"At least three factions have come to woo me, ironically, these three factions are at odds within Fire Moth."
In a small private room of the restaurant in the rest area, Mei and Chen Ran sat across from each other.
They each ordered cold drinks and pastries, while Bia beside them was engrossed in a book.
If someone observed them from a distance, they would find that they looked more like a couple on a date. However, at this moment, Chen Ran felt no romantic feelings at all.
For some reason, the pressure Mei brought him now was even greater than that of Mobius.
He had only simulated a few times, but the Mei in front of him was already far more formidable than the Mei he had previously collaborated with.
"Humans are always fighting among themselves, squandering resources, and only stop when they reach a dead end. I fear I cannot remain unscathed. You should understand that under normal circumstances, if I want to gain more resources in this organization, it would take years."
Mei's words made Chen Ran nod.
"Indeed, these years have been too wasteful for you."
Even the most advanced organizations cannot escape the hierarchy of seniority.
Just a few months ago, Mei was still a high school student.
Now, being able to obtain an independent laboratory was due to Bia's prediction of the Fourth Honkai. But that was all.
If she couldn't make a more impressive performance, then the best outcome of establishing a separate research institute would be at Fire Moth.
Perhaps Mobius would be happy to conduct research in a research institute.
But Mei was different.
Her perspective and thinking were not always from her own standpoint.
Chen Ran rubbed his head and said, "I think I understand your meaning and what you want. But given the current situation, you should know that I am from the First Research Institute and cannot provide you with much help in this regard."
Now, Mei's situation was somewhat awkward.
She wanted to break the current power structure of Fire Moth and gain more power, but her age was always a hard barrier, and she had to make more contributions to meet her demands.
But the problem was that the enemy was too weak.
Although Honkai is a terrifying natural disaster for humanity at this stage, the current performance of the Herrscher is merely that of a slightly powerful life form, not worthy of Fire Moth's full response.
With the enemy not being strong, Mei naturally had no opportunity to stand out.
In the plot he knew, Mei only became a leader in a hurry when Honkai was so powerful that humanity could not stop it, and even then, she was still not the decision-maker in Fire Moth.
The competition for power clearly requires an intelligence no less than that of scientific research.
Or rather, this is evidently a set of rules from another system outside of physics, a system that MEI's straightforward mind cannot yet navigate.
Chen Ran spoke gently, "Moreover, you should know that that path is actually more complex than what you are currently undertaking. After all, the process of experimentation always has parameters, but the changes in human hearts are always unpredictable."
MEI remained silent.
If given a choice, she too would prefer not to engage in the struggle for power.
She had no great nation backing her; being a scientist was the best choice.
But could she really afford to waste a few years?
MEI felt a bit unwilling.
Every genius values their time immensely, and her anxiety is something most people cannot comprehend.
"However, MEI, let me confirm something first: you want greater power to obtain more resources and a freer space." He paused and said, "I hope I'm not mistaken."
The girl shook her head, "No, what's wrong?"
"I just wanted to say that achieving this goal isn't impossible. Have you heard of drawing a pie?"
"Hmm?"
Chen Ran blinked and smiled, "A farmer, in order to make his donkey work harder at the mill, ties a carrot, which the donkey likes, to a long stick, attaching the stick to its head, so the carrot appears in front of it, always tempting it."
"The donkey wants to eat the carrot, so it will move forward, but the length of the stick is fixed. Therefore, the donkey can never reach the carrot."
He succinctly explained the essence of drawing a pie: "With your intelligence, drawing a big pie is also quite easy, isn't it?"
The girl's pupils trembled slightly.
She had grown up in the academic circle her father was part of, surrounded by simple and pure people.
Perhaps scholars would argue and even glare at each other, but at least these people wouldn't use mathematics to calculate the complexities of human hearts.
The academic world is very realistic; talent and qualifications are comprehensively assessed, one is one, and two is two.
But the little story Chen Ran told opened up another path for MEI.
Chen Ran said, "But one thing I want to tell you is, how you treat others is how others will treat you."
"Drawing a pie is a simple way to fool people, and it's a temporary expedient. But if it gets exposed, the consequences need not be elaborated. And in Fire Moth, there is never a shortage of geniuses."
"So, you'd better draw a pie that even you can believe in."
MEI instinctively looked at the boy.
She suddenly recalled the first time she met him, his first words:
"Dr. MEI, I'd like to ask you how to kill someone."
…
…
MEI's situation is both difficult and simple.
To put it bluntly, it's just the unwillingness of a genius Miss.
She probably had never experienced the circles outside of scientific research; otherwise, she wouldn't have had this conversation with Chen Ran.
However, Chen Ran didn't take it to heart.
After MEI left, he pinched Bia's cheek, "Do you think MEI never intended to take you back, and instead sent you to me?"
"Hmm?"
Bia showed a thoughtful expression and then said, "If that's the case, that would be great."
"Why?"
The biological computer displayed a deeply aggrieved look, "She doesn't allow me to be lewd!"
Chen Ran couldn't help but chuckle.
At that moment, he heard a familiar voice.
"Senior Chen."
It was Nuwa, pulling Fuxi to greet him, both girls laden with bags.
The girl smiled sweetly, "It's the first time I've seen Senior Chen here, what a surprise."
"Please don't treat me like an old relic; I'm only two years older than you." Chen Ran sighed and said, "If you don't mind, just call me by my name."
Nuwa and Fuxi were capable research assistants of No. 666.
Here, 'capable research assistants' is not a derogatory term; as girls who were heavily funded by Shenzhou to be placed in the first research institute, they indeed possess enviable talents.
However, due to their intricate ties with Shenzhou, the confidential research of the first research institute does not allow them to be involved. The most they can do is to search for information to learn about Honkai and assist this Senior.
Occasionally, they would also study Chen Ran's body.
At first, Chen Ran felt awkward around them, but now he had come to terms with it.
It's just being seen, what's the big deal?
In Fire Moth, holding onto the concept of chastity is indeed a commendable quality, but it seems that not adhering to it isn't such a big deal either.
However, this organization rarely, if ever, has anything that can be obtained through chastity.
After all, everything here is far more valuable than mere simple pleasures.
With this thought, he generously asked, "You seem quite familiar with this place; how's the rest area? Are you having fun?"
"Very happy! I bought a lot of comics and figurines, so I can pass the time!"
Nuwa is a figurine enthusiast, fond of collecting various figures.
The key is, she has money; she's a rich girl.
Fuxi, on the other hand, frowned, signaling the straightforward Nuwa to be quiet.
Fire Moth is an organization where geniuses gather; even those who aren't geniuses have a considerable number of tasks, and the biggest taboo is wasting time.
Thus, the most popular food here is various convenience foods and nutritional meals.
She apologetically said to Chen Ran, "Sorry, Senior Chen, Nuwa can be a bit too straightforward."
"It's nothing; having a distinct personality is a good thing for young people."
Nuwa blinked and said, "Senior Chen wouldn't give us a hard time, would you?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Because my previous mentor liked to say that, and then assigned me a ton of coursework." Nuwa complained.
Clearly, her overly lively personality isn't liked by everyone.
Chen Ran was speechless, "Then I guess your mentor must be a middle-aged person, or a woman."
"Eh, how did you know?"
"After all, only such people would be willing to trouble a beautiful girl like you." He has always been quite flirty, never discriminating.
Nuwa indeed showed a look of agreement: "I knew it! Why is it that I have to do the most work?"
Fuxi: "…"
This silly little sister of mine has been completely fooled.
Chen Ran smiled and said, "In Fire Moth, being lively is also a good thing. It's not as closed off as you might think; you don't have to worry about being isolated from the world."
He didn't ask the sisters to tone down their personalities.
In the storyline, Fuxi and Nuwa eventually became the new era's Project EMBER Enforcers alongside Fu Hua, which undoubtedly requires exceptional wisdom.
To survive in Fire Moth until the end, one needs either extraordinary wisdom, extraordinary luck, or both.
Naturally, they don't need Chen Ran to impose his seniority and lofty advice on them.
In Fire Moth, advice is a form of arrogance.
——
Fifty thousand years later.
A massive storm is sweeping across the Atlantic Ocean.
Hurricanes whip up waves that can reach heights of over a hundred meters.
This bizarre situation quickly attracted the attention of Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and satellites from various countries. The data transmitted by the satellites made nearly all intelligence personnel break into a cold sweat.
This vast oceanic wave fluctuation was caused by the battle of just two individuals.
One of them was Durandal, clad in the fourth-generation Valkyrie Armor.
The other was Wendy.
Wendy didn't know why she had come out of World Serpent only to encounter this girl.
This woman in front of her was particularly annoying; she had flown all the way from South Africa to the Atlantic and still couldn't shake her off.
With a casual wave, she stirred up massive waves, using her authority to manipulate the fluid and block Durandal from all sides.
"I told you, I don't want to fight."
"Once we return to Schicksal, there will naturally be someone to hear your explanation."
Durandal's eyes held Perseverance.
She had been searching for this Herrscher of Wind for too long, especially after learning that she had gone to Saint Freya and was nowhere to be found. Durandal directly took the Immortal Blades to Saint Freya and guarded it for a whole week, while also guiding the students of Saint Freya in their training.
Then, the entire Saint Freya was left in misery due to her antics, especially that one called Kiana from the Kaslana family, who repeatedly challenged her, unwilling to back down.
But she was easily defeated each time.
However, the Herrscher in front of her was no longer an enemy that could be easily defeated.
Durandal could clearly feel that compared to last time, Wendy had a stronger grasp of her power.
But as a Valkyrie, she naturally had her reasons not to retreat.
"Awaken, defender of glory."
The knight behind the armor wielded a Greatsword, directly severing the water barrier that surrounded her.
The girl shielded her eyes and charged towards Wendy.
Wendy dodged like a bird, the invisible storm coalescing at her fingertips, and then once again stirred up the sea, forming a water tornado.
The immense pulling force made Durandal frown, and after a moment, a hint of determination appeared in her eyes as she chose to give up resistance and plunged into the water tornado.
Wendy's eyes widened slightly in surprise, instinctively dispersing the storm.
Although she was annoyed by Durandal's attacks, she had no intention of killing her.
The girl had her own bottom line to uphold.
She had already become this ugly; she didn't dare to let her soul become any uglier.
However, this instinctive action brought her great trouble.
As the storm dissipated, Durandal charged at her with a Lance.
Like a white lightning bolt, the tip of the spear pressed against Wendy's forehead.
There was no doubt that Durandal's usual straightforward personality didn't mean she lacked cunning.
She was gambling.
Gambling that Wendy could possess the persistence of a Valkyrie.
Using human sympathy and loopholes, this time, the bet was won by Durandal.
However, she put down the Lance: "I'm sorry, I used a despicable method."
Wendy's voice carried a hint of bitterness: "It's nothing; after all, we're on the battlefield, and despicable methods can be forgiven. If there's anyone to blame, it can only be my carelessness."
The storm gradually calmed; she had lost.
Durandal shook her head: "No, I underestimated the will of the Valkyrie."
"If you truly underestimated it, you wouldn't have done that, would you?"
Wendy looked at Durandal, her eyes filled with a mix of envy and complexity.
"Durandal, I have always envied you. No matter how hard I try, I still cannot keep up with your pace. Even now, with the power of the Herrscher, I still fall short of you."
Durandal's gaze was calm.
She had heard similar words too many times, so many that they no longer stirred any emotions within her.
In Schicksal, there are many Valkyries who consider themselves geniuses, but each one lives in the shadow of Durandal.
She simply said, "But now, it is you who can soar to great heights, isn't it?"
Wendy shook her head. "Humanity will eventually overcome the Honkai, but after that, where should I go?"
She took a deep breath, suppressing her feelings of confusion deep within her heart.
"However, since I have lost to you, I agree to return to Schicksal with you."
She also wanted to see Otto.
In Wendy's perception, that archbishop had always been omnipotent.
Even regarding the matters of the ocean branch, she did not blame Otto.
There were too many legends about Otto circulating in Schicksal, the most talked about being that he had lived for five hundred years, and it seemed he could still have another five hundred years ahead of him.
Since Otto had already broken the boundaries of human aging and death,
Then perhaps that archbishop had a way to break the rules of time.
Durandal's expression turned serious. "I swear by my name that I will protect your safety in Schicksal at all times."
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