Arknights, I'm going to beat Kal'tsit, really?

Page 38

Even if other companies later find these places and go to great lengths to open them up, they can only find alloy walls and broken glass.

Mostima went from being terrified at first to being completely used to it—as Kane put it, it was just like a tour, with all sorts of advanced and futuristic pre-civilization ruins on display.

Moreover, in order to "please" her and hope that she would appear more often at the scientific research institute in the future, these proud intellectuals actually took the initiative to serve her tea and water and went to great lengths to do so. This made Mostima somewhat uncomfortable - she had never received such treatment before. The Sakotas expressed themselves through empathy and did not need such behavior to show respect and affection.

Unfortunately, the wolf's head mark on her neck clearly indicated her stance—those who noticed this detail had already made their guesses. After all, such a symbol so distinctly Syracuse-style, and the only person present with connections to the Syracuse clique, was Kane. This unique Miss Sakota was probably already in Director Kane's grasp.

The accident happened at the last ruin.

Before entering, the group noticed that its entrance was more magnificent than the previous ones. As they ventured deeper, they observed numerous large spaces inside, suggesting that this might have once been a testing ground—whether it was for testing weapons, medicines, or other technological products remained unknown.

Kane's gaze swept over the other objects and landed on a standing metal ring in the center of the vast space. In the minds of the Terrans, the primitive might have thought it was a giant drying rack, capable of drying lots of clothes and jerky; the more advanced might have guessed it was a spell amplifier, like the towers of Letania.

But Kane's intuition told him that this was a "door"—wormhole technology, a revolutionary innovation that could completely eliminate the barrier of "distance".

Even someone as composed as him couldn't help but silently pray: the data must be preserved intact. If they could acquire wormhole technology, there would be so many things they could do.

But in his excitement, Kane forgot one thing: while the pre-Terra civilization had conquered wormhole technology, it had also come to know a "new neighbor." To the pre-Terra civilization, this neighbor's personality was acceptable; but to the "little creatures" of the nascent civilization, it was no different from death.

"Wait...did you see any strange shadows just now?"

"A shadow? It's probably because the light source is too far off. I'll turn on the spotlight if needed."

"No, not that kind of thing..."

Similar comments kept coming from the group. Some said they saw eerie shadows, some felt the space was ridiculously large and wondered how it could be built underground; others countered that it was smaller than Rhine Life's office building, so how could it be described as "huge"?

As similar cases increased, Kane realized they might have been attacked—the effect of which was to gradually erode the "cognition" of the high-achieving students present: basic numerical identification, length, height, width, minute, second, hour... formula calculations were also becoming increasingly blurred and lost.

This invisible attack was chilling. If the opponent were a physical entity, Kane could crush it in an instant; but now, he could only unleash a torrent of Originium Arts upon the distant shadow.

Flames shot into the darkness, illuminating a corner, and a violent explosion ripped something from its hiding place—a massive black mechanical construct. The description "black" might not be accurate, for it wasn't merely paint, but a kind of overwriting and alienation at the level of existence itself. The black substance assimilated the machine, driving it to attack everyone.

Judging from its design, that thing is probably an engineering robot from a pre-civilization era—the kind that can tie steel coils together and use them as dumbbells.

"Mastema!"

"I saw."

Kane gave the urgent order, and Mostima seized the opportunity, using the power of time to imprison the black entity, halting its escape and freezing its peculiar appearance in time. Kane tensed, activating Originium Arts around him—and blasted the massive machine like a cannonball.

As Kane's fist slammed down, the mechanical construct shattered instantly, turning into countless parts and fragments; but the strange black substance on it did not dissipate, instead it began to twitch and writhe, attempting to seep into the ground from the mechanical fragments.

Upon witnessing this bizarre scene, Kane finally remembered the other party's origins.

"Demons," "monsters"—the various kingdoms of Terra have used different names for it throughout history, but without exception, historians have devoted considerable space to recording the evil and terror of this being. Even today, the northern regions of Ursus, Yan, and Sami are still battling this monster.

This thing cannot be described using any conventional terms or knowledge. Its nature may be explained scientifically, but its manifestation is more like the most terrifying monsters in fairy tales.

Kane didn't have time to reminisce about its abilities; he just wanted to eliminate the thing as quickly as possible and stop it from expanding further.

He unleashed a barrage of Originium Arts: ice and fire, electricity, elemental manipulation... The fierce attacks caused the metal floor to collapse, but the blackness remained in the crater, like different layers in a computer image.

“I can suppress it, but I can’t dispel it… Kane, you’d better hurry.”

Mostima also sensed something was wrong; she began to hallucinate about the concept of "time"—if this continued, the consequences would be unimaginable if the person who wielded the power of time lost their understanding of time itself.

"It's okay, it's resolved."

Kane's next strike completely destroyed, or rather, dispelled, the black entity. This time, his attack was no longer a violent energy phenomenon, but rather clusters of pink light—they appeared gentle and ethereal, but upon contact, they annihilated the black entity along with it.

Mostima's suppression of the demons prompted Kane to quickly consider how the Terrans could fight against them.

Ursus sealed fragments of the demon within the bodies of his most elite soldiers, transforming them into "demons" belonging to Ursus, seeking an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, solely to inflict the deepest pain on the demons; while Sami and Yan Kingdom relied on their elite soldiers to confront the demons head-on.

Ursus's methods can naturally neutralize the influence of the demons, but if the warriors are not careful, they will be defeated by the demons and become their blades; while Sami and Yan Kingdom use warriors and weapons to fight in close combat, relying more on the warriors' own firm will to resist the distortion, in addition to the assistance of special Originium Arts.

Ultimately, their methods all shared a common thread: they all returned to a confrontation of consciousness. Once the will is defeated by the demon, then the collapse is instantaneous; but as long as the will is not dead, the body will not yield.

Kane could naturally resist the demons' twisting power; even if he were thrown into the demons' homeland, the "Wilderness," he wouldn't degenerate into their plaything. But the crew behind him couldn't—the veterans from the Defense Section and the adventurers from the Research Section might hold out for a while, but eventually, they would all be exhausted.

Therefore, Kane immediately sought out Originium Arts that could subdue evil spirits—and he did indeed have one: The Swan Song of the Sarkaz Demon Lord Theresia.

That pink Originium Arts may seem gentle, but Theresa was once a formidable warrior on the battlefield; how could this move be without power?

The results were even better than Kane had anticipated. The Sarkaz, who had studied and resisted demons, had already mastered the methods of combating them—and Kane, after his success, quickly grasped the true nature of demons.

"I see... So this is what they call a 'mechanic monster'?"

The essence of evil is a confrontation of consciousness—it attempts to dismantle human cognition, while you simply need to firmly uphold your own cognition and coexist with all of this in the material world around you.

Before you grasp this point, no matter how powerful you are, you may be corrupted and assimilated by evil.

But once you understand this, even an eight-year-old child can defeat this enemy in their dreams.

“Sarkaz magic can banish or dissolve Him. If His distortion can be controlled—the so-called space-folding wormhole can be achieved.”

Kane had only scratched the surface of the pre-civilization's technology, and the calamities caused by these introductory techniques alone were already giving the Terran civilization a major headache.

He could hardly imagine what form or scale of terrifying force would cause the catastrophe that would completely destroy the pre-civilization.

"Regardless, seize the present opportunity. Are you awake now?!"

At Kane's call, the previously "unconscious" operators gradually awoke. Their cognition was being reshaped, and the intense sense of disorientation left them dizzy and confused.

"Tsk...it seems we need to get the research team heading towards Sami as soon as possible."

Kane didn't want everything he had worked so hard to build to be torn apart and destroyed by evil spirits.

Chapter 94 Rhine Lab and Rhodes Island

"These...were all excavated from ruins of a pre-existing civilization?"

"That's right, the expedition team did their best to avoid damaging them. So, we've done one round of analysis, is the structural section ready? If the pressure is too much, I can help too."

Directors Kane and Nasti spent many days excavating all the pre-civilization remains. The research team was initially enthusiastic, but as the mission was extended, they all expressed that they never wanted to engage in archaeological research again in the near future. Kane understood their feelings and granted each of them a week of paid leave, along with the highest possible bonuses and benefits.

Since he started operating the Texas family business, he has adhered to this philosophy: collective honor, future development, and life planning are not as attractive as tangible gold vouchers. As long as salaries and holidays are sufficient, employees will naturally take the initiative to maintain the company's stability and reputation; as for future plans... as long as Rhein Life doesn't self-destruct and proceeds steadily, it will surely become a super-corporation like Colombia's in the future.

It's not difficult to work here for a lifetime.

The invaluable technical data was first sent to the General Construction Department, after which Christen convened all directors and their core teams to jointly analyze these complex pre-civilization technologies. Some of these technologies could be implemented or referenced by Terra's existing technology, while others were completely incomprehensible. Rhine Lab's think tank is gradually screening, classifying, and organizing this chaotic yet precious wealth, sending it to the relevant departments in order of its proper order.

Saria was unable to participate in the analysis due to other missions, and she did not see these "super technologies that grew out of the ground" until the mission ended.

"What, you think this behavior is like pulling up seedlings to help them grow?"

Kane truly couldn't fathom Saria's thoughts, and she often offered unique insights, which Kane thoroughly enjoyed discussing with her.

"No... If we thoroughly understand these technologies and establish a systematic understanding, they will eventually become common knowledge for Columbia University students. I'm just curious... why would a civilization capable of deriving such technology perish in the galaxy?"

Saria's words surprised Kane. Most of the directors who had participated in the analysis had shown awe, greed, or a desire to learn from the pre-civilization's technology—those who stood there were all top figures in their respective fields, and their pursuit of knowledge and truth was enough to push any genius to the brink of madness.

But Saria transcended all of this and saw the most distant and hidden truth.

Yes, even the most brilliant and powerful civilizations of the past were reduced to ashes in the end. Therefore, after gaining eternal life, Kane immediately realized this problem—he didn't want to be swept away by a world-ending crisis after only a few days of experiencing eternity.

“As expected of you, Saria. Just as you said—a civilization far more powerful than us, whose last remains are merely that enormous bunker beneath our feet, seem pitiful and pathetic. Terra may one day face what they faced as well—what will we do then?”

"In the storm, only the conservatives stand firm."

Saria gave an answer that wasn't really an answer. Clearly, she couldn't interfere with something so grand, but she would do her best in the process.

This technological leap has made Rhine Life even stronger than its already powerful position.

Saria's goal—"curing Oripathy"—has also made real progress.

Several life science technologies offer corresponding solutions. To perfect Project Ama, the doctor utilized numerous technologies, including "cell activation and anti-aging"—aiming to achieve immortality at the cellular level. Replicating it with Terra's current technology is virtually impossible.

However—this knowledge can be applied to the treatment of Oripathy. After all, the most prominent characteristic of Oripathy is that Originium gradually fuses with cellular tissues, progressively replacing the human body, and ultimately erupting in instability.

Although the formulation developed by the Structural Science Department cannot reverse the process of Originium assimilating cells, it can significantly slow down this process—the true Oripathy inhibitor promised by Rhine Lab has been born!

"But the cost is quite high... According to this formula and technology, most poor families cannot afford it, while wealthy families can afford it."

Kane came to see Rhine Life’s first version of the inhibitor at Seria’s invitation. He confirmed that it was effective, but the cost was too high.

"Next, we will try to find cheaper alternatives."

"The concentration can also be diluted—the effect will be less, but at least it will ensure that more people can use it. From a business strategy perspective, this method is also more effective."

"The structural engineering department will try to find the optimal concentration ratio."

Celia did not accuse Kane of "faking it." Having actually been to the quarantine areas for infected people in Colombia, she knew very well how many people on this land were suffering from Oripathy.

She doesn't expect to cure Oripathy overnight, nor does she want to leave hope only to the upper class; she will try her best to make the medicine available to all patients while protecting Rhine Life's interests.

"By the way—did you try to analyze the potion I gave you last time?"

"Well... but ultimately, the matter could not be reproduced. The other party also has its own core technology."

Over time, Rhodes Island has long since settled into its current state—the pharmaceutical company's reputation has gradually spread throughout Terra due to its many unique characteristics: its main members are composed of infected individuals, its goal is to cure Oripathy, and it has launched inhibitors… Of course, there are also rumors that this company is difficult to infiltrate. If Rhine Life, protected by the Colombian government, couldn't break in, could it be that even a company with no background is untouchable?

Many ambitious individuals sent their henchmen to investigate Rhodes Island's secrets, but all their efforts ultimately failed.

Some reports also attempted to draw a comparison between Rhine Lab and Rhodes Island.

Neither party responded directly, seemingly unconcerned about whether the other's products would affect their own sales.

In reality, RheinLife has many businesses, and inhibitors are just the main products of the Structural Division. Even if they fail, there are other ways to generate revenue; the Structural Division itself also sells other medical devices.

As for Rhodes Island—its leadership would love for all companies in the world to be like Rhine Lab, at least that way the infected would have an easier time.

Moreover, Terra is teeming with infected people—the combined production capacity of the two companies is insufficient to fill this enormous market.

But compared to business competition, Kane's next target is more dangerous for Rhodes Island.

Babel Tower used the doctor's blood to create the first and most effective Oripathy medicine, which successfully pulled Kal'tsit and Ascalon back from the brink of death from Oripathy.

Even a scholar as brilliant as a PhD could only resort to this "clumsy method" in the end, which shows how difficult Oripathy is.

No one knows exactly what modifications Priscilla made to it, but Kane, under her care, can easily cure Oripathy. However, he cannot transfer the effects to potions, pills, or other carriers, and must personally perform each cure.

The efficiency was too low. Therefore, in order to develop a more effective Oripathy treatment, he also wanted to have a simple medical examination with the Doctor; the blood sample taken during the examination would hold the secret to cracking Oripathy. His second purpose was to demonstrate his loyalty—Theresia's actions towards the Doctor had clearly exceeded Precys's plans.

She couldn't accept that the Doctor would forget her, so Kane had to leave an impression, a seed—at least, he had to tell the Doctor that there was someone standing at the end of time, at the edge of the universe, waiting for him, whose name was Precyth.

Let me guess, what kind of expression would Kal'tsit make if the Doctor asked her about Prismus?

It's funny just thinking about it.

"So, can I entrust the next task to you?"

"To travel as a messenger from all nations to Chernobog, a border city of Ursus, to investigate the infected population there?"

Mostima was somewhat puzzled by the mission. If it were the infected group in Colombia, she could guess that it was preparation for the company's future plans—but the infected in Ursus were being exterminated, and they were hardly considered human.

What kind of storm can the country's Koku VII (six) IX Ichiba VI, the sheep infected group, stir up?

"The harshest oppression breeds the deepest hatred and the most violent revenge. Factions within Ursus are attempting to instigate a war—against the infected and against Yan."

Kane then briefed Mostima on the upcoming Reunion Movement operation and instructed her to leave Chernobog before the riots fully erupted—after all, the rioters were unlikely to treat her differently because of her status as a messenger from all nations, and Kane did not want his messenger to perish like this.

Mostima had no doubt about the authenticity of Kane's intelligence. The visions of the future she had seen, the intelligence systems of various countries... it was not impossible for Colombia to obtain intelligence on Ursus.

While Mostima was heading to Ursus to pave the way, Kane did not slacken his preparations for war.

Although the Reunion Movement consists of thugs, they are different from the scavengers in the wilderness—their ranks include the powerful Wendigo General who can break through thousands of troops, Drak who is enhanced by Oripathy, and countless infected like "Frostnova" who are enhanced by Oripathy.

Originium Arts, tactical skills, and martial arts prowess—the only difference between them and regular troops is weaponry and supplies.

If the Rhine Life Protection Division were to fight this group, frankly speaking, they would be at a disadvantage in both numbers and strength.

Therefore, Kane intends to gain an advantage in military equipment.

Back at Rhine Lab's weapons testing grounds, Ferdinand had been waiting for a long time.

"Kane, how did you get this thing? Even Thor Industries doesn't have the authority to do this."

Displayed in the center of the venue was an exoskeleton mech designed and tested earlier by the Colombian military. Kane had almost stolen the entire design during their first encounter; however, after reaching a new cooperation with Mark, the government handed the technology over to Rhine Labs, entrusting them with its optimization.

Rhine Labs quickly completed the order—the Energy Department led by Feldy and the Originium Arts Application Department led by Dorothy fully upgraded the exoskeleton mechs; now these things can engage in melee combat with shield guards and also exchange long-range firepower with casters.

However, energy consumption is directly proportional to power, and its cost is really not cost-effective for a weapon.

To ensure the safe return of the security personnel, Kane chose to increase investment and assemble an elite force to deal with the Reunion Movement's thugs.

———Erjiu Liujiu^1 Liu—

Compared to Rhine Life, which receives strong support from Columbia, Rhode Island's current situation is not ideal.

After the Tower of Babel was rebuilt, it lost Kazdel's meager financial support—although Kazdel's finances were meager compared to the wealthy Colombia, even the most impoverished country was better off than a single company.

Rhodes Island now relies entirely on its own revenue. Kal'tsit has many ways to make money: pharmaceutical manufacturing, red gold smelting, and even Originium refining... but despite the variety, it's difficult to scale up. Rhine Lab can build an entire mobile industrial park in one go, while Rhodes Island also needs to take care of its living and accommodation areas.

In the market, Rhine Lab enjoys public relations and accolades, while Rhodes Island... according to business officers, they have been discriminated against and insulted simply because of their status as infected individuals.

"Cough cough..."