Volume 2, Chapter 22: The Stairway to Galaxy Project

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The Stairway to Galaxy Project was proposed by the United Nations in 2008 as a space exploration initiative.

Its main objective was to harness humanity's advanced technology and economic power to construct a 'space elevator' track, allowing for the creation of a massive orbital space station near Earth. This would serve as a bridgehead for human exploration into the cosmos.

After two years of negotiations and decisions, the "Stairway to Galaxy" plan commenced implementation.

Relying on Coral Island, an emerging city along the equator in the Asia-Pacific region, the project utilized its strong technological and economic center as a foundation. By mobilizing the collective strength of humanity, a towering orbital structure rose from the ground, reaching towards the heavens and beyond.

Now, five years later, the foundation of the orbital elevator tower has been successfully completed, with the current construction height already standing at 1,000 meters. Preliminary estimates suggest the project will be finished by 2025.

After reviewing the Stairway to Galaxy Project, Xia Chen couldn't help but frown.

He had no interest in the United Nations' goals, but one particular sentence caught his attention:

"Relying on Coral Island, an emerging city along the equator in the Asia-Pacific region, harnessing its strong technological and economic center as a foundation, humanity's collective efforts give rise to a towering orbital structure reaching for the heavens."

Xia Chen suddenly wondered if Ana's assignment to defend Coral Island was connected to this plan.

Given the status of House Schariac, it seemed unusual for them to send her to such a location otherwise.

Could the catastrophic collapse of Coral Island be part of the Will of Honkai's strategy to sabotage this project?

Has human exploration of space disturbed the Will of Honkai?

Or alternatively, did the concentration of humans around Coral Island itself trigger the Honkai event?

Xia Chen began to suspect that the collapse of Coral Island might not be as straightforward as he initially thought.

With a hint of suspicion, he even considered the possibility that Otto used the "Galactic Ladder" project merely as an experiment - one designed to 'create' Honkai incidents.

The aim would be to identify patterns leading up to Honkai outbreaks, understand the necessary conditions for large-scale events, and subsequently limit their future impact.

It's worth noting that after the Coral Island Honkai, no large-scale Honkai events comparable to it have occurred within human society.

Neither the emergence of the Herrscher of Sentience nor the Herrscher of Dominance were accompanied by such widespread destruction.

Only in October 2017, when Otto passed his position to Theresa, did he voluntarily disclose information about Honkai. This suggests that following the Coral Island incident, Schicksal had gained sufficient control over Honkai events.

"Utilizing the scale of human gatherings to manipulate the occurrence of Honkai..."

Clearly, Otto himself didn't need this knowledge, considering he commanded the Valkyries of Schicksal and possessed the Void Archives.

This information was likely left for Theresa as preparation.

The wasted resources and immense economic losses due to the Coral Island Honkai serve as the price paid for obtaining these insights from the Stairway to Galaxy Project.

Xia Chen couldn't help but softly exhale.

It became apparent that Otto revealing this plan to him wasn't merely about testing the armor; perhaps it was also laying groundwork for his deployment to Coral Island.

Even now, Xia Chen remained uncertain what exactly Otto intended to use him for.

Is it about cultivating bonds with Kiana? Just not devouring her would be remarkable enough.

Unable to make sense of these thoughts, Xia Chen decided not to dwell on them further.

Utilizing the flight capabilities of the Fourth-Gen Valkyrie Armor, he swiftly headed towards Coral Island.

Similar to his previous world, countries near the equator were generally not affluent.

However, Coral Island was an exception.

In 2006, led by Southeast Asian nations and Australia, it became the largest land reclamation project in human history. The island's distinctive coral-like three-dimensional structure gave rise to its name.

Nowadays, Coral Island is the most prosperous city along the equator, without any rivals.

Apart from the massive space elevator already towering above, people have spontaneously established thriving commercial zones around the island.

The resources passing through here daily amount to staggering figures, rivaling even Shenzhou's Canghai Sea Port.

Xia Chen successfully arrived at Coral Island.

His current mission involves clearing small-scale Revelation scenarios that could occur at any moment, while also making contact with the responsible parties of the Stairway to Galaxy Project.

According to feedback from the Science Division, Coral Island's rapid development has resulted in higher concentrations of Honkai Energy compared to other cities. Consequently, minor Revelation incidents have already begun surfacing.

In the original plot, Ana's Snow Lotus Squad was stationed on Coral Island, possibly due to this very reason. With A-rank Valkyries' capabilities, handling small-scale Revelations is well within their reach.

As for large-scale Revelations...

Once Otto obtains the necessary data, Coral Island will no longer serve its purpose. To him, sacrificing one Ana is of little consequence.

Xia Chen anticipated that he would likely replace Ana and remain stationed here afterward.

However, this was something for the future.

He found the source of the small-scale Revelation.

On the southeastern edge of Coral Island, Chariot-class Honkai Beasts had begun attacking human settlements.

The United Nations forces guarding the area raised their guns, displaying evident proficiency; clearly, this wasn't their first encounter with Honkai Beasts.

Yet when bullets struck the Honkai Beasts, they only produced sporadic sparks.

"How could this be? These are specialized bullets designed to combat these monsters."

Soldiers wore expressions of disbelief. They had faced Honkai Beasts before, but the ones appearing now...

"Fall back, fall back." The officer reacted promptly, saying, "No worries, Coral Island's heavy weaponry can handle these creatures."

Just as he finished speaking, a loud roar echoed from the Chariot-class Honkai Beast.

The entire Coral Island seemed to tremble violently.

Despite this, most soldiers had undergone rigorous training, and even the Coral Islanders were aware of Honkai's existence, preventing any panic or disorder.

However, the Chariot-class Honkai Beasts' might was formidable; unless countered with strategic-grade missiles, they remained virtually unaffected.

As the soldiers appeared troubled, swift bullets suddenly targeted the Chariot-class Honkai Beasts.

Not only did these bullets strike the Chariots, but also encompassed other emerging Honkai Beasts within their range.

In mid-air, Xia Chen floated using Moon Ash, expressionless as he gazed at the Honkai Beasts.

"Wow, that's so cool."

"Is he Superman?"

One soldier couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

An officer then realized something and promptly declared, "We'll assist in maintaining order here. Leave the rest to him."

It was evident that the United Nations soldiers present were familiar with the Valkyries of Schicksal. Without Schicksal's support, implementing the Stairway to Galaxy Project would have been impossible.

However, most soldiers had only heard about them, never witnessed their actions firsthand.

Moreover, how could there be a male involved in the Stairway to Galaxy Plan? The officer found it puzzling.

Xia Chen, on the other hand, paid no heed to the officer's confusion.

His sole responsibility was to cleanse the area.

Moments later, silence descended once again.

"With Moon Ash, everything becomes much easier," Xia Chen murmured as he landed on Coral Island.