I am a hero of the former civilization.

They can speak human language fairly well.

Ryan's resentment lessened slightly. Mebius's experiment was very complicated because Honkai energy was highly radioactive and almost impossible to store before Soul Steel was developed. The remnants of Honkai Beast corpses would decay quickly.

Therefore, Ryan, who is able to gather this energy, is extremely important, and the precise control is even more crucial, because without living material, with only such a small sample, even a slightly larger amount of energy would directly destroy it.

"No wonder you didn't ask Alicia for help. She doesn't understand the theory, and even a slight leak could damage the equipment."

“That woman has no patience at all, and she talks too much, which distracts me.” Mebius wrinkled his nose and said slowly, “So why don’t you just be my assistant? Fighting and killing is so boring. Every breakthrough we make is more valuable than defeating a Herrscher.”

"Come on, I was originally just a guard, but you inexplicably dragged me into the research. Also, pay me for the overtime."

"Talking about money is so vulgar. We're all fighting for the future of humanity. Don't you even have that much awareness?"

"Oh right, right, I bought all those instant noodles. You took out a loan to work, right?" Ryan took a deep breath and realized that things were getting increasingly wrong.

Möbius was always short of funds; his annual salary of millions of euros was all spent on research, leaving him with nothing even for instant noodles.

A workaholic, unconventional and sometimes eccentric, sometimes mature and elegant, sometimes utterly indifferent, making him unpredictable, yet his unwavering dedication to his ideals shines like a star.

After enduring a month of torment, Ryan came to understand this woman better and better. Unconsciously, his guard lowered a little, and his expression became more serious.

"Your experiment has just begun. Things will get more complicated from here on out. Combining Honkai Beasts with human flesh and blood, and making people exert the abilities of Honkai Beasts while maintaining their rationality, is very difficult."

“At least I know this path is feasible. It’s just a matter of hundreds of thousands of repeated experiments. I’m sure I’ll find a way, and then I’ll keep improving it.” When it came to business, Möbius became very serious and turned around lightly. “If it proves to be effective, I will be the first test subject.”

"You are indeed a madman."

"Exploring the unknown requires a lot of perseverance. By the way, are you really not considering continuing to help me?"

Mebius leaned lazily against the wall, her black stockings, tight skirt, and fair skin accentuated by her soft, tired breathing, creating an alluring scene.

Ryan's breathing was initially heavy and instinctive, but then calmed down with reason. He didn't know if Mebius was doing it on purpose, nor did he think about it too deeply.

He simply replied earnestly, "To survive in this world, strength is the key. No matter how great a scientist is, it is meaningless if he is physically eliminated."

"But if this research succeeds, it will also gain tremendous power, or rather, knowledge itself is a fighting force."

“Too slow. You should know that the Third Herrscher will arrive soon, and the Herrschers after her will follow. The best way to deal with them is indeed to conduct research, but—” Ryan raised his fist and said firmly, “someone has to deal with them, and I happen to be able to do it.”

Mebius's eyes were somewhat unfocused, creating a huge sense of disorientation. She had been appreciating the man's wisdom and knowledge these past few days, and had even developed a certain tacit understanding with him, but now she was seeing another side of him.

The heavy stench of blood, from the pile of corpses made up of Honkai Beasts and humans, is a smell that usually only comes from mindless brutes, the kind of people she hates the most.

“You’re quite the opposite, Ryan.” Möbius yawned and rubbed his eyes. “I never imagined that warrior and scholar, two completely different things, could coexist in one person. And I’m also wondering, what exactly do you want?”

"So what do you want, Möbius?"

"What I want is very simple." The exhausted girl swayed, raised her hand and clenched it, and though she was murmuring, she burst forth with boundless ambition.

"With my own hands... I will ascend to godhood!"

Ryan's pupils contracted slightly. He actually wanted to create a god. Beneath that complex exterior lay the purest obsession, yet he couldn't bring himself to mock him. He felt that this was the true nature of Möbius.

At that moment, he took a step forward, the first time he had ever taken the initiative to get closer since he met Mebius, and then instinctively hugged the girl who was lunging forward, as if he had forgotten his previous wariness of this person's schemes.

A soft body embraced him, and he then realized that Mebius was quite voluptuous, with a slender waist and a soft, yielding body. Her large breasts even made him feel a little suffocated, and the warm breath from her mouth tickled his face.

No wonder Blanca said that after each experiment, Möbius would lie on the cold floor, as if he had squeezed out the last bit of his energy.

Ryan didn't think too much, nor was he as helpless as the good-for-nothing. His hand moved down from his waist, brushing over his high, round buttocks, feeling the delicate touch of the stockings, until he reached his knees. He then picked up Mebius and, after a moment, brought his head close to her beautiful face.

"Möbius, do you know what I want?"

"Hmm?" The girl murmured, as if she were half asleep.

Ryan didn't answer immediately. He simply picked her up and left the lab, walking towards the rest area amidst the stunned gazes of the group of people. Then he opened the door to Möbius's room.

He placed the girl on the bed piled with books, watched her quickly curl up into a ball, covered herself with the blanket, and patted Möbius's round shoulder.

"May my journey lead me to the stars."

Chapter Twenty-Eight: I Know a Little About Everything

Möbius's research has finally come to an end. What remains is to classify and sort tens of thousands of data points, and to continue in-depth research, we need to work on the imaginary space.

Coincidentally, Mei is an expert in this field.

Therefore, Lane refused for two reasons: first, he wouldn't be of much use, and no one was better at theoretical knowledge than Möbius; second, unlike Möbius, he preferred a balance between work and rest.

This can inspire creativity and prevent one from becoming obsessed with something. There is nothing wrong with craving power and knowledge, but if one only has these two things in mind, then one is prone to getting into trouble.

"No wonder Mebius couldn't recruit many assistants; the workload is simply inhuman."

Ryan walked through the corridor, doing chest-expanding exercises. Even though he had slept for a whole day and was still recovering, he noticed the strange looks from the people around him.

There was jealousy, but more than that, there was admiration, like watching a victorious warrior return home.

Because he belonged to the research department and didn't usually interact with others, the researchers who stayed underground all day didn't recognize him and thought Ryan was a recent college graduate.

Being assigned as Dr. Möbius's assistant right after graduation—it's like he cheated on his advisor! You couldn't make such an arrangement without some deep-seated grudge. So initially everyone felt sympathy, until yesterday...

They witnessed a miracle: the usually aloof Mebius had been won over by a newcomer—it was simply unbelievable.

Mebius was very beautiful, and initially there were many suitors in the research institute. They thought that he was just a bit aloof, and as long as they flattered him enough, they would definitely have a chance.

However, Mebius had no interest in associating with people he looked down on, and anyone who dared to get involved was severely punished, with many even suffering psychological trauma and choosing to be with the same sex.

How did they manage to win over such a hellishly difficult woman? So, both men and women were observing Ryan.

He has a handsome face and a decent figure, looking like a refined scholar. But aren't there many people like that in research institutes?

baffling.

Ryan got a staff meal and ate his food while feeling the stares from those around him.

As a soldier, his senses were too sharp; he could see several female researchers whispering behind their mouths and hear gossiping voices behind him.

"Dr. Ryan is amazing! He actually managed to handle Dr. Mebius."

"Maybe it's just to take her back to her room to rest?"

"How could that be? Do you even believe that yourself?"

The conversation paused for a moment, until a clear and serious voice rang out.

"But that's the truth, except that Dr. Ryan had some issues; he came out of the room after only five minutes and ten seconds."

The spoon was crushed into an iron ball.

Ryan turned his head to look at the person who spoke. This guy had come to help out half a month ago. He seemed to be a level two researcher named Serene from the Department of High Energy Physics. In his memory, he was a very serious person. He didn't expect him to be so gossipy.

The menacing aura was palpable. Sene shrank back, glancing around, and saw Ryan giving her a friendly smile. She quickly lowered her head and ate.

She's not entirely observant; perhaps Mebius is deliberately messing with me. Nobody knows what she's thinking.

Ryan became suspicious. He was honest and straightforward, but he was always unhappy about being gossiped about and even more uncomfortable with being secretly spied on. Just as he was about to go back to his room, a familiar figure sat down opposite him again.

Mei maintained her indifferent expression. Her plate contained only a few pieces of sushi and a bowl of miso soup. She didn't eat and just stared at Ryan.

"For two whole years, I didn't even notice."

"What did you find?"

“You have such unique tastes. No wonder you ignored so many love letters. So you like the Möbius type. How should I put it…” Mei brushed her bangs aside and smiled, “You really have commendable courage.”

Ryan's eyes twitched violently, but when he saw the teasing look in May's eyes, he breathed a sigh of relief.

"Don't tease me, I'm just showing the manners of a gentleman."

The girl stroked the rim of her glass and said calmly, "No, that's not true. I was just getting revenge. Kevin and I have been teased by you a lot. Oh, Kevin must be even happier than me. He used to suspect that you and Sue had something going on, and he's always been worried about himself."

Well, you really are a dark-skinned woman.

Ryan gritted his teeth. This May sold him out in a flash, and what's with Kevin? Does he really think I'm gay?

The resentment was building up inside him, making him grit his teeth in hatred, but considering that the girl in front of him was even more difficult to deal with than Mebius, he could only take a deep breath.

"Let's get down to business. How are you doing now?"

“I’ve read all the research materials on the Moth of Fire. They have a new hypothesis about imaginary space. With their resources, I might be able to tear open the crack and observe the essence of the imaginary world with my own eyes.” Mei put away her smile and pointed with her chopsticks at the researchers in the cafeteria. “Their worst ones all have two doctoral degrees. I didn’t expect that an organization could bring together so many talented people.”

"The Moth That Chases Fire gave me the authority to establish a research team. I will select a group of people from around the world to first complete theoretical calculations and then conduct observational experiments."

Ryan nodded. He certainly believed in May's abilities, and unlike Mebius, May was truly capable of serving as the research director and driving several projects at the same time.

"It sounds like they value you highly."

“Studying the nature of imaginary numbers is beneficial to everyone. Only by understanding the theory first can we perhaps propel the entire human civilization forward.” Mei adjusted her glasses, her eyes gleaming with idealism. “For science, collapse is both a disaster and a blessing.”

Putting aside the Herrschers and monsters, it is essentially a kind of energy, an energy that can crush all current technologies. For example, the hypothetical Honkai energy adaptive core could achieve the effect of nuclear fusion.

"Unfortunately, I can't help you. We're racing against time. Whether civilization will advance first or humanity will be crushed by the Honkai, no one can predict," Ryan said cautiously. The Honkai is the least afraid of time travelers.

“I understand, so I will focus my main efforts on applications and use Honkai to fight Honkai as soon as possible.” Mei picked up a rice ball and took a small bite, lowering her voice: “The research equipment here is not enough. I will be going to Mu Continent soon, and I will also visit the headquarters of the Fire Moth.”

"Don't overthink it. A pure researcher like you is the most reassuring. Look at Möbius, with her independent and unconventional personality, we haven't done anything to her. In fact, we treat her like a treasure."

“I’m not in any danger, but Kevin is in trouble. He’s already had his first real battle and he’s not in a good mood. You know I’m not good at comforting people.” Mei raised her head slightly, her meaning clear.

Can't you two, this weirdo couple, just give us a break?

Ryan covered his forehead. You could say they're a couple, but their relationship is so bland. They've been together for years and they're still just holding hands. You could say they don't have love, but they still care about each other.

However, Kevin was more proactive, risking his life to join the Fire Moth for May.

Will he go to Mu Continent with you?

"I don't know, but I will try my best. I always feel that Kevin will change very quickly without me, but I don't have that authority before I gain his trust."

"So you want me to keep an eye on him?"

“Well, Kevin doesn’t actually have many friends. Sometimes he thinks too little, and sometimes he thinks too much. I know that’s not fair to you.”

The two looked at each other without speaking. Given Ryan's personality, he would have preferred to enjoy the last moments of peace, but, well, some things were more important.

"Okay, but you have to get rid of Mebius too. That woman wants me to help her with data; she's practically addicted to getting things for free."

"This is not an easy task, but I will do my best."

"Deal. I'm best at psychological counseling."

Ryan readily stood up. He still needed to improve his strength; he had no time to outwit and outmaneuver Mebius. After saying this, he dropped his plate and left.

The elevator quickly descended to the ground. When the doors opened, Ryan saw the sunlight and breathed a sigh of relief. He had been underground for a full month, working in the laboratory every day.

'Spending too much time with Möbius will really drive you crazy; you'll be so moved even by looking at the sun.'