I am a hero of the former civilization.

"So how can I turn a hypothetical situation into reality if I don't get paid?"

The once quiet meeting room suddenly erupted into noise. There was only so much cake, and everyone wanted to have as much as possible. The scholars got into a heated argument, spitting everywhere, and they were almost about to throw teacups at each other.

Ryan glanced at Möbius, who was yawning, and then at Möbius, who was constantly typing on the keyboard. He understood why Möbius didn't want to attend the meeting. All the arguing was pointless, and every project had its own significance.

He wasn't good at handling these kinds of academic debates, so he passed the problem on to Mei.

"I've already read the reports you submitted. There's no point in arguing. Now that the Moth Chaser has integrated the six research institutes, what we need is to improve efficiency and come up with a solution to combat the Honkai as soon as possible." Mei's voice was cold, and before anyone could refute her, she tapped the keyboard a few more times.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please take a look at the computer. I have categorized the report and annotated every detail, using this as the basis for prioritizing."

Ryan looked down and saw the document pop up. He then scrolled the mouse wheel. Reading ten lines at a glance was a basic skill for everyone present, so they all read it very quickly.

Each report contained detailed data as its conclusion, and the results were extrapolated using supercomputers, simulating different futures, which made Ryan's mouth drop slightly as he read it.

Is this woman a monster? In just a few days, she has analyzed and deduced from this 300-plus-page report, and even performed data analysis. Is she even human?

May's work ability was so strong that even Ryan could hardly understand it, and he found that these conclusions were completely devoid of personal feelings, and were all based on data and rational judgment, prioritizing them and taking into account the interests of each research institute.

Such terrifying IQ and EQ.

Ryan continued reading, and he had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

First priority: Research on Fusion Warriors, Soul Steel, and Herrscher Core.

Second priority: Exploration of the Quantum Sea and treatment of Honkai disease.

Third priority: Aerospace development, artificial intelligence.

......

The icons clearly illustrate the conclusions, explain the funding ratios, and delineate the collaboration among research institutes.

For example, Soul Steel was jointly developed by the Second Research Institute of Engineering and the Fourth Research Institute of Materials Science. Fusion Warriors also joined the First Research Institute's guidance on imaginary number theory and the Institute of Psychology and Medicine's surgical assistance.

Even for highly specialized research like the Sea of ​​Quanta, personnel must be drawn from various research institutes to separate theoretical research from exploration.

The shift from specialized projects to shared projects not only improves efficiency but also breaks down barriers between research institutes. By making projects the primary focus, everyone has something to do, and there's less room for debate.

That's a bit interesting.

Ryan looked up and met Mebius's gaze. Mebius was also somewhat surprised, having thought it would be another pointless argument, but the problem was actually resolved.

Has everyone finished reading?

As Mei Qing's cold voice rang out, the group of people all looked up. They were all extremely intelligent individuals, and of course they knew that this method of cooperation was both novel and effective.

It turns out that the Moths of Fire weren't looking for a woman to supervise everyone, but rather genuinely wanted to unify those thousands of research projects.

"I have a question."

“Dr. Viditch, please speak.”

"This kind of collaboration between research institutes requires a person in charge to handle various issues, and that person..."

“I’ll coordinate it,” Mei replied without hesitation.

Looking at that earnest and beautiful face, for some reason, these bigwigs had no way to refute her.

"What if there is a dispute during the research? You know, academic research cannot prove right or wrong before the results are released."

“I will make the judgment.” In her unwavering tone, Mei glanced around and said, “I have reviewed all your research materials. Although I haven’t conducted in-depth research on some specific areas, I can make a judgment without any problem.”

Ah, this... even bragging can't describe it.

A group of people were dumbfounded. You have to know that these studies include all of humanity's cutting-edge technologies. As the saying goes, different professions are like different worlds. Those who study imaginary numbers may not understand biology, and those who study computers are mostly ignorant of materials science.

"You don't need to worry that I'm talking nonsense. Science is rigorous. The report you just saw was written by me alone."

A collective gasp filled the conference room. Many people, still disbelieving, read it several more times. To be able to annotate various studies, one must at least be a professional in that research field. Their level might not be as high as their own, but it was terrifying to see all of that concentrated in one person.

Even Mebius looked at Ryan, the meaning in his eyes was crystal clear:

Is your classmate a monster?!

Chapter Ninety-Six: You Can Have It All!

Mei is certainly a monster; otherwise, she wouldn't have gone from a researcher to the de facto leader of humanity in just a few years, orchestrating civilization's final struggle against collapse.

If we were to rank the figures of the pre-civilization era by importance, she would undoubtedly be in the top two. Half the credit for the later generations' victory over the Honkai should be attributed to her.

With a vision so far-sighted it was almost precognitive, numerous plans were proposed, each with the potential to succeed. Even disregarding the 'human' body, the 'Stigmata Project' was already capable of defeating the Honkai.

Of course, Mei isn't quite that abnormal yet, but signs of it are beginning to emerge. This meeting alone left a group of bigwigs speechless.

A true polymath may not be as proficient as Möbius in biology, but he is not far behind; he is equally adept at both tactics and emotional intelligence, knows how to balance the interests of all parties, and has an extraordinary sense of responsibility.

The time and effort required to coordinate and guide various studies is immeasurable.

"I also feel like I'm a paramecium. Besides, Kevin is really unlucky."

Ryan shook his head. Without a destiny, he really couldn't compare to these monsters. Take Mebius, for example; he could talk from birth and had long since stopped being human.

Despite the doubts, the proposal was accepted by all parties because no one could find a more perfect solution. The only question was whether Dr. Mei could hold on to it.

This issue needs time to verify, but opportunities must be given. In addition, the most troublesome Möbius chose to give Ryan face, and the research department of the Fire Moth actually reached a consensus for the first time.

"You think it's amazing, right?"

In the hallway, Mei tossed a can of coffee over; she had already submitted the documents, and there was no doubt they would be approved.

The higher-ups at the Fire-Chasing Moths organization already had a headache dealing with these scientists who couldn't be scolded or punished. Allowing them to focus on their work would benefit all of humanity.

“Scholars are people too. If you can take care of their interests, of course there will be no obstacles.” Ryan unscrewed the cap, took a sip, and forced a smile. “I should thank you. After the meeting, Mebius went to Dr. Caddis to select volunteers and didn’t have the energy to bother me anymore.”

The Fusion Warriors project is the top priority, and unlike the original timeline, we can proceed with more flexibility now, without having to risk bringing Kevin in as a test subject.

Start with lower-rank Honkai Beasts, gradually increase the success rate and reduce side effects, and then conduct experiments using Emperor-rank or Judgment-rank materials.

"She? She's proposed joining the research on the Herrscher core again. She's still up to something, but I didn't call her out on it."

"You agree?"

“Well, now humans have no right to be picky. We should proceed steadily.” Mei looked out the window at the car lights. It was already night. “The Herrscher core is the most precious asset. I have done research on it. It is not possible to transplant it. Humans cannot analyze or replicate it either. But Velvey has put forward an interesting idea.”

The Herrschers of the previous civilization were somewhat different; they lacked emotions, and their core would lose its activity after the death of the host, making it difficult even to detonate.

"She wants to turn the Herrscher Core into a weapon and channel that power out?"

Mei glanced sideways, thinking that Wilvi and Ryan had mentioned it, and nodded gently: "Yes, this idea is possible. The key is how to guide this power out, and there is also a prerequisite."

“Soul Steel must have a container to hold this energy.” Ryan gave her the answer, even though he knew the Divine Key would succeed and was aware of the risks involved.

"The Herrscher core contains a massive amount of Honkai energy. If it fails, it will trigger a chain reaction, with enough power to destroy a city. But if it succeeds, it can use a human body to borrow authority, which is of great significance."

This is a massive and dangerous project. To put it simply, it's like turning the user into a transformer, drawing out the authority and energy from the Herrscher's core and then applying it to the real world.

"So Soul Steel is just one of the containers; the user is the most crucial container. But thanks to you, we have the Fusion Warrior Project. Of course, finding compatible users requires many lives." Mei said expressionlessly, as if she didn't care about the cost.

Mei is more terrifying than Alicia in one way: she is ruthless and only cares about the result. But what humanity needs to defeat the Honkai is this kind of rationality.

Ryan closed his eyes. He agreed with the idea, but all he could do was offer a suggestion: "I think we could install a program to limit the energy of the Herrscher core and output it at a rated power. This would prevent it from going berserk and reduce the danger to the user."

Mei's eyes lit up. She thought about it seriously for a few seconds and nodded emphatically.

"Your suggestion is very useful; I'll include it in the discussion at the next meeting."

Of course it works! That's exactly what you've done, although it takes hundreds of precious lives to achieve that.

Ryan wasn't arrogant; with a casual toss, the coffee can flew several meters before landing precisely in the trash can.

"You came all this way to wait for me, not just to hear my advice, right?"

"What else could it be? Asking about your progress with Mebius?"

"Don't tease me, you should be able to tell that there's nothing between me and her."

Mei didn't say anything, just stared at Ryan, making him feel uneasy, before finally saying, "I'm suddenly a little worried about Kevin."

"Hey, I'm not gay, and my sexual orientation is fine."

"Does Mebius not meet your aesthetic standards? Should I call the police?"

"I'm not a lolicon!"

May smiled faintly. She could see that Ryan was hesitant, as if searching for an answer, but knew there was no answer, just like she and Kevin.

Feelings are something that have nothing to do with reason.

“I’m not kidding you anymore. Actually, I’ve seen the battlefield pictures of the annihilated poison pupa, and they feel somewhat familiar. Stop, no need for excuses. I have no intention of prying into your secrets.” Mei became serious, but her eyes held a certain hope. “The deeper the research into imaginary numbers goes, the more desperate we feel. The Honkai is not as simple as they imagine. If there is a change in the predetermined fate, it will be in your and Alicia’s hands.”

Ryan remained silent. He didn't know how far May had gone in her research, but having been friends with her for so many years, he knew that May wouldn't just spout nonsense.

"What do you want me to do?"

"The future is shrouded in mist; perhaps some will glimpse fragments, just as you are vastly different now than you were at the academy. I believe you have a plan, so please do your best. I look forward to some changes." The girl stared at him, her face displaying only a rational coldness.

"Even if you are hope, you are also a scourge, but the allure of the future lies in this uncertainty."

Mei spoke as if uttering a riddle, which even Ryan only vaguely understood, acknowledging the girl's intelligence.

Based solely on my change of mind, they deduced some clues and confirmed that I was the mastermind behind it all?

Ryan stopped expressing his surprise and asked seriously, "I will. Also, the investiture ceremony is about to begin. Do you want to go?"

"I still have a meeting with Dr. Vidic. Go in my place and congratulate Kevin for me."

What's the point of my congratulations? Oh well, Kevin should be used to it by now.

Ryan said nothing, nodded in acknowledgment, and turned to leave. Since May had decided to give everything for the future of humanity, why should he meddle in her affairs?

Mei put her hands in her pockets and waited until the footsteps faded into the distance before letting out a soft sigh. She looked out at the bustling traffic, finished her last sip of coffee, and tossed it aside casually, just like Ryan had done.

Ding.

The can hit the edge of the trash can and bounced out. The girl couldn't help but laugh. Just as she was about to go over and pick it up, another figure threw it in for her.

Sakura emerged from the shadows, dressed in a business suit—a white shirt and casual trousers—looking like a stylish white-collar worker, though her expression remained indifferent.

"You guessed it was him from me?"

"The higher-ups inexplicably sent a security chief here, and with your skills, you seem like someone from the Poison Pupa. Combined with the incident in the southern desert, it's not hard to guess."

Sakura shut her mouth. Ryan's task for her was simple: to protect Dr. Mei, who had already prevented several assassination attempts.

"I'm curious, what deal did he make with you that made you choose to betray him?"