"You're too kind, really. I just happened to look into this place."
Lynelle was quite pleased with Dr. Ratio's assessment.
As everyone knew, Lynelle and Herta were extremely close, so it wasn't unreasonable to consider Lynelle part of the space station's combat strength.
Besides, apart from the Simulated Universe, Lynelle had full access to all permissions throughout the entire station.
Even shutting down the station-wide defense system was just a thought away for her.
As for the Simulated Universe... Herta kept Lynelle away from it precisely because she feared for her safety.
After all, to certain Aeons, Lynelle was practically like catnip.
A few of them were constantly trying to pull her over to their side. And the anomalous logs of Aha within the Simulated Universe indicated that Aeons could indeed perceive events happening inside it.
If Lynelle suddenly connected to the Simulated Universe and accidentally triggered another grand gathering of Aeons at the space station like the Xianzhou incident...
Forget whether Lynelle could survive safely—she'd definitely become famous across the cosmos, at the very least.
"It's just that I didn't expect you had such a plan, Professor Ratio... When I first sensed the Phase Flame here, I thought we'd caught that mastermind behind the space station staff disappearances—Duke Inferno."
"..."
Though there was no evidence, Dr. Ratio had a gut feeling Lynelle was being sarcastic.
"That Phase Flame was something I encountered by chance in a spatial rift while investigating Ruan Mei's experiments in the Seclusion Zone."
"I originally intended to return it to its rightful owner after that experimental farce concluded."
"However, I unexpectedly sensed the presence of another Phase Flame through this wisp of fire, and the other party was attempting to teleport the station's staff into outer space..."
"That's truly malicious. If Herta saw the staff being sent into the void, it might trigger some... unpleasant memories."
Lynelle, an authority on such matters, couldn't help but sigh.
"The other party is a follower of the Path of Destruction. Such actions are to be expected as normal conduct."
Dr. Ratio's voice paused briefly before continuing, "So, I decided to turn their scheme to my advantage and set up this situation. I wanted to observe whether the people on this station could still function independently without relying on geniuses."
"And what's your observation?" Lynelle asked curiously.
"Passable. At least they didn't just shut their eyes and wait for Madam Herta to return and solve the problem."
"However, since you're here, that means the space station side is planning to take action, right?"
"No matter, it doesn't affect things." Lynelle waved a hand dismissively.
"Professor Ratio, feel free to proceed with your plan. Just leave Duke Inferno to me. Besides, it seems quite a few individuals within the station are getting restless..."
"You mean that 'Herta Surveillance Team' group chat?"
"Huh? Professor, you're in it too?" Lynelle was taken aback.
"I'm afraid it's not just me..." A strange expression flickered across Dr. Ratio's face. "Put it this way—you should ask who isn't in it."
"Hmm... That's not a big issue. After dealing with Duke Inferno, I'll go back and properly discipline the ringleader. Make an example of them."
"As you wish. I have no interest in such matters... Hm?"
Almost simultaneously, Lynelle and Dr. Ratio looked up, their gazes fixing on a specific point.
"This time it's Miss Asta..." Dr. Ratio frowned slightly. "Will you handle it, or shall I?"
"I'll take care of it." Lynelle snapped her fingers lightly. Under Dr. Ratio's scrutinizing gaze, a spatial portal instantly opened above them.
The next second, Asta, enveloped in azure flames, appeared at the portal and slowly descended.
"Mmm... She seems physically unharmed." Lynelle reached out to assess Asta's condition, her expression relaxing.
"She just seems to be suffering from something like motion sickness from the coordinate shifts during phase teleportation... Is Phase Flame teleportation really that crude?"
"Clearly, that's Duke Inferno's problem," Dr. Ratio said, spreading his hands. "At least I don't get dizzy every time I teleport."
"But that move Duke Inferno just made... You should have sensed his location by now, right?"
"Mm." Lynelle nodded. "His spatial authority was never on par with mine to begin with. That spatial fluctuation just now—I've already locked onto his position."
"Then Duke Inferno is yours to deal with." Dr. Ratio gave a casual wave, utterly unconcerned about who would claim the 'kill.'
"While there's still time, I need to return and see if she can deduce the opponent's final move. As for Duke Inferno..."
He glanced at Lynelle floating in the air and the eager Corruption-chan beside her, a slight smile touching his lips. "Let's hope he has good luck."
With that, Dr. Ratio's body was instantly wreathed in flames identical to those that had surrounded Asta, and he swiftly vanished from the spot.
"Lynelle, should we..."
Corruption-chan tugged at Lynelle's sleeve.
"Let's go too~" Lynelle gently took the little one's hand, and their figures likewise disappeared from the spot.
After what felt like less than a second, the two reappeared in a deserted section of the space station. Floating opposite Lynelle was a cluster of deep blue flame.
Upon their arrival, the wisp of fire immediately began scrutinizing Lynelle and Corruption-chan with a complex expression.
A moment later, a voice slowly emanated from the flame.
"Fellow traveler on the Path of Destruction, one who has walked even farther than I, favored by our Lord... Why do you interfere with my plans?"
"?"
A question mark seemed to slowly materialize above Lynelle's head.
"Wait... you don't know me?"
While Lynelle was currently in her Sirin transformation state, it only amounted to slight changes in hair color, eye color, and physique.
Even Dr. Ratio, who had only met her once, recognized her easily. If Duke Inferno knew of Lynelle, there was no reason he wouldn't recognize her.
Unless...
"Know you? Are you famous on the Path of Destruction?"
"Oh... I see now."
Lynelle couldn't help but let a grin spread across her face.
"So, Nanook hasn't issued a widespread bounty to his followers demanding my capture... That means most across the universe probably won't recognize me either, huh?"
"Well now, this just got interesting..."
--+--
T/N: I have a Patreon! Webnovel will get 2 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.