There's a legend within Fire Moth: those who can work alongside Dr. Mobius possess secondary skills and expertise; their psychological resilience is paramount.
Not everyone can accept Mobius's methods, especially watching a beautiful young woman meticulously dissect human tissues, creating bizarre creatures with her unique insights.
Fortunately, Ryan's psychological resilience was strong. While Mobius was somewhat unfathomable, he understood her.
She was doing what she loved, pursuing her hope. Every tissue she dissected was a stepping stone towards future evolution.
Without such dedication, the Warrior Fusion Project would never have been possible. Who else would attempt to merge Honkai Beast genes with human ones?
The underground level had no distinction between day and night. Ryan silently watched Mobius, observing her handle the instruments, diligently recording data, then moving to another corpse, dissecting it. After an unknown time, she turned.
In that instant, he saw her eyes light up as she gestured with blood-stained hands—an invitation.
I should have just gone back to the dorm and slept.
Ryan regretted his decision, but he had no choice but to unlock the main door. He found the laboratory's security systems were advanced; three blast doors alone, various decontamination systems, and ample protective gear.
He didn't need any of that; he walked to the center of the room. Amidst the hissing of airlocks and alarms, an automatic door slowly opened, revealing Mobius standing at the entrance.
"So interested in my work? You couldn't wait even a day."
"Don't be silly; you summoned me here." Ryan glanced at the corpses nearby; Mobius caught the subtle movement.
"What? Find it repulsive?"
My creations weren't exactly pretty either.
Ryan shook his head, replying sincerely. "Evolution comes at a cost. At least you're searching for a glimmer of hope for humanity. I don't have some squeamish moral compass."
Tap. Tap.
Mobius clapped her hands, sitting back in her chair before the computer, taking a long sip of coffee.
"I'm increasingly pleased with you. How about making a small contribution to human evolution?"
Ryan snorted, pulling up a chair to sit opposite her, unconsciously observing her. Beyond her rational beauty, she possessed a mature allure. Her long legs were crossed, the muscles in her thighs taut. Her black high heels swung rhythmically against her elegant wrists.
"Hey, answer my question."
Mobius didn't seem to mind Ryan's gaze. As long as she achieved her goal, even adopting Elysia's tone wasn't out of the question.
"Fire Moth is compromised; the Far East Branch is especially vulnerable. Returning to the Mu Continent before then is very dangerous."
"Then you should return."
"I don't want to return for now. Honkai energy fluctuations are unusual here in the Far East. I can get the freshest materials; shipping them to the Mu Continent is a hassle, and I'd have to pay for it from my research budget." Mobius's resentment flared, then she looked expectantly at Ryan. "I hear your family is wealthy. Could you make a small contribution to the cause of human evolution?"
Ah, you not only want me, but also my money. Your greed knows no bounds.
Ryan chuckled inwardly; Mobius certainly had the nerve to ask.
"That's a member of the Fire Moth Council; don't look for trouble; it's best not to talk about it."
"No money, no people. What exactly do you need me for?"
"What did you say?"
"Nothing. Don't worry. My main reason for getting you here is for assistance. We're short-staffed here, and I've had a recent breakthrough; I can't let some small fry affect my progress." Mobius gently swung her leg, her delicate black stiletto reflecting the dim light. "You haven't heard? The person who instigated Vill-V made a new commission—[Cocoon] accepted the deal."
"Cocoon?" Ryan had heard of that assassin organization, containing many exceptional individuals. They were eventually absorbed by Fire Moth. He shook his head angrily. "Foolish. Do they think there are only two Herrschers? And how much trouble have you caused?"
"It's not my fault. My research is special. People like you and Elysia are rare; I can mass-produce 'superhumans.'" Mobius looked innocent.
"That body augmentation is far from sufficient."
"That's why I need your help. Ah, they probably think you've become my research subject." Mobius feigned enlightenment, proudly lifting her chin. "I could do it without you. Don't forget, I'm Mobius!"
She wore her arrogance like a crown, and she had the right to be arrogant. She lowered her long legs, tapping the keyboard; complex data flashed across the screen.
Ryan leaned forward, studying the profound terms and hundreds of intricate diagrams, gradually realizing what was happening.
"You're conducting experiments on the fusion of Honkai energy and human bodies?"
"Yes, combining Imaginary energy with organic human tissue, then using human intelligence to control the energy. Isn't it brilliant?"
"Where does the energy come from?"
"From them, of course." Mobius gestured towards the Honkai Beast corpses, standing up, calmly analyzing. "These silicon-based lifeforms consume Honkai energy like humans breathe; it's inextricably linked to their existence. The more powerful the Honkai Beast, the stronger the energy within its molecules. The infected organisms prove that carbon-based lifeforms can also merge with this energy."
Perhaps infected by Mobius's researcher's zeal, Ryan entered the same state, pondering before shaking his head. "But infected organisms lack intelligence; they can't be used as weapons."
"Perhaps it's due to excessive exposure to Honkai energy, or insufficient adaptability of the conductive materials, but by comparing thousands of datasets, I've found genetic mutations occurring. My task is to make this mutation controllable, which requires deeper research into Honkai energy." Mobius extended her hand, like a dance invitation. "Therefore, I need assistance, and you're perfectly suited."
Ryan fully understood. Mobius wouldn't force him; she wanted to extract all his value. The key to her research was Honkai energy, and he could not only control it, but also provided academic insights.
Ryan had co-authored Mei's groundbreaking paper; getting a co-authorship here wasn't a problem.
"No wonder you're so interested in me."
"Of course. If I only wanted to cut and kill, I'd go find Elysia. So, shall we make a deal?" Mobius clasped her hands, her prominent chest slightly lowering; seriousness shone in her green eyes. "You help me research, and I won't bother you for now."
Ryan considered; this aligned with his goals. If he could quickly create Warrior Fusions, he could try it. Even without a power boost, it would help mask his many issues.
"Why don't you ask Mei?"
"That woman is too complex. How should I put it? Her research direction is quite different from mine." Mobius frowned slightly, clearly having tried.
In terms of talent, Mei was even more monstrous, mastering almost every field of study and adept at strategic planning; she was more suited to leading research.
"You admit to being outmatched by her?"
"Perhaps. Don't try my patience." Mobius chuckled, urging him. "Will you agree?"
"Once the research makes a breakthrough, you'll return. Acceptable?"
"Of course. If there were other options, I wouldn't waste my time."
Such a condescending tone.
Ryan finally sighed with relief. Elysia could also manipulate Honkai energy, but her approach was too erratic, lacking a systematic understanding; he was indeed the best choice.
"Agreed. But my knowledge of biology is limited."
"I'm the foremost expert." Mobius allowed no retreat, swiftly moving to pull a swivel chair, sitting down.
Ryan was puzzled, watching her skirt rise slightly as she crossed her long legs. Beyond her scientific rationality, a touch of human emotion and resentment flickered across her face.
"Now then. Call me sensei~"