Forty-nine rules of the end times

Chapter 359, Rule Sixteen of the Apocalypse
TerraStar.

Several days have passed since the landing of the two manned rockets, "Dreamboat-1" and "Imperial Pioneer".

In the days that followed, the astronauts worked step by step, using the various devices and equipment carried on the rocket, to build and perfect the survival base, in accordance with the established mission objectives.

By the time Rule Fifteen ended, both temporary survival bases had been completed.

These two survival bases are currently heavily reliant on resource deliveries from Tianshui Star, requiring regular rocket launches carrying supplies for resupply, and are still far from being self-sufficient.

However, one must take things one step at a time. The fact that we have been able to establish ourselves now is already a great achievement for humankind.

The next step after establishing a foothold is to begin using various specialized instruments and equipment to conduct on-site exploration of the planet.

Although several superpowers around Tianshui launched probes in previous years, most of them only scratched the surface.

Humanity has now completely shifted its focus, investing massive amounts of resources in the space sector. Coupled with the answers about the "special substance" obtained from the nanobot intelligence, humanity's overall enthusiasm for space exploration is extremely high.

At this moment, inside the survival base of Dream Boat 1, in the oxygen-environment chamber that has been set up, the astronauts are having a discussion.

Here, they don't need to wear heavy spacesuits; they can simply wear a thermostatic technology underwear purchased from the Ascension Store, and then put on a spacesuit specially made by NASA.

"This rule period is really short, only seven days," one astronaut said worriedly. "We definitely won't be able to go back; we can only wait here for the next rule to be implemented. What if..."

The other astronauts also looked quite solemn.

When the previous rule ended, the Fire Stealer's prompting voice echoed in their minds.

This undoubtedly means that even if they are on Terra, they will still be subject to the rules of the apocalypse and the constraints imposed by the Fire Thieves.

NASA's original plan was to consider whether to send them back during the interval after Rule 15 ended.

Now there's no need to consider it anymore; seven days is simply not enough time.

"Hopefully it will be a simpler rule."

"Yes, there aren't that many resources available here."

“I think it’s difficult. The previous rule had no punishment or reward. Given the Fire Thieves’ style, this rule might be a high-risk one.”

"..."

A moment of silence fell over everyone. Then, team leader Wei Xuan spoke up: "Don't be pessimistic. No matter what the next rule is, we must stick to it to the end. The country spent resources to send us here, not so that we could sit here and sigh."

"The team leader is right."

"We are pioneers who bear the future of humanity on our shoulders, so we certainly can't admit defeat!"

These astronauts are one in a million, with much greater resilience than ordinary people, and they can quickly regain their fighting spirit even if they feel a little down.

"Beep."

Just then, the team leader's communicator rang. He picked it up and was about to speak when a shrill scream suddenly came from the communicator.

"what!!!"

The sudden scream startled team leader Wei Xuan and the other astronauts. They immediately realized that it came from the astronauts on the "Imperial Pioneer" rocket.

"What happened!" Wei Xuan asked loudly, regaining his composure. "Robert! Are you there? Please respond if you hear me!"

Robert was the leader of the Imperial Pioneer. Although the two groups of astronauts were building different survival bases, they communicated and exchanged information daily.

"Ugh! Help!!!"

The screams continued from the communicator. Wei Xuan shouted anxiously, "This is Wei Xuan! Please respond if you hear me!!"

The only response he received was a series of shrill screams. Then a very urgent voice was spoken. Wei Xuan could recognize Robert's voice, but because of the screams, he couldn't make out what was being said.

The communication was then abruptly cut off. Wei Xuan immediately called back, but was unable to get through.

The room was deathly silent, and each astronaut looked at the other with a look of horror on their faces.

They didn't know what had happened at the other survival base, but the screams coming through the communicator were the sounds people make when they are in extreme panic and despair.

However, every astronaut who can participate in this program is one in a million, an elite of humanity. Each person underwent detailed and complex psychological testing on Tianshui to ensure that only those with a steadfast mindset could be selected.

So what exactly did they encounter that could frighten these resilient elites into letting out such screams?

An indescribable atmosphere of fear spread through the room, and everyone's expression was extremely solemn.

Team leader Wei Xuan took a deep breath and immediately contacted the space agency on Tianshui Star to inform them of the situation.

Soon, a reply came from NASA.

"After dual checks with the Solmar Space Agency, it has been confirmed that the astronauts of the Imperial Pioneer have lost contact. But please note! According to the life monitoring system on the rocket that is remotely connected to them, their vital signs have not disappeared."

Wei Xuan and the others were shocked to see the space agency's reply. Having heard those piercing screams, they had assumed the astronauts of the Imperial Pioneer must be in grave danger. But since their vital signs hadn't disappeared, it meant they were indeed still alive.

Shortly after, a new order came from NASA.

"After an emergency decision, Team Leader Wei Xuan, you need to lead your team members to another survival base, either using the probes or personally, to investigate the situation of the Imperial Pioneer astronauts. If you go in person, you must carry lethal weapons."

……

After Rule Fifteen ended, the path of human development became clear.

One is the exploration of space colonization and the search for the special energy substance mentioned by the nanobot swarm.

Another approach is to digitally back up human memories, thus realizing digital life technology.

These two routes are not mutually exclusive and can be pursued simultaneously, serving as mutual safeguards. However, both routes involve two colossal beasts with immense resource demands.

Space technology, needless to say, has always been a major consumer of resources. But digital life requires even more energy.

Human memory is extremely complex, like an iceberg in the sea. The memories that are visible are only the part that is above water, while the real majority are buried underwater, which is the subconscious mind of the human brain.

To truly back up human memories, these extremely complex subconscious activities must be transformed and stored. Even for a single person, computer calculations suggest that it would require an enormous amount of computing power and electricity.

The resources required to convert and store the subconscious of all humanity would be astronomical, a conclusion the Human Alliance quickly reached.

Then a problem that humanity is unwilling to face but has to face will emerge after the technology is successfully developed.

If there aren't enough resources to back up everyone's memories, who should be prioritized for backup? How should the queuing system be arranged?

If this problem is not handled properly, it will inevitably trigger a human civil war. Therefore, the Human Alliance has decided not to disclose it for the time being, and to wait until the technology is available.

What if, before the technology becomes available, humanity could find that special substance in the universe, thus achieving near-limitless energy acquisition? Although the hope is slim, it is not impossible.

On the other hand, the Federation of People's Associations also quickly passed a resolution.

Because of the previous rules, many countries have disappeared, and their lands are almost uninhabited, with cities becoming ghost towns.

Rather than leaving these lands vacant, it's better to maximize their value.

This resolution aims to utilize vast uninhabited lands by creating massive amounts of photovoltaic panels to cover them, thereby obtaining the enormous power resources needed for the Digital Life initiative.

Having clarified these two routes, in addition to allocating resources to areas related to these routes, the People's Federation has two urgent matters to attend to.

One is to find and eliminate the leader of the parasite, the "Prophet." Judging from the surprise landing tactics devised by this guy, leaving it alone will pose a huge threat to humanity.

Secondly, the cult of the Fire Thieves must be completely eradicated. These cult members, as human beings, secretly cooperated with the parasites during this period, acting as traitors, which has completely crossed the line that humans can accept.

Two lines and two key tasks are the action plan for member states that the FIPPEC has determined at its latest meeting; everything else must give way to them.

However, in addition to their strategic vision, each country also has its own domestic problems to deal with.

After the "Destroyer" was revealed, Soroma began manufacturing more intelligent warfare weapons to prepare for offensive operations.

Beixing is conducting a comprehensive population survey and updating information on various personnel in order to maximize the utilization of talent and ensure that everyone is in the most suitable position, so as to form a synergy that makes the country as a whole more efficient.

Due to the downfall of many people involved in the Misawa family, Sakura Inori is still slowly recovering. In the short term, she only seeks self-preservation and stability and has neither the ability nor the desire to pursue anything else.

Sissa, the governor Yelena, had to resolve the irreconcilable conflict between his own weak foundation and the strong opposition from the Rijeka faction.

As for the other smaller countries, due to severe shortages in population and production capacity, they can only strive to maintain stability and cooperate in completing the industrial tasks assigned by the larger countries.

Beyond these countries, there are many reclusive survivors who revere nature, as well as some mercenary Awakeners who live on the edge and fight for survival in their own way.

The once-powerful Tulip Alliance has long since declined due to internal strife. After the implementation of the "Parasitic" rule, the various warlord forces, large and small, completely collapsed and have now degenerated into mercenary groups specializing in illegal commissions, despised by all.

This world, though scarred and battered, has not yet lost all hope. Even amidst repeated defeats, humanity continues to fight for survival and steadfastly advances along its chosen path.

Thus, the seven-day rule interval passed in the blink of an eye, and as soon as the time came, the voice of the fire-stealer resounded in the minds of every human being.

The Sixteenth Rule of the Apocalypse Has Been Released

[Apocalyptic Rule Sixteen: The Death Race]

[Rules: Three hours after the rules are announced, all Ascendants holding the item "Invitation to the Second Ascendant Challenge" will receive the temporary special title "Competitor." Ascendants holding this title will be hostile to each other and will see each other's nicknames and score counts displayed above their heads. Defeating an opponent will grant 1 point plus all of the opponent's points. This rule will last for seven days.]

[Success Rewards: Players ranked in the top 10,000 will receive different tiers of rewards]

[Punishment for failure: Those who forfeit will experience a decrease in mental strength]

[Note: This is a game for the brave. The weak and cowards should withdraw, discard their invitations, and stay away from the fight.]

(End of this chapter)