Chapter 87: The Box That Would Not Open

In fact, as the young researcher had suggested, if Yoya took this box back to the City of Steel, the chances of unlocking its secret would indeed be higher.

Each capital's Extraordinary Bureau specialized in different fields, entirely dependent on the research preferences of its Director General. For example, our own Director General Youzhi was wholly devoted to the study of pre-human history. As for his younger sister Yoya, she had shown a keen interest in awakening artifacts since childhood.

An older researcher, noticing Yoya's lack of response, offered a mix of flattery and encouragement, "With so many of us working together, I refuse to believe we can't solve the mystery of this box—especially now that Director General Yoya is here in the City of Energy.

"Let's comb through the archives again and consolidate every piece of information related to autonomous awakening artifacts.

"I recall there was once an autonomous awakening artifact called the ‘Cube.’ Its recognition criteria weren’t to restore each face's colors, but to arrange the patterns into a specific permutation.

"Is it possible this box with gears is of a similar type?"

Despite his words, his brow never relaxed, remaining tightly furrowed. The odds of discovering an autonomous awakening artifact were extremely slim, and the chance to personally study one was rarer still. When this project first arrived, the entire bureau was abuzz with excitement. Looking back on their earlier bold declarations, and now seeing the anxious expressions on every face, each person felt a burning embarrassment.

After countless attempts and wild flights of imagination, everyone had exhausted their wits, but no matter how many wild ideas they pursued, the lid of the box did not budge.

"Fortunately, Director General Yoya suggested involving the whole city, which gave us new inspiration.

"And we even made quite a bit of money in the process!"

A senior researcher with graying hair patted his own back with official-sounding comfort and praise.

The researchers nodded slightly. Even if some suggestions had been rather distasteful, they had to admit the old researcher's summary was on point. At least none of them had proposed fermenting the box in a cesspit to make it open on its own.

...

As the discussion continued, a gentle knock came at the door. The head that peeked in belonged to a research assistant, ranking slightly higher than Ye Chen, the trainee researcher. Seeing so many prominent figures eyeing him with less than friendly expressions, the assistant timidly asked, "Another challenger has arrived—should we let him try now?"

Yoya, who had remained silent, collected her thoughts, adjusted her glasses, and replied in a dispassionate tone, "Let him come in and give it a try. If not, perhaps he'll offer some useful suggestions."

The assistant quietly agreed, opened the door wider, and guided someone inside.

A young man in a white lab coat entered, his handsome face brightened by a warm, amiable smile. When the researchers noticed the trainee researcher badge pinned to his chest, they were all taken aback.

Who was this? When did the bureau acquire a new trainee researcher? Had he just arrived from another capital?

Except for Yoya, the others all wore expressions of surprise.

"It's you?"

Yoya's voice was magnetic and pleasant, her expression still calm as water, but the slight narrowing at the corners of her eyes betrayed her true feelings. Her sister was just troubled by this project, and now a more intriguing test subject had appeared to spice things up.

Ye Chen suddenly felt a tingling sensation all over. Had he just seen the usually aloof goddess flick her delicate tongue over her upper lip?

...What on earth is she up to?!

Yoya explained to the others, "I issued his trainee researcher card myself."

With just that statement, Ye Chen's identity was settled; no one dared to question it.

Ye Chen tore his gaze from Yoya’s lips and looked at the strange box on the table. He asked, "I saw the mission posted by the Extraordinary Bureau—this is the box you want opened, right?"

Yoya leaned back in her chair, arms folded across her chest and legs elegantly crossed, though her white coat hid what might otherwise have sparked endless imagination. With great interest, she nodded. "Yes, that's the one. Want to give it a try? If you have the ability, you can even split it open!"

...How wild!

But Ye Chen didn't pick up the box right away. Instead, he flashed Yoya a friendly smile and asked, "Don't I have to pay to try? Can I get a discount?"

Yoya waved her hand generously, "Trainee researchers are one of us—just a token fee. One coin will do!"

How considerate!

But the others didn't see it that way... Wasn't this whole pay-to-try idea hers? Why offer this kid such a steep discount? Clearly, the ones you recruit yourself are your favorites.

Given his good looks, who knew if he had some ambiguous connection to the Director General? The researchers, all experts in mental gymnastics, let their imaginations run wild.

Unaware of their internal drama, Ye Chen picked up the box. It was cold to the touch, with a strong metallic feel. The carvings were delicate, the lines graceful and intricate without being chaotic. If one stared long enough, it was hard not to be drawn in by its beauty, as if the patterns themselves were telling a story.

Through the openwork, the visible gears gave the box an aura of industrial technology. The fusion of art and machinery embodied an indescribable harmony. Ye Chen tried twisting the knob—unsurprisingly, nothing happened.

He held the box up to the keyhole—it was pitch black inside, nothing visible.

...Is it just that they haven't found the key?

Perplexed, Ye Chen asked, "Couldn't you just make a new key for it?"

A researcher shook his head. "You're oversimplifying things. This is an autonomous awakening artifact. Shouldn't the matching key also be an awakening artifact?"

Another joined in, "So far, no Extraordinary Bureau across the continent has cracked this technology. If we could artificially create awakening artifacts, how would that be different from the work of the gods?"

Ye Chen gave the researcher a thoughtful nod. He then tried to force the box open with his enhanced strength, but the lid was as immovable as if it had been welded shut—no matter how red his face became with effort, it didn’t budge.

The people in the meeting room watched as if at a play—this was a scene they’d witnessed countless times. Every challenger began the same way. Only after exhausting these basic methods would they move on to more unusual tactics.

"Phew—"

Ye Chen exhaled heavily and looked up at Yoya for confirmation. "You're sure it doesn't matter if I smash it?"

Yoya’s long lashes quivered, her lips curving ever so slightly as she replied coolly, "Go ahead. If you break it, I’ll take responsibility. That is, if you’re actually capable."

Now that's just too much. With a question like that, are you implying I can't do it? For a man, it's not a matter of can or can't—it must be done... Ye Chen argued inwardly.

Meanwhile, Yoya was thinking that all the basic methods had already been tried—slicing with blades, burning, freezing, soaking in corrosive liquids. None of these crude approaches had left so much as a scratch. Even awakened challengers with all kinds of powers had failed just the same.

So, let's see what surprises you might bring me...