Long-term salvation

Whether it is connecting to the United Empire or opening a giant portal to the other world, it will be a disaster for mankind.

Perhaps... it would be safer under Rhodes' own control?

Chapter 216: The Genius Girls of Red and Silver

Atlas Corporation's research facilities are completely different from Aperture Technologies.

This place is permeated with architectural minimalism, with cold white paint adorning the walls, highlighted only by warning signs of varying colors. Empty, straight corridors connect the various laboratories and testing grounds that could be set up here. There's almost no greenery to be seen within the facility, and even if there is, it's for experimental purposes, not for aesthetic enjoyment.

The only people walking around are technicians carrying coffee and piles of documents. The only thing they have in common with the psychopaths at Aperture Technology is that they all have confidence and pride in their careers on their faces.

"Most of the research here involves conventional weapons, civilian products, and cutting-edge scientific demonstrations," Irons explained to Rhodes. "Biological, chemical, nuclear, and even more dangerous research is scattered across various secret laboratories."

"Where is the otherworld research?"

"Most of them are in the New Mexico desert. Although you stopped the research on opening a portal to the other world, I haven't abandoned the infrastructure there. Some of the artifacts I collected from the other world are also stored there and used as experimental materials."

As Irons spoke, he led Rhodes through a corridor protected by many guards, and then took the elevator down until they arrived at the door of an underground laboratory.

The gate is made of thick, high-strength alloy. When it needs to be opened and closed, the gate slowly slides to both sides and retracts downward under the traction of the motor, making a rumbling sound.

Behind the three-story gate stood two armed Laborators and more guards. Visitors had to pass through layers of checkpoints before entering the most heavily guarded inner-world laboratory in the Atlas headquarters.

In fact, Rhodes really wanted to know if they went in and out through this gate every day. That would be really annoying... However, there were not many technicians staying in there. It seemed that this was just a place for collecting and saving experimental data backups.

In the laboratory, Dr. Gordon Freeman, the head of Atlas Corporation's Black Mesa base and the developer of the otherworldly portal technology, had been waiting for a long time.

And his students:

Rhode was quite surprised to see the red-haired woman in a white research coat—Makise Kurisu, the prodigy who had graduated from Victoria Condria University at the age of 18. She wore a cold, proud expression on her face, looking as cold as ice. [Urgent Note: Don't write about time machines and timeline jumps, as this will easily lead to writing errors.]

On the surface, this girl appears calm and overly theoretical, but in reality, she's a child with a fervent curiosity who enjoys experimenting, and, as is her age, can't stand being provoked. Of course, it would be even better if she wasn't secretly a tsundere, slutty, and fujoshi with a penchant for delusional fantasies. (Note ①)

Go and capture Okabe Rintaro and build the super weapon Chrono Teleporter (Hakima) together with Makise Kurisu!

Then again, I don't know if Yunru exists in this world...

"Dr. Gordon Freeman, and Miss Makise Kurisu," Rhodes extended his hand and shook theirs. "I've long heard of you. I hope you won't blame me for rejecting your research project."

"It's just a suspension of the actual operation of the portal experiment."

Dr. Freeman shook his head, with a smile on his face - it seemed as if he was trying hard to force it, as it seemed that this doctor was a serious person in his daily life.

Rhodes tried not to imagine what expression Dr. Freeman would have when he swung the crowbar.

"The theory of the other world you brought is still being developed and verified, and the exploration of the characteristics of the creatures in the other world is also progressing smoothly."

Dr. Freeman briefly and clearly introduced to Rhodes the current research projects of the Black Mesa Base. In addition to the suspended transmission to the other world, there are also the collection, detention and application of the other world's creations, the handling of disasters in the other world, disaster warning and so on... For the last item, the Black Mesa Base is cooperating with Aperture Technology to build a global monitoring device for the other world activities with the STEM prototype, DC-mini, and Asuka Jingmuji as the core.

"But you don't look very good," said Rod.

"Regarding this matter……"

"Because that psychopath Calvin Johnson came over here. If my late friend's daughter hadn't happened to be here and admired him very much, that old guy would have been thrown out long ago." Irons crossed his arms with an undisguised look of disgust on his face. He raised his chin in a certain direction, motioning Rhodes to look in that direction.

The gray-haired Kevin Johnson was strolling over with a little silver-haired girl. The gray-haired Kevin Johnson had an arrogant look on his face. The Atlas technicians passing by all covered their faces with documents and walked away to avoid being mercilessly scolded if they met him.

This old man's theoretical level is too advanced and he's too experienced. There's a 99% chance he'll seize the opportunity to find fault with me. And I can't talk back. If I do, he'll just get even more excited.

As for the young girl next to Carvin Johnson—Teresa Testarossa?! From "Full Metal Panic," she's known as the Whispered (the listener), a genius who, at just six years old, was able to solve Einstein's ten-variable simultaneous nonlinear partial differential equations to the nearest value and personally designed the TDD-1 "Son of Danube"!

He suppressed his urge to rush to the Soviet Union to see if there was Project 985 (OBR 985, a fictional project in the original novel), but instead thought of something else—where was her brother, Leonard Testarossa? It would be best if he didn't get involved with the Organization...

Just thinking about that future gave Rhodes a headache. With technology already experiencing explosive growth, the more intelligent people a side possessed, the easier it would be to secure the future.

"Uncle Irons!"

Theresa, who was about ten years old, was running quickly through the crowd and rushed into the arms of Ains. From the arms of her uncle who had almost watched her grow up, she looked carefully at the dazzling person in front of her - she was also a strong psychic.

"This is Theresa. I think you should know her name and past."

A genuine smile finally appeared on Irons' face. He reached out and touched the girl's head, then introduced her to Rhodes:

"I've transferred her to Miskatonic University. Although she's already helping Atlas with its technological research, I still hope she can have a better school life. Rod, you must take good care of her."

Sure, sure. Are you sure she won't follow Nyaruko and Abigail's lead and learn bad habits? But that... I'll leave it to future generations like Sagara Sosuke and Chidori to worry about, even though we don't know if they'll ever appear in this world.

Rhodes agreed with a strange look on his face. Just as he was about to say something to the girl, Calvin Johnson came over and grabbed his hands and shook them vigorously.

"Oh, Rod! My best friend, my worst enemy, I'm so glad to see you!"

Calvin Johnson was in good condition, the dead look from the mercury poisoning gone, but the poison that had seeped deep into his bones was difficult to eliminate. The old man was wearing a sharp suit and carrying a small black briefcase. The only strange thing was that he wasn't accompanied by his loyal secretary, Caroline.

"This really surprises me, Mr. Carvin Johnson," Rhodes said, pulling his hand away unnoticed. "I was planning to visit Aperture Technology on my way back, but it seems unnecessary now."

"I'm here for you. According to a research agreement with Atlas, I know you're bringing a large piece of 'Stone' here to be split and tested. Because of this, I have to secure more benefits for Aperture Technology."

Kevin's eyes fixed on Irons, and he looked at him unceremoniously, not caring at all that he might be put in a sack while walking in Atlas headquarters - this kind of thing was usually something that Secretary Caroline had to worry about.

"This is not the place to discuss matters," Irons ignored Calvin's provocation and glare, and turned to the others and said, "Let's go to the laboratory... Rod, the 'black stone' you brought has begun to split. Let's go and take a look."

Note 1: From the radio dramas "Obscure Symphony" and "Steins;Gate: The Lover's Performance"

Chapter 217 Different Portal Plans

A few minutes later.

Rhodes was already standing next to Irons, and together with the others, they watched through the thick, high-strength glass as the black stone below was being cut by laser. According to the agreement, the stone would be divided into 50g, 250g, and the remaining 100g for Aperture Technology.

The largest share will be given to Dr. Freeman to take back to the Black Mesa base in New Mexico for various experiments on the other side of the world.

"This stone isn't as strong as I imagined," Rhodes said with a frown. "It looks... like the high-strength steel used on warships—strong, but not indestructible."

"This shows you haven't carefully read Aperture's report on the projector. While I think you're a discerning investor and leader, Rhodes, your scientific acumen is far inferior to those little girls. Just like the two behind you. Oh, and by the way, they could work at Aperture in the future. They can unleash their researchers' creativity much better than at Atlas."

Ignoring the frowns on Dr. Freeman and Irons' faces that looked as if they could crush him to death, Carvin Johnson calmed down from his excitement. He looked at the busy technicians below and said slowly:

"According to our tests, using energies such as flame, electricity, and thermal radiation at specific frequencies can activate the properties of the Black Stone, achieving the effect of repelling and suppressing creatures from the Otherworld. Furthermore, even a small piece of activated Black Stone can create a shielding field around it, weakening the influence of the Otherworld's energies within that field."

"To put it simply, a piece of black stone the size of a Rolex watch's dial is enough to protect humans physically and mentally in most situations, but only for self-preservation," Calvin said, tapping his head with a finger. A more serious expression appeared on his face. "We don't yet know what other effects it has, so the experiment was conducted very conservatively—albeit by Aperture Technology standards."

"That said, we still need to conduct more tests. Perhaps in the future, we'll be able to use the Black Stone to suppress or even close those otherworldly rifts... The otherworldly rift in Japan's Minamigami Village is simply inactive. It would be great if someone could go take a look and conduct research."

Rhodes concluded, but then he had a new idea - throw Makise Kurisu, who was also conducting research on the rifts in the other world, over there?

She was on her way to coordinate the Atlas Corporation with the growing Global Occult Coalition (GOC), research the Saikawa Shrine's psychic barrier, and look for a time machine. Furthermore, the girls from the Saikawa and Amakura families needed a tutor with exceptional intelligence... otherwise, it would be difficult for them to get into Japan's top universities.

Having made up his mind, Rhodes let out a long breath, placed his hands on the console, and watched the cut [Black Stone] being picked up by the robotic arm and slowly placed in a box made of high-strength alloy.

Not only that, there are dozens of small bombs distributed on both sides in the form of phased arrays to ensure that they can be completely destroyed in the event of an accident.

It is not convenient for Blackstone to stay in the headquarters of Atlas Corporation. It will move out in the next one or two years. Even the Black Mountain base in New Mexico may be moved - but Rhodes does not plan to relocate the inner world laboratory so quickly.

"Mr. Carvin Johnson, how far has Aperture Technology's portal technology progressed?" Rhodes asked. "If I remember correctly, I should have invested at least 100 million US dollars in that project."

"Oh! This!"

At the mention of portal technology, Kevin's face lit up with an eager smile. He rubbed his hands, opened his briefcase, and took out several data reports from it and distributed them to everyone present - this behavior was more like showing off - after everyone took a few glances and showed surprise on their faces, Kevin slowly said:

"Aperture Technology has achieved a breakthrough in teleportation technology. They've been able to set up a fixed portal the size of an adult male's fist. Although it consumes enormous amounts of energy, the teleportation distance is extremely short, and the loss of power will instantly sever the limb, it does work, and the experimenter's arm wasn't crushed into a pulp!"

"I'm proud to announce to you all that Aperture Technologies' advanced portals and portal guns have surpassed old-fashioned teleportation technology, and those mediocre people who can't even build a portal gun!"

Trying his best to ignore the sudden heavy breathing of Ains beside him, Rhode flicked the data report with his fingers, making it make a crisp sound, and asked with a frown:

"...How dare you go straight to someone?"

"The previous experimental monkeys have all been used up, and the new ones haven't arrived yet," Kavin admitted honestly, "but there are some 'volunteers' willing to lend a hand."

Hearing this, Rhodes put his hand on his forehead, remembering that Yuxiang had mentioned to him that Aperture Technology was buying up various infrastructures in Detroit, which naturally included... the prison.

"Pay attention to the impact," Rhodes warned Kavin helplessly, "and you'd better know my tolerance for Aperture Technology."

"Don't worry, Caroline will take care of it. Besides, we've bought almost all of Detroit's newspapers, radio stations, and television stations. I can assure you that no one will leak a single word!"

The old man raised his neck, his face full of pride, which made Irons' eyes twitch slightly. But Atlas Corporation was not much better. Everyone was doing things like bribing the media and concealing information, but Aperture Technology was really late.

"Just get some real work done! Forget it... For Ms. Caroline's sake, I'll trust you for now, but I'll have Yuka and Noah review it again."

Rhodes sighed and put the document back on the table. He then turned to look at Irons and Dr. Gordon Freeman and asked:

"Then, I hope Dr. Gordon Freeman can begin research on portals to the otherworld. Yes, limited to connecting the otherworld with the real world—including how to cross the otherworld to a certain point in the real world—at the same time, completely conceal the existence of the Black Mesa base in New Mexico. After Aperture Technologies has fully developed the teleportation technology, a portal will be built between the Black Mesa base and the future headquarters of the Army Without Borders to transfer experimental facilities and data."

"Real world and the other world... Avoiding internal friction caused by competition is a good thing, but it's easy to be attacked from within the United States. But that's something we need to consider in a few years."

Irons shook his head, found a chair for himself and sat down, then said to Dr. Freeman, who was still looking at the data report:

"In that case, let's restart the research and experiments, Dr. Freeman. But when you open the portal, you need my approval—and the presence of Rhodes himself, or someone he sends."

Hearing his boss' words, Dr. Freeman nodded slightly. He was well aware of the terrifying research he was currently conducting. Because of this... he didn't want Makise Kurisu to get involved. After hearing Rhode's idea, he agreed.

"Miss Makise! Just follow Mr. Rhodes's suggestion and go back to your hometown in Japan. Your father is still there, isn't he? It won't hinder your research. They really need a smart researcher to look after it."

"That... I don't have any objections," Makise Kurisu looked around and agreed while feeding Theresa a ginger cookie. "But, as for Tessa, do you need me to take her to Miskatonic University? Wouldn't that be inconvenient for Mr. Rhodes?"

"I'll take her back on a special plane, and you can go to the university and learn how to use weapons and fight against creatures from the other world from the soldiers of the Army Without Borders. Believe me, you will definitely need them."

Rhodes walked towards the two girls, half-knelt in front of Theresa, and said with a smile:

"Although I can't let you live in Hill Manor for your mental health, I know a family named 'Crain' who would definitely be willing to let you stay there. They have five children, so you definitely won't be bored."

The silver-haired girl nodded, feeling inexplicably more expectant.

[Side Quest: Starts Now (9/10)]

[Mission Description: Find and train children with abilities and qualifications, making them the future candidates for managing the otherworld. A reward will be given if the number of such children reaches 10.]

Hearing the system's prompt, Rhodes' smile deepened.

Chapter 218: Miskatonic University Welcomes You (Part 1)

After a long journey, Rhodes brought the two talented girls, Red and Silver, to the land of Arkham. The girls who had accompanied him before did not return with him, but stayed in Atlas Corporation to audit, observe and "learn".

Rhodes himself escaped and got away from all these complicated matters... He suddenly wanted the help of the girls in the Kivotos Federation Student Union.

As the summer solstice approaches, the small town of Arkham is bathed in bright sunshine. The tall trees on both sides of the street are already dotted with tender buds and green leaves, which match the light blue sky above and provide some shade for people walking here. At this moment, humans and plants alike are enjoying the increasingly longer days and are unconcerned about the coming heat.

This is good news for the children in the town. After all, they always heard the gentle admonition of "going home before dark". But now, they only need to look at the sky and continue to play with their friends in peace.

"...You are very welcome here," Theresa said softly.

Theresa, sitting in the car, looked out the window with a bit of envy. She saw several children greeting Rhodes. They were riding bicycles, whistling at Rhodes who was driving, and shouting that their mother would invite - Mary, Baizi or someone else's name, which sounded like a girl's, but there were too many of them - to their home to eat some homemade cookies.

"If you're kind to others, you'll always gain something." Rhodes drove lazily, his right hand gripping the steering wheel while his left hand, a Red Apple cigarette between its fingers, rested against the rolled-down window. "And I can totally guess what those little bastards are thinking... Theresa, you're definitely going to get a lot of attention in college, in every way."

"When I was studying in other schools, I also attracted a lot of attention."

"Is it appearance, age, or knowledge?"

"Obviously, it's the first two, Mr. Rhodes," Theresa said softly. Her puffed cheeks looked adorable as she recalled the past. "And you don't need to talk to me like a child. I'm very smart!"

"Then I'm sorry about that, Ms. Theresa."

Rhode smiled and raised an eyebrow at the girl. After receiving a cute hum from her, he turned his head and looked at Makise Kurisu, who was sitting in the back seat and was also very curious about Arkham Town, and said:

"If you're not in a hurry to return to Japan, you could also join the scientific expeditions Arkham University is organizing. There are expeditions to Antarctica, Northern Europe, and South America... but I'm afraid your major isn't very compatible with them."

"..."

After hearing what Rhode said, Makise Kurisu was silent for a few seconds and responded politely:

"No, thank you. I'll be returning directly to Japan after completing my weapons training."

"Are you angry that we excluded you from the portal experiments?"

"...Hmm?!" The red-haired girl tensed up when she heard this. She looked around in a panic, looking up and down. After hesitating for a long time, she whispered, "A little bit."

The car was very quiet, with only the melodious jazz music coming from the radio; outside the car was very noisy, filled with the dull thud of car tires rolling over the road and the shouts of pedestrians.

This made Makise Kurisu regret saying it so directly - although she knew a lot about Rhodes, they were all rumors, such as that he had the same financial resources, skills and romantic luck as Batman (of course, also including the fact that he had no parents).

What is talked about more is his savior-like temperament, which makes many people subconsciously obey and follow him, and sincerely willing to gather around him and fight under the banner he raises.

"The otherworldly experiments are very dangerous, and you simply jumped from a very dangerous place to a less dangerous one... You must have read the reports on Minamigami Village."

Rhodes sighed, took a puff of his cigarette, and blew out the smoke out the window. He looked at the milky white smoke that quickly dissipated in the wind and continued: