The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 412 A Virtual Realm Within a Virtual Realm?

The process of getting James Wally back into the workforce went much more smoothly than expected.

With Prince Colin personally involved, the magicians in the Academic Administration Department, who had always used "following the rules" as a shield, displayed unprecedented work efficiency.

In less than half a day, all the tedious procedures were settled.

Stepping out of the administrative office, James held a badge symbolizing his status as a "Collinta Visiting Scholar," as well as a set of keys to the faculty residence.

Looking at the proof of the magician's knowledge that he had lost and found again, James felt a sense of unreality, as if the past year had been a dream.

"Next is the accommodation issue."

Luo Yan smiled and waved to a thin young man waiting not far away, while continuing in a casual tone.

“Although the formalities are complete, there are still many trivial matters… Let me introduce you to a helper. This is Corgi, Professor Hector’s teaching assistant. You can go directly to him if you need anything.”

The young man jogged over. He wasn't tall, but he walked briskly, had bright eyes, and exuded a shrewd and capable air.

"Your Highness, are you looking for me?"

Luo Yan smiled at the corgi and introduced it to him.

"Corgi, this is Mr. James Wally next to me. He will be rejoining the Great Sage's Tower as a special researcher and will be working in my Magic Science Laboratory. Although he used to live in the Great Sage's Tower, he has been away for some time, and a lot has happened in this mage tower during that time... If he encounters any trouble in his life or research, please help him out."

"Okay, mentor! You can rest assured and leave it to me!"

Assistant Coach Corgi nodded intently, gave a crisp reply, and then turned to James, bowing respectfully.

"Hello Mr. Wally, I'm Corgi! Do you have any special requirements for the accommodation? For example, the orientation, the floor, or do you need any additional soundproofing? I can take you there now."

His barrage of questions startled James, who was still in a daze. He then smiled somewhat embarrassedly and said reservedly.

"My dorm has already been decided, so... just take me there normally."

He was impressed by the enthusiastic young man, but no one had ever treated him so warmly before, which made him feel a little overwhelmed.

Corgi didn't seem to mind Mr. James's reserved demeanor and simply smiled and said...

“Okay! Mr. James, please follow me! By the way, where is your luggage? I can arrange for someone to bring it to your room…”

After thanking His Highness Colin once again for his kindness, James Wally followed Assistant Corgi out of the corridor outside the administrative office.

After watching the two leave, Luo Yan was about to return to the laboratory.

Just then, a young magic apprentice came running hurriedly from not far away.

The young man stopped in front of him, panting from running too fast and his face flushed from seeing his idol. He spoke breathlessly.

"Your Highness, Colin! Assistant Instructor Miller asked me to tell you that there's new progress in the research on Void Realm 178 at Colin Tower!"

Void Realm Number 178?
Luo Yan raised his eyebrows slightly, a hint of unexpected joy rising in his heart, and gave instructions to the excited, flushed apprentice.

"Please tell Miller that I will be there first thing tomorrow morning."

"Yes, sir!" The apprentice nodded excitedly, feeling genuinely proud to be able to help Prince Colin. After saying goodbye, he left in a hurry.

Although the situation in the upper levels of the Great Sage's Tower was turbulent and unpredictable, with many professors and mentors' attitudes toward Prince Colin fluctuating with the sages' whims, the young magic apprentices were different.

They held the prince in the highest esteem and reverence for him, who had extended a helping hand to them in their time of crisis.

……

The following morning, Luo Yan landed on the frozen ground outside Corinth in a Pegasus carriage borrowed from Professor Hector.

Stepping onto the frost-covered stone steps, he had just entered the virtual laboratory on the second floor when he felt an irrepressible surge of excitement.

All the researchers were gathered around the lens of the 178th virtual realm, whispering excitedly, unaware of his arrival at first glance.

The scene seen through the lens was no longer the chaotic battlefield of two months ago.

With the final victory of the "Spirit of the Universe" cult, time behind the virtual realm leaped forward by more than a century!

Not only has time changed, but the world behind the virtual realm has also undergone earth-shattering changes.

Buildings far more magnificent than those of the past have sprung up, and vehicles shuttle between the buildings in an orderly manner.

Everything seemed the same as before, yet there were also stark differences.

For example, the dark alleys that never saw the light of day have disappeared, replaced by urban gardens that grow alongside the high-rise buildings, like gardens.

Enjoying life no longer seems to be the exclusive privilege of "high-rise residents" and "elites with floor-to-ceiling windows".

Whether it is suffering or happiness, both are equally distributed without distinction of priority under the "empathy endowed by a vast spiritual network".

The misfortune of one person is the misfortune of all who share the same feelings; the joy of one person is the joy of all who share the same feelings.

not only that.

The slums that had grown like moss in the shadows also disappeared. Jon's followers lived up to the creed of "I will die first," and the houses planned by the "Spirit of the Universe" cult seemed just big enough to fit every Grey.

Those who possess power will not allow any Grey who trusts them and entrusts their power to them to be saved later than they are.

If the pain of history is unavoidable, then let the noble ones bear it first, rather than letting the suffering ones enjoy it first.

Because that's exactly what Jon did.

They did go through a difficult period after that devastating catastrophe, but the tide soon rose again after the ebb.

Moreover, this rise is different from the past. The rebuilt Grey civilization has not only achieved prosperity, but also unprecedented unity and cohesion.

They proved that a divine kingdom can be built on earth without relying on lies, and that it belongs to every Grey.

Of course, this may also be related to their inability to lie.

Once consciousness is linked to the "mental network," the mental ripples of each individual within the network become "transparent."

Luo Yan could see with his own eyes that the faces that occasionally flashed through the illusory lens all exuded tranquility and peace.

He saw neither restlessness nor joy or sorrow in them; it was as if what was being distributed equally was not just property, but also their emotions.

Perhaps it is thanks to this that every individual who occasionally appears in the virtual realm exudes a "Buddhist" aura that transcends worldly affairs.

Or--

divinity.

The researchers in the Collin Tower were whispering among themselves.

"Their emotions are too stable. What would it take to 'lose' something to surprise them?"

"I don't know, but I think it's best if we don't break this balance."

“Agreed. His Highness instructed us to carefully observe and study their mental networks, but not to test their resilience…”

The excited chatter gradually subsided as Prince Colin approached, and everyone bowed respectfully.

Luo Yan glanced around but didn't see Merck. Then he suddenly remembered that Merck was a disciple of Alistair and had recently been implicated in the Thorne Society incident, and seemed to be under investigation by the Council of Sages.

I wonder if the Greys will have mixed feelings after learning about this.

Their "ancient god" has probably truly fallen this time.

"tutor!"

Miller was the first to greet him, walking quickly forward, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"You've finally arrived! Under your wise guidance, we've made another breakthrough in our research on Virtual Realm No. 178!"

"No need for flattery, let's get straight to the point," Luo Yan said with a friendly smile, looking at the excited Miller.

"Great mentor!"

Miller took a deep breath and began his report.

"Initially, we thought there had been a widespread psychic awakening among the Greys, because we observed that both construction workers and doctors seemed to have mastered psychic skills. However, with our further analysis, we overturned this conclusion—the truth is that not everyone awakened to psychic powers, but rather they were sharing their powers with each other!"

He pointed to the lens, his expression becoming one of utter awe, with a hint of barely concealed longing beneath.

"Their spiritual network has completely evolved! The invisible medium through which they share their spirits is no longer just a platform for exchanging information, but has formed a truly powerful 'psychic network'! Each individual can access this giant network through specific rituals, and temporarily possess abilities they did not originally have in specific rituals or tasks!"

"For example, when a doctor is treating wounded soldiers, even if he has not shown any potential for psychic abilities beforehand, he can 'borrow' powerful healing psychic abilities from the network to help stabilize the wounded soldiers' conditions! At the same time, after completing his work, he will return the borrowed abilities, or perhaps automatically... In short, based on our observation of a Grey, we found that he did not show any psychic-related traits in his daily life, but he suddenly did at work!"

Miller turned his head and looked at Prince Colin with an expression as if he had witnessed a miracle, unable to contain the excitement in his voice.

"Mentor! Do you know what this means? They've redefined how supernatural powers are used!"

"The civilization behind the No. 178 virtual realm no longer produces extraordinary beings with infinite power by creating gods, nor does it pray for those who are different to do good deeds or fantasize about pitying ordinary people struggling in the mortal world! They have distributed extraordinary power to every ordinary gray person, and souls are no longer distinguished by high or low status!"

"By Saint Sith...this is incredible!"

After listening to Miller's report and summary, Luo Yan, who was staring at the virtual lens, gradually changed his expression to one of shock.

"That's really incredible."

The Greys solved two problems at the same time.

The problems of a homogenized society lacking productivity and the "paradox of the extraordinary."

If a person needs to work to gain extraordinary power and become a legend or hero in people's eyes, even a lazy, good-for-nothing rat would surely stand up for himself.

As for the "paradox of the superhumans," it is that if everyone possesses superhuman power, then superhuman power itself would cease to exist.

Unless the Greys, like the Solipsians of the 440th Void Realm, have traversed their own universe and can obtain power close to the origin of the universe from distant worlds, they cannot achieve their own extraordinary status at the cost of the ordinariness of most young civilizations.

But it is obvious that—

The Greys haven't developed to that extent yet.

They have only seemingly colonized a few distant and desolate worlds using starships, and have not yet made contact with other civilizations in their own universe.

Luo Yan could understand Miller's shock and the irrepressible longing that an ordinary researcher had for the world behind the No. 178 virtual realm.

In the continent of Os, even in a place like the Academy, the most powerful supernatural abilities are not in the hands of those who truly study them.

Power and resources are firmly held in the hands of the wise and a few professors like Aristotle Thorne, who are not much better than ordinary people in terms of morality and cultivation.

They built academic barriers, determined the flow of knowledge, and turned most researchers into worker ants digging ore for them.

Researchers have spent their entire lives trying to break the shackles of the soul hierarchy, but even researchers like Alistair, who are almost at the top of the tower, cannot do it.

Meanwhile, the Greys on the other side of the virtual realm have established a near-ideal mechanism for distributing extraordinary power in their own way.

More than a century after Jon's death, they have truly torn down the tower in their hearts with their own hands.

Luo Yan could even assert that if it weren't for the fact that he, as an imperial prince, was standing there, Miller's "Saint-Sis is above" would have been replaced with "The Greys are above."

Longing is always the most beautiful distance.

As these researchers observe and influence the virtual world, the world behind the virtual world also subtly influences their minds.

At that moment, an interesting idea suddenly popped into Luo Yan's mind. Looking at those eyes that were shining with longing, he spoke in a casual tone.

"Miller, if the gods were to give you a choice, would you rather be the master of this tower, a sage overlooking all living beings, or one of them, an ordinary Grey?"

Miller was taken aback by the question.

He opened his mouth, but found himself at a loss for words. After a long while, he smiled bitterly and told the truth.

"Your Highness, this question is too difficult."

"Don't worry about it, I was just asking casually."

Luo Yan smiled and didn't press the matter further.

It's clear that this teaching assistant was seriously considering the question, rather than just giving himself a perfunctory answer that he wanted to hear.

His answer also perfectly illustrates that this question is far too early for the people of the continent of Os.

If these researchers continue their observations, the 178th virtual realm and the "Spirit of the Universe" cult behind it will likely become a "corruption" no less powerful than Chaos.

The reason is not because their doctrines are unrealistic or their visions are not rosy enough.

On the contrary, the utopia they created was so beautiful that there was simply no soil on the ground outside the virtual realm for it to take root and sprout.

If it's just about making empty promises, Saint Siss made them much better.

This is true, at least for the vast majority of ordinary people on the continent of Os.

Just then, a researcher responsible for monitoring the "psychic network" suddenly exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention back to the enormous illusory lens.

"Mentor! Psychic energy is rapidly accumulating in the upper atmosphere!"

Luo Yan turned his gaze back to the illusory realm.

In the virtual world, countless streams of psionic light originating from the earth's surface, like dazzling galaxies drawn by an invisible force, pierced through the gray clouds and finally converged in the sky above the world where the Grays lived... or rather, the planet.

There stood a silver-white palace.

It is constructed entirely of some unknown silvery-white metal, with a surface that shimmers like man-made stars.

The researchers in the Collin Tower whispered excitedly, discussing the metallic structure whose true nature they did not know.

Only their Prince Colin's expression remained unchanged.

Luo Yan knew very well that it was just a space station, and it was not a remarkable technology at all to the Greys who had already begun interstellar colonization.

They already knew it!
However, the scene in the virtual realm soon changed again.

This time, even he, who was usually very composed, was shocked by the incredible scene that came into view.

Right outside the space station, all the gathered psionic energy was compressed into a singularity, and then suddenly tore open a rift that shone with an unstable light!

"It's a Void Realm! They actually opened a Void Realm too!"

Miller gasped in surprise, followed by an overwhelming surge of joy, his hands clenching involuntarily with excitement.

He recalled the research records of Virtual Realm No. 440—

The Solipsians behind the 440th Void Realm broke through the limits of their own vision by exploring the Void Realm in reverse, and turned their gaze to the "creators" behind the void!

Now, the Greys of the 178th Virtual Realm are reenacting this historic scene!
And it was all under the witness of the "Creator"!

Miller was filled with excitement and couldn't help but silently pray for these toddlers.

If they could connect with the school community like the Solipsians did, perhaps they would make a more "generous and selfless" choice!

for example--

Just as the researchers at Corinta took meticulous care of them, they turned around and gave back to their "creators" who were still suffering!
Although Miller didn't voice his true feelings, Luo Yan could tell at a glance what the young man was fantasizing about.

This is a fantasy that almost every first-time father inevitably has: projecting their unfulfilled wishes onto their son.

However, while he understood, he wasn't too optimistic.

The civilization behind Virtual Realm 178 is still too young; its exploration of Virtual Realms has only just begun. The Solipsians of Virtual Realm 440 will not truly find the "Creator" behind the Virtual Realm for countless centuries to come.

Moreover, the Soliposians were quite disappointed when they first discovered that their "spiritual father" was just an ordinary person.

As for the eventual "reconciliation" and the rediscovery of the umbilical cord connecting their spirits, that will be a matter for the fortieth century.

The Solipsian civilization was already in its twilight years at that time.

Whether the overlap between the two within their limited lifespans will last for such a long period is still unknown; the reunion in the 440th virtual realm is more like a miracle.

Perhaps by the time the Greys achieve their final "reconciliation," they will never meet again.

Time continues to flow behind the virtual realm.

The rift floating outside the space station was much larger than the rift in Corinth Tower, like a wound emerging in deep space, large enough to stuff the entire space station inside.

of course.

The Greys didn't do that. Instead, like the researchers in Corinth, they kept their distance from the rift and carefully observed the azure world behind it...

Through analysis of the mental network and shifts in perspective, the researchers in Corinth were surprised to find that they could see all of this clearly.

This includes the situation inside the space station, including that "virtual realm within a virtual realm"!
"...Doesn't this mean we can study the virtual realm within the virtual realm?" a researcher muttered to himself, his shoulders trembling slightly with excitement.

This is an even more remarkable discovery than the 440th Void Realm!
Meanwhile, the Grey researchers behind the virtual realm reacted in a strangely similar way.

Looking at the azure world behind the virtual realm, longing appeared on every ordinary face, and their shoulders trembled slightly.

It was all because that world was just too wonderful, like paradise compared to their home planet that was almost burning up!

The saying goes, "Longing is the most beautiful distance"... This statement clearly applies to Greys as well.

Even though they knew very well that they could not cross the void to reach that wonderful world, they still could not suppress their longing.

They desperately want a planet filled with clean air and water.

Unfortunately, their universe was far too desolate, and those seemingly beautiful planets were too far away, like mirages in the universe.

Driven by this aspiration, they drew upon more mental energy from the psionic network and devoted it to exploring the virtual realm.

However, as they explored further, they soon discovered that it was too early to describe this strange world as paradise.

That place is not paradise.

On the contrary, it felt more like their past—a past when they hadn't yet woken from their dream, still immersed in the beautiful dream woven by neon lights.

Perhaps the 30-second advertisement awakened the "post-traumatic stress disorder" deep within their souls. Watching those humanoid creatures with similar appearances to them destroy their world, the mental waves that had been calm for countless years began to ripple for the first time.

'We cannot watch these materialists go astray! They will bring disaster upon themselves and upon the universe they inhabit.'

'Intervention is a necessary option. We won't force them to become like us, but we need to give our friends in another universe who are suffering better choices.'

'Do it!'

They reached a consensus.

This is another instance of unity since the Grey Psionicists decided to overthrow the Federal Council by force. This time, they decided to give the people on the other side of the Void a most precious gift: to help them end the council on the other side of the Void.

Just like their father, "Colin," did for them.

Meanwhile, the researchers in the Collin Tower were also shocked, exchanging bewildered glances and discussing amongst themselves.

The virtual realm within the virtual realm is an extremely prosperous material civilization.

Countless skyscrapers, far taller than the Grey City, pierced the clouds. Streamlined vehicles flowed ceaselessly between the buildings, while crowds thronged the ground. Although their clothing styles were diverse, judging from their appearance, they seemed to be...human?
Furthermore, these "humans" have almost stepped onto the edge of the starry sky, though not as completely as the Greys.

“By Saint Sith, are they repeating our path?!” Miller’s voice carried a hint of dreamlike absurdity. After swallowing, he murmured, “They are actually spreading the gospel of ‘Colin’ to another world!”

The facts are just as he said.

The researchers at Corinta quickly discovered that the Greys had easily mastered the methods of interfering with the Dimensional Realm and the techniques of using a force similar to the Source to accelerate the passage of time within the Dimensional Realm.

They are very smart and know how to adapt.

Instead of spreading the most primitive doctrines in the oldest way, they thoroughly studied the society behind the virtual world and wove a set of doctrines that suited the actual situation of the "humans" living there, guiding them to re-examine their own souls and hearts.

Moreover, they secretly established an organization called the "Cosmic Spirit Foundation" behind the virtual realm.

With both mental and material preparations met, they were full of confidence in the upcoming changes and had even made preparations for the aftermath.

However, just when they were about to succeed, something unexpected happened.

History repeats itself in an almost mocking way, but instead of the story of "Jon and Colin," it repeats the story of "the ancient god Merck and Kyle."

Corrupted by power and desire, the "Cosmic Spirit Foundation" has become an organization similar to the "Ark of Redemption".

They no longer pursue lofty ideals, but instead succumb to worldly desires and stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

This transformation, which began with good intentions, ultimately triggered the "humanity" behind the virtual realm to become wary of the void.

The foundation was labeled a cult, and a war that would engulf the entire world was about to break out, reducing the Grays' years of hard work to ashes.

Fortunately, perhaps due to its advanced level of civilization, the catastrophe ended quickly and ignited humanity's passion for exploring distant worlds.

A magnificent starship set sail from that azure world, heading towards the distant cosmos.

However, in contrast, the first virtual passage that the Greys had just mastered became precarious and was almost extinguished.

Through the lens, the mental network of the Greys was filled with waves of regret and bewilderment; this failed intervention seemed to have shaken their society.

The vast majority of Greys criticized this failed intervention, believing that their actions not only failed to guide the lost sheep back to the right path, but also brought even deeper suffering to innocent souls.

Because the psionic network refused to grant psionic access to the Void portal, the Grey civilization's research on the Void came to a standstill for a time.

At the first crossroads, they seemed to have embarked on a path quite different from that of the Solipusi.

The researchers in Corinta shared the sentiment and sighed in unison. However, most of their sighs focused on the fact that these Greys had simply given up.

what a shame.

Unlike the researchers who lamented the slim chance of a reunion, Luo Yan's expression became somewhat strange.

Regardless of whether it was a pity or not, he just felt that... that blue planet seemed somewhat familiar.
"It can't be such a coincidence..." Luo Yan muttered to himself, until a holographic billboard flashed past him.

The Chinese characters flashing in the neon lights were incredibly familiar to him, instantly pulling his thoughts back to more than twenty years ago.

Good guy——

It really is Earth?!

Although it didn't seem to be the Earth he knew, but rather an Earth on another timeline, one that had already stepped into the future...

(End of this chapter)