Yi Bai stood in awe.
It turned out that no matter how many eras passed, there would always be a group of people who remained true to their original mission.
This was the inheritance of faith, untainted by the ravages of time.
And because of this, humanity, despite the endless challenges over vast ages, never fades nor becomes obsolete.
"Sir, there's something I must remind you of," Wang Shi suddenly spoke, his voice steady. "I understand your curiosity about the future, but learning too much about it won't solve your current predicament."
"I suggest we first survive the ongoing Judgment Apocalypse. Otherwise, this Earth won't survive."
"You're right," Yi Bai nodded, but couldn't resist asking, "Last question: what exactly is the Judgment Apocalypse?"
"I don't know, I've just heard of it," Wang Shi shook his head. "In higher civilizations, we've received word of the existence of the Judgment Apocalypse. It's a test randomly imposed by a higher being on different civilizations."
"The purpose is unknown, the origins are unknown, the identity of the perpetrators is unknown, their methods and technological level are unknown."
"We only know that it's dangerous, but also filled with opportunities."
"If I had to describe it, I'd say it's more like a higher species playing with lower ones."
"It has rewards, but also destruction."
Wang Shi paused before giving a faint smile. "It's like humans observing ants... except, we are the ants."
"Alright, if even you don't know, then this 'ancient' person really has to figure it out," Yi Bai shrugged, taking a deep breath and resetting his thoughts.
Wang Shi was right — overthinking things wasn't useful. First, deal with the immediate situation; if he died before even surviving a few rounds of the apocalypse, then there would be no future to worry about.
"So, Squad Leader Wang," Yi Bai said, now focused, "I'm in the second round of the apocalypse... do you know anything about the 'cannibal fungus'? It's causing some trouble in my settlement."
"I know it," Wang Shi nodded. Yi Bai was pleasantly surprised.
He'd only asked casually, preparing to explain the cannibal fungus in detail and see if this future soldier could come up with a more advanced solution. But Wang Shi already knew about it!
"The cannibal fungus is one of the many aliases for the Liu's Third Universe Fungi, named and discovered by Dr. Liu Quan of the Earth Yanhuang Alliance."
"It thrives in ancient, underdeveloped biological worlds and has a wide distribution. It hasn't been seen in the Solar System, but there are areas within the Milky Way where it proliferates."
"During the latter stages of the Second Solar System Defense War, the enemy extensively used biological weapons, including the cannibal fungus."
"At that time, Dr. Song Tianle led a research team and, after seven days and nights of intense work, they deciphered the fungus's genetic structure and created a vaccine. In just three days, Earth's humanity successfully eradicated the cannibal fungus across the Solar System."
"This was a major victory in the Second Solar System Defense War, and one of the key turning points towards victory."
Wang Shi's explanation was incredibly thorough, making Yi Bai feel like he was listening to a history lecture.
Truly, it was grand, sweeping history!
"That's an impressive story!" Yi Bai nodded and then asked, "So, how do we solve it? Right now... well, maybe you can introduce me to Dr. Liu Quan?"
Yi Bai said this with a joking tone, but deep down, he was hopeful. What if this future warrior was so powerful that he could make a "buy one, get one free" offer?
"I can't introduce you to Dr. Liu Quan," Wang Shi shook his head seriously. "I can't transcend dimensional boundaries, nor can I bring someone across."
"The cannibal fungus is an ancient life form, even in your era, it's a troublesome species that is more difficult to handle than dinosaurs."
"But it's still a biological entity, not purely bacteria or fungi. It has low intelligence, an incredible reproductive rate, and is resistant to most current Earth technologies."
"However, it's extremely hostile to antibiotics and viruses. While your era can't produce Dr. Song's vaccine, you can still target its aversion to certain substances."
Wang Shi paused, adding apologetically, "This is just based on my calculations. I'm a military combat-type unit, not a research or experimental expert."
"My scientific support is limited to basic weapon manufacturing and development."
"You can build weapons too?!" Yi Bai's eyes lit up. Wang Shi nodded confidently.
"Yes, Sir. I can manufacture basic weaponry and equipment... with the right resources, I can independently create anything within Earth's current technology range."
Damn, this future soldier was indeed powerful!
Truly the ultimate soldier!
"Looks like the cannibal fungus will have to be dealt with by those two researchers," Yi Bai muttered, not too worried.
Since there was a solution, he wouldn't be left helpless.
"Sir, I can deal with the cannibal fungus in the settlement," Wang Shi spoke up, "My combat system includes a biological warfare elimination module. While I can't completely eradicate all the fungus, I can ensure the designated areas are completely safe... I mean, the fungus won't appear within the designated area."
"That's fantastic! But..." Yi Bai's eyes widened. "Can you really handle it by yourself? Shouldn't I assign a few people to assist you?"
"No need," Wang Shi shook his head. "I can work more efficiently alone."
Wang Shi wasn't belittling the modern soldiers; he was simply speaking from a tactical standpoint.
"Squad Leader Wang, you're really incredible!" Yi Bai exclaimed, raising his hand. "What are we waiting for? Let's get to work!"
"Right now, clear the cannibal fungus and protect the settlement!"
Yi Bai paused before adding, "There are many ordinary people in the settlement. They're all from the Yanhuang people. My faith is the same as yours... understand?"
From Wang Shi's earlier explanation, Yi Bai understood that the talents weren't guaranteed to be loyal under all circumstances.
If Yi Bai became overly violent or harsh, talents like Wang Shi might very well break off and abandon him.
Of course, Yi Bai wasn't like that — he was just an ordinary Earthman: introverted, cautious, intelligent, and fundamentally kind.
But he still felt the need to emphasize this point, especially since Wang Shi was such a valuable asset. An S-rank future soldier who was practically all-powerful!
With Wang Shi on his side, Yi Bai felt a surge of confidence and security.
"Understood, Sir." Wang Shi nodded gravely. Without further words, he left the room, his broad back disappearing into the hallway.
With every step, his powerful presence exuded a sense of unwavering strength, giving Yi Bai an immense sense of reassurance.
"Such good luck..." Yi Bai watched Wang Shi's back, but then suddenly realized: "Wait! With my luck, will my lifespan be affected?!"
"Today's been too good... it's almost making me uneasy!"
Yi Bai scratched his head and stood up, heading to the monitoring terminal.
He saw Wang Shi leave the building, stride through the gathered crowd of soldiers, and walk outside.
Wang Shi stopped in front of the building and glanced at the surveillance camera overhead. He then placed his palm against the wall.
The moment his palm touched the cannibal fungus, it recoiled as though it had met its natural enemy, rapidly retreating like a living organism.
In the next instant, a translucent aura emanated from his arm, expanding outward.
It wasn't a color but a distortion, like air warping under intense heat, continuously spreading in rippling waves.
Wherever it passed, the cannibal fungus retreated as if it were fleeing for its life.
The building, once covered with a dark green fungus, gradually returned to its original state.
In mere seconds, the entire building was completely free of the cannibal fungus, as it receded out of the settlement area.
Wang Shi had single-handedly eliminated the threat, with not a trace of the apocalyptic disaster left.