165: The Sea of Entropy Reversal and the Choice of Sacrifice
The coordinates for the "memory ark" pointed to a region of space marked on ancient star charts as the "Graveyard of Oblivion."
There were no active stars here, only cold, dead interstellar dust and shattered celestial remains, resembling a vast cemetery on a cosmic scale.
The spacetime structure here appeared unusually fragile, occasionally rippling with subtle waves—scars from the rules of intense battles from the distant past, not yet fully healed.
"the watcher" and its escort fleet slipped into this unsettling airspace in a state of absolute silence.
To avoid alerting the enemy, Lin Mo did not mobilize a large fleet, leading instead a task force composed of the most advanced "Shadow-class" reconnaissance ships, which possessed high stealth and strong resistance to rule-based anomalies.
Ling Shuang's "Probe One" fleet, after a brief respite and upgrade, also joined the operation as the second echelon to provide support.
Inside the bridge, the atmosphere was heavier than ever before.
The knowledge brought back from the "Echo Nexus" weighed on everyone's hearts like a heavy boulder.
The truth about "the observer," the threat of the "Assimilators," and the urgency of finding the remaining "key fragment" meant this operation could not afford a single mistake.
"Scan the area, prioritizing the search for anomalous signals or rule structures that match the coordinate parameters provided by the 'Weaver'."
Lin Mo issued the order, his gaze fixed on the star map on the main screen; the region representing the "resting place of the memory ark" was highlighted, dead silent.
Prolonged scanning yielded only frustrating results—nothing.
There were no anomalous energy readings, no mass shadows, no spatial distortions, not even the "smoothness" of rules found at the "Echo Nexus."
There was only pure, cold nothingness and death.
"The coordinates are confirmed to be correct, but... there is nothing here."
Dr. Einstein's virtual image shook his head, his tone perplexed, "Could the 'Weaver's' records be wrong? Or has the 'ark' been completely destroyed, leaving not even a residue of information?"
The consciousness fluctuations of the "concerto keystone" flowed through everyone's minds like a clear spring: "Negative. The 'memory ark' is not a physical ship. Its essence is a super-sized 'information singularity' carrying the final memories of a perished civilization. Its 'sinking' means its information structure has collapsed and hidden beneath conventional spacetime. We do not need to look for an object, but rather... the 'epitaph' of the information."
"An epitaph of information?" Ling Shuang was thoughtful, "Like... an echo of a specific rule?"
"Approximation. Attempt to activate the 'key fragment' and use it as a beacon to resonate with and locate the 'information anchor point' formed after the ark's collapse."
Lin Mo nodded.
The "key fragment" within the isolation field was injected with energy once more, emitting a soft, probing resonance wave.
This time, the resonance wave did not point in a specific direction but spread evenly in all directions, like a water droplet falling into a calm lake.
After a few minutes of waiting, the change finally appeared.
It was not on the sensors, but within the consciousness of every individual with high-level perception—including Lin Mo's "Genesis Blueprint" authority, Ling Shuang's "Stellar Silver Psionic Energy," the "concerto keystone," and the specially perceptive "Qi."
A low, mournful cry, seemingly from the place where all things end, sounded directly in the depths of their consciousness.
This cry was not a sound, but a pure sensation, filled with despair, reluctance, and a sense of "backflow" that defied the laws of the universe.
Immediately following, about 0.5 light-seconds ahead of the main fleet, the void seemed to be torn open by an invisible hand, creating a "wound."
There was no radiance, no energy eruption; the "wound" appeared as a "darkness" deeper than the surrounding space, an absolute black that devoured all light and information.
From this dark rift, a clearer mournful cry faintly emerged, along with an extremely unsettling rule environment—the entropy there seemed to be decreasing.
"An entropy-reversal region..." Dr. Einstein gasped, "The laws of physics are reversed there! Order is born from chaos, and energy spontaneously gathers... How can this stably exist?"
"This is the sleeping place of the 'memory ark'," the consciousness of the "concerto keystone" carried a solemnity, "An 'information amber' that defies the second law of thermodynamics, maintained by obsession and the power of final rules. Entering it will bring unknown cognitive and physical risks."
"Probe the stability of the rift and the internal environment." Lin Mo ordered.
Several drone probes were released, cautiously approaching the dark rift.
The moment they touched the edge of the rift, the signal returned by the first probe became strangely distorted—its internal clock spun wildly backward, the recorded data structure reorganized in reverse, and it finally lost contact in a silent burst of information.
Subsequent probes tried different frequencies and protections, but the results were much the same; they were all instantly "digested" or "reset" by the entropy-reversing rule environment.
"Conventional methods cannot enter." Ling Shuang reported, "The rules inside the rift are completely contrary to ours. Any technological creation based on positive entropy logic will instantly deconstruct or undergo unpredictable mutations due to rule conflicts."
The dilemma appeared again; they had found the door, but could not enter.
"Perhaps... it is not entirely impossible to enter." A slightly weak but unusually clear voice sounded.
It was "Qi." It appeared beside Lin Mo in the form of blurred light and shadow.
"That area... the 'backflow' of rules... it feels very familiar. It's a bit like... the short-lived 'negative' state after the 'observer' executes a regional rule reset."
Qi's words stunned everyone; it actually had direct experience with the "observer's" cleanup methods?
"Can you enter safely?" Lin Mo looked at it.
"Not sure... but my consciousness structure originates from a survivor of an incomplete reset. For this kind of entropy-reversal environment, I might... have a certain degree of adaptability."
Qi's light and shadow fluctuated slightly, seemingly making up its mind, "I can try to conduct a preliminary reconnaissance. But I need the resonance of the 'key fragment' as a guide, otherwise I might get lost in that chaotic backflow of memories."
This was a high-risk proposal.
"Qi" was an extremely valuable research sample and a potential source of information; if it were lost inside, the loss would be immeasurable.
Lin Mo was silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons.
Finding the "key fragment" was about the survival of the alliance and even more civilizations; they could not stop because of fear of risk.
"concerto keystone, evaluate the probability of 'Qi' successfully entering and returning."
"Based on the uniqueness of 'Qi's' consciousness structure and the guidance of the 'key fragment,' the probability of success is approximately 42 percent. The risks mainly come from information overload, rule assimilation, and potential internal defense mechanisms."
Less than half the probability.
Lin Mo looked at "Qi": "Are you sure you want to try?"
"Someone has to go." Qi's answer was simple, yet carried a calmness born of having experienced the vicissitudes of life, "My existence, perhaps, was meant for this moment."
"Good." Lin Mo did not hesitate, "Ling Shuang, your psionic perception is the sharpest, you are responsible for maintaining a consciousness connection with 'Qi', monitoring its status, and providing remote support. concerto keystone, assist in stabilizing the connection channel. Dr. Einstein, analyze any data transmitted back by 'Qi'. Commander Wu, the fleet goes to the highest alert, ready to deal with any anomalous phenomena overflowing from the rift."
The plan was deployed quickly.
Qi's light and shadow became more solid, and it slowly floated toward the dark rift that emitted an ominous aura.
The "key fragment" emitted a guiding resonance, like a safety rope tied to an explorer's waist.
Ling Shuang closed her eyes, devoting herself entirely to the consciousness connection with "Qi", and "Stellar Silver Psionic Energy" light faintly flowed around her.
Under everyone's gaze, Qi's light and shadow touched the dark rift.
There was no violent collision; its figure merged into the deep water, disappearing silently into that absolute darkness.
Instantly, Ling Shuang's body shook violently, her brows locked in a frown.
Through the consciousness connection, she shared some of Qi's senses—it was a confusion and inversion that could not be described in words.
Time fragments splashed everywhere like glass shards, scenes of the past and future intertwined chaotically; fragmented memories, like ocean currents, carried strong emotions and impacted consciousness; physical laws existed sometimes and not others, and the spacetime structure was shattered.
"Entry successful... environment extremely chaotic... rule backflow is strong... attempting to locate the core information source..." Qi's intermittent consciousness feedback came, accompanied by immense pain and interference.
Time ticked away second by second. The main screen returned only twisted, fragmented visual snippets and consciousness signals filled with static. Beads of sweat seeped from Ling Shuang's forehead; maintaining this cross-rule domain consciousness connection was a massive burden for her as well.
Suddenly, Ling Shuang's eyes snapped open, a flicker of horror flashing through them!
"High-priority information packet detected! It was forced out by 'Qi'! It says... it has found the core of the 'memory ark', but there... exists a 'The Gravedigger'! A rule entity formed by the fusion of the ark civilization's final collective consciousness, filled with resentment and obsession! 'Qi' has been discovered!"
Almost as soon as Ling Shuang finished speaking, the dark rift fluctuated violently! A torrent of consciousness mixed with endless sorrow, rage, and the desire for destruction surged out from the rift like a tsunami, rushing straight toward the fleet outside!
"Rule shock! Shields overloading!"
"Mental contamination! Personnel in low-protection units are experiencing consciousness confusion!"
"The rift is expanding! That 'The Gravedigger' is coming out!"
The fleet instantly fell into chaos. The shields of the Shadow-class reconnaissance ships flickered under the impact of the anti-entropy rules, and some crew members clutched their heads and let out painful roars as their consciousnesses were eroded by The Gravedigger's resentment.
"Steady! All units, activate information filtering barriers! Psionicists, concentrate and construct a consciousness defense line!" Lin Mo's voice was like a stabilizing anchor, forcefully suppressing the commotion.
Ling Shuang endured the intense pain and struggle belonging to 'Qi' coming from the other end of the consciousness connection, and said urgently: " 'Qi' says... The Gravedigger is guarding the fragments, but it is also guarding the final 'truth' of the ark civilization. It rejects any outsiders, viewing anyone who attempts to approach as a 'grave robber'. 'Qi' is trying to communicate with it, but... its resentment is too deep!"
Just then, a clearer, yet even more heartbreaking information packet was transmitted from the rift. It was recorded and sent by 'Qi' under extremely dangerous circumstances, regarding the final truth of the 'memory ark' civilization:
This civilization, known as "Lorraine", was once an extremely glorious race that revered art and philosophy. They were not destroyed by war or disaster, but by a "standard cleanup" from "the observer" — simply because their social development model reached the threshold of "highly prominent individual consciousness and rapid evolution", triggering "the observer"'s eradication mechanism.
On the eve of their extinction, the Lorraine people gave their all, compressing and condensing the entire civilization's memories, history, emotions, and knowledge into the "memory ark", a massive information singularity, attempting in this way to prove they had once existed and to resist the fate of being completely erased. And The Gravedigger was the fusion of all the unwillingness, despair, and obsession with guardianship that the Lorraine people felt before they died.
"They... they did nothing wrong!" Ling Shuang's voice was choked with sobs, "They were just... too 'vivid'!"
This truth left everyone who heard it feeling a suffocating anger and sorrow.
At this moment, the dark rift expanded further, and a colossal consciousness entity composed of countless twisted, painful faces and fragmented civilization symbols—The Gravedigger—was struggling to squeeze its massive body into the normal universe. The resentment and rule distortion it radiated caused the entire fleet's system alarms to blare in unison.
"Commander! The Gravedigger is about to fully descend! Its rule influence field will completely tear apart this star sector! We must withdraw, or... destroy it!" Wu Yong shouted anxiously.
"No! 'Qi' is still inside!" Ling Shuang immediately objected.
Lin Mo's expression was as grave as iron. Withdrawing meant giving up on 'Qi' and the key fragment, rendering all previous efforts futile. Destroying The Gravedigger was equivalent to completely erasing the last evidence of the Lorraine civilization's existence, which violated the Star Language Alliance's principle of respecting civilization heritage and was also a form of cruelty.
Just at this critical moment, 'Qi's' consciousness signal came through again, this time with a strange calmness:
"I... understand. The Gravedigger... is not an enemy. It is just... too painful. In its endless resentment, it has forgotten that what it originally wanted to guard was 'existence' itself, not destruction."
"I have a proposal... a... method that might appease its resentment and allow us to obtain the fragment."
"Let me... stay behind."
"What?!" Ling Shuang gasped.
'Qi's' consciousness continued to transmit, filled with determination: "Let me merge with The Gravedigger. With my unique consciousness, which also survived the 'cleanup' and carries the 'shadow of the past', I can neutralize and soothe its pure resentment. By merging the memories of the Lorraine civilization with my existence, I can calm its frenzy, protect this precious civilization heritage, and also... allow the fragment to be released."
Sacrificing oneself to obtain the fragment and soothe the soul of a suffering civilization.
This was an incredibly difficult choice.
"Is there no other way?" Lin Mo asked in a deep voice, feeling the intense emotional fluctuation coming from Ling Shuang on the other end of the communication.
"This is... the only way to achieve both." 'Qi's' reply carried a hint of relief, "My existence was already like a candle in the wind. If I can exchange it for hope and let a great civilization rest in peace, it is worth it."
The concerto keystone's consciousness fluctuation carried heavy respect: "This plan is theoretically feasible. 'Qi's' consciousness structure is unique and possesses the possibility of reconciliation. However, the probability of success cannot be estimated, and 'Qi's' independent consciousness... will cease to exist."
The bridge was dead silent. There was only the teeth-grinding sound of rule distortion caused by The Gravedigger about to break through the rift.
Lin Mo closed his eyes, and just one second later, opened them again, his eyes now clear and decisive. He respected 'Qi's' choice and understood that under the current circumstances, this was the plan with the lowest cost and the greatest gain.
"Execution approved." His voice was low and powerful, "Ling Shuang, assist 'Qi' in completing the final... merger."
Ling Shuang gritted her teeth, tears welling up in her eyes, but she knew this was the only path. She focused all her psionic power, no longer resisting, but guiding, and sent 'Qi's' consciousness, like a gentle stream, actively into the core of the frenzied The Gravedigger's consciousness.
At that moment, it was as if time stood still.
The torrent of resentment pouring from the dark rift suddenly halted. A trace of bewilderment appeared on The Gravedigger's twisted, painful face, followed by a violent struggle, and finally, a mixture of sorrow, relief, and a hint of newfound peace gradually replaced the pure desire for destruction.
Its form began to change; it was no longer so hideous, but gradually transformed into a tranquil orb of light, emitting a soft glow and composed of countless scenes of civilization memories.
At the same time, a key fragment, of the same origin as the previous one but with slightly different patterns, slowly separated from the orb of light, passed through the rift, and floated toward the watcher.
"It succeeded..." Dr. Einstein murmured, his tone complex.
The Gravedigger—or rather, the newborn consciousness entity that had merged 'Qi' and the memories of the Lorraine civilization—transmitted a final stream of information to the fleet, filled with gratitude and blessings, and then, along with the dark rift, slowly dissipated into the void, as if it had never existed.
The second key fragment floated quietly within the containment field.
The fleet returned to calm, but the atmosphere was incredibly heavy. They had paid a huge price, losing a precious companion and an ancient sage, but they had also won another fragment of hope and allowed a tragic civilization to rest in peace.
Ling Shuang gazed at the fragment for a long time, as if she could see 'Qi's' final calm and resolute figure through it.
Lin Mo walked to the porthole, looking at the star sector that had returned to deathly silence, and remained silent. The road to the "final protocol" was more cruel than imagined; every step was soaked with sacrifice and choices.
"Record," he said slowly, his voice echoing in the silent bridge, "Codename 'Qi', during the 'memory ark' exploration mission, for the purpose of obtaining key resources and appeasing the lingering regrets of a civilization, voluntarily chose to sacrifice itself; its achievements will be forever recorded in the annals of the Star Language Alliance."
"Next target," he turned around, his eyes as sharp as before, "the ruins of the 'Sprout Era' core world."