Hearing Vill-V's explanation of the second to zeroth rated power, Chang Yuan was momentarily stunned.
Wait, with this setup, the functionality of the Second Divine Key far surpasses that of the Judgement of Shamash!
Good grief, the zeroth rated power can envelop an entire city and freeze everything except the wielder in place.
This is absolutely broken!
Combined with the Second Divine Key's inherent 100% penetration, perhaps only the Ninth Herrscher's gravity manipulation and the Eleventh Herrscher's binding abilities could withstand this bow.
"Hmph, hmph, hmph. What do you think? Are you amazed by my invention?"
"...6."
After thinking for a while, Chang Yuan couldn't come up with any words of praise.
If they ever defeat the Herrscher of the End, Vill-V would undoubtedly be the greatest contributor.
"So, how's the progress on the MANTIS project I mentioned to you a while ago?"
"Sigh, that thing... It feels a bit unethical. No matter how you fuse, you'll lose your humanity afterward.
And if the Honkai is ever defeated, how will humans view these non-human beings wielding uncontrollable power?"
Vill-V had given serious thought to the MANTIS project Chang Yuan had proposed.
While it could indeed significantly boost humanity's combat strength, it also raised ethical questions.
Would those who underwent the procedure still be considered human?
And how would ordinary humans, who hadn't fused with Honkai beast genes, treat these MANTIS soldiers?
"Let's not dwell on that for now. After the Honkai is defeated, we might be able to develop a reversal serum.
What we need to do now is exhaust every possible means to enhance humanity's combat strength, ideally creating a force comparable to the Herrscher of the End.
Otherwise, all of this is just empty talk, and civilization will still fall."
As someone with a god's-eye view, Chang Yuan knew all too well how terrifying the Herrscher of the End was.
The Moonlight Throne converted 30% of the Herrscher of the End's Honkai energy, and even then, Kevin had to use the zeroth rated power of the Judgement of Shamash just to incapacitate it for 12 hours.
And no one knew if multiple Moonlight Throne could fully convert all of the Herrscher of the End's Honkai energy.
After all, the Herrscher of the End possessed the abilities of all previous Herrschers, except for the Herrscher of Origin.
This included the binding abilities of the Eleventh Herrscher, making the Moonlight Throne seem almost laughable.
"You make a valid point. But where do we find test subjects? I can't just kidnap people. That's too unethical. I won't do it."
Vill-V could accept human experimentation, but only if the subjects volunteered. She would never force anyone.
"Go to the Twilight Corridor. It's a lawless place. Find people who have lost hope in life and offer them a chance to change their fate, even if it means risking death.
I believe those who have given up on life will seize this opportunity, even if it means dying.
And once your technique is perfected, I'll be your first test subject. So, Big V Teacher, my life is in your hands."
Giving Vill-V a thumbs-up, Chang Yuan looked at her with unwavering trust.
Touched by his absolute faith in her, Vill-V sighed, "You really trust me, don't you? I'm not even that confident myself."
"There's no other choice. Against the Honkai, we must move forward and grow stronger at all costs. Otherwise, we'll lose everything in the end."
"Fine. If you die on the operating table, I'll at least give you a grand funeral."
Seeing that Chang Yuan didn't seem to care about the risks, what else could Vill-V say? She could only do her best and leave the rest to fate.
After their conversation, Chang Yuan also asked Vill-V to create some nanobots that could be swallowed and detonated to kill their target.
These were naturally meant for those high-and-mighty council members.
Once they ingested these nanobots, Chang Yuan would become the true ruler of Fire Moth.
These human parasites needed to be removed as soon as possible.
In the original timeline, if it weren't for these parasites, humanity might have had more high-tier fighters and survivors in the end.
If those council members hadn't been so busy with internal conflicts, humanity wouldn't have suffered so much.
So, even if Elysia might scold him for it, Chang Yuan was determined to go through with this.
This wasn't just for himself or Elysia—it was for all of humanity.
This time, he would carry humanity to victory, clearing the Honkai scenario in one go.
"Alright, alright. Nanobots are easy. I already have some, though they can't detonate yet. Give me an hour—no, 20 minutes is enough."
With that, Vill-V went to modify some of the nanobots she used to create Soulsteel.
The result was a batch of transparent nanobots.
If not for the tangible weight in his hand, Chang Yuan would have thought he was holding air.
"Here's a pair of contact lenses that lets you see these nanobots. Don't worry, Fire Moth's current technology can't detect them."
Handing over the lenses, Vill-V explained that she was mainly worried Chang Yuan might misplace the transparent nanobots.
"Big V Teacher, you're so thoughtful. Once I take control of Fire Moth, you'll be my greatest contributor."
Stuffing the nanobots into his pocket, Chang Yuan didn't care where he put them.
It wasn't like he was going to eat them, so it didn't matter if they ended up in his socks.
"Alright, Big V Teacher, I look forward to your good news. All for humanity's survival and overcoming the Honkai."
"Yeah, yeah. I never thought I'd get to play the role of a savior. But it's all thanks to your foresight. Seriously, where do you get all this information?"
This had always bothered Vill-V.
If she had such foresight, she would have done some truly earth-shattering things.
"Don't worry. When the time is right, I'll tell you everything. And Big V Teacher, be careful. In the future I've seen, there are a few geniuses who might rival you."