The long meeting lasted an entire day, with Vil-V taking up half of the time. Fortunately, the results she presented were acceptable enough to avoid triggering widespread anger.
Aside from the most important Divine Keys, the advancements made in other areas of the tech tree proved to be even more useful.
The battle robots reminded Ryan of some entropy-reducing designs; the deep development of Soul Steel, the enhanced power of N2 bombs, the progress in Honkai Energy-powered reactors, the latest aerospace warships, and more.
Technology was experiencing an explosive rise. More and more weapons were rolling off the production lines. For instance, the latest product from the Second Research Institute, the T-100 Battle Robot, was essentially an ultimate evolution of Vil-V previous clunky designs.
Standing at over ten meters tall, made of super-hard alloy, with an internal Honkai Energy-powered reactor, it could be either manned or unmanned. It was equipped with Corruption Fission Cannons, energy shields, beam sabers, and more.
After many years, a mecha had finally appeared before Ryan. Even some weaker fusion warriors could be put to use with their reaction speed and overload resistance, making them excellent mass-produced models akin to Amuro.
This machine even had an advanced artificial intelligence version, meaning that even the pilot could be eliminated, and it could eventually replace the current mecha series.
The medical academy had come up with a new treatment plan for Corruption Disease. Special drugs developed from patient blood serum were now undergoing clinical trials. Ryan had already heard about it from Sakura. A child brought in from Britain was on the clinical list, and it was said that the disease had been stabilized.
Currently, Corruption Disease couldn't be cured, but at least its progression could be slowed, and it was immediately elevated to the highest priority by Mei.
Then, Dr. Vidich from the Third Research Institute, alongside Mobius, presented their reports. Vidich was beaming with excitement, saying that they had made breakthrough progress in the theoretical research of the Sea of Quantum, and that there was a chance to open the barriers of space in certain special areas. They were now seeking ways to make that happen.
Mobius, in contrast, presented her report in a rational, calm manner, summarizing the Fusion Warrior project. Her cold expression and meticulous logic gave Ryan a fresh impression of her.
As expected, people had many sides to them. This look made her resemble a beautiful doctor, but wait—she was already a beautiful doctor.
Ryan eyes moved as he watched Mobius control the computer, explaining complex data, and answering difficult questions.
In her short skirt, black stockings, and white lab coat, she exuded the aura of a mature, knowledgeable woman. What was most captivating was her brilliant mind and the confidence that almost spilled out of her.
There was no problem that could stump her. In the field of biological research, she was the most authoritative expert. The flash of wisdom made Ryan gaze freeze. As his eyes followed Mobius, a thought arose in his mind.
Why complicate things so much? This state is more to my liking.
He remembered their second meeting, deep underground at the Eastern Branch. The focused look Mobius had back then had etched a deep mark in his mind.
This woman really flitted between being a little devil and a wise angel, making it impossible to predict her.
"So, the first phase of the Fusion Warrior project has been a perfect success. The next tasks have been divided into three main categories and fifteen subcategories," Mobius said, flipping her long hair, her earrings gleaming under the spotlight. Then she began outlining.
"First, the further development of super-variable factors. Please take a look at this theoretical model..."
Ryan, being a scientist as well, gradually became focused as Mobius' thoughts intensified. In the conference hall, the only sounds were the tapping of keyboards as people made notes.
Everyone was deeply engaged. Even though the speakers were top authorities, including Vil-V, the magician who didn't follow the rules, Mobius' report was still textbook-perfect.
"Finally, we are also studying the gene fragments of ordinary humans to understand why there are variations in Honkai Energy adaptability."
When Mobius finished speaking, she nodded lightly, and then there was a round of enthusiastic applause. Unlike Vil-V, who thrived on praise, Mobius only glanced at Ryan, the one who had started the applause, with a faint smile on her lips.
Hmph, that's better.
The meeting ended perfectly. People, their minds exhausted and legs stiff from sitting too long, stood up to stretch and move. Another hall had already been set up for the cold buffet.
If it weren't for the fact that most of the research departments would be integrated deep underground, Mei would have never bothered with such team-building events. But since they were going to work together, it was inevitable that they'd get to know each other. It would also reduce her coordination difficulties.
Ryan also stood up, discussing the meeting's content with Mobius as they moved with the crowd toward the banquet hall. It was a rather luxurious hall, with golden chandeliers casting soft light, and the sound of soothing symphonies filled the air, giving off an elegant atmosphere.
The food was rather simple. Researchers didn't have many demands. People held plates and chatted in small groups, and Ryan saw many familiar faces.
There were researchers from the Eastern Branch, including Sene, who had been intimidated by him earlier, as well as Sakura, the senior bodyguard of the Research Committee. Her presence here made sense.
"So, what's the uninvited guest doing here?" Mobius crossed her arms, coldly staring at the pink-haired girl. Amidst the sea of white coats, the girl stood out like a flower.
Elysia also had a plate, filled with fried chicken wings, fries, and other snacks. When Mobius caught sight of her, Elysia looked confused.
"Because I just returned to headquarters, and I like attending all kinds of parties♪."
"This is the Research Committee's event. What does it have to do with you?"
"But Mei agreed." Elysia glanced at Mobius, who was meddling, and stood on her tiptoes with a smirk. "Heh, Mobius, you're quite aggressive. Are you trying to be alone with Ryan?"
"Who cares? I'm just upset about the expenses. You can eat the equivalent of dozens of people!" Mobius shot back coldly, then subtly raised her heels.
"Dear Mobius, you're still so stubborn. If that's all, I'll have to refuse. But since Mei already agreed, it's fine."
Looking at the brightly smiling Elysia, Mobius gritted her teeth, nearly saying what was really on her mind. Just then, she caught sight of Sakura, who was holding a knife and standing guard. Some painful memories surged up in her mind.
No, I have to hold back. This fat woman is too mysterious. Who knows what she's thinking? I've already lost face once. I can't let it happen again.
With her big mouth, she'd definitely tell that bastard, and that jerk would come over pretending to be elegant, lifting his chin lightly.
"Mobius, I see you didn't treat me as a lab rat. Since that's the case, just behave from now on. Go on, pour Elysia some water."
My pride cannot be controlled by you. I'm the one who orders others around, at least, she listens to me!
Mobius thought about this scenario, the killing intent radiating from her making the people around her quickly back off, whispering about what was wrong with Dr. Mei.
"Truly mouthwatering," Dr. Vidich, bald and holding a glass of champagne, said with a light sip, chuckling, "Dr. Ryan, sometimes we all envy you. There are so few women in our field, and the most beautiful doctor has such a close relationship with you. Even Miss Elysia looks at you differently."
Envy? More like cursing.
Ryan thought to himself that this was like certain miserable professions where men occupy 80%, and most of them are bald. The jealousy was as clear as day. As soon as he walked in, he felt the gaze of death from countless people.
"Overrated. I think their conversation topics might not be so pleasant," Ryan replied.
"Hahaha, so you avoided them as soon as you entered. What a fortunate trouble. I was young once, but I never had the luck you have." Vidich laughed heartily, wiping his sparse hair.
Shouldn't you look at yourself in the mirror? You barely have any hair left.
Ryan lips twitched. He wasn't sure if this was sarcasm, but he glanced at the elegant chandelier. The remnants of the snowstorm from Northern Europe still lingered in his memory.
It felt surreal, yet somehow fortunate. Perhaps it was these "fortunate troubles" that allowed him to maintain his 'true self.'
He set down his glass, asking indifferently, "I'm really interested in the Third Research Institute's results, especially the equipment for the Sea of Quantum that you mentioned. Could you elaborate?"
The cold buffet was meant for refreshments, allowing research teams to communicate privately, so Vidich wasn't surprised.
"Your interest is my honor, but the project is managed by someone else. Please wait a moment."
After he spoke, Vidich turned and left. Ryan continued to watch as Mobius and Elysia exchanged looks. A moment later, Vidich returned, bringing a subordinate with him.
The person looked like a standard engineer, young, with a blank expression, wearing thick glasses and disheveled clothes.
"Dr. Ryan, this is the project leader, Grivius. He can answer your questions."
"Nice to meet you, Dr. Grivius," Ryan extended his right hand. The young man froze for a moment, quickly wiping his oily hands on his clothes before firmly shaking Ryan hand.
"Uh, I'm not great with words, but I've always admired you. You're an authority in theoretical research and a pioneer in applied fields."
Even Ryan, who had a thick skin, was taken aback by the flattery, but he quickly recovered. "You flatter me. I've only made a small contribution to human technological progress."
But inside, Ryan felt quite pleased. Just as he was about to praise Grivius, a thick notebook was suddenly thrust into his hands.
"This is some of my research. Please provide guidance!"
The notebook was dirty and smelly, but it was filled with various formulas and texts. Ryan started flipping through it, immediately becoming serious.
Judging a person by appearance is meaningless.
He set down his plate and quickly flipped through the pages, reading at a speed that left Vidich stunned.
Of course, Ryan wasn't using quantum reading. He didn't need to pretend. Gathering information was one of his strengths, so he read and asked questions simultaneously.
"You believe that space barriers aren't uniformly thick and that there are weak points in certain areas?"
"Yes, the Third Research Institute has done preliminary surveys and identified five locations. Excluding errors, they match our calculations. Whether exploring virtual space or the Sea of Quantum, we need to step outside our current space," Grivius said enthusiastically, setting a few oranges on the table, pointing to them.
"Earth is like a piece of pulp inside an orange, and the universe is the orange itself. What we need to do is jump out of the orange, and maybe we'll encounter other oranges."
The leaf theory.
Ryan glanced at the oranges and asked, "This is from Dr. Mei, right?"
"Yes, I referred to her paper. I believe the Sea of Quantum is closer to us than the elusive virtual space." Grivius tapped the table, explaining, "At least we're all on the table. As long as we don't go too deep, we can come back."
There's some logic in that. If a broken world falls directly into the sea, does each world correspond to a sea, or is this sea interconnected across all worlds?
Ryan believed it was the latter. He closed the notebook.
"But biological entities cannot enter. Crossing space would destroy them."
"That's why I've proposed a second hypothesis." The young man wiped his greasy hair, his face showing some excitement.
"Biological entities can't, but what about information? Why can't we convert matter into information at the starting point and then convert the information back into matter at the destination?"
Ryan slightly opened his mouth. He thought he was going to mention the Second Divine Keys, but he raised his head, looking at the lively banquet hall.
These people, under Mei's leadership, were using virtual energy as a foundation, creating something called 'science'—a form of magic.