A few days later, in School District 7, inside Dorm 1A101 of the School Garden.
Selene held the transfer document from the Research Institute, handed to her by a member of the Board's staff, and carefully read through it. "As expected of the Chairman, the efficiency is astonishing."
Aleister had prepared several pre-existing research institutes for her to choose from.
After some time, she returned the document to the staff member and confirmed her decision:
"Take me to this research institute."
...
School District 2 was heavily industrial, specializing in automobiles and gunpowder. It was the testing ground for explosives and weapons, as well as the training site for security officers and Judgment members. Throughout the district stood countless research facilities dedicated to cars, explosives, and other noisy technologies. The entire district was surrounded by towering soundproof walls.
"This is the 11th Explosives Research Institute," the staff member said.
Under the azure sky near the northern soundproof wall of School District 2, several cars stopped at a crossroads. A group of people gathered around a young girl who stepped out of one of the vehicles.
Led by the staff, Selene approached a massive gray gate. The staff pointed to the scattered buildings beyond it and shouted over the noise, "It may not compare to School District 18, where ability-development schools are concentrated, but this institute's strength lies in its vast testing grounds."
"The larger the area, the greater the potential for development. I believe you'll make good use of it."
Selene nodded. "That's precisely why I came here."
The staff member, relieved, said, "If that's the case, let's not waste time—let's head straight to the institute."
With that, they got back into the cars and drove toward the central building of the 11th Explosives Research Institute.
The main building was enormous, trapezoidal in shape when viewed from afar. Though only twelve stories high, it covered an immense area.
...
Finally, the cars stopped at the institute's private parking lot. Everyone exited in turn.
In front of the building, numerous research staff were already waiting.
Upon seeing Selene, they all stepped forward to greet her. "Welcome, Miss Selene."
After the introductions, Selene began her tour of the facility.
At this point, the escorting personnel were replaced by laboratory staff.
"Our main fields of research are high-energy explosives and clean energy," one researcher explained. "Therefore, most of our laboratories are chemistry-based."
"All our labs are accredited by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Professionally speaking, we rank among the world's top-tier facilities..."
He paused, his tone uncertain. "May I ask what you'd like to inspect today?"
To be honest, the researcher had been puzzled ever since he received the notification. Their projects had little to do with ability development. Why had their institute been chosen first? Was it simply because of the large land area?
"I won't go inside. Viewing from the windows will do."
Selene waved her hand dismissively.
In truth, she had chosen this location not only because it was close to the School Garden, but more importantly, because it had ample space. Many of her ideas could be realized here.
Although she could have chosen to establish a new research institute from scratch, that would have taken far too long.
After completing the inspection, Selene signed the contract with satisfaction.
From that moment onward, the institute officially belonged to Selene.
For now, the field might seem unrelated to her, but in the future? Never forget—Honkai energy could be freely converted into other forms of energy. Imagine Selene gathering Honkai energy at her fingertips, transforming it into electricity, fire, or light before releasing it. Wouldn't that be just like a mobile artillery platform? Isn't that cool?
After all, being strong is temporary—but being stylish lasts a lifetime. This time, she wanted flair above all.
Although she could release Honkai energy directly, that wasn't ideal. People killed outright by Honkai energy, if not completely incinerated, risked becoming undead thralls. The residual energy could also be collected, which made cleanup troublesome. Using converted energy, however, was faster, simpler, and far more efficient. Fire and forget—no need to deal with the aftermath.
"Still, should I rename the institute...? Hmm? I've got it!" Sitting at the head of the conference table, Selene suddenly recalled the organization 'Schicksal' from the world of Honkai, and a mischievous grin crossed her face. "I now declare—the 11th Explosives Research Institute is officially renamed the Schicksal Research Institute!"
"Add three new research projects: 1. Honkai Energy Conversion; 2. Honkai Energy Human Enhancement Serum; 3. Military-grade Individual Equipment."
"If there aren't enough personnel, start recruiting. Project funding will be issued directly by the Board."
"Any additional comments?"
"Miss, may I ask..."
...
After the meeting ended, Selene left behind a few Honkai Cubes before returning to the School Garden.
She had already assigned the tasks—the researchers could handle the rest.
Selene was well aware that she couldn't trust all of them. Since the institute had merely been reorganized rather than rebuilt, she hadn't purged or recruited anyone. There were undoubtedly spies among them—agents from other Directors or research organizations. But so what? That was exactly what Selene intended. Even if they discovered the theoretical principles behind her research, they couldn't replicate it. After all, she was the only one in this world capable of wielding Honkai energy.
Moreover, this was a trap Selene had deliberately set. Whether anyone took the bait didn't matter to her—failure would have no consequence. The fact that she dared to play this game at all showed how confident she was.
On the other hand, if any of these three research projects succeeded, she would have enough leverage to draw most of the upper echelon into forming a massive network of mutual interests that served her.
The first and third projects were straightforward—one directly enhanced Selene's own combat potential, while the other was born from a spontaneous flash of inspiration.
The second project, however, was her true trump card. Scientific studies showed that, based on human cellular division, the theoretical maximum lifespan of humans was about 120 years. In reality, due to bodily deterioration, the average lifespan was closer to 75.
But if Honkai Energy could enhance the human body, it could also repair damage at the cellular level—effectively extending life itself. Even just the promise of prolonged lifespan would make countless people desperate to obtain it. After all, who doesn't want to live longer?
Selene could even segment and restrict the formula, creating multiple versions under the pretext that full-body enhancement required exceptional physical fitness and carried high failure risks. Meanwhile, a specialized 'body repair serum'—lacking the strength-enhancement effect—would still offer restorative benefits with zero side effects.
"Hmm, and I could reduce the duration of the effect to ensure long-term demand," she mused.
"The research itself won't require any complex technology. The costs are minimal. The core material is Honkai Energy, which means I have a monopoly. One way or another, they'll come to me."
"Hehe, what a perfect money-making scheme."
"Now then, let's wait for those spies to deliver the news."
...
In School District 1's wealthy sector, within a luxurious private estate resembling a royal palace, a strange silence lingered. Security was tight—guards stood at intervals of three and five steps, patrolling tirelessly, their vigilance unyielding.
At the estate's center sat an elderly man with short silver-gray hair, a right-swept fringe that curled slightly at the end, and a stern expression. Dressed neatly in a black suit, his straight posture emphasized the steel-like sharpness of his frame.
He was one of the Board of Directors—Shiokishi.
A man known for his extreme paranoia, bordering on neurosis, and famous for his caution.
"Enhancing human physical capability while repairing bodily damage and extending lifespan..." he murmured, pupils narrowing.
Even someone as cautious as him couldn't help but feel tempted.
Taking a deep breath, he said coldly, "No matter what it takes—get me the formula!"
...
On a moving subway train, a middle-aged man with a wrinkled face, black hair tied in a short ponytail, and a neatly trimmed beard frowned as he read the same report.
Another Board Director—Nakimoto Rizou.
"Do whatever it takes—bring it to me!"
...
Late at night.
"There sure are a lot of rats." Selene, using the Honkai Cubes left in the institute, sensed the movements of spies under the cover of darkness and couldn't help but sigh.
"Let's see which faction causes the biggest commotion tonight."
"Tch, that one even planted explosives? Trying to destroy research materials and labs? Such murderous intent?"
"Well then, you'll do." After identifying the most troublesome infiltrator, Selene manipulated the Honkai Cube remotely, attaching its energy signature to the spy for tracking.
"Let's see who's pulling your strings."
Eventually, following the trace of Honkai energy, Selene locked onto her target—the Board of Directors' administrative tower in School District 1.
"So, it's Thomas Platinaburg's residence?"
Selene's crimson eyes narrowed, her lips curving into a sinister smile. "Looks like my Board seat has just opened up..."