Chapter 150: The Master Key

Li Nanke returned home and unwrapped the black gift box from Ms. Rosalind, inside of which lay a mechanical wristwatch.

Though it looked plain and understated at a quick glance, a closer inspection revealed that the craftsmanship of the timepiece was exceptionally exquisite.

Casually, he searched the internet for this brand he had never heard of before.

"...She really is filthy rich."

Li Nanke's pile of dream data disks wasn't worth much, but the return gift of this watch was more than enough to buy a luxury hover-car.

In a daze, he almost envisioned Minian growing a large beard, wearing a grand white robe, sporting a snowy white turban on her head, and waving her hand as she scattered banknotes everywhere.

Li Nanke smiled, shook his head, and tossed the mechanical watch into his safe, saving it to pawn just in case he ever ran short of money.

His communicator vibrated, and a text message came through.

[Minian: I'll arrange the laboratory matter as soon as possible, just wait for my news!]

Li Nanke thought for a moment, typed a reply, and sent it:

[Those dream data disks... are you alright?]

[Minian: Of course I'm fine, how could anything possibly happen to me? Don't underestimate my intelligence.]

[Minian: Alright, I have some things to attend to on my end. Remember to show me the way to that delicious beef noodle place you mentioned another day... Goodnight.]

On the other end, Minian quietly put down her communicator, gazed fixedly at the tip of her nose, assumed a straight posture, and held herself with an elegant and dignified demeanor.

Beside her, Head Maid Rosalind droned on with a solemn expression: "Miss, the contents of those dream data disks are bloody and violent; that is not something a proper lady should attempt..."

"I have already sealed Mr. Li's gift in the storage room. I hope you will keep your etiquette and posture in mind and refrain from such unseemly behavior again..."

"I have also put away that cheap women's outfit from the development zone. Expediency can be understood this time, but please pay attention to your attire in the future unless there are special circumstances. When you are outside, Miss, you represent the Wisteria family..."

"..."

Minian nodded repeatedly, responding in a soft voice, her posture flawless.

Yet a closer look revealed that her gaze was hollow and her eyes lacked focus—clearly, her soul had wandered far away in sheer numbness.

Compared to the present, how she truly longed for the freedom of riding a motorcycle and racing wildly just moments ago...

***

The next day, Li Nanke arrived early at the Research Department.

The taboo item being studied by the department this time was a key, capable of effectively unlocking almost any form of physical door lock mechanism. Its preliminary project code name was 'The Master Key.'

Modern door locks were basically all electronic, lacking physical keyholes entirely, rendering conventional keys unable to even be inserted.

From this perspective, the practical utility of 'The Master Key' seemed negligible, but in reality, that was not the case at all.

Researchers discovered that the unlocking capability of the Master Key was related to the holder's subjective cognition.

Even without a physical keyhole, as long as the holder's subconscious believed there was a lock on the door and could recognize the appearance of a 'lock,' the Master Key could spring the latch.

Currently, aside from the researchers, a group of mental-attribute transcendents had gathered in the laboratory to experiment with hypnotic techniques, probing the ultimate limits of the Master Key and determining just how far the concept of 'unlocking' could be pushed.

Li Nanke was deeply fascinated by such conceptual rule-based taboo items.

However, this taboo item contained no pheromones and could not be decoded using Omniverse-attribute talents, meaning his current knowledge level was still far from sufficient for him to officially participate in the research.

To put it colloquially, without the ability to cheat and copy answers, he wasn't qualified to sit at the same table with a bunch of academic elites; he could only go back to memorizing vocabulary and formulas and diligently practicing the fundamentals.

"Brother Jiang, have the side effects of the Master Key been discovered yet?"

Jiang磊 (Jiang Lei) sported dark circles under his eyes. Over the past few days, the research department had been operating at full throttle, and overtime after the long holiday had made him somewhat question the meaning of life.

"We've found some, but we surmise that the taboo item should have even greater side effects." Jiang Lei rubbed the bridge of his nose, looking weary as he spoke: "Currently, using the taboo item to unlock a door only consumes a certain amount of mental energy. As the complexity of the latch increases, the mental energy consumed increases accordingly."

"We haven't reached the limit of the Master Key yet, but we've discovered that it seems to be connected to a certain enclosed alternate space."

"An enclosed alternate space?" Li Nanke raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. The Director speculates that when the Master Key encounters a lock that cannot be opened, its true side effect will manifest, forcibly transferring the person attempting to unlock it into that enclosed alternate space." Jiang Lei sighed and continued, "Until we thoroughly figure out that alternate space, we will try our best not to touch the limits of the Master Key."

"However, this has greatly delayed the research progress, and there's no telling how long this project will last." Jiang Lei looked toward his junior fellow apprentice. "It's a pity. If your Omniverse-attribute talent could be of use, I wouldn't have to work such exhausting overtime."

"All you ever think about is slacking off." Female researcher Mary suddenly walked over and tapped Jiang Lei on the back of his head. "Xiao Li, don't listen to Jiang Lei grumble. Your current task is to continue your advanced studies; Sister is waiting for you to finish your studies and come back to help share the pressure."

"Also, Director Frank is looking for you. Go to his office."

Li Nanke acknowledged and headed toward the director's office.

Director Frank, with his snow-white hair and white lab coat, had a marker tucked into his chest pocket. He sat behind his desk, tapping away at his optical computer.

Seeing the director's expressionless and stern demeanor, Li Nanke felt his heart skip a beat. Could it be that his private use of the official vehicle had been discovered?

"You've been getting quite close to the Wisteria family lately?"

How did the director know? Besides, aren't you also a Wisteria? Why use such an official, business-like tone... Li Nanke replied: "Yes, but it hasn't affected my work. I've only used my spare time."

"I have no intention of interfering in your private life, but frequently using your Omniverse-attribute talent for transactions does you no good." Frank adjusted his glasses, his gaze fixed on the optical computer screen as the wrinkles on his face deepened. "If you are experiencing financial difficulties, I can help you apply for subsidies and bonuses..."

Li Nanke opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.

Director Frank clearly meant it out of concern, yet he still put on a stern and harsh appearance. Are all members of the Wisteria family such tsunderes?

"I don't have any financial difficulties. Of course, if there are subsidies and bonuses, I wouldn't have the heart to refuse..." Seeing that the director was approachable, Li Nanke suddenly thought of the Operations Department and decided to push his luck. "Director, there is actually a matter I'd like to discuss with you."

Li Nanke tactfully broached the topic of his intention to participate in the Operations Department's training program.

Participating in the Operations Department's special training would most likely occupy a portion of his working hours at the Research Department. Given Frank's rigid and strictly separated personality regarding public and private matters, there was a high probability he would refuse and reprimand him for neglecting his proper duties.

Sure enough, as soon as the words left his mouth, Frank finally moved his gaze away from the screen and stared at him expressionlessly.

"You've already started studying the advanced courses, haven't you?"

"Yes."

"Tell me, how should energy resonance between similar characteristics be understood?"

Li Nanke was startled. This was intermediate knowledge concerning taboo items; he had read through it repeatedly in the study room and had long since committed it to memory.

Facing Frank's test, he didn't need to overthink it and recited it fluently: "When two or more taboo items possess similar characteristics, a unique energy resonance phenomenon will manifest between them."

"This phenomenon allows taboo items to sense each other within a certain distance. The resulting energy resonance may enhance each other's effects while potentially amplifying negative effects. Therefore, when researching, transporting, or containing taboo items, the principle of isolation must be strictly observed to avoid unnecessary risks..."

Frank's gaze flickered as he continued his questioning: "Explain the assimilation effect next."

Without the slightest pause, Li Nanke spoke eloquently: "The assimilation effect generally appears in certain high-crisis-level taboo items."

"Some powerful and special taboo items possess the ability of assimilation, meaning they can assimilate contacted matter, living organisms, or even partial attributes of other taboo items into their own characteristics. When relatively weak taboo items suffer the assimilation effect, there is a very high probability that they will generate energy resonance, elevating the crisis level of already powerful taboo items and causing major containment accidents or disasters..."

Frank asked questions in rapid succession, yet Li Nanke answered every single one fluently, gradually softening the director's stern expression.

This kid hadn't been lazy or slack; his learning progress was extremely fast, and he worked harder and more diligently than most researchers he had ever seen.

"Explain the meaning of a taboo item imprint."

Li Nanke opened his mouth to reply, only to find himself stuck. A taboo item imprint... what on earth was that? Why had he never heard of it?

"Director, I don't know."

It would be a ghost if you did know; that's content from the advanced courses... Frank glanced at him, his gaze stern. "Your grasp of basic knowledge is passable, but there is still much content you need to learn."

Li Nanke felt somewhat helpless; it seemed his plan for a part-time special combat training stint in the Operations Department had fallen through.

Naturally, that made sense. How could his direct superior allow a subordinate to occupy working hours and neglect their duties by participating in some combat training?

"Director, I understand. I will continue studying."

"Wait."

As he bid farewell and prepared to retreat, Director Frank called him back: "I'll speak with Bastian about this matter... From now on, I will test you on taboo item knowledge every half-month. If your learning progress falls behind and you fail any of these tests, your participation in the training will be terminated immediately."

Frank had actually agreed just like that?

Li Nanke's worry instantly turned into joy: "Thank you, Director. Rest assured, I will definitely not neglect my duties as a researcher."

"Alright, go to the study room and tell Jiang Lei to come over here."

Watching the young man's departing back, Frank's stern expression vanished, replaced by a slight smile:

"Youth... really is wonderful."

Frank felt genuine affection—deeply rooted in his heart—for a young man like Li Nanke who possessed exceptional talent yet remained willing to work hard and progress.

If it were Frank himself, back when he was young and possessed the rare Omniverse-attribute talent, he would have looked down his nose at everyone, pointed with his chin, and been so proud his tail would have reached the heavens.

A promising sapling like Li Nanke, who wasn't arrogant despite his talent, remained humble toward others, and studied diligently, was impossible for any teacher to dislike.

He was cultivating the young man as his true successor, or perhaps even his closing disciple.

Before long, a listless Jiang Lei pushed open the door and entered: "Director, did you look for me?"

Frank put his stern face back on and retrieved a performance bonus application form from his drawer: "Go fill out this form. Discovering that the 'Master Key' possesses an alternate space is a meritorious achievement sufficient to apply for a substantial bonus."

"Got it, Director." Jiang Lei couldn't help but yawn. Spotting the coffee machine in the corner of the office, he walked over and poured a cup. "Director, would you like one too?"

"No. Remember to put Li Nanke's name as the applicant."

"Pfft!" Jiang Lei spat out a mouthful of coffee.

A shudder ran through him, sweeping away his drowsiness as he widened his eyes in disbelief. "Xiao Li? Director, did I hear that wrong? Wasn't the taboo item's alternate space discovered by you?"

"If the few of you core researchers don't say anything, who would know I discovered it... Just do as I say!"

Jiang Lei immediately caught on. The director was trying to gift money and merit to Xiao Li...

Envy soured in his chest: "Director, I want a promotion too, and lately the engine on my old clunker keeps making strange noises. I can tell it's crying out for retirement, but unfortunately, I don't have the money for a new car."

Frank shot him a sidelong glance: "If you went to the night banquet club a few times less, you'd have the money."

Jiang Lei couldn't help but beat his chest in frustration, vowing to make Xiao Li treat him next time, otherwise, it would be hard to appease the grievance in his heart.

Seeing Jiang Lei still clowning around, Frank offered a rare, patient explanation: "The family's research team contacted me the other day to consult me on driving blue crystals, and that's how I found out Li Nanke made a deal with the family, using his Omniverse-attribute talent to crack taboo items."

"Frequently absorbing multiple types of pheromones will drastically shorten his career lifespan. Li Nanke must be aware of this." Frank sighed deeply and continued, "You know I don't get along with the capitalists in the family and have never wanted to meddle in family affairs, but since they've reached their hands into my people, I have to step in and manage it."

Frank pushed the performance bonus application form across the desk toward Jiang Lei:

"I figure Li Nanke must have some difficulties forcing him to exchange his career lifespan with the family... After all, I am merely his supervisor, not his true mentor or master, and the places where I can help are limited."

He paused, then said: "You have the best relationship with Li Nanke, and it's easier for you to find out what troubles he's facing. It's likely a financial problem..."

Hearing this, Jiang Lei's expression instantly turned serious. He patted his chest and assured him: "Director, rest assured. As his senior fellow apprentice, I certainly won't let junior brother suffer any grievances. Leave this matter to me."

He accepted the performance bonus application form, thought carefully, but couldn't recall what issues Li Nanke had encountered recently.

Jiang Lei knew his junior brother too well. Usually, his life followed a strict two-points-and-a-line routine between home and work with extremely regular habits—what kind of troubles could he possibly run into?

Besides, Xiao Li had just received a hefty bonus not long ago, not only moving to a new residence but also buying a cool and stylish motorcycle.

No matter how one looked at it, he didn't look like someone worrying about money.

Jiang Lei racked his brains until a flash of inspiration suddenly struck his mind, recalling the intimate sight between Minian and Li Nanke at the last banquet.

A sudden realization dawned on him, and he silently thought: *Junior brother is awesome.*

Then, putting on a contemplative tone, he said: "Director, I mean, is there any possibility that Xiao Li's transaction with the Wisteria family isn't for money, but for a person?"

Frank: "For a person?"

***

Meanwhile, Li Nanke stepped into the Research Department's study room.

He inserted the public dream disk gifted by Bastian into the synchronization instrument and lay back on the couch.

If a private dream could be understood as a single-player game, then the public dream disk was like going online. Public dreams did not allow the adjustment of time dilation and consisted of multiple people online simultaneously.

The Operations Department's dream disks were used for simulated combat among transcendents, involving not just containment personnel from the Salvation City branch, but encompassing frontline combatants across the entire Control Bureau.