Chapter 497: with translation of chapter title

After discussing the company's opinions, Laatio, representing the Learned Society, also gave their stance.

"The Society and the Genius Club are equally concerned about this disaster in Pinokangni. Finally, we both decided to achieve full cooperation, providing technical support for Pinokangni's reconstruction..."

As he spoke, a virtual image gradually appeared beside Professor Laatio; it was Luosigum.

"... Let's hear what this genius has to say about the specifics. It's your turn, Mr. Luosigum."

Luosigum first spouted a lot of nonsense, only revealing his purpose at the end. He said that after discussing with several partners, he decided to temporarily halt the progress of the Simulated Universe project and, as a consultant, support the Learned Society's research on dreams and memory realms so that this substance could better serve all humanity.

Laatio nodded: "Not only that, we also made contact with the Memory Court through the company, and they promised to assist in carrying out the research..."

——

Absolute Zone Zero.

"Ms. Black Tower actually chose to halt the Simulated Universe project? I can't even imagine that scene."

In the Anti-Air Sixth Class, Asawa Yuma propped his chin on one hand, saying, "I remember last time Ms. Black Tower pretended to have a big argument with Luosigum over the suspension of the Simulated Universe project; although they were putting on a show for Silver Wolf, one could still tell from it how much both valued the project."

In Yuma's view, Ms. Black Tower is not the type who lives for others, and she certainly wouldn't pause the Simulated Universe project, into which huge costs have already been invested, just for the sake of Pinokangni, which has nothing to do with stellar deity research.

Yuecheng Liu pushed up his glasses: "What you said is correct. So……there is definitely a problem here. Leaving aside why the company would suddenly be so kind, given the Genius Club's current attitude toward the Learned Society……these two organizations hardly have any chance of cooperating."

In the eyes of the Genius Club bunch, the Learned Society's grasp of "knowledge" is hardly different from that of primitive monkeys; humans cooperating with monkeys is simply absurd. One handles the application of knowledge, the other expands its boundaries——they are as unrelated as horses and cows.

Liu, do you think someone among them has a problem?

"No." Yuecheng Liu shook his head. "I think most people here have a problem. First of all, Mr. Luosigum is definitely not the real one. It doesn't even have the 'logic,' 'conclusion,' etc., that are typical verbal tics of an automaton when Mr. Luosigum speaks. Yuma, when have you ever seen Luosigum utter such a long string of meaningless nonsense before speaking?"

Upon hearing that, Asawa Yuma finally realized, clapping his hands together: "Indeed……! Although Mr. Luosigum doesn't show up often, each of his remarks is concise. Moreover, going by what you said, Liu, that Shajin is also suspicious!"

As a gambler, Shajin treats everything around him that can be used as his chips, pushing them onto the gambling table, even his life. Now that getting stabbed is just brushed off so lightly, it simply isn't his style.

"Sister Liu——!!"

The two were chatting when Cangjiao burst into the office, panting, trembling as he raised his hand to point outside.

"Look! The Zero Void outside!"

Yuecheng Liu walked dubiously to the window, following Little Cangjiao's gesture, but the next second her pupils constricted as if she had seen something extremely bizarre.

The Zero Void was actually collapsing inward at a speed visible to the naked eye; the black sphere that originally was large enough to envelop the whole of Old Elyria is now less than one-third its original size.

"How……how is this possible……"

——

'"Well, I'm happy for Pinokangni's Dreamchasers—the smartest and most foolish minds in the universe are now all at their disposal," Professor Laatio said expressionlessly.'

'"It just feels too good to be true……" Star scratched his head.'

'"Walter nodded: "Indeed, it's hard to imagine the Genius Club members taking an interest in worldly research…… Anyway, the outcome is good.""'

"Turning to Jingyuan's side, he was also pleased to see everyone willing to help Pinokangni with their worries, but seeing that Pinokangni's future is already set, he wondered whether the train crew still had any attachments."

'"Jizi: "Peace is our greatest wish; besides that, we ask for nothing.""'

'"Haha, good. Since none of you have any lingering concerns, Jingyuan will bid his farewell here. Everyone, proceed with peace of mind; I'll hand over follow-up matters to my alliance." After saying that, Jingyuan turned and left.'

'"Well then, it seems we have no more worries in Pinokangni…… It's time for us to embark on a new journey."'

'"Walter nodded: "Hmm, I agree.""'

'"You two head back to the train first. I'll go pick up Little San Yue, handle the checkout——and also, Ms. Black Swan has something to discuss with me, right?"'

'Ms. Black Swan, who had slowly appeared beside them, gave a slight nod: "No wonder you're the Navigator."'

——

Original God.

"Wait, is there something that hasn't been resolved yet?"

In the Sumeru café, Kaveh was biting into a date‑coconut candy while furrowing his brows in recollection; he always had the feeling that the train crew still had something left unexplained.

"I know what you mean," Tighnari said with a slight smile. "Kaveh, you're probably thinking of the 【Star Core】, right?"

"Ah, yes!" After Tighnari's hint, Kaveh finally remembered: "The train crew had always been concerned about the Star Core, but now that they've woken from the dream, no one has brought it up—how strange is that? They just got on the train and left, leaving the Star Core unattended."

"That's indeed suspicious."

Cyno nodded in agreement beside him.

'"Cyno?" Kaveh was wondering when he had arrived when a blinding golden light flashed, making him squint.'

'"Hiss—what's so bright?" He raised a hand to shield his eyes, followed the light source, and immediately widened his eyes.'

Around Cyno's neck hung three gleaming gold backs of the Seven Holy Summon rare cards, reflecting blinding light in the sunlight, making it almost impossible to look directly at.

'"Hey……who would wear a card back as a necklace?!"'

Cyno crossed his arms, wearing a serious expression: "This isn't an ordinary card back. It's a collaboratively designed ultra‑rare version from the Sumeru region's Summoner King tournament."

As he spoke, Cyno's finger lightly brushed over one of the card backs, slow and gentle. If I hadn't seen it myself, Alhaitham would hardly imagine that Sumeru's chief disciplinary officer could have such a tender gesture and expression.

'"This is the 'Heaven's Light Judgment' edition; there are only five in all of Teyvat, but do you know? I bought ten card packs this morning and ended up pulling three in a row."'

Tighnari's mouth twitched slightly: "……So you're wearing them at high noon just to flash us, huh?"