Kapteyn's Star Metaverse Year 110, January 18.

The screen in the Starlight Hall flickered faintly, casting a cool blue glow across the faces of those present. The entire room seemed to be enveloped in the holographic projection of Earth, a deep and solemn atmosphere filling the air.

Mr. King furrowed his brow slightly, his tone tinged with concern. "Are they... still disrupting the school with the Soul Energy Resonator?"

General Sandy let out a quiet sigh, his voice steady but tinged with frustration. "Most likely. But as of now, we have no definitive proof that Soul Energy Resonators are being used on Earth."

The term "Soul Energy Resonator" echoed in Shawn Wen's mind, instantly bringing back the memory of the black-robed man he had seen in the school library that night. He muttered under his breath, almost unconsciously.

Sandy caught his reaction immediately. "Did you see something?" he asked, his gaze sharp.

Shawn Wen hesitated before shaking his head. "Not directly. But I heard that someone claimed they were instructed by the AGI-ST Program Action Team to install some kind of device in the school library."

Sandy's expression darkened. "That's most likely the Psychic Energy Resonator."

Shawn Wen's curiosity deepened, and he hesitated before asking, "May I ask... what exactly does the Soul Energy Resonator do?"

Leaning forward slightly, Sandy's voice grew heavier. "The core technology behind the Soul Energy Resonator is based on the principle of energy resonance. It emits energy waves at specific frequencies that not only interfere with electronic devices but also interact with a target's Soul Energy—directly affecting their central nervous system. This allows it to manipulate or even alter a person's consciousness, thoughts, and behavior."

He paused for a moment, his sharp gaze locking onto Shawn Wen before continuing. "Imagine a group of disciplined, motivated students. Under the influence of the Resonator, they might suddenly become disinterested in their studies, convinced that all their efforts are meaningless. Some might become stubborn and resistant to opposing viewpoints, while others could lose their ability to think independently—becoming blindly obedient, easily swayed by external suggestions."

Shawn Wen's frown deepened as his mind raced through the strange incidents at school in recent weeks. Students who had once been passionate about mathematics, science, and chemistry had abruptly dismissed their fields of study as worthless. Others had begun unconsciously repeating bizarre slogans, as if responding to some unseen directive. He couldn't help but murmur, "No wonder… Some students have been acting strangely, as if their personalities have suddenly changed. And others have started fervently promoting these… inexplicable success theories…"

Sandy nodded grimly. "That's the most terrifying part of the Soul Energy Resonator. It doesn't make people realize they're being manipulated. Instead, it convinces them that their thoughts and changes are entirely their own. The deeper the influence goes, the more people's minds are steered toward a predetermined path—until they completely lose themselves."

A chill crept up Shawn Wen's spine, a heavy weight settling in his chest. This wasn't just a device that jammed signals—it was something that could directly tamper with a person's mind.

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"Thank you, Sandy. You're incredibly knowledgeable." He instinctively clasped his hands together in gratitude, a hint of newfound respect in his voice.

Mr. King's expression remained troubled, but his voice was firm. "Sandy, contact the Earth Meta-Origin Society immediately. We need their assistance in investigating this. And if a Soul Energy Resonator is found, make sure it's removed as quickly as possible."

Sandy hesitated for a brief moment, glancing at Mr. King with a hint of doubt. "This…?"

Mr. King seemed to realize something, then let out a soft chuckle with a touch of self-deprecation. "Ah, look at me—I must be getting old and muddled." He waved a hand dismissively before changing his tone. "Come, let's continue this conversation in a more comfortable setting."

Shawn Wen was puzzled but followed along as Mr. King and Sandy led him toward a seating area in the hall. Quinn and Sandy exchanged subtle glances—ones that seemed to carry an unspoken meaning—before they too moved toward the elegant seats.

The sofa was plush and inviting, but Shawn Wen couldn't shake the tightness in his chest. He and Quinn sat on one side, while Mr. King and Sandy took their seats across from them.

As soon as they settled in, Mr. King turned to Quinn with a commanding presence. "Quinn, didn't you say you wanted to explain the situation to Shawn Wen? Well, now's your chance."

Quinn nodded slightly and turned toward Shawn Wen, his tone warm yet measured. "Shawn Wen, we've already spoken once in a video call. As the saying goes, ‘Once a stranger, twice an acquaintance.'"

Shawn Wen smiled politely and nodded. "Yes, Quinn. No need for formalities—please, just speak your mind."

Quinn's smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression. "Alright, I'll be straightforward. You share a destiny with the Kapteyn's Star Meta-Origin Society. We still don't know exactly how you came into possession of the Meta-Spirit Key…" He gestured toward the aged piece of paper in Shawn Wen's hand, his voice carrying a hint of intrigue. "But what's certain is that in the past half a month, since we sent out our contact signal, you are the only Earthling who successfully reached us."

Shawn Wen froze. His heart skipped a beat.

The only one?

The words hit him like a hammer. He was just an ordinary student. He didn't even know much about the Meta-Origin Society—so why was he the only one who could connect with them?

His breathing became shallow, his mind swirling with doubt and unease.

Was this just coincidence… or was there a deeper inevitability?

If what they were saying was true, it meant he had already crossed the threshold into a world far beyond his understanding—a world where he might not even have the choice to turn back.

He glanced up at Mr. King and Quinn and found their expressions calm, almost as if they had anticipated his reaction.

Taking a deep breath, he tried to remain composed, but his fingers still trembled slightly as he gripped the paper.

"This… just this piece of paper?" he asked hesitantly. "This is how you contacted me?"

He recalled Mr. King mentioning the term Meta-Spirit Key earlier, and an inexplicable curiosity surged within him.

"The key is not in the paper itself," Mr. King said slowly, his gaze sharp. "It lies in the pattern inscribed upon it—and the Soul Energy it contains."

Soul Energy?

Shawn Wen's heart pounded.

That's why the paper glows… It actually contains some kind of energy!

He looked up at the three men before him, an uncontrollable excitement bubbling within. But he forced himself to stay calm, merely nodding as if he had just understood something trivial. "So that's it… The first time I saw it glow, I thought I was imagining things."

He paused, then asked, "Why call it a Spirit Key?"

Quinn smiled faintly. "Because it's the key that establishes Soul Energy Resonance between us. In the future, if you ever need to find us again, just use it the way I taught you."

Shawn Wen nodded thoughtfully, but he still felt there was something deeper behind all this.

He took a deep breath, scanning their faces. "This Meta-Spirit Key… it must hold a greater significance, right?"

Mr. King's gaze turned enigmatic, a faint smile touching his lips. "Still skeptical, huh?" He turned to Quinn. "Why don't you give him a proper introduction?"

Quinn thought for a moment, then suggested, "Mr. King, why don't you and Sandy take care of other matters while I take Shawn to the museum? He'll understand much better if he sees it firsthand."

Mr. King nodded approvingly. "Good idea."

As he and Sandy left, Shawn Wen's mind raced.

What was the true secret behind this piece of paper?

Could the Meta-Spirit Key counter the Soul Energy Resonator?

Tightening his grip on the paper, he followed Quinn toward the museum—his heart filled with questions… and anticipation.