107: Chance

Star Alliance Research Institute, Laboratory No. 7.

"So that's how it is. This is the manifestation of so-called spatial curvature..."

Zhang Huaiyuan watched the simulation process in the experiment, a look of understanding appearing in his eyes.

After giving the assistant robot the instruction to clean the experimental bench, Zhang Huaiyuan returned to the information center on his own, replacing a black information brick with a new one.

During this period, aside from basic sustenance, he spent all his time studying, then combining experiments to aid understanding and verify the knowledge he had learned.

With the comprehensive resources of the Research Institute, his mastery of various disciplines was improving at an unprecedented speed.

And as the knowledge he grasped increased, the conception of his advancement path in his mind also became clearer.

"Keep pushing."

Zhang Huaiyuan gave himself an injection of the inspiration boiling potion, preparing to begin the study of the next piece of knowledge.

At that moment, the integrated device on his right wrist suddenly lit up.

"My apologies, sir. I must interrupt you."

Hearing the familiar voice, Zhang Huaiyuan put down the information brick in his hand, a slight smile appearing at the corner of his mouth:

"Long time no see. Has your evolution been completed?"

"Not yet, sir. In a sense, the algorithm you created this time has far exceeded the upper limit of this world. Completing the upgrade entirely will still require some time."

The voice of the Statue of Liberty carried a hint of amazement:

"However, compared to that, there is a more important matter at hand."

"Hmm?"

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression turned serious. It was clearly no small matter if it prompted the Statue of Liberty to interrupt his research to alert him.

"The Head of the Star Alliance has requested that you proceed to the Cataclysm-level Disaster Zone codenamed 'The Great Millstone' to resolve or delay the spread of that Disaster Zone."

"I entered the Research Institute as a Galaxy Beast expert, so sending me is normal. Consider it tuition fees."

Zhang Huaiyuan was slightly taken aback, then smiled dismissively: "It's a pity, though, that it will waste some time. One can't study as steadily on a starship as here. But resolving a Disaster Zone is a good thing."

"That's not the case, sir. One of the Star Alliance's three major legions, the 'Spear of the Sky', was completely annihilated a week ago. The entire legion was wiped out, with only the 3S-Class Transcendent legion commander surviving, and his mind suffered a major blow."

"The Head's intention is to temporarily assemble legions from various regions to attempt a resolution."

"What!"

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan's expression changed.

Through his studies at the Research Institute during this period, he was well aware of the strength of the Star Alliance's main legions.

If this Disaster Zone was powerful enough to annihilate a main legion, even with his ability to see through those monsters' weaknesses, a temporary force might not be able to defeat it.

"Is the Star Alliance Head insane?"

Zhang Huaiyuan couldn't help but frown: "I recall records mentioning there is still one elite legion, right? At this point, isn't he planning to deploy it?"

"This is the more important matter I mentioned, sir."

The Statue of Liberty switched voice output modes, speaking directly into Zhang Huaiyuan's ear:

"For reasons that cannot be stated outright for now, the Head is attempting to take most of the Star Alliance's precious wealth and that elite legion to seek refuge in Ruin No. 17."

"You mean, the Head intends to abandon the entire Star Alliance and flee?"

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression suddenly showed shock.

Had things already become this severe?

What kind of crisis could make the Head of the Free Star Alliance lose the courage to resist, only wanting to flee?

"Yes. The original plan was scheduled for ten years later, but this crisis with 'The Great Millstone' seems to have spurred the Head. He has ordered the timeline to be accelerated at all costs."

The Statue of Liberty's voice grew even more serious: "The Head is the strongest 3S-Class Transcendent in the Free Star Alliance and also a descendant of the Morrgan family, the Star Alliance's founders. They pass down many secrets in special ways, even I cannot know them."

"The only certainty is that if the Head leaves with the most elite forces at this juncture, the entire Free Star Alliance will descend into chaos. Those long-established families will not be willing to submit to others and will most likely plunge into internal strife to vie for the leadership position. At that time, the Supreme Research Institute, as the forefront of the Star Alliance's technology, will become the first place contested by countless factions and will no longer be safe."

"So... what are you suggesting?"

Zhang Huaiyuan digested this massive amount of information, speaking only after a long moment.

Who could have imagined that the Free Star Alliance, one of the three major powers, was on the verge of a disintegration crisis.

"This is also an opportunity, sir."

The Statue of Liberty's voice became impassioned: "Those decaying lives are not worthy of controlling this 8-million-light-year territory. Only an existence like yours can lead the Star Alliance to resolve the disasters, move towards strength, and attain true freedom."

"Take control of the entire Star Alliance...?"

Zhang Huaiyuan momentarily didn't know whether to be happy or worried. He had originally just planned to sneak in and learn a bit of knowledge. How did it suddenly become this situation?

Admittedly, if chaos truly erupted, with the Statue of Liberty's full assistance, he would undoubtedly hold the greatest advantage.

But... things weren't that simple.

If the Statue of Liberty, relying on her post-upgrade power, forcibly seized control of all the families' fleets and military equipment, those families would likely spare no effort to forcibly shut down or even destroy her servers.

And he himself, as the beneficiary, would become the target of everyone.

At that time, if countless powerful Transcendents were determined to kill him, even with many armies, he might not survive.

Furthermore, if internal strife consumed too much strength, leading to an inability to suppress the Disaster Zones in the end, obtaining a destroyed Star Alliance would be meaningless.

Even... the Star Dome Empire and the Orr Empire might also intervene.

"Sir, there's no need to worry. Currently, very few know this news. We still have considerable time to prepare."

As if sensing Zhang Huaiyuan's concerns, the Statue of Liberty said cheerfully:

"This operation is an excellent opportunity."

"Many top-tier Transcendents will be participating. With your abilities, you are bound to shine brilliantly in the Disaster Zone. If you can gain the recognition of those powerful individuals, then a large part of your future safety concerns will be resolved."

"Of course, the situation at 'The Great Millstone' is uncertain. I believe you can certainly resolve it, but there's no need to take such great risks. You don't have to go personally."

Saying this, the Statue of Liberty manipulated the laboratory's Warp Device, warping over a hibernation pod.

Inside lay a body identical in appearance to Zhang Huaiyuan.

"This is a bionic robot I prepared. It has no autonomous consciousness, but I left a separate reception channel and a mental sensory device in its brain. You can switch to its perspective at any time and control it for normal actions. Having it go in your place ensures complete safety."

"What are your thoughts?"

"Then... let's give it a try."

Hearing this, Zhang Huaiyuan let out a long breath, his expression gradually returning to calm. His enhanced brain quickly sorted through the thoughts.

He was not an indecisive person. No matter what, this was an unimaginable opportunity.

"My main body will return to the Golden Star Sea to quickly build a powerful army to face the impending war and opportunities. I'll leave the internal affairs of the Star Alliance to you."

"Communicating with you is always so effortless and pleasant, sir."

The Statue of Liberty's voice grew even more delighted: "We will coordinate from within and without, fighting side by side."

"Good."