[Detected that the host has died, the system temporarily ends the simulation scene.]
[Each death does not cause actual harm to the host, but the system recommends the host seek an excellent psychologist to treat psychological trauma.]
[The next time the host simulates a scene, time will roll back to one hour before death. Please prepare in advance.]
[This simulation has no rewards; given the host's good performance, the system specially plays a song 'Cool Cool' for you.]
[Congratulations to the host for increasing consciousness carrying capacity due to death, theoretically extending simulation time.]
[The next best simulation time is one day later.]
As all consciousness reassembled, Chen Ran instinctively gasped for breath.
Death was not a pleasant experience.
As all consciousness in the brain was extinguished one after another, even breathing became difficult, and he helplessly watched the perceived world turn blurry, everything converging into nothingness...
All sensations were engulfed in an instant, filled with great terror.
"What's wrong? Not adapting?"
Chen Ran looked over, only to see Blanca looking at him with concern, saying, "Or are you a bit nervous?"
"But you can rest assured, Dr. Mobius is a very easy-going person."
Upon hearing this name, Chen Ran was slightly taken aback.
Mobius?!
What have you entrusted to the AI!
After syncing with the memories of number 666, Chen Ran finally understood why he was standing in front of the door of the First Research Institute.
In simple terms, it was because number 666 had accepted Blanca's invitation, and now Blanca was recommending him to Mobius.
Clearly, in number 666's mind, although Mobius was very dangerous, the resources of the First Research Institute were tempting.
"Oh, it's nothing, let's go in."
A resolute expression of facing death appeared on Chen Ran's face.
Blanca: "..."
…
…
There weren't many staff members in the First Research Institute; most had worked for a while, couldn't adapt to Mobius's personality, and then applied for internal transfers.
Currently, there were only two formal employees in the entire First Research Institute, along with a few non-staff members.
The formal employees were naturally only Mobius and Blanca, while the non-staff members, according to Mobius, wouldn't last long anyway, so they weren't given formal positions.
Thus, Chen Ran also didn't have a formal position.
He hadn't expected that even in Fire Moth, one would need a formal position.
But Blanca comforted him, "It's okay, non-staff employees and formal employees have equal treatment. As long as you gain Dr. Mobius's recognition, becoming a formal employee is just a matter of time."
Fire Moth was also divided into multiple departments and positions.
Becoming a warrior naturally didn't have the distinction of formal or non-staff, as the requirements for warriors were the same for everyone. However, other departmental positions needed this method to increase employee motivation.
However, Chen Ran didn't expect that among the non-staff employees here, there was someone he wasn't familiar with, but whose name was well-known.
MEI.
He saw this girl, who looked ninety percent like Raiden Mei, working at an experimental table in the First Research Institute.
Blanca introduced, "This is MEI, like you, a survivor of the Nagazora City Honkai disaster, but unlike you, her talent is very high; she published a paper on quantum physics while still in high school."
Chen Ran was puzzled, "I remember the First Research Institute should focus on biological research; is there a connection between quantum physics and biology?"
"Quantum physics and biology are unrelated."
MEI, who had overheard their conversation, took the initiative to explain, "But both quantum physics and biology are related to Honkai."
"I proposed the requirement to study in various research institutes; one cannot be limited to a single field."
MEI was undoubtedly a genius.
But even geniuses have cognitive limitations.
Just like before the Third Honkai Eruption, she didn't know what Honkai was, so naturally, she couldn't come up with a response.
To break through this limitation, MEI proactively proposed the requirement to study in various research institutes. Although the higher-ups of Fire Moth expressed skepticism about MEI's learning ability, they did not refuse.
There was a saying that had been circulating among the higher-ups of Fire Moth: do not use a mortal's understanding to glimpse the boundaries of a genius.
Although it couldn't yet be confirmed how far MEI's talents could go, she was recommended to Fire Moth by Mobius, and just that was enough.
Each research institute of Fire Moth corresponded to every field of world knowledge.
First Biological Research Institute, Second Chemical Research Institute, Third Engineering Research Institute, Fourth Computer Research Institute, Fifth Medical Research Institute, Sixth Material Research Institute...
But due to Honkai Energy, the research fields of these institutes were all related to Honkai. The cutting-edge fields beyond the foundational areas of Honkai Energy were handed over to Mu Continent.
Every research institute gathered scientists who had achieved academic success in cutting-edge fields, with Mobius's talent being the most outstanding among them.
Setting aside Mobius's biological field, currently, the versatile weapons of Fire Moth and the potions enhancing the combat abilities of Fire Moth warriors were all researched by her.
MEI looked at Blanca and asked, "Is he also a survivor of Nagazora City?"
Although Chen Ran (number 666) often discussed MEI with Kevin, this was indeed their first real-life meeting.
"Yes." Blanca said, "He has a rich knowledge reserve in biology."
Chen Ran introduced himself, "Hello, I am Chen Ran, from Shenzhou."
Shenzhou was also affected by the Third Honkai Eruption, and the city where Hua was located, Canghai City, was destroyed during this Honkai.
"Alright, you two will have plenty of time to chat later. Chen Ran, I'll take you to meet the doctor first."
…
…
Regarding Blanca bringing Chen Ran to the First Research Institute, Mobius had no objections.
She simply asked a few routine questions and then let Blanca arrange his work. Mobius had a lot of trust in this assistant who had been with her long enough, both in terms of Sight and character.
However, trusting him was one thing; not wanting to interact with Chen Ran was another.
Ever since Ato took Blanca away to have Little Griseo, Blanca's focus in work and life had visibly shifted towards family. Although Mobius didn't voice it, she felt somewhat displeased about it.
During this time, even though Blanca hadn't mentioned it, Mobius could sense that she was planning to leave.
But out of her responsibility as an assistant, Blanca stayed until she found a suitable replacement.
Chen Ran felt somewhat fortunate about this.
As long as Mobius didn't pay attention to him, his biggest wish was to survive in Fire Moth, and after becoming MANTIS, to leave behind a life when Finality arrived.
That way, with fifty thousand years of time, he would likely find a way to counter the Honkai.
Even if he couldn't find it, it wouldn't matter.
At least he would have lived for fifty thousand years.
However, the current situation wasn't about how to survive but rather how to clear the simulation scenario.
No matter how one survives, if they can't clear the simulation, it would be meaningless.
"World Serpent, huh? I'll remember you."
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