274: Chapter 274 Breaking Through the Strong Wall

"Hmm... hmm?"

Kuznetsov felt as though she had only slept for a little while, but the surrounding environment seemed to have changed.

Li Ming's fever had broken at some point; he was pacing around the living room before heading into the kitchen.

Ushakov was watching TV while hugging a pillow, and Snai, having seemingly never seen these novel things before, simply watched from the side.

"Ah, Kuzna, you're awake?"

"Hmm... how long did I sleep?"

"A little over two hours, I think." Ushakov thought for a moment. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Is he better?"

"He said he's fine now, so I didn't bother with him." Ushakov yawned. "I've already finished the most troublesome part, the borscht, and I've prepared the other dishes for him. He can definitely handle the rest."

Kuznetsov watched Snai floating back and forth in mid-air; the warm room seemed to make her... overly energetic.

She didn't know why, but regardless, she seemed very spirited right now.

Standing up, she stroked Snai's hair. Snai leaned in, pressing her cheek against Kuznetsov's palm, before returning her attention to the colorful world of the movie.

—Is it really okay for her to watch war movies at her age? Kuznetsov wondered to herself, looking at Pacific Rim 1 playing on the TV.

But seeing how engrossed she was, Kuznetsov felt relieved and walked into the kitchen.

Reflected in the glass, Li Ming, who was stir-frying, saw Kuznetsov walk in. She reached out and touched Li Ming's forehead. "Looks like your fever has broken."

"I've been like this since I was a kid. I've never had any major illnesses, and minor ones heal quickly."

"That's a truly enviable constitution."

"Uh... enviable?"

"It's better than mine." Kuznetsov leaned against the cabinet on the other side of the kitchen. "Even if I know what's wrong with me, I can't heal myself properly."

"...There is a way." Li Ming flipped the food in the pan and continued wielding the spatula.

"Peter and Nakhimov often say that, but..." Kuznetsov chuckled softly. "Li Ming, look at all these years; has there been any difference?"

"They rejected the most promising path first, and then hoped to let you try to heal yourself through medieval-style bloodletting therapy." Li Ming scoffed coldly. "Without the support of both hardware and software, any modern surgery is just nonsense."

"Li Ming..." Seeming to sense Li Ming's emotions, Kuznetsov patted his shoulder. "Peter has her own difficulties. I have sat in that position before; the pressure from above, the will, and the objective problems that exist all require the person in that position to be cautious, yet they must also have decisiveness."

"And then watch her push you into the fire pit?" Li Ming turned and glanced at her.

Kuznetsov's brows furrowed, then shifted to concern. "You seem to have a strong opinion about her."

"I don't have any issues with her personally." Li Ming shook his head. "But her methods have gone further and further astray, Kuzna."

"Are you talking about Meta Technology?"

"Yeah. If she intended to use this technology to try to cure the problem with you, it might be barely justifiable, but..." Li Ming paused for a moment. "This technology itself has major issues, and it's not something you all can control."

"...Then, Li Ming. What do you plan to do with me?" Kuznetsov looked at Li Ming's back and asked. "And what method do you plan to use to treat me?"

"I know a very excellent repair Ship Girl." Li Ming said. "She has already provided a detailed, feasible plan, and there are supporting facilities as well. At the very least, preventing your condition from continuing to deteriorate is completely achievable in the short term."

"So?"

"...Come with me, Kuzna."

Li Ming turned off the heat and looked back at her. This seemed to be the first time he had used this nickname to address her. "I don't want you to stay here... and disappear here."

Kuznetsov looked into his eyes.

He wasn't joking.

Kuznetsov lowered her head, avoiding his gaze, her legs beneath her nightgown shifting uneasily.

"Li Ming, I cannot easily leave this place."

"...I understand." Li Ming took a deep breath. "There is still time; I will wait for you to give me a definitive answer."

He knew very well that she had essentially politely declined his invitation.

Turning back around and relighting the stove, Li Ming continued preparing today's dinner.

Watching his back, Kuznetsov suddenly felt uneasy; an inexplicable irritation swept through her heart.

Did she really want to refuse him? She didn't seem to want to see him disappointed...

But, her status...

She couldn't leave, but what would happen if she stayed here?

Snai was still very young and absolutely could not be cooped up in this small city with her. Ushakov was also still hesitating, clearly waiting for her decision.

But what about the others? What would Varyag think, and what would Peter think?

Would her departure cause the others in the Northern Fleet to be heavily criticized by those above and by public opinion...?

"Li Ming, what exactly is Meta Technology?" Kuznetsov suddenly looked up and asked.

"Meta Technology is a technique that, in a sense, allows wisdom cubes to return to their essence; in a way, it counts as an evolution. But it is usually accompanied by a sharp amplification of negative emotions and a huge risk of losing control." Li Ming said. "As for why I know so much... Ushakov should have told you some things, right?"

"Hmm, that Mercury Memorial Meta... what is her relationship with you?"

"She is my family... one of them. For some reasons before, I was separated from them, and only recently learned of her whereabouts."

"Is she... a successful specimen of Meta Technology?"

"No, she is a survivor of Meta Technology going out of control. She looks strong, but the price she actually paid... even I am not entirely sure."

"...I understand." Kuznetsov rubbed her temples. "Your dish is about to burn."

"...Damn it." Li Ming hurriedly tossed the pan, took out a plate that hadn't been messed with by Snai, and plated the food. "Anyway, that's about the situation. I suspect the information Peter received might not be complete, but it's not easy for me to ask."

"Leave that side to me... as for you..."

Kuznetsov looked at his face as he turned around. "Li Ming, if this technology goes out of control, what will happen?"

"This world will likely be finished."

"You're sure that's not alarmist, right?"

"If there is even half a percent of falsehood in what I said, I'll eat Snai."

"Hmm... you're going to eat what?"

"...The plate, it's the plate."

"Oh..."

Li Ming shook his head. Things that even Angela and Aosta couldn't do—this world... is in trouble.

...