People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

Palvis knew, of course, that Himer had been looking at his computer. Even if he pretended not to know, he had no choice but to find out after Saria informed him of it.

However, this did not affect his care and promotion of Himer. After Himer proposed to become one of the executors of the final Flame Demon Project experiment, Palvis agreed to her request almost without hesitation and submitted the nomination to Saria.

Saria certainly intended to refuse the offer. Not only did she want to refuse, she also planned to fire Himer on suspicion of stealing confidential company documents after the Balrog incident.

The company is not a court of law, and there is no need to provide evidence for dismissal. She will pay Hermer the penalty for breach of contract and pay his wages as required by Colombian law, but she will also truthfully disclose this information to other companies in Tremont.

With this past record, and having been personally dismissed by Seria, the founder and acting head of Rhine Lab, it's likely that Himer will find it very difficult to find a decent job in Tremont again.

Ernst had no objection to Seraya's future decisions.

No company can tolerate traitors, so it was reasonable for Rhine Lab to fire Hamer. However, in Ernst's view, what Hamer did was not really a bad thing.

She simply possessed an extravagantly high moral standard in Terra, which is why she couldn't stand it and wanted to stop such cruel human experimentation. Isn't this something that's perfectly reasonable for a human being?

Himer was just working for Rhine Labs; she was an employee, not a real corporate slave. She wasn't willing to compromise her moral principles for Rhine Labs, so she couldn't be considered a bad person.

At best, she was simply used as a pawn by someone else despite her good intentions.

If we have to say something, the only one at fault is this land. If everyone on this land had the same moral values ​​as Himer and had resisted this heinous experiment from the very beginning, none of this trouble would have happened.

Unfortunately, "if" is just an option. Good people don't always have good endings; the better they are, the more likely they are to meet a tragic end. This seems to be the norm on this land. And if you happen to have white hair, silver hair, and horns, then congratulations, you should first consider your own safety and carefully examine whether you have any close friends who see you as their ideal.

Hamer was fortunate to lack these factors, but even so, Ernst did not want her to be disgraced and expelled from Rhine Life.

Should good people be held at gunpoint?

Ernst had no right to question Saria's decision, but he could reason with her and offer her other suggestions.

For example, instead of dismissing her, or not dismissing her openly, they could transfer her to a new department, or have Rhine Life take the lead in creating a new organization.

Its name is the Trimont Science Ethics Council or the Trimont Human Rights Association.

Ernst, a renowned humanitarian orator, made this suggestion not entirely unexpected, and after some consideration, Seria replied to Ernst:

"can."

She wasn't unreasonable. She knew that conducting such experiments was unethical, but the frustrating thing was that human experimentation in Columbia University was merely a "moral issue"!

Colombia has never legislated against this behavior. The flourishing development of life sciences is a monument built on countless bones, another form of "one man's success is built on the bones of ten thousand."

From the perspective of the acting head of Rhine Labs, she could not allow Himer to escalate a "moral issue" to the point where it could affect the survival of Rhine Labs.

But from a personal perspective, she was willing to accept Ernst's proposal.

Although it cannot interfere with Colombian legislation, Trimont, as a city of science, holds a unique position and wields a certain degree of "city legislative power."

Launching a human rights association in Hammer to push for restrictions and eventually bans inhumane experiments like human experimentation in Tremont might indeed be an effective solution.

She hasn't revealed this to Himer yet. She plans to wait until the Flame Demon Project is officially over, Horhyahia is arrested by Ernst, and she confronts Himer before proposing this plan.

Therefore, in order to ease tensions, she ultimately rejected Himer's application, but accepted the things Himer sent.

“These are all toys that Ifrit likes.”

Saria's gaze drifted to the room next door, where Ifrit lay asleep on the hospital bed, her expression tinged with sadness.

"To be honest, none of us really got to know that child."

"You'll have a chance."

These words were not spoken by Ernst, but by Levi, who had completed his preparations and arrived at Seria's side.

He greeted Ernst, then turned his head to look into the room.

A circular opening with a diameter of 1.5 meters had appeared in the floor of the room. The robot Ernst had commissioned, named Dulin 259, was slowly rising from the ground and standing in front of Ifrit's hospital bed.

Meanwhile, on the other side, at the same time, the Originium, after undergoing special treatment, had also opened its protective shield and entered a state of readiness for activation.

Levy calmly pushed up his glasses:

"Once the experiment is over, the Balrog in Ifrit's body will be stripped and injected into that mech. At that time, the girl will wake up. She will no longer be troubled by another soul, and her Oripathy will become mild due to the complete deactivation of the Balrog fragments implanted in her body, and will no longer continue to worsen."

"At that time, you can reach out to protect her, prevent her from discrimination, and enable her to live like a normal person."

Levy smiled as he watched this final stillness, and reminded him:

"And now, the experiment is ready, Saria."

Saria and Ernst exchanged a glance, the steel-like Rhine Shield took a deep breath, and nodded:

"let's start."

Chapter 193 Military: I'm Split Apart

"I've waited for this day for far too long!"

"Don't stop me! Let me out!"

"Use fire to purify everything!"

clang--!

With a deep, resonant chime, a bolt of lightning suddenly shot out from the gloomy clouds above the ancient capital of the Victorian Empire, flying towards the void in the northwest.

For the people of Lentinium, this was not a rare sight. Lentinium, located in the lush, water-rich central valley, had been known as the "City of Clouds" since ancient times. Clouds would drift over Lentinium for at least half the year, so even a sudden clap of thunder like this was nothing to be surprised about.

But for the Sarkaz in Lentinium, especially the Exonerators who monitor the state of the dead souls, this was a signal.

"At this level of agitation, the Balrog is about to be resurrected."

Holding a withered branch, the Pardoner gazed at the mixed souls within the tower of the Shattered Building, who constantly roared in despair. His eyes flickered as he muttered to himself.

"It would be a tremendous surprise if Colombian science and technology could truly resurrect a soul that has been dead for thousands of years. Hopefully, the Regent will bring back good news, which will definitely help our research on the soul."

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh deeply:

"Sigh, I really want to hear what the dead souls think about this."

Meanwhile, in the sky directly in front of him, a fierce discussion erupted among the collection of souls known as the Dead Souls.

However, unlike what the absolutist had in mind, the dead souls weren't concerned about the method of the Balrog's resurrection. Their heated discussion revolved around how long it would take for the Balrog to return.

“I sensed many unusual auras in that direction. I’m willing to gamble my son’s soul on him and live for another hundred years!”

"Your perception is too weak, old Biden! I bet my grandfather's name, I think he'll only live for another fifty years at most!"

"You outdated old guys should have been rolling gold coins long ago! There's only one truth, and I bet that guy will be crying his way back within ten years! I bet my ancestors for eighteen generations on him!"

"You filthy bastard, I am your ancestor!"

"What? You're talking nonsense! I'm a dam, what are you?!"

Just as this betting contest was showing signs of escalating into a family tree elimination game, a highly respected soul among the dead finally stepped forward and stopped both sides:

"Shut up, you bunch of bastards who're only fit to rub oil on my horns. I bet that idiot will be back to apologize to us within a year!"

The generations of dead souls who were arguing instantly united and questioned the one who had spoken:

What are you betting?

The venerable soul proclaimed in a loud voice: "I am the Cyclops!"

"So what are you betting on?"

The spirit was somewhat angry: "I can foresee the future!"

So what are you betting on?

Damn it, I've already told you I'm a Cyclops, I can predict the future, I can even foresee tomorrow's lottery numbers, and you guys dare to mess with me!

Enraged, the Cyclops's undead spirit shouted, "I'll stake the souls of all my descendants on this!"

The dead souls then quieted down.

They didn't disbelieve what the Cyclops' dead soul said, but as the saying goes, it's not about the bread, it's about pride. They were all Sarkaz ancestors, so who was afraid of whom?

Besides, who doesn't know that the Cyclops' visions of the future are always tragic, and not necessarily absolutely accurate?

You're definitely jinxing me, kid. The proof is that our great-great ...

Meanwhile, at this very moment, in Trimont, Columbia, at the Rhine Life Laboratory.

Saria, acting as the commander-in-chief, relayed the order down the chain of command, level by level, until it reached the executor, who pressed the button without hesitation.

The next second, the activation device was officially activated, and the special Originium device in the center immediately emitted a shockwave. The entire room seemed to be blown by a strong wind, the branches and leaves of the plants shook violently, toys fell to the ground, and even the mecha placed in front of the bed shifted slightly.

The people visiting the room couldn't help but step forward, watching everything that was about to happen inside, not wanting to miss a single moment.

"Crack!"

With a crisp sound like crystal shattering, Miloki, who was reluctantly "escorted" to the front of the group out of courtesy to the "children," saw a small Originium crystal reflected in her eyes.

The crystal was attached to the surface of a pothos plant. No, rather than attached, it was more like the pothos vine had grown a leaf made of Originium!

At the same time, everyone present noticed the green ivy that had changed first. The executives stood up, and Saria and Muerseth couldn't help but move closer. Vina and Ernst stood to the side, watching the slowly growing Originium leaf, their eyes reflecting the colorful light refracted by the lamplight on its crystalline surface.

Even though most of the people present had read Levi's paper on "Originium Life Science" to some extent, reading theories and data on websites and in publications is one thing, but witnessing it firsthand is quite another!

No matter how beautiful the scenery is described in photos and words, it can never compare to experiencing it in person.

And at this moment, a scene more magnificent than any mountain, lake, bird, or beast was vividly displayed before them.

Originium life! Life that fears no Originium, life that coexists with Originium!

No one present could predict its future, just as a mother cannot foresee what her newborn baby will achieve.

But it was definitely a discovery that would shake Terra!

"Phase one complete. The experiment is now entering phase two."

Levi and Palvis's commands drew everyone's attention back from the Originium plant. People suddenly realized that this amazing Originium plant was actually just a byproduct of the [Flame Demon Project].

What's truly remarkable is the outcome of the upcoming second phase of the experiment.

"It proves that Originium has the function of storing and protecting consciousness, and uses scientific methods to extract the consciousness stored in Originium and inject it into artificial mechanical bodies."

Such a description might leave people confused and only vaguely understanding.

But that's alright, we can describe this technology in a simpler, more intuitive, and more appealing way.

--【resurrection】

Colonel Bart, the military representative, wore sunglasses reflecting the brilliance of the Originium plant, and a hopeful smile already appeared on his face.

The military places orders with research companies like Rhine Life in Trimont, expecting them to turn certain items provided by the military into weapons or to realize certain plans. This is an open secret throughout Colombia.

While the large corporations Colonel Bart dealt with would dutifully complete military assignments, they mostly did so because of the military's generous research funding. Companies like Beach Umbrella, Volvotkoczynski, and Rheinmetall, it's hard to say they didn't approach these assignments with the mindset of "just getting by and making a quick buck."

But the military doesn't really have a good solution. They lack the talent internally, the political establishment wouldn't tolerate them setting up their own research departments, and renowned scientists are unwilling to work for the military. So, they can only mechanically and rigidly make demands, like a prostitute waiting for major tech companies to take turns pushing projects, and then accepting the handouts they produce—like finding gold in the dung.

He had thought that the Flame Demon Project was just an insignificant part of his long career with Artemisia. Even though there were some minor setbacks along the way, such as the fact that the project's chief, Christen, had gone to Kjerag to pursue his scientific dreams, Rhine Lab was not entirely clueless and had left Seria to take over as the project's director.

As it turned out, this little incident, if left unattended, would have been a big deal, but it actually led to the creation of a piece called "Leytania's Golden Melody"!

Whether it's the surprising confirmation of Originium life or the upcoming main event, the legendary "resurrection," both are huge surprises!

That scientist named Levy, although he claims to be from Ursus, is far more dedicated than any of our local Colombian scientists!

Colonel Bart even developed a fondness for talent. If he hadn't known that poaching Levi from Rhine Lab was almost impossible, he would have taken a gamble and, despite political pressure and surveillance, reported to his superiors to bring Levi to the military.

Well... it's not entirely impossible, after all, we're the military, and digging can be a physical verb.

However, that's all for later. Right now, his most important task is to witness Levi's experiment and see if the Balrog Project will succeed!

If the extraction of the Flame Demon's consciousness is successful, the robot will be able to move, and the [resurrection] technology will be realized. Then everything else is meaningless.

Consider the value of this technology. Most races on Terra are short-lived, and far too many people begin to fear death as they grow old! Once the military has this advantage, let alone the Colombian political establishment, how many people in the entire Terra region could resist such temptation?

If politicians had known beforehand that Project Flame Demon might acquire this technology, they would have absolutely prevented the military from carrying out the experiment; they wouldn't allow the military to have it even if they didn't have it themselves.

Unfortunately, even the military itself didn't know that a simple plan of theirs could produce something like this under Levy's leadership, so how could the political establishment possibly know?

"Now that things have come to this, even if they wanted to stop it, it would be too late!"

Colonel Bart's lips curled into an uncontrollable smile as he began to fantasize about returning to the military with his achievements, his rank skipping ranks and rising directly to five-star general.

But just then, his phone rang at an inopportune moment.

The sudden ringing of a cell phone echoed through the observation room, causing everyone, including Ernst and Seria, to turn around and look at the rude guy.

Colonel Bart felt a chill run down his spine.

Normally, he could openly use his status to retort, "What are you looking at?" But this is a crucial stage of the experiment. If the experiment goes wrong because of him, he wouldn't be able to take the blame even if he had ten heads!

Next time I'm in a situation like this, I definitely need to turn my phone off and put it on silent!