**Chapter 4: Conflict and Choice**
The laboratory was filled with a tense atmosphere. Ye Feng and Su Ya stood back to back in a corner of the room, ready to face the upcoming conflict. Thor stood at the door with an unquestionable threat. The mechanical warriors walked heavily, and every step seemed to be ringing the alarm bell in Ye Feng's heart.
"Your resistance is futile." Thor said lightly, his voice as cold as ice, "What can you take away from this research institute? I suggest you stop struggling in vain."
Ye Feng's eyes became more determined. Although he was still full of doubts in his heart, he knew that he had to make a choice and stand on the right side. Even in the face of such a powerful enemy, he still decided to meet all the challenges.
"We don't plan to leave." Ye Feng's voice was full of determination. "These materials are too important to me. If you want to stop us, you have to take them from us first."
"Take them away?" Thor smiled slightly, with a hint of teasing in his eyes, "Do you think that you two can fight against us?"
There was a kind of superior indifference in his tone, as if he regarded Ye Feng and Su Ya as two insignificant ants. However, Ye Feng was not frightened by these words, and his eyes became sharper.
"Why do you stop us?" Su Ya suddenly spoke with a hint of confusion in her voice, "What is the bigger conspiracy behind this?"
Thor's eyes became deep in an instant, as if he recalled some past events that he didn't want to mention. He did not answer immediately, but slowly walked into the laboratory, stood next to an ancient machine, and gently brushed the surface of the machine with his fingertips, as if touching the memory of the past.
"Conspiracy?" Thor repeated in a low voice, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, "The truth you think you know is just the tip of the iceberg. That core is not just a technology, it is the ultimate fusion of humans and machines, and the ultimate challenge to life and death."
He turned around and looked directly at Ye Feng: "Your father's research has revealed a huge secret. The power contained in that core is far beyond your imagination. Its true meaning is not to make humans immortal, but to become a being beyond humans."
Ye Feng's heart suddenly shook: "Beyond humans?"
"Yes," Thor's tone was low and threatening, "The power of the core can reshape the essence of life, give humans endless power, and even transcend the limitations of matter. However, only a few people can withstand this power, and others will be destroyed and become uncontrollable monsters."
Ye Feng was speechless for a moment. This information was too shocking, and his mind was full of questions. What exactly does his father's research want to bring to mankind? He always believed that this technology can help humans get rid of death and prolong life, but he didn't expect that there would be such a huge risk behind it.
"You mean, my father knew the consequences of this experiment?" Ye Feng finally spoke, his voice a little hoarse.
"He knew, and may have even realized that his experiment would cause an uncontrollable disaster." Saul's eyes were cold, "So he decided to hide all the truth and hide the information, trying to prevent anyone from touching the core again."
Ye Feng's heart suddenly rose with anger and confusion. If his father already knew all the dangers, why did he still conduct experiments? If he really wanted to protect mankind, why did he leave this deadly core?
"Why do you want to stop us?" Su Ya asked again, "If you know the truth, why don't you let us uncover the conspiracy behind it?"
"Because," Saul's voice became low, "the truth is far more terrifying than you think. If you continue to investigate, it will inevitably cause an irreversible disaster. I can't let this happen again."
Suddenly, a shrill alarm sounded, the lights of the entire institute began to flash, and the warning system was activated. Ye Feng's heartbeat accelerated, and he knew that he didn't have much time.
"They're coming!" Su Ya whispered nervously, "We have to leave immediately."
"Yes," Ye Feng said hurriedly, "but we can't take these materials away, otherwise we will never have a chance to uncover the truth."
He rushed to the central control console of the laboratory, quickly entered the password, and started the data destruction system. A few seconds later, all the files and data disappeared from the screen in an instant.
"You're crazy!" Thor was furious and rushed towards Ye Feng.
However, Ye Feng was prepared. He quickly started the laboratory's automatic defense system, and the metal door suddenly dropped, temporarily isolating Thor and his mechanical warriors.
"Go!" Ye Feng shouted to Su Ya, pulling her through a hidden side door.
The two quickly ran to the underground parking lot, ready to drive the flying car away. Just as they entered the flying car, Thor and his mechanical warriors had broken through the defense system and chased after them aggressively.
"Start quickly!" Su Ya shouted almost in an imperative tone.
Ye Feng started the aircraft without hesitation, and the vehicle body instantly took off and rushed into the air. The flying car flew over the city, avoiding the lock of the pursuers at a high speed.
However, in the distant sky, Thor's aircraft was chasing them closely and never relaxed.
"We can't keep running like this." Su Ya said anxiously, "You have to find a way to get rid of them."
"I know." Ye Feng replied calmly, "But we still have to figure out what's going on. If we stop, Thor will never let us go easily."
Just then, a strong beam of light suddenly appeared in front of the flying car, and then a huge mechanical warrior fell from the sky, blocking their way.
"They are really chasing closely." Ye Feng frowned, "It seems that we have to find a way to break this deadlock."
**Chapter 5: Chase and Decision**
The flying car rushed forward rapidly, breaking through the upper airspace of the city and heading towards the endless darkness and wilderness. Ye Feng's heartbeat was rapid, and Su Ya stared at the rearview mirror nervously. Thor's pursuit hardly gave them a chance to breathe.
"They are getting closer and closer to us." Su Ya's voice was very low, as if she was afraid of breaking the tense atmosphere at this moment.
"I know." Ye Feng's voice was calm, but it revealed an unshakable determination. Although they were being chased very closely, he always knew in his heart that only by revealing the truth could all this end completely.
"I can't escape anymore." Ye Feng suddenly said, turning to Su Ya, "Take me to that place."
"Where?" Su Ya looked at him, obviously unable to understand what he meant.
"My father once mentioned a place," Ye Feng held the steering wheel tightly, his eyes firm, "That was his last hiding place and the real source of this core. I need to go there, only in this way can we thoroughly understand all this."
Su Ya hesitated for a moment, then she nodded: "I know the place you are talking about. But it is very dangerous there. Are you sure you want to go?"
"Yes," Ye Feng took a deep breath, "Only by going there can we really break all this."
Just then, the alarm of the flying car sounded again. Thor's fighter jets were approaching, and the strong laser beams swept across their aircraft, and the air outside was instantly cut into a charred track.
"They have already launched missiles!" Su Ya hurriedly adjusted the direction of the aircraft, trying to avoid the laser attack.
"Don't worry about it, fly forward!" Ye Feng's voice was determined, "I know there is an abandoned underground base ahead, where we have what we need."
The flying car passed through an abandoned urban area, flew low among the broken buildings, and rushed towards the distant wasteland at a high speed. Suddenly, a huge canyon appeared on the horizon ahead. In the middle of the canyon, there was an entrance covered by rocks, as if hiding a secret underground world.
"It's here!" A light flashed in Ye Feng's eyes, "Quick, take me in!"
Su Ya did not hesitate, and immediately adjusted the direction of the aircraft, descended rapidly, and accurately flew into the entrance of the canyon. After the aircraft entered the underground base, the surrounding vision suddenly became dark, and only the light in front illuminated the huge metal door.
"This is my father's secret base." Ye Feng's voice was a little excited, "The real secret of the core is hidden here, and it may reveal all the mysteries."
The aircraft landed steadily, and the door slowly opened, revealing a bottomless underground laboratory. Ye Feng and Su Ya got off the aircraft and walked into the mysterious base. There was a smell of metal and waste soil all around, and the air was full of corrosion and old smells. In the base, there are still some unfinished research equipment and piles of scattered documents.
"This is all my father left behind." Ye Feng said softly, "Here are all the information about the core."
He walked to a room with filing cabinets and began to carefully look through the scattered documents. Suddenly, he stopped and his fingertips lightly touched a thick document.
"Here!" Ye Feng's eyes flashed, "This should be the last experimental record left by my father. There should be detailed information about the core."
Su Ya walked to his side and whispered: "What are you going to do? These data are too important. Maybe we can find a safe place to analyze them."
Ye Feng was silent for a while, his eyes still fixed on the documents in his hand, and slowly said: "No, these data are not just experimental records about the core. It also contains my father's last words. He wrote at the end, 'The power of the core cannot be controlled, and only a very few people can survive. If someone finds it, disaster will follow.'"
"Disaster?" Su Ya was stunned for a moment, "That means the power of the core is too strong. Once it is activated, the world will not be able to bear it?"
"That's right." Ye Feng's voice became more and more painful, "My father has been trying to stop this disaster, but he failed. And I may be the only one who can stop it all."
"What are you going to do?" Su Ya asked, her eyes full of doubts.
Ye Feng slowly raised his head, his eyes revealing a resoluteness: "I will destroy it, completely destroy this core. Only in this way can we prevent the disaster from coming."
"But if you destroy it," Su Ya's voice was a little uneasy, "you will never know the secret behind it."
"I no longer need to know." Ye Feng's eyes became firm, "Some secrets, the more you know, the more you will lose yourself. My father has paid too much for me, I can't let everything he has done go to waste."
Suddenly, a huge roar broke the tranquility of the base, the ground began to shake violently, and the alarm sounded.
"They found us!" Su Ya's face changed, and she quickly pulled Ye Feng, "We must leave immediately!"
However, the gate of the base had been strongly blocked, and a heavy footsteps came from outside. Ye Feng and Su Ya turned around quickly, ready to find an escape route, but at this time, the door of the central control room of the base slowly opened, and a familiar figure walked out.
"You are finally here." Thor's voice sounded again, followed by a group of mechanical warriors, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.
"You knew I would come." Ye Feng said coldly, his eyes firm, "What do you want? If you continue to stop me, the consequences will be disastrous."
"Consequences?" Thor's eyes flashed with a complex emotion, "You don't understand, this game has no turning back. Your father's secret cannot be stopped, and you, Ye Feng, you will be the final choice."
**Chapter 6: The Ultimate Decision**
The air in the base became heavier and heavier, and the violent vibration of the ground made it almost impossible for Ye Feng to stand. Thor stood at the door, staring at him and Su Ya coldly, and the mechanical warriors followed closely behind, making a buzzing sound. Ye Feng's heart beat faster, and he knew that this moment had finally arrived.
"You know, Ye Feng, you have no choice." Thor's voice was low and powerful, "The last words your father left behind are just the last test designed for you to determine whether you can bear this power."
"You don't understand." Ye Feng's voice was calm, but his heart was turbulent, "I won't let this core destroy everything. It shouldn't exist."
"You are wrong." Thor's eyes became sharper, "Its existence is inevitable for human evolution. Can you understand that transcending human limitations is the ultimate goal? Only in this way can we transcend all constraints, get rid of death, and move towards eternity."
"This is not eternity, but destruction." Ye Feng's eyes flashed with determination. He felt the increasingly strong dangerous atmosphere around him. Thor was not talking without evidence. His words were full of firm belief in the future. However, behind this belief was the distortion and ambition of human nature.
"You can't stop it." Thor said coldly, "Your father has lost his mind, and that's why he hid the core. If you destroy it, you can't really understand the potential behind it."
Su Ya's voice suddenly broke the silence, and she said to Ye Feng anxiously: "We can't waste time here. If we are trapped by them, there will be no chance of escape!"
Ye Feng quickly glanced around, thinking about the next move. Just now he saw the passage to the control room, which was their only entrance to the underground. At this time, the security system of the underground base has been activated, and all entrances and exits have been blocked. The mechanical warriors outside will trap them here at any time.
"We must remove the core's starting device, otherwise it will be completely out of control." Ye Feng said firmly, staring at a small door in the control room, which is the only passage to the central control system.
"Where are you going to escape to?" Thor spoke again, sneering, "Do you think you can escape from me? This is the graveyard I prepared for you."
Ye Feng quickly grabbed Su Ya's hand: "We can't stay here. Follow me!"
They quickly passed through the corridor of the base and rushed to the control room. As the footsteps became more and more rapid, Ye Feng felt a sense of urgency from deep in his heart. Time was running out. Thor had obviously realized their intentions and was sending mechanical warriors to surround them.
"Hurry! The control room is just ahead!" Ye Feng gritted his teeth and tried his best to speed up.
Suddenly, the door of the control room was suddenly cut open by a laser, and a huge beam of light cut through the air, followed by the footsteps of the mechanical warriors. As soon as Ye Feng and Su Ya arrived at the door, they felt a strong pressure approaching.
"No one can stop it." Thor's voice sounded again, followed by the footsteps of the mechanical warriors, "Do you think you can be safe by escaping into the control room?"
Ye Feng looked back and smiled coldly: "You are wrong, this game is far from over."
He pushed open the door of the control room, forced his way in, and then started the base's self-destruction program. He quickly found the location of the core startup device and prepared to dismantle it. At the same time, Su Ya was also operating urgently next to her, using her knowledge in the institute to analyze the data on the console.
"Ye Feng, hurry! We only have two minutes left!" Su Ya's voice was nervous, she stared at the screen of the console, and the screen showed the countdown for the core device to be activated.
"Understood." Ye Feng operated quickly, and his fingers almost touched the main power supply of the core. However, at this moment, the door of the control room was knocked open again by a huge roar, and Thor broke in with the mechanical warriors.
"Do you think you can control all this?" Thor's eyes flashed with madness, "You are just struggling in vain!"
Ye Feng did not look back, he continued to dismantle the control device calmly, his heart full of determination for the future. He was no longer confused about his father's choice, nor was he hesitant about whether he could successfully destroy the core. In front of him, there was only one goal-to end this disaster.
"You can't stop this." Thor's voice was full of disdain, "The power of the core is enough to change everything."
Ye Feng suddenly turned around, his eyes cold: "You are wrong, the core does not belong to anyone. It should be destroyed and completely disappear."
With his low shout, the main power supply of the control room was suddenly disconnected, and a red warning signal began to flash on the display. Ye Feng has successfully cut off the power supply of the core, completely depriving it of the ability to activate.
However, at this moment, Thor's mechanical warriors have gathered around, forming an encirclement that cannot be broken.
"You did it." Thor's voice was full of sarcasm, and he slowly approached Ye Feng, "But you haven't finished it yet."
Ye Feng took a deep breath and looked at the core that once represented the ultimate technology of mankind, without a trace of retreat in his eyes. At this moment, he understood that he had made the most difficult decision-no matter what, this disaster must be stopped.
"You will regret it." Thor warned for the last time, and the mechanical warriors were getting closer and closer.
"I won't." Ye Feng took a deep breath, turned around and pulled Su Ya, ready to break through the encirclement and go to the last exit.
At this moment, the ground shook again, and the self-destruction program of the entire underground base had been activated. The words "countdown" kept flashing on the screen in the control room, and the alarm sounded throughout the base. Ye Feng and Su Ya knew that time was running out and they had to leave as soon as possible.
"Let's go!" Ye Feng shouted in a low voice, pulling Su Ya towards an emergency escape passage.
The hall of the base began to shake violently, and the sound of explosions was heard in the sky, suggesting that the base was about to collapse. Ye Feng and Su Ya passed through a broken corridor and finally found an exit to the surface.
However, when they rushed out of the underground base, they were greeted by a collapsed ruin and a violent explosion. The base eventually disintegrated completely under the effect of the self-destruction program, and Thor and all the mechanical warriors disappeared in the flames of the explosion.
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**Chapter 7: Aftermath of the Collapse**
Ye Feng and Su Ya stood in the ruins, with the collapsed underground base behind them. Although they successfully destroyed the core, they also paid a huge price. The ruins were filled with smoke, and the sky in the distance had become dim, and everything seemed to be immersed in an endless doomsday atmosphere.
"Did we succeed?" Su Ya's voice was a little tired, and her eyes looked into the distance.
Ye Feng did not answer, but just stood there quietly, watching the gradually darkening sky. Although the battle was over, he knew that the real test had just begun.
The future of the world is still unclear, and he must shoulder greater responsibilities.