Chapter 124: The Most Useful Episode of Smell

[Name: Dimensional Interference Imaginary Matrix]

[Type: Special Item]

[Level: 9]

[Effect: Can draw infinite energy from the Imaginary Tree, overturning the laws of physics, a true perpetual motion machine.]

[Evaluation: You are the Alpha, and the Omega.]

Gu Tang wasn't lying to Ruan Mei—the tech level was indeed high.

[Name: Torch]

[Type: Everyday Item]

[Level: 1]

[Effect: It's a torch.]

[Evaluation: It's a torch.]

It was high-tech, but not entirely high.

...

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Gu Tang held the torch, walking through the dark hallway. 

To be honest, the primitive torch against the high-tech metal corridor created an interesting contrast.

"According to the sage's information, you should stop here," Ruan Mei said.

Gu Tang raised an eyebrow and halted in his tracks.

Swoosh—!

Something sharp sliced through the air in front of Gu Tang, the gust of wind causing the torch flame to flicker.

"An invisible enemy?" Gu Tang frowned, staring ahead into the empty space.

The air warped, and something floating mid-air slowly revealed itself.

It was a giant bug.

Nearly as tall as a human, its pitch-black exoskeleton resembled a thick, solid armor. Its sharp mandibles gleamed, and a single hard horn protruded from its head, making the entire creature a dangerous weapon.

Its translucent wings vibrated, and a terrifying sense of danger filled the dark space.

If a crew member accidentally wandered into this area, they'd likely be torn apart by this bug in seconds.

"A bug?" Gu Tang raised his hand and slapped it.

Smack!

The bug was flung into the wall and exploded into a puddle of goo.

"Yuck, that's disgusting," Gu Tang frowned in disgust.

"I'm so used to pizza that this looks strange to me now..." Ruan Mei muttered under her breath.

Gu Tang placed the torch down and then lifted Ruan Mei with both hands. "I have to ask... what kind of experiment are you running here?"

"...I've always been pursuing the essence of life. It's something every being possesses but doesn't understand—whether it's the physicality of existence or the unknowable beyond it," Ruan Mei explained. "Life is colorful, dazzling like a kaleidoscope, but I aim to pluck that one unwithering branch from it all."

Gu Tang shrugged. "I don't think giant bugs have anything to do with the essence of life."

"These bugs are just by-products of the experiment. The real goal of the experiment... is the Aeon," Ruan Mei said calmly.

"The Aeon? That's your research?" Gu Tang frowned.

"What exactly is the Aeon? Since when and how did it get closer to becoming a Star God than any other life form?" Ruan Mei's tone was almost a whisper, filled with bewilderment.

Gu Tang blinked. "But aren't you yourself a Scion of the Aeon?"

Ruan Mei shook her head. "The Blessing of the Erudition doesn't change one's species; it's more like an enlightenment. To truly understand the nature of the Aeon, I need other Paths that are more primitive, more... pure."

"Reproduction..." Gu Tang recalled.

The simulated universe's Swarm Disaster project was first proposed by Ruan Mei.

"Yes, Teyz Ros. Through the Simulated Universe, I was able to glimpse the Swarm Disaster's origins, capture data from the bug emperor and its progeny, and replicate, breed, and create entirely new research fields." Ruan Mei's voice carried a hint of excitement. "In a way, this is partly thanks to you."

"I see..." Gu Tang nodded.

Then, he suddenly pulled Ruan Mei's soft body in opposite directions, making her twice as wide.

"Don't conduct such dangerous experiments in the space station, you idiot!" Gu Tang yelled as he stretched her.

"Ow ow ow ow ow—! I was wrong! I'll do anything! Please forgive me!" Ruan Mei instantly surrendered.

...

Even after scolding Ruan Mei, the problem still needed to be solved.

The bugs couldn't be left roaming around the space station.

Whoosh—!

Another bug materialized out of thin air, its sharp forelimb aimed directly at Gu Tang's neck, powerful enough to pierce steel.

Smack.

In the next moment, Gu Tang pinched the sharp forelimb with just two fingers.

[Name: Finger Strike]

This skill wasn't particularly high level, but it was surprisingly useful.

Gu Tang flicked the bug's forelimb, hurling its body into the wall.

Splat—!

The bug became a dirty smear on the wall.

"Invisible bugs suddenly appearing... Even if we don't talk about how dangerous these bugs are, the situation itself is pretty terrifying," Gu Tang muttered.

"Is it? You don't seem scared at all," Ruan Mei commented, perched on Gu Tang's shoulder since one of his hands was holding the torch and the other was dealing with enemies.

Gu Tang explained, "I've been through similar situations, in Resident Evil 4..."

Another bug rushed at him, interrupting his words.

The bug opened its sharp jaws wide, aiming to devour Gu Tang whole.

Gu Tang wasn't interested in being bitten by a bug, so he punched it immediately.

Boom—!

The bug exploded mid-air, scattering into pieces across the corridor floor.

"Hmm... I'm getting a bit tired of this. Isn't there an easier way to deal with these invisible bugs?" Gu Tang stroked his chin, deep in thought.

"The sage did give us a strategy, one with precise instructions down to every move. Want to hear it?" Ruan Mei offered.

Gu Tang shook his head. "I believe it's a perfect guide, but I don't aim for flawless runs in games. I'll pass on that..."

At that moment, Gu Tang's sharp mind came up with an idea.

"You just said... these bugs are also your creations, right?" Gu Tang asked while thinking.

"Yes, what's the matter?" Ruan Mei looked at him in confusion.

"Hmph..." Gu Tang stared down the dark corridor, muttering to himself as he took out an item.

It was Ruan Mei's shoe.

Ruan Mei: "?"

Gu Tang tossed the shoe forward, letting it land on the floor.

In the next instant, half the corridor's bugs flew toward it, swarming around the shoe.

The bugs collided with one another, vibrating their wings and revealing themselves from invisibility. They swarmed around the shoe, jostling for space.

"Success! As I thought, all your creations are drawn to your scent," Gu Tang said proudly, clenching his fist.

Then, he threw a grenade into the swarm.

Boom————!

The entire hallway shook.

The violent explosion obliterated the gathered bugs, turning them into fragments.

Fire spread through the air, and the charred remains of the bugs fell to the ground, filling the area with a burnt stench.

"Alright, that's taken care of," Gu Tang said as he continued onward with Ruan Mei.

Ruan Mei made a mental note: when they returned, she would definitely research a potion to remove all scent from her body.