Chapter 22: The Eye Worm’s Specialized Weapon!

It is no exaggeration to call this a breakthrough.

Even these researchers, when they first arrived and began their study, had no idea that such a tiny creature could yield such significant results. The core lies in that special, previously undiscovered form of energy, which holds immense potential.

"The key is this energy," the civilization-level researcher emphasized once again. "We conducted experiments; although we can artificially cultivate these creatures and extract the energy, it only yields significant results when they are bred within large, intelligent organisms."

They ran multiple series of experiments: insects, fish, small mammals, large mammals... In the end, they discovered that successful reproduction could only be achieved within primates. Yet, even then, the resulting offspring were merely "incomplete specimens"—they possessed the energy-producing organs, but in insufficient quantities. These bugs are most aggressive toward large, intelligent creatures, which creates difficulties for cultivation, and they have yet to find any other way to artificially synthesize those energy organs.

"I have understood the strategic value of this creature and the requirements for realizing it. Continue your research; funding will be elevated to A1 level," Goddess Hope replied.

Shortly thereafter, Interstellar Shen Yu, who was waiting elsewhere in the research facility for results, received a communication from Goddess Hope.

"The researchers have confirmed the military value of the Eye-Bugs. The value rating is tentatively classified as A1."

"A1?" Interstellar Shen Yu was astonished. This level meant that this project alone could produce at least five civilization-level researchers. He had considered that these creatures capable of psychic attacks might be useful, but he never imagined they would be *this* useful.

"The most efficient breeding protocol for the Eye-Bugs violates the supreme constitution of our civilization. While inferior alternatives exist, time is limited, and we are in urgent need of a large quantity of Eye-Bugs. Therefore, I retract my previous assessment; the multi-dimensional doomsday civilization ally you have found possesses extremely high alliance value." Goddess Hope had clearly significantly raised her evaluation of the civilization to which the original Shen Yu belonged.

Although Interstellar Shen Yu did not know exactly what had happened, this was clearly good news. But, a large quantity of Eye-Bugs?

"I may not have mentioned it before, but cross-world transport of living organisms incurs a massive cost," Interstellar Shen Yu said with concern. While the amount of gray mist required to transport live Eye-Bugs had not yet been quantified, the cost would surely be substantial if they were to ship them in bulk.

"We do not need live ones," Goddess Hope replied, immediately displaying an image. "What we need is the specific organ from within the Eye-Bug."

"No need for live ones?" Interstellar Shen Yu felt a surge of relief. That changed everything.

"We only need them temporarily. We will accelerate the execution of the inferior alternatives; this cooperation serves the interests of both civilizations," Goddess Hope added. "I have designed specialized weapons against the Eye-Bugs and have already begun small-scale production. You can collect the first batch of experimental weapons in two hours and thirty-two minutes. I have provided a preliminary proposal for the specific cooperation framework."

The characteristics of the Eye-Bugs were obvious, and so were their weaknesses. Designing counter-weapons required no experts; Goddess Hope could complete that task rapidly on her own. For Interstellar Shen Yu, this was undoubtedly the best possible news. The cooperation between the two worlds was finally beginning to bear fruit.

"Good!" he said, filled with anticipation.

Two hours passed quickly. When Interstellar Shen Yu appeared in the Gray Mist Space carrying a specially designed container, only eight hours had passed since Shen Yu had delivered the Eye-Bugs. Shen Yu was quite surprised when he received the news.

"It's already done?" he said, appearing in the Gray Mist Space himself.

"This is just the preliminary cooperation plan," Interstellar Shen Yu said with a smile.

It was strange—time flow between different worlds should, theoretically, be different. For the original Shen Yu, only eight years had passed since he obtained the Gray Mist Space and split his soul. Yet, Martial Arts Shen Yu had already been traveling for twenty-six years, and Interstellar Shen Yu for twenty. However, they had discovered during their first meeting and testing that time flowed identically across all three worlds. But there was no ability to investigate such matters in depth right now.

Shen Yu looked at the large box brought by Interstellar Shen Yu with burning eyes, eager to know what had happened on the other side. Interstellar Shen Yu did not hesitate and immediately presented the results.

"Our alliance has now been recognized and supported by the civilization management AI of my world. Behind me is the first batch of support weapons, specifically designed to counter the Eye-Bugs. This is the specific alliance plan proposed by the AI, and I have some authority to modify it..."

As Shen Yu listened to Interstellar Shen Yu's explanation and reviewed the contents of the plan, he couldn't help but sigh. An AI is truly remarkable—the efficiency is incredible. If left entirely to humans, it would be nearly impossible to complete such a sequence of tasks—realizing the importance, conducting research, determining a plan, and even designing and producing specialized weapons—in such a short time.

But this was undoubtedly a good thing. At this moment, efficiency was life.

"In that case, come with me," Shen Yu said to Interstellar Shen Yu, his gaze intense. "My world is in dire need of a soul-stirring victory!"

Over the past eight hours, Shen Yu had spent most of his time with Martial Arts Shen Yu, primarily continuing his martial arts training and studying the rules governing the ability sharing between himself and his avatars. However, back in his own world, Ji Mingshu had been reporting important information in a timely manner.

A full day had passed since the authorities publicly acknowledged the existence of the disaster. Although people had initially encouraged one another and seemed full of confidence, panic had clearly intensified as global attention focused on the events, with various reports and footage flooding the internet. The zombie crisis that erupted in the Western Union had essentially destroyed that city; just three hours ago, unconventional weapons were deployed, yet a large number of zombies still escaped the city, spreading in all directions despite the shockwaves and radiation.

As for the Eye-Bugs, terrifying footage had also begun to emerge. People were falling from high-rise buildings like dumplings, while others were committing suicide without hesitation or expression. Such scenes were far more terrifying than zombies. Especially since the news that the Eye-Bugs had spread into their own territory had already gone viral.