effect on the Herrscher is very poor, then this will become a test experiment for the Divine Key."
MEI seemed to ponder.
Kevin, curious, looked at Durandal: "Then why is the Divine Key in Bia's hands?"
Bia immediately puffed up in anger: "Hey, do you have something against me being a beautiful girl?"
"Bia's combat ability is not bad. Look, there's someone over there who has been taken down by Bia."
Chen Ran pointed in a direction, where Kalpas was lying in a shaded area.
Due to excessive blood loss, Kalpas was extremely weak at this moment. However, Chen Ran was a biologist, so aside from weakness, he had no other aftereffects.
"Why is there an ordinary person here?" MEI frowned.
Kevin shook his head: "He's not ordinary."
"As a warrior, I can sense that his body seems to harbor a beast."
Chen Ran nodded: "That's right. If Dr. Mobius were here, she would definitely want to study him."
"Given Bia's body structure and combat ability, she can handle Emperor-class Honkai Beasts, but that man, if I hadn't let him lose blood, could fight until death."
MEI and Kevin fell silent.
Although Chen Ran sometimes joked, he wouldn't deceive them on such matters.
Bia's expression was equally serious: "Aside from his body not being comparable to the hardness of a Honkai Beast, his combat ability can already eliminate over 99% of Fire Moth warriors."
"Based on my understanding of humans during this time, his muscle density and bone strength have already exceeded the limits of normal humans."
At that moment, Bia's expression slightly changed.
"Not good, according to my senses, the timing of this major Honkai Manifest has been moved up."
Chen Ran looked at Kevin: "There's no time to evacuate now. MEI, you control the firing frequency of the Staff of the Underworld. Bia, help MEI with the calculations and protect her."
"Kevin, we are the backup."
He paused and said, "We must complete all experiments before the Fire Moth personnel arrive. MEI, have you found a good excuse?"
As long as Honkai appeared, their actions here would not escape the notice of Fire Moth.
MEI said calmly, "The necessary experiment for the God of War Project does not require an excuse."
Chen Ran: "Tsk, having the project is great."
He felt a bit sour.
At this moment, a dense Major Honkai Eruption was descending upon them.
…
…
[Alert, alert, detecting a large-scale Honkai eruption at latitude 0.33, longitude 32.59, repeating coordinates: latitude 0.33, longitude 32.59...]
When the alarm rang throughout Fire Moth, almost everyone knew that another Major Honkai Eruption had occurred.
In the base, Kiana looked at Himeko: "Do you need my help with this large-scale Honkai? I'm really strong."
Himeko looked at the eager girl in front of her and couldn't help but feel fondness.
"Sirin, I admire your courage, but the higher-ups will make arrangements."
"Remember, a warrior's first duty is to obey orders. We just need to wait for notification."
Kiana let out a slightly disappointed "oh."
During this time, she had adapted well to Fire Moth.
After all, the warriors of Fire Moth were the farthest from politics, and the higher-ups wouldn't be foolish enough to involve combat personnel in political matters.
Moreover, Kiana was also Chen Ran's 'cousin.'
Although Chen Ran's status in Fire Moth was not high, it was quite special; he was from the First Research Institute and had a close relationship with the engineering department, as well as good relations with Kevin and MEI.
In terms of both strength and connections, Chen Ran was no longer an unknown figure.
In this context, naturally, no one would treat Kiana as an ordinary recruit.
Just after Himeko finished speaking, her eyes slightly flickered.
She received an order from the higher-ups.
"Get ready, Sirin," she said, "All members of Team Five, follow me."
Kiana immediately perked up: "Okay!"
As Fire Moth's higher-ups dispatched Team Five, they also received another piece of news.
"MEI has sent a message stating that she and Kevin are at the site of the Honkai Manifest, inviting Chen Ran for assistance in an experiment related to the God of War."
The contact source with MEI said to the higher-ups: "Currently, we have dispatched Team Five, primarily responsible for assisting MEI with the experiment and collecting first-hand data."
"Well done."
The higher-ups paused, expressing their appreciation.
The receptionist continued: "However, there is one more thing."
"What is it?"
"Dr. Mobius has been acting a bit strange lately." He paused and said, "I suggest initiating Cocoon to investigate Dr. Mobius."
"Cocoon?" The higher-ups were not angry at his audacity but seemed to ponder.
The receptionist was not just a receptionist; he was also responsible for monitoring the entire Fire Moth.
"Reason?"
He said, "The First Research Institute has already undergone two comprehensive shielding statuses. We cannot detect what experiments Dr. Mobius has conducted inside, but linking it to the She Sha incident, I reasonably suspect that the experiments Dr. Mobius is conducting have a strong connection to Honkai."
"I believe Dr. Mobius has restarted the fusion gene experiment."
There were no fools within Fire Moth.
Mobius had caused the First Research Institute to enter two 'black box' states due to her experiments, which certainly kept outsiders from knowing what she was doing.
But because of this, she attracted the suspicion of the higher-ups.
Mobius was a dangerous person; everyone could sense that from the day she joined Fire Moth.
Although she was a veteran of Fire Moth, that did not mean others would let their guard down around her.
The higher-ups' eyes narrowed slightly.
"Investigating a veteran recklessly will only cause resentment. After the She Sha incident, you did not find key evidence, so any actions against Mobius must stop here."
The higher-ups slowly spoke: "Blanca left the First Research Institute; she must know something."
"Then let Cocoon investigate Blanca."
The receptionist hesitated and said, "Besides Blanca, I also think it is necessary to investigate Chen Ran."
"This is a series of activities since Chen Ran joined Fire Moth; his rate of growth is somewhat incredible."
…
…
At this moment, Chen Ran naturally had no idea he was about to be investigated.
Because the massive Honkai before him had already left him no time to think.
Although he and MEI had envisioned the possible accidents that could arise from this experiment.
They never expected that the accident would be of this nature.
"Honkai concentration exceeding 8000hw! Kevin, quickly take MEI and escape, the farther the better!"
This time, the central concentration of Honkai had reached a terrifying 8000hw, and it should be noted that the central concentration of the Third Honkai Eruption covering all of East Asia was less than 7000hw.
The ultra-large-scale Honkai Energy concentration shattered all of Chen Ran and MEI's plans.
The threshold upper limit of Honkai Energy concentration they had envisioned for this experiment did not exceed 7500hw.
Moreover, the most important point was that although MEI was wearing a Honkai Energy isolation suit, it also had a threshold upper limit. If MEI were to be infected by even a little Honkai, it would all be over.
Kevin also understood the severity of the situation and quickly said to MEI: "We need to leave."
"No need to leave; there's no time."
In such a dangerous moment, MEI was even calmer than usual: "The concentration of Honkai Energy will decrease relative to the increase in range; this distance is not absolutely dangerous."
She paused and said, "However, the stepwise experiment has become uncontrollable; all the Staff of the Underworld must be activated to full power."
A hint of unwillingness flashed in MEI's eyes, but she had no other choice.
The reason she set up the Staff of the Underworld from a distance was to obtain accurate interference data.
But now, she could only verify the maximum value of the interference data.
And now was not the time to activate the Staff of the Underworld; she had to wait for the Herrscher's arrival.
Kevin instinctively became anxious: "MEI, but if that's the case, the risks you face are not trivial."
"Don't worry, Kevin, you have to trust my judgment."
"Proceed according to the original plan."
Seeing this, Chen Ran said, "Alright, now we can only pray for good luck."
A hint of unease flashed in his eyes.
According to the theories of fate deviation and convergence, MEI would most likely be fine.
But with such a high concentration of Honkai, it seemed to declare the inevitable doom of this era.
As Chen Ran continued to influence this world, the Honkai, which had some connection to this world, was also affected.
Soon, he felt a chill.
The temperature around the center of the Honkai Energy explosion began to drop sharply and spread outward.
The Herrscher had descended.
MEI's eyes narrowed: "Now is the time, Prometheus, activate all the Sticks of the Underworld at maximum power!"
…
…
"Ah-choo!"
"Whew, why did it suddenly get so cold?"
The girl named Pardofelis instinctively wrapped herself in her clothes, still unaware of the unprecedented Major Honkai Eruption that was about to occur.
The high concentration of Honkai Energy had not yet spread to this place; according to Bia's calculations, this was already the edge of a large-scale Honkai explosion.
It was also the maximum distance set by the Sticks of the Underworld.
At this moment, the Sticks of the Underworld being guarded by Pardo emitted a crackling sound.
Pardofelis flashed a hint of doubt: "I wonder how long I have to guard this. That person wouldn't forget to pay, right?"
The temperature continued to drop.
Just then, her pupils slightly constricted.
In her line of sight, Pardofelis saw an aircraft rapidly approaching.
"Arrived at the edge of the Honkai explosion, all personnel disembark here, search for MEI, Kevin, and Chen Ran, and assist them in recovering the Herrscher."
Himeko issued the order to the fifth squad.
They were not responsible for rescue.
"Received."
Kiana followed Hua off the aircraft and then noticed Pardofelis hiding to the side.
"Why is there someone here?"
She shouted loudly at Pardo: "Hey, it's dangerous here, you should leave quickly!"
"Leave? No way."
Pardo shook her head and then noticed the Fire Moth insignia on Kiana.
"You're from the United Nations?"
"You know?"
Kiana scratched her head, and just then, Himeko walked over and asked, "Sirin, what's going on?"
"She knows our origins."
Kiana pointed at Pardo, but Pardo had already vanished in a flash.
After Kiana said that 'you know,' Pardo had a bad premonition.
It was an instinct, and this instinct was something she relied on to survive.
"Forget it, Sirin, keep up with the team."
At that moment, Himeko noticed the Sticks of the Underworld nearby.
She seemed to be deep in thought.
…
…
"The Herrscher of Ice, which rapidly lowers the surrounding air temperature, has appeared. I really don't know if this news is good or bad."
When Chen Ran saw the new Herrscher, a complex expression crossed his face.
He could almost be certain that this Herrscher was no longer the one from the storyline, the one that was torn apart by Kalpas upon its appearance.
Because of him, the overall technology of this world had been enhanced, and correspondingly, the Honkai had also strengthened the Herrscher.
But the good news was that it was still the Herrscher of Ice.
Although the world had deviated, it hadn't deviated too far off course.
Kevin, on the other hand, nervously looked at MEI.
"MEI, are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
MEI shook her head, her face flashing a hint of pallor.
"The effect of the Honkai Energy blocking suit is quite good. Although it has disrupted my blood circulation due to its function, it's not a big deal."
This time, the concentration of Honkai Energy at the center exceeded 8000hw, but after spreading outward, the concentration of Honkai Energy MEI encountered was not that high.
"Compared to that, I'm more worried about the effect of the Sticks of the Underworld."
Kevin relaxed slightly and said, "So far, it seems the plan is working, MEI."
The Herrscher had appeared, but due to the Sticks of the Underworld, there was currently no action or attack.
MEI felt a bit regretful and said, "According to the original plan, we should gradually interfere, but now we can't rashly reduce the power, or the consequences will be quite serious."
No one would underestimate the power of a Herrscher.
Because of this, this experiment could only be considered partially successful.
Chen Ran held the Keys of the Void, his eyes revealing a serious expression.
"Let's hope everything goes smoothly."
Just as he finished speaking, he saw the Herrscher, disturbed by the Sticks of the Underworld, begin to move.
Chen Ran forced a smile: "It's time to change the experiment."
"Divine Key testing experiment."
The interference of the Sticks of the Underworld had failed.
——
In 2014, within the World Serpent.
Elysian Realm.
"I actually don't recommend you proceed with the next experiment."
Expert Vill-V looked at Wendy and Raiden Mei and said, "Although relying on the time armament can allow you to travel to our era, the energy supply will be extremely terrifying."
"Not to mention, while I don't fully understand the theory of time, I do know about the butterfly effect."
"The time you enter will wash away all life within it like a long river."
In the Elysian Realm, Wendy and Raiden Mei requested to travel back to the pre-civilization era.
The time armament No. 000 exists at that time node, theoretically allowing them to break through the world's membrane using the energy of the Herrscher Core, making their travel completely feasible.
Wendy then asked, "I just want to know, how long can we last?"
"The maximum time is only four hours."
Expert Vill-V said, "That's the time you can stay in my era."
"That's enough." Raiden Mei took a deep breath and said, "We just want to confirm Kiana's location and safety."
Raiden Mei was most worried about Kiana.
She could not give up on her.
Expert Vill-V said lightly, "Since you insist on this, I naturally won't refuse."
"No. 000 will send you to the location closest to Chen Ran."
"I remember in the records of Fire Moth, when Fire Moth was dealing with the Fifth Herrscher, a huge storm appeared."
"Perhaps that was when you descended from the sky."
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