Chapter 707: The Inevitable Hunt

Boom…

In that instant, the atmosphere in the auditorium nearly exploded.

Even before Professor Bai uttered his final words, some had already sensed what was coming—a nameless dread. And when he finally spoke those two characters, some faces turned ashen with terror.

Indeed, while the binding method might be theoretically feasible, it surely has its shortcomings.

Because true understanding and cooperation between people are impossible.

So, how can this problem be resolved?

Naturally—by devouring.

If it were destined for Ability Users to need to acquire the other six abilities from the same group to reach the ultimate level, then any method that allowed them to devour other abilities would inevitably spawn countless ambitious predators hunting their peers, killing and devouring each other until only one remained among the seven…

What would this world become if that were the case?

A battlefield of fratricidal hunts among Ability Users of the same group?

In a world clinging to life under the Red Moon, plagued by decay and chaos, how could anyone endure such madness?

At that moment, countless Researchers raised their hands.

The many raised arms signified innumerable questions—and their mounting concerns.

Yet this time Professor Bai allowed no one to speak. Instead, he said, “I understand the fear in your hearts and know what you worry about. But I urge you to act as true Researchers—do not let fear override your reason.”

“This situation was bound to occur; we simply predicted it in advance.”

“Now, while the scenario of internal fratricide has not yet erupted—at least not on a large scale—there are already organizations in this world attempting it. Humanity’s instinct when facing disaster can sometimes brew terrifying power. Even if they haven’t fully grasped the differences between these various layers of power, they’ve sensed the essence…”

“…”

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon one person—the tallest in the auditorium.

That was Watchdog. Clad in a black leather coat, wearing a cap and a mask, he was bundled up tightly.

“Just as experiments to splice abilities began more than twenty years ago, even though many labs were purged in the crackdown on forbidden experiments—do you really believe no one is still researching these methods?”

“…”

That statement enlightened many, their eyes turning to Watchdog.

All senior Researchers knew Watchdog; he had escaped from a Forbidden Laboratory.

While others possessed only one ability, he had three.

The other two had been cruelly sutured onto his body.

Under everyone’s gaze, Watchdog’s massive frame trembled—was it anger or fear?

“So, this scenario of mutual hunting is inevitable.”

Continuing from the podium, Professor Bai explained, “The reason these individuals refrain from such actions is not due to humanity or rules, but because many still don’t know which abilities belong to their own group.”

“Many abilities may appear similar on the surface while essentially belonging to entirely different groups, making them nearly impossible to distinguish.”

“If one can’t determine the true nature of another’s ability, hunting becomes impossible.”

“However, now every major organization is fervently researching the mental power model. Many have discovered that the essence of mental power is the manifestation of thirteen ultimate mental forces across a person’s seven levels, through which broad ability characteristics have been deduced. Though not yet precise, continued research will surely clarify them.”

“And when someone deciphers the secrets of devouring and suturing…”

“Heh, then the entire world will transform into a hunting ground under the Red Moon—an outcome utterly unavoidable!”

“…”

“…”

“Buzz, buzz, buzz…”

Whispers in the auditorium escalated to a fever pitch. Everyone debated, asking each other for opinions.

After the discussions, the look in everyone’s eyes grew one of despair.

It seemed that this fate was indeed unavoidable…

The model for mental power had long been under construction and study—and it was becoming clearer.

If one day such a model were established and could accurately determine the characteristics of various Ability Users,

then who could guarantee that the model would remain confidential?

And if it leaked, who could promise that no one would use it to hunt others?

As for the methods of devouring and suturing, those too are essential.

The most despairing thought was that such methods might have already been discovered.

Devouring and suturing were the very goals of that first batch of forbidden experiments…

Watchdog was a prime example.

…

…

“Is that the only method?”

From below, someone spoke loudly—Occult Expert Yuan Qinqin.

At that moment, even her inquiry couldn’t redirect the attention of the auditorium towards Professor Bai.

“There is another way.”

Professor Bai’s quiet voice immediately drew everyone’s attention.

Every person looked up at him with an almost pleading gaze.

“Indeed, there is one method that surpasses binding Ability Users—a way to avoid the horrific mutual slaughter…”

Professor Bai murmured, “That is to hunt the Ultimate.”

“?”

The entire auditorium shifted to an atmosphere utterly different from moments before.

Earlier, everyone had felt panic; now they were frozen, blinking in bewilderment.

“The Ultimate is a form of contamination, and as far as we know…”

Professor Bai paused, then continued, “…it is the strongest contamination.”

“Yet the Ultimate also signifies power—the purest, most potent force available.”

“So if one could hunt down the Ultimate, one could seize that power. With it, any Ability User might shatter their mortal limits, reach the essence of the ultimate level, and even embark on a journey to evolve continuously until they truly transcend mortal bounds—a new ultimate state…”

“…”

In the meeting room, silence reigned for a long while.

Not because they hadn’t understood Professor Bai’s words, but because they had.

Understanding all too well left them so horrified they couldn’t speak…

Had Professor Bai really just spoken of hunting the Ultimate?

In many contexts, the Ultimate in mental power is even referred to as ‘God.’

Is he planning to hunt God?

…

…

“I know many of you were caught off guard by that question,”

Professor Bai observed the panicked faces in the auditorium from the podium, offering a faint smile as he said, “But I hope you will quickly come to terms with this: hunting the Ultimate may seem like the most dangerous path, yet it is the only road humanity can choose. After all, even if you decide not to hunt the Ultimate, do you think it will just spare you?”

“…”

Facing the doubt of all the Researchers and Ability Users in the room, Professor Bai shook his head gently and summed up his thoughts.

After addressing these questions, he stepped down from the podium and, to the astonishment of everyone in the auditorium, slowly made his way to Lu Xin’s side. At that moment, Lu Xin, Doll, and Gecko all looked up at him nervously.

After a moment of silence, Professor Bai suddenly said to Gecko, “You, step outside first.”

“?”

A stunned expression crossed Gecko’s face.

Professor Bai remarked, “While I was discussing such crucial matters, you were busy daydreaming about the girls…”

“…Out!”

“…”

Gecko, completely dumbfounded, stood up. Under the watchful eyes of the entire auditorium, he puffed out his chest and walked out.

Then Professor Bai turned his gaze to Doll.

Doll stared blankly at Professor Bai before suddenly coming to his senses. He slowly got up, bowed his head, and left.

Standing outside the auditorium side by side—one to the left, one to the right—they peeked inside quietly.

Glancing around, they realized they were the only ones left.

Lu Xin hesitated, wondering if he too should step out…

But at that moment, Professor Bai gently patted his shoulder, signaling him to sit down firmly.

In a low voice he said, “You want to know how to improve yourself, don’t you?”

Lu Xin froze for a moment before slowly nodding.

This time, his medical checkup was precisely to address that issue.

Yet even before, Mom had worried that Qinggang might not truly know how to guide him…

“What I just discussed was aimed at their questions.”

Professor Bai regarded Lu Xin kindly and added in a soft voice, “The third point is meant for you.”

“Unlike others, you don’t need to slowly progress through various stages like other Ability Users.”

“You don’t even have mortal limits.”

“…”

He looked at Lu Xin intently, as though striving to make his point crystal clear.

It was evident that he was choosing his words with utmost care: “You inherently possess a higher level of power. Therefore, you must recognize your essence and source. Instead of collecting all kinds of abilities or developing their functions, ponder how best to master your own essence and fully harness its potential.”

Listening to him, Lu Xin instantly thought of Black Particles.

Stirred by the memory, he subconsciously asked, “Then how can one better master their essence?”

“That question…”

Professor Bai smiled and said, “Instead of asking others, ask yourself.

How did you manage to grasp an essence that others could never control, and bear its weight in the first place?”