Xyrin Empire
Chapter 354 - Chapter 354 Chapter 354 Trouble Has Arrived

Chapter 354: Chapter 354 Trouble Has Arrived Chapter 354: Chapter 354 Trouble Has Arrived “The Fantasy Master incident could indeed be regarded as a byproduct of the intensified contradiction between all the powerless individuals in Academy City and their unjust fate, exacerbated by the city’s stringent hierarchical system. The incident affected tens of thousands of ordinary students and nearly caused severe casualties, leaving many permanently bereft of the chance to awaken their superpowers. Although it seemed to stem from a deranged female teacher’s desperate plan to save her own students, the root cause was the city’s overly simplistic hierarchical system that pushed countless LVEVL0s onto the wrong path.”

“Regrettably, as much as we lament such incidents, we have neither the desire nor the power to change the ingrained hierarchical system of Academy City. Indeed, Pandora creatively suggested overthrowing Aresta and then ruling over this place to set her system, but honestly, I doubt how humane the military regulations established by Pandora could be…”

“Oh, I digressed.”

“What I mean to say is that the existence of a system inevitably has its reasons. The hierarchical system of Academy City might appear ruthless, but it is the most powerful guarantee a population of only 2.3 million can have against the colossal entirety of Magic Side. With that in mind, we don’t wish to change too much.”

“Moreover, what’s more important, due to the so-called ‘plot’s’ unreliability, whether the Fantasy Master incident will ultimately break out remains an unknown…”

“Bright sunlight streamed through the large windows into the room, filling it with a warm ambiance. The girl’s slightly nervous expression was reflected on the flawless porcelain teacup in front of her. Zuotian Tsuruya sat alone on the sofa, absentmindedly tormenting the now-empty teacup.”

“Today marked her first day as a ‘Power User’ participating in the superpower enhancement experiment. Although just a LEVEL0, she had prepared as best as she could beforehand, which really meant she had managed her mindset, as even her close friends couldn’t offer much help in this regard. After all, even Changpan Platform’s ‘Super Electromagnetic Cannon’ couldn’t predict what the procedure for a powerlessness research study should entail.”

“It was indeed a weird procedure–but as a powerless individual who had never collaborated with similar research efforts, Zuotian Tsuruya hadn’t noticed anything different about the experiment she had just undergone from the standard research procedures. She just did as instructed by the stern-looking ‘Director’–who was dressed in a white lab coat yet bore a military demeanor–lie inside a strange, egg-like pod, and relax as much as possible. If anything felt unusual to Zuotian Tsuruya, it was the cover of the pod, embedded with sparkling clear crystals. According to the researchers, these crystals could stimulate potential and effectively bolster one’s nervous system, yet the explanations were so complex that Zuotian fell asleep in less than three minutes.”

“I wonder what we’re supposed to do next…”

“Zuotian Tsuruya murmured to herself, feeling both nervous and a tad hopeful.”

“Coming out of the crystal-filled pod, the bustling researchers seemed to have made a significant discovery, gathering around a bizarre-looking machine, leaving her on her own. Zuotian could only peer briefly at it and marvel at how truly advanced the technology wielded by these research institutions was, not recognizing a single symbol used to represent the experimental results…”

“Then that stern man, respectfully addressed as ‘Director’ by the other researchers, asked her to wait in this lounge for the results. Throughout the process, Zuotian Tsuruya felt utterly befuddled.”

“It seems… nothing has changed…”

“With a touch of nervousness, the girl gently raised her hands, attempting to visualize herself using superpowers. Alas, apart from turning her face red, nothing happened.”

“Meanwhile, just a room away from where Zuotian Tsuruya was sitting, separated only by a wall, the ‘behind-the-scenes masterminds’ (please allow me to use this ambivalent phrase) were befuddled.”

“”No reaction?”

“Exactly, Your Majesty,” the expressionless Xyrin Technician reporting before us said. As a Xyrin Technician with not very high self-awareness about ranks, whether it be any experimental subject or result, it was all just part of research to him, so he didn’t exhibit any unnecessary emotions despite the unexpected situation, “The test subject underwent Nest Crystal Radiation, DNA decomposition and regeneration, spiritual power resonance calculations, and the false brain domain replacement recently developed by Lord Taville, but still, there has been no awakening of any superpower.”

“Does the Nest Crystal fail sometimes?”

I found this quite unbelievable, so I turned my head towards the small girl next to me. As the pioneer who had developed this technology over seven hundred thousand years ago, Visca would certainly have the most authority on this issue.”

“Visca, does the radiation from the Nest Crystal ever fail to work?”

Visca’s expression was hardly more relieved than mine. She slightly furrowed her brows, and her vertical pupils tightly contracted into a thin line.

“The Nest Crystal is an embodiment formed after the spiritual power of the Xyrin Host and a massive amount of information have condensed. The energy it contains has an inescapable impact on any organism with a nervous system and a ‘self’ manifestation, particularly pronounced in carbon-based life forms. Their fragile body structure means their nervous systems are extremely sensitive to external stimuli. Unless the subject’s spiritual power has grown strong enough to compete with the informational sea of the Xyrin Host, under normal circumstances, even the ‘demigods’ of some high-magic worlds cannot completely exempt themselves from the radiation energy. An ordinary human cannot possibly remain unaffected by the crystal.”

“In other words, it is theoretically impossible for Zuotian Tsuruya not to undergo some kind of ‘mutation’?” I finally grasped her meaning after weathering the barrage of technical jargon from Visca.

Visca looked at me quietly, then turned away: “Your summarizing ability is quite strong.”

You might as well say that my comprehension is limited, we all know that.

“Continue,” I saw that the researcher in front of me hadn’t finished reporting and shook my head to free myself from the unpleasant mindset of my sister’s subtle disdain. “There must be more findings?”

“Yes, we conducted a series of follow-up observations on the test subject named Zuotian Tsuruya and discovered that she did undergo mutations after the initial exposure to the Nest Crystal’s radiation. Her spiritual power has increased substantially within the observable range, even reaching the level of a High Order Apostle at its peak. However, this tremendous spiritual power seems entirely unutilizable. We tried to control these energies by simulating the subject’s soul, but they exhibited an abnormally extreme inertia, the reasons are unclear.”

“So, the problem lies in the final step,” I finally understood some of it, “Zuotian Tsuruya’s spiritual power has evolved, but she can’t transform that spiritual power into demonstrable superpower?”

“Yes.”

Such a situation was truly unprecedented.

Regardless of the concept of superpower, even if it’s just an ordinary person, a major increase in spiritual power should definitely result in some distinct changes, such as extreme calculation capabilities, instant memory, a sixth sense, among other things. These aren’t even related to superpowers, just attributes of the spiritual power itself. But Zuotian Tsuruya…

Having such tremendous spiritual power and still being a LEVEL0?

If this is fate, it’s so unfair!

“We will continue to study this phenomenon, as it is quite valuable for our research.”

Seeing the unhappy expression on my face, the Xyrin Scientist in front of me did not know the reason but immediately made such an assurance.

“Okay,” I casually waved my hand, signaling that he could leave. “Keep researching, but remember to prioritize Zuotian Tsuruya’s safety. Experiments can be abandoned if necessary.”

Such a terrible situation… Could it really end up like Qianqian said, failing to do good…

“I’ll go take a look.”

After thinking it over, I still felt a bit uneasy. After dropping that remark, I got up and walked towards the nearby resting room.

In the resting room, Zuotian Tsuruya was still waiting quietly. Seeing me appear, she immediately got up, slightly panicked, and bowed: “Direc… Director!”

“Don’t use that annoying title,” my face contorted, and I immediately waved a hand, “How are you feeling now?”

“Feeling?” Zuotian Tsuruya asked, puzzled, “It seems like nothing has changed.”

No change…yeah right!

Thanks to the technical data provided by Visca and the optimization by Lord Taville, the efficiency of the Nest Crystal Radiation Device had increased significantly. Thus, although it had only been a few hours of radiation, Zuotian Tsuruya’s spiritual power had already undergone a massive evolution. Although not as naturally talented as Qianqian and her sister, who were Superwomen fortunate enough to receive radiation next to the Xyrin Mother Machine, just by the strength of her spiritual power, Zuotian Tsuruya could now easily rival Jaina in practicing magic in Azeroth. But, strangely enough, despite perceiving the superhuman spiritual power from her, those powers remained still like stagnant water–forget triggering an ability, there wasn’t even a normal fluctuation.

This is impossible. If I remember correctly, even with the use of a low-level catalyst like Fantasy Master, Zuotian Tsuruya had developed Level 1 superpower, the fourth wave. So, how did she become the legendary “Zero Zuotian” under the exposure to the Nest Crystal?

Damn it, let those scientists worry about it!

“Tsuruya,” I gestured for her to sit down, then took a seat across from her, “Is it okay to call you that?”

“Of course!” The girl in front of me immediately responded with a smile. She really has a charming personality.

“Why do you want to gain power?”

My question left Zuotian Tsuruya momentarily stunned. She probably thought I came over to inquire about the previous experiment, but instead, I, the “Director,” was here offering psychological counseling.

“Yes, why do I want power…” Zuotian Tsuruya paused, then slowly answered, “Because I don’t want to always stand behind everyone, protected by them, and then gradually left behind, eventually all alone. That feeling frightens me, so I thought, if I could also be a power user, even if just Level 1, I could stand alongside everyone–such childish thoughts, right?”

“No,” I decisively shook my head. “You’re much better than those useless ones under me!”

If only Uncle Hei Chao had half of your awareness, I wouldn’t have to rescue those Empire soldiers from City Management Team’s encirclement every so often!!!

To avoid becoming a burden to friends and to want to become a power user simply to stay together with everyone, perhaps that pure pursuit of power is truly zero?

“Excuse me,” seeing that I was quiet, Zuotian Tsuruya finally sensed something, “Could it be that in the test earlier, I…”

“Don’t worry, everything went smoothly. Those imperial…research maniacs can turn a paramecium into a powerhouse–er, forget that analogy, pretend you didn’t hear it. But as for you, from what I know, Zuotian Tsuruya, you’re supposed to be an energetic and optimistic girl, right? This worried look doesn’t suit your style.”

Hearing my words, Zuotian Tsuruya finally burst into a radiant smile, then a voice suddenly resonated in my mind: “Congratulations, player Chen Damuto, Loli-loving talent LEVEL UP! Nanny Halo and Big Brother Halo skill points increased! New title–Girl Killer acquired, reward double experience card!”

“Bang!”

A huge “Well” character suddenly appeared on my forehead.

“Lin Xue! When did you get here!?”

Yes, that incredibly familiar fluctuation in the spiritual connection and the dangerous aura absorbed through every pore when a natural enemy approaches, proved–

“Excuse me!”

With that, the door to the lounge swung open, and Lin Xue, dressed in a white researcher’s robe, stepped lightly inside. She then approached me, her steps graceful, while I just stared in astonishment. Bowing politely, she lowered her head and handed over a document. Her voice was softer than ever: “Director, here are the experiment data I’ve compiled.”

On the cover, written in Xyrin Language, was a bold line: “With a crack of thunder, the Prophet shines bright–If you don’t cooperate, prepare for Miss’s endless sidekicks!”

Me: “…”

Seeing a researcher who seemed even higher-ranked than the “director”, Zuotian Tsuruya stood up in a panic, introducing herself loudly, “You…hello, I am Zuotian Tsuruya, participating in the experiment. It’s nice to meet you for the first time, please take good care of me!”

Lin Xue turned around, her demeanor oozing the charm of a refined lady, and nodded slightly towards Zuotian, “Zuotian-classmate, right? You’re participating in the latest ‘Human Completion Project Revision Twenty-Two’. I have seen your information. I am the chief researcher of this facility, Lin Xue. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Oh man! What’s with that bizarre project name? Can we take that back, please?

Facing the gentle smile of the older sister figure before her, Zuotian Tsuruya’s mind raced with a slew of strange thoughts, all amalgamating into one sentiment: This is a really odd place indeed…

After a researcher drove Zuotian Tsuruya back to the school, I finally breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Xue’s sudden appearance really did make me break out in a cold sweat.

“Girl, you didn’t say–how did you get here?”

“Girl isn’t something you can call me just like that…” Lin Xue mumbled vaguely, then crossed her arms and looked at me disdainfully, “Of course, I had to come after hearing from a certain otaku girl who constantly curses and rambles about some twisted harem man transmigrating to a world full of innocent girls. To prevent heart-wrenching catastrophes, as a Great Prophet it’s my duty to traverse the Shattering Void to keep an eye on such a dangerous person like you. I found you in a secret chamber trying to deceive a poor adolescent girl. Phew, luckily I arrived just in time. Okay, now the cast should be introduced.”

“Where did you dig up such a cliche plot from…?”

“Okay, okay, don’t look so green,” even though she was just minutes ago a dignified and knowledgeable lady, Lin Xue now sprawled onto the sofa, revealing her true nature, “I just came here to hang out with you and also to tell you something.”

“What is it?” Suddenly alert, I wondered if Lin Xue’s arrival spelled the onset of some unprecedented trouble.

“Hey! I said I came first to hang out, and only ‘by the way’ to tell you something,” Lin Xue abruptly propped up half her body and moved her face close to mine, annoyed, “Could you be any denser?”

I have to say, despite her nasty temper, there’s something quite adorable about her when she gets angry–have I really been lacking sleep these days?

“Alright, alright, I’ll lead you around this crazy place, but first tell me what it is. I can’t stand not knowing.”

Lin Xue remained pouty, leaning back against the sofa, and huffed, “Just to tell you, never trust the plot.”

“I know that, it was the same in the Azeroth world… Girl, what did you see?”

I was barely halfway through my comment when I abruptly remembered that during our time in the Azeroth world Lin Xue was with us, and the issue with the “plot” wasn’t something worth her making the trip for. This meant she must have “seen” something significant!

“It’s unclear, but there’s a massive distortion in this world,” Lin Xue explained, and only then did I notice a hint of fatigue veiled deeply on her face, “It’s something that doesn’t belong here originally, yet the world hasn’t been eroded by the Abyss. The script that was supposed to unfold in this world has almost entirely shifted towards that ‘alien object’. If not handled properly, it could result in numerous deaths. Moreover, I saw the end of the world three times. To clarify these matters, I had to come personally. Also… Wood, it looks like it’s going to be tough for you.” (To be continued. For more, please visit www.NovelFire.net. More chapters, support the author, support genuine reading!)