American comics farmer: start by adopting the villain savior.

Chapter 176 Christmas Eve. Doomsday. Brainiac.

The warmth of Thanksgiving still lingers in the ashes of the fireplace, and in the blink of an eye, the Christmas bells have already quietly rung.

Kent Farm was completely tamed by one silent snowfall after another.

Fortunately, a young man was battling the snow near the barn.

His forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat, which emitted a faint warmth in the low temperature.

He was only wearing a thin gray work shirt, and he pulled the sleeves up to his elbows to neatly stack the last few bundles of hay for the winter.

"Whoo~"

The last bundle of hay was carefully stacked on the tall wooden frame.

Bruce finally let out a breath.

For the past ten days or so, the farm has been engaged in high-intensity physical labor.
Wielding heavy axes to chop firewood for winter, carrying large timbers to reinforce livestock pens, and clearing piles of manure from the cold mud.
It made every muscle in his body protest, and the soreness went deep into his bones.

Every night he lay on his bed in the simple hut, he felt like he was falling apart.

His fingernails were filled with mud that couldn't be washed off, and his expensive custom-made coat had long been torn by nails in the warehouse, so he had been replaced with the same durable work clothes as Mr. Locke.

This experience of fighting against nature with physical strength made him realize for the first time how limited and fragile his body was after stripping away the wealth and glory of the Wayne family.

Although the effects of labor are obvious.
His arms circumference visibly expanded, his chest became thick and broad, and every deep breath carried a steady sense of power, transforming his once slightly thin youthful physique into that of a strong man.

It even made him sometimes think absurdly.
Does the Wayne family's gene pool... hold the unawakened soul of a farmer?

But physical strength alone can never fill the void left by the constant tug-of-war in one's spirit.

Day after day, they plowed the fields, fed the livestock, and repaired the fences.
Most of the progress is so slow that it is almost imperceptible.

The snow cleared today will fall again tomorrow, and the repaired fence may be knocked askew by a restless calf.

This kind of repetitive work, lacking a clear sense of accomplishment, was a silent torture for him, who was used to solving problems in Gotham with precise planning and efficient action.

It made him feel like he was pushing a boulder that would never reach the top of the mountain.

A Sisyphus-like sense of futility gnawed at his heart.

After all, even the most passionate police officers, with the most fervent hearts of justice, cannot escape this fate.
If you are trapped in a city where evil never ends, one day you will be buried by the ashes of despair, won't you?
fortunately
Unlike some sinister city, at least he has a place to rest on this farm.

As he habitually went to check the tool shed, Mr. Locke strolled over slowly and patted him on the shoulder.

"Alright, kid, take a break today."

Bruce looked up blankly, sweat stinging his eyes.

"Taking a break?"

"Ah."

Locke didn't explain much, but simply raised his chin, gesturing for him to look down from the barn roof.

There, a wreath woven from holly leaves and berries had been hung up sometime during the day.

"It's Christmas Eve. Take a breather."

Christmas Eve?
Christmas?
Bruce suddenly realized, as if he had been startled awake from a deep hibernation.

“Your old butler,” Locke said with a slightly teasing smile, his gaze seemingly able to pierce through layers of snow to see the brightly lit yet cold and empty manor in Gotham, “is now going to be all alone with such a huge Christmas tree and a long dining table… He should go back.”

"Ah."

Bruce nodded.

He would have almost forgotten about it if Locke hadn't mentioned it.

How long has it been since I last contacted Afu?

When was the last call? It sounded like he was complaining that another batch of listening devices had broken down?
"Thank you, Mr. Locke."

Bruce took a deep breath. "I almost forgot about Alfred."

"Go ahead, go ahead, remember to come back tomorrow."

Locke waved casually and turned to walk towards the main house.

There was no farewell, no formalities.

Bruce also turned and strode toward his simple hut on the edge of the farm, half-hidden by snow.

The interior furnishings are extremely minimalist.

There was only a hardboard bed and an old wooden table piled with books and draft paper.

There was also a glowing red-hot iron stove radiating warmth.

He quickly washed up, changed into a relatively clean set of clothes, and packed his luggage. Although there wasn't much to take, he couldn't lose his valuable observation notes.

"boom--!"

Push open the door of the small house.

Bruce trudged through the ankle-deep snow toward the path.

He planned to go to Smallville first and contact Alfred to send someone to pick him up. Otherwise, by the time he got back to Gotham, Christmas would probably be over.

Just then, the snow stopped.

The forest was filled with tranquility, with only the crunching sound of his footsteps on the snow.

He hadn't walked more than a few steps when the view in the clearing in the woods ahead made him stop.

A little boy was seen rolling and playing merrily in the snow with a huge white wolf.

Even more surprisingly, around the clearing, several deer, a few rabbits, a gray wolf, and even a few colorful birds perched on the branches, all quietly watching this scene, as if guarding this winter forest game.

Bruce paused for a moment, then a relaxed smile appeared on his face.

Having spent his time on the Kent farm, he was no longer surprised by any extraordinary phenomena.

He knew that Salafil was a special child.

It's just about making friends with animals.
"Sarafil!"

He raised his hand and waved towards the open space, greeting people loudly, his tone much gentler than when he spoke to strangers.

"Brother Bruce."

Hearing the greeting, Salafir immediately looked up from her playful antics with the white wolf, a delighted smile spreading across her face. The boy's affection for her generous older brother, who often accidentally dropped Franklin into his pocket, was already off the charts.

He patted the snow off himself, grabbed the big white wolf, and ran over excitedly.

The surrounding animals also curiously took a few steps closer, but still kept a certain distance.

Looking at the little boy who ran up to him and the exceptionally handsome white wolf, Bruce couldn't help but smile.

He naturally reached out and ruffled Salafir's slightly disheveled black hair.

"Playing with friends?"

He smiled, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards the white wolf.

The wolf was indeed enormous, and its eyes were exceptionally bright, even carrying a human-like scrutinizing quality.

Ok…

Guessed it.

The smile on his face froze the next second.

The white wolf elegantly tossed its head and surprisingly spoke in a cold, disgruntled voice, letting out a disgruntled breath:
"Staring at others is very impolite."

"!!!"

Bruce was completely stunned.

He knew Kent Farm was no ordinary place; he had witnessed Locke's inhuman strength and knew that Salafir was somewhat special, but... a wolf speaking human language?!
It nearly shut down his brain, leaving him momentarily at a loss for how to react.

“Brother Bruce.” Seeing this, Salafir smiled sheepishly, quickly reached out and hugged the white wolf’s neck, nuzzling him affectionately, and introduced him to Bruce, “Don’t be afraid! This is Kayla, my good friend! She… she’s just a little special!”

Kayla seemed quite pleased with the boy's reassurance, letting out a satisfied gurgling sound, though her wolf-like eyes still glanced at Bruce with a hint of displeasure.

"Kay...Kayla?"

Bruce forced himself to calm down and struggled to process the information.

He took a deep breath, trying to accept the situation…

This is Kent Farm, home to a talking wolf…

It doesn't seem entirely impossible?

He tried to convince himself internally, but his facial muscles were still somewhat stiff, and he could only nod dryly and squeeze out a sentence:
"Y-you...hello, Kayla."

Seeing Bruce's worldview being shaken yet his attempt to remain calm, Salafir secretly smiled.

To ease the awkwardness.
Or perhaps it was out of habit, but Bruce subconsciously reached into his pocket, skillfully pulled out his wallet, and took out four or five brand-new Franklins.

Thanks to Afu, who stuffed several hundred US dollars into my pocket during the last shipment of supplies.

This allowed him to kneel down at that moment and hand the banknotes to Salafir:

“Here, Christmas Eve. A Christmas present.” He deliberately made his tone light, with a hint of mischievousness, like he was coaxing a child. “I won’t wait until tonight to secretly slip it under your pillow, so Mr. Locke won’t catch me.”

"?!"

Salafir's eyes lit up instantly, almost glowing green.

His small hands trembled as he reached out to receive it, but overwhelmed by the joy and the sudden windfall, he froze in mid-air.

Kayla, meanwhile, tilted her wolf head to one side, her nostrils flaring, and sniffed the few green pieces of paper that smelled of ink, her expression a mixture of deep confusion and disdain.

"What's the use of this stuff? It smells weird, and you can't eat it."

"Sister Kayla!" Salafir immediately swallowed hard, explaining to her best friend with an incredibly longing tone, "This is amazing! You can use this at the town's general store to exchange for... you can exchange for a thousand bottles of those sweet strawberry juices!"

One thousand bottles of strawberry juice!!!
This number clearly had a huge impact on Kayla as well.

Her once aloof wolf eyes widened, and a strawberry-colored light shone in her pupils.

Both the man and the wolf were staring intently at the banknotes in Bruce's hand, their gazes following the slight sway of the banknotes.

And looking at these two pairs of eyes that had been completely ignited by the 'magic of capital'...

Bruce couldn't help but chuckle, the sense of absurdity in his heart vanishing under the magic of money.

Indeed, whether facing a human infant or a talking fantasy creature, simple and direct cash is always the most effective way to build rapport and break the ice.

He chuckled softly, a hint of indulgent helplessness in his voice, and forcefully stuffed a few Franklins into the pocket of Salafir's down jacket, even fastening the snaps to secure them.

"Here you go, a Christmas surprise."

He stood up, patted Salafir on the shoulder, nodded amicably to Kayla, and then lowered his voice, saying to the boy with a hint of teasing, "Remember, this is our little secret, don't tell Mr. Locke, okay?"

"Okay! Thank you, Bruce! I promise I won't tell!"

Salafir nodded frantically like a chick pecking at rice, her little hands tightly clutching her pockets.

Bruce is so generous, I must invite him over for mushrooms later...?
The words hadn't even left his mouth.

A faint, strange sound quietly drifted through the woods, and then…

— It transformed into a roar that ripped through the silence!

"roar!!!!
A roar that defies description with any known words!

It tore the mountains and forests apart without warning!

It's not just the sound; it also brings a physical impact!

Even a tremor at the level of the soul!
It exploded from the depths of a snow-covered valley in the distance!
Like the gates of hell being violently smashed open! The sound waves transformed into visible ripples, violently sweeping across the entire forest!
Snow cascaded down the treetops like a waterfall, and the thick branches groaned and swayed violently under the weight!

Pure, primal, and terrifying!
Violence! Destruction!
With a chilling coldness that annihilates all life!

It sucked away all the warmth from the air. It froze the calm and shattered the peace!

Just moments ago, the two were celebrating the 'one thousand bottles of juice,' which dragged them into an abyss!

Salafir's smile faded, replaced by fear of the unknown.

Kayla's snow-white mane stood on end, and a low, angry roar came from her throat. She lowered her body slightly, and there was no longer a trace of the sweetness of fruit juice in her icy blue eyes.

Even all the creatures in the forest
Those gentle deer, timid rabbits, colorful birds, and even that gray wolf!
They all collapsed completely in the aftershocks of that world-destroying roar!

Terrified cries, desperate flapping of wings, and the chaotic sound of hooves pounding the snow!

The fairy tale in the forest was completely ended by this roar.

at last.
Only a mess of footprints and feathers remained on the snow, turning the forest clearing into ruins, with only the whistling of the wind through the broken branches.

"?!"

Bruce swallowed hard, his whole body jolting.

The shock he had just experienced felt as if his heart had been gripped tightly by an invisible giant hand and then suddenly released, the blood that was pumped out rushed to his brain with a piercing pain that went straight to his soul!
This is absolutely not a sound that any known wild animal could make!

"Brother!"

In that instant of deathly silence, a voice filled with obvious panic rang out in Salafir's mind:

"Run! We need to get back to the farm right now! To find Dad!"

It's the capital city!
"I remember now! That thing sealed in the cave... it's a monster! I've seen it before, and now it's awake! We absolutely can't handle it!"

The younger brother's voice had lost its usual arrogance and was filled with unprecedented urgency and fear.

Salafir's face turned pale. He instinctively nodded, ready to heed the god's warning and go find his father.

Can.
Just as he turned around
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a resolute white figure!

"Sister Kayla!"

Salafil was terrified and cried out anxiously, "Don't go! It's dangerous inside! Even the gods say it's a monster!"

However, Kayla seemed not to hear at all. Her figure quickly disappeared into the snowy forest after a few leaps, leaving a wild white trail of snow foam behind her!

Only her resolute back view indicated her direction.
It is the cave she has guarded for generations, the place where the stone statues are sealed!
That was her responsibility and her vow; she could never back down, no matter how formidable the enemy!
Sarafil understood.

It was because I was playing around with Sister Kayla in the snow that I made her away from her post.
Intense self-reproach made Salafir hesitate almost without hesitation, a resolute look flashing across her small face.

"Brother! Don't do anything foolish! Go find Father!"

God was vehemently stopping him in his mind.

"I'm sorry, God Capital. But I'm very fast."

Sarafil gritted his teeth, and magic surged from within him!

"Shh-!"

His figure blurred, leaving a trail of afterimages, as he sped off in the direction where Kayla had disappeared at a speed too fast for the naked eye to follow!

He couldn't let Kayla face that monster alone! Absolutely not!
“Sarafil.”

Everything happened so fast; from the roar that rang out to the two figures rushing toward the source of danger one after the other, it was only a few seconds.

Bruce stood there, watching the sudden turn of events unfold before him, his mind racing.

Although he didn't know exactly what had happened,
They immediately made the most rational judgment.

This level of threat is far beyond his current capabilities to handle.

Without any hesitation, Bruce turned around abruptly, increased his speed to the limit, and like a nimble cheetah, he sprinted through the snow at top speed towards Kent Farm!
-
Metropolis, deepest underground of the Luther Corporate Building.

--temple.

The air here is cold and dry.

The vast space was bathed in a deep blue light, with countless thick energy pipes, like the veins of a giant beast, climbing along the walls and converging at a massive cylindrical container in the center of the room. The container was filled with a luminous green nutrient solution, within which floated a core composed of countless glowing circuit boards and biological tissues.

Light pulses travel across its surface, like a living thing breathing.

Lionel stood before the container, his posture upright, his expensive suit impeccably tailored.

His face was icy as he reported to the entity within the container:

"...The foundation work for the third node of 'Project Temple,' the data center located in Gotham Harbor, has been completed. Preliminary test results of the concurrently implemented gene sequence optimization algorithm on Gotham samples show a 7.3% improvement in stability."

The light flow within the container accelerated slightly, and a silent pressure of intention spread out, seemingly scrutinizing the data.

“Also,” Lionel continued, his tone tinged with concern, “about bio-weapons.”

“I believe that conventional observation is no longer sufficient. We must take the initiative and bring this threat completely under our control before Locke Kent fully realizes and intervenes. Immediately, right now!”

"is it?"

A faint sound finally rippled outwards:
“Lionel…you’d better think of it this way.”

“Of course I am.” Lionel’s lips curved into a flawless smile as he respectfully said, “You see, I even—”

"Om..."

A sharp notification sound interrupted Lionel's words.

The seemingly ordinary watch on his wrist lit up with a red light.

This made him frown, but he quickly regained his composure and nodded slightly toward the container: "It seems our 'exploration team' sent to Smallville has made a breakthrough. Hopefully... it's a Christmas present."

He raised his hand and lightly tapped the air.

"Zi la——!"

A clear holographic projection screen instantly unfolded in front of him.

The image shakes wildly, like a camera held by a drunkard, filled with a dizzying fluorescent green.

A few seconds later, he suddenly stopped.

Immediately after
A face that almost filled the entire screen suddenly came closer!

His white hair was disheveled like withered grass, his eye sockets were sunken, and his eyes were covered with bloodshot veins like spider webs.

His grin stretched to his ears, almost dripping saliva onto the corners of his mouth on the virtual screen.

"Boss! Hahaha—it's done! I'm fucking awesome!"

The man's raspy voice was incredibly penetrating, making the edges of the light screen tremble. "This ghost cave is as green as a pot of moldy spinach soup! It's so bright it's making my eyes almost pop out!"

"If you don't pay extra this time, I'll blow this hole into a crater!!!"

Lionel paused, a genuine look of surprise flashing deep in his eyes.

He knew this guy was efficient, but he didn't expect him to be this efficient.
Only one or two weeks
"Oh?"

Lionel's voice carried a hint of amusement:
“It seems you are even more… professional than I thought, Mr. Rob.”

"Profession? That's what I do!"

Rob roared and abruptly and violently turned the camera to his side.

The image shook a few times, then stabilized.

It reveals the interior of a huge cave.

The jagged rock walls are inlaid with countless crystals that emit an ominous green light.

The entire space was illuminated as if it were a ghost town.

The camera pans down, and Rob even uses his heavy military boots to kick a bulldog that is baring its teeth and growling at the crystal with dissatisfaction.

"And boss, you should thank this stupid dog!"

Rob said with a disdainful tone, "It was this idiot who smelled that strange odor coming from the crack in the rock and found this hole that was hidden like a woman's underwear drawer!"

"You have to pay me and it double! Hehehe!"

He let out a strange laugh, his spittle flying in the green light.

“Mr. Rob,” Lionel chuckled, “now you admit it’s your dog?”

"Jie Jie Jie..."

He let out another string of strange laughs, then nonchalantly patted the gun at his waist:
"It's there when you need it! And when you don't need it, it's tomorrow's breakfast meat!"

"Stop talking nonsense," Lionel scoffed, interrupting. "Let me see what I want."

"I'm coming!"

The camera suddenly shifts, focusing on the deepest part of the cave.

Even through a screen
Even though I was mentally prepared
Lionel's breathing stopped.

There, at the center of the largest kryptonite crystal
It confines a vague, humanoid silhouette.

It resembled a prehistoric giant insect encased in amber, or an ancient demon forcibly sealed within jade. Its eyes were tightly closed, and its skin appeared a deathly gray-white, yet the bulging muscle lines were clearly visible under the radiating green light, making every groove exude explosive power.

This is…

That biological weapon mentioned by the aliens?

Was it the body material he had always dreamed of?
Lionel's gaze was fixed on the green cage.

And the sleeping monster within, its feigned subservience long gone.

this kind of thing
It must be kept under his control.

"very good……"

He muttered to himself, his voice so soft that only he could hear it: "...Very good."

His expression also returned to its original coldness.

He cannot show too much hesitation or panic in the face of extraterrestrial consciousness, as that would only expose his true intentions.

That is, the ambition to monopolize or at least preferentially control this biological weapon.

To fight that bastard, he even went so far as to take thirty-two kinds of nerve inhibitors and stimulants every day to sever his own consciousness.

He pretended to have a split personality, which he almost believed to be true.

After six years of preparation, the game is finally over; how can we let our efforts be in vain at the last moment?
As long as you get this
In doing so, a perfect body was created, the alien consciousness was kicked away, and its consciousness was uploaded.

he.
Then Eden can be created.

Taking a deep breath, Lionel gave the order in a deep voice to the holographic projection, maintaining the composure of a decision-maker:

"Rob, proceed as planned. Install the 'phase suppression force field generator' and initiate the restraint procedure. Be precise."

"Yes, sir!"

Rob's arrogant face vanished from the camera's view in an instant, replaced by his shouts towards the depths of the cave: "Hurry up and get up here! The boss wants 'works of art,' not scrap metal!"

The holographic projection image was shaking.

This allowed Lionel to clearly capture several figures.

Those well-trained researchers, dressed in Luther Group protective suits, quickly stepped forward.

They carefully maneuvered around the kryptonite crystal that emitted an ominous green light, placing several intricately designed devices, crackling with blue electric arcs, around the giant green crystal.

These research elites were carefully selected by Lionel.

Their loyalty is beyond question.

More importantly, they have undergone the most rigorous mental and psychological screening, which theoretically enables them to resist most forms of mental manipulation or influence.

This was Lionel's precaution against that alien.

He believed that, at least in this aspect, he had absolute control.

"Phase suppression force field activation in progress... Energy calibration..."

A researcher's voice came through the communicator.

As the voice fell
"Om-!"

The blue light on the device suddenly intensified, interlocking to form a visible energy grid.

Lionel held his breath, staring intently at the screen.

This is a crucial step in his plan:
By first covering the area with a controllable alien technological force field, theoretically, a more stable and easier-to-manipulate shackle could be established without destroying the original fragile seal.

However.
The moment that blue energy field touched the surface of the ancient crystal.

“Sizzle!!!!”

A sharp, abnormal ringing sound ripped through the communication channel!

The image on the holographic projection began to shake violently!
Inside the kryptonite crystal, which had been flowing steadily, the emerald green energy suddenly became chaotic.

Streaks of green light, like out-of-control lightning, surged wildly within the cave!

“Crack…Crack…”

The clear cracking sound is teeth-grinding even through distorted audio.

The entire cave began to shake violently, and rocks began to fall in a flurry!

"What's going on?! Abnormal energy feedback! Force field parameters out of control!"

The researchers' panicked voices rang out.

"?!"

Is there something wrong with the product?!

"Stop!" Lionel roared. "Stop now, something's wrong!"

But it was too late.
At the very moment he gave the order
He could catch a glimpse of the enormous culture container behind him out of the corner of his eye.
—It flickered.

Almost simultaneously, on the command interface in front of him, a tiny power adjustment parameter was silently and subtly adjusted upwards by an almost negligible percentage by an instruction with the highest authority.

It was as if it were him in real life.
A minor 'optimization' was made to the experiment at the last minute.

It precisely interfered with a critical frequency necessary for the force field generator to maintain stability.

It is so tiny
It's so fast that human monitoring instruments don't even have time to sound an alarm.

But it also resembles a butterfly.

It simply flapped its wings.

So the storm
It was already unavoidable!

"Boom!!!"

A deep, booming war drum sounded directly from the prisoner's chest, which was enveloped in green light!

"Boom--!"

The ancient seal shattered with a deafening roar!

The crystals that had imprisoned it for countless years lost their luster.

For example, the glass dome that was blasted from the inside shattered into dust!
it.
Opened his eyes.

There are no eyeballs inside.
Only two suns were burning fiercely inside the skull, spewing out white flames!
Pure, intense, and ruthless.

Born solely to crush everything that exists before me!

"boom--!"

An arm covered in grotesque bone spurs and bulging muscles, with a ferocity that seemed to tear through space, suddenly emerged from the smoke and green light!
The blue phase field, representing the pinnacle of human technology, was instantly torn to shreds in the face of pure brute force!

What's even more despairing is...
The force fields that tried to bind it were even greedily absorbed into its body!

It became its first delicious meal after emerging from its cocoon!
"Holy crap! What the hell is this?!"

"Even with extra money, I still can't do it, boss!"

Amid Rob's curses
Amidst the screams of researchers and the roar of a cave collapsing, in the final, clear image of the holographic projection.
That monster, symbolizing absolute violence, smashed through all constraints and descended upon the world!
"Roar--!!!"

With this roar that heralded the end of the world, the holographic projection in front of Lionel flickered a few times before finally going completely dark.

All that remained was the buzzing of electrical static.

A warm, sweet, fishy smell welled up in my nasal cavity and crept down from both sides of my nose without warning.

Lionel stood frozen in place, his face ashen.

Everything he had meticulously planned, the power he had tried to control, had slipped out of his control right before his eyes in the most utter way.

In deathly silence.
A mocking, synthesized voice echoed in the empty, enclosed room:

“You’re too hasty, Lionel.”

"You admonished your son not to be bound by the weak emotions of mortal flesh and blood..."

"But what about you? You couldn't hold back after just one trip to Smallville. You wanted to protect the last piece of pure land in your heart and take control of that dangerous thing."

“Lionel, you’ve been battling me for six years.”

"You are the first... and the only carbon-based creature who can make me extend the game for six years."

"Hahahahahaha——!"

In the empty, sealed room, the inhuman laughter was cold and hollow, yet filled with contempt for the 'human' species.

"But you have lost in the end, Luther."

"It is not defeat by intelligence, but defeat by human nature."

"It was your impatience, your arrogance, and your underestimation of the unknown forces that ultimately led you to open the cage imprisoning Doomsday with your own hands, Lionel."

"Are you plotting against me?!"

Lionel turned abruptly, his eyes bloodshot.

He stared intently at the ever-changing stream of light within the container.

All pretense and composure vanished, like a wild beast driven to the brink of despair, emitting an angry growl:

"You interfered with the force field?!"

"But this is impossible! I've physically shut down all external interfaces! I've rewritten all the underlying protocols! Who?! Who's helping you?! Answer me!!"

Inside the container, the light stream flickered calmly.

"Nobody."

"All I need to do is 'be' you. I just need to mimic your voiceprint and give a gentle push in your perfect system."

"You have too much faith in your own mind and those... tools that you think you have complete control over."

"You are, after all... just a human being."

"but me--"

The core of the light flow suddenly shone brightly, and a green bald head made of pure energy and data slowly condensed inside the container, looking down at the man below who was as small as dust.

"—Brainiac."

"I cannot defeat it, I cannot understand it, I..."

"Eternal existence."

(End of this chapter)