I am a former Flame Chasers

Prometheus really came out…

When Ryan heard that familiar yet unfamiliar name, he was momentarily stunned. He vaguely remembered Prometheus as a very important artificial intelligence—one capable of hacking into the end. It had appeared. But when did it show up in the original timeline?

Compared to Ryan's shock, Mobius seemed very calm. After all, artificial intelligence had been a significant research project in pre-civilization, and the Second Research Institute had already made progress in that area. She just hadn't expected a mature AI to appear and be integrated into the central database.

"So, this is it. You're using the sea of data inside to cultivate it," Ryan said, piecing it together.

Artificial intelligence is characterized by its ability to self-learn, and Mobius knew this all too well.

"Yes, all human knowledge is stored here. I hope it can go beyond the limits of traditional AI," she explained.

"So, you're trying to create digital life? That's quite ambitious," Mobius remarked, understanding the magnitude of what was happening. She looked at the smiling face on the screen and felt that this could be something worth trying.

It was an ambitious technology path. If taken to its limits, it might not even need a massive physical carrier. Honkai energy itself could be translated into data, becoming an imagined entity.

Since it was just starting, Ryan and Mobius didn't feel overly concerned. Instead, they exchanged curious glances.

"With such a high-level AI, the difficulty of an invasion would be ten times higher. But what about the corpse next to it?" Ryan asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

"I did it. I wanted to link the mental power to get to the accomplices behind it," Mei explained with a quick glance at the corpse. "But he died first, and my mental energy was bounced back. There are even traces of Honkai energy."

Ryan paused. "This is impossible. I checked all the researchers. There's no way they could have become fusion warriors."

Mobius immediately refuted her. "That's not possible."

"This is a fact," Mei countered calmly.

Ryan frowned. The logic didn't make sense. If this person had somehow become a fusion warrior, it would explain the Honkai energy traces. But it was still a mystery.

"Unless their research has advanced beyond mine," Mobius muttered, still not convinced.

The two were deep in debate, but Ryan remained silent, processing what they had just said. This was starting to sound more like a puzzle with no clear answers.

"I've seen the video footage of the material library. The researcher who self-destructed also compressed the Honkai energy in a short time and caused great damage."

Both Mobius and Ryan stopped talking and turned their heads toward the screen. Twice was too much of a coincidence. Using Honkai energy for self-destruction wasn't a simple feat. Ordinary researchers didn't get the chance to practice such abilities.

"Have you checked the activity tracks of these two during this time?" Ryan asked.

"Prometheus has searched it. They haven't left headquarters for at least a month," Mei replied. Then the screen filled with the smiling face of Prometheus, followed by live video footage.

Prometheus had locked onto the two people from countless oceans of data. It retrieved footage from thousands of cameras, analyzed who they'd contacted, what they'd said, and simulated actions in blind spots. Using sound vibrations to read content was something no human could do.

Ryan was stunned. The power of this AI was beyond anything he had imagined. The data was processed so quickly that it would have taken hundreds of people a month to analyze it, but Prometheus did it in mere minutes.

The conclusion was that there were no abnormalities with a 95.1% credibility—meaning there was no need for further guesses.

"Prometheus, retrieve the central database and analyze the frequency of the Honkai energy from earlier," Mei said, her voice more focused now.

"Okay, Dr. Mei, please wait," came the clear voice of Prometheus.

As part of the Skynet project, the Fire Moth had collected the frequency wavelength of Honkai energy, but with so many similar abilities, it had become a hassle to analyze. Eventually, it had been relegated to theoretical research.

Each fusion warrior and Honkai beast had their own unique frequency, but even just gathering the data from the upper Honkai beasts was enough to crash a computer.

Ryan watched as Prometheus quickly ran the analysis. Samples flashed across the screen, compared, and discarded, and then the second and third rounds of comparisons were made. Soon, dozens of samples were visible.

"Based on 15% similarity, here are the selected samples. Please ask the doctor to confirm," Prometheus announced.

Each sample came with a spectral analysis. The dense data was enough to make anyone dizzy, but thankfully, the three of them were professionals.

"The results point toward mental abilities. The similarity between the two original samples is 35%, but they're not identical," Mobius murmured, her voice thoughtful. "It's possible that these two individuals quietly became fusion warriors, just waiting for the right moment to explode."

"It's possible," Mei replied, "but the question is: when did they become fusion warriors and how did they escape detection?"

No one could answer Mei's question. Ryan, sensing a growing unease, spoke up.

"Prometheus, retrieve the Honkai energy spectrum from all the Herrschers for re-analysis."

"Okay, Dr. Ryan," Prometheus responded.

Mobius raised an eyebrow, not understanding why the Herrscher spectrum needed to be analyzed again. Hadn't they already compared it? But she didn't argue. She simply waited for the results.

The seven known Herrschers were retrieved, and the comparison now included these two additional samples. The results came through quickly:

"The total probability is about 8%, which is at the edge of the error margin."

"Can I assume that these two are related to the Herrschers?" Ryan asked, his voice steady.

"Yes, but according to the literature, this falls under the category of speculation," Prometheus replied. "Do you have any questions?"

"No, thank you, Prometheus," Ryan said with a smile, turning to look at the two smartest humans. If it had been before, such a probability would have been dismissed. But now, as the leader, he couldn't afford to ignore any possibility.

"Do you think this is the authority of the Eighth Herrscher?" Mei asked, her voice low and focused.

"It's possible," Ryan replied, though he didn't give a direct answer. He studied the data again, mulling over his thoughts. "It doesn't seem like the Herrscher of Sentience, nor the Herrscher of Thousands. Neither of them could enhance the carrier, but who's to say that the Eighth Herrscher must be one we know?"

"We just killed the Fifth Herrscher. It feels like we're suffocating. One wave after another, and I don't know when it will end." Ryan sighed bitterly. He had spent a few peaceful days, only to face another challenge now.

"So, you can't afford to be lazy," Mei replied dryly.

"When did I ever slack off? Isn't this me cooperating with you to mislead the enemy? If this is really a big enemy, won't they show their flaws? Besides, no one can handle this." Ryan shrugged and waved his hand nonchalantly.

"Even if it's a new Herrscher, it shouldn't be the kind that explodes with combat power. Stay vigilant, but now you should understand what Honkai really is."

Mei and Mobius nodded silently. If this was really the work of a Herrscher, they would reveal their target without hesitation.

At this point, the advantage for humans wasn't in combat strength but in numbers and unity. And with this new authority, the Herrscher had many ways to play their hand.

"Don't worry, it's better for them to play their hand early than to overturn the table. Let's invite Su to the headquarters for the super-transformation operation. We may need his power soon."

Ryan suddenly mentioned an old friend, and Mei nodded without hesitation.

"Get Kevin ready and let him stretch his muscles. I think I need to go out for a walk."

"Do you have a clear goal?" Mei asked, immediately curious.

"No, but staying here underground is definitely not useful. I have a bad constitution. If I wander around, I'll probably get into trouble," Ryan shrugged, grabbing Mobius's hand as they exited the central database.

The underground was on high alert. There were too many soldiers guarding the area. Ryan let go of Mobius's hand quietly, which made her huff a little in displeasure. She didn't say anything but followed him.

"Already tired of playing after just a few days?" she teased.

Ryan almost stumbled at her words. He turned his head with a wry smile, almost laughing.

"I didn't do anything well!"

The God of Demise physique was just a joke. He followed the concept of destiny, and destiny would naturally respond. For pioneers, the greatest taboo was stagnation. Boredom? That's what it meant to stand still.

"Really?" Mobius raised an eyebrow, grinning. "The villa's full of beauties. Aren't you interested?"

"Of course I'm interested. No, I'm now full of hatred for Honkai," Ryan replied, feigning irritation.

"Haha, shameless. At least you're not self-indulgent," Mobius teased.

Ryan felt like he'd been seen through. He thought that Mobius had improved. It was true—Ryan wasn't narcissistic enough to think any woman would be interested in him.

It was impossible to admit that, or he'd lose face.

"Boring. I'm the general manager now. I have to be mindful of my words and actions. And you're not allowed to slander me," Ryan said seriously, which left Mobius even more confused.

Though it had been lively recently, Ryan had been unusually honest. He wasn't the same man he was in the laboratory, always pushing the boundaries of reason. Now, it seemed like the thick-skinned Mobius communicated with him the most. Why did he feel like he'd been tricked?

And those damn Herrschers. He hadn't even had time to think about the battle plan, and he was going out again.

The elevator went up and soon reached the large hole. Ryan started discussing the organization code and leadership structure, feeling a bit dry in the mouth. Suddenly, he felt a delicate and smooth touch on his hand.

His hand brushed the stockings at the bottom of her skirt, and the familiar sensation returned. Since Mobius had participated in the battle, he even noticed a few worn spots on her stockings.

"What are you doing?"

"Ahem, I'm very tired tonight. After I get back, you're not locking the door and giving me a good massage," Mobius said, licking her lips with an expression that clearly meant "don't overthink it."

The elevator door dinged open, and Mobius returned to her cold demeanor, walking out first.

The soldier on alert turned his head and saw only the female doctor who kept strangers away, and the slightly stunned general manager.