I am a hero of the former civilization.

He sighed inwardly and met Mei's questioning gaze: "If you think it's necessary, then let's continue."

"What do you think?"

"In order for humanity to survive, we have no choice. Fusion warriors are the first step to change 'humanity' itself. Now that we've taken the first step, we don't care about the second."

“You’re more realistic than I thought.” Mei seemed relieved, skipping over the topic and picking up the remote to press a button. “Then you should be more interested in the second topic.”

"I used the unfinished Second Divine Key to explore the imaginary space."

The large screen displayed a blurry image, and Ryan subconsciously turned his head, his gray pupils slightly contracting.

With just one glance, he saw the scene from his dream!

Chapter 185 Imaginary Space!

In the pitch-black space, faint golden light could be seen, the light bands blurred, just like winding branches. There were countless 'branches', each with even brighter points of light on it.

However, if you zoom in, each band of light and spot of light seems to be infinitely large.

It was mysterious, full of unknown splendor. Even the four smartest people in the room could only marvel at the sight without having any other thoughts.

It is incomprehensible, let alone inexplicable, but one thing is certain: this is not the universe in the astronomical sense.

Distance seems too pale and powerless; even if humanity builds the most advanced spaceships and travels to the end of the galaxy, it cannot get even a step closer to this space.

Although human space technology is not advanced, it is possible to go to the moon, explore Mars, and even use astronomical telescopes to observe celestial bodies light-years away.

The scene displayed by the Second Divine Key is like a mirage, something that can be seen but can never be touched.

It's not a matter of near or far; it seems to be right beside us, yet it feels like we're worlds apart.

Ryan's eyes were somewhat dazed. He was certain that this was the scene from his dream. The scattered memories began to slowly resurface. What he saw was not only this strange space, but also the knowledge in the memories and images.

The Tree of Imaginary Numbers, the center of the multidimensional universe.

"This is a dimensional gap, a place that a human can never reach."

Mei said calmly, a strange expression appearing on her face, both tired and excited.

Two years ago, she could only use a particle collider to create a tiny hole, but now she can go and observe it.

"Are those points of light stars?" Vivi couldn't help but ask, feeling that 'cool' was not enough to describe what she was seeing.

“No, I prefer to call it a ‘leaf,’ a leaf immersed in infinite imaginary energy.” Mei picked up a withered yellow leaf and ran her fingers along its edge. “Ryan, do you remember the theory we discussed at Qianyu Academy?”

Ryan snapped back to reality, realizing that his instinctive reaction had already conveyed a lot of information. But now was not the time to outwit May, so he immediately nodded.

"Yes, the leaves represent our world, and the omnipresent air is the imaginary internal energy. Logically speaking, this terrifying energy should not interfere with reality, otherwise no living thing could survive."

“That’s right. Just observation requires a second Divine Key, and you all know very well who its core comes from.”

The Law of Emptiness is that power is space itself.

Everyone nodded, and then Velvi asked, "Then where does this energy come from?"

“For real organisms to survive, they must be isolated from the imaginary energy. We can imagine the area around the leaf as a barrier, preventing our world from falling into death, but—” Mei pointed gently to the leaf stalk.

“A hole has appeared in this barrier, and infinite energy is seeping in, and this seepage is controllable, otherwise we wouldn’t be sitting here talking.”

The explanation is very rigorous. If that energy were to pour in like a burst dam, everyone would have died long ago. No matter how high the adaptability, everyone would die. No one could resist that energy.

"So you think the Honkai was a man-made disaster?" Möbius leaned back slightly and asked, "That's related to theology, no wonder you classified it as top secret."

If these assumptions were to spread, charlatans around the world would be ecstatic, because it would prove that there are gods above humans.

"It may not be a god, nor a human, but there must be some kind of mechanism in the imaginary space, wouldn't you agree, Ryan?"

When Ryan saw all three heads turn around at once, his lips twitched slightly.

I'm not a connoisseur of the game's plot, how would I know? Isn't it better to just look at Valkyrie posts every day and study the plot's meaning? Is that some kind of serious illness?

Ryan wasn't an expert in this area, but he had lived for over twenty years, and by combining his research with his past memories, he had come to understand some things.

“Imaginary space certainly has its own rules of operation, and these rules are neither harmful nor beneficial to us. Collapse is one of these rules.” He pondered his words, thinking of two people.

One is a certain Archbishop of Pure Love, and the other is a Star God. At least these two things are truly beyond the Three Realms and outside the Five Elements, so the Tree of Imaginary Numbers is very close to everyone.

Of course, that included himself, but how he floated in the imaginary space and how he came back to life, Ryan didn't know.

"Heh, are you trying to say that this is a test from the gods?" Mebius laughed, his voice somewhat resembling that of those charlatans.

"It's not necessarily a test, just a rule, because energy originates from motion, and the imaginary energy within numbers must have a source, otherwise it would really become theology."

"You mean the development of human civilization will accelerate this movement?" Mei's expression was completely devoid of a smile; she was as serious as a block of ice.

"It should be that once the Honkai occurs, this development can't stop. The more intense our movement, the more imaginary internal energy flows in, like relative motion." Ryan licked his lips, his mind a bit muddled, and after a few seconds of silence, he explained:

"It's like a tap that keeps pouring imaginary energy into the world. To break free from its constraints, you have to take control."

"So you're saying we should turn it off?" Mei asked intently, her fingertips tapping the table unconsciously. "But this faucet can't be in the real world. Could someone possibly go beyond this world?"

Top-tier Star Gods might be able to do it, but for now, forget about it.

Ryan considered his words and explained, "Theoretically, it shouldn't be possible, but the other leaves might be able to do it, which would be of some reference value, and the Second Divine Key can complete this kind of observation."

Observing parallel worlds?

Apart from Velvi, everyone else remained silent. Ryan muttered to himself, "Actually, there's another way. No matter how strong the water flow is, there's a limit. Just use a powerful brick to exceed that limit."

After all, the collapse doesn't mean the Imaginary Tree itself is destroyed. If a Star God could come along, we could definitely clear the game.

"Yes, I'll put this plan on the agenda. But observing other worlds is not so easy; the sheer volume of information would drive an ordinary person to a mental breakdown just by looking at it."

"It's alright, the second Divine Key isn't completely finished yet anyway, we can decide on the candidate slowly." Ryan adjusted his glasses and then let out a long sigh.

Another path has appeared ahead of schedule, even sparking his fantasies about what would happen after defeating the Honkai. Fate dictates that Ryan cannot stop to enjoy himself; he will continue to advance into the unknown.

By proposing an important hypothesis, May has found a new direction for exploration. At the very least, she takes Lane's conjecture seriously and is willing to put it into practice.

If we could turn off this 'faucet', or even just understand its true nature, it would be of immense benefit to humanity.

So she started typing away on the keyboard, recording a long passage and proposing several preliminary experiments.

While she was busy, Ryan first glanced at Velvi, who was busy at the conference table, wondering what she was doing, and then turned to look at the big screen, at the scene captured by the second divine key.

'I actually existed there. No wonder it was a soul transmigration. No physical body could be preserved; logically, even the soul should have been annihilated.'

This is illogical. A certain archbishop of pure love went to great lengths to escape the world, but a certain leader of sit-ups went to another leaf.

Hmm, it seems there's a fundamental difference between Otto and Lao Yang. The former directly touched the Tree of Imaginary Numbers, while Lao Yang merely wandered among the leaves. In terms of prestige, Otto is undoubtedly superior.

Ryan stared at the void, seemingly understanding something, and then put forward many hypotheses.

Are parallel worlds like adjacent leaves on the same branch? Old Yang went to a completely different universe; did he traverse a greater distance? Does the Sea of ​​Quanta possess uniqueness or correspondence?

Countless questions lingered in my mind, eventually transforming into the purest of desires.

I really want to go see it, I really want to touch the Tree of Imaginary Numbers.

Ryan's eyes shone with a desire far beyond anything he had ever known, and then he felt a strange sensation.

Delicate stockings brushed against her calves, nimble toes gently rubbed her ankles, and then she felt a warmth on her ear, accompanied by languid words.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?"

Ryan turned his head and found that Mebius had somehow gotten close to him, his breasts wrapped around his arm, his snake-like eyes seductive and filled with endless desire.

For a moment, Ryan felt it was alright to share this knowledge, but he quickly became wary again.

I don't care, but I'm going to keep you in suspense.

"I'm thinking about a profound question."

"Tell me quickly!" Möbius's eyes lit up, and he was almost ready to take notes.

"The parallel universe theory: does each leaf represent a world or a universe? We humans are not so arrogant as to use the mere Earth to represent the entire Milky Way. So, do extraterrestrials exist within this world or outside of its dimensions?"

A series of questions left Mebius speechless. Who could possibly know, just as they didn't understand what would happen to the world if civilization were destroyed by the Honkai.

Shattered stars? Or Earth returning to death?

"How would I know? Are you guessing?"

"Well, there are seven guesses in total, but it's pointless to say them out loud. Such a difficult topic is only meaningful if we explore it together." Ryan gently spread his hands. He enjoyed the exploration process, and while advancing the observation plan, he also wanted to confirm one thing:

Am I unique?

He wouldn't say it aloud, but depending on the outcome, it could lead to some very interesting results.

"Stop daydreaming. Looking up at the stars is important, but we still have to deal with what's at hand." Ryan gently tapped the table, bringing his wandering thoughts back to reality. He got up, took the remote control from May, and switched the large screen back to 'Skynet' detection mode.

Dense red dots flashed, some disappearing in an instant, and the global concentration of Honkai energy was constantly increasing. Having just finished seeing the imaginary space that sparked the imagination, seeing this cruel mode again felt as disgusting as eating feces.

"Do you think there are several Law Masters and pseudo-Law Masters hidden here at this very moment?"

Chapter 186 The Rebel Squad

To be honest, Ryan is a bit annoying. When everyone is dreaming about the unknown, he always drags people back to reality, and the first thing he says is the most annoying topic.

Mebius rolled his eyes at him instantly, already thinking about the parallel universe problem himself, how interesting those hypotheses were.

But reality is a quagmire, with no hope of ending and no reward of victory.

Today humanity loses a village, tomorrow a small town, and the day after tomorrow hundreds of Honkai Beasts are annihilated. No matter how optimistic a person is, once they are thrown into the front lines, all that's left is a body covered in mud.

Slaughter until you're numb, enemies are endless and can appear from anywhere, and comrades you meet today may be separated by death tomorrow.

No matter how disgusting it is, we have to face it. Right now, only the good news of killing a Herrscher can boost morale, even though no one knows which Herrscher is the last one.

"I cannot answer that question. There are still many unknowns about the Honkai. We only know that energy needs to accumulate to a certain level before the next Herrscher can be born," Mei replied in a deep voice, taking a soft breath.

"On paper, the Herrschers no longer have the advantage. Your report proves that they can be replenished through two avenues."

"Controlling the omnipresent Honkai Beasts, and pseudo-Herrschers, especially the latter, who has extremely high intelligence and bizarre abilities."

She had already read the report on Snow Prison Town and immediately felt a headache coming on. Destruction doesn't necessarily have a strong direct destructive power. If Ryan hadn't intervened in time, that pseudo-Herrscher would have caused heavy losses to humanity.

For example, this fortress, built at the cost of countless resources, can be freely entered and exited by that Herrscher as if it were a public toilet.

God knows how much more power is yet to be discovered. Mei even felt that the collapse was abnormally terrifying, like a malicious game designer who kept adding difficulty.

“Over time, pseudo-Herrschers may become true Herrschers, making up for their deficiencies,” Mebius added, which aligns with her view of evolution, before her voice became sharp and sarcastic.

"Then, right under our noses, a whole host of powerful enemies appeared, which essentially negated the advantages of the Fusion Warriors program. I suspect this was a deliberate attempt to target us. Without the Fusion Warriors, perhaps this change wouldn't have happened."