Volume 4, Chapter 29:

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Entropy Reduction or Coexistence

Strictly speaking, the information Xia Chen brought lacked concrete details; it consisted mainly of broad concepts. However, for the current Schicksal, its significance was profound.

It signaled that Schicksal needed to decisively choose its future path.

Schicksal under Otto and Schicksal without him were fundamentally different notions.

This distinction wasn't about combat capability but rather their role as leaders.

Otto had a clear vision for the future, undoubtedly influenced by his dealings with 'God.' This clarity guided each step firmly forward. In contrast, Durandal's leadership resembled Schicksal before Otto's pact with God, lacking a defined direction despite shared convictions.

Both she and Otto at that time held unwavering beliefs but lacked a clear direction to achieve their goals.

The direction is precisely what Xia Chen's arrival signifies now.

Project Stigma does not guarantee perfection, as Honkai remains undefeated. Theoretically, it represents a desperate measure under overwhelming circumstances.

However, Schicksal can follow Project Stigma's path to explore more unknown possibilities.

Currently, based on theoretical understanding, there is only one viable method for humans to defeat Honkai: completely decompose or seal Honkai Energy before the emergence of the Final Herrscher.

This aligns with Anti-Entropy's 'Entropy Reduction' theory, which posits that Honkai is directly related to entropy produced by civilization. Entropy continuously increases, and higher levels of chaos correlate with increased concentration of Honkai occurrences.

Xia Chen strongly suspects that the sealing of Honkai mentioned in Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios refers to the plan proposed by two scientists from Anti-Entropy.

This proposal isn't impractical, considering the previous era had already sealed Honkai Energy on the moon. With such a precedent, achieving this doesn't seem insurmountable.

Naturally, World Serpent would not support the concept of Entropy Reduction. Su has observed countless worlds, and the ultimate outcome of reducing entropy invariably leads to destruction.

However, World Serpent's Project Stigma essentially proposed a 'coexistence' with Honkai. If this generation cannot defeat Honkai, they should attempt to coexist and search for ways to eliminate it over infinite time.

On paper, Schicksal undoubtedly held the strongest influence currently, but with Otto's departure, there was no clear strategy within the organization to combat Honkai.

Both the Coexistence and Entropy Reduction Theories could be explored.

Without question, Xia Chen leaned towards the Coexistence Theory. In his previous life's storyline, the Entropy Reduction approach visibly failed.

Although the Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios plotline remained unfinished, Joyce's display of the First Herrscher's abilities indicated that Honkai had not been completely eradicated from Earth; instead, it continued to resurface.

Entropy reduction merely addressed the symptoms, not the root cause. Moreover, considering Schicksal had transformed into a charitable organization, did they even retain the capability for a second round of entropy reduction?

It's akin to a student who can postpone regular exams by requesting leave, but cannot delay college entrance exams without valid reasons. Their only options would be to skip the exam entirely, spend time retaking courses, or apply for studying abroad as a workaround.

However, the Coexistence Theory presents a visible issue: abandoning the majority of humanity.

Unless Project Stigma achieves perfection, ensuring that both men and women possess the Holy Mark Gene, making it an integral part of humanity, there would still be concerns about human extinction.

At that point, Honkai would no longer be a terminal illness for civilization but could instead become a highly efficient interstellar energy source.

The civilization from which the Celestial Beings originated likely coexisted with Honkai. Although their society ultimately met its demise, forcing them to flee like defeated strays, it's evident that they had survived alongside Honkai for some time. Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone to such lengths to search for and harvest Honkai Energy.

Those beings traversed countless worlds and galaxies, using Honkai as fuel for their interstellar travels. It's clear that the civilization of the Celestial Beings far surpassed Earth's technology.

While Xia Chen leans towards the Coexistence Theory internally, he does not believe ordinary individuals are without value. Naturally, he would never advocate abandoning them.

He once naively fantasized about pursuing both paths simultaneously—Entropy Reduction and Coexistence—together.

One approach could be to seal Honkai first, then devote all resources to completing Project Stigma, and finally release the sealed Honkai Energy afterward. However, this idea seemed impractical due to the astronomical amount of energy and resources it would require.

Investing such vast resources into a plan with uncertain success... Even if Durandal agreed, gaining public support would be another challenge altogether.

Xia Chen suppressed his thoughts and continued listening to Durandal's narrative.

"Collaboration with World Serpent can proceed, but as you mentioned, considering the outcome, Project Stigma has already failed. Schicksal won't invest all its resources solely into World Serpent. In contrast, Anti-Entropy recently proposed the Moonlight Throne project through Amber."

"The plan involves using data from Coral Island's Honkai event to control the scale of human cities, reducing the likelihood of a Major Honkai Eruption. This would buy enough time to decompose the world's Honkai Energy into light and heat, subsequently expelling it beyond Earth."

Durandal paused momentarily. "Is this feasible?"

"Theoretically, yes." Xia Chen recognized this as the Entropy Reduction Theory, which was highly likely to be a crucial concept for humanity's victory over the Major Honkai Eruption.

The Entropy Reduction Theory's allure lay in its promise of control: sealing away Honkai, eliminating sacrifices, and restoring the world to balance.

Schicksal's declining status had nothing to do with this theory; all potential outcomes seemed remarkably positive.

It was akin to escaping an exam temporarily, forgetting the associated worries for a moment.

Facing the nearly flawless Entropy Reduction Theory, Xia Chen could not find any flaws, let alone support Project Stigma, which remained too rudimentary. Even if his heart leaned towards it, he couldn't justify backing such an unrefined plan.

"However, I believe specialized matters should be handled by experts." Xia Chen paused before continuing, "This is not merely a political debate but a scientific one. I think Researcher Nagamitsu's insights are crucial."

"That makes sense."

Durandal belatedly realized the gravity of this meeting. If she openly supported Anti-Entropy here, Schicksal's resources would shift accordingly, leading to unpredictable consequences.

Such matters must never be treated as mere politics.

"I've said my part. The Stigmata Plan has significant implications for Stigmata bearers, and further investigation will require your own efforts."

Xia Chen paused briefly before saying, "Additionally, I have a personal request."

"What is it?" Durandal seemed surprised.

"The Divine Key Jizo Mitama, I need it now."

He hadn't forgotten his second objective.