V3/Chapter 22: There's nothing much to talk about with those of you who don't drink.
As a technology that existed in the original timeline, Ai Yue helped bring it into this world earlier and in a gentler manner.
The main participants were Aponia and Mobius, with Eden assisting and coordinating the atmosphere, while Hua... served as the test subject.
Originally, another candidate was slated for testing, but when Hua learned she was actually the most suitable candidate, she volunteered. Ai Yue couldn't dissuade her and ultimately agreed.
From current results, Hua proved indeed the ideal choice - otherwise, the project might have faced significant delays.
"You remain so cautious even now," Mobius glanced at Ai Yue before yawning. "Well, you have final say anyway... Never mind, I'm going to sleep first. You all chat."
She drained her glass in one gulp and exited. Ai Yue didn't stop her, noticing the fatigue beneath her carefully applied makeup - clear evidence of her recent exhaustive efforts.
"Your dedication is appreciated, Dr. Mobius," Eden raised her glass. "I've prepared a gift for you. I hope you'll like it when the time comes."
Ai Yue shook his head slightly - Eden's gift likely meant the Golden Courtyard would change hands ahead of schedule. He then turned to the silent Hua: "Any issues on your end?"
"Some complications, but satisfactory results ultimately." Hua's expression turned subtle as she recalled recent experiences. "Dr. Ai Yue, observe—"
Extending her palm upward, flames spontaneously manifested without any visible activation, demonstrating her nascent ability to manipulate Honkai energy without MANTIS augmentation or battlesuit assistance.
"Excellent." Ai Yue thoroughly examined Hua, checking repeatedly. "Any physical injuries?"
Watching Ai Yue inspect Hua like a doll, Aponia sighed. "With me present, even if Mobius had ulterior plans, implementation would be impossible. Rest assured, Ai Yue."
"True enough." Ai Yue relaxed slightly. "But despite current normalcy, we must remain cautious in subsequent research. The flaws in Commandments aren't easily circumvented."
"Dr. Mobius said the same," Hua nodded, a puzzled expression emerging. "Actually, Dr. Mobius seems... different lately? More humane, perhaps?"
"Enough standing around," Eden interjected, swirling her wine glass. "Why not try my Atla Juemu? Brewed with Mu Continent's unique Sanko fruit. This bottle dates back to Atla City's founding."
"You're probably the only one who casually produces such vintages," Ai Yue shook his head. "Never mind for Hua and me. Quinn, two sodas please."
Hua tentatively raised a hand: "Could I have juice instead?"
"Juice then."
"What a pity - specially selected for you." Eden didn't press the matter, smiling instead at Aponia. "Seems only we can appreciate this vintage."
"Regrettable that Elysia couldn't join us today," Aponia smiled. "But after this bottle, I should depart."
Thanks to Ai Yue's interventions, Aponia - having avoided her original timeline's tragic outcomes - is now engaged with the world more positively. Beyond overseeing "Morning Star/Dawn Academy" and "The Deep", she collaborated with Eden on foundation matters. As Fire Moth entered public view, her responsibilities would likely increase.
"I'd thought you'd take leave, rare that your project concluded," Eden expressed surprise. "Does the school require assistance?"
"Music lessons would be wonderful, if you're willing."
Aponia smiled, casting a meaningful glance at Ai Yue, "As for rest, let's wait until next time. After all, someone's been working much harder than I have this time."
'Why are you looking at me?'
Ai Yue nearly choked on his soda, sensing impending trouble.
"Quite right. In that case, we'll save this vintage for later," Eden mused, following Aponia's gaze before carefully storing the bottle. "Shall we go find Elysia first?"
Aponia nodded approvingly: "Excellent idea."
With that, the two departed in conspiratorial harmony, leaving Ai Yue thoroughly perplexed.
"No idea what they're scheming," Ai Yue set down his glass. "Never mind. Hua, let's conduct your full examination now."
Though retaining its original name, this iteration of the "Divine Sound Project" conceived by Ai Yue differed fundamentally from its predecessor.
In the original timeline, Divine Sound exploited the Commandments' properties to psychologically imprint humans like mental stamps. This psychological conditioning first affected cognition before propagating physiological adaptations to Honkai energy exposure.
Theoretically, prolonged mental interference might eventually produce humans capable of fully controlling Honkai energy. However, the original version harbored fatal flaws - its "Mental Imprint" instilled hostility toward Honkai as a protective measure. While serving as a safeguard, such intense psychological conditioning itself became a latent hazard.
Prolonged mental constraints would inevitably distort humanity, gradually reducing people to cold, inflexible machines.
Thus, Ai Yue integrated his own research breakthroughs, fundamentally redesigning the project. This new Divine Sound didn't merely condition humans - it directly interfered with Honkai energy itself.
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