You said mechs were going to fight monsters, but instead you're destroying stars with your bare

Chapter 136 The End of Science Fiction is Cultivation
All eyes instantly focused on Zhang Xiaotian.

“Previously, the core rules of the ‘Shenhai Disney Rift Incident’ that we handled were deeply tied to the ‘fairytale’ meme,” Zhang Xiaotian recalled the bizarre scene at the time. “Whether it was the restrictions at the entrance or the internal passage rules described in the report, they all followed a set of conceptual rules similar to those of an amusement park. According to the report, our team ultimately took advantage of this to successfully destroy the core.”

"We have reason to believe that, under the influence of the abyss, those idealistic, non-material entities hidden in people's hearts have been stimulated into an existence that can more strongly influence reality!"

Zhang Xiaotian's speech sparked a lively and enthusiastic discussion.

The people who had previously found the concept of "meme wars" vague and abstract now had expressions of sudden realization.

The leader's fingertips tapped lightly on the table, making a rhythmic sound.

"It seems that... the power of the abyss is not purely destructive."

"It is more like a mirror, reflecting and amplifying the deepest desires, fears, and 'stories' of a civilization."

He slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"The remnants of Japanese militarism, through the abyss, have turned their 'shattered glory' story into a real-life curse."

"Then we can also use the power of the coalition government to create a brand new, hopeful 'story' for that land and for those misled people."

"But what should this new story be? And who should write it?" The representative of the European Council raised the key question. "If we force it on from the top down, it will probably only backfire."

“That’s right.” The leader nodded, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light. “Instead of us building a new ‘myth’ for them, let the people of the new era create it themselves.”

"Let the collective subconscious generate its own antibodies!"

He waved his hand sharply, his tone firm and unwavering.

"I have decided to publicly solicit proposals for the 'Fusang Reconstruction Plan' from all citizens under the United Government, especially from the mecha pilot community."

"Whether it's urban planning, cultural reshaping, or economic development... any imaginative ideas or bold and innovative suggestions, after review and extensive consultation with the public, are actively adopted and supported."

What we need to do is not to 'educate', but to 'guide'.

"To guide everyone to use their own hands to create a brand new future that belongs to them."

"We must wage an unprecedented war of ideological liberation on this ruin! A cultural revitalization movement belonging to all humankind!"

........................

…………

Starfish Island, the yacht mothership "Platinum Star".

Outside the window was a calm, azure sea, a stark contrast to the hellish scene that had unfolded not long ago.

Li Zhe sat in the commander's chair.

Beside him, two ship spirits with very different styles stood solemnly.

Under their watchful eyes, Li Zhe slowly retrieved the biggest trophy of this operation from the maintenance hangar.

That mythical material from "Edo Tensei Amaterasu"—

【The Heart of Edo Amaterasu】!
It was about the size of a human head, completely black, and covered with dark red lines that pulsated like blood vessels.

Each pulse emanates a faint yet incredibly pure abyssal energy.

It contains a terrifying power capable of destroying everything, yet it also seems to be nurturing a completely new and even more powerful life.

Destruction and rebirth, these two diametrically opposed contradictory auras, coexist perfectly within it, creating a chilling sense of mystery and eeriness.

"Star, begin in-depth analysis." Li Zhe's voice was steady and powerful. "I need to know whether this thing can help me break through the bottleneck and enter the 'Foundation Building' realm."

"Yes, Commander."

The semi-transparent energy form of the star stepped forward, data surging through its golden eyes at an unprecedented speed. She extended her slender fingers, from which beams of soft golden energy extended, like the most precise scalpel, carefully probing into the beating heart, analyzing its deepest structure and rules.

Time passed by minute by minute.

The star's energy began to ripple violently out of control.

For the first time, an expression of disbelief and shock appeared on her usually impeccably rational face.

"commander……"

Her voice carried an unprecedented solemnity.

"Analysis... complete, but the result..."

"explain."

“This ‘mythical’ material is not a pure source of power.” Xing took a deep breath and projected a series of complex and dazzling data models. “It’s more like an… incomplete ‘anchor of faith’.”

"Anchor of faith?"

“Yes.” Xing nodded and continued to explain, “Based on the incomplete information about ‘Foundation Building’ that I retrieved from the Star Mech Legion’s central database, the so-called ‘Foundation Building’ is essentially about deeply harmonizing the mech’s core with the energy of the planet’s ley lines, thereby gaining planetary-level power.”

"This process is extremely dangerous and unstable, like trying to make a small boat bear the weight of the entire ocean."

"And the 'anchor of faith' is the key to stabilizing the 'hull' and building the 'rule framework' in this process, preventing it from being torn apart by the violent planetary energy."

"So where does the problem lie now?" Li Zhe keenly grasped the key point.

"The problem is..." Xing's tone became extremely heavy, "As a special kind of mecha, the way your soul and body are combined is far beyond that of a regular mecha pilot. The 'rule framework' you need must also be incredibly stable."

"Based on my calculations, you will need at least ten... or even more 'faith anchors' of the same level to construct a stable framework capable of withstanding the infusion of planetary energy."

"Relying solely on this 'heart'... the success rate of forcibly breaking through is less than 10%."

Xing paused, then stated the consequences of failure with an almost cruel calm.

"And if you fail... your body will completely collapse at the most basic cellular level. Even your soul will be torn into its most primal fragments by that violent energy..."

Li Zhe fell silent.

The atmosphere in the command room became tense for a moment.

He looked at the beating heart in his hand...

The ultimate goal of science fiction is cultivation of immortality; cultivation of immortality is definitely more enjoyable.

but……

Why do I need so many "Foundation Building Pills" just to build my foundation?
The difficulty of this "foundation building" path far exceeded my expectations...

Li Zhe sat quietly in the commander's chair.

His fingertips tapped rhythmically on the armrest, his eyes revealing no emotion.

Kazuko looked at him with a worried expression.

I wanted to offer comfort several times, but I didn't know where to begin.

In the end, it was Xing who broke the silence first.

"Commander, although the road ahead is difficult, it is not without hope."

(End of this chapter)