"Hey, Vill-V, thanks for the orbital cannons yesterday."
The next day, after returning to Fire Moth's headquarters, Chang Yuan sought out Vill-V, the 'Expert.'
"Hmph, of course. I'm always one step ahead. So, feel free to worship me."
Holding a wrench in one hand and a screwdriver in the other, Vill-V, the 'Expert,' spoke while repairing something.
Chang Yuan took a closer look and realized that Vill-V was building another android.
"By the way, Vill-V, how many is this?"
"Hmm, I think this is the ninth one. But so far, only two have artificial intelligence. The other seven AIs aren't ready yet, but it's good to prepare the bodies first."
"...You're not seriously planning to create twelve artificial Herrschers, are you?"
Hearing this, Chang Yuan's mouth twitched.
The idea was good, but if the 12th Herrscher ended up causing some kind of change, it would lead to a machine uprising.
Having to fight all the Herrschers again? That would be a nightmare.
"Exactly. And I've discovered something crucial. You'll see when the time comes."
Thinking about her accidental discovery, Vill-V, the 'Expert,' couldn't contain her excitement.
If this plan succeeded, it would be another major victory for humanity.
"Wait, we're like brothers. Why are you keeping secrets from me?"
"Go away, who's your brother? Don't disturb me. I still need to test whether this will work."
Waving her hand, Vill-V, the 'Expert,' shooed Chang Yuan away.
Chang Yuan could only sigh in resignation.
"Fine, just don't overwork yourself. Oh wait, with your current physical condition, you probably can't overwork yourself."
"Instead of saying all that, why don't you think about how to deal with the 10th Herrscher? The Herrschers have been partially enhanced. What about the 10th?"
"..."
Hearing Vill-V's words, Chang Yuan's heart sank.
In the original plan, they relied on Aponia's commandments to identify and eliminate the Herrscher of Domination.
But now that the Herrschers had been enhanced, could the Herrscher of Domination break free from Aponia's commandments?
Wait, the 8th Divine Key was the Divine Key of Sentience. There was no reason it couldn't strengthen Aponia's commandments.
Instantly, hope sparked in Chang Yuan's heart.
Solutions always outnumbered problems. With a little thought, a solution could be found.
After borrowing the 8th Divine Key from Hua, Chang Yuan went to find Aponia.
Each Divine Key was assigned to the MANTIS warrior who was most compatible with it. Unsurprisingly, Hua was the most compatible with the 8th Divine Key.
So, barring any accidents, the 8th Divine Key would always belong to Hua.
That's why Chang Yuan had to ask to borrow it.
"So, you want me to use the power of the 8th Divine Key to strengthen the commandments in everyone's minds?"
Holding the flower-like 8th Divine Key, Aponia asked in her gentle, compassionate voice.
"Exactly. But start with me first, just in case I become a Herrscher."
"...Alright."
Clasping her hands together, Aponia applied the commandment to Chang Yuan.
This time, Chang Yuan could feel that the commandment was far stronger than before.
He even had a premonition that no one, not even a MANTIS warrior, could break free from this commandment.
If there was one person who could, it would have to be Elysia.
"Now, it's everyone else's turn. Aponia, the task is yours."
"Understood."
Afterward, Aponia began visiting each warrior, addressing their psychological issues and applying the new commandments.
Ordinary soldiers would think this was just routine, but only those at the vice-captain level and above knew the true purpose of these commandments.
...
"Okay, the big project is done. This is definitely the largest project I've ever undertaken."
Wiping the sweat from her brow, Vill-V, the 'Expert,' had completed her greatest work.
Looking at the massive underground structure, Vill-V, the 'Expert,' was very satisfied.
"So, why are we still building the Elysian Realm? Even if we fail, you should still survive into the next civilization, right?"
Rubbing his chin, Chang Yuan was puzzled.
But all he got in response was a glare from Vill-V, the 'Expert.'
"True, but you can't expect a bunch of living people to just survive here indefinitely, can you? We'd go crazy."
"Oh, right. Should we gather everyone to input their memories?"
Looking at the prematurely completed Elysian Realm, Chang Yuan was eager to input his memories.
After all, he was curious. Given his personality, his memory avatar would definitely spill all the plot details when Mei entered. Wouldn't that be fun?
"You go gather everyone. I'll try inputting my memories first. With so many personalities, I'm not sure if it'll work."
Turning to her assistant and daughter, Vill-V, the 'Expert,' said, "Prometheus, it's up to you now."
"Don't worry, I won't mess up."
Prometheus nodded, then began operating the machine as Vill-V, the 'Expert,' lay down inside.
Meanwhile, Chang Yuan started gathering the others.
This included the future Thirteen Flame-Chasers, as they were the standard lineup, though Pardofelis was still missing.
Eden and Griseo were also invited, as their absence would make the Elysian Realm feel incomplete.
Then there was Mei, who hadn't undergone the MANTIS procedure but had received a Stigma, granting her a lifespan comparable to a MANTIS warrior.
Of course, Ato and Blanca were also included, along with their little ones and the flawless Klein.
This would make the Elysian Realm even livelier.
"Huh? We're already planning for the next civilization? So, you're sure we're going to lose?"
Ato, leading his family, scratched his head as he spoke.
Seeing Ato's lack of tact, Blanca smacked the back of his head.
"If you don't know how to speak, just don't."
"Just don't."
Griseo chimed in as well.
Hearing this, Ato looked like he wanted to cry.
This was the price of being blunt.
"Not necessarily. It's just a precaution."
"Hey, everyone, you're here already?"
At this moment, Vill-V appeared and greeted everyone.
The group nodded in response.
But Chang Yuan noticed something unusual.
He realized that this Vill-V had stopped exactly at the boundary of the Elysian Realm. One more step, and she would have been outside its range.
"Are you the memory avatar of Vill-V?"