I Am Honkai

A few days later, in District 7, at School Garden, room 1A101.

Selene held the research institute transfer documents handed over by a staff member of the Board, reading them carefully. "As expected of the General Superintendent, the efficiency is impressive."

Aleister had prepared several existing research institutes for her to choose from.

After a while, she returned the documents to the staff member, confirming her choice:

"Take me to see this research institute."

...

District 2 is heavily industrialized, specializing in cars and explosives. It serves as a testing ground for explosives and weapons and a training facility for security officers and disciplinary committee members. The district is dotted with research institutions focusing on cars and explosives, producing loud noises, and surrounded by tall soundproof walls.

"This is the 11th Explosives Research Institute." (This institute is fictional.)

Under a sky as blue as jade, near the soundproof wall on the northern side of District 2, close to School Garden, several cars stopped at the road junction. A group of people accompanied a young girl as she got out of the car.

Led by the staff, Selene arrived in front of a large gray gate. The staff pointed to the scattered buildings inside the gate and said loudly, "Although it's not as specialized as District 18, where schools focused on ability development are concentrated, this research institute excels in having more space for experimentation."

"The larger area also means more room for development. I believe you will make good use of it."

Selene nodded. "That's why I'm here."

Hearing this, the staff member felt relieved. "In that case, let's not waste any time and head straight to the research institute!"

With that, they got back into the car and drove to the central building of the research institute.

The central building of the 11th Explosives Research Institute is a massive structure. From afar, the entire building appears as an isosceles trapezoid. Although it has only 12 floors, its footprint is vast.

...

Finally, the car stopped at the designated parking lot of the central building, and everyone got out one by one.

In front of the building, numerous staff members of the research institute were already waiting.

Seeing Selene, they all came forward to greet her. "Miss Selene, welcome."

After the introductions, Selene began touring the research institute.

At this point, the person accompanying Selene was replaced by the research staff.

"Our research institute's primary focus is on 'high-energy explosives' and 'clean energy,' both branches of chemical materials engineering. Thus, the laboratories inside the institute are primarily chemistry labs."

"The institute's laboratories have been accredited by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), making our professionalism internationally recognized as top-tier..."

Here, the researcher hesitated, puzzled, "Would you like to visit anything in particular?"

To be honest, the researcher was full of questions upon receiving the notification. Their research projects didn't have much to do with ability development, so why did the first-ranked choose their institute? Was it simply because of its large area?

"I won't go in; observing through the window is enough."

Selene waved her hand dismissively.

In fact, Selene chose this place not just because it was near School Garden but mainly because of its ample space. Many of her ideas could be implemented here.

Although Selene could choose to build a research institute from scratch, that process would take too long.

After the tour, Selene signed the contract with satisfaction.

From now on, this research institute belonged to Selene.

At present, it may seem unprofessional, but what about the future? Let's not forget that Honkai energy can be purely converted into other forms of energy. Imagine Selene gathering Honkai energy at her fingertips and transforming it into electricity, fire, or light, releasing it like a mobile artillery platform. Isn't that cool?

After all, being strong is temporary, but being stylish is forever. In this life, Selene is all about flashy displays.

While directly releasing Honkai energy is possible, it's better not to. Those killed directly by Honkai energy run the risk of turning into zombie-like creatures unless their bodies are incinerated. Moreover, dispersed Honkai energy can be collected, making it too troublesome to manage. Using converted energy is more time-efficient and effortless, allowing for a hands-free approach post-action.

"But should the research institute be renamed... Hmm? I've got it!" Sitting at the head of the conference room, Selene suddenly thought of the "Destiny" organization from the Honkai universe. A hint of mischief surged within her, "I hereby announce the official renaming of the 11th Explosives Research Institute to Destiny Institute!"

"Three new research projects are added: 1. Honkai Energy Conversion; 2. Honkai Energy Human Enhancement Drugs; 3. Military Single-Soldier Equipment."

"If we lack personnel, we'll hire more. Funding for projects will be directly allocated by the Board."

"Any additional comments?"

"Director, may I ask..."

...

After the meeting, Selene left behind some Honkai crystals and returned to School Garden.

Anyway, she had assigned tasks to the researchers, leaving it to them to study.

Selene was aware that she couldn't fully trust these researchers. In the reorganization of the old research institute, she neither purged nor recruited them. Undoubtedly, there were spies from other directors and research institutions. But what of it? This was a hole Selene deliberately left for others. Even if they understood the principles behind Selene's research projects, they couldn't replicate them because Honkai energy was unique to her in this world.

Besides, this was just a setup by Selene, indifferent to whether anyone took the bait. Failure wouldn't affect her; she dared to act this way because she had the confidence.

On the other hand, if the three research projects Selene arranged yielded results, she would have enough leverage to attract the majority of the upper echelons, weaving a vast community of interests to serve her.

The first and third research projects are self-explanatory, one serving Selene's power enhancement and the other born from a flash of inspiration.

However, the second research project is the real trump card. Scientific research indicates that, based on the division of human cells, the human lifespan limit is around 120 years. However, due to various bodily damages, humans live an average of only about 75 years.

Honkai energy enhancement could repair bodily damage, potentially extending human life. Not to mention anything else, just the prospect of prolonging life would entice many. Who wouldn't want to live a few more years?

Given this, Selene could segment the results, claiming that complete human enhancement requires high physical fitness, with significant failure risks. Meanwhile, specialized human repair drugs, though lacking physical enhancement functions, offer side-effect-free bodily repairs.

"Reducing the duration of the drug's effects could achieve a long-lasting impact."

"The research shouldn't be technically challenging; costs are low, with Honkai energy as the core material. This essentially puts me in a monopoly position. No matter what, they'll have to come to me."

"Heh, isn't this a quick money-making scheme?"

"Well, now let's see how those spies report back."

...

In the affluent area of District 1, within a luxurious private estate resembling a royal palace, there was an eerie silence. The estate was heavily guarded, with sentries every few steps and many black-clad bodyguards patrolling tirelessly, alert to any disturbances.

At the center of the estate, an elderly man with short silver-gray hair, a slanted fringe curling slightly at the end, had an extremely serious expression as he read the report. He wore a neat suit, his straight back showcasing a man's strong physique.

General Board of Directors member, Councilor Thomas Platinaburg.

Known for his extreme obsession bordering on neurosis, he is famous for his cautious actions.

"Significantly enhancing physical fitness while repairing bodily damage, extending lifespan!"

Thomas Platinaburg's pupils contracted as he muttered softly.

Even someone as cautious as him couldn't help but be tempted.

He took a deep breath, then coldly commanded, "No matter what it takes, get me the production method!"

On the moving subway.

A middle-aged man with a wrinkled face, black hair, a short beard, and a ponytail.

Councilor Nakimoto Rizou.

"Find a way to get it!"

District 1...

...

Late at night.

"There sure are many rats." Selene, using the Honkai crystals left in the research institute, sensed the various spies showcasing their skills at night. She couldn't help but sigh.

"Let's see which one makes the biggest commotion."

"Tsk, someone even planted a bomb. Are they trying to destroy the research materials and lab? Such hostility?"

Enough said, it's you. Having determined the most active agent, Selene remotely controlled, using the crystal to attach Honkai energy to the spy, tracking them.

"Let's see who's behind this."

Eventually, Selene followed the Honkai energy trail, pinpointing the target at the General Board of Directors office building in District 1.

"This is Thomas Platinaburg's mansion?"

Selene's pupils narrowed, revealing a sinister smile, "It seems my Board seat is secured..."