83: Chapter 83 The Shattered Mirror

As the shuttle passed through Earth's atmosphere, the scene outside the porthole was shrouded in a scorching orange-red halo, as if wrapped in flames.

Lin Fan leaned against the porthole, his fingertips pressed against the cold glass, his eyes fixed intently on the blue planet gradually becoming clear below.

His mother's holographic image, the back of Night Owl disappearing into the passageway, and the empty, bewildered gaze of Kate in the short video sent by Franklin, were like three sharp thorns, repeatedly piercing his heart.

"We will arrive at the base in ten minutes," AKai's voice came from the pilot's seat as he quickly calibrated the shuttle's landing system.

"The Earth Alliance has already received the intelligence we transmitted from the moon. Commander Stanton demands that we head to the Alliance headquarters immediately to report on the situation with Night Owl and the details of the Light Sphere Protocol."

Lin Fan did not respond, only slowly clenching his fist.

The Light Sphere Fragment in his pocket transmitted a faint warmth, as if responding to the churning emotions within him.

He knew that what the Alliance truly cared about was never Night Owl's life or death, nor his mother's dying wish, but the Light Sphere technology in his hands.

But he had no time to deal with these things now; he had to enter the virtual world immediately and find the Kate who had lost her memory.

"I will handle the Alliance side," AKai seemed to see through his thoughts, turning to look at him with a tone of reassurance.

"You go to the virtual world first to find Franklin and ask about Kate's specific condition. I have already contacted him; he said that Kate's consciousness state is very unstable and we need to find a way to stabilize it as soon as possible."

Lin Fan nodded, a surge of warmth rising in his heart.

In this crisis sweeping the globe, AKai had always been his most reliable partner, standing by his side regardless of how great the difficulties were.

The shuttle landed smoothly at the Chinese military's secret base—"Dragon Abyss Base."

The base was located deep within the Kunlun Mountains, surrounded by towering peaks and dense forests, making it extremely well-hidden.

This was the core stronghold for the Earth Alliance to resist alien civilizations, gathering the world's top scientists and most elite troops.

Just as they stepped out of the shuttle, Dr. Chen, the head of research at the base, came to meet them with several researchers.

Dr. Chen was wearing a white lab coat, his hair gray, and his face full of wrinkles, but his eyes were exceptionally sharp.

"Mr. Lin Fan, Mr. AKai, thank you for your hard work," he shook Lin Fan's hand, his tone urgent.

"How is the situation on the moon? What exactly is the strength of the Sower?"

"The situation is not optimistic," AKai spoke first, briefly introducing the situation on the far side of the moon.

"The Sower has already occupied the Observer base, is mass-producing bio-mechanical fusions, and is building energy transmission towers. It is expected that they will launch an attack on Earth very soon.

Additionally, we found the holographic image left by Mr. Lin Fan's mother at the Observer base, confirming that the core of the Light Sphere is emotional energy, and the Sower is filled with fear toward this energy."

Dr. Chen nodded, his expression becoming even more grave: "Commander Stanton is already waiting for you at headquarters, but..."

He changed the subject and looked at Lin Fan, "Mr. Franklin just sent an emergency communication saying that the 'Light Sphere Race' in the virtual world has suddenly launched an uprising.

Led by Ms. Kate, they have attacked multiple strongholds established by humans in the virtual world, causing significant losses."

Lin Fan's heart sank abruptly: "What? Kate, she..."

"Mr. Franklin said that although Ms. Kate's consciousness has been resurrected, she has lost all memories.

She believes that humans want to seize the technology of the Light Sphere Fragment and endanger the survival of the 'Light Sphere Race,' which is why she led them to launch the attack," Dr. Chen added.

"The situation in the virtual world is very chaotic right now. Mr. Franklin has already mobilized all NPC legions to suppress it, but the results are not ideal; the combat power of the 'Light Sphere Race' far exceeds expectations."

"I'm going to the virtual world now," Lin Fan said immediately, turning to walk toward the base's virtual connection room.

"Wait, Mr. Lin Fan," Dr. Chen stopped him, "What about Commander Stanton..."

"Tell him that whatever it is, it can wait until I return from the virtual world," Lin Fan's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

In his heart, nothing was more important than Kate.

AKai stepped forward and said to Dr. Chen, "Dr. Chen, I will handle the Alliance headquarters. You take Mr. Lin Fan to the virtual connection room and ensure his safety.

Also, I have uploaded the copy of the Observer database left by Night Owl to the base's server. Please organize the researchers to crack it as soon as possible and find the Sower's weaknesses."

"Very well," Dr. Chen nodded, no longer hesitating, and led Lin Fan toward the virtual connection room.

"The virtual connection room is ready. Mr. Franklin is waiting for you in 'Star Dome City' in the virtual world."

The virtual connection room was located on the third underground level of the base. It was a spacious circular room with dozens of virtual connection pods arranged in the center.

The connection pods were shaped like huge capsules, silvery-white throughout, with blue circuits covering the surface, giving them a high-tech feel.

"Mr. Lin Fan, this is the latest model of the virtual connection pod. It can achieve deep consciousness connection, is more stable than previous equipment, and can better protect your consciousness from the impact of the virtual world," Dr. Chen introduced, opening the door of one of the connection pods.

"Mr. Franklin has already reserved coordinates for you in the virtual world. After you enter, you will be directly teleported to the central plaza of Star Dome City."

Lin Fan nodded and stepped into the connection pod.

The door closed slowly, the internal seat automatically adjusted to the most comfortable angle, and a soft helmet slowly descended, covering his head.

The sensors on the inside of the helmet pressed against his scalp, causing a slight tingling sensation.

"Connection program initiated, consciousness synchronization rate is being calibrated..." A synthesized electronic voice sounded inside the pod.

Lin Fan closed his eyes, feeling the lightness of his consciousness gradually detaching from his body.

The surrounding darkness was gradually replaced by a bright white light, and the sounds in his ears became increasingly blurry, finally disappearing completely.

When he opened his eyes again, he was already in a strange world.

This was the central plaza of Star Dome City.

The ground of the plaza was paved with silvery-white metal, smooth as a mirror, reflecting the huge celestial bodies and gorgeous nebulae floating in the sky.

Dozens of towering buildings stood around the plaza.

These buildings had peculiar shapes, as if they were composed of countless triangles and circles, their surfaces shimmering with blue light, full of a futuristic feel.

The plaza was bustling with people, including humans wearing all kinds of clothes, as well as some peculiar-looking NPCs.

Some had wings, others had animal ears and tails, obviously virtual races created by Franklin.

But at this moment, the atmosphere in the plaza was exceptionally tense.

Both humans and NPCs were holding weapons, staring vigilantly toward the entrance of the plaza, their faces filled with caution and fear.

"Mr. Lin Fan, you're finally here!" A familiar voice came, and Franklin walked quickly toward him.

He was wearing a golden robe, his hair was meticulously groomed, and his face wore an anxious expression, "The situation is even more serious than I imagined."

"Where is Kate?" Lin Fan asked immediately, his eyes searching around the plaza.

"She has taken the people of the 'Light Sphere Race' and occupied the northern district of Star Dome City," Franklin sighed, pointing toward the north side of the plaza.

"The 'Light Sphere Race' is a new race I created using the energy of the Light Sphere Fragment. Their bodies are composed of pure energy, and they can manipulate the data streams of the virtual world, making them very powerful in combat.

After Ms. Kate woke up, I don't know why, but she automatically became their leader. She believes that humans want to destroy them and seize the Light Sphere technology, so she led them to launch the war."

Lin Fan looked in the direction Franklin pointed.

In the distant sky, countless figures shimmering with golden light were floating.

Their appearance was similar to humans, but their bodies were semi-transparent, with golden energy flowing inside them, like golden elves.

And at the very front of them, a familiar figure was floating in the air—it was Kate.

She was wearing a golden long dress, her long hair fluttering in the wind, and a golden halo of energy surrounded her body, making her look as holy as a goddess.

But her eyes were exceptionally cold, without any luster.

Those eyes, once filled with tenderness and love, now only held caution and hostility.

"Kate!" Lin Fan couldn't help but shout, running in her direction.

Hearing Lin Fan's voice, Kate slowly turned her head, her gaze falling on him.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes were filled with confusion and caution, as if she were looking at a stranger.

"Who are you?" Kate's voice was cold and strange, without the slightest warmth.

Lin Fan's heart felt as if it had been struck by a heavy hammer, and a sharp pain washed over him.

He stopped, looking at this familiar yet strange person before him, his throat feeling as if it were blocked, unable to speak.

"I am Lin Fan, Kate. Don't you remember me?" Lin Fan's voice trembled, his eyes filled with pain and anticipation.

"We fought against the Observer together at the Antarctic Base, we watched the starry sky together in the virtual world. You told me in the data stream not to forget you. Do you still remember?"

Kate's eyes did not flicker, only looking at him coldly: "I don't know you.

I only know that you humans want to seize the power of the Light Sphere and destroy our 'Light Sphere Race.' From today on, the northern district of Star Dome City is our territory. Any human who dares to step one foot inside will be killed without mercy!"

"Kate, you've misunderstood!" Lin Fan hurriedly explained, "No one wants to hurt you. I just want to help you and help you regain your memories!"

"Regain memories?" Kate sneered, the golden energy halo around her body becoming even more dazzling, "Do you think I will believe your nonsense?

Humans are all selfish liars. What you want has always been just the power of the Light Sphere!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she raised her right hand, and golden energy condensed into a sharp longsword in her hand.

"Since you refuse to leave, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Kate swung her longsword, and a golden energy slash flew toward Lin Fan.

The energy slash was extremely fast, carrying a piercing sound as it cut through the air, instantly arriving in front of Lin Fan.

"Watch out!" Franklin shouted, immediately mobilizing the energy of the virtual world to form a blue energy shield in front of Lin Fan.

With a loud "boom," the golden energy slash struck the energy shield, erupting with dazzling light.

The energy shield fluctuated violently, instantly covered in cracks, and finally shattered with a crash.

Lin Fan was thrown away by the shockwave, landing heavily on the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Mr. Lin Fan!" Franklin hurriedly ran to his side and helped him up.

Lin Fan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with determination.

He knew that ordinary explanations were useless; Kate's memories were completely locked, and she now only believed in the "truth" she saw.

There was only one way to make her regain her memories—to forcibly connect with her consciousness and re-implant their past memories into her mind.

But he also knew that the risks of doing this were extremely high.

Kate's consciousness state was already unstable, and a forced connection might cause her consciousness to completely collapse and disappear forever.

"Franklin, help me stall for some time," Lin Fan stood up and took the Light Sphere Fragment out of his pocket, "I am going to forcibly connect with Kate's consciousness and restore her memories."

"No!" Franklin immediately objected, "Ms. Kate's consciousness is very fragile right now. A forced connection is too dangerous. If it fails, she will never come back!"

"I have no choice," Lin Fan's gaze was exceptionally firm, "I cannot watch her continue like this, and I cannot let her become a pawn of the Sower.

Even if there is only a one in ten thousand chance, I must try."

He gripped the Light Sphere Fragment tightly and injected his consciousness into it.

The Light Sphere Fragment erupted with dazzling golden light, enveloping his body.

He could feel his consciousness merging with the energy of the Light Sphere Fragment, becoming increasingly powerful.

"Light Sphere Race, attack!" Seeing Lin Fan's actions, Kate thought he was about to launch an attack and immediately gave the order.

Countless members of the "Light Sphere Race" immediately rushed toward Lin Fan and Franklin, their hands condensing golden energy weapons, with ferocious expressions on their faces.

"It seems we have no choice but to fight it out!" Franklin gritted his teeth, his hands quickly forming seals as the energy of the virtual world gathered around him, forming countless blue energy spheres.

"NPC Legions, protect Mr. Lin Fan!"

The NPC legions in the plaza immediately went into action, holding weapons and charging toward the members of the "Light Sphere Race," and both sides instantly engaged in a fierce battle.

Blue energy spheres collided with golden energy weapons, erupting with dazzling light, and the entire plaza was shrouded in a chaotic energy storm.

Taking advantage of the gap in the battle, Lin Fan concentrated all his consciousness and reached out toward Kate.

The energy of the Light Sphere Fragment transformed into a golden beam of light, connecting to Kate's consciousness.

"Ah!" Kate let out a painful scream, her body trembling violently.

She could feel a strange consciousness forcefully intruding into her mind, and countless strange memory fragments flooded in like a tide.

Lin Fan's consciousness entered Kate's mind, and a chaotic fog of memories appeared before him.

He could see that Kate's memories were locked behind a thick black barrier, and behind the barrier were the memories she had lost.

"Kate, look at me!" Lin Fan shouted, transforming his own memories into a golden light, impacting the black barrier, "These are our memories, look!"

Scenes of memories unfolded in Kate's mind: the two of them watching the starry sky side-by-side in the virtual world, he weaving golden energy flowers for her; at the Antarctic Base, they cracked the Observer's code together and fought enemies side-by-side; in the data stream, she gradually became transparent, writing the words "Lin Fan, don't forget me"...

These memory scenes played in Kate's mind like a movie, and the black barrier began to show cracks.

Kate's eyes were filled with pain and confusion, her body trembling even more violently, and she continued to emit painful moans.

"No... these are not my memories..." Kate struggled desperately, "You are lying, these are all fake!"

"These are not fake, Kate!" Lin Fan's voice was filled with deep affection and determination, "These are things we experienced together, they are the most precious memories between us.

The reason you forgot is because when Franklin resurrected your consciousness, the Sower's code invaded your mind and locked your memories!"

He continued to impact the black barrier, and the memory scenes became increasingly clear.

Kate's eyes gradually softened, the cold hostility slowly fading away, replaced by deep pain and confusion.

"Why... why does my heart hurt so much?" Kate's voice trembled, and golden tears streamed from her eyes, "These scenes... feel so familiar, yet so far away..."

[part:gemini-2.5-flash]

Just as the black barrier was about to shatter and Kate Rollins' memory was on the verge of recovery, a massive dark-redcrack suddenly appeared in the sky. From thecrack, a gigantic rune spaceship slowly emerged, its surface covered in twisted, dark-red runes, emitting a dangerous aura.

"Oh no! It's the Sower's Mirror Detector!" Franklin Clinton's face changed dramatically as he pointed at the rune spaceship in the sky. "They actually sent a detector into the virtual world!"

At the bottom of the rune spaceship, a massive dark-red halo slowly expanded, complex runes flickering within it. Immediately after, a dark-red beam of light shot out from the halo, striking the ground of the virtual world.

The ground trembled violently, and dark-red energy surged from it, coalescing into a colossal humanoid figure. This humanoid looked exactly like Lin Fan, dressed in a black trench coat, with messy hair, cold eyes, and a hint of an evil smile on his lips. The difference was that dark-red energy enveloped his body, and twisted runes covered him, making him appear like a demon from the darkness.

"Mirror Lin Fan!" Lin Fan's pupils contracted sharply, and a strong sense of unease welled up in his heart. He could feel that this Mirror possessed not only the same code abilities as him but also exuded a familiar aura—that was Kate Rollins' data fragments!

"It seems the Sower's probing has begun," Mirror Lin Fan said, his voice identical to Lin Fan's, but laced with cold malice. "Lin Fan, we are essentially the same person. However, you are bound by human emotions, while I possess true freedom and power."

He raised his right hand, and dark-red energy condensed into a black longsword in his grasp. The sword's surface was covered in runes, emitting a dangerous aura. "Now, let me show you what true power is."

Mirror Lin Fan swung his longsword, and a dark-red energy slash launched towards Lin Fan. The energy slash was incredibly fast, carrying a destructive aura, and instantly arrived before Lin Fan.

Lin Fan immediately mobilized the energy of the Light Sphere Fragment, forming a golden energy shield in front of him. With a loud "boom," the dark-red energy slash struck the energy shield, and the golden shield instantly became covered in cracks, finally shattering with a crash. Lin Fan was once again sent flying by the impact wave, falling heavily to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Lin Fan!" Kate Rollins instinctively cried out, her eyes filled with worry. But her memory had not fully recovered, and the vigilance and confusion in her heart still lingered.

Mirror Lin Fan walked towards Lin Fan step by step, his smile growing more evil: "Give up, Lin Fan. You are no match for me; your emotions will only be your burden. Join me, and together we will control this world, control the power of the universe."

"Dream on!" Lin Fan struggled to his feet, gripping the Light Sphere Fragment. "I will never be devoured by darkness like you!"

At this moment, in the virtual connection room of the Longyuan Base, AKai and Dr. Chen were working together to decrypt the Observer database left by Night Owl. The database was highly encrypted, filled with complex code and runes, making decryption no easy task.

"Dr. Chen, there's a core data segment about the Light Sphere here!" AKai suddenly shouted, pointing at a piece of code on the screen. "According to the data, the Light Sphere was originally a weapon created by the Sower, capable of devouring the energy of civilizations and accelerating their destruction. But later, it was modified by Mr. Lin Fan's mother, Dr. Su Qing!"

Dr. Chen immediately leaned over, looking at the data on the screen, her eyes filled with shock: "Dr. Su Qing actually possessed such powerful abilities! She rewrote the Light Sphere's core protocol, changing its energy-devouring attribute to an emotion-absorbing attribute, and also injected a guardian program into the Light Sphere, making it a weapon against the Sower!"

"Not only that," AKai continued to analyze, "the data also mentions that the three fragments of the Light Sphere correspond to three different emotional energies—Love, Courage, and Hope. The fragment in Mr. Lin Fan's hand corresponds to the energy of 'Love,' which is why he can resonate with Miss Kate Rollins' consciousness. The other two fragments, one is hidden on the Observer's home planet, and the other's whereabouts are unknown."

"So that's how it is." Dr. Chen nodded, her expression becoming solemn. "The Sower wants to reclaim the Light Sphere Fragments to restore its original weapon attribute and continue harvesting civilizations in the universe. And the appearance of Mirror Lin Fan must be the Sower's attempt to use Mr. Lin Fan's code abilities and Miss Kate Rollins' data fragments to create a puppet that can control the Light Sphere."

"Oh no!" AKai suddenly realized something, his face changing dramatically. "Miss Kate Rollins' data fragments are mixed into Mirror Lin Fan's code. He might use this to control Miss Kate Rollins' consciousness, making her completely a pawn of the Sower!"

In the virtual world, Mirror Lin Fan had already walked up to Lin Fan, his dark-red energy longsword pressed against Lin Fan's throat. "Lin Fan, your persistence is meaningless." Mirror Lin Fan's eyes were cold. "Look, Kate Rollins is still hesitating, her memory hasn't fully recovered, her consciousness is still fragile. If I just give her another push, she will completely turn to me and become my puppet."

He turned to look at Kate Rollins, a tempting smile on his lips: "Kate Rollins, do you feel it? The resonance between us. What Lin Fan gives you are just false memories and restraints, but what I can give you is true power and freedom. Join me, and together we will eliminate humanity and build a world that belongs to us."

Kate Rollins' eyes were filled with struggle. She looked at Lin Fan, then at Mirror Lin Fan, her emotions a tangled mess. She could feel a familiar aura on Mirror Lin Fan, an aura that made her feel at ease, but at the same time, she could feel the deep affection and pain in Lin Fan's heart, an emotion that made her heart ache faintly.

"Kate Rollins, don't believe him!" Lin Fan's voice was weak but firm. "He is a puppet created by the Sower; all he wants is to use you! Our memories are not false; they are what we experienced together, they are real!"

Mirror Lin Fan sneered, and with a slight press of his longsword, he cut Lin Fan's throat, blood dripping from the tip of the sword. "False or real, now, she chooses me!"

Just then, Kate Rollins suddenly closed her eyes. In her mind, the memories of Lin Fan and her reappeared. Those warm moments, that tacit understanding of fighting side by side, those vows of sharing life and death, were like warm sunlight, dispelling the darkness and confusion in her heart.

"No... I don't believe it!" Kate Rollins suddenly opened her eyes, which were filled with determination. "My heart tells me that Lin Fan is telling the truth! You are fake, you are the embodiment of darkness!"

She raised the golden longsword in her hand and charged towards Mirror Lin Fan. Golden energy burned around her body, and her speed became incredibly fast, instantly arriving before Mirror Lin Fan.

"Oh? It seems the fragments of memory are beginning to revive." Mirror Lin Fan's smile remained unchanged, and he swung his black longsword in a backhand, clashing with Kate Rollins' golden longsword.

With a crisp "clang," golden energy and dark-red energy collided, erupting into dazzling light. Kate Rollins was forced back a few steps by the immense impact, while Mirror Lin Fan remained motionless.

"With just this much power, you still want to resist me?" Mirror Lin Fan's eyes were cold. "Kate Rollins, don't forget, your data fragments are within me. I can perceive everything about you, and I can control everything about you!"

He swung his black longsword again, and an even more powerful dark-red energy slash shot towards Kate Rollins. Kate Rollins tried to dodge, but her body was bound by an invisible force, unable to move.

"Lin Fan!" Lin Fan shouted, using all his strength to release all the energy of the Light Sphere Fragment. The golden energy transformed into a beam of light, striking Mirror Lin Fan's back.

Mirror Lin Fan grunted, his body pausing slightly. The force binding Kate Rollins disappeared, and Kate Rollins immediately retreated, avoiding the dark-red energy slash.

Lin Fan slowly collapsed, his consciousness beginning to blur. He could feel his energy rapidly draining, and his vital signs becoming weaker and weaker. But there was no fear in his heart, only a hint of relief—at least, Kate Rollins had not been completely devoured by darkness; her heart still retained memories of him.

"Lin Fan!" Kate Rollins ran to Lin Fan's side, knelt down, and supported him. Her eyes were filled with tears, and golden tears dripped onto Lin Fan's face, carrying a warm temperature. "I'm sorry, Lin Fan, I'm sorry... I should have believed you..."

"It's okay..." Lin Fan's voice was weak, a faint smile on his lips. "As long as you're okay... that's all that matters..."

His consciousness grew blurrier, and the scene before his eyes gradually faded. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, he saw Mirror Lin Fan slowly walking towards them, his eyes filled with cold killing intent.

"It seems the game is over." Mirror Lin Fan's voice was cold and cruel. "Since you are so stubborn, then perish together!"

He raised his black longsword, and dark-red energy condensed on it, forming a massive energy sphere. The energy sphere contained destructive power, enough to raze the entire Star Dome City to the ground.

Kate Rollins held Lin Fan tightly, her eyes filled with despair and unwillingness. She knew she was no match for Mirror Lin Fan; protecting Lin Fan and this virtual world was almost impossible.

Just then, a blue beam of light suddenly appeared in the sky above Star Dome City. The beam shot down from the top of the virtual world, striking the energy sphere in Mirror Lin Fan's hand.

The energy sphere fluctuated violently, and the dark-red energy began to dissipate. Mirror Lin Fan's face changed, and he looked up at the sky, his eyes filled with shock and anger: "Who is it? Who dares to disrupt my plan!"

In the sky, a giant blue phantom slowly emerged. The phantom's appearance was similar to Elizabeth's, but clearer and larger than before. Her body was composed of blue code, and her eyes were filled with majesty and power.

"It's me." Elizabeth's voice echoed through the virtual world, raspy like metal rubbing, yet with a hint of determination. "Sower's puppet, your plan ends here!"

She extended her right hand, and the blue code transformed into countless chains, coiling around Mirror Lin Fan's body. Mirror Lin Fan struggled desperately, but the chains tightened, binding him firmly.

"No! I won't fail like this!" Mirror Lin Fan let out an angry roar, and the dark-red energy around his body surged wildly, attempting to break free from the chains.

Elizabeth's eyes were cold, and she slowly raised her left hand, blue energy condensing into a massive energy cannon in her grasp: "Accept destruction!"

The energy cannon emitted a dazzling blue light, and a massive blue beam shot towards Mirror Lin Fan. The beam struck Mirror Lin Fan's body, erupting into brilliant light. Mirror Lin Fan's body gradually disintegrated in the beam, turning into countless dark-red energy fragments, finally disappearing completely from the virtual world.

The crisis was temporarily averted, and Elizabeth's phantom slowly dissipated. Kate Rollins held Lin Fan, tears streaming down her face: "Lin Fan, wake up, don't scare me..."

Franklin Clinton rushed to their side, checking Lin Fan's vital signs: "His consciousness energy loss is severe, but he can still be saved. We must immediately send his consciousness back to the real world for treatment."

Kate Rollins nodded, picked up Lin Fan, and followed Franklin Clinton towards the exit of the virtual world. Her eyes were filled with determination, and she secretly vowed: This time, she would protect Lin Fan, no matter the cost, to restore his health and retrieve their memories.

Meanwhile, in the Longyuan Base in the real world, AKai and Dr. Chen had already decrypted most of the Observer database. They not only found the origin and modification process of the Light Sphere but also discovered a significant weakness of the Sower—their core energy source could not withstand the impact of pure emotional energy.

"As long as we can gather the three Light Sphere Fragments and activate the love, courage, and hope emotional energies contained within them, we can completely destroy the Sower's core energy source and defeat them!" Dr. Chen said excitedly.

AKai nodded, but his eyes held a hint of worry: "The problem now is that we don't know the whereabouts of the other two fragments, and Lin Fan's situation is not optimistic. We must quickly find a way to treat him, and at the same time, prepare for the Sower's next attack."

He looked at the virtual connection pod, his heart filled with prayer: Lin Fan, you must hold on. We still need you, and Earth still needs you.

In the virtual world, Kate Rollins held Lin Fan, walking step by step towards the exit. Her heart was filled with guilt and love, and fragments of memory were slowly resurfacing, those sealed memories gradually becoming clear. She knew that this war was far from over, the Sower's threat still existed, but she was no longer afraid, because she knew that as long as she was with Lin Fan, no difficulty was insurmountable.

And in the distant depths of the universe, in the core control room of three rune spaceships, a figure in a black robe stood before a massive display screen. The screen showed everything happening in the virtual world. There was no expression on his face, only a cold gaze at the screen, a strange smile on his lips.

"Emotional energy? How interesting." His voice was hoarse and low. "Lin Fan, Kate Rollins, your performance exceeded my expectations. However, this is just the beginning; the next game will be even more exciting."

He extended his right hand and gently waved it, and the screen instantly switched, displaying a 3D model of Earth. On the model, multiple red hot spots flickered, which were the Sower's imminent targets.

"Earth will soon become our experimental ground. And you will become my most perfect collection." The figure in the black robe slowly said, his eyes gleaming with greed and madness.

A more brutal war was about to begin. And Lin Fan and Kate Rollins would become the core of this war, their destinies tightly bound to the fate of Earth.