Did the world end today?

Chapter 391 The Answer You Want

The next day.

Activity room.

Yu Shiliang, who was undergoing a high-dimensional adaptability test with Ivan, received a notification from Lin Xu. When he learned from Lin Xu that he might have to enter the high-dimensional channel again as a "guide", he was completely stunned.

"what?"

"I?"

Yu Shiliang stared blankly at Lin Xu and asked:
"You mean I need to enter the higher-dimensional channel again, find the 'mirror personality' of Qin Shizhong that you need, and at the same time guide this personality into the port of Ayana?"

"Yes."

Lin Xu nodded and replied:
"It's not just that—you may need to conduct one or two tests before you officially begin implementation."

"We must understand in advance whether you have the ability to move freely in a higher-dimensional world and whether you have the ability to identify those special sets of information in a higher-dimensional world."

"Such testing processes are risky—in fact, we have suspended similar high-dimensional experiments for a long time."

"However, due to the current situation, we have no choice but to restart the experiment."

"This is the most efficient and profitable solution we could find."

Therefore, we must ask for your opinion first.

"If you're willing to take the risk, we'll start testing as soon as possible."

"If you're not willing, we can think of other ways."

After he finished speaking, Yu Shiliang fell silent.

Entering a higher-dimensional channel?

Perhaps a few weeks ago, the appeal of this matter to him was enough to offset his fear of "danger".

After all, at that time, he believed that the higher-dimensional channel had given him strange abilities, making him the center of the so-called "miracle".

If I could enter the higher-dimensional channel again, I might be able to go even further, unlock a new "upper limit," and become a true "superpowered person."

But it's different now.

During his time living at the coordination group's base, he became deeply aware of one thing.

And that is the matter.
The world will never lack so-called "superpowered individuals." Many of them exhibit abilities that are many times more exaggerated than their actual abilities, and some of them can even substantially and comprehensively influence the world.

Even so, they are still insignificant in the face of the official, large-scale, and systematic power.

Qin Shizhong is pretty impressive, isn't he?

He even changed his own perception of "words".

Even now, I still subconsciously feel that the character “亖” is the correct way to write the Arabic numeral “4”.

But so what?

With limited information and clues, the authorities quickly deconstructed Qin Shizhong's behavioral logic and eliminated all his threats simply by using a key figure and a diary.

Ultimately, this person quickly went from being a high-ranking "master" to a pawn under strict surveillance and "controlled use."

If he's like this, then no matter how strong I am, I can't possibly be that strong.

Therefore, rather than risking one's life to enter a higher-dimensional channel
It would be better to stay put, disclose all the information you already have, and participate in the scheduled tests step by step.

To be honest, those tests weren't difficult, and of course, they weren't painful either.

Because of those tests, the preferential treatment I received was unprecedented.

This is much better than the pay at a regular job.

He really didn't want to disrupt the status quo unless absolutely necessary.
Seeing Yu Shiliang's hesitant expression, Lin Xu instantly guessed his worries, so he emphasized again:

"it does not matter."

"If you really don't want to participate in this project, just say so."

"There is no absolute difference in benefits between participating and not participating."

"Even if you choose not to participate, consistently delivering the information you possess can still provide us with a lot of value."

"I know."

Yu Shiliang nodded, interrupting Lin Xu, and then continued:

"Actually, danger is one aspect."

"If entering the higher-dimensional channel can bring us a definite result, then the risk is worthwhile."

"But what I'm more worried about is what if I can't make any progress while taking risks?"

"To put it bluntly, I only have one concern."

"I'm afraid my death will be meaningless."

Lin Xu was speechless for a moment.

Indeed, for most ordinary people, adventure itself is not scary.

If it is certain that there is a reward in taking risks, even at the risk of death, a large number of people will rush forward one after another.

However, if we add an "uncertain" constraint to this return, then this choice seems a bit too "demanding".

The cost is uncertain, and so is the outcome.

Who would dare to go up to this thing?

Even if it were Lin Xu himself, he would probably have to weigh it in his mind a hundred or eighty times.

Thinking of this, he let out a soft breath, then said sincerely:

"That's the crux of the problem."

"We really can't guarantee that your adventure will bring us enough gains."

"To put it bluntly, even if you want to go down in history because of this adventure and sacrifice, it's a bit unrealistic."

"Because if you can't achieve enough breakthroughs, then it's very likely that after a brief, officially promoted large-scale commemorative event, people will quickly forget your deeds."

"In the end, after our generation has all died, no one will remember you."

Lin Xu's words were extremely straightforward, and after listening to them, Yu Shiliang's expression relaxed.

A smile appeared on his face, followed by a slightly teasing remark:
"I thought you were going to promise me something even bigger, and make me accept your test unconditionally."

"That's not necessary."

Lin Xu shrugged and replied:

"If these things can be solved by making empty promises, then I might as well just make empty promises to Qin Shizhong."

"But the truth is, our understanding of higher dimensions is extremely weak. Once you enter a higher dimension, you are completely out of our control."

"By then, the promises we've made will seem like nothing more than a joke to you."

"Therefore, tests that are truly related to higher dimensions are basically based entirely on conscience."

"conscience?"

Yu Shiliang looked at Lin Xu with suspicion, then asked:
Do such "conscientious people" really exist?

"Of course it exists."

Lin Xu answered without hesitation:

"And in fact, that person was the first choice to execute this project."

"But we can't find him. Perhaps he has already sacrificed himself."

"That's why we need a successor."

Whether you are willing to be the successor or not is up to you.

"it is good."

Yu Shiliang nodded emphatically.

I will give you the answer.

"I'm waiting for you."

After saying that, Lin Xu turned and left.

Behind him, Yu Shiliang slowly sat down, staring blankly ahead, seemingly lost in thought.
Two days later.

Zhenjiang, outskirts.

According to the records of the high-dimensional channel map, the coordination team had made all the necessary preparations in advance.

Residents in the surrounding area have been evacuated, sentry posts have been set up, and the entire area within two kilometers of the site has been cordoned off.

The research team had already arrived and set up all the necessary equipment for the test. The personnel who would be involved in the setup were also in place, with the two most crucial roles being Ayana and Yu Shiliang.

Sitting in the makeshift command post, Yu Shiliang was still somewhat nervous.

His body was trembling slightly, and even his lips were a little pale.

On the contrary, Ayana, who was beside him, seemed completely at ease, whether because she had no concept of the dangers of the higher-dimensional passage or simply because she was full of confidence in herself. She even managed to comfort Yu Shiliang.

"It's okay."

Ayana began by saying:
"High-dimensional passages aren't that scary—you've already been once, so there's a high chance you won't encounter any problems this time either!"

Her expression was resolute, but Yu Shiliang was clearly not going to be completely convinced by this simple reason.

"What is the probability of 'high probability'?"

He asked:
50%? 60%? Or 80%?

"99%."

Ayana answered without hesitation:
"It could even be higher."

"How did you know?"

Yu Shiliang pressed on, asking:

"You've only entered a higher-dimensional channel once, haven't you? How do you know you won't encounter any accidents when you enter a higher-dimensional channel a second time?"

"I just know it."

Ayana replied:

"Although I have only entered a high-dimensional channel once, I know many people who have entered high-dimensional channels before."

"really."

Yu Shiliang nodded thoughtfully.

is not that right?

For a special being like Ayana, she indeed does not need to enter a higher-dimensional channel to gain a lot of experience and knowledge about higher-dimensional channels.

Even after the dominant personality absorbs other personalities, these experiences will be completely integrated into her own consciousness.

This is also the key to the success of this plan.
-
But if that's the case, why would she need herself as a "water guide"?

Can't she guide herself directly?
Thinking of this, Yu Shiliang asked:
"Why can't you directly capture other so-called 'information sets' in higher-dimensional channels? Why do you need me at all?"

"Maybe."

Ayana shrugged and replied:
"I think it should be possible, but my brother isn't sure."

"Don't you understand? This is a saturation test."

“Look, we can find Brother He Qijun to be the water pilot, we can also make myself the water pilot, and of course, we can also make you the water pilot.”

"We're not sure which option will work, so why don't we try them all?"

"Anyway, no matter which plan we choose, you and I will both enter the higher-dimensional channel."

"There's no harm in testing in advance, right?"

"I see."

Yu Shiliang suddenly had a feeling of "aha" moment.

Only at this moment did he truly see the whole picture of the plan.

Indeed, from the very beginning, the official invitation to cooperate was part of what is known as a "saturation test."

Do they need themselves?

Of course it is needed.

But do they really need it that much?

No, not really.

That's why Lin Xu said they would think of other ways.

At first, I thought his words were just a way of comforting me.

It now appears that they do indeed have other alternatives available.

It's kind of funny when you think about it.

Although I tried my best not to take myself too seriously, in the end, I still took myself too seriously.

Yu Shiliang gave a self-deprecating smile, and at that moment, the report "Final preparations" rang out in the command room.

"5-minute countdown to the appearance of the high-dimensional channel."

"All units and personnel shall take their positions immediately."

In an instant, all the staff inside and outside the command center sprang into action.

Yu Shiliang also got up and walked out of the temporary command post.

Outside the door, in the area enclosed by the partition wall, the lights had already been turned on.

Looking at the empty area surrounded by a large number of devices, Yu Shiliang suddenly had a strange idea.

Everything here is like a jigsaw puzzle.

The coordination team has prepared all the outer puzzle pieces and is just waiting for the "randomly appearing" high-dimensional channel to fill in the entire puzzle.

Time, it seems, has lost its logic of "first and last" in the three-dimensional world.

He was somewhat dazed; his rapidly beating heart pumped large amounts of adrenaline into every part of his body, putting him into a strange state of high tension and intense concentration.

His muscles began to tremble, and he could barely stand.

Just then, a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.

"take it easy."

"If you really can't hold on any longer, you can quit now."

Yu Shiliang turned around and saw that the person who came was Lin Xu.

He paused briefly, then asked:

Was this the same scenario when you conducted a similar test last time?

"I mean"

"Did you also tell the testers that they could quit at any time if they couldn't handle it?"

"No."

Lin Xu slowly shook his head.

“At that time, we didn’t really realize the danger of this kind of testing.”

"Because there was a person who used the high-dimensional channel very skillfully, we mistakenly thought that everyone could do what he did."

“We didn’t actually give the testers a choice—of course, even if we agreed to let them quit, they probably wouldn’t.”

"understood."

Yu Shiliang nodded.

"Then I won't quit."

As soon as he finished speaking, he strode towards the center of the equipment.

Lin Xu watched quietly from behind him, without saying another word.

Three minutes later, the high-dimensional channel appeared.

The moment the passage appeared, Yu Shiliang's body instantly transformed into a stream of particles like smoke, surging into the sphere that resembled a total reflection mirror.

Five minutes later, Yu Shiliang reappeared.

The particle stream reorganized at the boundary of the high-dimensional channel, just like when it first entered and left the high-dimensional channel, gradually regaining its "human" shape.

Everyone was watching him, and for a moment, everyone's movements froze in unison.

Only the pre-programmed equipment diligently monitors all unusual changes within this small space.

Yu Shiliang, who had "returned to the world," looked around and after a moment, his gaze settled on Lin Xu.

Then he began to speak:
"I saw another version of you."

"He has the answer you're looking for."

(End of this chapter)