Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot Chapter 1886: 810: Warning! Experiment Out of Control! (Grand Finale)

As he uttered those words, Wang Tao had already soared back to the Changhe Base.

The news of Wang Tao's impending evolution to the Tenth Rank Ascension left them all utterly stunned.

"Isn't the Ninth Level supposed to be the absolute cap? A Tenth Rank truly exists?!"

"Yet, with zombies wiped clean from the face of the earth, and only scattered mutant beasts lingering outside, could slaying those really propel someone to Tenth Rank Ascension?"

"…"

All present recognized the glaring issue at hand.

"Rest easy, plenty of mutant beasts still lurk in the ocean depths… In any case, I'm merely attempting it. Success would be fantastic, failure costs nothing."

Wang Tao replied while shaking his head.

He had no intention of revealing the extinction experiment or Xiao Lu to anyone else.

Ultimately, success in reaching Tenth Rank Ascension wasn't guaranteed. Should he fail, Earth could face total annihilation in three years' time, but a swift, painless end for all wouldn't be the worst fate. No point in weighing them down with such crushing dread.

"Fine, inform us if there's any way we can assist!"

Though full comprehension eluded them, each person voiced their unwavering backing.

"Nothing required at the moment—pour your efforts into reconstructing our haven. Revival demands attention everywhere, and this is your moment to excel."

Wang Tao grinned and gave a casual wave.

"Got it!"

…

Deep within the cosmic void, an enormous starship hurtled rapidly toward Earth.

The vessel hung in eerie silence under faint illumination, save for the steady flicker of green digits on the command console.

Suddenly, at one precise instant.

Illumination burst forth unbidden, exposing a line of cryogenic sleep pods lining the chamber.

"Beep, beep, beep—"

Sounds emanated from the sleep pods, followed by a hiss as they sequentially unsealed.

"Cough, cough—"

Shortly after, the occupant of the initial pod emerged, hacking.

This individual sported a form-fitting cryo garment, boasting elongated appendages and a slender frame that made the cranium appear oversized, coupled with scant hair.

"Enduring this interstellar voyage is truly agonizing… cough, cough…"

Uttering words in an alien tongue, the figure hacked while proceeding to the adjacent changing area to don fresh attire.

Meanwhile, those in the remaining pods began stirring, coughing as they swapped outfits and grumbled under their breath.

With everyone now clad anew, mechanical servants distributed sustenance.

"How much longer before we arrive at the target?"

The earliest riser addressed the console.

"Sizzle—"

A vibrant holographic image materialized above the panel, forming the shape of a woman with abundant tresses.

"Commander, a mere 10 stellar days remain until we arrive at experiment site number 4."

"10 stellar days…"

The Commander acknowledged with a nod.

He had scheduled this awakening, yet unforeseen incidents en route could trigger premature revival. Evidently, the trip had proceeded without hitch thus far.

"This protracted expedition is downright intolerable!"

One crew member vented frustration.

"No alternative exists— the location is excessively isolated. Lacking accelerated conduits, we're stuck with this archaic, laborious approach to reach it…"

Another concurred.

Yet optimism prevailed among some:

"Regardless, our trial proved an unqualified triumph, yielding impeccable results from the tests. Our standing within the clan will undoubtedly soar—what's a touch of fatigue in comparison?"

"Absolutely… Though, can we truly secure flawless records? Not just the resistance metrics from those indigenous souls, but their physiological advancements as well."

At that juncture, a hesitant query arose.

All eyes then turned toward the Commander.

After a brief reflection, the Commander declared:

"Issues should be minimal. The Dream Apparatus allows temporal regression over the trial zone. True, activations are restricted in count, but cumulatively spanning dozens of years, substantial insights are assured."

Reassured by the Commander's words, the group erupted into animated discussion.

"Imagine reshaping our forms to match those Starry Sky Beasts—that would be extraordinary! We hunt them now with mechanical aids alone, which impose severe constraints. Certain regions remain utterly inaccessible to our vessel…"

"Precisely, the mere notion of traversing the cosmos unaided by my own physique sends shivers of excitement!"

"I feel an urge to experience the Space-Time Dream Apparatus firsthand!"

"Forbid such folly! The device won't deactivate at will prior to completion, trapping those within until the end. Entering means likely eternal entrapment, doomed to perish from the horrors inside! Data extraction suffices for us!"

"Cough, mere jesting on my part. I'm well aware of my body's vulnerabilities…"

"Alas, regarding physiques, why must ours remain so fragile? Across eras, we've experimented relentlessly, yet strength eludes us…"

"Likely the toll of our intellect! Those local humans might evolve bodily, but devoid of wit, they met inevitable demise. Our superior minds grant us extended lifespans…"

"Sound reasoning indeed…"

"In any event, acquiring the precise records from those locals this round could unlock solutions to our physical frailty! Should we succeed, the Commander shall etch his name in legend! We'll share in the acclaim!"

"Haha, spot on! Yet beyond renown, my priority lies with bodily fortitude. Willing to forfeit a century of life for the power to battle Starry Sky Beasts flesh-to-flesh!"

"…"

The Commander largely abstained from the banter, but their enthusiasm brought a faint grin to his face.