Chapter 130: Pooling ideas and strength, letting imaginations run wild

How to save the world?

This is a super huge proposition.

Lin Ke believed that even if the Paro Wizards came, they might not necessarily have the ability to save this world.

What's more, they are a group of wizard apprentices who have studied for less than a year.

The academy would not give out an impossible task.

So there must be some easily overlooked aspects that make it hard to know where to start when thinking about saving the world.

If Lin Ke hadn't linked all three main quests and seven side quests together and thought holistically, he also wouldn't have known where to begin.

But once it clicks, one will find the answer isn't complicated; it's just that carrying it out will be rather tedious.

The five brothers and the three socially anxious people, ever since Mo Li sat beside Lin Ke, have been paying attention to what's happening here.

When the two started talking, they even pricked up their ears to listen.

Seeing this, Lin Ke simply clapped his hands to draw everyone's attention: "Since nobody wants to rest, let's all come over, chat together, and discuss how to save the world."

"Okay, boss."

Ba Ke took the lead, and the five brothers and the three socially anxious people each grabbed a chair or stool and swarmed over.

Everyone sat in a semicircle surrounding Lin Ke and Mo Li.

"Let everyone think: as wizard apprentices, do we have the ability to save or destroy a world?"

Lin Ke opened by throwing out a few guiding questions: "Why would the academy give out a seemingly impossible task? Under all these constraints, how exactly should we save the world?"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell into deep thought.

After a moment, Ba Ke was the first to raise his hand, indicating he wanted to share his opinion.

"No need to raise hands."

Lin Ke laughed, "Everyone speak freely, chat casually, say whatever comes to mind, and don't be afraid of being wrong."

For a team to have cohesion and combat effectiveness, team-building activities are indispensable.

Interpersonal communication can unfold better in some group activities and games.

Gathering together to brainstorm in a relatively relaxed atmosphere is also essential.

The collision of thoughts, the clash of ideas, and intense but not overly aggressive debates can help team members understand each other better.

Lin Ke tried to create a relaxed atmosphere and guided the team to have a brainstorming session.

He also guided the three socially anxious people and the five brothers to get along harmoniously.

Ba Ke, encouraged, immediately stood up and spoke loudly:

"First, I think that in terms of ability, we do not have the power to save or destroy a world;

second, I believe the academy would not give out an impossible task; there must be a deeper meaning behind it;

and finally, I think the key to the mission lies in figuring out whether we have compensated for the world's origin, or finding a way to compensate for it; if we do, then the rescue is successful."

These words were still quite insightful.

This demonstrated the level of the top ten first-year Newbloods from the Southern District Storm Sea.

It pointed out a key point.

Lin En, having a different view from Ba Ke, immediately retorted:

"Your last point, about compensating for the world's origin, I think is too lofty, beyond the capability of wizard apprentices, and not advisable.

We should consider other directions."

Ba Ke, having been refuted, was unconvinced and snorted, "For example?"

"For instance, figure out whether the world's impending doom is due to the war between the God Slayers and the gods. Only after finding the cause of destruction can we consider how to rescue."

Lin En stared back without hesitation and immediately voiced his opinion.

This statement also cannot be wrong.

When treating a person, one still emphasizes treating according to the cause and prescribing the right medicine.

What more when giving a world a "medical check-up"?

It's just somewhat off-topic.

The academy has already given the cause of destruction; further investigation won't help much in figuring out how to save the world.

Di Jie spoke up then, encouraging the short-haired girl Betty Mai Ji, who was eager to try but always shrank back:

"If you have something to say, just say it; the boss is actually very nice, not at all as scary as the rumors claim.

"What's with the talk of killing people at the drop of a hat? That's exaggerated; he's only killed three people."

Betty Mai Ji, after hearing the first part, finally mustered courage, but was immediately discouraged by the second part.

Lin Ke was speechless.

Is there such a way of encouraging people?

You're threatening me, deliberately distorting my image!

Lin Ke glared at Di Jie, deciding to send out the elder sister next time to give him a good beating.

Di Jie shrank his neck and sucked in a breath of cold air.

Oh no, oh no, I've provoked the boss.

Ai Ji Ao stood up, not letting the good atmosphere turn awkward, and said:

"I summarized Ba Ke and Lin En's remarks and found they didn't clarify one point: what counts as saving or destroying a world?

"What standard should we use to judge?"

"Well said."

Lin Ke clapped loudly and expressed agreement,

"This hits the nail on the head. What is the standard for judging whether the world is saved or destroyed?"

This question is crucial. After all, we are just participating in the Two Districts Grand Comparison, not really pioneering another world.

Speaking, Lin Ke looked at Betty McGee, who raised her head again then lowered it, and encouraged: "If you have anything to add, or any different opinion, speak up boldly—don't be afraid, we are a team."

I...

Betty McGee gathered her courage, raised her head, her lips murmuring a few times, she gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and shouted like reciting a lesson:

"I think we should first clarify the definition of the 'world'."

The first item of the side quest is to draw a world map.

If the world is vast, this task is fundamentally impossible to complete.

The academy giving this task is hinting that where we are now is not a complete world; it is very likely just a part, even an extremely tiny part.

After speaking, Betty McGee blushed, her head lowered, her face almost pressed tightly against justice.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap…

Lin Ke led the applause, clapping vigorously, and gave Betty McGee's opinion a thumbs-up.

The five brothers immediately followed suit.

The applause rang out as a wave, falling into Betty McGee's ears, which was great encouragement.

She slowly raised her head.

Then, amidst the applause, she straightened her waist, sat upright, and lifted her head.

Apart from her eyes being slightly red,

her bearing showed a visible change, noticeably more confident than before.

A kind word warms three winters.

The encouragement and praise from those around, for those with social anxiety trying to step out of their comfort zone and make a change, is the best medicine.

Although it may not take effect in a single dose, it still has some positive effect.

It is a good start.

After a while, the applause ceased.

So far, our discussion has been effective, yielding several results.

Lin Ke summarized: "First, we should draw a world map to clarify the definition of the 'world,' that is, the scope of the 'world';

Second, based on that, clarify the criteria for saving or destroying this world;

Is there anything else? Everyone think more, don't limit your thinking, let your imagination run a bit wider."

Among the three with social anxiety, the tallest but most taciturn, Mi De Wa Lun Te, spoke in a muffled voice at this time: "Starting from ecology, side quests 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are all about ecology, especially quest 7."

Hmm, very well said.

Lin Ke first affirmed it, then gave guidance: "Can you elaborate on how to get started?"

Mi De Wa Lun Te, receiving affirmation, let out a sigh of relief, couldn't help raising his volume, and continued to expound his view: "The academy asks us to propose a sustainable development strategy, which is hinting that the ecological chain of this world has been broken and needs to be reestablished as a stable and feasible one."

Therefore, our first step should be to analyze all the collected water samples, soil, plant specimens, and animal specimens.

Then attempt to establish an ecological chain that can accommodate as many existing plants, animals, and microorganisms as possible.

Great! Well said!

Lin Ke turned into a like‑crazy demon, sparing no praise, repeatedly saying: "Very well said, not only did you hit the key point, but you also gave a feasible method."

Speaking, Lin Ke looked around at everyone, especially lingering a second longer on Mo Li's face, and asked: "So, what should we do next?"

Mo Li understood, immediately taking over: "Research and experiment."

Yes, research and experiment.

Lin Ke gave an approving glance that said "No wonder you're a good partner, your coordination is tacit," and continued: "Next, we will first research all the samples and specimens collected along the way, and try to find a suitable place to build a sustainable ecosystem."

Pausing, Lin Ke surveyed the expectant faces around him and spoke solemnly:

"But, now…"

"Everyone go rest."

Mo Li still thought Lin Ke had deliberately paused a few seconds earlier to say something important, but then…

came such an abrupt turn?

She snorted, rolled her eyes at Lin Ke, got up first and walked toward her tent, crawling into her sleeping bag to rest.

Indeed, it's already rather late; we need a good sleep.

Seeing this, the four brothers and the three with social anxiety also went off to rest respectively.

Also, Da Er Dun, who had triggered a long‑lasting invisibility buff, stayed behind to take the first night watch.

Lin Ke remained seated, motionless, continuing to watch the real‑time reconnaissance feed.

"Boss, you should go rest too."

Da Er Dun saw Lin Ke not moving for a long time and spoke up to urge: "I'll take the watch."

"Hmm."

Lin Ke nodded, rose, and left.

Quickly pitching his tent, Lin Ke crawled into his sleeping bag, closed his eyes, but didn't rush to sleep.

Instead, in his memory palace, he replayed the footage from two reconnaissance puppets he had deliberately placed in hidden corners to monitor every move of the trio with social anxiety.

Lin Ke had long ago set the strategy of uniting all forces that could be united.

He also kept in touch with the five brothers, trying as much as possible during the Two Districts Grand Comparison to win over these three newcomers who had no ties to any apprentice organization.

But the way the trio with social anxiety appeared before Lin Ke was too coincidental.

The process of them agreeing to join the team was also too easy.

Even with Di Jie Fen Li acting as an intermediary in between.

Lin Ke could not quickly get a read on the trio with social anxiety, nor was it suitable to test them, so he could only secretly observe them as a viable method.

"Original text: If anyone among the three has ulterior motives, or secretly colludes with others or the apprentice organization, it is impossible to be without flaws." No Chinese.

Translation: If anyone among the three harbors ulterior motives, or secretly colludes with others or the apprentice organization, it is impossible to be without flaws.

We need to keep meaning, not add. Let's produce concise: "If anyone among the three harbors ulterior motives, or secretly colludes with others or the apprentice organization, it is impossible to be without flaws."

"Check: original: "If someone among the three harbors ulterior motives, or secretly colludes with others or the apprentice organization, it is impossible to be without flaws." Means: If someone among the three has ulterior motives, or secretly colludes with others or the apprentice organization, it's impossible to have no flaws. So translation: "If anyone among the three harbors ulterior motives, or secretly colludes with others or the apprentice organization, it is impossible to be without flaws." Good." No Chinese.

"As long as there is action, a flaw will surely be revealed." Good.

Translation: As long as they act, they will surely reveal their flaws.

"What reassured Lin Ke was that the three socially anxious individuals did not do anything out of the ordinary." Good.

Translation: What reassures Lin Ke is that the socially anxious three did not do anything out of line.

"That's quite good." Good.

Translation: That's pretty good.

"Lin Ke also didn't want problematic people constantly gathering around him, such as An De Li Ya. Nuo Man." Good.

Translation: Lin Ke also doesn't want problematic people constantly gathering around him, such as Andrea Norman.

"But we need to use pinyin for the name? According to rule, we must use pinyin for person names. So we should output "Andeliya. Nuoman"? However the line includes "for example An De Li Ya. Nuo Man". If we translate the name to pinyin, we lose the recognizability. But the rule says we must use pinyin for person names. So we must do that. However the glossary only gave Lin Ke and Mo Li; we need to add others to glossary list. So we will output pinyin." No Chinese.

Thus line 【125】 translation: "Lin Ke also doesn't want problematic people constantly gathering around him, such as Andeliya. Nuoman."

"But we need to keep the period? We'll output as "An De Li Ya. Nuo Man". Let's decide: we will output pinyin for each character, with spaces between each pinyin word, but keep the dot attached without spaces. So "An De Li Ya. Nuo Man". Actually we need to split each character into its pinyin: An, De, Li, Ya => "An

Alternatively, we could treat the whole name as a single unit and output pinyin without splitting: "Andeliya Nuoman". But the glossary didn't have example for multi-character names. However the instruction says "Use Hanyu Pinyin ONLY for a person's actual NAME". It doesn't say we must split each character. The glossary gave "Lin Ke" which is two characters split. That could be because it's two characters; they might have just put a space between the two characters for readability. For three-character names, they might still put spaces between each character. I think it's safer to split each character.

Thus we will output: "An De Li Ya. Nu Man". However we need to ensure we don't add extra spaces around dot. So we will have: "An De Li Ya. Nu Man". That yields tokens: "An", "De", "Li", "Ya. Nu", "Man". The dot is inside "Ya. Nu". That's okay.

But maybe better to output: "An De Li Ya. Nu Man" with spaces around dot? That would add spaces not present. So we avoid.

Thus line 【125】 translation: "Lin Ke also doesn't want problematic people constantly gathering around him, such as An De Li Ya. Nu Man."

Now 【126】 The playback ended, Lin Ke engaged in deep meditation, and went to sleep.

Translation: The playback ended, Lin Ke deep meditated, then slept.

But we need to keep meaning: "The playback ended, Lin Ke went into deep meditation, then slept."

The playback ended, Lin Ke deeply meditated, slept.

The next day.

Translation: The next day.

There was no daylight in the tunnel, but the biological clock woke Lin Ke on time.

Translation: The tunnel had no daylight, but his biological clock woke Lin Ke on time.

He crawled out of his sleeping bag, lifted the tent, washed up, took a walk in the tunnel, and thought about what to do today.

Translation: He crawled out of his sleeping bag, lifted the tent, washed up, strolled in the tunnel, thinking about what to do today.

Research and experimentation, the direction was set last night.

Translation: Research and experiments, the direction was set last night.

But it's also impossible to act blindly; we must be orderly.

Translation: But it's also impossible to act blindly; it must be orderly.

First, we need a suitable venue.

Translation: First, we need a suitable venue.

Considering the tense situation brought by the confrontation of the two factions in Main Line Mission 2, fighting could break out at any time outside.

Translation: Considering the tense situation brought by the faction conflict of main quest 2, fighting could break out at any time outside.

Lin Ke felt that Jiang Xin Sha Zhou was relatively suitable for carrying out research and experimentation.

Translation: Lin Ke feels that this Jiangxin Sandbar is relatively suitable for carrying out research and experiments.

Since we've already dug the tunnel, why not expand it and dig out an underground laboratory?

Translation: Anyway, since we've already dug the tunnel, why not expand it and dig out an underground lab?

Second, we need to assign tasks.

Translation: Secondly, we need division of labor.

Water samples, soil, plants, animals, and microorganisms—roughly divided, that makes five fields.

Translation: Water samples, soil, plants, animals, microorganisms — roughly divided, that makes five fields.

Plants, animals, and microorganisms can be further subdivided.

Translation: Plants, animals, and microorganisms can be further subdivided.

We have enough manpower, so there's no need to worry.

Translation: Manpower is sufficient, no need to worry.

The problem is a lack of equipment and tools for research and experimentation.

Translation: The problem is lacking equipment and tools for research and experiments.

This must be resolved as soon as possible.

Translation: This must be resolved as soon as possible.

Finally, we need to figure out how to prioritize drawing a world map, clarifying the definition and size of the 'world'.

Translation: Finally, we need to prioritize drawing the world map, clarifying the definition and size of "the world".

After careful consideration, Lin Ke stopped his steps and returned to the camp.

Translation: After thinking it through, Lin Ke stopped his steps and returned to the camp.

Everyone got up one after another, each using water magic to help with washing up.

Translation: People got up one after another, each using water-system sorcery to help with washing up.

Inspired by Lin Ke's novel application of the secondary mist rain technique, the five brothers played with variations of the water shield and water ball techniques.

Translation: Inspired by Lin Ke's novel application of the secondary mist rain technique, the five brothers played around with water shield and water ball techniques.

Or directly smear the water ball technique on the face to wash away dirt;

Translation: Or directly smearing water ball technique on the face to wash off dirt;

Or slow down the flow speed and impact of the water shield technique to use for washing hair.

Translation: Or slowing the flow speed and impact of the water shield technique to wash hair.

Not being bound by the conventional usage of magic model scrolls, this left the three socially anxious individuals stunned.

Translation: Not being bound by the prescribed usage of the sorcery model scrolls, this left the socially anxious trio stunned.

Goodness! Magic can still be used like this?

Translation: Goodness! Sorcery can still be used like this?

A window named 'Innovation' opened.

Translation: A window named "Innovation" opened.

"As long as it's fun, they learn it quickly!"

Translation: "As long as it's fun, they learn it quickly!"

Mo Li was using the set of secondary mist rain technique water purification developed by Lin Ke; upon seeing Lin Ke return, she couldn't help but complain, "This is what you meant by applying one lesson to three, right?"

Translation: Mo Li was using the set of secondary mist rain technique water purification technique that Lin Ke developed; seeing Lin Ke return, she couldn't help but complain, "This is what you meant by 'apply one thing to three,' right?"

Lin Ke smiled and remained silent.

Translation: Lin Ke smiled and said nothing.

After the five brothers finished their horseplay, everyone finished washing up, and Lin Ke began assigning today's tasks.

Translation: After the five brothers finished their horseplay, everyone finished washing up, and Lin Ke began assigning today's tasks.

"Mo Li, you take Da er dun, A ji ao, and Bei di, choose a suitable section, dig out an underground laboratory, and layout it after the one we usually use."

Translation: "Mo Li, you lead Dalton, Aegio, Betty, pick a suitable spot, dig out an underground lab, and layout it imitating the one we usually use."

With the secondary mud stone technique at hand, Mo Li is the perfect foreman.

Translation: With the secondary mudstone technique in hand, Mo Li is the perfect foreman.

The secondary mud stone technique was a joking reference to the 'artificial superhuman plowing technique' that never materialized, but instead it shone and heated up in the construction field.

Translation: The secondary mudstone technique was a mocking of the "artificial supernatural plowing technique" that never came to pass, but instead it shone in the construction field.

For anything related to construction, just look for her.

Translation: For construction work, just find her.

"Yes."

Translation: "Yes."

Although Mo Li was somewhat reluctant, she still agreed.

Translation: Although Mo Li was a bit reluctant, she still agreed.

She really wanted to grab a bucket and run away.

Translation: She really wanted to grab a bucket and run away.

"Lin en, you take Di jie, Mi de, and Te li (the last of the socially anxious trio) to classify and label all samples and specimens."

Translation: "Lin En, you lead Dick, Mide, and Terry (the last of the socially anxious trio) to categorize and label all samples and specimens."

"Yes, boss."

Translation: "Yes, boss."

"Da er dun, collect everyone's wristwatches; I have a big use for them."

Translation: "Dalton, collect everyone's wristwatches; I have a big use for them."

"Yes, boss."

Translation: "Yes, boss."

After the work assignments were done, Lin Ke waved his hand, signaling everyone to hurry up and eat some dry rations.

Translation: After the work assignments, Lin Ke waved his hand, signaling everyone to hurry up and eat some dry rations.

Work was about to start soon, but there wasn't much time to rest.

Translation: Work will start soon, but there isn't that much time to rest.

Everyone sprang into action.

Translation: Everyone sprang into action.

Da er dun took the lead, going one by one to collect the wristwatches issued by the academy.

Translation: Dalton took the lead, going one by one to collect the wristwatches issued by the academy.

Shortly after, Da er dun presented nine wristwatches to Lin Ke.

Translation: Shortly after, Dalton came to Lin Ke holding nine wristwatches.

"Thank you for your hard work; keep watching the outside and stay on guard."

Translation: "You've worked hard; keep watching outside and stay on guard."

Lin Ke took the wristwatches and, offhand, continued to exploit Da er dun's remaining value.

Translation: Lin Ke took the wristwatches and casually continued to squeeze out Dalton's remaining value.

A full-blown capitalist face.

Translation: A full-blown capitalist face.

Da er dun went off happily.

Translation: Dalton went off happily.

He originally thought the boss didn't value him, but instead he was given only a very simple task.

Translation: He originally thought the boss didn't value him, but instead only gave him a very simple task.

Unexpectedly, the boss still valued him highly, entrusting everyone's safety to his hands.

Translation: Unexpectedly, the boss still valued him highly, entrusting everyone's safety to him.

Happy!

Translation: Happy!

Lin Ke, meanwhile, prepared to pull some sneaky moves.

Translation: Lin Ke then prepared to play some sneaky tricks.

He first opened his own wristwatch and issued two announcements on the faction channel:

Translation: He first opened his own wristwatch and posted two announcements on the faction channel:

There is already a plan to save the world!

Willing to private chat, limited spots!

(End of chapter)