Joseph Landon sat at the head of the table, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. His voice was low, carrying a tone of urgency. “Lin Xi and her team have returned. This is a serious problem. The truth must be contained, or everything we’ve worked for will be destroyed. You all understand—this is not just about our future, but about the survival of this company.”

Colin Bell’s face was pale, his voice tinged with obvious anxiety. “How could they have survived? This completely disrupts our plans. If they expose what happened, our reputation, our wealth, even our lives will be ruined. We need to act immediately to ensure they stay silent.”

Eileen Cross spoke coldly. “Silence? Colin, do you really think it’s that simple? We don’t even know what they’ve been through. Acting rashly could lead to losing control. There’s no turning back now.”

Michael Hopkins tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his brow furrowed, voice heavy with concern. “Eileen’s right. The risks of the quantum tunnel experiment were far beyond what we expected. If those forces leak out, it could trigger an unprecedented disaster.”

The tension in the room thickened as silence settled over them. Then, Kristin suddenly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. “Speaking of the quantum computer, its initial applications are already paying off. Bitcoin prices are plummeting, and investors are pulling out. They know that quantum computing means traditional encryption is on its way out.”

Joseph nodded, his tone calm but with a hint of confidence. “Exactly. We don’t need to directly crack Bitcoin. What we need is to introduce a new currency based on quantum encryption—one that’s unbreakable. Compared to that, existing cryptocurrencies will lose their appeal.”

Eileen, deep in thought, added, “Bitcoin’s collapse is just the beginning. Once our quantum currency hits the market, it will be completely disrupted. Assets reliant on traditional encryption will devalue rapidly. Investors understand that whoever controls quantum encryption controls the future.”

Colin’s expression finally eased slightly, a glimmer of hope in his voice. “This means we’re truly entering a new era. Quantum computing won’t just bring us immense wealth—it will completely rewrite the rules of the market. We will be the architects of a new financial order.”

Michael allowed himself a small smile, pride evident in his voice. “Yes, and this is only the initial application of quantum computing. In the future, we will control all data that remains unbroken. Whether it’s finance, energy, or defense, we will be the ones setting the rules.”

Joseph concluded, his tone steady. “That’s why we can’t let anyone know what Lin Xi and her team have experienced. The technology we possess will shape the future.” He paused, a flicker of concern crossing his eyes, his voice softening slightly. “But we all know that quantum computing hasn’t yet reached its full potential. The complexity of string theory is staggering. Only by mastering it fully can we unlock the true power of a super quantum computer.”

Eileen’s brow furrowed slightly as she responded. “We’re running out of time. Other companies are catching up fast. We need to solve the final mysteries of string theory as soon as possible, or the true power of quantum computing may forever remain beyond our grasp.”

Colin’s face tightened once more. “This means our advantage is more fragile than we thought. We must accelerate our efforts and resolve these issues completely. Any delay could cost us our lead.”

Joseph nodded again, his tone firm. “Exactly. We can’t stop, or even slow down. We must crack string theory before anyone else and truly harness the full potential of the super quantum computer. Otherwise, everything could fall apart.”

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The room fell into silence once more, but this time it was a silence heavy with pressure, as if everyone could feel an invisible clock ticking, urging them to solve the final, unsolved mysteries.

Noah and Seris stood before a massive holographic screen, displaying real-time data from Arthur Kane’s lab deep within the moon. The data streams showed complex quantum energy fluctuations, filling both with unease.

“Arthur’s progress in the lab is crucial,” Noah said, his gaze intense, voice calm yet resolute. “We all know that a breakthrough in string theory could not only reshape the future of quantum computing but also touch on much... deeper matters. The question is, how much longer can he hold out? His mental state has been unstable.”

Seris sighed softly. “Arthur is a genius, but also a dangerous variable. His bipolar disorder makes him seem unstoppable at times, but he could just as easily break down at a critical moment. If he loses control, the experiment—and our plans—could be ruined... Are you sure we shouldn’t consider a more secure option?”

“Arthur’s abilities are irreplaceable. His research must be completed, no matter the cost,” Noah said, his expression calm but with a sharper tone. “We need to ensure he can see this through, even if it means taking... more direct measures.”

Seris nodded, thinking for a moment before suggesting cautiously, “Perhaps we could provide him with some additional psychological support, or even involve Lin Xi’s team. They are technically capable and might help stabilize him at a crucial moment. But...”

Noah frowned slightly. “But what, Seris? What concerns you?”

“Lin Xi’s team has been acting... strangely since their return. We don’t know what they went through out there. If Arthur finds out they’re involved, who knows what reaction it might provoke? And we can’t overlook their... influence on the base.”

Noah responded slowly, “Seris, we both understand the significance of Arthur’s research. Lin Xi’s team might be our only hope, especially in such a critical moment. We must proceed carefully—not disrupt Arthur’s work or let them become aware of too much... unnecessary information. If there’s any sign of Arthur’s mental state deteriorating, we must act swiftly.”

“Of course, we must proceed with caution,” Seris replied, his eyes glinting with ambition. “But Noah, we need to consider all possible variables. If things deteriorate, I’ll be ready to take any necessary steps to protect the base and the plan... no matter what.”

Noah nodded, his face remaining calm, though inwardly alert.

In the church, Cardano clutched the parchment in his hands, his voice low as he spoke after a brief silence. “You’ve seen that future—the stars dim, and the earth consumed by flames. The super quantum computer must not succeed.”

The voice on the communicator was low and muffled. “The last Atlas-1 mission’s failure taught them a lesson. This time, their plan is tighter than ever—nearly flawless.”

Cardano took a deep breath, speaking slowly. “No plan, no matter how perfect, can defy fate. We’re not just facing a technological battle, but a game of destiny.”

The voice carried a hint of resignation. “Maybe there’s nothing we can do to change it. Maybe it’s all... already written.”

Cardano looked up, his gaze piercing through the towering ceiling of the church. “Fate waits for those brave enough to challenge it. No matter how perfect the Atlas plan seems, it’s not invincible. We can’t give up—we must find that sliver of hope.”

The voice grew more determined. “They’re trying to use the quantum computer to control the future, but should humanity even know everything about the universe? Are we heading towards self-destruction?”

Cardano’s voice was grave. “Perhaps so. The prophecy warns us not to attempt to control everything... Some secrets were hidden in the depths of the universe by God, perhaps to protect us.”

The voice on the other end was tinged with tension. “The last Atlas-1 mission—she... she crashed her ship into the asteroid, saving the moon base. If that rock had hit the base, the plan would’ve failed.”

Cardano paused, then spoke slowly. “That wasn’t a coincidence—it was divine will. We cannot let that nightmare become reality.”

A soft sigh came from the other end of the line, the voice now clear. “I know what needs to be done... I’ll make sure the plan doesn’t succeed.”

A faint smile appeared on Cardano’s face. “Good, Noah. You understand better than anyone.”

Arthur stood alone in the depths of the moon’s laboratory, surrounded by the hum of machinery. His fingers moved rapidly over the keyboard, then suddenly stopped. His eyes were empty, his face filled with fear.

“This can’t be... They’re watching me,” he murmured.

The surveillance camera on the wall rotated slightly, its red light blinking. Arthur jerked his head up, staring at a shadowy corner.

“Who... who’s there?” His voice trembled.

The only response was the cold, mechanical hum of the lab.