I am, Flame-Chaser of Previous Era-Chapter 95: Monster

Entering the building, they took the elevator to the 35th floor. The elevator doors opened with a 'ding,' revealing a long corridor.

One side of the corridor overlooked Manhattan; skyscrapers rose in layers, cars flowed like threads—a vibrant scene that made Ryan understand why Fire Moth had chosen this location.

Whenever work became tiresome, a glance out the window renewed his sense of purpose, instilling a feeling of contributing to human civilization's preservation.

[Kindling the flame, illuminating humanity's future.]

Ryan looked at Fire Moth's central emblem, finding the underlying message effective. He'd met many Fire Moth members, some arrogant, but few cowardly.

A man in a black suit approached, verifying their credentials before gesturing them forward.

"Dr. Ryan, Dr. Mobius, please follow me."

"Thank you." Ryan murmured, following behind, noticing Mobius yawning.

She hated meetings, often finding excuses to avoid them or delegating to Klein. Her presence was unexpected.

Perhaps this meeting was especially important, concerning the future division of research power.

Ryan didn't dwell on it, unconcerned with power struggles. He'd become deeply immersed in this world, specifically within the research field.

He had some connection to Mei, Mobius, and Vill-V, the three leading figures.

"I never thought I'd reach this point."

He scratched his face, suddenly realizing that if he'd stuck to his original plan of simply surviving to the Current Era, he would have succeeded. He could have easily become a Flame-Chaser, entered cryosleep, and woken up 50,000 years later.

The Current Era would be even simpler—getting a cleaning job at Saint Freya Academy, then clinging to The Trio. During the Finality War, he'd be a humble soldier, shouting encouragement, occasionally flattering Kevin—old classmates should offer some camaraderie.

'But that would have been boring. And my Path wouldn't have allowed it.'

Ryan chuckled self-deprecatingly, dismissing the simpler plan. He didn't need to worry; his instincts would guide his choices.

The man in the suit opened a door, revealing a windowless meeting room; it wasn't large, with several long, narrow tables.

Five people sat behind the tables, all wearing white coats, mostly bald or white-haired, looking intelligent; two younger women were incongruous amidst them.

These two required no introduction—Mei and Vill-V.

Mei remained unchanged, wearing round glasses, her head bowed over a keyboard. She gave a slight nod to Ryan upon his arrival.

Vill-V, however, was her usual exuberant self; she stood up, waving excitedly. "Ryan, sit down! I have so much to tell you!"

Her voice was loud, her enthusiasm evident, attracting everyone's attention. A goofball among serious academics was quite a sight.

"Didn't you say she was rational and calm?" Mobius whispered.

"That's her 'self,' but she's socially awkward and can't handle situations like this. But 'magician' is too extroverted. Does she think this is a playground?" Ryan mimicked head-patting; Vill-V instinctively covered her head, sticking out her tongue, then finally settling down.

Finally controlled. That idiot mustn't tarnish my image; the room is practically radiating intelligence.

This small meeting room held some of humanity's brightest minds. If a Herrscher eliminated them, it would be far worse than destroying a continent. As a scientist, Ryan felt a chilling sense of this.

He straightened his white coat, adjusted his glasses, and sat down nearby.

He wasn't going near Vill-V; her mouth was likely to utter something horrifying.

Mobius sat opposite him, her gaze unfocused, her eyes darting around.

She's looking for trouble again.

Ryan smiled and nodded at the bald man beside him, glancing at his nameplate.

Third Research Institute, Vidic.

Ah, the institute researching the Sea of Quanta.

Ryan paused; he didn't know much about the Sea of Quanta, his strongest impression of its quantum signets being:

Seele is truly powerful.

"Pleased to meet you, Dr. Ryan. I've read the Fifth Research Institute's report; your achievements are truly remarkable. It's clear you're a rising star."

While Ryan was lost in thought, a middle-aged bald man, perhaps in his fifties, extended his hand. He had unremarkable features, a thin build, and standard dark circles under his eyes, but a friendly smile.

"Dr. Vidic, you're too kind. We simply focus on different research directions; we're far from the achievements of our predecessors." Ryan smiled back, automatically classifying these unthreatening researchers as allies.

"Don't call us predecessors; I haven't even turned forty yet. Haha, researchers always look older than they are." Vidic was jovial, gesturing to the others. "Dr. Cadiz from the Medical and Psychological Research Institute is about my age. Dr. Jodl from the Fourth Research Institute is a bit older; he's a leading figure in materials science."

Ryan greeted them in turn. The two were more introverted, diligently correcting their manuscripts, only offering brief nods. Ryan guessed the reason.

Fire Moth wasn't about seniority; survival depended on results. That's why Mei and Vill-V rose so quickly. As rare geniuses, they had proven themselves.

And researching Honkai energy had severe side effects; older researchers couldn't endure the strain, becoming technical advisors instead.

"The higher-ups called this meeting—good news! Honkai is escalating; without increased efficiency, we'll be failing humanity." Vidic beamed, looking at Mei. "We don't have time nor interest in those power struggles upstairs. Of course, the Third Research Institute could use a funding boost."

His EQ was high; he expressed his loyalty while requesting more funds—a good potential collaborator.

Ryan subtly nodded. Vidic had clearly discussed the situation with Mei. With him speaking up, the other two wouldn't oppose it.

"The Fourth Research Institute is also critical. With Dr. Vill-V's assistance, we've made significant progress in Soulium development, but funding is essential."

"Honkai disease is spreading; finding a cure is vital. This concerns humanity's survival, Dr. Mei. You must carefully consider this."

"Nonsense. Without eliminating Honkai, this disease is incurable." frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓

"Ha ha, Dr. Jodl, then what Herrscher do you think will be the end? We humans shouldn't die of disease first."

"Researching the Sea of Quanta is also vital; it might reveal a new approach."

"Quiet, Vidic. The Third Research Institute is full of hypotheses; we should cut your funding first."

"How am I supposed to turn hypotheses into reality without funding?"

The previously quiet room erupted into a cacophony. The cake was finite; everyone wanted a bigger slice. The scholars' arguments were heated; saliva flew; they were on the verge of throwing teacups.

Ryan looked at Mobius yawning and Mei diligently typing; he understood why Mobius avoided such meetings—endless arguments with no conclusion, yet each project was meaningful.

He wasn't skilled at mediating academic debates; he'd left the problem to Mei.

"I've reviewed your reports. Arguing is pointless. Fire Moth's consolidation of the six Research Institutes is to increase efficiency and quickly find solutions to Honkai." Mei's voice was cold and businesslike. Before anyone could retort, she typed some more.

"Please check your computers. I've categorized the reports and added critical annotations to each detail, prioritizing the arguments."

Ryan looked down; documents appeared on his screen. He scrolled through them rapidly, the speed reading skills common among the attendees allowing for quick comprehension.

Each report contained detailed data and conclusions, with supercomputer simulations projecting various future outcomes. Even Ryan was slightly stunned.

Is she a monster? In just a few days, she analyzed and simulated over 300 pages of reports, adding multiple hypotheses. Is that even humanly possible?

Mei's work efficiency was beyond Ryan's comprehension. He noted the conclusions were devoid of personal bias, purely based on data and rational deductions. Priorities were established based on this, considering all the Research Institutes' interests.

Truly frightening intelligence and EQ.

Ryan continued reading, grasping the overall structure.

Top priority: Fusion Warrior, Soulium, and Herrscher Core research.

Second priority: Sea of Quanta research and Honkai disease treatment.

Third priority: Aerospace development and artificial intelligence.

...

Clear icons illustrated the conclusions, showing funding allocation and inter-institute collaborations.

For example, Soulium development would involve the Second Research Institute (engineering) and the Fourth Research Institute (materials science). Fusion Warrior research would include the First Research Institute for Imaginary theory, and the Medical and Psychological Research Institute for surgical support.

Even highly specialized research like the Sea of Quanta would involve personnel from all institutes, dividing theoretical research and exploration.

Specialized projects became joint projects, increasing efficiency and eliminating inter-institute barriers, prioritizing projects over individual institutions. Everyone had work; arguments were minimized.

Clever.

Ryan looked up, meeting Mobius's gaze. She was surprised; she'd expected tedious arguments, but the problem was solved.

"Have you all reviewed the documents?"

Mei's clear, cold voice made everyone look up. As brilliant minds, they recognized the novelty and effectiveness of this collaboration.

Fire Moth hadn't brought women in to monitor them; they genuinely wanted to consolidate the myriad research projects.

"I have a question."

"Dr. Vidic, please."

"This inter-institute collaboration requires someone to manage issues, someone..."

"I will oversee it." Mei responded without hesitation.

Looking at her serious, elegant face, the senior researchers offered no objection.

"But what if disputes arise during research? Academic research is difficult to definitively judge before results are obtained."

"I will arbitrate." Her tone remained unwavering. Mei glanced around. "I've reviewed all your research materials. While I haven't delved into every specialty, I can make informed judgments."

That's... beyond boasting.

Everyone was speechless. This research encompassed the peak of human scientific achievement. Different fields were like separate mountains; expertise in Imaginary numbers didn't automatically translate to biology, computer science, or materials science.

"Don't worry about my judgments. Science is rigorous. All the reports and annotations you just reviewed were my work."

A collective gasp filled the room. Many were disbelieving, re-examining their reports. Someone who could annotate various fields was, at minimum, a professional in those areas. Their level of expertise might not surpass theirs, but someone possessing such breadth was terrifying.

Even Mobius looked at Ryan, her eyes clearly conveying:

Is your classmate a monster?!