They traveled through time at the same time, but the villainous scientist

Chapter 318 Charles's Conspiracy
After taking office, Zhang Qi's first step was to integrate the original research departments.

Zhang Qi did not hold a lengthy meeting, nor did he deliver any inspiring speech.

He spent only a week reviewing all the project data, personnel files, and research logs of the Medical Department and the Institute of Ecology, and then developed a completely new resource allocation and project collaboration process.

His instructions were precise down to every researcher and every piece of equipment, leaving no room for doubt, yet they were also logical, leaving even Dr. Carrie and others who had initially harbored doubts in awe.

The second step is to propose the next research task.

In a core laboratory, Dr. Carrie and several senior researchers were gathered around a huge light screen displaying a complex gene sequencing technology they had never heard of before.

"This is the technical framework I've named 'Next Generation Gene Expression Association Assay'."

"It originates from the top bioengineering theories of the Old World, and its core lies in accurately determining the strong correlation between human gene sequences and actual expressed traits."

In simple terms, we can use it to filter the DNA sequences of individuals with higher learning abilities, stronger environmental adaptability, and even a stronger affinity for life-generating substances.

Zhang Qi explained that he had lied; the technology did not come from the old world, but from ZAFT in the Gundam SEED world.

"You mean... we can actively select the genes that determine 'genius'?!"

Dr. Carrie asked with an incredulous look.

"That's right, and this is just the first step."

In this apocalyptic world, we have no time to wait for nature's bounty.

My next step is to use artificial wombs to abandon inefficient natural reproduction and mass-produce genetically optimized 'Coordinators'.

Zhang Qi switched the screen, and rows of neatly arranged petri dishes appeared on the light screen, containing dividing cells.

The laboratory was deathly silent. Similar technologies existed in the old world, but could they be replicated?
Zhang Qi nodded as he observed the reactions of the crowd. This technology was also part of the Coordinator series.

Artificial wombs are banned in the world of Gundam SEED due to ethical issues.

This technology was permanently sealed due to immense humanitarian controversy, making Kira, the strongest Coordinator, a lonely legend.

But this is a lighthouse, the last refuge of human civilization.

Ethics seem somewhat pale and powerless in the face of survival.

To explore the ecology of Mana, he needs a large number of high-quality personnel, and the Coordinators are the perfect choice...

"I...I need some time to process this."

Dr. Carrie rubbed her temples; these things were truly astounding.

"Then there's the issue of food..."

"This is a model called 'Eberlon Cell' that I replicated based on old-world biotechnology."

Its characteristic is that, as long as there is a sufficient energy supply, it can multiply indefinitely, forming high-protein, high-energy organic matter…

Seeing this, Zhang Qi nodded, then pulled up another document, which contained a diagram of a strange, constantly proliferating cell structure.

"What did you say?!"

"is this real?!"

Upon hearing this, the researchers became excited.

The lighthouse has no shortage of energy; whether it's photovoltaic solar panels or a fusion reactor, it can guarantee a power supply.

What they lack is material resources. For example, the synthetic meat they eat is produced through cell culture, but the nutrient solution needed by the cells is a rare commodity.

Their new boss is now saying they can make meat using energy?!
"That's right..."

Thus, in order to have an endless supply of meat, these researchers devoted themselves to their work with great enthusiasm.

After assigning the tasks, Zhang Qi began to study the life essence.

On the training ground, a group of battle-hardened hunters sat cross-legged, their brows furrowed and sweat pouring down their faces.

They can easily charge through a hail of bullets, but they cannot control the mysterious energy within their bodies called "Life Essence".

Zhang Qi stood before them, his expression calm.

He didn't speak, he just closed his eyes.

On the instrument next to him, which monitors vital signs, the curve representing him went from a violently fluctuating peak to a rapid flattening, and then erupted again.

"The key lies in 'intention'. Your body is a lake, and your emotions are the pebbles thrown into it."

Your job is to control the direction in which the ripples are generated…

Zhang Qi opened his eyes and addressed the hunters present.

"This is too unbelievable?!"

"No, Brother Qi, this is way too abstract!"

Upon hearing this, the hunters exchanged glances and said with a sense of helplessness.

Having witnessed Zhang Qi's divine power, they naturally wanted to possess such power as well.

This principle is simple to say, but incredibly difficult to put into practice...

Progress is exceptionally slow.

As night deepened, only a few emergency lights remained on in the research department.

Zhang Qi sat down and began to think about how to guide others to awaken their life essence.

This energy is not affected by electromagnetic forces and is strongly correlated with living organisms.

He needed a method that could precisely intervene in life and death, and he happened to know where to find it…

Just then, the heavy metal door was pushed open, and a staggering figure walked in.

It's Mark.

He wasn't wearing the hunter's uniform, just casual clothes, and he reeked of alcohol.

That face, which was always full of confidence and sunshine, was now filled with pain and struggle.

He walked up to Zhang Qi and slammed a half-empty bottle of strong liquor heavily on the table.

“Aqi.”

He spoke, his voice hoarse as if it had been sanded.
"what happened?".

Zhang Qi stopped what he was doing, looked up, and his gaze fell on Mark's red-rimmed eyes.

"Ran Bing..."

"She...she's going to the Golden Hall..."

Mark uttered the name with difficulty, as if using all his strength.

"How could this be? You just accept it like that?"

Zhang Qi frowned. Did that mean Ran Bing had received a breeding mission?
"accept?"

He gave a self-deprecating laugh, grabbed the bottle, and took a large gulp.

"What can I do? The Three Laws are the cornerstone of the lighthouse!"

I cannot destroy it because of my personal desires…

He shook his head, his eyes unfocused, as if he were speaking to Zhang Qi, or perhaps to himself.

"I used to think the same way... My sister, Hong Kou, betrayed the Lighthouse and the Three Laws for a man."

I didn't understand back then. I hated her. I thought she was stupid... But now that it's my turn, I realize... that feeling is worse than death..."

The wine slid down the corner of his mouth, mixed with some kind of crystalline liquid.

“Aqi,”

He suddenly raised his head and looked at Zhang Qi with an expression that was almost like entrusting his son to someone.

"I'm leaving. I'll take Ran Bing away from here, to the surface, anywhere is fine. Hunter... Lighthouse... I'm entrusting you with the future."

After he finished speaking, he seemed to have unloaded a huge burden and turned to leave.

Zhang Qi didn't move, but just quietly watched his back.

His brain was working rapidly, connecting all the clues.

The timing is too perfect.

Lord Morgan had just announced Mark as the next Lord of the city, at a time when Charles was at his lowest point.

Who has always controlled the gene matching algorithm for breeding tasks? The Light and Shadow Society.

What was Charles's motive? He needed a perfect excuse to take down Mark, his thorn in his side.

What could be more damaging to a city lord's reputation than making him openly defy the Three Laws for the sake of a woman?

This is a conspiracy.

Charles accurately predicted Mark's personality and the relationship between Mark and Ran Bing.

No matter what Mark chooses, he's a loser.

If he chooses to obey, he will suffer for the rest of his life and lose all his vigor.

If he chooses to rebel, he will be disgraced and become a sinner against the beacon.

This hypocritical religious leader, in his pursuit of power, resorted to such despicable means.

"Do not."

"In this case,"

"Then let's change the lighthouse."

Having figured out the key point, Zhang Qi stood up and called out to Mark...

(End of this chapter)