⚠️ SPOILER ALERT ⚠️
This post contains a VERY HEAVY SPOILER for the chapter that has not been released in EN yet! Feel free to notify me if there are any mistakes in the translation~
- IMPORTANT!!! to fully understand the story, prior knowledge of previous S2 chapters are needed. Before, I made a short summary that explain those chapters. I hope this can help :D. (Though this chapter is less plot heavy so you’ll probs understand like 85% of it even without any knowledge of previous chapter ahah–
- Quick recap of what happened before in S2: In search of CORE to solve the blood disease that killing off Evolver, MC went to the orphanage to search for CORE and meet Lucien here. In the orphanage MC found out that she’s actually the CORE carrier. But no one knows/sure about it because there’s a ‘barrier’ that hide the CORE from getting discovered. The barrier was a result of Experiments No.0 that’s created by MC’s dad. Anyway, after MC and Lucien went out from the orphanage, Xiao Yue was waiting for them along with other NW members. To get out from that situation, MC shoot herself to open the CORE barrier. If you want to read more about last chap, you can read it here
[Chapter 34-1]
- MC wakes up in pain and found herself in a white space. She remembered firing a shot at herself in an attempt to break the CORE’s barrier. She assumed that she’s still in the NW laboratory and tried to escape, only to find herself get transported to Twin Leaf Orphanage, in the room where she woke up 17 years ago.
What does this mean? Why am I back here again and what is the purpose of this NW experiment?
Amidst the chaotic thoughts, a sound of footsteps approached me.
I immediately sat up from the operating table, grabbed the ballpoint pen on the desk with my hand, and looked warily at the door.
The door was slowly opened and a man stepped out of the shadows, causing me to hold my breath momentarily.
He was wearing a shirt and looked no different from the last time I saw him.
MC: …Dad?
Dad: It’s been a long time, MC.
- From outside world perspective, MC was sleeping on a lab bed with Xiao Yue and NW researchers observing her across the glass.
- There’s an invisible barrier outside her body. It was speculated that if they tried to forcibly destroy the barrier, it could cause serious damage to the CORE on her body.
- No one could remove this barrier, so they couldn’t do any experiments on her. Lucien was also here, standing in the corner.
Xiao Yue’s eyes moved to the corner of the laboratory.
Xiao Yue: Professor Lucien, was this situation also within your estimation?
Lucien glanced toward the place where the girl was sleeping, with obscure emotions hidden in his eyes, and folded into the cold light.
Lucien: According to the record of experiment No. 0 left in the orphanage, a barrier was set up around the CORE’s host.
Lucien: Due to the technical limitations of that time, they had already anticipated that the barrier layer could be destroyed by external energy, so…
Lucien: They will not leave this kind of gap.
Lucien’s voice was faint, and it calmly slammed against Xiao Yue’s scrutinizing gaze.
Lucien: I guess this is the true barrier to protect the experiment.
Lucien: In other words, when the barrier is not removed naturally, there’s a closed form that appears after an external damage attack.
Lucien: And thus it also protects the power of CORE.
The neither humble nor arrogant words landed steadily in every corner of the laboratory, the busy researcher stopped the record in his hand and looked at Lucien.
Xiao Yue’s face sank for only a moment before he slightly raised the corners of his mouth.
Xiao Yue: Professor Lucien seems to have a solution?
Lucien: It depends on whether Mr. Xiao has enough courage.
Lucien: Because I’m not going to address it here.
From time to time, the sleeping girl showed a slightly uncomfortable expression and struggling with clenched fists.
Lucien’s eyes darkened and he walked towards the door with no one coming forward to stop him.
After walking out NW’s front door, he picked up his phone and pressed a series of numbers.
He waited patiently, and the phone was picked up at the moment it was about to be cut off.
Lucien: I need the plan to start in advance.
[Chapter 34-2]
I stared blankly at the sudden appearance of my “dad” and subconsciously took a step back.
Why is my dad here? Could this be some kind of scheme by NW?
I couldn’t figure anything out for a moment. I just stared at the person in front of me. Even if it’s a trap… I couldn’t even blink my eyes.
My dad, who accompanied me for more than ten years, raised me to grow up, and always looked at me tenderly.
My dad, who suddenly disappeared from my life, no matter how much preparation and prevention I made.
The most important person I thought I had lost forever.
Standing in front of me right now.
The man across the table seemed to see my silence and patiently and gently put his hands behind his back. He smiled, which is the most familiar look to me.
Dad: I know how long it takes to accept all this. So it’s okay, MC, take your time
MC: ….
I looked at my “dad” hesitantly and opened my mouth.
MC: Dad… why are you here?
Dad: Because of Experiment No. 0
His voice wasn’t loud, but it struck me hard.
He did not dodge nor conceal anything, and continued to speak with utmost sincerity.
Dad: Whether you have seen the information left in the Twin Leaf orphanage or not, since you are here, it means that the barrier in your body has been destroyed by external forces.
Dad: Only in this situation I can come to see you in this “form”.
Dad: As the last line of defense.
I froze for a moment, having some difficulty digesting what he said.
Could it be that this is not NW’s lab? Or is this some kind of illusion created by NW to extract other information from me by using “Dad”?
MC: …Why are you doing this?
Dad: Because Dad wants you to be safe.
My father lightly looked at me with a slight furrowed brow and a small helpless smile.
Dad: CORE is more powerful beyond all of our imaginations, and it’s not a stretch to call it a force that can change the world.
Dad: In relation to this, it is bound to attract countless attention and contention.
Dad: I’m an ordinary father, I don’t want my daughter to live forever in a state of uncertainty and escape, I do not want her to become an object or a bargaining chip…
Dad: Become a symbol of sacrifice to the world at some time of necessity, pushed by countless people.
Dad: I hope she can grow up safely as an ordinary child, with her own little dreams.
Dad: So back then… I conducted that experiment in secret.
It was the first time I saw a sort of sorrowful expression on my father’s face, and I was somewhat dumbfounded.
There is something like a heavy tide, silently covering my body, makes me feel a little at a loss.
MC: So this place…isn’t NW’s lab?
Dad: Of course not.
Dad: This place is your dream.
In front my surprised look, my father smiled and gently stroked the operating table surface.
Dad: The power of CORE is powerful, especially after you make the world go through a time warp as it completes its metamorphosis and moves forward to what it is today.
Dad: This power, which contains space-time and the world, can tear you apart in an instant.
Dad: Therefore, if the barrier in your body is destroyed in an unnatural way and this power is suddenly flooded into your body, you will be instantly devoured by it.
My father spoke with great clarity, and every words sounded in my ears, making me even a little scared.
It took me quite a while to digest what he had just said, and my father waited patiently, even gazing at me somewhat reminiscently.
MC: Is that why… I am here, in my dreams, slowly absorbing that immense power?
Dad: That’s right.
Dad: It’s just a matter of time. And you won’t wake up from the dream until you’re sure your body won’t be burdened by it.
Dad: But of course, because we also set up another “barrier”, so no one will do any harm to you while you are sleeping.
My heart sank a bit as I gazed at my dad’s face, wondering why I felt like I had changed from ‘MC’ to my dad’s little daughter in a heartbeat.
Perhaps in his mind, I will always be a child.
You do as much as possible, and do more, just to protect me, to keep me away from danger, and give me the right to step back and hesitate.
Those times we spent together told me clearly that this man is my dad, the one who will always consider me his greatest pride.
MC: …Dad.
My voice was a little choked up, and my overwhelming thoughts made me take a few steps forward.
MC: Did you wait for me here all this time?
Dad: Silly child.
It was not until then that my father finally came up to me, stretched out his hand slightly awkwardly, and touched my head.
I don’t know if it was because of the dream, but I felt the long-lost warmth of his palm.
Dad: It’s just a memory I left here, because there are some things that Dad hopes you never need to know.
Dad: But I will be your strength when you have to face certain things.
Dad: I’m sorry I could only protect you in that way before, and I hope you can forgive Dad for being “authoritarian”.
MC: So where exactly are you… I really miss you.
There was a glimmer of sadness in my father’s eyes and he didn’t answer me when I asked him.
Dad: You’re all grown up now, MC.
Dad: So… You can make your own choice now.
I looked up in confusion and bumped into my father’s gentle smile.
Dad: In fact, there is a way to get out of here immediately
With that being said, my father walked over to a machine in the corner of the lab.
Dad: Back then, before completing Experiment No.0, your power had gone out of control several times.
Dad: Whether awake or asleep, those disorganized and confusing precognitive dreams eat away your mind and make you more and more miserable…
Dad: It’s also getting weaker.
I froze. In those blurred scenes, I couldn’t remember any memories before the age of five. Is that why?
Dad: So I used this machine to record all your dreams while trying to figure out how I could fix that uncontrolled power.
Dad: This is part of the reason Experiment No. 0 exists.
Dad: Later, after I watched those dreams, I gradually confirmed one thing.
His expression was particularly firm, as if he had the determination to overcome all difficulties.
Dad: MC, this power, you do not necessarily have to accept it.
Dad: You can seal it up permanently if you want –
Dad: Let it disappear from this world forever.
MC: B-but…
Many faces crossed my mind, and the many people that are affected by blood disease may still be waiting for help from CORE.
And those silent memories may also need the power of CORE to be awakened.
MC: But there are still people who need CORE.
And I need it too.
Dad: Which is more important, a short-lived salvation for now or a long-lasting future?
Dad: Perhaps the disappearance of CORE is the way to protect both yourself and the world you love.
I couldn’t understand my father’s words, I just felt my ears were buzzing.
Dad: See for yourself, the future that comes with your awakening.
Dad: Think it through and then make your decision.
The moment the machine was activated, the solid walls of the laboratory suddenly distorted.
The man looked dotingly at the girl sleeping on the machine and closed his eyes somewhat sadly.
However, with the sound of footsteps coming from behind him, he quickly gathered up all his emotions and turned around.
He faintly gazed for a moment at the man who appeared in front of him, and his calm face filled with a little bit of nostalgia.
MC’s Dad: You have grown so much, Lucien.
MC’s Dad: This must be the first time we see each other after 17 years.
Lucien’s cold eyes flashed with surprise for a moment, but he quickly covered it up.
He had many assumptions about this dream, but had not expected to meet this man here at all.
It seems that this dream holds a more profound meaning than he thought.
He bowed slightly and stared quietly at the man.
Lucien: Hello.
Behind the gentle voice wrapped in a few faint warnings, the smile on the man’s face morphed into a commanding presence.
Lucien: There is no way I can leave her alone.
Lucien: This is the only thing that I’m afraid I can’t do as you say.
Lucien’s eyes moved slowly to the girl’s face, his particularly deep eyes were like the deep tide in the night.
Suddenly, a two-meter-high black hole slowly spread out from the wall on the side. Lucien stepped into it without any hesitation, leaving only faint murmur in the air.
Lucien: I also hope… my purpose is as simple as that.
[Chapter 34-4]
- MC is currently on her own precognitive dream, dreaming about a possible future if she awakens the CORE. The world is basically in chaos, and amidst all chaos, she saw herself.
Then, I saw myself.
Inside the huge medical pod, I saw my sleeping face.
The girl closed her eyes quietly, and looked like an object under the indifferent gazes of countless researchers wearing white coats outside the pod.
??: How’s the comet doing?
??: It is accelerating toward Earth and will probably arrive in 142 days.
??: Shit.
A man angrily hammered the wall of the medical pod and cursed.
??: If not for this CORE awakening, how else that comet could have been affected by gravity?
??: From the very beginning you made a big joke and mistake by letting the CORE awaken!
I froze in place and lost all of my words for a moment.
What he means is… From the beginning, that comet… was here because of my awakening?
If CORE is another way of saying QUEEN…. If I hadn’t awakened that power in the first place, the world wouldn’t have come to an end-
And there is no need to start over?
My whole body could not help but shiver, and the only thing I could do was to freeze in place. The busy crowd hazed into a single point of light, making it more and more difficult for me to see their faces.
??: If Professor Lucien is still alive, then…
??: What nonsense, Professor Lucien is making a great contribution to humanity!
??: He voluntarily explored more secrets about CORE for humanity in a ruthless way, saving the dying CORE host!
??: If it weren’t for him, how would humans have evolved to this point?
??: But the world is falling apart because of CORE’s awakening!
I blinked sluggishly, and the tangled conversations sounded like muffled bubbles that kept rising in the deep sea.
Soon, the image in front of me turned into a misty haze – and finally there was a regular and cold mechanical sound in my ears.
I saw another smaller medical pod, the pod from above cast a variety of tubes, and those tubes finally all inserted into…
A human brain.
I felt my whole body spasm violently, as my legs lost their strength and fell to the ground with a heavy thud.
The electronic screen in front of the medical pod kept bouncing with data that still seemed to be constantly calculated.
There is no emotion, no sound, no breathing.
And yet there it is.
No one gave me a firm answer, but I knew what it was.
This is… Precognitive dream of the future after the CORE awakening?
My vision became unbearably blurred and my body unconsciously huddled as if something was constantly pounding on my heart.
Is there anyone who can tell me this is all a lie?
At this moment, all the previous determination and resolve are crumbling into a shattered fragment, and constantly cutting a sharp slash in my heart.
Even if there is only a 1% chance that the future of this world will become like this because of CORE’s awakening. If Lucien will become like this then…
What is the point of all this?
Is that why dad said… The disappearance of CORE is the only way to protect the world?
My eyes stared blankly as teardrops kept slipping from my eyes without emotion.
Will the world be a better place if I don’t awaken CORE?
Even if we can’t get back those lost memories, can we still live happily?
MC: Lucien…
I choked up and raised my head, wanting to try to hold on to something.
“Beep-“
“Beep-“
“Beep-“
The entire atmosphere was filled with only the emotionless sound of machinery, the pod calmly surging with tiny bubbles, like a silent and voiceless tap.
MC: Lucien?
???: Hmm.
- (T/N: Ok so before anyone get confused, In this particular possible future she became an experiment
subject, while Lucien (already died because, bruh no one can live without brain-) has his brain in a
machine, fully devoted himself to constantly working to save the dying MC and researching CORE. Lucien that answered her is the Lucien from real world that also got into her dream to accompany her.)
Just like a hallucination, a familiar and gentle voice fell behind me.
In the next instant, I felt a pair of gentle palms caress my cheek, accompanied by a sigh, and I looked into a pair of inky eyes.
MC: So this dream… I can change it with my mind?
Lucien: I’m here to find you.
His fingertips gently wiped the tears on my face, and his gentle words floated in the dense mist, as if they would dissipate in the next second.
Lucien: MC, I’ve come to find you in your dream.
MC: …Why did you bother coming to find me?
Lucien: [softly] Because I can’t leave you alone in the dream.
Lucien: You’ve been sleeping for a long time. So I’m wondering if I should find a way to wake up this sleeping beauty.
I froze sluggishly in place for a long time before the focus of my eyes slowly coalesced on the face in front of me-
I finally got a good look at Lucien’s face.
Just like that, tears immediately poured out.
MC: I… Have I been asleep for long?
Lucien: Well, you’ve slept for 3 days so far.
Lucien: Although you were brought back to the NW headquarters, they were unable to do any research on you because of the expanded barrier.
Lucien: But that’s exactly why I can safely come to you in the dream.
Hearing him say that, my heart didn’t waver and I slightly lowered my eyes.
MC: It seems that in order to keep the power from getting out of control, I will stay in the dream for a while and wait for my body to slowly adapt to this power.
MC: But… I can also seal this power and leave this dream.
My head was getting lower and lower, and my eyes were fixed on the horizontal lines of the floor.
MC: If my dad is not lying to me, this is my precognitive dream.
MC: Then… if I awaken the CORE, the comet will change its trajectory to the earth and the world will come to an end…
MC: And you will…
My words didn’t go any further
I didn’t have any courage to finish it.
I felt that Lucien seemed to stand up and walked to the medical pod. I don’t know what he was looking at, and I’m not sure what his expression would be now.
The dead silence pressed down on me a little.
I kept my head down, as if preparing for the coming trial.
What will Lucien think of it?
And I am afraid to face the answer to this question.
But soon, those feet stepped back. A pair of hands reached out and lifted me up, as if they had also fished me out of some black mud
I subconsciously lifted my head and collided into those deep eyes.
Lucien had a soft smile on his face, he didn’t say anything, just reached out and touched my head.
Lucien: Okay, then just seal it.
Lucien: And then, we go home.
[Chapter 34-6]
MC: W-wait…!
I didn’t expect Lucien to be so straightforward.
Watching him take my hand and head for the door, I subconsciously pulled him back.
MC: Lucien… Is this really okay?
Lucien: What’s wrong with that?
MC: …What about those patients with blood diseases? And those Evolver who are not fully evolved, are they going to be sick in the future?
MC: The CORE… Can it really be decided and simply discarded by me in this way?
Lucien: Why not?
There was no hesitation in Lucien’s eyes, and a frantic me was reflected in his deep eyes.
Lucien: The history of mankind has been filled with diseases that have swept the world and countless viruses that have consumed countless people.
Lucien: The blood disease that has appeared in Loveland City is the result of human behavior driven by malice.
Lucien: It may even more easily solved than the usual rampant diseases.
Lucien: Whether it is sacrifice or death now, it is only a small microcosm of human struggle in the huge history.
Lucien: If you can’t find a solution other than CORE, then it’s just a case of going through the motions. After all, no one can predict that CORE will inevitably appear at this moment.
Lucien’s words were particularly plain and direct, like a precise sharp blade, cutting through the fog, revealing a real but bloody result.
Lucien: And Evolver, too.
Lucien: This is the path of evolution, even if it leads to a future of near annihilation and destruction.
Lucien: At the moment you shot yourself, you should have been harboring the awareness of carrying everything. Now, you are just putting the awareness further away.
Lucien: There’s no right or wrong answer in this matter.
Those neat and cold words burrowed into my ears, making me even more ashamed of my wandering heart.
I know I’m just afraid to face this big choice and the consequences I might have to bear.
Lucien is right, there will always be sacrifices in the world, but the thought that someone will lose their life because of my choices still fills me with a heavy sense of guilt.
Yet even if I choose to do so, perhaps more people will die as a result.
So the world is trying to tell me that because I carry CORE, I have to give up some people no matter what I choose?
I stood in place blankly, unable to find my voice for a long time.
MC: Lucien, I… can I think about it again?
Lucien: Of course.
Lucien: This is your choice after all.
- MC and Lucien found a small house in that prerecognitive dream, they decided to temporarily stay while dwelling about the future of the end. MC watched a TV that broadcasted disasters that was happening around the world. Although humanity already formulated so many plans for doomsday, they all know that it was probably all in vain. MC glanced at Lucien that seemed to be reading something.
There was a faint sound of paper flipping in my ears. I looked up and saw Lucien sitting on the wooden table beside me, holding a thick stack of documents in his hand.
For a moment, he seemed to overlap with the figure in the botanical garden.
- (:””” the ch 37 reference)
Lucien didn’t do anything to stop or persuade against my actions, but just quietly stayed by my side, as he said, waiting for me to come up with a result myself
MC: Lucien, what are you reading?
Lucien: Having the rare opportunity to be present at the doomsday, I was interested in the comet that was attracted to CORE.
Lucien’s eyes always stayed on the document, the corners of his mouth gently hooked up.
Looking at such Lucien, I felt my face was a little hot.
I felt I was too indecisive, but could never find the courage to bear the overwhelming burden of life.
I hugged my legs and spoke to him with some hesitation.
MC: Lucien, if the awakening of CORE in my body will really lead to a comet…
MC: Can you somehow get it out of me right now and go help the blood disease patients…
MC: And finally let me seal it?
Lucien: Not really possible.
Lucien lifted his head slowly and denied it without any hesitation.
Lucien: Now your body can’t get close to any kind of force, and if the measures are wrong, it may even lead directly to the loss of control
Lucien: To say the least, if we can find an opportunity to destroy the barrier perfectly-
Lucien: According to the current data observation, there are unusually violent energy fluctuations in your body right now, and I don’t think it’s possible to extract a complete CORE sample in this state.
Lucien: And no one can guarantee that the extracted “dose” is enough, nor can we predict whether there will be a second or third blood disease in the future.
Lucien: This idea is a little too ideal.
Lucien shrugged, without any refusal or concealment, and completely put his thoughts and judgments in front of my eyes, leaving me speechless.
MC: So if it does attract comets, how sure are we to prevent the comet from hitting the earth and causing doomsday?
Lucien: From the information and data I have now-
Lucien: I’m not sure.
Lucien: This comet is a little special, so more information may be needed with its compositional analysis.
Lucien’s attitude remains nonchalant, and he always answers my various questions and conjectures in such a sincere and direct manner during my thinking.
He did not press me to make a decision, but without being overly gentle, he just watched me calmly and quietly.
It was as if he could see my soul.
Lucien: MC, if you want everything, it’ll also easier to catch nothing.
Lucien: There is no perfect choice in the world, which is a very important proposition.
His voice was soft and melted in the almost obscure night.
Lucien: You can still think about it.
Lucien: Do not let go of any possibility, but also go head-on to all that may happen.
Lucien: It’s okay, we still have time.
[Chapter 34-8]
- Even after their talk, MC still couldn’t come up with a solution. After waking up and couldn’t find
Lucien anywhere in the house, she got up and walked out to see the city. There, she saw many people, their voices piercing her eardrums as they’re either blaming her or putting too much hope to her
There were voices of malice or goodwill all around, and as I moved forward, it started to rain so suddenly.
???: You deserve to die!
???: Save us!
???: Go to hell!
???: It’s okay, we believe in you.
I subconsciously ran, trying to leave those sounds behind me. But those sounds got louder and louder and became the main theme of the whole world.
No matter how hard I ran, I couldn’t get rid of those sounds.
I really want to be a bad guy, I really want to run away.
The rain in the sky is getting heavier and heavier, pouring me thoroughly.
The air was stuffy and dry, and it kept making muffled noises. No matter how much I tried to leave them behind, those voices still surrounded me.
I slowly stopped my running steps and stood blankly in place.
It’s probably some kind of human weakness to have a little bit of responsibility within the ego.
It makes it impossible for me to let myself escape and to be my paranoid self without worry.
It’s just so unstoppable, endlessly killing my time and my will.
Lucien: Would the lady like to come to me and take shelter from the rain?
A familiar voice suddenly burst into the rain, causing me to look up in a daze.
I saw Lucien standing on the outdoor stairs just above me, smiling and gazing down at me
He was leaning against the railing and appeared to be drenched, I wonder how long he had been standing there.
MC: Lucien, can you give me a correct answer?
I stood stubbornly in the rain and looked up at him.
MC: What do I have to do to make the right choice?
MC: Do I have to give up anybody…
Heavy rain smashed on the ground with a clattering sound, Lucien was just silent.
He gently raised his fingertips, and with a lit spot of light, a ladder made of ice spread up from in front of me until it was laid in front of him.
Like a silent invitation.
I clenched my palms tightly, walked up the steps, and came to Lucien.
Lucien: MC, what can you hear right now?
I pursed my lips, and after a brief moment of hesitation, I spoke softly.
MC: I hear… a lot of voices.
MC: They hate CORE and want me to disappear from this world.
MC: They also look forward to CORE and pray that I can bring them a miracle.
Lucien: And what else?
MC: I hear… the sound of rain.
Lucien: Did you know? I tried to do some experiments on your dreams and this rain is the result of the experiment.
I froze, my brain was a bit stunned, and it took me a long time to react to what Lucien meant by that.
MC: …Is this dream world can be interfered with?
MC: So what you’re saying is that we can change the doomsday here?
Lucien gently chuckled, without denying my temptation, his gaze wrapped in a faint arrogance.
The rain fell along the tips of Lucien’s hair, and the soaked shirt clung to his body in a sticky way, making his body permeated with a slight dampness.
A rainbow of fragmented and illusionary neon colors gilded his back, and his body was bathed in psychedelic colors-
Like a torch of dark flame, burned out all illusions without even moving.
He blocked out all the shifting light in front of my eyes, gathering me within his shadow and filling all my vision.
Lucien: Perhaps it is indeed possible.
Lucien: You can probably correct the trajectory of that comet and make this crumbling world instantly look like any other beautiful world.
Lucien: But no matter how much you change it, it’s just a dream after all.
Lucien: It doesn’t do much other than bring some false relief to your heart.
MC: …
It was as if I had been stung by something and those bubbles of innocence were instantly burst.
Indeed, even if we can change the dream world, what will it do.
Reality will never become a dream that can be tampered with at will, and cannot easily become what I want it to be according to my wishes.
Lucien: I’m not interested in this illusionary doomsday, so since we can interfere with this dream then…
Lucien: How about seeing something more special?
While saying that, Lucien extended his hand to me.
The palm that was spread out towards me was always dry and warm, as if as long as I reached out now, all the noise and restlessness would return to peace.
Yet he did not move from his leaning position, but simply made a gesture of invitation.
The falling raindrops poured into his hands, Lucien’s fingertips were hanging in the air-
As if always waiting for me to walk towards him.
MC: Something special?
Lucien: For example, that comet.
[Chapter 34-9]
Lucien: Although it is the world of premonition, we are still in your dream after all.
Lucien: You can create everything and do anything if you want to.
Lucien: But just saving the false things doesn’t give you the answer, so why don’t we go see it-
Lucien: The thing that perhaps will destroy everything in the future.
His gaze shifted slightly upward, as if he had passed through the dark sky and arrived at a more distant place.
I was a little unsure, yet I felt something quietly ignite at my chest.
MC: By seeing it… will I finally get the answer?
Hearing my helpless question, Lucien’s eyes flashed with pity for a moment, but he still tucked it up quietly and looked at me lightly.
Lucien: MC, your world isn’t all about answers.
The rain kept falling and fell on my eyelashes.
The world was roaring, and Lucien’s voice was mixed in it. It didn’t sound real, but it still fell clear enough to my ears.
MC: I… what should I do?
Lucien: Close your eyes and think of visiting it.
Lucien: You should be able to see it right away.
I froze for a moment and slowly made my steps. Lucien’s open palm was always waiting there, waiting for me to deliver myself to him.
I held Lucien’s hand.
The warm and moist touch instantly traveled along my fingertips to my whole body, causing me to shiver.
I closed my eyes and darkness settled in. I gripped Lucien’s hand with a gentle strength and felt his presence.
The comet that brought doom…
Now that I think about it, it seems like I never thought about it
It was so heavy for me and brought me a feeling of parting and destruction.
Lucien: We’re here.
With Lucien’s voice ringing faintly on my side, I opened my eyes nervously-
The huge comet shuttles through the splendid nebulae, dragging out a dazzling and long trail under the curtain of the dark night.
Thousands of stars twinkle and ancient light spans billions of light years, dotting its back.
A continuous tremor kept appearing on the comet, washing out layers of ripples, spreading out in all directions like a wave, forming a fleeting and dazzling ring.
I was so shocked by what I saw in front of me that I couldn’t speak, and a certain awe came over me that made me subconsciously raise my shoulders.
Lucien: MC, what can you hear right now?
I froze and turned my head, the shadows of the stars twinkling in his eyes, like the silent sea under the moonlight.
MC: It’s so quiet here.
There is no hatred and no hope.
In the silence of the universe, there was no sound of anything. I could not help but exhale gently.
And Lucien’s words rang out softly in front of this magnificent scenery.
Lucien: You just asked me if I can give you the right answer. Can I tell you how to make the right choice?
Lucien: My answer is, I can’t.
His eyes were dark and he looked at me deeply.
Lucien: Instead, I want to ask you, why are you hesitating?
Lucien: Why insist on getting a correct answer?
I felt like someone had stepped on my tail, and I felt a little uncomfortable and hurt by his words.
MC: I need my choices to be the right one.
MC: Otherwise, what I have persisted until now will become a fruitless result.
MC: And if I choose wrong, either a lot of people will die soon, or a lot of people will die in the future.
MC: Will no one really blame me? Will no one really blame me for those lost lives?
MC: I don’t want to sacrifice anyone because of my choices; I don’t want to ruin anyone’s life.
MC: I’ve worked so hard for so long to not to face a choice that will backfired.
The annoyance and entanglement that had accumulated in my heart for too many days exploded along the fuse of ignition.
Lucien: Even if the “right” choice is contrary to what you really want to do?
MC: …So what can I do?
MC: What else can I do…
Endless helplessness and confusion filled my entire chest.
In that doomsday, I followed my mission and let go of your hand.
Sometimes I wonder if it’s better to stay in that apocalypse.
There is no need for further efforts, no need to face a world that only I can remember, no need for all this.
MC: Obviously all of this…. they have nothing to do with me.
MC: I don’t want to save the world either.
MC: I just don’t want to see the person in front of me die, I want to be with the person I like.
Lucien: MC, what are you angry about?
Angry? I was stunned in place.
The black mist diffused, I finally caught a glimpse of the anger that was always condensed in the chest
MC: I just think… I was never given a choice from the beginning.
MC: CORE has not given me a choice over me, nor did those power that were and are still in me.
MC: So why… Tell me all this now and let me choose?
Why should I bear the consequences of all this when it is clear that I did not cause it?
MC: I just want to be with the person I like…
MC: For the sake of the person I like and the kindness I receive, I have taken steps to get to where I am now, even trying to save a world.
MC: But now why throw such a big responsibility of the world to me so irresponsibly!
MC: I… I want to run away… I want to be selfish for once.
It was the first time I said these wilful words.
I felt like a balloon filled with water, it was so heavy, but I had to embrace it.
I don’t want to meet the end of the comet again, I don’t want to face the separation again, I don’t want to imagine the possibility that I will then have to set the world back again and start again.
The helpless tears kept flowing upwards, blurring the stars and Lucien’s face in front of me.
I felt Lucien release his grip on me and stroke my back, embracing me softly in his arms.
Lucien: Of course you can be irresponsible, and you can run away.
Lucien: Rather, there are many times when I wish you could really do that.
Lucien: The reason I say I can’t give you a right answer is because I don’t think it’s an option in the first place.
Lucien: It would be too boring if the rules of this world were to be destroyed just because of a girl.
In the silent universe, in front of the brilliant comet, Lucien’s voice was extraordinarily warm but firm and gentle.
Lucien: MC, you don’t have to choose anything.
[Chapter 34-11]
Lucien: Look at that comet, don’t you think it’s beautiful?
I slowly lifted my head from Lucien’s embrace and gazed at the comet with teary eyes.
It dragged the tail of light, blooming in the glittering nebula, giving birth to a pure and dazzling beauty.
Just like a beautiful star.
Lucien: I think, if it really comes because of you, then it just wants to see you.
Lucien: Don’t you think it’s amazing? In the middle of the universe, there is a star that wants to come and see you.
Lucien: I think it’s a very romantic thing.
Lucien raised the corners of his mouth, and his slightly brisk tone had a bit of teasing envy.
MC: But, but it will bring the doom to…
Lucien: But that’s a human-given thing, right?
Lucien: For this comet, it is not about death. And death is supposed to be a definition given by man, some kind of definition of state.
Lucien: We will always face death, and the trajectory of life is a circle.
Lucien: There may not be much difference between the end and the beginning.
I was lost in thought for a moment, the dust outside the crystal and the stars of the universe fused together, reflecting the same appearance.
Lucien: So whether it’s racking your brain about how to life, or enjoying the present until the end of your life, it’s fine.
Lucien: The important thing, however, is that you can learn to appreciate it first.
MC: …appreciating the end?
Lucien: I don’t know how much pain you have been through and how many times you have faced unwanted partings.
Lucien: All the efforts and experiences will not be wasted, they will make you grow, but also at the same time will restrain your steps.
Lucien: As you become more cautious and hesitant, forget about all of that-
Lucien: Just see this comet, Isn’t just a beautiful star?
I raised my head following Lucien’s line of sight, my fast beating heartbeat and rapid breathing slowed down with his words.
MC: It’s my first time…seeing a comet in the universe.
There was a light laugh in my ears, Lucien hugged me and also looked in the same direction as me.
Lucien: Thanks to Miss Producer, this is the first time I’ve seen it too.
Lucien: The motion of comets is a spectacle. The endless universe, falling planets may be the existence that human beings can not be familiar with and resist for nearly a century.
Lucien: We are like… an ant, stepping on a leaf, trying to reach from one side of the sea to the other.
Lucien: Thousands years of hard work may also turn to ashes, and we may all become star dust and become a part of the universe.
Lucien: So don’t be afraid.
Lucien: We will always be part of the universe.
Lucien’s head rested on the side of my head, and in the vast universe, I felt him so close to my soul.
Lucien: Of course it will be tiring to carry a lot of things. If you always remember “the world is going to be destroyed because of me” and “I carry the fate of all mankind” in your heart, anyone with that thought will eventually collapse.
MC: But shouldn’t major decisions be made with thought and consideration?
Lucien: Well… but you’re just MC aren’t you?
Lucien: You are miserable because you can only control what is going on in the present, and you have to force yourself to deal with what is going to happen in the future at the same time.
Lucien: I don’t want to question the validity of this prediction. But this is the “future” after all, and the “present” can lead to the future.
Lucien: It doesn’t matter what happens in the future or what happens in the world.
Lucien: Instead of always obsessing about whether you will make a decision that you will regret, let your future self prove that you will never regret it.
MC: But what if… What if the future me can’t do it?
Lucien: If I were you in the future, I’d probably be a little angry.
His eyebrows were curved, and his face filled with my still hesitant face.
Lucien: “How do you know I can’t do it?”
Lucien: Maybe I will be a hundred times better than you, and will laugh at your current foolish expression
MC: Pfft.
I couldn’t help but laugh under his smiling gaze.
MC: Lucien, I know you probably don’t believe in this future.
MC: But if that comet is really coming to visit Earth, aren’t you afraid?
Lucien: Of course I would be afraid.
Lucien: No one is not afraid of the unknown and death, but I think …I’m ready for it.
Lucien: And I know that even if I become dust, there are some things I will definitely leave in this world.
Lucien: I don’t think I’d really be helpless against the end of the world, and even if the worst were to happen, I don’t think I’d be any worse than the scientists at the lighthouse.
That unquestionable certainty fell steadily on my heart, and I looked deeply into the man before me, understanding that he had never changed.
I raised the corners of my mouth, and for the first time in this dream world, I smiled so happily.
MC: Even if I have to do it again, I’m not afraid.
Not afraid of the doomsday, not afraid of falling into an infinite loop, facing all these choices and fates alone.
Just because I believe that one day I will find a way to walk into that best future with you.
Even with hesitation and timidity, this is the only thing I will never give up.
I looked at the beautiful comet again, some heaviness slowly faded from my body like a tide, I clenched Lucien’s hand.
MC: Lucien, I’ve thought about it.
I didn’t say the answer, but I knew Lucien understood.
Lucien: I don’t know when the next time I will see a comet will be.
MC: What if it’s tomorrow?
Lucien: Hmm… I’m probably going to be busy next then.
MC: It’ll probably going to be very very very busy.
We held hands and walked in the opposite direction of the comet, walking on the galaxy, passing by the river of stars.
Lucien: Then maybe I can take you to another place before it’s going to be very very very busy.
Lucien: See that planet?
Following the direction Lucien pointed, I saw an asteroid glowing with lavender light. Although I didn’t know what Lucien was going to do, I nodded.
Lucien: Let’s use it to open a door to another universe.
Lucien stretched out his index finger and thumb, and measured the planet from a distance. After aligning the position, he gestured to me with a smile.
Lucien: I’m going to turn this “doorknob”.
Saying that, Lucien seemed to have really “held” the planet from a distance, twisted it lightly and pushed it forward-
“Click”
Following Lucien’s movements, a door-shaped crack appeared in the night of the universe, and the dazzling light poured into my eyes like a waterfall.
I saw a flower field.
In the middle of the night, the researcher in the NW research room yawned from exhaustion.
At that moment, he saw some double images on the display screen in front of him, and the fluctuating and misplaced images made his brain feel dizzy.
Researcher: …..I’ll just take a break.
[Chapter 34-12]
I stared at the flower field in front of me, the scattered chinese bellflowers swaying in the wind.
The fine snowflakes scattered leisurely in the air, covered the flowers quietly, and landed in the golden wheat field in the distance.
I’ve been here before, even though… it wasn’t like this.
I turned my head and saw Lucien standing a meter away, behind the fine snow, also looking at me in a trance.
MC: Lucien, what are you looking at?
Lucien: I’m watching… you who appeared in this dream.
His breath turned into a dense white mist that dissipated into the wind.
Lucien: Let’s get up and walk around.
Lucien stretched out his hand, and the dry and warm palm conveyed the temperature of his hand, no longer as cold as before.
It is as if he too is slowly starting to emerge from the snow and walk on the road towards spring.
Quiet snowflakes fell all around us, and we left accompanying footprints on the flower field.
The air is filled with the coolness of snow, and the faint scent of flowers.
MC: The snow here… It seems to have gotten smaller.
Lucien: Yes, it is.
Lucien: The snow will always stop.
MC: So, it’s not just the wheat fields that are covered with snow.
I looked at the small field of flowers, the pale purple coloring on my retinas, making my heart incredibly peaceful.
Lucien: Perhaps these weren’t originally present under heavy snow.
Lucien’s eyes passed by the swaying bellflowers, like an observer standing at a distance, faintly gazing at the changes.
But instead of talking further, he continued to take my hand and walk in the middle of this somewhat fantastic dream.
MC: Why did you bring me here?
Lucien: It doesn’t mean anything else.
Lucien: I just wanted to show it you. Maybe you’ll like it.
Lucien: What you’re seeing now, that’s what it’s all about
The wind is blowing through the fields of flowers and wheat, making a “rattling” sound, just like my heart, which is burned by the silent but deep flames of fireworks-
Little by little it peels off new landscapes, allowing the true self to emerge from the dark depths.
Lucien: Do you like it here?
My answer was an embrace that flew straight to him.
Lucien seems to have completely not expected my sudden actions, his steps stumbled, and we fell together to the field of flowers permeated with sweet fragrance.
The scattered bellflowers petals mixed with his cold breath, swinging in the brilliant sunlight, like a waltz dance spinning in the air.
I hugged his neck tightly, and felt that he tightened his palms a little bewilderedly, closing them into an unfinished embrace.
MC: I like it… so much.
- (T/N: there’s no subject here so MC might refer to either the place (his heart-) or coughsomeonecough)
I tried to keep my voice from sounding particularly shaky.
MC: Thank you, Lucien…
MC: Thank you for finding me in my dream. Thank you for always waiting for me to think and move forward.
MC: Thank you for bringing me here.
MC: Thank you for coming to me even in the face of such hesitation, such …the indecisive me, and still came to my side.
A thousand colors blossomed quietly, melting me into a bright radiance.
There are so many complicated and intimidating things, but fortunately I have you by my side.
Even if the end comes and everything goes out, I will never give up.
I won’t let down such Lucien, and such a beautiful scenery.
Lucien: You’re welcome.
A soft laugh rang out from behind me as Lucien folded his arms and wrapped them around my back.
Lucien: But if you really want to thank me, why don’t you tell me your secrets that I don’t know yet?
- (a reference to their talk in ch 23 🥺, i translated that part a bit, ignore the terrible translation ahah.)
The way he said it was totally in a joking way, and I looked up at him and laughed.
MC: Really? Professor Lucien, do you really want to get the answer directly?
MC: If you really want to, I can’t help but tell you.
Lucien: Then maybe… I’d also like to ask the producer to hold off on announcing the answer for now.
Lucien: It is still a challenge after all.
MC: Indeed.
MC: But… Maybe you’ll find the answer soon.
MC: It feels as if the snow is about to stop and the snow cover is going to melt.
I cast my eyes into the distance, and the wheat fields swayed in the wind with a shimmering gold glow, like the most lively and brilliant painting in the world.
MC: But if I wake up, I will wake up inside NW, right?
Lucien: That’s right, and you’ll probably see that Officer Xiao’s face at first glance.
MC: Suddenly I don’t really want to wake up….
I couldn’t help but groan and start thinking about how I was going to leave NW when I woke up.
MC: What about you? Are you still in NW?
Lucien: Xiao Yue has always been suspicious and won’t believe me just because of the “drama” we played. In essence, he never gave me any trust from the beginning.
MC: Well, isn’t that just right?
MC: I don’t think my poor acting skills will fool him either. I just want to tell him that I am willing to exchange secrets with you.
MC: This will gives you the leverage to take the initiative, because in Xiao Yue’s judgment, our relationship is very close.
MC: “Lucien can be used to blackmail CORE carriers,” and then the decision is yours.
I turned to look at Lucien and raised my fingertip to making circles in the air.
MC: I just have to keep myself from giving any information to Xiao Yue.
Lucien: Can you get this result by shooting yourself?
MC: In fact, I simply gambled, after all, the situation is urgent, I couldn’t think so much.
MC: I was just thinking about what power CORE would have if I really awakened it.
MC: For example, “whoosh” can rip through time and space, or “swish” to shoot all those NW people away.
My lively “performance” elicited low chuckles.
MC: But fortunately, I was lucky and now I am exactly where I want to be.
MC: Even in the worst case scenario, the only thing that could happen would be to get caught in the NW for experimentation, and then it would be up to Professor Lucien.
Lucien: According to your ideas, you have given me the initiative in most of the possibilities that might arise.
Lucien: Do you trust me that much?
MC: Yes.
I answered him without any hesitation.
MC: I’ve done terrible things to you, and those things are forever burned into the past, and no matter what, they can’t be changed.
MC: When I realized and faced up to all that, I told myself…
MC: I will always choose you unconditionally and stand by your side forever.
Lucien’s eyes shone as quietly as the moon. The sunlight spreads all around him, grand and magnificent.
Lucien: MC, what sound can you hear now?
MC: Hmm?
I held my breath a little and listened to the sound of this world.
The rustling of the wheat fields, the wavering of the petals, and even the distant sound of the tide.
They are rhythmically interwoven, like a moving piece of music.
MC: I heard… The sound of the wheat field, the sound of the flowers, and the sound of the tide.
Lucien: Do you know what these sounds mean?
I froze for a moment, curiously waiting for his next words.
Lucien: Consider this a question, and I think MC, just like me, must feel bored when faced with an answer that is too easy to get.
MC: What? No… I’m not really that obsessed with thinking either!
MC: For the less important questions, you can just tell me the answer!
Lucien: What if I said that this question is important?
Lucien stood up with arched eyebrows and picked me up with one hand.
Lucien: I think it’s probably time for you to leave.
Lucien: I can’t accompany you on the next journey.
I knew what Lucien meant, so I gave Lucien’s hand a strong shake and looked firmly into his eyes.
MC: I’ll think about your question.
MC: Professor Lucien, let’s wake up and meet.
Lucien: I’ll see you when you wake up.
I turned around and steadily took a step forward.
As I walked, the beautiful field of flowers slowly fell into pieces, blackness enveloped the whole world, but my heart was not a bit perplexed.
Suddenly, a faint light appeared in my field of vision, beating at the same frequency as my heartbeat at that moment.
I subconsciously reached out my hand to it, and the moment I touched it, a path of light sprang up beneath my feet.
I followed the direction of the path of light, and the points of light along with the path slowly converged on my body and under my feet.
I felt my body growing lighter and lighter, and something was moving quietly inside me, merging with me.
I walked on and on until I reached the end of the road.
I saw my dad.
He looked a little reluctant, even hesitant and wavering.
He seemed to want to say something to me, but his mouth was opening and closing, and finally he just sighed longingly.
MC: Dad..
Perhaps I knew what was hidden beneath my father’s silence, and I just walked quietly up to him and looked at him with determination.
In the end, my father just reached out and rubbed my head.
Dad: No matter what happens, you are always Dad’s best daughter.
His figure slowly fades and finally melts away into the darkness.
A door appeared in the darkness, and without hesitation, I pushed it open.
The blinding light instantly rushed into my eyes, and I felt a wave of soreness and tiredness from all over my body—
I opened my eyes sluggishly, sat up stiffly, and found myself sitting on the cold light of the lab bed.
In front of me was the familiar iron wall, I quickly gathered all my thoughts and turned my head to see Lucien standing behind the glass window across from me.
Those deep, dark eyes fell on me as quietly as the tide on the shore.
Though silent, it has a great and reassuring power.
Not having Xiao Yue at first sight is really too good.
There was a flash of warmth in Lucien’s eyes, and as I got up, he leaned down and reached for the microphone.
Lucien: Good morning, MC.
I looked around and saw a lot of researchers standing behind the glass besides Lucien, while Xiao Yue was sitting on a platform and looking at me coldly.
The eyes of those people were full of scrutiny, as if I was only a symbol of some object in their eyes.
I faintly withdrew my eyes, lifted the corners of my mouth, and straightened my chest to look ahead.
MC: Good morning, Professor Lucien
[Chapter 34-13]
Lucien: Is there anything wrong with your body now?
I slowly got up, and it seemed that because I had not moved for so long, there was a strange stiffness in all parts of my body.
Lucien: You have been sleeping for 8 days and can wake up your body slowly.
Lucien: And then answer my questions.
Lucien’s voice was emotionless, and his formal attitude put me at ease.
The fact that he conducted this interrogation in front of so many researchers must have been at the behest of Xiao Yue, which means that Lucien had the bargaining chips to negotiate with Xiao Yue.
I felt my own state while moving my body.
I felt no different from before the CORE awakening, but there was a special feeling that made me confirm that the CORE was inside my body.
Lucien: Do you have any physical discomfort?
MC: No
Xiao Yue: Then we can move forward, right, Professor Lucien?
Xiao Yue’s extraordinarily cold voice cut directly and forcefully into the conversation, clearly asking a question, but concealing a strong intimidation.
I only contemplated for a moment, and all sorts of images came to my mind, and I opened my mouth to Xiao Yue, neither humble nor arrogant.
MC: Mr. Xiao, perhaps I should tell you one thing first.
MC: Because of CORE I have awakened to my true Evol power – precognition, and my precognition is never wrong.
Then I moved my eyes slowly to Lucien’s body.
MC: Because of the awakening of CORE, a comet is expected to be pulled, change its trajectory, and eventually head for Earth-
MC: In the future, it will lead to the arrival of doomsday.
Xiao Yue’s eyes flashed with surprise, and in addition to the shock, it seemed to be wrapped with some more cautious emotions.
MC: Professor Lucien, have you confirmed this?
Lucien: According to the present observations of the universe, we have not observed the presence of this comet
Lucien: If your prediction is correct, it may be that the comet is now located in an area outside the technical observation range.
Lucien: Then we won’t know where it is until it enters the observation area.
MC: …Is that so.
I closed my eyes, stood up and walked to Xiao Yue’s face, and raised my chin slightly at him through the glass.
MC: Mr. Xiao, I can cooperate with NW to conduct the experiment.
MC: However, I have three requirements.
Xiao Yue did not reply to me, but just looked at me with a slightly serious look.
MC: First, I demanded that NW must prepare for the comet’s arrival in advance, after sufficient study of CORE.
MC: This should be our common goal, after all, you don’t want the planet to be destroyed after completing the NW project, do you?
Xiao Yue: Continue.
MC: Second, I requested that NW must use the results of the CORE study to find and solve the blood disorders that are now appearing in the Loveland City.
Xiao Yue raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this, and his gaze were mocking.
Xiao Yue: And what else?
MC: Third, I require that all my experiments must be fully supervised and conducted by Professor Lucien.
Hearing this Xiao Yue could not help but laugh, he folded his hands in front of his chest and raised his chin in a casual manner.
Xiao Yue: Miss MC, you don’t really think you have the power to negotiate, do you?
MC: Of course I have.
I kept a smile on my face and tried to clench my palm, not letting any sense of panic and cowardice creep onto my face.
I could feel the gaze coming from Lucien’s direction, but I didn’t turn my head.
Lucien had done so much to get me to the answer, and it was time to show him the results.
MC: Because I know how to seal CORE.
MC: I can seal CORE inside my body whenever I want, or even make it disappear from this world forever.
Xiao Yue: Do you think I will believe it?
MC: You can bet against me.
MC: Bet your hard-earned NW plan against me.
MC: Do you dare? Mr. Xiao.
Xiao Yue slowly put away his smile in my gaze, he stood up and looked at me coldly through the glass.
Xiao Yue: Don’t forget, right now, the only solution to that blood disease may be CORE.
MC: So what? There are more people who don’t care about the lives of those people than I do.
MC: That was not my responsibility, so why should Mr. Xiao blame me for those deaths?
MC: Isn’t the fault of rejecting me… Is the fault of Mr. Xiao?
A dead silence filled the air, and I looked resolutely at Xiao Yue without any wavering of my eyes.
I know I will not lose, even if the possibility of that lie is only 0.1 %.
As long as it’s not zero, Xiao Yue will never dare to bet with me.
This man would sacrifice everything for the success of the NW program, and if CORE is a vital part of it, he will not allow even 0.1 % of it to be compromised.
Xiao Yue: Your experimental process must be monitored 24 hours a day.
Xiao Yue: In addition to Prof. Lucien, at least three assistants must accompany him, and all experimental records must not be recorded by Prof. Lucien alone.
Xiao Yue: You, on the other hand, must stay in NW.
MC: I have no problem, as for the experiment-related requirements, you can check with Professor Lucien directly.
MC: By the way, I need to talk to my staff at the company. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything I shouldn’t.
MC: If they find out that their boss is missing, it may cause unnecessary problems for you.
I threw the ball away and did not pay any attention to Xiao Yue, but walked back to the lab bed and breathed a sigh of relief.
Xiao Yue: Professor Lucien, what do you think?
Lucien: I don’t have any problems.
Xiao Yue: Then, as planned, let’s get started today.
Xiao Yue lightly swept the researchers standing at the side, and a few people quickly stepped up to Lucien’s side and called up various monitoring panels.
Xiao Yue glanced at me one last time and then turned around and walked out of the observation room.
After Xiao Yue left, Lucien also opened the door to the glass room and walked up to me with deep eyes.
There were too many emotions hidden in that sight, and I quietly put them all together and held out my palm to Lucien-
Just like his invitation to see the beautiful comet during that heavy rain.
MC: Professor Lucien, come and discover my secret.
MC: And then, together, we’ll find the answers to the world.
[Chapter 34-15]
Before the CORE study began, MC was given time to call Anna. She hands her company over to Anna for the time being, with searching more information about her dad as alibi.
Under Anna’s repeated instructions, I hung up the phone, looked at the NW team standing by, and smiled softly.
It seems that it is not difficult to accept your identity.
Although I have been through the process of accepting to be a BLACK SWAN QUEEN before, I feel a little more restrained this time.
But it’s not the same anymore.
I stood up and followed the NW team into a huge research room, with Lucien standing in the center of the room.
Lucien: Let’s get started.
The research on CORE has officially begun.
In the first few days of the study , Lucien did not have any anxiety or urgency. He first conducted several rounds of meticulous physical examinations for me.
I sometimes even wonder if I’m here for a checkup at NW.
As required by their study, I underwent a daily blood draw, which, in contrast to my previous experience on Prison Island, required almost no drug injections.
I did not say a word against any of these actions and quietly cooperated with all of them.
As I lay on the lab bed, I watched Lucien, standing beside me, cautiously pick up the scalpel, but the unexpected image did not move my heart a bit.
MC: Professor Lucien, when you operated on me, so it was like this when I looked up at you
Lucien’s hand held the scalpel freeze for a moment, and his face was hidden behind a medical mask, but the curved eyebrows revealed some of his emotions.
Lucien: You’re also the first person to talk to me from this angle.
MC: There is something special about that.
I raised the corners of my mouth gently and felt a sharp pain in my chest.
MC: Hiss…
Lucien: Can you hold on?
I slightly wrinkled my eyebrows, the pain spread from my chest like a tidal wave, Lucien’s fingertips hovered in the air, looking at me quietly.
MC: Then, after today’s experiment, Professor Lucien had to spend ten more minutes talking with me.
MC: Otherwise, I will quit.
Lucien: I’m always available all day.
His voice hid a bit of sadness, his hands were moving faster and faster, and the light that represented the experiment finally faded before my will was on the verge of collapse.
I couldn’t help but breathe heavily, but the intense breathing caused severe pain and made me curl up instantly.
Lucien: That’s all for today.
Researcher: But…
Lucien: [coldly] This is my experiment.
In the midst of his chilling words, I felt like I was being held in a warm embrace.
Lucien: I’m sorry, MC.
MC: It’s okay.
MC: But since it hurts me so much, you must get something out of it, right?
Lucien: Silly…
When I woke up today, I don’t know if it was because of the exhausting research of the past few days, but the room in front of me was inexplicably empty.
I blinked my eyes and my brain was a little dizzy. When I looked at the time, I saw that it was well past the experiment time.
MC: …What’s going on ?
I stood up suspiciously and walked toward the entrance, and in my glance I saw a thin line of light that seemed to stretch across it.
Before I knew what it was, the image in front of me flickered, and the thin line disappeared.
I was a little confused, but I knocked on the door anyway.
MC: Anyone? Are we not doing the experiment today?
However, no one replied to me.
I blinked in confusion and subconsciously turned the handle on the door – and it opened straight away.
I poked my head out of the doorway and found the hallway empty, without a soul in sight.
MC: …Is there another strange experiment going on?
I followed my memory and went to the room where I normally experimented, and when I pushed the door open, I found that only Lucien was left alone inside.
I was relieved just by that.
MC: I’m glad you’re here. Why is there no one here today? Has Xiao Yue’s order been changed?
Lucien did not answer me, he slowly turned around, and some overlapping shadows inexplicably appeared in his figure.
I rubbed my eyes and felt that all the images I saw today were accompanied by blurred images.
Lucien: MC, stay calm and listen to me.
MC: …?
Lucien: At the time of the awakening of the CORE in your body, NW observes some fluctuations in the world.
Lucien: Those waves are centered on you, constantly releasing energy.
Lucien: At first, we thought that the energy of CORE was too strong, so there was a strong energy wave with its awakening, but…
Lucien: In reality, that’s is not the case.
MC: What does it mean ?
Lucien remained in place, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Although his body appears somewhat blurred by the constant shadows, they do not hide the slight beads of sweat on his forehead.
Lucien: These days, based on my initial observations of CORE, I have discovered that it has the power to change time and space, even in the midst of its immense energy.
Lucien: With its awakening, this power seems to have descended into the world together with something.
Lucien: Now, centered on the NW, the whole region has a serious spatial and temporal overlap.
Lucien: The place where you are now is not the NW Institute the same as yesterday, and we have no definite answer as to where it is yet.
Instinctively, my eyes widened as I glanced around the familiar NW lab, and I was instantly confused.
MC: But… Isn’t this the NW Research Institute ?
Lucien: Yes and no.
Lucien: I can’t maintain a presence here for too long, so you must be very careful.
Lucien: I know you’re brave, but remember to be careful in everything.
Lucien: This phenomenon is not just an ordinary omen, but perhaps there is a meaning that only you can find.
Lucien’s weary face was filled with a smile, and he took a few difficult steps and walked to me, gently caressing my cheek.
Lucien: Don’t be afraid.
His voice was soft, and I lifted my hand to wipe the beads of sweat off his forehead, only to find his figure becoming more faint and blurred.
He seemed to be trying to control something and insisted on coming to me to tell me all this.
While my heart aches, my mind is filled with more strength.
MC: Don’t worry about me, Lucien. For me, it’s nothing.
MC: There will be a comet in a while, and compared to that, it’s a piece of cake.
Lucien laughed softly.
Lucien: I’m sure you’ll find the answer.
Lucien: Go for it, MC.
As soon as he said that, his figure disappeared in front of me in an instant.
I held my hand for a moment and then walked out of the lab.
Lucien stood strongly in place, in the exact same room, but there was no sign of the girl.
He slowly lifted his head and walked up to Xiao Yue under the watchful eyes of many panicked researchers.
Lucien: Mr. Xiao, I have warned you from the beginning.
Lucien: This violent wave of energy has already begun to erode NW.
Lucien: Perhaps you should have predicted what this would cost to humanity.
Ten kilometers away from the NW headquarters, a blurred shadow passed over the barren land for a moment.
A light shone on the ground, like a sharp blade, cutting through the earth.
On the other side of the barren land, a tornado could be seen in the distance. In the darkness of the night, it seemed to be about to swallow the whole world.