I, on the Starry Sky Railway, change everything

Since Hua Yi's position cannot be monopolized by a single research department, the number of assistants around him has become another highly sought-after resource.

Just kidding, such a talented and virtuous young man deserves to be closer to.

Chapter 24 Pursuing Justice

The Secret Papers Department arranged a high-standard independent office for Hua Yi, while the Applied Physics Department carefully selected a new dormitory. The difference between Level IV staff members and Level II staff members was not only in terms of authority, but also in terms of treatment.

Furthermore, with the addition of a staff member from the Species Department as an assistant, the various research departments seemed to have reached a tacit understanding.

Seeing Lamina carefully placing the documents from the previous meeting on her desk, and constantly glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, looking timid and afraid of making a mistake, Hua Yi spoke up kindly.

"Thank you for introducing me to the Jiezhongke program earlier. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to understand the common problems that staff members encounter when using the work procedures, and thus optimize the database."

"No, you're welcome!"

Lamina, a Level III clerk, appeared unusually nervous at this moment, much more reserved than Emily.

Hua Yi was certain that even if he now possessed Level IV clearance, when he spoke with that rather taciturn Miss Emily, she would most likely remain the same.

At least on the surface, things are the same as always.

Deep down, the realization that a newcomer has suddenly become a Level IV staff member, creating a significant gap in their status, would likely evoke a different kind of emotion than mere jealousy.

It is reasonable to suspect that if Emily is left to fend for herself, she will be very sad and may even secretly shed tears when no one is around.

Hua Yi sent a normal chat message to Emily, who was just a little clumsy with words but was actually warm and kind and had introduced him to a lot of common knowledge about the space station a few days ago, so as not to make the clerk lose her little pearl. He also replied to the question from his little fan Wen Shiling. Hua Yi raised his head again and looked at the secretary that Jie Zhongke had arranged for him without making a sound.

Lamina's reserve had another reason, related to the other person's secret. A secret that she had never told anyone made the importance of this job infinitely higher. Being so concerned about it, she found it difficult to handle even ordinary tasks with ease.

As an assistant, being reserved and polite is certainly not a bad thing, but if you don't know what to do next and need instructions to take any action, it will inevitably lower your impression score if you encounter a superior who is meticulous about details.

If Hua Yi were to simply give the word to the five departments, the numerous staff members of the Black Tower Space Station, those with Level III or even Level IV privileges, would undoubtedly scramble to become his assistants, and replacing Lamina would be as simple as saying a few words.

However, he did not become complacent because of his rapid promotion, nor did he change his attitude towards others or enjoy the condescending attitude of a superior, as if this unprecedented special IV-level staff member status was just an ordinary label.

"I remember you were planning to apply to the Department of Applied Physics for research on rare artifacts. How did it go? Was the application approved?"

The thanks just now and the inquiry now are both expressions of concern, the kind of genuine care that can only be expressed when one remembers Ramina's situation.

Even though the clerk knew that Hua Yi had an excellent reputation on the space station, she never expected that he would remain so calm and collected, even though he was now the center of attention in the five major research departments and a highly sought-after figure on the space station.

Honestly, if I were in Hua Yi's situation, I'd be laughing in my sleep and jumping for joy.

Why is the other person able to remain calm?

Lamina was only a Level III staff member. Unlike those top scholars who quickly realized the value contained in the Bud of Wisdom and the Key of Inspiration, she indirectly confirmed how outstanding Hua Yi's research ability was from the reactions of the department's bigwigs during the meeting.

But now, looking at this handsome face that seemed to have remained unchanged since their first meeting, Lamina vaguely realized that the rising star of the space station might be even more formidable inside than he appeared outwardly.

“It was approved yesterday. The research I applied for is [Total Eclipse of the Heart].

"That strange object, I remember it was a cone-shaped device made of an unknown rock material, right? When activated, any object that intersects with its outer ring pathway will be eroded and broken down into basic particle forms. It is generally used to decompose waste items from space stations and transform them into materials that can be used in laboratories."

"I didn't expect you to remember it so clearly. Many staff members who have been on the space station for several years cannot readily recall information about a specific object before searching for keywords."

Of course, there are countless examples of staff members with several or even more than ten years of work experience who still fail to obtain Level IV privileges.

"My memory is still pretty good~ Once the items decomposed by the Heart Erosion reach a certain level, the erosion will expand and have a significant negative impact on the mind of organic life forms. Please keep an eye on it."

"Yes, I will strictly follow the instructions in the manual."

Without realizing it, Lamina let go of her previous restraint, and her face revealed the vitality befitting a young girl.

"By the way, do you know what happens when the mind is corrupted? Several people on the space station have been corrupted by the total erosion of the mind."

"What has it become?"

"In addition to feeling depressed, the corresponding personnel will have an extra mark on their terminal, with the words '[Hidden]' appearing after their name. They will need psychological counseling and the backend to change the note to restore them to their original state."

"Is it really that terrifying?"

Being able to readily recite information about the Total Eclipse of the Heart, Hua Yi naturally knew about the interesting stories surrounding that strange artifact, or rather, the dark histories of the staff members affected by it.

Even so, he still cooperated by showing a surprised and amused expression, which made the clerk further relieve her unnecessary psychological burden.

"Are you going to write a paper on the Total Eclipse of the Heart? I'm also planning to write some rudimentary thoughts on how to seek balance in humanity in a universe where the Star Gods actually exist. I'll send them to Mr. Gunn, the founder of the Law and Politics Department, so he won't have to keep looking at the starry sky with mixed feelings. Now let's get back to work."

Hua Yi had a general understanding of the Starry Sky Railway universe, and had even read works such as "A Theory of Justice" and "The Republic" in his hometown. Although humans are incredibly small compared to celestial bodies with spirits, and justice is indeed an excessively luxurious word for those who do not possess power, this does not mean that some things have completely disappeared.

Putting aside the pursuit of truth, perhaps it is the law and political science department that is most compatible with Hua Yi. He himself pursues justice in his heart, dislikes any tragedy, and does not want any beautiful things to perish.

When reality strikes, Hua Yi will use his power to stop the powerful who treat human life like dirt and to save the weak who are fading away in the wind.

He picked up his pen and wrote line after line, hoping to bring some valuable light to the bewildered Department of Law and Politics.

Chapter 25 The Black Tower Doll

Perhaps because the private office was much quieter than the public office area, Lamina felt that she was writing her paper more efficiently than usual. Before she knew it, she had written most of the content, connecting the research directions of Strange Things and Species. As long as she continued to maintain the quality of the content, passing this stage of the assessment was a sure thing.

While the clerk was delighted, she suddenly realized that as an assistant, she seemed to have done nothing more than pour Hua Yi a glass of water at the beginning and help him get documents.

Lamina jumped up, wanting to make amends, but saw Hua Yi tidying up his desk. Looking at the time again, she realized it was time to leave work.

"Don't panic. I don't feel neglected because my assistant is focused on her research. Wouldn't that be like a child seeking adult attention?"

Upon hearing this, Ramina was both anxious and amused, her facial expression quite interesting.

"Yeah, sorry."

"We both had a great day working together, it was a pleasant experience. If you really feel bad about it, I'm ready to have another glass of water, even though I'm not thirsty at all."

"Thank you... thank you so much, I'm really grateful."

Patting Ramina's shoulder, who seemed to want to say something but hesitated, Hua Yi left the office first, but did not go to the new dormitory arranged for him by the Department of Applied Physics, nor did he go to the old dormitory that had already been emptied.

The document sent to the Department of Law and Politics was ultimately just my personal opinion. In this universe where the Star God and his followers occupy most of the stage and power is the absolute main theme, the role of thought and words is limited. The existence of the Department of Law and Politics, which lacks power, is destined to be somewhat powerless and sad.

Hua Yi wanted to help that bitter old man. His goal wasn't too grand, like using language and words to spread justice in the universe. As long as he could help Gu En live a better life on the space station with a more positive and peaceful mindset, he would consider it a success.

As for our current destination, it is the containment chamber of the Starfield Species.

This department explores extraordinary life in the universe and conducts systematic research. Just as the Department of Applied Physics manages various strange objects, the Department of Species has taken in some special creatures on the space station and opened them to the staff for the purpose of studying cross-species ecology.

Most of these contained objects are relatively safe. Take Wuwubo, a subspecies of the Astral Class, Anakya Order, Soul Spirit Family, and Suiyang, for example. They look like ghosts, with a pair of round, animal-ear-like structures. Their sizes vary, mostly only the size of a basketball, but there are also some very large special individuals.

According to the space station containment classification system, Wuwubo belongs to the medium containment concern level. Although there is no danger to its life, there is a risk of trouble, and we should be careful to prevent it from wandering around without reason.

Hua Yi came to the World Seed Department late at night, not to study Wuwu Bo, which only Level II staff members could apply to contact, but to study a dangerous existence that only Level IV staff members were qualified to study.

The Flame of the Outer Universe is a bizarre life form that does not belong to the conventional universe. It grows from a rift brought by the star's core, parasitizing the fundamental structure of the world to draw energy. The flames of the star's core burn on its armored shell.

Of all the contained objects in the species world, the Flame of the Outer Universe is probably the most dangerous.

Using his Level IV staff privileges, Hua Yi passed through multiple security gates and arrived deep within the World Species Containment Area. Standing in the observation room, looking at the monster bound by various energy fields, Hua Yi did not show any tension or fear upon seeing it, unlike most staff members who knew what the Flame of the Outer Universe truly meant.

It's not ignorance.

The obscure and incomprehensible matter disrupts the flow of imaginary energy, is extremely aggressive, and constantly infects neighboring worlds in the form of mysterious objects called "Star Cores," spreading throughout the universe like cancer cells. The Interstellar Peace Corporation calls it "Cancer of All Worlds," and the twisted life forms like the Flame of the Outer Universe are byproducts of the Cancer of All Worlds: Star Cores.

The flames that burn constantly on its body are enough to warp space and incinerate most solid and indestructible things in the universe into ashes.

It is a creation of a rift, and its very existence is tantamount to announcing the end of the world. Most civilizations in the universe do not have the ability to seal the core of a star. In a corner of the endless sea of ​​stars, the cancer of all worlds may be invading a planet and destroying civilizations. Poor mortals are struggling there, staging a lament of blood and tears.

With his eyes closed, Hua Yi, without relying on any technological equipment, relied solely on his keen perception in the realm of imaginary numbers to understand the influence of the outer universe's flames on imaginary energy, and further calculated the level of disturbance that the star core possessed.

He is analyzing the unknown and preparing for the future.

The newly promoted Level IV staff member observed the flames of the outer universe, while another pair of calm, emotionless purple eyes quietly observed him and sent the image data to the system administrator.

Time ticked by, and the most prominent newcomer on the space station made no new moves. He neither operated the control panel nor gave the outer cosmic flames any permissible stimulation, nor studied the relevant parameters. He didn't even send the data packets from the silently operating observation equipment to his terminal for storage. He simply stared at the monster and the blazing flames on its body.

On the contrary, a certain genius decisively took over the puppet, and its purple eyes came to life.

Are you more interested in the flames of the outer universe, or in the star core I sealed away?

Turning around, Hua Yi looked in the direction of the sound and saw a doll-like girl with brown hair and purple eyes wearing a black round hat.

Her doll-like, flawless beauty, like a work of art, even with her petite stature and short stature, is enough to make onlookers exclaim, "She is so beautiful."

And, doll-like ball joints.

She is indeed a doll.

"Actually, I'm interested in both, but more so in the star core, Ms. Black Tower."

"Hey, you didn't try to hide anything. You're quite honest. Your reaction to seeing me wasn't as intense as the other staff members on the space station. That's good. Otherwise, it would be too boring if I had to wait for someone who was too excited to speak to calm down."

The black tower doll sized up Hua Yi.

"You knew I would show up, so you've been standing here waiting?"

"No, I wasn't just standing there; I was indeed observing carefully."

"It doesn't matter. You can study the outer universe flames as you like. It's rare for Estád to recommend someone to me by name, and I trust her judgment. As for the star core—don't even think about it. I built this entire space station to contain that unactivated star core and save Azure Star from disaster. If you're allowed to mess with it, I'll be the one cleaning up the mess in the end."

Chapter 26 Test

"Let's cut to the chase, Hua Yi. Compared to the Star Core, I'm working on a much more important project. If it succeeds, it will solve the ultimate problem that has plagued us for thousands of Amber Ages: the mystery of the Star God."

From beginning to end, the Black Tower Doll's gaze never lingered on the outer universe's flames. The so-called rift monster that heralded the end of the world was nothing to a genius.

"Star Gods—think about it, what amazing beings they are! Some Star Gods were once just ordinary humans like you and me, but somehow they gained power beyond our imagination! Mysterious, powerful, silent, and terrifying! The mysteries surrounding them cannot be explained in just a few words."

Black Tower is the most intelligent human on Azure Star. She only does what interests her and leaves immediately once she loses interest. Her interest is not inextinguishable; it often lasts only a few days, or even a few system periods.

But the Star God is an exception; such unfathomable and spiritual celestial bodies can always arouse the research enthusiasm of geniuses.

"How were they born? Why were they born? What was the purpose of their birth?... I ask you, have you ever thought about these questions?"

"I thought about it and even specifically searched for information about the Star God in the Secret Scrolls Department of the Abyss. However, those few words and scattered guesses were not enough to deduce any answer."

"..."

Looking at Hua Yi, who never showed any excitement or frenzy throughout, and who was answering his questions seriously but was different from many others on the space station, the Black Tower Doll almost suspected that he was the one trying to attract investment and beg others to participate in the project.

If this project were made public, countless talented individuals in the Endless Star Sea would be scrambling to participate and play even a small role.

The reason for choosing Hua Yi was also because of Aista's recommendation. Black Tower hoped that this guy could help him solve some minor problems, just like the girl who managed the space station so well and made her life easier.

In the entire universe, it is impossible for anyone to know of the existence of the Star God and then have no interest in such a lofty concept.

Hua Yi was indeed lost in thought, clearly recalling the celestial mysteries he knew.

Does this guy suspect I'm just making empty promises?!

Originally, I didn't want to set up unnecessary tests and waste time. I planned to let Hua Yi go directly to the place under construction and decide on the subsequent arrangements for the Black Tower based on his performance. However, after being aroused by someone I met for the first time, I decided to be patient and set aside some time specifically for him.

"By joining my project, you will gain more knowledge about the Star God than the Secret Scrolls Department can provide. So—prove to me that you are qualified to enter the isolation chamber where the Flame of the Outer Universe is imprisoned."

"And then defeat it?"

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, the Black Tower doll curled its lips in interest.

What did she hear?

An unarmed research fellow asks himself whether he should go and defeat the Rift Monster next.

The flames of the outer universe will not show mercy just because of Hua Yi's research abilities. The blazing star core flames on its armor will scorch all living things, including the antimatter legion that follows the god of destruction, Nanuk.

Scanning the isolation room, which contained nothing that could be called a tool except for an energy generator and specially reinforced superalloy walls, Black Tower began to wonder what gave Hua Yi the right to make such a boastful statement as "defeat it".

Her initial thought was simply to see if this seemingly calm guy could remain composed when he actually got close to the outer cosmic flames. To put it bluntly, it was a test of courage, with no real danger.

Before a genius, a mere Rift Monster is utterly incapable of harming anyone.

"If you can enter the isolation chamber in this state and defeat the outer universe flame, I will not only let you participate in projects involving the mysteries of the Star God, but also give you the opportunity to view my personal collection on the space station."

"It's a word."

Hua Yi pressed the control button on the console, and the isolation chamber passage opened instantly under the highest level of temporary access granted by the Black Tower. The energy field that had been restraining the flames of the outer universe also disappeared, and the inextinguishable flames on the Rift Monster suddenly became more intense, as if to announce to the world that it was about to break free.

Then, the genius girl watched helplessly as Hua Yi walked straight into the isolation room without any preparation.

Is this guy looking for death?

She originally thought that the other party would seize upon the loophole in her careless words, use the emergency response button on the control panel to trigger the space station's defense mechanism, and rely on the automatic interception module hidden in the World Seed to destroy the outer universe flame. As long as she calculated the time slightly, Hua Yi would be able to walk into the isolation room normally before the Rift Monster was completely annihilated, which would be considered as completing the test.

But what are his plans now?

In an instant, the Black Tower took control of all modules in the isolation chamber, a power that transcended the visible control panel and belonged to the true master of the space station.