Chapter 300: New Dimension
Seventy-two hours passed in a flash.
Maine's squad members, Valerie, and Jackie gathered once again in the teleportation hall of the abandoned town laboratory.
Compared to a few days ago when they had just returned, their faces lacked relaxation, replaced by the solemnity of embarking on an unknown journey and a faint sense of anticipation.
All personal affairs had been handled, and the carefully inspected and packed equipment and supplies were neatly stacked to the side.
Ryo stood before the main console, his dark red mechanical body appearing particularly imposing under the laboratory's cold light.
His crimson optical lenses swept over the readied team members below. Without any superfluous greetings, he directly activated the holographic projection.
The projection displayed a coordinate parameter undergoing fine-tuning, along with some limited and vague environmental speculation data derived from analyzing received signals.
"This is the target dimension of our current exploration," Ryo's synthesized voice rang out steadily. "The coordinates are locked. The stability assessment is 'Moderate.' There are slight energy fluctuations, but they are not expected to affect the teleportation."
He magnified some of the environmental data: "According to the analysis of the received signals, an atmosphere likely exists at the target location, though its composition is unknown; the gravity level is not far from the baseline; there are obvious signs of liquid water, as well as... unnatural energy signatures."
"Unnatural energy signatures?" Valerie acutely grasped the main point.
"Confirmed," Ryo's response carried no guesswork. "The signals are weak and scattered, and the patterns do not resemble known natural phenomena. It could be the residue of some technological equipment, or traces of intelligent activity. Determining its source is one of the core objectives of this exploration."
He switched the projection, displaying the three phases of this operation.
"The mission is divided into three phases. Phase One: Preliminary Reconnaissance and Environmental Assessment. After the teleportation is complete, the primary task is to establish a secure temporary base. Subsequently, deploy drones to conduct terrain scanning, environmental monitoring, and threat detection within a five-kilometer radius. Simultaneously, collect air, soil, and water samples. The goal is to confirm whether the environment is suitable for survival and to identify any direct threats.
"Phase Two: Expand the Reconnaissance Scope. If the environment is safe, dispatch a reconnaissance squad to expand the search area. Focus on finding the source of the unnatural energy signatures and attempt to determine the existence of any intelligent civilization and its level of development. Direct contact with any potential intelligent life without authorization is strictly prohibited.
"Phase Three: Resource Evaluation and Outpost Siting. After confirming the environment is safe and valuable, conduct a preliminary survey of local mineral, biological, energy, and other technological resources. Simultaneously, look for suitable locations to establish a semi-permanent observation post."
Ryo's gaze focused specifically on Maine and Valerie: "Maine, you are responsible for overall command and security decisions. Valerie, you are responsible for intelligence analysis and reconnaissance planning. Jackie, you assist Valerie and focus on evaluating any external items of potential value."
He paused, his tone serious: "The unknown means opportunity, but it also represents equal danger. All decisions must prioritize team safety and mission completion. If you encounter a threat you cannot handle, or if the environmental conditions exceed survival limits, immediately initiate the emergency return protocol. The preset coordinates are the Death World base."
"Understood, Boss (Lord Magos)!" The group responded in unison, their eyes firm.
"Your communication equipment has been adjusted to maintain squad contact in the target dimension and maintain a basic connection with the teleporter. If you get separated or communications are cut, the primary task is to return to the temporary base." Ryo finally confirmed the status of the equipment and personnel. "The Cybernetica Automata squad will remain at the base. For this exploration, you will have to rely on your own strength."
His massive body turned toward the central dimensional teleporter core, which had begun emitting a low hum, its ghostly blue light gradually brightening.
"Conduct final equipment checks. In one hour, initiate the first active dimensional exploration."
The atmosphere in the laboratory instantly became heavy.
The group stopped talking and quickly dispersed, conducting one last careful check of their respective weapons, protective gear, and critical supplies.
Only the low hum of operating equipment and the faint sounds of clashing gear remained in the hall. A silence mixed with tense anticipation and the pressure of the unknown permeated the air.
A brand new journey was about to begin.
The intense sensation of spatial tearing gradually faded, and everyone's senses stabilized once again.
They found themselves in a massive underground cavern.
This space was clearly extraordinary—a soft light flowed across the surface of the surrounding rock walls, as if some kind of energy were pulsating deep within the rock formations.
The air carried a fresh, damp scent, and the sounds of dripping water and faint biological chirps could be vaguely heard in the distance.
The light source inside the cave came from the faint glow emitted by the rock walls themselves, illuminating the fluorescent moss growing on the ground and some peculiarly shaped mineral crystals.
The entire space was full of vitality, exuding a tranquil and bizarre atmosphere.
However, the sudden appearance of this fully armed squad, radiating the aura of steel, instantly shattered the peace here.
"Stay alert!" Maine's low growl rang out immediately.
His modified body sank slightly, and the energy circuit of the Volkite Charger on his left arm quietly activated.
Dorio quickly moved to his flank, her heavy metal boots stepping onto the soft moss.
Rebecca agilely hid behind a crystal cluster, the Plasma Cannon on her back beginning a low-power pre-charge, emitting a faint hum. Valerie and Jackie also found their respective cover, quickly scanning the surrounding environment.
Just as they completed their tactical deployment, five figures suddenly appeared at a spot above the rock wall that looked like an exit.
Among them were three middle-aged people dressed in dark red uniforms—two men and one woman. The uniforms were made of a material resembling high-grade synthetic fibers, neatly tailored, bearing the same insignia on their chests.
The other two were a young man and woman wearing ordinary clothes, looking like technical personnel.
The three wearing red uniforms all tightly gripped handguns that looked like energy weapons. Although their muzzles were not fully raised, they were clearly pointed downwards.
Their faces were written with shock and vigilance, their gazes locked onto this group of suddenly appearing armed personnel.
The middle-aged man leading them took a step forward. He had a resolute face, and the shoulders of his red uniform bore unique patterns, making him look like a leader.
He demanded sharply, his clear English echoing in the cavern: "Who are you? Why are you here?"
His voice was slightly raised due to shock, but the hand gripping the laser pistol was steady and powerful.
Behind him, the other middle-aged man turned slightly sideways, maintaining an aiming posture, while the middle-aged woman vigilantly scanned the movements of every person in Maine's squad.
This sentence clearly reached the ears of everyone in Maine's squad.
Only the faint humming of energy weapons pre-heating and the tense breathing of the crowd could be heard in the cavern, as both sides evaluated the threat level of the other.
(End of Chapter)