When Chen Ran returned from the simulation to reality, he felt his brain was foggy.
The last moments spent with Wendy were so enchanting that he felt his legs a bit weak and his waist a bit sore.
The cold, sterile smell of the First Research Institute's laboratory stimulated his nostrils, and Chen Ran gradually became more alert.
His mind was flooded with the authority of the simulated Herrscher and the memories of No. 666. He took a moment to collect himself and realized what he was doing at the First Research Institute.
After the experimental phase on Nuwa was successfully completed, Fuxi and Nuwa were responsible for the final wrap-up work, while No. 666 took over the subsequent experimental matters in place of Chen Ran.
The next experiment, while complex, was not overly complicated, as the most intricate part had already been resolved by Chen Ran.
However, saying it was simple wasn't entirely accurate either.
Chen Ran's goal was to obtain the Herrscher Core, and to acquire the Herrscher Core, he needed to demonstrate equivalent value.
The experiment on Nuwa showcased another possibility, which corresponded to what Mobius referred to as Infinite.
That is, the evolution of humanity.
Of course, for Nuwa's safety and for his own sake, Chen Ran set instructions for No. 666 to keep the experiment on Nuwa confidential.
The experimental data was replaced by No. 666 with simulated data from the 'Stigmata Fusion Experiment.'
With this data, No. 666 began to prepare a genetic potion that could perfectly fuse Stigmata. This Stigmata genetic potion was designed to allow Nuwa to fuse with the Honkai memory gene.
He merely prepared it in advance, and according to No. 666's theoretical calculations, this potion could not only fuse against the Honkai memory gene but also fuse with the Honkai gene.
In simple terms, if the MANTIS experiment were to be initiated, its existence would increase the success rate.
The creation of this potion, combined with the previous experiment Chen Ran conducted with MEI, could pave a new path.
At the same time, it would lay down a new choice for the entire Fire Moth: should humanity be redefined?
Chen Ran looked at the experimental report written by No. 666, and his eyes couldn't help but twitch.
Even if he was frivolous, he could sense the profound meaning contained in this report.
He actually didn't want it to be this way.
However, only by doing so could he negotiate the usage rights of the Herrscher Core.
"No. 666 has already done everything."
"As a managed AI, it's quite good in this regard."
After reading the report, Chen Ran realized that all that was left for him to do was to take the final step.
He rubbed his temples and said to Durandal.
"Bia, extract a sample of blood from my body, interpret the information within, and then compare it with my previous blood, eliminating the overlapping information."
What he needed to do first was to preserve Wendy's genes.
After Bia complied, he headed towards Mobius's laboratory.
…
…
"Griseo? What is this?"
"Oh, it's the sun."
"And this?"
"It's a house."
"What's that on top of the house?"
"Teacher Mobius, it's a little bird and a little fox."
In the First Research Institute, Mobius was patiently teaching Griseo how to draw, while Blanca was handling Mobius's work.
It's hard to imagine that a knowledgeable genius would have the patience to engage in what seemed to her a childish and time-wasting activity. But at this moment, there was a rare satisfaction flickering in Mobius's eyes.
Mobius was a lonely person.
A genius beyond her time rarely had friends she could relate to. Not to mention that her intelligence could bring benefits to many.
It was precisely for this reason that she liked Griseo so much, because a child's eyes do not distinguish between genius and mediocrity, nor are they tainted by the corruption of interests.
Griseo was so pure that Mobius poured her limited kindness and patience into her.
This affection and favoritism made Blanca feel a bit uneasy.
However, when Chen Ran appeared at the door, Griseo immediately dropped her paintbrush and ran to him: "Big Brother Chen Ran, long time no see."
"Long time no see, Little Griseo."
Chen Ran blinked and smiled, "But Bia didn't come today."
"Ah."
The girl's voice revealed a hint of disappointment: "Is that so?"
Despite Mobius's extreme favoritism towards Griseo, for Griseo, the entire Fire Moth had no friends; she was very lonely.
Drawing was just a means of escaping her loneliness.
On one occasion, Griseo saw Durandal following Chen Ran in the laboratory and, rare for her, dropped her paintbrush and ran over to play with Durandal.
Now, Durandal had taken on the appearance of an ELF, looking small and cute, but Griseo couldn't quite lift her.
She was curious about why such a cute creature like Durandal existed, and Durandal accepted all of Griseo's compliments, and since she also liked cute girls, they played together.
Later, whenever Chen Ran conducted research, Griseo and Durandal would play nearby.
Durandal knew many things, making little Griseo feel as if she had opened the door to a new century.
However, this made a certain Aunt a bit jealous.
Mobius remarked, "It's just an ELF, what's so great about it? Blanca, how much Funds do we have left? Let's make one for Griseo."
"Griseo, you should stay away from Durandal; she's not that innocent."
She was very worried that the impure Durandal would lead Griseo astray.
In fact, Chen Ran had the same concern.
He rubbed Griseo's head and said, "Little Griseo, I need to talk to Aunt Mobius about some things."
"Ah… Aunt?" Mobius became a bit flustered.
Griseo blinked: "Then Aunt Mobius… no, Teacher Mobius, I'll go wait outside for a bit."
Sometimes, Chen Ran would be alone with Mobius, and she would be considerate enough not to interrupt.
Blanca smiled and said, "I'll give you some space."
Now, Chen Ran was no longer the external member who had just entered the First Research Institute; Blanca admitted that sometimes she couldn't understand some of the data Chen Ran provided.
To be able to become Mobius's assistant, Blanca was also a genius.
But perhaps due to the shift in focus after marriage, she felt it was time to give the younger generation a bit of room, while also relieving some of her own pressure.
She took Griseo away, her mind filled with this thought.
After Blanca and Griseo left, Chen Ran said to Dr. Mobius, "Doctor, I would like to apply for the usage rights of the Herrscher of the Void core."
"Additionally, during this time, I conducted an experiment; please review a piece of data."
Although it was a matter of interest exchange, Chen Ran still appeared very respectful towards Mobius on the surface.
At least, presenting a humble demeanor now was better than an arrogant one.
However, what surprised Chen Ran slightly was that Mobius merely flipped through a few pages of the report and then asked him, "What is this? Is it an application?"
"Of course, whatever the leader thinks it is, it is."
He had no bottom line; it was not shameful to flatter the leader in work matters.
"If it's an application, it's rejected; the reason is unclear." Mobius smiled, wanting to see how Chen Ran would react.
Chen Ran blinked, sensing the leeway in her words.
"Then I'm talking about a trade. I know Dr. Mobius is pursuing Infinite, and I'm certain that what I'm working on is a special Infinite."
To be honest, he didn't know what Mobius's Infinite was.
But that didn't stop him from saying something nice.
Sure enough, Mobius's eyes narrowed slightly, as if she was pondering something.
During this time, she had been observing Chen Ran, or rather, since Mobius discovered the special nature of Chen Ran's body, she had begun to observe him.
The boy was smart, diligent, and had strong execution skills.
These three qualities in anyone would be considered excellent.
But merely excellent.
Mobius didn't lack excellent men around her; her beauty and intelligence always attracted flies.
Therefore, when she discovered the Stigmata gene in Chen Ran, she didn't think highly of him but regarded him as a 'qualified lab rat.'
Chen Ran had very high research value, but that was all.
Until Chen Ran conducted experiments on Nuwa, which changed Mobius's impression of him.
It turned out that this boy's thoughts were not as pure as everyone imagined.
Chen Ran brought Mobius too many surprises, not just from the experiment itself, but also beyond it.
He could directly elevate himself to human experimentation without having done any experiments, and just this display of cruelty made Mobius find it very interesting.
Human experimentation had always been a taboo.
But he could open the door to that taboo without hesitation.
Although she didn't know whether he was pretending not to care or genuinely didn't care, Mobius could be sure that he and she were of the same kind.
What made Mobius feel a bit regretful was that at that time, Chen Ran's experiment could have been more radical.
But perhaps it was due to his timidity or his conscience.
This radicalism was sealed away.
But it didn't matter; the joy of encountering a kindred spirit was enough for Mobius to invest her patience and properly train him.
"Just saying this isn't enough."
She slowly spoke, then walked up to Chen Ran and looked him in the eye: "If you want to exchange for the Herrscher Core, you need to add one more you."
Chen Ran's pupils slightly constricted.
At this moment, he couldn't help but recall the other message Wendy had told him in the simulation: Mobius also liked him.
Could it be that this all started from this moment?
He instinctively hugged himself: "May I ask, when you say 'you', you don't mean for me to sell myself, do you?"
"Yes, only to me. Do you agree?"
Her hand rested on his shoulder, her proud peaks drawing closer.
If the person in front of him were Wendy or Vill-V, Chen Ran would have already started to counterattack.
But this person is Mobius...
Mobius means unpredictability and danger.
It's hard to say whether the ethics and morals seen by ordinary people are the same in her eyes, nor can he be sure if the purity valued by others is a hindrance in her view.
All he knows is that when facing a dangerous woman, every action must be taken with caution.
"Doctor, if you take another step forward, I will call Griseo."
His expressionless threat caused the momentum Mobius had built up to suddenly stall.
Mobius is not without weaknesses; at least Griseo is one of them.
No matter how she presents herself in private, in front of Griseo, she is a kind and amiable Senior, a good teacher and friend.
She was at a disadvantage.
"Alright, your observation is indeed sharp."
She paused and said, "For this experiment, I want you to lead it, conducted on me."
"After success, the usage rights of the Herrscher of the Void core will be given to you."
She originally wanted to cultivate another type of person from Chen Ran, but now it seems better to cultivate herself directly.
Chen Ran hesitated and said, "Doctor, but such an experiment... you might find the process a bit hard to accept."
To facilitate observation, the first step of the experiment is to undress.
Mobius's eyes narrowed slightly, then she took off her coat and the inner garments beneath.
"How about it, are you satisfied?"
"My lovely lab rat?"
She leaned closer to Chen Ran: "I will cooperate with you very well, you know?"
Chen Ran suddenly fled in panic.
Indeed, a woman like Mobius cannot be dealt with by ordinary means. He can be sure that at this moment, Mobius has no flicker of affection for him; all that exists is the calculation of a tool.
Such a woman is too dangerous.
For a moment, he truly felt as if he had encountered a snake, sizing up his body.
As a normal biological instinct, it is entirely reasonable to be scared away.
"Tsk, what a boring and predictable reaction."
Mobius's eyes couldn't hide a hint of disappointment: "Clearly, that last experiment went so well. Was it a subconscious disguise?"
...
...
"So the Herrscher of the Void core will be in hand after a while, right?"
Fire Moth, break room.
Chen Ran and Vill-V were walking side by side.
A few days ago, Chen Ran told Vill-V that he needed to use the Herrscher Core as material to forge a weapon, and Vill-V had been looking forward to this day.
When Chen Ran informed Vill-V that everything was okay, they agreed to meet in the break room.
The girl couldn't hide her joy and said, "You are just amazing."
She came to Fire Moth for this, right?
For the genius Vill-V, being able to open the door named Honkai is undoubtedly a very joyful thing.
However, she also had her own cleverness and quickly realized: "But I remember your position at the First Research Institute isn't high enough to casually take out the core, right?"
"Let me guess, you have prepared an escape route for yourself? Do you want me to advise you? I'm an expert in this area."
Chen Ran, holding the pastries he just bought, rolled his eyes at Vill-V's words: "Why do you think I got the Herrscher Core through irregular means?"
"I always do things fairly and squarely; getting a permit isn't hard."
The upright Chen Ran declared confidently.
He gestured to Vill-V: "Want to eat?"
"Of course, why wouldn't I eat? I don't have fat anxiety."
She simply opened her mouth: "Feed me."
"Be serious, I still want to find a girlfriend; I can't ruin my reputation."
Chen Ran directly handed over the pastry, and then Vill-V suddenly squatted down, biting it, looking just like a little cat being fed by its owner.
Chen Ran: "..."
He playfully tossed another pastry, and Vill-V caught it again with her mouth.
After eating two pieces, even Vill-V felt a bit bloated.
She didn't care about the astonished looks from some people nearby, instead smiling and saying, "I told you, no matter in any aspect, I won't let you down."
"How about considering me as a candidate for your girlfriend?"
Chen Ran rolled his eyes: "Forget it, finding a girlfriend who studies machines is no different from finding a boyfriend who studies civil engineering."
Just then, a voice came from behind them.
"Wow, were you guys just playing a game?"
"And Vill-V, when did you get so close to someone else? I haven't seen you for a while, and I'm getting jealous."
The girl turned around and saw Elysia greeting them from behind.
"I just returned from an external mission; I didn't expect you two to be together already."
Chen Ran instinctively wanted to explain, but then he saw Vill-V directly grab his hand and lightly kiss his cheek.
"Yeah, surprised?" she said boldly.
The girl's eyes held no shame, only a mischievous glint of revenge.
Women are very vengeful creatures.
Especially Vill-V.
For her, losing her first kiss in the depths was an accident, and she couldn't blame anyone.
But losing it a second time in the engineering department was intentional on Chen Ran's part.
She didn't care how many times her kiss had been lost; Chen Ran wasn't someone she disliked.
Or rather, in terms of meeting the criteria for a partner, Chen Ran was quite excellent. She was just looking for an opportunity to get back at him.
Like a stubborn child.
As for reputation, Vill-V wouldn't care about that. Having been at Fire Moth for a while, she observed that the internal reputation of Fire Moth was actually useless.
Or rather, a good reputation could at most only allow one to do assistant work, and nothing more.
Chen Ran sighed.
Now, even if he wanted to explain, he couldn't; if he did, he would become the bad guy.
"Alright, this is my girlfriend." Chen Ran said, squeezing her cheek in a retaliatory manner: "The feel is great; Elysia, do you want to try?"
Vill-V directly bit down on his hand.
Elysia: "Looks like I won't disturb you two; you should enjoy your date."
Elysia left, and Chen Ran and Vill-V stopped their playful banter.
The girl's eyes sparkled with mischief: "I ruined your reputation; you won't blame me, will you? Do you want me to help you explain?"
"Setting aside how much you want to help me explain, such things only get worse the more you explain."
Chen Ran wanted to be angry, but he couldn't.
The girl's first kiss was his; what could he be angry about?
Moreover, this was essentially just a harmless joke.
"Mm-hmm, there's a lot of unwillingness in your tone."
She stood on her tiptoes and blew into Chen Ran's ear: "So, do you want me to warm your bed tonight?"
The girl's breath was like orchids, almost making Chen Ran react.
He forced himself to calm down, repeatedly telling himself this was a trap.
A woman named Vill-V is always hard to grasp; you never know which personality you are talking to.
But he couldn't just back down.
Vill-V's personality was quite troublesome, just like the cat she had just shown.
If he backed down, she would only take more advantage.
He turned to look at her: "Alright, since you insist on this..."
"Wait, are you going to..."
Vill-V looked a bit flustered.
The girl's kiss covered her lips.
"I don't mind taking yours, great magician."
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