Chapter 16: Apocalypse

Below the podium, Xia Lin began outlining Kai S. Gao’s crimes.

"After several days of investigation, we have gathered the following facts."

"Eleven days ago, you departed the country and arrived at Eden Archipelago the next day. There, you released slime mold spores carried in a sachet across the islands."

"These slime molds exhibit fungal characteristics and possess astonishing reproductive capabilities. Within just four days, they overran Eden Archipelago, clinging to forests. Deprived of sunlight, the trees died rapidly and were decomposed by the slime molds as nutrients."

"Ultimately, Eden Archipelago was dyed entirely red. Local seafolk deemed this a divine miracle, but Prof. Hipps—conducting nearby research—disagreed."

"He discovered that these slime molds exhibit extreme mutability, even capable of acquiring genes from other species through phagocytosis."

"Unfortunately, the spores released by the slime molds have already spread globally via atmospheric circulation."

"Prof. Hipps subsequently alerted the United Nations."

"Is this accurate?" Xia Lin concluded, her tone measured.

"Yes. Your efficiency is commendable. Well done," Kai S. Gao replied reflexively, unsettling the audience.

Xia Lin’s brow tightened. "We hope you’ll answer our questions to help prevent this potential ecological catastrophe."

Kai S. Gao smiled. "Gladly."

"First, where did you obtain this slime mold?"

"Originally, it was a natural specimen from a primordial forest. During cultivation, it underwent spontaneous mutation—though the mutation seemed unsuccessful, as the new plasmodia eventually necrotized." Kai S. Gao adjusted his glasses. "However, this mutation occurred within a single organism. It mutated as it grew."

"To use an imperfect analogy: imagine a human infant developing six arms or three heads during gestation."

"Typically, mutations accumulate through generations of reproduction."

Xia Lin flipped through a thick stack of documents. "So this slime mold evolved into its current form through mutation?"

"No. I created it—or rather, awakened it." Kai S. Gao’s voice remained eerily calm, like a serial killer casually smoking beside a victim’s corpse.

The murmurs in the hall froze.

Xia Lin struggled to suppress her emotions, her frown deepening. "Why slime molds?"

"Only single-celled organisms like slime molds can easily acquire exogenous genes. Their DNA replication and digestion occur directly in the cytoplasm."

"Why did you do this?" Xia Lin locked eyes with him. "What do you gain from triggering an ecological disaster?"

Kai S. Gao met her gaze but faltered. Her eyes—clear and pure—reminded him of Miomi Guo. He wondered if Xia Lin’s soul harbored similar rot.

Removing his glasses to blur his vision, he drawled, "Perhaps this is more than an ecological disaster."

He chuckled. "As for my purpose? Simple. Human society has grown so filthy it requires cleansing. Someone had to play the janitor."

Xia Lin slammed the table. "Because your girlfriend and mentor betrayed you, you arrogantly condemn all humanity?!"

"No. They were merely a corner of the veil. Tearing at them exposes far more." Kai S. Gao lowered his voice. "Comrade Xia Lin, please compose yourself."

Whether her outburst was intentional or not, Xia Lin quickly regained control. "Apologies. But could you elaborate on your actions? Allow us—and yourself—a chance to mitigate this."

Though long detached from self-preservation, Kai S. Gao adjusted the microphone.

"The earliest slime molds appeared over 500 million years ago during the Cambrian period—coinciding with the explosion of biodiversity."

"No one knew why. But I uncovered the secret."

"Back then, slime molds differed from today. They were unremarkable single-celled marine organisms, surviving through parasitism or scavenging."

"Yet they possessed a unique ability: to acquire and exchange genes. Over eons, this catalyzed the Cambrian explosion."

"But… perhaps God intervened, sealing this ability."

"Until I discovered that unique strain."

"God’s ‘seal’ was merely a useless genetic sequence—a ‘genetic lock’ passed down through slime molds for 500 million years."

"I shattered that lock."

"So a new explosion of species is coming?" Xia Lin frowned. "But even the Cambrian explosion spanned millions of years! You can’t accelerate this with slime molds—let alone ‘cleanse’ human civilization!"

"Five hundred million years separate us!" Kai S. Gao’s voice surged with excitement. "You’ve no idea how rich Earth’s genetic library is now!"

"I gifted it three genes: fungal reproductive prowess, adaptability, red algae’s photosynthesis, and lichen’s ability to corrode rock or concrete."

"It will become history’s supreme species, feeding on human civilization. I can’t fathom how far it’ll evolve!"

"I chose Eden Archipelago for its iron-rich soil to synthesize photosynthetic pigments, heavy rainfall, and intense sunlight—ideal for rapid growth."

"Its equatorial location ensures trade winds spread spores worldwide."

As he finished, the hall erupted into urgent debate. Xia Lin, losing control, waited for consensus.

She turned to Kai S. Gao. "You’ve unleashed a devil!"

"Then I’m honored to be its apostle." He grinned maniacally, pulling a USB from his jacket and tossing it to her. "All my research is here. I’ve hidden nothing."

The data was copied to the experts’ laptops.

An hour later, as Kai S. Gao grew weary onstage, the experts delivered their verdict. Xia Lin’s face darkened.

"You knew this was irreversible from the start. You’re toying with us?"

"I said it only required a few words." Kai S. Gao laughed wildly. "Welcome to the apocalypse—humanity’s end!"