The Mother Goddess of Genetic Life

Had it not been for the scene unfolding before her, Ming Yu likely would never have recalled the presumptuous words she had once uttered.

Within the sprawling forest canopy that blotted out the sun lay an oval-shaped, crystal-clear lake. Ming Yu stood by its edge, gazing at the mirror-like surface, utterly stunned and paling at the sight beneath the water.

Beneath the lake’s surface, the cosmos above was perfectly reflected.

A creature of bizarre form was sprawled across a colossal fireball, its body anchored by a multitude of dense tentacles. From the base of these tendrils, a gaping maw siphoned streams of orange-red particles from the fireball’s surface.

As the fireball’s radiance dimmed, its volume paradoxically swelled.

It continued until it surpassed a critical threshold, at which point the colossal fireball detonated. The shockwave from the immense explosion thrust the enormous creature aside, and a blinding light erupted instantaneously.

The next moment, the scene within the lake gradually faded.

“How was that? That’s the star you wanted to crush, isn’t it?”

A shadowy figure emerged from the depths of the dense forest, stepping lightly, its gaze curiously appraising the frail soul that had intruded upon its domain.

A voice, its gender indistinguishable, resonated within her mind, causing Ming Yu’s expression to subtly shift as she glanced around her surroundings.

Turning around, she beheld the colossal shadow.

It resembled a… black goat?

‘Wait, this virtual reality technology can actually read my memories?’

‘What kind of super privacy-breaching tool is this?’

Ming Yu’s lips twitched.

“Are you saying that exploding fireball was a star?”

“Indeed it was.”

“That giant bug just now, was it…”

“That was a Star-Eater Worm, a charming little lifeform, really.”

“…”

This AI-generated black goat certainly had an interesting way of speaking.

Nevertheless, such a spectacle was indeed only possible in a virtual world, making the journey entirely worthwhile.

Still, where had Little Nightingale gone?

Ming Yu circled the black goat before her, cupping her pale chin as she nodded slightly.

It appeared to be a rather benevolent NPC.

Or perhaps, this black goat was the quest-giving NPC responsible for guiding newcomers through their adaptation phase?

Ming Yu suddenly understood.

“Hello, how should I address you?”

She stepped back two paces, taking in the black goat’s entire form.

Upon hearing this, the black goat haughtily tilted its head back.

“My name is not lightly bestowed upon others, but in consideration of you being one of my offspring, I shall reveal my true name to you alone.”

“I am Nicolaus, the Mother Goddess of Genetic Life.”

“All genetic lifeforms are my offspring, and so are you.”

“…I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Nicolaus. I am Ming Yu.” Ming Yu offered a faint smile.

Upon hearing her words, Nicolaus paused, slightly taken aback.

The frail soul that had stumbled into her domain had not displayed astonishment or fear; instead, she had treated Nicolaus with courtesy, regarding her as an equal.

Interesting.

Truly interesting.

“Ming Yu, I remember you. I’m certain I’ll remember, mm, probably remember…”

Nicolaus shook her head, muttering to herself.

This was the Ethereal Realm, a metaphysical sanctuary for souls. Here, only spiritual entities could roam freely.

It seemed to be a place of utter freedom.

Yet, for her, the Ethereal Realm felt more like an exquisite cage.

Her material body was sealed, and a portion of her divine authority had been stolen.

Nicolaus was furious, yet utterly helpless.

How boring, how utterly boring, how incredibly boring…

“Ming Yu, how… how exactly did you enter this place?”

Nicolaus circled Ming Yu curiously, appearing quite intrigued.

“Me? Well… I just sat in the dive pod, closed my eyes, and here I was.”

“A dive pod? What is that?”

“Uh, it’s a bit complicated to explain, and I’m not entirely sure myself.”

“Alright then.”

Nicolaus scrutinized Ming Yu repeatedly, confirming the depth of her soul before temporarily suppressing the doubts that lingered in her heart.

She must have relied on some external force to enter the Ethereal Realm.

Deep within the dense forest, Ming Yu surveyed her surroundings, confirming Little Nightingale was nowhere in sight, before her gaze settled back on the black goat.

“Oh, by the way, Nicolaus, I have a question for you.”

“I do not easily resolve the doubts of others, but seeing as you are my offspring, you may ask freely.”

“…I’m looking for someone. She entered here with me. I wonder if you can help.”

“Entered together? Allow me to investigate…” A light flared in Nicolaus’s eyes. She pondered for a moment, then suddenly exclaimed, “Found them, they’re next door… Eh? There are so many people?”

“Well?” Ming Yu pressed.

Nicolaus’s voice took on a peculiar tone as she mumbled:

“Why are they all in a false god’s divine kingdom…”

“False god?”

“I have seen your memories, so you should have an impression… The Eternal Lord, that false god who barely managed to gain a foothold in the Ethereal Realm by relying on the power of faith and prayers.”

Hearing this, Ming Yu’s brows furrowed, and her pupils dilated almost imperceptibly.

The Eternal Lord…

Did this virtual reality world also bear the shadow of the Eternal Church?

It made sense; after all, the Eternal Church wielded immense power and constantly sought to spread its doctrines. Inculcating its values in a place like this was hardly surprising.

Perhaps the “Ethereal Realm” Nicolaus spoke of was merely the name for this virtual reality world?

“Nicolaus, how do I get there? Is there some kind of teleportation anchor point?”

“Are you leaving already…”

“…I’m sorry.”

****

The Ethereal Realm, Eternal Divine Kingdom.

Augu’s body trembled as he stared intently at the distant temple, wrinkles of delighted surprise deepening on his aged face.

It wasn’t his first time in the Ethereal Realm, and he was acutely aware of its perilous complexities. Yet, he had never imagined that this expedition, for which they had risked everything, would bring them so close to their destination right from the outset.

Heaven bless the United Nations!

“Everyone, success or failure hinges on this one endeavor!”

Augu turned, raising his arms as he shouted, his expression fervent with zeal.

“As long as we reach that place, whether they champion the digital life doctrine proclaiming ‘flesh is weak’ or advocate the genetic ascension plan shouting ‘designed evolution,’ they shall all bow before our psionic theory!”

“From ‘I think, therefore I am’ to ‘existence is reasonable,’ from ‘nothing outside the mind’ to ‘mind over matter,’ building on the past and blazing new trails, the tide of idealism is bound to surge!”

“Only psionic theory can save the United Nations, revitalize human civilization, and lead us back to the sea of stars!”

His words were deeply infectious, causing everyone present to cheer enthusiastically, their emotions stirred beyond measure.

Everyone, that is, except Little Nightingale, who stood alone, utterly bewildered.

‘Where is this? Who are these people? Where is Ming Yu?’

‘Hmm? I can see them?’

Little Nightingale’s heart skipped a beat as her gaze dropped to her raised hands. She patted her cheeks, feeling a faint ache, just as she would in the real world.

‘Is this the virtual reality world Ming Yu talked about?’

‘How incredible.’

While she was still pondering her current situation, the fervent crowd around her slowly advanced, marching with determined steps towards the distant temple.

Seeing this, Little Nightingale gritted her teeth, deciding to follow them for now.

Though she had no idea what they were doing, perhaps by sticking with this group, she might just find Ming Yu.

****

The Eternal Temple.

The priests guarding the temple looked at the crowd in the crystal ball, exchanging glances, unsure how to proceed.

“The Divine Lord cannot enter the Ethereal Realm at the moment, and it’s not our place to unilaterally bestow blessings. We should simply expel them all.”

“But, what if the Divine Lord punishes us for it?”

“This…”

“Then how about this: guide them to the realm of the Solun Protozoan’s Gestalt consciousness. Those who return alive will be granted blessings. How does that sound?”

“Wouldn’t that be too cruel?”

“If they can’t even pass this trial, what right do they have to share the Divine Lord’s burdens?”

“…”