I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 96: Everything!

Mei was, without a doubt, a monster. Otherwise, she wouldn't have risen from a researcher to become a de facto leader of humanity in a few short years, spearheading civilization's final struggle against Honkai.

If one ranked Previous Era figures by importance, she'd undoubtedly be among the top two. Humanity's eventual victory over Honkai would owe half its success to her.

Her foresight was remarkable; she proposed countless viable plans, not even limited by the 'human' body. Her 'Stigmata Project' could already defeat Honkai.

Of course, Mei wasn't yet that extreme, but the signs were there, leaving a room full of experts speechless.

Her intellect was unparalleled. Perhaps her biological expertise didn't match Mobius's, but it was close. Her skills and emotional intelligence were exceptional; she balanced everyone's interests and possessed an extraordinary sense of responsibility.

She expertly coordinated and guided all research, dedicating immense time and effort.

"I feel like a mere pawn. Kevin is truly unlucky."

Ryan shook his head. Without the Path, he couldn't compare to these monsters. Mobius, for example, was born beyond human comprehension.

Despite the questions, the proposal was accepted because no one could find a better solution. The only concern was whether Dr. Mei could withstand the pressure.

This would require time to verify, but the opportunity should be given. With the ever-troublesome Mobius on Ryan's side, Fire Moth's research department had, for the first time, reached a consensus.

"You find this amazing, don't you?"

In the hallway, Mei tossed him a coffee. She'd submitted the documents; approval was assured.

Fire Moth's leadership had been plagued by unruly scientists. Enabling them to focus on their work benefited humanity.

"Scholars are still human; as long as you take care of their interests, there will be no issues." Ryan took a sip, offering a smile. "I should thank you. After the meeting, Mobius went to select volunteers with Dr. Cadiz; she has no time to bother me anymore."

The Fusion Warrior Project was top priority. Unlike the original timeline, they could take their time, avoiding the risk of using Kevin as a test subject.

They would start with Low-Rank Honkai Beasts, gradually improving success rates and reducing side effects, using Emperor-Class or Judgment-Class materials for testing.

"Her? She's proposed joining the Herrscher Core research. She's up to something, but I can't find a flaw."

"You agreed?"

"Yes. Humanity doesn't have the luxury of choices anymore; we must proceed steadily." Mei looked at the headlights outside; night had fallen. "The Herrscher Core is the most precious asset. I've studied it; it's immovable and can't be analyzed or replicated. But Vill-V proposed an interesting idea."

Previous Era Herrschers were different; devoid of sentience, their cores lost activity after the host's death, making induced explosions difficult.

"She wants to weaponize the Herrscher Core, channeling that power?"

Mei glanced sideways; she'd expected Vill-V to mention this to Ryan. She nodded. "Yes, it's feasible. The key is channeling that power; there's a prerequisite."

"Soulium. A container capable of withstanding that energy." Ryan supplied the answer, knowing the God Key's success and inherent risks.

"The Herrscher Core contains vast quantities of Honkai energy. Failure would cause a chain reaction powerful enough to destroy a city. Success, however, would allow humanity to borrow that power, which is incredibly significant."

This was a monumental, dangerous project. It was like turning a person into a living electrical conduit, channeling the Herrscher Core's power and energy into the real world.

"So Soulium is just one container; the user is the most crucial container. Thanks to you and the Fusion Warrior project, we can do this. Of course, finding suitable candidates will cost many lives." Mei remained impassive, seemingly unconcerned about the cost.

Mei was even scarier than Elysia; she was ruthless and only cared about results, but humanity needed this pragmatism to defeat Honkai.

Ryan closed his eyes. He agreed with her philosophy and could only offer a suggestion. "I think we should incorporate a control program, limiting the Herrscher Core's energy output, using regulated power for transmission. This will prevent runaway reactions, and reduce the risk to the user."

Mei's eyes lit up; she pondered for a few seconds before nodding firmly. frёeωebɳovel.com

"Your suggestion is very useful. I'll bring it up at the next meeting."

Of course, it's useful. That's exactly what you'll do, even if it costs hundreds of precious lives.

Ryan, not boasting, casually tossed the empty coffee cup; it flew several meters, landing precisely in the trash can.

"You're not just here for suggestions, are you?"

"What else? To ask about your progress with Mobius?"

"Don't joke. You should know there's nothing between us."

Mei said nothing, simply looking at Ryan, noticing his slight tremor. Then she spoke. "I'm suddenly worried about Kevin."

"Hey, I'm not gay; interspecies relationships are also out of the question."

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

Mei offered a faint smile. She saw Ryan's hesitation, his search for an answer that didn't exist, much like her and Kevin.

Such feelings defy logic.

"I'm not joking. I've reviewed footage of the Cocoon massacre; something felt familiar. Stop, no excuses; I'm not trying to pry into your secrets." Mei's expression turned serious, a certain hope in her eyes. "The deeper I delve into Imaginary research, the more hopeless it becomes. Honkai is far more complex than anyone imagines. If fate can be altered, it lies with you and Elysia."

Ryan remained silent. He didn't know the extent of Mei's research, but as long-time friends, he knew she wouldn't speak idly.

"What do you hope I'll do?"

"The future is shrouded in fog; perhaps some can glimpse fragments. You've changed drastically since academy days. I believe you have a plan; please do what you must. I await change." The girl watched him, her expression coldly rational:

"Even if you are hope, you are also a disaster. But the future's allure lies in this uncertainty."

Mei spoke in riddles; Ryan only partially understood, but he knew she was brilliant.

She deduced clues simply from my change of mind, confirming me as the mastermind?

Ryan was no longer surprised but asked frankly, "I understand. The commendation ceremony is about to begin. Will you attend?"

"I have a meeting with Dr. Vidic. You go in my place; congratulate Kevin for me."

What good would my congratulations do? Kevin is probably used to it.

Ryan said nothing, nodded, and turned to leave; Mei had clearly decided to sacrifice everything for humanity's future. He wouldn't interfere.

Mei put her hands in her pockets, only sighing softly after his footsteps faded. Looking out at the flowing traffic, she finished her coffee, mimicking Ryan's action, tossing the cup away.

Clang.

The can hit the edge of the trash can and bounced out. The girl chuckled, about to pick it up when someone else threw it in for her.

Sakura emerged from the shadows, dressed in professional attire—a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers—resembling a beautiful white-collar worker, though her expression remained cold.

"You guessed his identity from me?"

"They inexplicably assigned a new Security Director; coupled with your skills, resembling Cocoon operatives, and the desert incident, it wasn't difficult to deduce."

Sakura remained silent; Ryan's instructions were simple: protect Dr. Mei. She'd thwarted several assassination attempts.

"I'm curious what deal he made with you that prompted your betrayal."

"That's none of your concern." Sakura shook her head, refusing to divulge anything.

Mei didn't press further; she inferred that Ryan was weaving a web she couldn't fully grasp. For example, Sakura, with her high compatibility with the Supervariable factor, potentially could merge with a Judgment-Class Honkai Beast.

Why had so many Cocoon died, yet she survived? Why risk everything to save Vill-V? Why assist in the purge of the Pureblood faction? Why such certainty that science couldn't defeat Honkai?

Were these coincidences?

She had no answers, only thoughts in her heart.

If this era is doomed, and a seed must be passed on, your survival holds greater significance.

I possess knowledge; you, if willing, can possess everything!