I'm a little panicked when I cross the collapse

"So, if everything you've said is based on Dr. Mebius's experiments, then the Herrscher core is synthesized from Honkai energy? What are the conditions for generating Honkai energy? As the cases show, most of the Herrschers so far are ordinary women between the ages of fourteen and twenty. No... no, before they became Herrschers, they all had extremely tragic experiences. Therefore... the reason they were able to generate Honkai energy is because of their feelings of hatred?"

Mei shook her head. "Hehe, I'm overthinking it. If someone could become a Herrscher simply because of their hatred for this world, that would be too absurd."

Lu Qiong was so shocked that his mouth couldn't close. "What the hell is the difference between this and opening it? This speculation is practically saying the words 'location of existence—the consciousness of collapse' out loud!"

Lu Qiong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "Ahem, Dr. Mei, shouldn't we think about how to make the most rational and efficient use of Honkai energy right now?"

"That's true. I'm sorry, but because you provided more detailed information, I continued to consider the emergence of Honkai. After all, to defeat the enemy, you must first understand it."

"Of course, the only way for the Fire Moths to fight the Honkai right now is through the warriors who gain power through fusion surgery. However, the fact that Dr. Mebius has managed to minimize the risks involved in such a risky way of acquiring power suggests that all the relevant data must have reached their optimal state. If we want to further improve the efficiency of Honkai energy utilization, then at this moment... perhaps we really need to try to change our perspective!"

Time ticked by, and silence fell over the scene.

.....................

Finally, Mei spoke first. She slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on Lu Qiong beside her, and asked softly, "Lu Qiong, do you have any novel or unique insights or ideas about this issue?"

Faced with Mei's sudden question, Lu Qiong was momentarily stunned, and then began to concentrate fully and "without thinking".

He frowned, muttering to himself, "Hmm... Each Herrscher seems to possess unique and special abilities. If we include the Wind Herrscher who appeared earlier, then so far, there should be four Herrschers who have been tragically wiped out... But even so, even though we've conducted a comprehensive and thorough examination and analysis of these Herrschers' remains, the Herrscher core hidden within their bodies still continuously emits terrifying Honkai energy that sends chills down our spines. In that case, could we consider exploring alternative paths and try to transform the Herrscher core into peerless divine weapons with various Herrscher-specific powers?"

Reminded by Lu Qiong, Mei's eyes lit up. "That is indeed a good idea."

He then praised Lu Qiong without reservation.

"Lu Qiong, you really have a talent for scientific research. Would you be interested in being my assistant?"

"Ah? Dr. May, you misunderstand. These are all conjectures that Dr. Möbius made during his experiments. I just copied them verbatim."

Lu Qiong quickly waved his hand and explained.

Lu Qiong's inner thoughts at this moment: (Being an assistant is no easy job. Since I can no longer intervene frequently, I might as well choose to live a life of leisure. Let whoever wants to be my assistant be it, I'm not doing it....)

"Oh? Is that so?" May was not disappointed; on the contrary, she was now looking forward to meeting the genius Mebius.

"Alright, Lu Qiong, try not to bother me these next two days. Since this hypothesis has some merit, I need to start the simulation test immediately."

After saying that, Mei began to organize the relevant information.

"Um... um..."

(Mei is focused on her work.)

"never mind."

Lu Qiong had originally planned to discuss with Meti Yizhuo how to help stimulate Kevin to improve his strength.

But just as Lu Qiong was about to leave, Mei suddenly called out to him again.

"Wait! Lu Qiong, you should... be in the military, right?"

Lu Qiong had already guessed what Mei was going to say, so he spread his hands and chuckled, "Yes, I used to be a leader, kind of like a special forces team leader, but I was transferred later and am currently holding a small position at the headquarters of the Fire Moth."

Lu Qiong was being incredibly modest. He was only a lieutenant colonel in his early twenties, and because of his recent successful participation in the fusion experiment, the higher-ups were even planning to promote him another rank. The next rank up was colonel, meaning he was already considered someone who could access the core of the Fire-Chasing Moth. (Although Lu Qiong wasn't really interested in those things.)

Mei parted her lips slightly and asked in a slightly low voice, "So, do you know someone named Kevin Kaslana?"

“Oh? Kevin…” Lu Qiong muttered to himself, his brows furrowing slightly as if he were trying to recall. After a while, he slowly said, “Hiss…this name…it sounds familiar…”

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of hope instantly appeared on Mei's previously calm face. She stared intently at Lu Qiong and asked anxiously, "Do you really remember him?! Can you tell me his current situation?"

Lu Qiong paused for a moment, then nodded and answered with certainty, "That's right, I do remember a recruit named Kevin."

Before she could finish speaking, Mei, usually calm and composed, surprisingly revealed a hint of excitement and agitation. Her eyes sparkled brightly as she eagerly asked, "That's wonderful! It really is him! So, do you know how he is doing now?"

Faced with Mei's obvious emotional fluctuations, Lu Qiong's previous curiosity was piqued again.

He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, teasingly saying with a half-smile, "Hehe, Dr. Mei, from the first time we met until now, I've never seen you so emotionally volatile as you are today. Who is this Kevin? Is he very important to you?"

Mei's gaze softened, and she responded softly, "Mm."

A single word, yet it contains endless profound meaning and emotion.

Clearly, Mei neither denied nor refuted what Lu Qiong had just said. Because deep in her heart, the man named Kevin undoubtedly held an extremely special and crucial position.

“He’s my boyfriend. When I received the invitation from the Firemoth and was thinking of accepting, Kevin said he would come with me, but as a soldier.” A hint of tenderness suddenly appeared in May’s eyes.

"Oh, I see." Lu Qiong responded softly, but a wave of emotion welled up inside him: "So Kevin and Mei's relationship was already this deep back then?"

Lu Qiong pretended to search his memory for any recollection of Kevin, then slowly said, "I think I saw him once a few months ago when I was in the logistics unit carrying out a cleanup mission after the death of a Herrscher. At that time, he... well, he should have been working in the logistics unit. I'm not really sure about the specifics."

Hearing this, a hint of anxiety flashed in Mei's eyes, and she quickly asked, "Then... what is he doing now? What is he mainly doing now?"

Lu Qiong paused for a moment before replying, "Now, of course, he has been officially selected for the Elite Team of the Fire Moth! Just a few weeks ago, he successfully survived the fusion surgery experiment and thereby gained mastery of a rather powerful ice-based manipulation skill~"

"Is that so? That's good..." Mei breathed a sigh of relief after learning that Kevin was alright.

However, before he could finish speaking, Lu Qiong interrupted him mercilessly: "Not good!"

Mei turned her head in astonishment, looking at Lu Qiong with a face full of suspicion, as if she couldn't believe what she had just heard. She frowned and asked in confusion, "What? What did you say?"

Lu Qiong's expression was solemn. He stared intently at Mei and slowly said, "Although the power Kevin has gained is not to be underestimated, judging from his current state, he has not yet been able to fully unleash the potential of this power. If he were to face a Herrscher head-on in the future, he would probably lose his life very easily."

Mei's heart sank, and an ominous premonition welled up in her mind.

Recalling the excitement she felt when she heard that Kevin was safe and sound, Mei realized that her emotions had been too strong at the time, so much so that she had failed to notice the unusual tone in Lu Qiong's words.

Now, upon closer reflection, the more I think about it, the more suspicious things seem—what exactly is the deeper meaning behind Lu Qiong's remarks?

Could there be some unspeakable secret hidden within? Or is it a trap deliberately set to lure me into?

"So, what are you trying to say?" Although Mei had already sensed something was wrong, she still followed up with Lu Qiong's question.

"Hey! I have a brilliant plan that will have no downsides and will help Kevin fully master his power without any problems."

Lu Qiong extended his index finger, revealing a very wise expression.

"However, it might be necessary for you, Doctor, to make a small contribution."

plum:".........."

Sure enough, she was tricked.

"But... how should I put it, although I haven't spent a very long time with Lu Qiong, he seems... to be quite reliable, right?"

Mei did not immediately agree to Lu Qiong's plan. Instead, she calmly asked, "What is the plan?"

Lu Qiong was overjoyed. "I've been waiting for you to speak, Doctor."

After he finished speaking, Lu Qiong leaned close to Mei's ear and rattled off a whole bunch of things, which we had no idea what they were.

Mei's expression grew increasingly suspicious. "Doing this...is it really okay?"

"Of course!"

Lu Qiong patted his chest and guaranteed, "If anyone can easily influence Kevin's mindset right now, it has to be you, Dr. Mei. As long as you cooperate well, Kevin will definitely benefit a lot afterward."

.................

Kevin's matter could be big or small. For Lu Qiong, improving the strength of Ancestor Kevin was of utmost urgency. But for the higher-ups of the Fire Moth, it was a different story. Kevin was still in an untransformed state. They might invest resources in nurturing him, but they wouldn't take him seriously.

Strength is paramount, so this is all normal.

Personal task: Go to [location] and participate in the test.

"There are personal missions like that?"

Kevin picked up a stack of noodles with one hand while swiping the screen of his communication device with the other.

As Kevin slurped the noodles into his mouth, his eyes remained glued to the screen. He scanned it carefully several times, but still couldn't understand what it meant.

"Okay~_~, I'll finish my noodles and then go check it out later."

...........

Deng Deng Deng!

"Is anyone there? This is Kevin from the Elite Fourth Squad. I was tasked with coming here to conduct a test."

"anyone there?"

................................

"Could it be that I've gone to the wrong place?" Kevin scratched his head, somewhat uncertainly.

Kevin took out his communication device and read through the text word by word, utterly puzzled: "This should be the place, right? Why does it seem like there's no one inside?"

Crunch!

While Kevin was still in a daze, the door suddenly opened.

Kevin, who was about to knock on the door again, noticed something and muttered to himself, "Why are there so many strange things happening lately?"

Kevin pushed open the door and slowly walked in.

"Ah! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you..."

I saw a couple, who appeared to be a "couple," doing something inappropriate for children behind the sofa.

Kevin hurriedly bowed and apologized, then fled in a panic, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

...................................

Lu Qiong and Mei looked at each other on the sofa, seemingly unable to believe it.

Lu Qiong: Who would believe this? Seeing his girlfriend with another man, their actions seemingly intimate, he just ran away without doing anything?

Mei: Who would believe that? Kevin shouldn't be that kind of person, right? Could it be that his sharp edges were worn away after he joined the army?

Lu Qiong pondered to himself, "Could it be that I've really made a mistake? The relationship between Kevin and Mei doesn't seem to be as deep as I imagined..."