Later that night, as Hu Yufeng ventured downstairs in search of a drink, the quietness of the mansion enveloped her. The butlers and servants had already returned to their charging stations, and only the vigilant guards remained stationed for the night.
Hu Yufeng couldn't help but ponder the admiral's preference for robotic entities over human employees. Perhaps it was a result of his trust issues, causing him to rely on technology to fulfill the tasks within the residence.
In the interstellar era, Hu Yufeng reasoned that such a mindset was not uncommon. The lights flickered on as the motion sensors detected her presence. As she approached the water outlet, a sudden realization struck her—natural water production in the galaxy was scarce, and water resources had long been contaminated.
In the interstellar era, the pollution and toxicity of water resources can be attributed to several factors resulting from the rapid technological advancements and expansion of civilizations across the galaxy. These factors have contributed to the degradation of water quality, making it scarce and contaminated. One significant factor is radiation, which poses a substantial threat to water sources.
As humans explored and colonized new planets, they encountered varying levels of radiation that differed from those on the Capital Star. The interaction between cosmic radiation and planetary atmospheres or geological structures could lead to the release of radioactive materials into the water systems. Over time, this accumulation of radiation-contaminated water sources became a serious concern.
Additionally, industrial activities in the interstellar era, particularly those involving advanced technology and energy generation, have contributed to water pollution. Manufacturing processes, power generation, and resource extraction often involve the use of chemicals and substances that, if mishandled or disposed of improperly, can contaminate water sources. The widespread presence of heavy metals, toxins, and pollutants poses risks not only to aquatic life but also to human health.
Another factor is the lack of proper waste management systems in many colonies and settlements across different planets. As populations grew and industrial activities expanded, the disposal of waste materials, including hazardous substances, became an issue. Without adequate infrastructure and regulations in place, pollutants and toxins found their way into water bodies, compromising their quality.
Furthermore, the interstellar era witnessed conflicts and wars, which could have resulted in deliberate sabotage or accidental damage to water infrastructure. Acts of warfare, such as the deployment of destructive weaponry or attacks on vital facilities, might have directly contaminated water sources, rendering them unfit for consumption.
To mitigate these challenges, advanced filtration and purification technologies were developed to treat water and make it safe for consumption. However, the scarcity of natural water resources and the extensive contamination posed ongoing challenges that required continuous efforts to maintain water quality and availability for interstellar communities.
Before she could quench her thirst, a distressing sight caught her attention. Her stepson, Feng Tian, lay unconscious on the floor.
"Feng Tian!" Hu Yufeng rushed to his side, desperately attempting to rouse him. "Feng Tian, wake up! Why are you here? What happened?"
She quickly summoned Butler Mu for assistance, panic seizing her heart. To her surprise, she noticed adorable wolf ears and a fluffy tail sprouting from Feng Tian's body. The sight was undeniably charming, but Hu Yufeng knew that it posed a great danger if a person underwent animalization while in an unconscious state.
"Madam..." Butler Mu arrived, his voice tinged with concern.
"Butler Mu, please help me! Feng Tian has collapsed, and his animalization is taking control! We must get him back to his room immediately!"
With the combined efforts of Butler Mu and Butler Jin, they carefully carried Feng Tian to his quarters while urgently contacting the family's doctor. Butler Jin took the initiative to inform the admiral of the situation, ensuring that he was kept informed.
Seeking answers, Hu Yufeng anxiously inquired, "What has happened to him?"
"Madam, it appears that the young master is experiencing a mental breakdown attack," Butler Mu explained. "He may have exerted his mental powers excessively over the past few days, triggering this condition."
Though Hu Yufeng maintained an appearance of composure, she secretly searched for information regarding this mental breakdown disease. It was not uncommon for individuals with a stronger animal mutation in their bloodline, such as the admiral's family, to be susceptible to this condition.
The disease disrupted the delicate balance between humanity and animalization within a person's body. Typically, individuals who reached a mental breakdown percentage of 90% would lose themselves, succumbing to their animal instincts. Some even chose to end their lives rather than endure the suffering and risk harming others.
Hu Yufeng's heart sank as she considered the severity of the situation.
As the family's doctor arrived, Hu Yufeng and the butlers anxiously waited outside Feng Tian's room. They knew that his mental breakdown attack could be dangerous, especially if his animal instincts took control of his actions. The doctor, equipped with advanced medical technology, entered the room to assess Feng Tian's condition.
Inside the room, Feng Tian's body convulsed sporadically, and his once calm expression contorted with pain. Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, but they no longer reflected his usual passive and cold nature. Instead, they gleamed with wild and untamed energy.
Unbeknownst to Feng Tian, the beast within him, fueled by the mental breakdown, began to take control. The room trembled as he unleashed an explosion of strength and power. Furniture was tossed aside, walls cracked, and the once serene environment turned chaotic.
Hu Yufeng's heart sank outside the room as she heard the commotion within. She knew that her stepson was battling against his own inner struggles, torn between his human consciousness and the ferocity of his animalistic instincts. She recalled the information she had recently learned about mental breakdowns and the risks they posed.
The doctor, aided by advanced medical devices, attempted to subdue Feng Tian and stabilize his condition. However, his berserk state's sheer force and fury made it difficult to contain him. The doctor quickly communicated with Hu Yufeng and the butlers, instructing them to evacuate the area for their safety.
As they moved to a safe distance, they watched helplessly as Feng Tian's unleashed power continued to wreak havoc in the room.
Feng Tian suddenly escaped from his room. His sights were set not on Hu Yufeng, but he was leading to his stepmother's room.