The Matrix Module was now activated, hovering in mid-air. A steady stream of blue energy radiated from its surface, enveloping the Energy Factory Core beside it and transforming the core.
Hearing footsteps, the Second Squad members turned to see Ding Lang. Their faces lit up with surprise and joy. "Doctor!"
Though they didn't know what Ding Lang's third plan was, when he chose to stay behind alone, they all assumed he was doomed. Some even speculated that this so-called third plan was a lie—that Dr. Ding Lang simply didn't want to live anymore.
But now it seemed otherwise? There really was a third plan?
The squad members quickly noticed Evernight and Heinrich beside Ding Lang and asked, "Who are they...?"
Ding Lang didn't answer the question, his gaze fixed on Evernight as if waiting for her response.
Seeing this, Evernight sighed with mild resignation. "Alright, alright. It's no trouble at all."
Upon hearing this, Ding Lang immediately shouted to the Second Squad, "Slow down the replication rate of the Matrix Modules! Reduce the speed to half of the original!"
The team paused, momentarily stunned. Though they didn't understand why, they followed orders without question and immediately began adjusting the settings. Ding Lang turned and sprinted outside, finding the factory's broadcast room. Grabbing the microphone, he announced, "This is Dr. Ding Lang. Attention, everyone! We need to evacuate this factory immediately and head elsewhere!"
His words stunned everyone in the factory—the stationed soldiers, the Second Squad members, and the civilians huddled together on the ground. These people had been like soulless puppets, their eyes vacant, as if no amount of stimulation could elicit a response, their faces reflecting a complete loss of hope.
But hearing Ding Lang's announcement, they erupted in agitation:
"Leave? Where to? Are we going outside to die?"
"I don't want to go into the darkness! I'm not going anywhere!"
"No!!!"
Though they seemed to have given up on life, who truly fears death?
Ignoring the murmurs of the civilians, Ding Lang continued, "I've invented a Matrix Defense Module. If we can replicate it a thousand times, it will erect a massive barrier spanning the globe, protecting us from our enemies!"
"But to replicate itself, this module requires a tremendous amount of energy. When the time comes, the Energy Factory Core will be drained dry, forcing us to evacuate!"
"Don't worry, though! I've successfully contacted other worlds and secured the aid of a god. Miss Evernight will wield divine power to shield us all from the monsters lurking in the darkness, ensuring our safe passage to the next sanctuary!"
Ding Lang's speech was a classic carrot-and-stick approach: a sweet promise, a harsh truth, then another sweet promise. He sandwiched the brutal reality between two "beautiful" lies, making it easier for the crowd to accept.
And it worked. When the civilians learned that "someone had devised a plan to save the world and was already putting it into action," their faces lit up with hope. Ding Lang's words were like a sudden spark in the darkness, rekindling the last embers of hope in their hearts.
The phrase "god from another world" also caught the attention of the commoners. Evernight, ever cooperative, stood on a high platform within the factory, visible to all. Despite being indoors, she still held her black umbrella, calmly surveying the crowd with an impassive expression.
Several crimson jellyfish materialized and faded around her, drifting lazily through the air as if swimming.
The crowd's immediate impression of Evernight was one of "mystery." Whispers began to circulate:
"Is that... a god from another world?"
"She looks... a little terrifying."
"If Dr. Ding Lang said so, it must be true, right?"
Since everyone present was essentially composed of memories, Evernight needed only to project a sliver of her divine presence to evoke the primal terror of being stalked by a predator. This spared her the need for lengthy explanations; the sheer fear she inspired swiftly convinced the crowd of her divine status.
Under Ding Lang's command, everyone began preparing for evacuation. At the same time, the Second Squad approached him. One student, his eyes wide and lips trembling, exclaimed, "Teacher, you never told us that the Matrix Module's self-replication would cripple the factory!"
"We almost became the murderers of everyone here!"
"Or perhaps the heroes who save this world," Ding Lang replied after a pause. "At least I'm here now, organizing their evacuation, aren't I?"
The student countered, "But the Matrix Module is replicating a thousand times! Will it drain a thousand factories dry? Where can so many people possibly escape to?"
Ding Lang fell silent for a moment before saying, "I don't know, but... there must be a way."
As they spoke, all the stationed soldiers had gathered around the factory's perimeter, and the civilians were fully prepared to evacuate, lined up in a long queue. With a droning hum, the Matrix Module's self-replication was nearing completion, causing the factory lights to flicker ominously.
Heinrich chanted an incantation, raised his hand, and pointed to the sky. "Third-Level Evocation School—Daylight Spell!"
Instantly, a miniature sun appeared in the heavens, illuminating a one-kilometer radius with a soft, non-glaring light. Even direct exposure to the source caused no discomfort to the eyes.
Workers began streaming out of the factory, drawn by the light. At the factory's core, another Matrix Module—identical to the one Ding Lang had created—slowly materialized.
Finally, as the factory's energy drained completely, the two Matrix Modules floated in mid-air. Ding Lang gazed at the twin objects before him and said, "Take these with you."
His students exchanged complex glances at the modules before reluctantly stepping forward, picking them up, and securing them to their bodies.
Ding Lang retrieved his laptop, consulted a map, and quickly identified their next destination. "No. 3 Elemental Energy Factory—one of the largest energy factories in the world. If this place can support such a vast population, it should be able to accommodate us."