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Chapter 159 - Chapter 159: The Opportunity to Strike a Deal and the Battle with the Herrscher of Ice

After the Seventh Herrscher was eliminated, an emergency high-level meeting was convened within Fire Moth.

The disaster of Australia being burned was too great, so much so that the United Nations could no longer conceal the existence of Honkai.

The high-level officials not only had to face the losses Fire Moth suffered in this Honkai incident but also the inquiries from the United Nations' higher-ups.

Especially after the appearance of the Sixth Herrscher, the turmoil caused by the Cocoon became a reason for the United Nations to question the high-level officials.

For the first time, the high-level officials of Fire Moth were criticized harshly.

However, no one refuted this.

They knew that mere insults were not too serious for Fire Moth itself.

In fact, because of the situation in Australia, the United Nations would have to rely even more on Fire Moth.

Of course, after the Major Honkai Eruption in Australia, some people had to take responsibility for it.

This was not a problem; in such a large organization, finding a scapegoat was not difficult, was it?

However, besides this, they also needed to 'invite' Mobius and Chen Ran back.

Especially Mobius.

The reason was simple: MEI had announced the existence of Stigmata and MANTIS, and frankly stated that this was the discovery and improvement made by Chen Ran and Mobius.

Regarding MEI's words, the high-level officials of Fire Moth immediately expressed their seriousness.

The reason was simple: MEI stated that Kevin was a member of MANTIS.

How powerful Kevin was now need not be elaborated, but what lay before the high-level officials of Fire Moth was whether to conduct mass super-modification surgeries for MANTIS transformation.

The high-level officials of Fire Moth did not hesitate for long.

Because this report had been leaked to the United Nations, and the United Nations had approved it.

The reason was simple: the impact of Australia's destruction was too great.

This was not South America or Central Asia; Australia itself was a regional power, and due to its rich mineral resources, it had trade relations with countries all over the world.

Now that a country had suddenly disappeared, global resources were thrown into chaos.

Currently, United Nations officials were working hard to quell public opinion, yet everyone expressed concern for the future.

Which country would disappear in the next Honkai?

Out of concern for the future, the United Nations quickly approved the MANTIS transformation plan and pressured the high-level officials of Fire Moth to execute it as soon as possible.

The high-level officials found MEI, and MEI said: "When it comes to biological matters, Dr. Mobius is the expert."

MEI was very clear that Fire Moth could not do without Mobius and Chen Ran.

The former was a biological expert, while the latter, although not showing much wisdom, seemed to possess foresight, able to accurately find many things she needed.

Whether it was the Dead Sea Scrolls, Stigmata genes, or super-modification surgeries.

Of course, MEI was also interested in the global connection.

She didn't care where Chen Ran got these things from.

Everyone had their own secrets; MEI wouldn't pry into others' secrets.

But MEI had to admit that there were many ideas in her mind that required Chen Ran's cooperation for verification.

However, MEI's light-hearted words put the high-level officials of Fire Moth in a difficult position.

It was simple: previously, Fire Moth had investigated Mobius and nearly fell out with her.

Afterward, Fire Moth even initiated investigations into Chen Ran, Kiana, and Sirin, while Mobius took these people to Mu Continent.

Now, they were to bring Mobius back; they could almost foresee that Mobius would demand a greater price for this.

But there was no other way.

The scene in Australia was still fresh in their minds; no matter the cost, they had to invite Mobius back.

As high-level officials, they naturally put their pride aside and prioritized their interests.

Soon, those who had previously threatened Mobius with words were now flattering her.

Of course, this had nothing to do with MEI anymore.

Her eyes were contemplating another matter.

"Prometheus, how is the research progress on the time crystal?"

Prometheus replied, "Based on the observational data provided by Dr. Einstein, we have been able to analyze about 7% of the content within the time crystal."

The time crystal was discovered in the Mu Continent and pertains to a special crystal found in the Sea of Quanta.

The world bubble in the Sea of Quanta is the remnants and reflections of the world. The time crystal allows the future and the past to be mapped onto the same dimensional plane.

When MEI set off for the Mu Continent, she discussed it with Dr. Einstein for a period of time.

It was during this time that MEI broadened her horizons.

"7%? That's already better than expected."

MEI paused and asked, "Is there anything I should pay attention to?"

"Yes, the universal connection."

Prometheus paused and said, "Based on your previous observations of the universal connection designed by Chen Ran, I have discovered an efficient method to quickly extract future knowledge and information through the time crystal."

"Of course, I have some experiments that need to be conducted with Chen Ran's assistance to verify this."

After Prometheus finished speaking, he looked at MEI.

MEI's expression revealed her contemplation.

"He should be back soon."

"I'll arrange it then."

Mobius was in a good mood.

Everyone living in the Eden courtyard could feel this.

She rarely treated everyone to a bunch of snacks and hot dishes, sharing them with everyone.

When Elysia came over to deliver her dress, she accepted it with a smile.

She even unusually directed the First Research Institute remotely, reminding Klein to rest well and not to overexert herself, saying that the work could be left to Nuwa and Fuxi.

The reason for her happiness was simple.

Blanca and Griseo had come to see her.

After leaving Fire Moth, Blanca took Griseo to study in the Mu Continent.

Griseo needed a normal environment to grow, and Fire Moth was not suitable for her, which led Blanca to consider leaving.

Although Mobius understood, she still missed Griseo.

She had always regarded Griseo as her own family.

Now that Mobius had arrived in the Mu Continent, she reconnected with Blanca.

After choosing a time, Blanca brought Griseo over.

At this moment, in the courtyard's grass.

Mobius was smiling as she introduced everyone to Blanca.

Griseo was taken by Bia and Bella to Kiana and Sirin.

Durandal continued her daily training, with Chen Ran as her sparring partner.

Seeing the two of them fight, Griseo couldn't help but stop and watch.

At this moment, Durandal and Chen Ran were testing the limits of the universal connection.

Due to limited conditions, Durandal could only rely on combat for testing.

This somewhat old-fashioned method was the most accurate way to feel her progress.

Chen Ran continuously used his authority to reduce Durandal's offensive capabilities, skillfully dodging her attacks with his proud speed.

However, Durandal's attack speed increased, and eventually, her entire body formed afterimages.

This was not the power of armor.

It was the power derived from consciousness, amplified by the universal connection.

In the end, it was Elysia who stepped in to make them stop.

Unknowingly, both Chen Ran and Durandal's clothes were soaked with sweat.

Chen Ran panted, "Ha, today was really embarrassing, it's the first time I've been this flustered."

His body possessed the powers of the Herrscher and Stigmata, yet he was still no match for Durandal.

It wasn't just a matter of combat skills and mindset; the most important factor was his insufficient mastery of Honkai.

He said, "However, the universal connection can confirm one thing: Honkai is the bridge connecting consciousness and matter."

After saying a few words to Durandal, Chen Ran walked over to Little Griseo.

"Griseo has grown taller."

Griseo blinked: "Thank you, Uncle Chen Ran."

"Call me Big Brother Chen Ran."

He emphasized.

Griseo tilted her head: "Mom told me to call you Uncle."

Elysia, standing nearby, had a mischievous glint in her eyes: "Oh dear, you're already so old, don't lower your status. Besides, if Griseo calls you Big Brother, does that mean you'll call Mobius Aunt?"

Chen Ran: "…"

Elysia paused and smiled: "Alright, I won't joke anymore. You should have received the message from MEI, right?"

Chen Ran nodded.

When he found MEI among the high-ranking members of Fire Moth, she informed him of the news.

This was a great opportunity to leverage the high-ranking members, and it would be a shame not to profit from the grievances Mobius and Kiana had suffered during this time.

Because of this, Chen Ran did not continue the simulation.

For him, the current significance of the simulation was only to meet Wendy.

But first, he needed to extract the genes of Bronya and the others and get them to the Stigmata terminal.

He also had to send Kiana back.

Most importantly, he needed to reassure Otto.

If he casually altered time, how could Otto calmly go to his death?

Chen Ran needed to consider the feelings of those who were about to die.

So, he needed to endure for a while.

Because of this, he could also have the energy to think about the current situation.

"This matter ultimately depends on what the doctor decides, after all, in the eyes of the high-ranking members, I am just an accessory."

He said this very calmly and asked Bia to take Griseo to play.

It was better not to let the children know about the dirty world of adults.

Elysia smiled brightly: "Well, Dr. Mobius is so kind…"

"She will definitely take advantage of the situation." Chen Ran interjected.

However, Mobius did not care about this.

What she cared about was what Blanca was saying in front of her.

Blanca looked at Mobius and couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Doctor, to be honest, I really didn't want to come here, but you should know that Ato is currently in Fire Moth."

She came here to act as a negotiator for the high-ranking members.

The high-ranking members contacted Mobius and also began to play the familial card.

Blanca naturally wanted to stand with Mobius, but she also needed to consider the internal affairs of Fire Moth.

She knew that Mobius could not truly leave Fire Moth; both sides were just lacking a step down.

Blanca was here to be that step down.

Mobius sighed: "Blanca, can't we talk about others when we chat, especially about other men?"

Blanca smiled brightly: "Doctor, haven't you and Chen Ran gotten together by now? This kind of procrastination doesn't suit your decisive style."

Since she wasn't working under Mobius, she spoke quite boldly.

Mobius didn't shy away from saying: "If it were a few years ago, perhaps I would consider it."

In her life plan, she did not revolve around men.

Mobius was very clear about what she wanted, which was to 'pursue the possibility of Infinite.'

She approached Chen Ran because he possessed a quality she desired.

She was very curious whether Chen Ran had the potential for 'Infinite.'

And the emotions that arose from this were not love, but a pursuit of unknown knowledge.

Mobius understood this very well in her heart.

She might later have a child with Chen Ran, but she wouldn't love him forever.

But Blanca didn't understand this.

Mobius didn't have much desire to explain either; she said, "Moreover, speaking of which, Blanca, there is no space for a normal life now, including in the coming years."

Upon hearing this, Blanca felt a wave of melancholy in her heart.

The appearance of the Seventh Herrscher surprised not only the people of Fire Moth.

Blanca was equally astonished.

If Australia would be destroyed by the fire, then would the next target be the Mu Continent?

Having worked in Fire Moth, she naturally knew how advanced their technology had become.

However, this technology could not prevent the fate of Australia.

So could the Mu Continent escape this fate?

At such a time, if Mobius were to focus her energy on romance, it would indeed be a waste and a misallocation of resources.

Mobius said, "Blanca, come back."

But Blanca shook her head.

"Doctor, let's not mention this for now. I wonder how you plan to deal with the high-ranking members of Fire Moth?"

"Ha, those people, if it weren't for some things I can't let go of, I wouldn't want to care." Mobius didn't force Blanca but followed her words.

"A bunch of shortsighted fools."

Blanca pondered: "Is the doctor still angry about that matter?"

"Angry? Why should I be angry at those people?"

Mobius was like a cat with its fur bristled, saying she wasn't angry, yet her facial expression was already evident.

Blanca couldn't help but sigh.

She knew that what made Mobius remember until now was not the previous conflict with Fire Moth.

But rather, the earlier divine authority plan regarding the Herrscher of Reason.

That is, the second Herrscher of Reason.

——

The Staff of the Underworld had taken effect.

Although Raven did not know the specific principles of the Staff of the Underworld, its effect on the current Herrscher of Ice was evident.

She became even more frantic.

The Herrscher of Ice, upon being found, saw Raven, and her hollow eyes suddenly displayed the 'anger' that only humans could feel.

She was not completely devoid of emotions.

However, after the Staff of the Underworld temporarily severed her connection with the Will of Honkai, what the Herrscher of Ice harbored was mostly anger and resentment.

Before Raven could think, she already felt the temperature around her plummeting rapidly.

Cold was the only sensation she felt at that moment.

Although she had also undergone the MANTIS procedure, extreme temperatures, whether high or low, did not affect Raven in normal conditions.

But this 'cold' was different.

It was the heat from her entire body beginning to dissipate, even her movements starting to slow down, a coldness that felt like life was about to end.

Her body was no longer under her control.

Wendy looked at Raven and spoke softly.

"In terms of life levels, the higher beings have a natural dominion over the lower beings."

"For Honkai itself, both the Herrscher and the Honkai Beast are lower beings, and those Honkai Beasts modified through Honkai genes are the same."

She paused and asked Raven, "Do you still plan to capture the Herrscher alive?"

Raven couldn't help but smile bitterly.

"Stop talking nonsense and help me quickly. Otherwise, you'll be attending my funeral later."

Relying on her willpower, she finally broke free from the binding of that dominion.

However, even so, Raven found that her strength had been significantly drained.

In that brief moment, she felt as if she had truly seen a 'god'.

Raven felt a chill in her heart; the so-called higher being that Wendy mentioned was not referring to the Herrscher itself, but to a higher-dimensional will.

This time, their battle involved the participation of a higher-dimensional will.

Wendy's expression was serious: "I wish I had the power to fight."

Yet, she was controlling the wind, and her demeanor appeared extremely listless.

The Staff of the Underworld directly affected the Herrscher, but it also couldn't create a 'difference'.

Her thoughts were being interfered with.

While Wendy dealt with the attacks from the Herrscher of Ice, she said, "Isn't there any way to turn off the Staff of the Underworld? Otherwise, we will all die here."

She didn't expect that the troublesome thing was actually her teammate's tool.

Raven also used her sniper rifle to support Wendy: "Turning off the interference will only make things worse. Don't worry, I still have the Divine Key; we still have a chance."

The Divine Key, Purifying Seven Thunders, had the ability to completely decompose matter into molecules.

Raven didn't know if this would be effective against the Herrscher.

She could only pray it would be.

Wendy followed Raven's instructions and engaged the Herrscher of Ice.

Raven also took a favorable position.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as she quickly aimed at the Herrscher of Ice.

The bullets of Purifying Seven Thunders were only seven; Raven had to be extremely careful.

Fire!

The tangible bullets traversed at an incredible speed. The Herrscher of Ice seemed to sense the danger, but it was already too late to evade.

She immediately created ice spikes as a barrier, but soon, the ice spikes shattered completely.

Another bullet followed, directly hitting the Herrscher of Ice's head.

Raven fired twice.

In Wendy's view, the Herrscher of Ice's body looked like porcelain, seemingly about to shatter.

However, at that moment, a greater burst of cold ice erupted.

High concentrations of Honkai Energy surged through the city, causing both Raven and Wendy to change their expressions.

"The Herrscher's dying counterattack?"

At that moment, a lance fell from the sky.

Wendy looked up and saw Cecilia had arrived at some point.

"Sirin, open the permissions for full domain connection; I need power."

Wendy felt her spirit waning, while Cecilia felt a surge of power within her.

She reached the Herrscher of Ice at an indescribable speed, and under the astonished gazes of everyone, she actually reached out to touch the Herrscher Core.

Cecilia was mastering Honkai!

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