Chapter 475

Chapter 475: Farewell and Continuation

“Clotho, I will deliver to you the biological gene bank brought by humanity, as well as all the research findings on hybrid extraordinary beasts from this period. Go forth and create whatever you desire.”

“Thank you. In return, I will transfer half of the biomass purification forest under your control.”

“Lachesis, I will deliver to you all my research on human emotions, thoughts, and desires. How you choose to use it is entirely up to you.”

“Very well. Your earlier proposal was quite effective, and I will also deliver a biomass mine to you.”

The agreement was sealed, and the three consciousnesses briefly and partially merged within the consciousness space, finalizing the transfer of authority over the mycelium area in the physical world.

Among these materials were forests and extraordinary beasts, the ever-expanding gray-black pillars, and countless gel-like substances that seemed to contain an infinite array of memories and information.

Each consciousness had obtained what it sought, but now they were compelled to confront reality.

Once their tasks were complete, the three consciousnesses separated once more, gazing at each other and themselves in the boundless silence.

This state, which felt both like a standoff and a plea for assistance, persisted for an indeterminate length of time until…

Three distinct voices resonated simultaneously within every tree, every blade of grass, and every extraordinary beast, regardless of their ability to comprehend:

“May the mycelium blanket the entire earth.”

As the words faded, the three consciousnesses made the same choice.

In that instant, their sea of consciousness was irrevocably divided, and they would never meet again.

Their material boundaries began to crystallize rapidly, and from that moment onward, they could no longer exchange materials or information.

A cluster consciousness of a single entity completed its self-division and Iteration at that very moment, ascending to a new plane of existence.

—

“Mother, have you returned?”

The once ivory extraordinary beast had now turned gray-black, its surface resembling a dense coat of fur, almost as if it were covered in feathers that could enable it to take flight at any moment.

Sensing an unusual presence descending around it, the extraordinary beast, now significantly larger than before, grew instantly excited.

As anticipated, a gentle voice echoed directly in its mind:

“Yes, I have returned.”

“You… seem troubled?”

“……”

To its surprise, the invisible mother of the extraordinary beast did not respond this time.

After a long pause, the voice finally returned to its ears:

“Child, you are my firstborn. Are you willing to sacrifice everything for your blood relatives?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, the extraordinary beast’s demeanor turned fierce:

“I am always ready.”

The mother’s voice then grew fervent:

“Then let us begin, my child. Lead the extraordinary beasts to clear the path for humanity and pave the way for your blood relatives.”

Under Clotho’s supreme command, all the trees in the Misty Forest commenced a new cycle of nurturing.

Beast forms, insect forms, Avian Creatures… Countless "cocoons" emitting various colors of light began to form in the crevices of the numerous Giant Trees endowed with nurturing authority.

The vast biomass accumulated over several months was being drawn out by thick strands of mycelium.

Simultaneously, the root systems beneath the entire Misty Forest were gradually pulling themselves from the ground—

As the human defensive lines contracted, the mycelium advanced further, pushing the frontline until the biological field reached a new equilibrium at its limit.

In other words, the enemy’s base was steadily moving closer to Hope City, the forest encroaching upon the city walls.

—

To Arthur’s surprise, the evacuation in Hope City proceeded exceptionally smoothly today.

Perhaps due to the authority Arthur had established over the past year, the resistance from the people was far less than he had anticipated after he issued the orders.

During the evacuation, Arthur also delivered an impromptu speech.

Aiming to reassure the people, he disclosed all the information that could be made public and outlined the initial stages of his tactical plans to the citizens of Hope City.

This silenced many who had been pessimistic about evacuating the outer city, as no one wished to be overtaken by the mycelium and then riddled with holes in full view of everyone.

Thus, it became clear to everyone that this was humanity’s final stand, and many seemed particularly exhilarated.

Especially when they caught sight of the exoskeleton soldiers stationed on the inner city walls; nearly every face displayed uncontainable astonishment.

Thanks to the coordination of Infinite Scroll, Arthur, and countless others, by the night of September 1st, the majority of civilians had completed their evacuation and entered the inner city.

Fortunately, the September weather in Hope City was not too harsh; the tents set up in the open space and the simple foldable beds in the Shelter were adequate for everyone to manage for a while.

Several new production lines were continuously manufacturing items for warmth, food, and exoskeletons. Motivated by the will to survive and the promise of triple wages, some reunited families chose to join the production lines.

And because the day was waning and the light insufficient, citizens who hadn’t reunited with their families were promised they could search for them the next day.

At 1 AM on September 2nd, the final group of the city defense army entered the inner city, accompanied by a group of lost children and elderly individuals with limited mobility.

At 4 AM, an exploration team comprising dozens of humans and over a hundred extraordinary beasts entered the outer city of Hope City from the southern side.

Although the relevant personnel had evacuated, they had not deactivated the corresponding devices before leaving; the [Skydome] could still monitor those installations on the outer city wall.

The gates swung open, and the human exploration team led by Wang Xiao and the Extraordinary Beast Team led by Fulan surged in.

Trailing behind them was a small group of extraordinary beasts, their mouths agape and drooling.

A few cannon blasts later, these creatures were obliterated by the artillery fire in the outer city, and at that moment, Wang Xiao’s communicator came back online.

“Just getting back is good.”

Arthur’s voice came through the communicator at just the right moment:

“Rest for a bit after returning to the inner city, then bring your team to join the Extinction Legion and prepare for battle on the city walls.”

“We have made a new discovery in the south.”

Wang Xiao suddenly announced.

This took Lin Qingliu by surprise, and he quickly inquired,

“What is it?”

“We approached what is called the ‘Abyss.’ Fulan noticed changes there compared to the last time.”

There was a hint of fear in Wang Xiao’s tone:

“That black substance is…”

“Rising upwards?”

“Yes.”

Arthur’s voice ceased.

At the very pinnacle of the spire, the Speaker stood amidst the howling wind, gazing at the distant horizon. At his chest, a golden cross flash drive was gently radiating heat.

Feeling the warmth emanating from his chest, Lin Qingliu’s expression shifted slightly, and he silently cursed:

“Damn it, I knew things weren’t this simple.”