159: External ripples and the choice of the "observatory"

The web of suspicion and rumors sown by the "Mirror Hall" project had seen its toxicity diminish under Homeland's relentless efforts to "dredge" and "disinfect," though it hadn't fully dissipated. The unity displayed by Homeland and the positive publicity regarding Excellence's recent status (post-desensitization) acted like a persistent breeze, gradually thinning the murky air. However, just as everyone thought they could catch their breath, a new, more hidden, and menacing undercurrent took to the international stage via a glamorous and deceptive platform.

An international non-governmental organization (NGO) named "Prometheus" high-profilely announced the launch of an ambitious long-term research initiative—the "Broad-Spectrum Consciousness Evolution Project"—across several mainstream Western scientific media outlets. The organization claimed to be composed of prestigious top scientists, philosophers, and ethicists from multiple countries. Its manifesto was high-sounding and filled with beautiful visions for humanity's future: aiming to "explore the untapped potential of human consciousness, promote a global cognitive revolution, and provide new sources of wisdom to meet future complex challenges." They publicly recruited volunteers with so-called "Unusual Perceptual Potential" to participate in the research, promising to follow "the strictest ethical standards" and share research results to "benefit all of humanity."

At first glance, this seemed like an idealistic and public-spirited cutting-edge exploration project, easily attracting researchers and the public who were curious and passionate about consciousness science. However, when the detailed outline of this plan was laid on the meeting table of the Star Gazing Platform's assessment team, a familiar sense of unease immediately filled the room.

An intelligence analysis expert pointed to several key terms and implicit research paths in the outline, saying, "Look here. Their descriptions of 'Field Resonance Perception,' 'Non-Symbolic Information Processing,' and the 'Consciousness-Environment Non-linear Interaction Model' use more academic packaging, but their core focus has a startling overlap with certain non-core but critical exploration areas of our internal research on Excellence's abilities! This is absolutely no coincidence!"

A deeper background investigation brought even more alarming discoveries. After stripping away layers of obfuscation, the primary financial backer of the "Prometheus" organization pointed to an offshore consortium registered in the Cayman Islands with an extremely complex shareholding structure. This consortium had multiple hidden funding channels and personnel connections with the radical faction of the "Prophet Foundation" controlled by Morpheus Li! Despite the sophisticated camouflage, Homeland's powerful intelligence network still captured the faint, tell-tale fingerprints belonging to Morpheus.

"This is an upgraded version of the 'Mirror Hall' project, or rather, an 'open scheme' played with a different style," Wang Jianguo said in a low voice during the emergency meeting, his brow furrowed.

Analysis showed that Morpheus's strategy had undergone a major shift this time:

Moving from the shadows to the stage: No longer relying solely on the anonymous "Echo" to spread views on the dark web or niche forums, he had built a seemingly legitimate and glamorous international NGO platform, attempting to bring "special ability research" into the light and the mainstream.

Seizing the moral high ground: Under the banners of "benefiting all of humanity" and "open science," they occupied the surface high ground of ethics and morality. This meant that if Homeland continued to insist on a strategy of complete secrecy, it might fall into a passive and vulnerable position in future public opinion, or even be stigmatized as "monopolizing knowledge" and "obstructing scientific progress."

Casting a wide net: Publicly recruiting "volunteers" was highly likely an attempt to search globally for potential "special perceivers" similar to Excellence, whether to expand research samples or to find replacements or new tools.

Upgrading the confusion: Intelligence indicated that "Prometheus" showed a keen interest in the "achievements" left online by "Echo" previously and was trying to contact them, possibly to package them as the project's "Chief Scientific Advisor" or a "star example." Once successful, a fake "genius" image controlled by The Foundation would stand in the spotlight, further distorting the truth and seizing the right to speak, making it harder for the real Excellence and Homeland's research results to be taken seriously in the future.

Strategic Choices Under Internal and External Pressure

Faced with this more complex and deceptive new situation, a heated debate broke out again within the Star Gazing Platform assessment team. The atmosphere was more solemn than ever because it concerned not just technical security, but the choice of strategic direction.

The Preservationists (represented by the security chief and some senior researchers) held a clear view:

"We absolutely cannot take another step forward!" the security chief said excitedly. "This is clearly a trap meticulously designed by Morpheus! He wants to lure us out of the Fortress! Once our people, or even just our research results, are exposed on an international academic platform in any form—no matter how anonymous—there is a huge risk of being traced and attacked! Excellence's safety is the top priority; any attempt that might put him at risk is an irresponsible gamble! Our defenses are currently solid. External rumors are annoying, but they can't shake our foundation. Why wade into this muddy water? Staying put and waiting for changes is the best course!"

The Proactive Strike Faction (represented by some strategic analysts and the younger generation of researchers) held a different view:

"Silence does not equal safety; sometimes it means giving up the right to speak!" a young analyst countered. "If we continue to remain completely silent, 'Prometheus' and the 'Echo' they package will define what 'special Perception research' is without any resistance. They will set the agenda and guide public opinion. Over time, the international community will accept their narrative. By then, even if we present real research results in the future, we might be preemptively viewed as 'imitators' or even 'forgers.' We must make our own voice heard and demonstrate what truly rigorous and responsible scientific research is, contrasting with their radicalism and falsehood. This is a fight for future legitimacy!"

Wang Jianguo's Layered Decision: Finding Balance on the Razor's Edge

Wang Jianguo listened silently to the heated debate from both sides, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table. He knew this was a difficult crossroads. Holding the line seemed safe but might mean watching strategic disadvantages accumulate; striking out had the benefit of initiative but was undoubtedly dancing in a minefield—one wrong step, and the whole game would be lost.

After a long period of contemplation and closed-door consultations with a few core advisors, Wang Jianguo finally made an extremely cautious, layered, and clearly exploratory strategic decision. It was neither a complete retreat nor a reckless charge, but a limited, highly controlled strategic probe and layout under the premise of ensuring absolute core security.

Iron Rule: Absolute Protection of the Core: Excellence's identity, location, specific capability data, and related core research must not be exposed in any form or at any level. This was the non-negotiable red line and bottom line. All actions must be built upon this iron rule.

Probing: Limited Academic Voice: Authorize a few of the most reliable and top-tier core experts (no more than three), led by Evelyn, to use strictly processed, untraceable pseudonyms (each corresponding to a complete, flawless virtual academic background and publication record). They would selectively and phasedly publish some highly desensitized basic theoretical research papers in strictly screened, reputable international top academic journals or professional forums with adequate security measures.

Content Restrictions: The paper content would be strictly limited to the basic theoretical framework, mathematical models, computational simulations, and ethical discussions in the field of "Consciousness-Environment Interaction." For example, they could discuss general information field theory, mathematical models of complex system Perception, and the ethical boundaries of related research. No specific case studies, descriptions of paranormal phenomena, or unverified public data would be involved.

Purpose: To showcase Homeland's deep academic accumulation, rigorous research methods, and responsible ethical considerations in this field, forming a sharp contrast with the potentially radical and impetuous tendencies of the "Prometheus" project. This was about establishing an orthodox image at the academic level and competing for the theoretical high ground and credibility within the academic community.

Defense: Continuous Precise Counterattacks: The intelligence department and security team would not slacken, continuing to go all out to collect evidence of the connection between "Prometheus" and the "Prophet Foundation," as well as potential vulnerabilities in "Echo." They would keep the sword hidden but ready, waiting for the best moment to deliver a fatal blow in the future.

Internal: Strengthening the Psychological Defense Line: Immediately conduct an internal briefing (omitting sensitive details) to unify thinking, emphasize the complexity of the current situation, and require all personnel to maintain composure, enhance discernment, and resolutely resist any form of external infiltration and rumor erosion.

This decision meant that Homeland's strategic posture was shifting from a complete, static defense to a "defensive active presence." This was a risky move that placed extremely high demands on the executors.

The heavy responsibility fell on Evelyn's shoulders. Not only did she have to continue guiding Excellence's training and protecting his physical and mental health, but she now also had to play the role of a hidden "academic warrior." She needed to find a delicate balance between academic rigor and strategic needs. Every paper to be published required careful consideration of the topic, argumentation, and wording—weighing every word. She had to ensure the academic value was solid enough to withstand peer review while being extremely careful to avoid all minefields that might link back to Excellence and core secrets, all while subtly debating against the rhetoric that "Prometheus" might release.

This was no different from dancing on a razor's edge or laying a fog under the enemy's telescope. She felt the burden on her shoulders was heavier than ever, but she also felt a sense of calm and determination to meet the challenge. In her office late at night, looking at the academic paper frameworks on her computer screen, she often fell into long periods of deep thought. This was no longer just pure scientific research; it was a silent, high-intelligence strategic game.

A Pure Ivory Tower and the Undercurrents of the Academic World

All these magnificent waves and surging undercurrents were carefully kept away from Excellence's world. He still lived a regular and fulfilling life in the "ivory tower" meticulously guarded by Su Mu and Evelyn. In the morning, he did micro-manipulation training of his abilities; in the afternoon, he studied cultural knowledge and tinkered with his "hand-crafted" inventions; in the evening, he walked with Su Mu and asked Evelyn questions. He knew nothing about the organization named "Prometheus" and was completely unaware of the silent confrontation about to unfold in international academic journals that was closely related to him.

Recently, he had been obsessed with improving his "Smart Fountain" project, trying to make it spray more complex water shapes according to his mood changes. He also excitedly reported to Evelyn that he felt his "Fast Mana Regen" meditation technique was becoming more and more effective.

Watching his focused and inquisitive manner, Su Mu and Evelyn were filled with mixed emotions. They were gratified by his purity and growth, but also felt the heavy responsibility of protecting that purity. The academic world outside was already seeing the gathering clouds of a coming storm, and they had to be the strongest dam to ensure the storm would not disturb the peace within the tower.

The battlefield of protection had already expanded from physical and information spaces to the more abstract yet more critical competition for academic discourse and future legitimacy. A silent war, conducted in the light but even more hidden and complex, had begun. The ship of Homeland had to cautiously adjust its course in the newly emerged, fog-filled channel to find a new equilibrium.