Chapter 94: Looking Forward to Our Reunion in the New Era

"Hey, hey, can everyone hear me?"

The crackling voice of a broadcast, laced with static, suddenly echoed across every corner of Yujin Base.

At that sound, Chen Xing—still trembling from her recent victory over Isaiah—pulled the Yao Dao from her chest.

Chen Kong and Jing Ruli, both crawling through the ventilation shafts, froze mid-motion.

In the Quantum Transit Chamber, the once-restless Stellar Prodigies fell into sudden silence.

For a moment, time itself seemed to pause.

Because Tian Dao Siming—the one who never panicked, never acted without purpose—would never activate the full-base broadcast without a reason.

And when he did, it meant something crucial was about to be said.

Sure enough, what followed stunned everyone.

"I know you're all wondering—wondering why the base suddenly faced such a massive crisis."

"Didn't Doctor sense anything at all?"

Chen Xing wiped the blood from her lips, then slowly stepped toward the nearby Kong terminal, listening intently.

That question had lingered in her mind since the moment the alarms started.

After all, with Doctor’s cold logic and meticulous nature, how could the enemy have reached the doorstep of the base without him knowing?

But Tian Dao’s next words answered that doubt—clearly, chillingly.

"I can assure you, Doctor knew."

"And he allowed it to happen."

"...!"

A wave of shock rippled through the base.

But before anyone could react, Tian Dao continued.

"Still, dwelling on it now is pointless. We can't change what’s already happened."

"I’ve already shut down the Infinite Maze."

"And I’ve activated the emergency teleportation system in the Quantum Transit Chamber."

"Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing—forget it. Move to the deepest part of the base, to the Quantum Transit Chamber, now."

"Once everyone is there, Kalolin and I will join you."

"And then, we’ll initiate the base’s self-destruct sequence."

"That’s what Doctor instructed me to do."

"Now—move."

With that, the broadcast ended.

Almost instantly, a piercing alarm tore through the base.

[ALERT! ALERT! Massive unknown quantum data infiltration detected! Quantum Defense System engaged!]

[ALERT! ALERT! Base Quantum Firewall collapsing! Expected total failure in 30 minutes.]

In the Quantum Center Control Room, Tian Dao—linked to the Base Quantum Core via a Portable Quantum Core—immediately received the data.

He understood at once: the Ironcrown Family had intercepted Byron’s quantum signal.

They’d pinpointed the base’s exact location.

As the largest and most powerful artificial intelligence family in the New Federation, the Ironcrown Family wielded the most advanced quantum technology in the entire realm.

Even Doctor, the prodigy of prodigies, could not build a defense strong enough to fully resist their assault.

And if they succeeded in breaching the base’s network…

Every single person inside would be exposed.

Their identities, their memories, their secrets—everything would fall into the Ironcrowns’ hands.

Worse, they could remotely disable all systems—especially the most vital: the Quantum Transit Chamber.

No need for Tian Dao to order it.

As soon as the alarms sounded, Chen Xing, Chen Kong, Jing Ruli, and Yezhen Lin—all scattered across the base—raced toward the underground Quantum Transit Chamber.

But as Chen Xing passed by the dormitory wing, something struck her.

She hesitated—then, with a sharp breath, spun around and sprinted back into her room.

She grabbed a sealed gift box from the corner of her suitcase—untouched, unopened.

Meanwhile, Tian Dao had already ended the broadcast.

"Cough… cough… cough…"

To avoid revealing his condition, he had held back the pain throughout the transmission.

Now, with the microphone off, he collapsed into a fit of violent coughs.

He barely managed to brace himself against the control console, fighting off the dizziness.

"Not yet… just a little longer… just a little more…"

Through the Portable Quantum Core, he confirmed: besides himself and Kalolin, still locked inside the Quantum Calculation Chamber, every other Stellar Prodigy had already entered the Quantum Transit Chamber.

No hesitation.

He activated the quantum program Doctor had prepared long ago.

[Respected S-tier Authority Holder — Tian Dao Siming. Confirm initiation of 'Yujin · Phase One Transit Protocol'?]

"Yes."

['Yujin · Phase One Transit Protocol' initiated. Detected missing key members: Stellar No. 1 — Tian Dao Siming, and Stellar No. 4 — Kalolin. Proceed despite missing members?]

"Yes."

[Acknowledged. 'Yujin · Phase One Transit Protocol' now active.]

As the teleportation sequence began, the members inside the Quantum Transit Chamber saw the massive doors seal shut with a mechanical clank.

Then, a cold, synthetic voice filled the chamber.

[Quantum Transit Chamber sealed. All Stellar Prodigies, remain at designated positions. Quantum Transit Countdown initiated: 30… 29… 28…]

Chen Xing froze.

She remembered Tian Dao’s words—he’d promised to come with Kalolin after everyone arrived.

But now, neither he nor Kalolin had arrived…

Yet the teleportation had already started.

A wave of dread washed over her.

Before she could speak, Tian Dao’s voice returned—this time, thin, strained, utterly unlike his usual calm.

"Sorry, everyone… I should’ve been with you."

"But I… underestimated the time it would take her to stabilize in the quantum space."

"So I had to stay behind."

"Because… I couldn’t leave her here alone."

"But don’t worry. Everything’s under control. Nothing will go wrong."

"You’re just… moving forward a little ahead of me and Kalolin."

"Maybe… we won’t see each other for a long time after today."

"But I believe… even in that unfamiliar world, you’ll each find your strength and survive."

"And I truly believe… with your presence, that world will become even more vibrant."

"I also hope… that when we meet again, you’ll surprise me."

"So… let’s look forward to our reunion in the new era."

His voice faded.

Silence.

In the chamber, several Stellar Prodigies exchanged glances—eyes flashing with determination.

They weren’t the failed 24 sent away by Doctor.

No. They were the victors of the Final Evaluation.

They might not be as strong as Tian Dao now…

But in the future?

They would prove it.

The stars weren’t his alone.

The new era would belong to them too.

And then—just as Tian Dao’s voice vanished—each of their data terminals flashed.

A message appeared.

They picked up their devices, frowning.

Then their eyes widened.

Because the message wasn’t just a destination.

It listed exactly where each of them would be sent.

Who they were to meet.

What they had to do.

Every detail—mapped out with flawless precision.

This wasn’t a last-minute plan.

This had been prepared long ago.

And only one person could have crafted such a flawless, intricate strategy.

Doctor.

Now it all made sense.

That’s why Tian Dao said: Doctor knew. And he allowed it.

Though they didn’t yet understand why—or what Doctor’s ultimate goal was—

They trusted him, as they always had.

And with that faith, Jing Ruli and Chen Kong exhaled, relaxing.

Because the message, and Tian Dao’s words, said one thing clearly:

Everything is under control.

But the moment the tension eased, they failed to notice the subtle tremor in Tian Dao’s voice—how forced it had been.

How weak.

Only Chen Xing heard it.

And then, another thought struck her.

Why… why did he order us straight to the Quantum Transit Chamber?

Why not to the Quantum Control Center first?

Why not let us meet him?

Unless…

Tian Dao wasn’t willing to meet anyone.

Or…

He didn’t want anyone to see him like this.

Her face twisted in horror.

"Tian Dao! You—!"

She stared up at the speaker, shouting desperately.

But her voice was swallowed by the rising hum of quantum transition.

And far away, in the control room, Tian Dao watched the monitors—seeing the silhouettes of his charges fade into the quantum stream.

They were gone.

Safe.

Now, only he and Kalolin remained.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end