Forbidden Nightmare

Chapter 151 Master Key
Li Nanke returned to his home and opened the black gift box that Ms. Rosalyn had given him in return, which contained a mechanical watch.

Although the appearance is ordinary and low-key at first glance, a closer look reveals that the workmanship of the mechanical watch is extremely fine.

He casually searched the Internet for this watch of a brand he had never heard of.

"...He is really a big dog owner."

Li Nanke's pile of dream data disks were not worth much, and the watch he gave as a return gift was more than enough to buy a luxury hovercraft.

In a trance, he seemed to see Minnian growing a big beard, wearing a big white robe, a snow-white turban on his head, waving his hands and throwing handfuls of money.

Li Nanke smiled and shook his head, then threw the mechanical watch into the safe, ready to pawn it if he was short of money someday.

The communicator vibrated and received a text message.

[Minnie Ann: I will arrange the laboratory matters as soon as possible, just wait for my news. ]

Li Nanke thought about it and typed a reply:

[Those dream data disks...are you alright? ]

[Minnie Ann: Of course it's okay. How could it be possible? Don't underestimate my intelligence.]

[Minnie Ann: Okay, I have some things to do here. Remember to take me to the delicious beef noodle restaurant you mentioned someday to show me the way... Good night.]

Minian on the other end quietly put down the communicator, looked at her nose with her eyes and her heart with her nose, sat upright with an elegant and dignified posture.

The head maid Rosalin at the side chattered solemnly: "Miss, the contents of those dream data disks are bloody and violent. A lady should not try them..."

"I have sealed Mr. Li's gift in the storage room. I hope you can remember the etiquette and not make any impolite moves again..."

"I have also put away the cheap women's clothing from the development zone. I understand that we had to make an emergency decision this time. Please pay attention to your dress next time unless it is a special situation. Miss, you are representing the Wistaria family when you are out there..."

"..."

Minnie Ann nodded repeatedly and responded quietly, and there was nothing wrong with her manners.

But if you look closely, you can see that her eyes are empty and lifeless, and it is obvious that she is numb and her mind is wandering.

Compared to now, I really miss the freedom of riding a motorcycle just now...

……

The next day, Li Nanke arrived at the research department early.

The forbidden object that the department is researching this time is a key that can effectively remove almost any form of physical door lock device. The preliminary project code name is "Master Key".

Today's door locks are basically electronic locks. There is no physical keyhole, so the key cannot be inserted even if you want to.

It seems that the actual effect of the "master key" is not great, but it is not the case.

The researchers found that the master key's ability to open a lock is related to the holder's subjective perception.

Even if there is no physical keyhole, the master key can open the lock when the holder's subconscious mind believes that there is a keyhole on the door and can recognize the appearance of a "lock".

In addition to the researchers, the laboratory now also has a group of psychics who are trying to use hypnosis to explore the limits of the master key and to what extent the concept of "unlocking" can be used.

Li Nanke is very interested in such conceptual rule-based taboos.

However, the forbidden object this time does not contain pheromones and cannot be deciphered by the universal talent, so his level of knowledge is far from being able to formally participate in the research.

To put it simply, if he can't cheat and copy answers, he is not worthy of sitting at the same table with a group of top students. He can only go back to memorize words and formulas and practice basic skills.

"Brother Jiang, have you discovered the side effects of the master key?"

Jiang Lei had dark circles under his eyes. The research department had been working at full capacity in recent days. After the long vacation, he had been working overtime so much that he was beginning to doubt his life.

"We have discovered some, but we speculate that the forbidden objects should have greater side effects." Jiang Lei rubbed his brows and said tiredly: "Now using the forbidden objects to open the lock only consumes some mental power. As the complexity of the lock increases, the mental power consumed will also increase."

"We haven't yet reached the limit of the master key, but we found that the master key seems to be connected to a closed alien space."

"A closed alien space?" Li Nanke raised his eyebrows.

"Well, the director speculated that when the master key hits a lock that cannot be opened, the real side effect will appear, forcing the lock opener to move into that closed alien space." Jiang Lei sighed and continued, "Before we have a thorough understanding of that alien space, we will try not to try to touch the limits of the master key."

"But this will greatly slow down the research progress, and I don't know how long this project will last." Jiang Lei looked at his junior brother, "What a pity! If your Universal Talent could be used, I wouldn't have to work so hard and overtime."

"You just want to be lazy every day." Female researcher Mary suddenly came over and slapped Jiang Lei on the back of his head. "Xiao Li, don't listen to Jiang Lei's complaints. Your current task is to continue to study in depth. I am still waiting for you to return after completing your studies to help share the pressure."

"Also, Director Frank wants to see you and asks you to go to his office."

Li Nanke responded and went to the director's office.

Director Frank, with pale hair, was wearing a white coat and a marker in his chest pocket. He was sitting behind his desk, typing on a laptop.

Seeing the director's expressionless and serious face, Li Nanke's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that he had been discovered using the company bus for personal purposes?
"Have you been close to the Wistaria family recently?"

How did the director know that? And isn't your last name Wistaria? Why are you speaking in such a businesslike tone... Li Nanke replied, "Yes, but it didn't affect my work. I just used my spare time."

"I have no intention of interfering in your private life, but frequently using your Universal Talent to make deals will not do you any good." Frank adjusted his glasses without taking his eyes off the computer screen, and the wrinkles on his face became even deeper. "If you have financial difficulties, I will help you apply for subsidies and bonuses..."

Li Nanke opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

Director Frank clearly means he cares, but he still acts stern and demanding. Are all members of your Wistaria family so arrogant?
"I'm not in financial difficulty. Of course, if there's a subsidy or bonus, I wouldn't be embarrassed to refuse it..." Seeing that the director was easy to talk to, Li Nanke suddenly remembered the matter of the Operations Department, and climbed up the pole, "Director, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Li Nanke tactfully mentioned his intention to participate in the Operations Department's training program.

Participating in the special training of the Operations Department would most likely take up part of the working time of the Research Department. Given Frank's old-fashioned personality and his clear distinction between public and private, there was a high probability that he would refuse and scold him for not doing his job properly.

Sure enough, after he said this, Frank finally looked away from the screen and stared at him expressionlessly.

"You are taking advanced courses now, right?"

"Yes."

"Tell me, how do you understand the resonance of energies with similar characteristics?"

Li Nanke was startled. This was intermediate knowledge about forbidden objects. He had studied it over and over again in the study room and had memorized it deeply. Now facing Frank's test, he didn't need to think too much. He just opened his mouth and said as if reciting: "When two or more forbidden objects have similar characteristics, they will show a unique energy resonance phenomenon between each other."

"This phenomenon allows forbidden objects to sense each other within a certain distance. The energy resonance that occurs may enhance each other's effects, but it may also amplify negative effects. Therefore, when studying, transporting or storing forbidden objects, the isolation principle should be strictly followed to avoid unnecessary risks..."

Frank's eyes flickered as he continued to ask questions: "Explain the assimilation effect again."

Li Nanke did not pause at all and continued to talk: "The assimilation effect usually occurs on certain taboo objects with a higher risk level."

"Some powerful and special forbidden objects have the ability to assimilate, that is, they can assimilate the substances or life forms they come into contact with, or even some of the properties of forbidden objects, into their own characteristics. When relatively weak forbidden objects are subjected to the assimilation effect, there is a high probability that energy resonance will occur, causing the crisis level of the already powerful forbidden objects to increase, resulting in major containment accidents or disasters..."

Frank asked questions one after another, and Li Nanke answered every question fluently, which made the director's serious face gradually soften.

This kid was not lazy or slacking off. In fact, he was learning very quickly and worked harder than most researchers he had seen.

"Explain the meaning of the forbidden object brand."

Li Nanke opened his mouth and was about to answer, but found himself stuck. Forbidden object brand... What is this? Why have I never heard of it?

"Director, I don't know."

It's a miracle you know this, because this is the content of the advanced course... Frank glanced at him and said sternly: "You have a good grasp of the basics, but there is still a lot to learn."

Li Nanke felt helpless. It seemed that his plan to work part-time in the Operations Department to participate in special combat training had failed.

It seems normal. How could the boss allow his subordinates to use up their working time to participate in combat training?

"Director, I understand. I will continue to study."

"and many more."

He said goodbye and was about to leave, but Director Frank stopped him: "I'll say hello to Bastian... From now on, I will test your knowledge of forbidden objects every two weeks. If you fall behind in your learning progress and fail the test once, you will be terminated from the training immediately."

Frank just agreed?
Li Nanke's worry turned into joy: "Thank you, Director. Don't worry, I will never neglect my job as a researcher."

"Okay, go to the study room and ask Jiang Lei to come over."

Looking at the young man's back as he left, Frank's serious expression disappeared and he smiled:
"It's great to be young..."

Frank truly likes young people like Li Nanke, who are extremely talented and willing to work hard to learn. He loves him to the core.

If it was Frank himself, who had the rare talent of the All-Seeing System when he was young, he would definitely look at everyone with his nose, point at everyone with his chin, and be so proud that his tail would be raised to the sky.

A teacher cannot hate a talented person like Li Nanke who is not arrogant but humble and hardworking despite his great talent.

He treated the other party as his true disciple, or even as his last disciple.

Not long after, Jiang Lei, looking depressed, pushed the door open and said, "Director, are you looking for me?"

Frank put on a serious face again and took out a merit bonus application form from the drawer: "Fill out the form and find out that 'Master Key' has merits in the other dimension, which is enough to apply for a large bonus."

"Okay, Director." Jiang Lei couldn't help but yawn, looked at the coffee machine beside the office, walked over to get a cup of coffee, "Director, would you like a cup too?"

"No need. Remember to fill in Li Nanke's name as the applicant."

"Puff!" Jiang Lei spat out a mouthful of coffee.

He shuddered all over, and all his sleepiness was swept away. He stared with eyes wide open in disbelief and said, "Xiao Li? Director, did I hear wrongly? Didn't you discover the forbidden object's alternate dimension?"

"If you core researchers don't tell us, who would know that I discovered it... Just do as I say!"

Jiang Lei immediately realized that the director was trying to give money and credit to Xiao Li...

He was a little jealous and said, "Director, I also want to be promoted. Besides, my old car has been making strange noises recently. I know it means it wants to retire. Unfortunately, I don't have the money to buy a new car."

Frank glanced and said, "If you go to the nightclub less often, you will have money."

Jiang Lei couldn't help but beat his chest and stamp his feet, swearing that he would let Xiao Li treat him next time, otherwise he would not be able to get rid of the hatred in his heart.

Seeing that Jiang Lei was still showing off, Frank explained with rare patience: "When the family's research team contacted me a few days ago and asked me about the problem of driving the blue crystal, I learned that Li Nanke had reached a deal with the family to use the Universal Talent to crack the taboo."

"Frequent absorption of multiple types of pheromones will greatly shorten his career lifespan. Li Nanke must be aware of this." Frank sighed and continued, "You also know that I don't get along with those capitalists in the family. I never want to get involved in family affairs. But this time they have reached out to my people, so I have to step in to deal with it."

Frank reached out and pushed the merit bonus application form in front of Jiang Lei:
"I think Li Nanke must have some difficulties, so he had no choice but to exchange his professional life with his family... After all, I am only his boss, not a real teacher or master, so there are limits to how much I can help."

He paused and said, "You have the best relationship with Li Nanke, so it would be convenient for you to find out what difficulties he has encountered. I think it should be a financial problem..."

When Jiang Lei heard this, his expression immediately became serious, and he patted his chest and assured, "Don't worry, Director. As your senior brother, I will definitely not let you suffer any injustice. Leave this matter to me."

He took the merit bonus application form and thought about it carefully, but couldn't remember what had happened to Li Nanke recently.

Jiang Lei knew his junior fellow apprentice too well. He went to and from get off work every day and had a very regular lifestyle. What could possibly happen to him?
Moreover, Xiao Li had just received a large bonus not long ago. He not only changed his residence, but also bought a cool motorcycle.

He doesn't look like he's worried about money.

Jiang Lei was thinking hard, and suddenly an idea came to his mind. He remembered the intimacy between Minian and Li Nanke at the last banquet.

He suddenly realized and thought to himself that his junior brother was awesome.

Then he pretended to be silent and said, "Director, let's say there is a possibility that Xiao Li's deal with the Wistaria family was not for money, but for people?"

Frank: “For people?”

……

On the other side, Li Nanke walked into the research department's study room.

He inserted the public dream disk given by Bastien into the synchronizer and lay down on the bench.

If private dreams are understood as stand-alone machines, then public dreams are networked. Public dreams cannot adjust the flow of time and are composed of multiple people online at the same time.

The Operations Department's dream disk is used for simulated battles between extraordinary beings, which include not only the detainees of the City of Redemption branch, but also the grassroots combatants of the entire Control Bureau.

(End of this chapter)