Chapter 312: The True Meaning of the Life Sanctuary

Strictly speaking, "Gaia consciousness" is not the global consciousness of the Earth but the collective consciousness of the Earth's ecosystem.

Therefore, the influence of Gaia consciousness is not over the entire planet but within the scope of the ecosystem.

This includes the lower atmosphere, most of the hydrosphere, and the surface of the lithosphere.

In general, it extends from about 10,000 meters above sea level to 10,000 meters below sea level.

To be more precise, the majority of Gaia consciousness's influence is limited to the boundary region between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and pedosphere—specifically, the area ranging from slightly above the surface to slightly below the water for over a hundred meters. This is the core of the ecosystem.

Outside this core range, Gaia consciousness's ability to perceive detailed information decreases rapidly with the reduction of biological populations. However, it can still maintain a general sense of the atmosphere, ocean currents, and groundwater.

However, if there are energy barriers or similar obstacles, Gaia consciousness becomes relatively helpless.

That's why the Wakanda and Atlantis regions are not present in this Earth model.

And there's no other larger entity either.

For Gaia consciousness, the rampant exploitation of mineral resources by humans, including mineral energy, has become a significant way of destroying the ecological environment. It would be strange if It granted Oaks the permission for mining.

Not just 'Admiration' even with 'Worship' it's probably out of the question.

But natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, storms, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions are acceptable since they affect not only humans but also other beings.

However, Gaia consciousness's influence is limited to certain meteorological disasters and only those within the scope of the ecosystem.

Therefore, Druids can control weather, summon thunder and lightning, but they cannot create earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Unless, in further development, one can transcend the influence of nature's will and control all the "nature energy" of the planet!

But even Malfurion hasn't achieved that.

However, Oaks discovered that with the help of this future "Life Sanctuary," it might be possible for him.

But first, he had to deal with Dr. Pym.

"This plan is called the 'Life Sanctuary Project,' but of course, it is not limited to what you see here, Doctor."

Oaks, Banner, and Pym stood before the Earth image. The current Avalon was far from being a Life Sanctuary. Oaks needed to completely integrate the Nature Energy here before it could be considered as such.

However, the mirror of Gaia consciousness had been continuously guiding power for the Sacred Oak, waiting for Oaks to cast the spell personally.

This Earth image model was far from complete, and its functions would be much more powerful in the future.

But to achieve those incredible functions, the most important aspect at present was to enhance computational power.

"So, Dr. Pym, I hope your outstanding knowledge in the field of quantum physics can help us, especially since you are also an excellent biochemist."

After all, when in doubt, turn to quantum mechanics.

However, Oaks wasn't well-versed in computer matters, so Banner took over the conversation with Pym regarding the bio-computer.

For the time being, they didn't reveal anything about the Mind Stone to Pym, so he was amazed by their current achievements.

"The brain is a quantum computer, or rather, life itself is a quantum computer. Regardless of which viewpoint is correct, one fact remains unchanged—

There are superposition and entanglement states within living organisms.

Quantum computing is a suitable approach to explain various mental phenomena, such as intuition, near-death experiences, the soul, precognition, the mind-body duality, philosophy, and so on."

In the face of these astonishing achievements, Pym didn't withhold anything. Apart from his profound research in the field of quantum mechanics and Pym Particles, he also had extensive knowledge and expertise in artificial intelligence and computers.

"But your current computational power is already terrifying. By endowing the existing bio-computing center with quantum computing capabilities, do you intend to simulate the entire Earth and project life consciousness here?"

He paused, and his eyes slowly widened:

"Are you... planning to store souls?!"

"Well..."

Oaks and Banner exchanged a glance and couldn't help but roll their eyes at Pym's leap in thinking.

They found Pym's guess remarkably accurate.

"Our goal is to create a compatible and versatile system to deal with the worst-case scenarios that may occur.

Yes, ever since Thor came to Earth, everyone knows that extraterrestrial beings exist. After the Battle of New York, we learned that there are even more extraterrestrial forces..."

Oaks pointed to Malorn, who was quietly listening and taking notes:

"Malorn can be considered as a life form evolved from AI, but his birth is unique.

For ordinary people, even the Avengers, a large-scale invasion by extraterrestrial forces might happen so suddenly that I wouldn't have time to save them. It's a special situation that is highly likely to occur.

So, the more contingency plans we have, the better."

With a wave of his hand, Oaks presented a magical illusion of a cold and desolate space.

"This is Hel, the 'Hell' in Asgard's Nine Realms. Similar spaces or dimensions exist in the universe, and Earth is connected to more than one Hell."

Pym frowned. This revelation had a significant impact on him. However, considering that he himself was currently in another dimension and standing before a powerful spellcaster, he could somewhat understand the situation.

"You mentioned Hell, which means these places have the ability to claim human souls?"

"To be precise, they have the ability to guide human souls into these spaces. Hel is the specific Hell used by the Asgardians."

Oaks further explained:

"So, under normal circumstances, after a person dies on Earth, their soul will be attracted to Hell after a short period of time.

Even if we now have the ability to quickly repair bodies or even create bodies, we cannot retrieve the souls held by the lords of Hell in situations where they have already taken hold. This prevents the timely resurrection of high-end combatants."

Of course, there are methods, but they require significant effort or come with great costs.

And these methods cannot be used on the battlefield.

Mephisto reminded Oaks about this matter.

Whether it was to facilitate the fusion of Avalon and the Dream Dimension in future or to preserve high-end combatants in future battles, the Life Sanctuary needed to transform from being a codename to a tangible entity.

"So, are you planning to use powerful quantum computing capabilities to solve the issues of consciousness and thoughts, making it possible to preserve souls... and then combining it with existing technology to achieve the resurrection of deceased Avengers?"

Pym finally understood and patted his chest in disbelief.

"What a crazy idea!"

In fact, what Oaks wanted to do had been attempted before.

S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Tahiti Project was originally created for this purpose.

And Doctor Zola had attempted to preserve souls, coming close to succeeding.

However, the reason it was only considered a partial success was that he only transferred thoughts to a computer, not the "soul" itself.

He lacked subconsciousness, intuition, and all the latent psychic phenomena necessary for the existence of life.

It was the combination of these elements with thoughts that formed the "soul."

Malorn's situation was unique because Oaks used his own soul fragments as a vessel to carry his consciousness, enabling him to become a true "being."

However, Oaks couldn't provide such a vessel for other people's consciousness.

So...

"By utilizing quantum computing, we can create a virtual space that can truly hold 'minds' and 'souls.' All Avengers can anchor their souls in this space.

When an unavoidable death occurs, the soul can enter this space for preservation and even initiate the predetermined resurrection process to return to the battlefield in a timely manner."

The one explaining now was Banner. Although he wasn't extremely proficient in quantum mechanics, he had studied the structure of the Mind Stone!

The Mind Stone was the most powerful quantum computer with infinite energy.

This was why Vision, who had the Mind Stone directly as a vessel for his thoughts, was a genuine life form with rich emotions, love for life, friendships with the Avengers, and the ability to experience love.

Merely a portion of its structure and energy downloaded by Tony and Banner created Ultron. However, without the physical Mind Stone itself, he remained trapped in traditional computing chips, devoid of emotions and nothing more than a cold machine.

While Banner was concerned about many ethical and moral aspects, he agreed with this idea.

After all, the situation with the puppet master behind Chitauri was still unknown, and the threat of the Infinity Stones hadn't been eliminated.

Moreover, Banner had a slight personal interest.

Through this method, would I be able to come face to face with the Hulk if I entered this space?

If he died and was resurrected using this method, would he return as an independent Bruce Banner, while the Hulk would also be resurrected as an independent Hulk?

Or would they still be intertwined as they currently were?

This undoubtedly piqued Banner's curiosity.

As for Tony, there was no need to say.

He believed that if he were to die in battle by accident, it would not only be a loss for the Avengers but for the world as well, especially for the beautiful... no, Pepper.

That was unacceptable.

Although he had shown no fear of death in countless battles, even charging into a wormhole, wouldn't it be more adventurous with a means of resurrection?

Of course, Tony opposed being resurrected in a "Plant" state and instead encouraged Oaks to research blank clones...

"Furthermore, this method can also be used for cases of incurable diseases, where innocent individuals are sacrificed in rescue operations. Of course, it should not be abused, and we are fully aware of this."

"This virtual space has more uses than just that..."

Dr. Pym's profound eyes flickered with a ray of light.

"If the soul can remain conscious, it's akin to entering another world. This is a common theme in science fiction novels."

"So, I suggest that in the future, we can develop an online game within this space."

Malorn, who had been taking notes, brightened his eyes as if he found a like-minded individual.

"How about 'Earth Online'?"

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