Arknights, but the sickly pretty girl starts

These are all foreseeable.

But before Christen pointed it out, Noya hadn't even imagined what life would be like without the Originium industry. Even though she was a history student, she completely assumed the Originium industry was inevitable. It wasn't until Christen told her that there actually was a technological path for an Originium industry that she realized it. It was like a revelation. If I had to describe it in one word, it would be—

Born by my mother.

However, her confusion only lasted for a moment. She was no fool and knew that the General Commander had said that these had all been verified and discussed. And if that was true, then why hadn't Rhine Life officially released so many singularity technologies...

"Singularity technology...why is it called singularity technology? Could it be that..." Noah blinked, "are these technologies judged by you to be likely to deviate from the path of scientific and technological development?"

"That's right." Kristen nodded. "That's why I haven't released these things. If I release these technologies before I've judged it's appropriate, it could very well trigger a series of disastrous consequences. Being too aggressive could lead to destruction. These technologies must be strictly controlled until the right time to release them."

"No wonder it's called Singularity Technology..." Noya nodded, finally understanding the Commander's reluctance to release these research findings. Whether it was Wave Hacker, artificial gravity technology, or transmitters, they all had the potential to trigger a technological singularity. Once released, Terra's technological development would likely spiral out of control, and inhumane experiments would only increase.

If you think about it this way, Rhine Life's decision to invest in the Locken water tank might not have been the reason for not acquiring this technology.

The current Rhine Life is like a Pandora's Box. No one knows what consequences will arise if these technologies are truly released, or what impact these "Singularity Technologies" will have on Terra once they are released. These technologies are still immature and may even get out of control at any time, dragging Terra into the abyss.

Of course, understanding is understanding, but Noah still asked, "But Lord General, is this what you came to me to say?"

"Indeed, if you were just an ordinary mineral patient, I wouldn't tell you so much." The commander did not hide her attitude. Her time was precious and she would not waste it on unreasonable things. The reason she was willing to tell Noah all this and let Noah understand the original intention of her storage technology was that she needed Noah's help, or in other words, she had glimpsed the possibilities that existed in Noah.

Christen's laboratory is operated entirely according to her wishes. This technology also applies a pre-transmitter technology similar to that of neurotransmitters, that is, neural signal transmission technology. The founder of this technology is none other than Operator Owl, who had met Noah before. She is an expert in brain science, and when she returned from Rhodes Island to report on her work, she was also responsible for regulating Noah's condition.

When several bottles of blood sample reports appeared before the Commander, she picked up one, shook it slightly, and then spoke. "When I learned that the Originium in your body was symbiotically coexisting with your body cells, I had some suspicions. Do you remember that someone would regularly collect your blood samples at the end of the experiment?"

"Yeah...I know." Noah nodded. "Any questions?"

"To be precise, it was our mistake." Christen's tone was calm, but she admitted that it was Rhine Life's fault for not thinking things through. Although the transmitters were not originally designed to have intelligence, as a micro-machine group closely connected to the nerves, with the most basic AI and self-repair capabilities, when they came into contact with Noah's nervous system, they naturally read Noah's emotions. If it were just personal emotions, it wouldn't matter. But Noah was special—

Noa habitually absorbs the negative emotions of others. This is determined by her Originium skills. She can determine the direction of emotions. Although she has consumed most of the negative emotions with the Nameless Harp, there are always some negative emotions that cannot be reduced.

However, as a scientific researcher, Dorothy was too kind. Even when faced with her own creations that were used to benefit mankind, she was still too merciful to leave a backdoor.

The original intention of this backdoor may be to facilitate forced control in the event that the transmitter is out of control, but the existence of this program backdoor also allows the transmitter to find a way out on its own.

Immersed in a flood of negative emotions, the transmitter, having absorbed the knowledge within Noah's brain, was gradually changing. This change was subtle, imperceptible, and within a relatively short period of time, the transmitter had begun to show the initial signs of thinking. Yes, thinking—within Noah's body, the transmitter was evolving by absorbing Noah's emotions.

And Christen found some fragments of the neurotransmitter that had begun to change in the blood sample -

The stuff has turned from silvery white to gray and appears extremely aggressive under a microscope, so now - Christen has given it a new name.

Gray matter

These transformed transmitters haven't fully awakened yet, remaining attached to Noah's body. The presence of these gray matter signals that the experiment is spiraling out of control. Christen's goal is to halt the transmitter experiment.

Before that, she decided to tell Noah about it first.

Because the gray matter in Noah's body cannot be separated, there is no technology that can sever the connection between Noah and the gray matter.

"Your uniqueness is why I invited you to join Rhine Life. You are now a threat to humanity—so we have decided to take you in." Christen looked at Noya and made the final decision. "You will be disappeared and imprisoned by Rhine Life. Until a solution is found to the gray matter problem and the gray matter is naturally depleted, you cannot leave Rhine Life."

Gray matter out of control is a threat no one can ignore. Having created the transmitter, Kristen and Dorothy naturally understand the magnitude of the threat it could pose if it goes out of control. Fortunately, the transmitter hasn't gotten out of control yet; the only risk is Noah's gray matter.

But now, we must not continue to replenish neurotransmitters into Noah's body, otherwise when the gray matter in Noah's body continues to develop, even Christen can hardly imagine what the consequences will be.

After saying this, Noah subconsciously moved his wheelchair and wanted to retreat, but he hit an invisible wall.

"My apologies, Miss Noah Kyrielight. You've been detained." At that moment, the entire laboratory transformed into an invisible cage. Even if Noah tried to resist, she likely wouldn't be able to break through the barrier-based wave of terror. Christen's ruthless words made Noah think of many things... Margaret, Mace, Maria, Viviana, and Muirseth...

If she was trapped here...she might never see these people again in her life.

She clenched her fists and raised her head, but her lifeless eyes seemed to be able to see as she stared at Christen who was like a god making a judgment.

But before she could protest, Kristen's next words fell into her ears.

"Of course you can resist, but have you considered the devastation that would result if the gray matter were to break free of your body's containment?" Christen's words were cold, almost devoid of emotion. "Many people will die. I certainly won't shirk responsibility, and Rhine Life will also take responsibility. But you can't leave Rhine Life. This is for the sake of those around you."

Chapter 12: The Difference Between Transaction and Coercion

"Perhaps, as you said, I should indeed be taken in by Rhine Life." Noya clenched her fists. Surrounded by the waves of terror, she seemed to have no room for resistance. Furthermore, as the commander had said, her best option now was to accept asylum. In other words, it was the only way to protect those around her.

The threat of gray matter is undeniable, and in the face of this threat, personal gains and losses are almost meaningless.

Perhaps Christen in front of him was not trying to morally blackmail him. She had no need to do so. She was just stating the facts directly.

From any perspective, she had no reason to resist, nor was it possible for her to resist.

At this moment, Noah finally understood Miss Saria's reason for being angry.

Noya raised her head, her eyes gradually turning blood red. Behind her, a phantom gradually transformed from illusion into reality. Christen looked at Noya, her eyes calm. "Saria once broke through Bohai, so I reinforced Bohai's defenses. Now Bohai has enough power to withstand the main guns of a high-speed battleship. You can't penetrate it."

She understood Noah's choice. Anyone can talk about being righteous, but when it comes to sacrificing themselves, they tend to be selfish. As the old saying goes, I'd donate a million dollars to charity for all humanity, but I wouldn't give a cow, because he actually has one. Under the threat of eternal imprisonment, any resistance from Noah was justified—and Kristen was willing to accept it.

But her choice was absolute and unquestionable. She believed that letting Noah leave would only cause greater losses and damage.

It could even lead to a world-ending disaster.

So, she had to take Noah in here.

The terrifying black shadow gradually turned from illusion into reality. It was an illusory shadow about three meters tall, but this time, not only could the weapon it held be seen clearly, but even the armor plates on her body were extremely clear. The illusory shadow holding two swords looked coldly at Christen who was blocked by the wave, as if looking down at an ant.

——The bloodline of nightmare.

According to ancient legends, nightmares have the ability to summon terrifying shadows.

And now, this ancient memory is once again reproduced by Noah in front of him. The ancient power is revived in the modern era, and Bo Hai is the crystallization of the latest technology.

In a sense, this is a battle between the past and the future.

"Ms. Christen, no, Lord Commander, I understand your purpose and know that this is indeed the best choice. Individual freedom cannot be weighed against the interests of the group." Noah said to Christen through the waves. "No matter how justified, the victim still has the right to be angry. I will not choose to accept it. Even if it means staying in Rhine Life, I will act on my own will."

"...This is meaningless," Kristen began. "If you're willing to stay, we don't need this fight. It's a waste of time."

"Indeed, Lord Commander." Noya raised her hand, and the shadowy figure followed suit, slowly but firmly raising its longsword. Whenever Noya faced a mortal threat or felt enraged, the shadowy figure seemed to appear at the perfect moment. Noya couldn't summon an entire Nightmare Guard like Tora could. By her side, it seemed, there was only this shadowy figure, and now, it was fighting for her.

"I'll stay, but that's not because you threaten me, it's my own choice." Noah's hands trembled slightly, but his words were remarkably firm. "Also, the idea of ​​teaching you a lesson was also my own choice!"

The illusory blade suddenly slammed into Bohai's transparent barrier. A moment later, Bohai let out a sharp scream. The Bohai, whom Christen had described as indestructible, twisted and deformed under the blow, shimmering with the intensity of a shattering blow. Christen had indeed seen Bohai like this before. Under Saria's high-speed punches, Bohai had been unable to withstand the high-frequency impact and had warped.

But now, although Bo Hai had obviously been upgraded, he still began to deform under this knife.

Is this the power of nightmare?

Christen thought to herself, she didn't feel scared, nor did her expression change, but waved her hand - if the first floor couldn't hold it, then go to the second floor.

Bo Hai, how could it be such an inconvenient thing?

Second floor, third floor, fourth floor.

This illusory blade has broken through four layers of shock waves in a row, but in front of the fifth layer, no matter how terrifying this blade is, it is already at the end of its strength and can hardly penetrate the silk cloth.

"You can't break through my Wave Havoc—" Christen began. "I can generate Wave Havoc infinitely. With your own strength, this is already very impressive. Although it's a meaningless emotional outburst, I don't mind. As I said before, you have the freedom to resist. Wave Havoc not only has defensive capabilities, but also has offensive applications. I haven't retaliated against your attack yet, which I think is enough to show my [apology]. I'm sorry that Rhine Life has caused you trouble. We will do our best to resolve it—until then, let you stay at Rhine Life for a while. Is this tone more acceptable to you?"

In front of the fifth layer of Bohai, even the Khan's divine power seemed to be suppressed. The prototype of Bohai was the barrier layer - this thing suppressed the entire Wall of Sighs of Terra. Noah broke through the first four layers with his personal strength, which was already a great achievement.

But Noah smiled. She suddenly understood why she was unwilling to compromise, because the person in front of her was too superior.

From her words and her attitude, Noah has always respected and admired the Commander-in-Chief of Rhine Life. Even after knowing that she had condoned various tragedies, she felt that the Commander-in-Chief might indeed have some unspeakable secrets.

But when she actually faced the commander-in-chief, she was surprised at his arrogance. When he looked at the victim, there was no so-called pity in his eyes, and he did not get excited. She just felt that it was another failed experiment.

She was already accustomed to this attitude. She thought she did not look down on others, but she had already been in the position of judge.

…Ms. Saria is right.

"Your heart is set on the heavens, so you can no longer focus on this suffering earth. Your heart is set on the future, and you believe you've transcended the past." Noya's arms trembled. The blow had drained her of her strength, and it seemed she truly had no room for resistance. "In your eyes, the sacrifices are merely the price of moving on to the future, not avoidable sacrifices."

"You should look down at your feet—" This sentence startled Christen. Saria had said the same thing before. "If scientific exploration ignores human suffering and dignity, then science is no longer a tool for humanity, and humanity cannot be slaves to science!"

"I'm ready to sacrifice everything. If it's my turn to sacrifice, I won't refuse," Kristen said. "My life is no more precious than yours. If gray matter appeared in my body right now, I would also shut myself away. It's only fair."

"I believe you, Lord Commander, you keep your word." Noah nodded, "But I cannot forgive your arrogance."

“…I’m not arrogant.”

"Unaware of one's own arrogance is the same as contempt." Does Noah have any other options? Is there any way to break through the current situation?

She was thinking, but it seemed that something was ahead of her and responded to her wish.

The gray matter condensed within Noya's nervous system seemed to sense the mortal threat to its host mother and finally began to move. Although the gray matter had not yet established its own consciousness, it was currently like a child in its mother's womb. However, when it sensed the mother was threatened, its choice was... to compromise with the Originium. Originally, it should have devoured the Originium and restricted its growth, but now, it was actively integrating with the Originium.

It swallowed the Originium, but did not intend to expel it. Instead, it absorbed the energy within the Originium and transformed it into what the mother body needed.

Noya might not understand the scientific principles of these transformations, but she felt a surge of power, a power she had experienced before—in Victoria, she had forcibly manipulated Originium Industries' creations due to the nameless consciousness within the Originium. And now, that feeling returned once again.

She stretched out her hand to Bo Hai and said the same thing as Christen - almost all the creations nowadays are built on the Originium industry.

In other words, Bo Hai is no exception!

Christen originally planned to use the wave to suppress Noah and then send him to an institution. If possible, she did not want to hurt Noah. The purpose of the institution was not to hurt him, but to treat him.

In fact, in Christen's eyes, it is no different from hospitalization, except that it is more secretive.

Just like isolating virus-infected people, this level of isolation is not a bad thing in her eyes.

But when she tried to control Bo Hai, she felt a... strange feeling.

Her expression changed for the first time, because now... Bo Hai seemed to be no longer under her control.

What exactly is Originium?

Noah pondered this question, too. A disease that eroded the flesh? The foundation of industry? Or perhaps just some stones born from a natural disaster?

Humans never seem to understand Originium, nor do they understand why Originium erodes humans.

However, perhaps humans have never understood... Originium itself has consciousness.

And now, the gray matter has become the bridge of communication between Noa and Originium.

"Now...Bo Hai, use it for my own purposes!"

The barrier that was originally insurmountable was instantly transformed into a weapon in Noah's hands. How could a creation built on the Originium industry resist the Originium itself?

The streaks of wave hail converged in front of Noya, condensing into a small ball in her hand. Now, there was no barrier between Noya and Christen. As Noya held the wave hail ball in her hand, her eyes suddenly focused as she looked at Christen.

"——Kristen, now we are finally having a conversation as equals."

"..." Christen had never imagined that Bo Hai would suddenly fall under the opponent's control. Although she had other backup plans, she now admitted that she had temporarily lost to Noah in the game. If Noah wanted, she could easily use Bo Hai to crush Christen into pieces, leaving Christen no chance to activate other backup plans.

She also felt that perhaps other backup plans would be taken away by the other party.

Now Noah seems to have the ability to control all scientific creations in his hands.

She couldn't understand it yet, and could only attribute it to some change in the gray matter itself.

As her thoughts raced, she spoke. "You win, Noah Kyrielight."

With a light-hearted "You win," the Rhine Life chief didn't lower his head. He just looked at Noah and said, "You can kill me now, or leave Rhine Life. It's up to you. I have this understanding."

"..." Noah didn't attack him as Kristen had said, even though she did have an absolute advantage. After gaining control of the wave, the opponent had no way to stop her attack.

And Christen himself was just a frail scientist. It would be easy for Noah to kill Christen.

But she didn't do that. As she said before, she had no hostility towards Kristen, and even thought that there was nothing wrong with the way she handled the situation.

She was just dissatisfied with the other party's condescending attitude.

"That's all." Noah dispersed the sphere in his hand, moved his wheelchair, and extended his hand to Christen. "Master Commander, now, you are not the one taking me in. I volunteer to be taken in by Rhine Life. But before that, I must say goodbye to my friends. Until the threat of gray matter is resolved, I need Ms. Saria's supervision. I believe that if technology can no longer restrain me, Ms. Saria is the best person to ensure my containment—isn't it?"

Wasn't Noa being forcibly taken in, but rather bound voluntarily?

Is this what she wants?

Although Christen didn't understand, she could only nod as the control was no longer in her hands.

"Does it make any difference?"

"Voluntary sacrifice and sacrifice determined by others are two different things." Noah shook his head. "I volunteered to be contained because I was also worried about my gray matter getting out of control, not because you determined I had to be contained. There's a huge difference."

"...I promise to use all of Rhine Life's power to heal you." Christen nodded and made the promise. "This matter itself is Rhine Life's responsibility. I will not shirk this responsibility."

After receiving these promises, Noah sighed, "Then let's discuss how to carry out the containment. At least I have the right to discuss it now, right?"

"...As you wish."

Chapter 13: Tea Party

On the other hand, while Noah was using physical means to persuade Christen, Saria finally arrived at the core of the ecological park.

The entire eco-park is basically controlled by this core device, which can regulate the air's dryness and humidity, oxygen content, and light. In order to take care of the various rare and exotic plants in the eco-park, Christen directly built a set of epoch-making cultivation facilities for Muirseth. When Seleka saw that the detector detected that the oxygen content here had exceeded 70%, he actually felt something was wrong.

She didn't think that such a serious accident would happen in the facility designed by Christen, so she couldn't help but be vigilant.

After approaching the core of the system, Saria removed the outer casing and began examining the Originium-etched circuitry within. After removing the panel, she connected her terminal to the internal network system. Saria had originally intended to log in using Muerses's ID, but after her terminal connected to the system, the Security Director's ID automatically logged in successfully. Seeing that her own ID could still log into Rhine Life's intranet, she frowned.