Doomsday Wonderland Vol. 13: Sleepwalking in Dreamland

1571: The Way to Become a Posthuman

Wu Yiliu didn't react for a moment, unable to grasp the meaning behind Professor Qiao's expression. In that instant, still a child seeking comfort and guidance from adults, he felt a vague sense of alarm, which quickly dissipated.

In fact, he didn't fully understand the weight of the word "posthuman." But was that important? Since he couldn't bear to stay in this place, all he needed to know was that "posthuman" was a window to escape this world.

Wu Yiliu's attention was entirely focused on the old lady's words. He asked, "Become... become a posthuman? But you and Shoreis—"

Though eager, he hesitated, reluctant to mention that name so casually in front of Professor Qiao. As if Shoreis was just a data reference, an information source, he felt uncomfortable mentioning him so lightly—as though to reach his destination, he had recklessly trampled through a wildflower field in heavy boots.

Professor Qiao didn't mind, nodding and saying, "Yes, we've discussed it. Since this world is still somewhat operating normally, it leads to the fact that it will not produce local posthumans."

Didn't that mean...

Perhaps sensing his thoughts, the old lady gave a bitter smile.

"It seems you've realized it too. Our world is facing a slow, rotting apocalypse. In Shoreis' hometown, the world was overturned overnight, but here, several months have passed, and the end has only just begun. When it deteriorates into an uninhabitable hell on earth, it might take decades."

"I won't last that long," Wu Yiliu said. "Professor, you must have an idea, right?"

Since Professor Qiao said this was the third way, there must be a possibility to realize it.

Before answering, the old lady paused for a few seconds. Her gaze drifted away, and although her face was relaxed, her hands were tightly clasped, as if she were weighing something in her mind. After a moment of silent thought, she finally spoke.

"We may not know when the first posthuman appeared or when it spread globally, but we can at least be sure that this slow apocalypse has been ongoing for several months. This means that there are posthumans who have already been transported to this world."

Wu Yiliu suddenly realized that he might be breathing the same air as those seemingly omnipotent, unimaginable superhumans. If Shoreis, who had never met Professor Qiao, had been transported here again after thirty-six years...

However, Shoreis had also said that there were countless apocalyptic worlds, nearly infinite; the chance of being transported here twice consecutively by random transportation was too low to even consider.

Had Professor Qiao paused earlier because of this possibility? Even such a low chance might be too much for her to bear.

The old lady's voice pulled Wu Yiliu's attention back.

"If you can somehow find posthumans and seek their help, they might have the means to assist you in evolving," she continued calmly. "Back then, Shoreis didn't have this method, and I never asked. Later, the opportunity was lost, so becoming posthuman was never an option for me. But your situation is different; you can try. After all, you understand this world's information... you have value worth trading with the posthumans."

These words were like a meteorite plunging into a lake, causing a towering splash of intense disappointment in Wu Yiliu's heart. He nearly lost control and let the disappointment show on his face.

Is that all?

Wu Yiliu didn't even know what posthumans looked like or where to find them, let alone have to look for them one by one until he found someone willing and capable of helping him. The possibility of success in this approach seemed as fleeting as waiting for the silver ring to regain its efficacy.