by <unknown>
Institutions such as the Alcor Foundation, to address this, adopted another roundabout way — as long as one was willing to pay before one died, they would release the blood in one's body upon death, then filled one up with a liquid refrigerant, which could remain liquid even at the temperature of liquid nitrogen, so it would not freeze and cause harm to the human body.
When one's body was filled with this refrigerant, they would soak one's head or whole body (depending on the price) in a jar of liquid nitrogen and store it for a long time (the storage time also depended on the price).
This idiot organization was convinced that when cell regeneration, cloning or other technologies were developed, the value of their freezing technology would be illustrated and the frozen people could be "resurrected".
However, in Chen Chen's view, this freezing plan was just like an idiot tax. If they were freezing people alive, there was still a chance for resurrection, but the main thing was that they were already f*cking dead and the corpse would have to undergo bloodletting and other processes. To what extent would technology have to be developed to resurrect people in this state?
Did they want to bring the dead to life?
Too bad, not even sci-fi novels would dare make this claim.
It was not to say that cryonics was not achievable, but that the branch of science and technology was crooked. True cryonics was by no means freezing a corpse, rather, directly freezing a living person was the right way.
Chen Chen's plan to freeze himself was very simple, that was, to use one of the many technologies obtained from the dimension of Prometheus called the "antifreeze agent".
This "antifreeze agent" was a type of nanotechnology. It was a special kind of nanoparticle. After being injected into the human body, this medicine would automatically be integrated into every cell of the human body, turning water in the cell into a mixture that could remain liquid at temperatures tens of degrees below zero degree Celsius without freezing.
After the injection of this antifreeze agent, the human body entered a device called a "cryogenic chamber" to quickly cool down to suspend the life process.
This kind of technology could also be applied to the future field of interstellar voyages that would travel for several years or decades.
The reason Chen Chen did not come up with this technology before was also that it was not needed for the time being. Blacklight Biotechnology directly overcame most of the known major diseases and could even extend human lifespan. Naturally, there was no need for this technology to be applied.
However, although this technology would not be useful in the market, Chen Chen could use it now. If there was nothing left to do, Chen Chen could only temporarily freeze himself and wait until Little X had led Blacklight Biotechnology to completely resolve the problem of the consciousness infection before thawing him out.
However, although the two backups seemed to be less risky, they hid a huge hazard. What if humanity was unable to work out a solution to the consciousness infection?
What if the final consciousness infection could not be controlled and eventually destroyed humanity?
Would Chen Chen not be frozen in the cryogenic chamber forever, without any possibility of waking up again?
These thoughts flashed through Chen Chen's mind. Now he had only these four paths to take. He must resist by force or risk the use of memetic technology or run away or escape through cryonics…
At this time, the burden on his consciousness had been lightened again. Chen Chen breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the long-lost sense of ease. "X, I'm close to making up my mind. I'm prepared to choose the second way and use memetic technology to solve this."
"You're not going to consider this further?"
Little X was a little worried. "I can't guarantee the success of memetic technology. Based on the complexity and unknowability of memes, and the peculiarity of the consciousness infection, there's only a 30% chance you'll get rid of the Consciousness Stealer."
"30%? It's already very high."
Chen Chen laughed. "I thought it was a less than 20% chance but now it seems that there's still a 30% chance, which is pretty good."
"However, maybe you don't have to take this risk but just freeze yourself and maybe we'll be able to work out other, more reliable solutions soon!"
Little X was still a little unwilling and tried to persuade him.
"But it's also possible that after I fall asleep this time, I won't be able to wake up again…"
Chen Chen said sternly, "Human beings still can't stop the spread of the consciousness infection, right? I don't want to place my bet on others and hope for some fluke. If I have to fight hard, I'd rather do it myself! "
"…"
Little X fell silent. Of course, she knew that Chen Chen had chosen the most correct path.
"Get ready."
Chen Chen did not say anymore. He rubbed his temples and at the same time ordered, "Make a clone of me. If I fail, then the fate of mankind depends on you, X.
"Don't let me down..."
"Yes…"
The black sphere behind Chen Chen flickered with blue light and Little X's figure appeared in the blue glow. She cried silently and at the same time, nodded softly.
Then, another blue ray flashed and a dark blue, metal cryogenic chamber with a sci-fi aesthetic appeared in front of the black sphere. Several androids immediately stepped forward and moved the cryogenic chamber to Chen Chen. At the same time, the sliding cover in front of the cryogenic chamber opened, exposing the narrow space inside.
This metal cryogenic chamber was what Little X had prepared. This dark blue metal was none other than the toughest material in the solar system — high-displacement armor. It had an intelligent system and some first aid medicine within and even a tube of antifreeze agent. Even if the cryogenic chamber were cut off from electricity, the nuclear reactor inside could keep this cryogenic chamber running for a thousand years.
If Chen Chen failed in the end, then Little X planned to inject Chen Chen with the antifreeze agent and then store Chen Chen at a low temperature until the consciousness infection was completely resolved.
Seeing Little X's consideration, Chen Chen just shook his head and smiled, and then lay directly in.
"Detecting DNA… User identified…
"Your Excellency Chen Chen, the only user with authority, I'm X-114, responsible for the safety of your vital signs throughout the entire process…
"The task has commenced. Anesthetic is being administered…"
As Chen Chen went in, there was an electronic voice by his ear and some gas began to be discharged from the side of the chamber wall.
After breathing in this gas, Chen Chen's consciousness suddenly became active. His mind suddenly cleared but his body became more and more tired.
This was a wonderful but distinct feeling.
Chen Chen felt that he seemed to be on the verge of falling asleep and his eyelids were already extremely heavy, but his thinking became clear.
"The cryogenic chamber is starting to close and the 'Consciousness Battlefield' meme is ready to start!
"Warning! Warning! After the cryogenic chamber is closed, it can only be opened from the inside!"
The final electronic warning came. Before Chen Chen fell asleep completely, he seemed to see the lid of the cryogenic chamber gradually closing, slowly blocking off the teary face of a young girl…
Chapter 543: The Strange Consciousness Battlefield |
"Boom!"
"Gurgle…"
It sounded as if Chen Chen was crashing into the water and he felt like he had fallen into the deep sea. His consciousness was slowly sinking, wafting down bit by bit, and there was a clamorous buzzing sound in his ears.
The water around his still body seemed to reverberate with the babel of countless people.
The light in front of him was getting dimmer and the pressure on his body was getting stronger but he realized that he still had not sunk to the bottom of the sea.
>
He did not know how long it took but just when Chen Chen thought that his consciousness would completely dissipate, he woke up again.
Chen Chen quivered all over and slowly opened his eyes.
Ten meters away in front of him, there was a huge ball of light. The light was soft and not blinding. The strands of light shone on Chen Chen's body and made him feel an inexplicable warmth.
In contrast, his back which was beyond the reach of the light ball felt a wisp of chill.
Chen Chen looked around but saw nothing around him. He tried to walk forward but he could not reach the ball of light, though it seemed to be close at hand.
At this point, Chen Chen was sure that he had been placed in a void.
Where was this?
Chen Chen was a little confused. His consciousness remained at the moment he got into the cryogenic chamber.
"Welcome to the 'Consciousness Battlefield'!"
However, when he was feeling mystified, the ball of light in front of him rang out resoundingly. This sound passed into Chen Chen's mind with repeating echoes, making him immediately understand the meaning of the ball of light.
The weirdest thing was that this ball of light did not seem to speak Chinese or even English or other known languages but directly communicated on a conscious level.
"Two candidates have been detected. Starting data quantification test… Data quantization is running…"
The booming voice continued. "Data quantization is complete, creating character cards… Character cards are being created…"
Immediately, an apparition appeared in front of Chen Chen.
"Name: Chen Chen.
"Sex: Male.
"Age: 27.
"Race: T-virus modified human (scientific name: Tyrant).
"Alignment: Lawful evil.
"Attributes [3D6]: Strength 21 (non-human strength), Physique 24 (close to the vitality of a troll), Size 11 (standard human size), Agility 20 (more flexible than a cat), Appearance 10 (plain and average), Intelligence 18 (human limit), Perception 31 (perception only available to gods), Willpower 17 (close to the human limit).
"Occupation: Biologist, capitalist, secret manipulator, guardian of civilization.
"Professional skills [5D20]: Biology 95, Medicine 95, Psychology 77, Archaeology 12, Occult 10, Shooting 99, Reconnaissance 99, Listening 99, Fighting 65, Tracking 99, Defense 99.
"Special skills: Field power (Defense +99, Shooting +99, Reconnaissance +99, Listening +99, Tracking +99)."
Seeing this data, Chen Chen looked bewildered. What was this, a tabletop role-playing game?
However, before he could react, Chen Chen faintly saw another apparition moving. His opponent was less than two meters away beside him, like a black lump of meat, and in front of the meatball, there was also a character card—
"Name: Alosorthoth [newborn form].
"Gender: None.
"Age: 0.1.
"Race: ???
"Alignment: Chaotic evil.
"Attributes [3D6]: Strength 15 (you are as strong as a cow), Physique 35 (the vitality of a god), Size 10 (still a baby), Agility 5 (you move like a snail), Appearance 3 (aesthetic means nothing to you), Intelligence 5 (a pig is smarter than you), Perception 20 (you have an intuition that mortals don't), Willpower 30 (too-low IQ prevents your brain from working sharply).
"Occupation: None.
"Professional skills [5D20]: Defense 80, Mind Reading 99, Mind Devouring 99, Body Regeneration 99.
"Special skills: psionics (Mind Reading +99, Mind Swallowing +99)."
Seeing this weird character card, Chen Chen's pupils suddenly shrank.
What the h*ll was this? Was this the body of the monster that had come from beyond the skies?
Just when Chen Chen was shocked and uncertain, the loud voice came again. "'Consciousness Battlefield' is activated and the module is being created based on the character cards of both parties. Both candidates, please get ready…
"The dice system is starting…
Chen Chen only saw the light from the ball in front of him getting brighter and finally, he could not help but close his eyes…
"Hum…"
There was a soft sound in his ear and then Chen Chen only sensed that the light instantly softened again.
He tried opening his eyes, only to find that he was standing above a city.
The city below his feet was only about the size of a small city, with an area of no more than ten square kilometers. There were countless ruined farmhouses scattered throughout. In the center of the city, there was a small five- or six-story castle.
This seemed to be a desolate and run-down European medieval city.
"Module has been created…"
The mighty voice continued. "Both parties, please roll the dice to determine who moves first."
Chen Chen's heart jolted. He felt that a few cool objects had appeared in his right hand. He lifted his hand and saw that, as expected, five golden icosahedral dice were in his hand.
Chen Chen thought for a while. He raised his right hand, with the palm raised flat, and then opened his fist lightly.
"Clink, clink…"
After a few tinkling sounds, the five dice fell upon thin air and stopped immediately after rolling for a while.
"15, 6, 18, 1, 5, Candidate Chen Chen has rolled 45 points."
The voice continued. "Now, Alosorthoth, please roll the dice."
"Clink, clink…"
Chen Chen looked in all directions but did not see the figure of the Consciousness Stealer, only those five dice were thrown near him.
Furthermore, those five dice were all blood red.
"20, 19, 15, 20, 13!"
The voice continued to speak in a non-emotional voice, "Alosorthoth threw 87 points, Alosorthoth shall begin first!"
Chen Chen frowned slightly. Although he did not know what "begin first" meant, he knew those who threw more points must have an advantage.
Sure enough, the voice continued. "The module is about to start. Era: Middle Ages, region: William Castle, duration: 24 hours."
"Whoosh…"
It sounded like a gust of wind brushing past Chen Chen's ear and his vision turned blurry. When he regained his sight, he realized that he was standing in a room at the top of a castle.
What he saw was a place full of dilapidated, decayed furniture, walls filled with cracks, and a layer of dust half-a-finger thick.
The sunlight shone in through the extremely dirty glass and illuminated Chen Chen's body, inducing a sense of discomfort in Chen Chen.
"You're a vampire count."
Suddenly, that booming voice became a lot softer as if it was murmuring in Chen Chen's ears. "Today is the first day you wake up in the castle and the reason you woke up is that a group of adventurers had strayed into your territory. You don't know why they came. All you know is that you want to keep them here and use their flesh and blood to fill your growling stomach.
"Goal: Destroy the invaders and survive successfully. The most important thing is to find the most special adventurer as it'll be your most delicious dinner tonight…"
The voice disappeared quickly. It was only then that Chen Chen realized that he was able to move. He looked around in confusion, only to find that he was wearing a loose white shirt and there was even a circle of gorgeous lace around the cuffs and neckline of the shirt.
"Is this medieval European aristocratic dress?"
Chen Chen murmured in a low voice. He turned his head slowly but saw a line of footprints extending from the door to his feet.
"Those are my footprints."
Chen Chen immediately realized that. He turned around, followed his footsteps, and went downstairs step by step, heading down six floors until he came to the first-floor hall of the castle.
The hall looked huge, but all the furniture and decorations were covered with dust, and it had long been dilapidated. He did not know how many years it had been since anyone came here.
Chen Chen continued to look a
t the footprints but saw that his footprints led to the front of the fireplace and disappeared in that direction.
Chen Chen immediately wore a thoughtful look. He walked to the fireplace step by step, touched the inside, and expanded his Field at the same time.
Under the observation of the Field energy, he noticed something off at once. Namely, there was a slight gap in a brick next to the fireplace.
He touched the brick, then pushed it slightly!
"Rumble, rumble…"
There was a soft noise and the wall behind the fireplace slowly slid open, revealing a deep and dark passage behind it.
Chen Chen's Field energy continued to explore inward, only to find that the passage was in the shape of a circular stairway, extending to a depth of over 50 meters. Even the Field energy could not reach the bottom.
Seeing this, Chen Chen did not hesitate anymore. He went into the tunnel. After walking a few steps, the wall that had slid away closed again behind him and the entire passage became completely dark.
Still, this kind of darkness without any light source made no difference to Chen Chen. He used Field energy instead of his vision and walked down step by step.
After he went down to a depth of more than one hundred meters, finally, he came to a basement.
This basement was about 100 square meters, but there were no extra furnishings. Only in the center of the basement was there a solid wood coffin with a gold rim.
The lid of the coffin was opened and inside was a soft dent. In the soft dent was a dark box and nothing else.
Chen Chen took out the box and suddenly, a feeling of connection to his bloodline washed over him.
"This is…"
Chen Chen frowned. He seemed to have faintly understood something.
"Lich? Vampire?"
Chen Chen was a little puzzled. Castles, coffins, and Western nobles were all elements of vampires, yet this weird black box signified a lich in Dungeons and Dragons.
In D&D, the lich was a kind of undead creature. It was immortal and had extremely strong power. Its only weakness was its phylactery. As long as the phylactery was destroyed, the lich would die.