The roots immediately combined with the clear substance upon entering the bathtub, then the transparent material clinging to them began to boil. As it boiled, bubbles formed one after another and when they burst open, they still contained clear liquid inside. The more these bubbles exploded, the more of this gleaming liquid filled the tub.

This was pure magic, but there was only one possible explanation - Xiao Xue had somehow separated a portion from her own body through unknown means, and it just so happened to be the perfect killer for the mutated virus.

After about an hour, the entire large bathtub brimmed with this transparent, glittering substance. Su Xu anxiously called out to Xiao Xue: "Enough sweetie, making any more is a waste. Mom doesn't want you overexerting yourself. Please stop now."

I teased Su Xu: "You'd make an amazing mother someday - whoever gets the fortune of marrying you must be very special indeed."

Su Xu glanced sidelong at my crotch with deliberate casualness before huffing and turning away. At this point, Xiao Xue had returned to her human form and collapsed exhaustedly into Su Xu's arms. "Hurry up and check on Xiao Xue," Su Xu urged anxiously.

Xiao Xue gestured twice. Su Xu translated: "Xiao Xue needs water to drink - she says she'll be fine."

I asked Su Xu curiously, "How exactly do you communicate? Your hand signals don't resemble sign language at all."

Su Xu preened smugly, "Secrets, sweetheart. You think I earn ten thousand a month for nothing? Want to learn? Bring cash and maybe we can discuss it."

Bah! After already consuming my crotch's emissions and experiencing firsthand the pleasures of my member with her, did I really need to fear she'd bolt? "No thanks - you know your stuff. No need for me to duplicate that investment."

Hua Qingqing gestured toward the original container holding the substance: "Zhao Qian look! This bottle is gradually becoming transparent from within. It seems these unknown inorganic minerals have an assimilation effect. With more time, this cup might transform like what we saw behind the waterfall - into a completely clear object."

I mused aloud, "Wonders if there's any market value to this stuff? I'll have Zhu Da take it to the antiques market for appraisal later. If it fetches good money, we're in business."

Hua Qingqing gazed at the large basin full of glittering substance: "We've already struck gold. I strongly suspect those mysterious women deliberately sent us cash."

Xiao Xue drank her fill before returning to the lab. Her complexion looked much better now. I showed her a photo of the mysterious girl on my phone, asking: "Xiao Xue, do you recognize this girl in the picture?"

She glanced twice then shook her head. It baffled me - how could someone with such deep hatred toward her not even know who she was? This situation wasn't simple to resolve. But now that we had an entire bathtub of miraculous elixir, there'd be no need fearing those girls anymore. I'd find them and have a serious chat eventually.

Before leaving, I instructed Hua Qingqing: when deciding to treat anyone, we must consult as a group first. Never disclose the antidote carelessly - Xiao Xue surely has unresolved grievances with those people. Though she herself is unaware of the connection, she can recognize both the mutated virus and counteract it. If there was no link between these matters, that would be implausible at best.

That evening in the new building's large meeting room, we convened our first assembly. Key attendees included Sirens' beauties plus Hua Qingqing, He Yuqing, Xia Huoren, Zhu Da, Cai Baoer, the village elder, and three high-ranking officers of the Tri-Service Fleet. Lower-level personnel weren't invited.

The meeting primarily discussed Peach's investigation report. We've determined these twelve girls are extremely elusive - even Peach's informants struggle to track them down. Moreover, Peach sensed they possess some degree of mind control ability.

Given these concerns, we needed to treat this with special caution. A single misstep in the high ranks could cause major problems. This topic alone kept us debating until late night before shifting focus to time machines.

I spoke earnestly to all present: "We must build that time machine - not just for competing against Americans but because circumstances are now complex beyond measure. Prince Wales's mutation resembles dwarves, and according to He Yuqing's analysis, these dwarves have special connections with lunar beings from ancient times. Xiao Xue's identity likely relates directly to this prehistoric civilization while she coincidentally serves as the virus's natural enemy. With all these threads intertwined, I believe everything traces back to those ancient moon people. Returning there to investigate their secrets is crucial. Plus we made promises to America's shipping magnate - Red Dragon cannot break trust."

Xiao Hui said: "Based on today's live monkey experiments, we've proven teleportation capability. However both my sister and I strongly oppose you taking the risk personally. If possible, deploy elite soldiers instead for rescue operations."

Zhu Da suddenly stood up: "Are we really going back six thousand years? Don't even think about leaving me out of this - such exciting adventures need me!"

Cai Baoer also rose: "Same with me!"

I said: "Let me ponder further. We still have two more experiments and improvements to complete before selecting personnel. Any recent updates from the Tri-Service Fleet?"

Liu Hu, Zhang Daha, and Shen Jian responded: "All progressing according to plan. Now the entire oceanic domain is under our command. If needed we could rapidly control all oceans within hours through coordinated sea-air forces delivering land troops anywhere."

I said: "We don't need to further invest in military matters beyond monitoring American tech developments. They're expanding militarily and conducting research with many weapon designs directly targeting Red Dragon. Though Americans publicly declared surrender, they'll never genuinely accept defeat. Our temporary victory still requires utmost vigilance."

They pledged: "Commander sir please rest assured - we understand what needs doing. Focus your efforts on that unknown virus. Should it break out globally, the death toll would probably exceed wars by a hundredfold."

I nodded. Virus pandemics are deadlier than tigers. Let alone mass deaths from mutation itself - there might be hidden agendas behind these transformations.

The following days I spent onboard the battleship with my five women companions. This massive vessel resided in the vast undersea base beneath Okinawa Trough, where we manufactured Earth-class underwater fortresses using this production line. However this starship was hundreds of times larger than those fortresses.

Estimating displacement capacity at over ten thousand tons - 300+ times bigger than an Earth-class fortress. Most equipment from Hope was transferred here including that shape-shifting metallic alloy. Thus per Xiao Yudi and Xiao Hui's suggestion, we kept the name "Hope" for this flagship.

Powered by Energy Core plus three auxiliary energy stones, after Xiao Hui and Xiao Yudi's dedicated research, these four energy systems now operate extremely stably. Moreover, using their combined power to create energy crystals has already succeeded.

Once our flagship completes trial runs, regular starships will begin construction with energy crystal propulsion - vastly superior to high-energy batteries. For interstellar travel or combat, insufficient power would render even movement impossible let alone defending against enemy attacks.

Though current enemies remain unidentified and lunar people unconfirmed, it's wise to prepare. Even if Americans launch arms races, their entire nation might struggle to withstand a single strike from Hope.

They lack Energy Core, three auxiliary stones, and thus energy crystals - unless they discover alternative power sources which seems improbable. Without advanced energy systems, Americans can't develop giant lasers either. In interstellar warfare lacking both lasers and defensive shields would render them helpless.

That night six people sat in the command cabin of Hope, facing each other. "Success," Xiao Yudi said flatly.

Yi Xiaorou's face showed not joy but worry: "We shouldn't create that time machine. A hundred million dollars we don't need - even double repayment to William would suffice."

Zhao Fen agreed: "I concur."

I asked: "What's wrong with you two? I didn't say anything about going myself! Teach me how this time machine works!"

"Not a chance!" Five voices answered in unison.

Sweat. So another victory celebration turned sour.

The next morning I skipped class and went to the library for thinking. After thorough consideration, I finally decided to heed my women's advice: voluntarily select four super soldiers from 100 candidates to send six thousand years back searching for Elena.

Since making this decision I no longer hesitated, leaving the library toward Ou Yangqian's dormitory. We hadn't been intimate lately - wondered if Zhou Chen would go out at noon? If she was away maybe play a game with Su Xu again?

CRASH! A sudden darkness enveloped me as books rained down. "Yikes!" A girl screamed and fell.

Damn, my turn made precise contact indeed - I knocked over the book-carrying girl behind me! But how rude of her to stand silently there like bait for collision!

Yet still I apologetically helped up the girl: "Are you alright? Sorry didn't notice anyone behind."

Her voice was sweet: "No worries, it's my fault for sneaking up on you."

I extended a hand while she looked up - my muscles shuddered but I forced steady movements. Her face matched exactly one of Wells' photos, certainly among the twelve identical girls! No doubt at all - this was the mysterious virus carrier!

Now mustn't reveal hesitation, grabbed her wrist: "You're really beautiful."

She blushed: "Do you always greet people like that?"

"Not often... only when I see exceptionally pretty faces."

"Haha," she giggled, pulling my hand to rise up. "Ouch! My ankle is sprained."

"Oops! Let's go to medical center for check-up."

"No need to trouble you..."

"It's my fault - of course I must take responsibility."

She shyly lowered her head: "No worries, it was my own mistake. Can you help me pick up the books first?"

While collecting them, couldn't afford wandering thoughts. As Peach warned these girls had mind control abilities! If she could read my brain... Mustn't think about secrets and urgently text Peach to come over immediately. Better use a cat than Xiao Yudi who'd be too obvious.

Holding books in one hand and supporting her with the other, I said: "Come on - let's go apply some medicine."

She asked outside library: "What's your name?"

"I'm Zhao Qian. And you?"

"Lastname Gu... name Tian'er."

"Pleasant name."

School nurse led Gu Tianer into treatment room for medication while I discreetly summoned Peach. When she exited, Peach already sat on my shoulder.

"That's adorable! Where'd you get it?" She leaned against wall slowly emerging, surprised by Peach on my shoulder.

I helped her up: "My pet cat - just went exploring by itself. Want to go class or back to dorm for rest?"

After thinking, Gu Tianer said: "Let me return to dorm first... can't even walk with ankle like this while carrying books."

"Fine," I agreed. "Your ankle is swollen too much - definitely need someone supporting you."

Male doctor at medical center added: "Yes indeed, girlfriend's foot injury is serious enough that you should carry her back - otherwise swelling might worsen. Give her some anti-swelling pills and rest a week."

I didn't correct his assumption about us. After getting medicines I turned to Gu Tianer waiting on chair: "Come on let me carry you."

She flushed and refused: "No no! Just hold my hand is enough. Can't impose by carrying me!"

Still squatted down: "Get up here then - don't be stubborn!"

After hesitating, she climbed onto my back. Her body was surprisingly light as I gripped her hips exiting medical center.

Right after door opened we met an acquaintance from our department.

"Whoa Zhao Qian! Who are you carrying? Three days in a row with different beauties?" He intentionally glanced at my hands on Gu Tianer's butt.

I mentally thought, 'This beauty is a giant time bomb. (Try challenging me if you dare)!' But said aloud: "Haha - envious of second-fat? Bye bye, no time for nonsense now - need to return MM to dormitory."

While walking Peach whispered: "Don't be so tense big shot. Though this woman is smart, her mind control ability pales against yours and mine. Feel free thinking whatever you want! I'll block any probing from her side. Strange though - only a black-cloaked figure exists in her brain with no details at all. She seems to act purely on instructions without knowing anything about that figure herself. This organization is extremely disciplined, so investigating through her won't work."

I mentally replied: "What now? Just let this slide?"

Peach laughed slyly: "Of course not! We know she wants you in bed - fake intimacy with her tonight, better have sex to uncover how the virus spreads, then capture her and deal after finding that black-cloaked figure."

"Let me sleep with her?! You're joking! Do it yourself!"

Peach nearly snorted: "I can't sleep with humans - that would be bestiality! Plus I'm not even gendered. Don't worry big shot! Your constitution will surely resist mutation, and we do have the antidote. Just try some pleasure - these twelve girls are supposedly experts in everything. Even if she gets aggressive, you won't regret it."

I said: "Don't know whether this Gu Tianer carries dog or pig transformation virus. From photos they looked annoying but now... seeing their real faces I can't believe they're those promiscuous yet dangerous women with venomous stings."

Peach sighed: "There are too many mysteries in life big shot. I warn you though - plenty of beautiful wives already, no need for another! Be ruthless or it'll end up hurting yourself."

"Relax, I've got this under control."

We arrived at Gu Tianer's apartment. She greeted the doorkeeper auntie before I carried her upstairs to third floor. Fortunately Ou Yangqian and her weren't in same building - otherwise encountering would be problematic.

While ascending, Gu Tianer tried keeping distance between her chest and my back but inevitably brushed against my spine with those soft curves, making me itch inside. Finally reaching her dorm room, when I put her down she unintentionally squeezed her breasts tightly onto my back, nearly causing a moan escape.

What's happening to me today? Never been flustered before like this over such small things!

"Thank you Zhao Qian - really made effort for me. Sit anywhere while I get water for you."

I casually glanced around the dorm room (three beds but two unoccupied!). Gu Tianer was clearly prepared to entice me from earlier. Wondered what tactics she'd deploy next. Externally she seemed a pretty, reserved Eurasian girl with formidable allure if she wanted to seduce men.

"Add some sugar?" She asked while leaning on table pouring water.

"Whatever you like... but I should go now."

She poured sugar into cup moving toward me: "After all it was my own fault. Knowing your phone number would be great! You're such a kind person - studying alone in big dragon country yet meeting someone so helpful and generous. Don't leave just yet, stay for while to chat?"

As she moved closer delivering sugared water, either her leg trembled or my hands were unsteady - the cup suddenly dropped from both our hands, spilling sugar water all over my pants.