Chapter 968 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 968: Unexpected Visitors On the outskirts of Avent City, a sleek research vessel was perched atop a logistics building's rooftop. The elevated location offered a wide view, ideal for observing the "Tower of the World" several kilometers away—a prime spot for spectators. As connoisseurs of witnessing events unfold, the academy's surveyors immediately recognized this vantage point as an ideal observation post and swiftly occupied it after advancing into the core city from the battlefield. At the moment, a surveyor clad in an exoskeleton stood behind a tripod-mounted sampler beside the research vessel. The sampler's multifunctional camera was focused on the "Tower of the World," linked to the nearby research vessel via a thick data cable. Surrounding the busy surveyor were five others, all in exoskeletons and armed, standing guard. After all, this was a war zone. Even with the war nearing its end, unexpected occurrences could not be ruled out. They had to remain vigilant against potential threats. Fortunately, there were no disturbances during their data collection. The Southern Legion's Tir, alongside the "anomalous life form" that suddenly appeared on the "Tower of the World," had been dealt with by the alliance. With the broadcast announcing victory, their data sampling was in its final stage. As the work neared completion, one surveyor relaxed his grip on his assault rifle, took out binoculars, and glanced towards the "Tower of the World." Observing the lifeless dark red wreckage, he couldn't help but click his tongue and mutter under his breath. "Truly grotesque..." He wasn't the only one with such thoughts. Nearby surveyors exchanged whispered comments on the communication channel, their expressions complex. "Is that 'Gaia'?" "Yeah... probably." "Tsk tsk..." "How did the Southern Legion create it? When did they acquire such advanced technology?" "Who knows... But I suspect they have no idea what technologies they possess." "Like the Death Agent?" "Are you talking about that virus? Haha, rather than rely on something so childish... they'd be better off widening their artillery caliber to 1000 millimeters." "Not exactly childish; it did have some merit, as well as this 'Gaia'... maybe we've underestimated these maniacs." Most life forms in nature operate within natural laws, like atomic particles, but "Gaia" was different—its existence was the natural law itself. Unlike the academic theory of a "perfect organism" proposed during the Prosperity Epoch, "Gaia" was considered an "amorphous life form" by the scholarly community. Or more precisely, a "consciousness-defined life form." For example, the indescribable, aggressively tentacled creature was essentially a materialized version of Tir's mental world, rendered as a carbon-based organism through similar technical principles. Unbelievable as it may sound, such phenomena occurred on the Gaia planet, which itself was a materialization of "Its" mental world. The alliance's research institute had theorized about the origins of Gaia civilization from a sociological standpoint, though these theories seldom rose above speculation. Meanwhile, the academy's research aimed more at the technical aspects, classifying similar instances as "Gaia-like life forms." What appeared atop the "Tower of the World" building was a kind of Gaia-like life form—albeit one whose power was so negligible that it couldn't even devour a settlement before getting squashed by the alliance. Nonetheless, its emergence caught the academy's high-ranking officials’ attention. This field remains cutting-edge even within the academy, so its appearance in the wasteland was perplexing... Listening to his teammates chat, Song Changfeng, who stood behind the tripod, said nothing. He focused intently on his tablet, reporting the frontline situation to superiors in the rear. This was the "Beacon" team of the academy in operation, and he was its captain. Unlike the "Alpha" Tactical Response Team, the "Beacon" team was composed entirely of academy-affiliated surveyors or cyborgs, tasked primarily with investigation rather than combat or defense. Incidentally, the former team captain was Zheng Hao, and Song had only been the vice captain. However, Zheng had since been promoted and reassigned to the Division of Investigation, working in the Containment Plan Unit. As the surveyors put it, he had "come ashore," securing a stable and promising future. Compared with other risk-heavy assignments, the "Beacon" team offered tremendous potential. Not only did it allow them to make a name in front of senior researchers, but they could also accumulate research experience and access critical information otherwise out of reach. In the academy, safe access to information equated to safety itself—as long as it was obtained through authorized channels. Whenever Song Changfeng thought about turning thirty soon, he felt a sense of urgency. He had no interest in Gaia or related matters; all he knew was that he needed to transition from a surveyor to a researcher before turning thirty. There was an unwritten rule at the academy—or rather, a pattern. If someone remained a surveyor beyond thirty, their career was effectively capped. This had been the case for the past century and a half, with most researchers demonstrating extraordinary talent at a young age. Take Jiang Xuezhou, for instance, who was an E-level researcher in their teens. Song wasn't envious of prodigies or aspiring to lofty positions; he simply wanted to "come ashore" like his former captain Zheng Hao. If he could transition to a researcher before thirty, he might stand a fighting chance for advancement. Even becoming an E-level researcher would mean a significant status boost compared to being a surveyor... "Suspected Gaia life form neutralized by alliance forces..." "Yes, external life activity in the building has essentially ceased... We cannot yet determine their methods, but observed parameters have been overwritten with new data..." "Good... we'll wrap up here and return immediately." After ending the communication, Song Changfeng exhaled deeply and gestured to his teammates. "Data collection complete, we're done here." Though he couldn't fathom the higher-ups' thoughts, their tone over the comms seemed content with their work. Could a promotion be on the horizon? "Roger that!" Hearing the captain's announcement, the team relaxed, responding as they moved toward the research vessel's open hatch. Compared to past assignments, this one felt like a lucrative break. Riding in the boss's research vessel to watch a war epic unfold, snapping a few photos and charts before heading home, opportunities like this were few and far between. However, as everyone relished the thought, a ripple suddenly disturbed the tranquil air. "Buzz—" The incident unfolded too swiftly, leaving no time to react. An exoskeleton-clad surveyor was hurled as if struck by a train, scattering fragments of bulletproof panels like confetti as their body plummeted off the rooftop. Spotting the electromagnetic signal on the radar, Song Changfeng, stationed at the hatch, felt alarm racing through him as he shouted out. "Sniper! Electromagnetic rifle! Three o'clock!" He needn't have warned them; everyone reacted reflexively, taking cover on the vessel's opposite side before another kinetic round landed. Without hesitation, Song Changfeng activated the research vessel's deflection shield remotely. Almost simultaneously, the second kinetic shot struck ten meters away, exposing rebar as it ripped through the concrete rooftop! Luckily, the bullet had been misdirected by the deflection shield. A direct hit could have resulted in catastrophic injury! Eyeing the gaping wound left behind, Song Changfeng's heart pounded furiously within the hatch. Who could it be?! No—it wasn't the time to ponder. Seeing his team pinned outside the research vessel, he shouted at the top of his lungs. "Get aboard now!" With the deflection shield engaged, the four surveyors hurriedly jumped into the open hatch. Three more resounding gunshots echoed from afar, but aside from dislodging some concrete debris, they posed no threat. Once all team members were back inside, Song Changfeng promptly sealed the hatch. The hatch shut with a heavy thud! Seeing the securely closed hatch and the power shield operating smoothly, Song Changfeng finally felt his racing heart begin to calm. They were safe... As the anti-gravity mechanisms activated, the plasma engines roared to life and, with the deflective shield bracing it, the research vessel ascended into the sky. Everyone slumped to the ground, pulling off their helmet visors, faces still pale with the remnants of shock. "Shit..." "What the hell just happened?!" "Xiao Wang, he..." "Damn it!" Remembering the unfortunate young man, Song Changfeng felt a pang of grief. Though their time together was brief, Xiao Wang left a favorable impression, and it pained him that his end came so abruptly and carelessly. But now wasn’t the time to mourn; as captain, he still had critical responsibilities to handle. With a tap on his neck, Song Changfeng connected to the research vessel's communication module, reporting in a serious tone. "...This is Beacon team... We've been ambushed." "We can't determine how they discovered us. But they seemed... as if they knew exactly where we were." The communication channel buzzed with static, eerily silent as if malfunctioning. Song Changfeng hesitated, double-checking the connection was solid, with no anomalies. What was happening? Just as bewilderment filled him, an icy sensation pierced through his back, thrusting through his chest. He watched in shock as a dagger emerged from his chest, his four familiar teammates' faces shifting from bewilderment to panic. "Cough—" Song Changfeng tried to speak, but only coughed up blood; his vision dimmed and blacked out, then he fell onto the blood-stained alloy floor. A stranger clad in an exoskeleton stood at the center of the cabin, face obscured by a dark silver helmet and black visor, blood dripping from a dagger in hand onto the floor. As for his four teammates, they lay motionless on the blood-soaked surface like him. Song Changfeng didn’t know how this intruder annihilated them so swiftly, but he realized what the electromagnetic signal on the radar truly signified. The sniper hadn’t been targeting them, but covering for allies boarding the vessel... "You... what the hell are you..." Song Changfeng struggled to reach for the intruder's leg. Seeming to hear him, the figure turned to face him. Without a hint of warning, the bloody dagger and pointed toe vanished from his view. In that split-second realization, a faint sound whizzed past the back of his head. "Thud—" There was no pain. Song Changfeng's sight seemed to roll forward before his consciousness plunged into an abyss... Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away in the Wandering Marsh, within the containment plan unit of the Investigation Division. Inside a 200-square-meter command room, numerous eyes were intently fixed on the holographic screen where six signals had vanished into silence. The man standing beneath the holographic display held a stern, inscrutable expression, betraying no hint of his thoughts. Just then, a B-level researcher cautiously approached his side and quietly reported. "No signal..." The man's expression darkened further. Losing a research vessel was a massive issue, especially under such mysterious circumstances. The Chief Technical Officer would undoubtedly investigate the matter. Even as the division director, this wouldn’t simply pass without scrutiny. After a prolonged silence, he sighed resignedly, closing his eyes. "...Seems we have no choice but to rely on our allies." The alliance was adept at dismantling things. Research vessels weren't just terrain exploration cars; these were capable vehicles that could propel to the moon with ease. Unless absolutely necessary, he wished to avoid seeking help from those so-called "Blue Gophers..." ... Human emotions often do not intersect. The entire alliance was still basking in the joy of war victory, oblivious to the troubles looming over their allies. At the refugee center's entrance. Debt-laden Big Eye was gleefully handing out candy to little girls, his bag hanging over his shoulder. Originally, he came with two bags. However, on the way here, some troublemakers robbed him, leaving him with just one bag. Watching those little girls blissfully munch on chocolate, his heart brimmed with indescribable satisfaction, as if he were the melting chocolate itself. This beats feeding pigeons in Fryland any day! "Ew—this guy must be some kind of creep, huh?" The face of the "Hunger Force" showed a complex expression. Standing nearby, "Bows to Hunger Force" tugged at her hand. "Don’t mind him, that's just Big Eye." "Oh, it's Big Eye..." "Hunger Force" nodded understandingly, her expression saying "nothing to worry about," but quickly turned suspiciously to her partner, "Wait, why do you sound like you know him well? Do you hang out often?" "Bows to Hunger Force" broke into cold sweat, hurriedly clarifying while waving his hands. "I-I... You don’t have to know him well; anyone on the forums knows him, right?" Despite his partner's doubtful glance, he placed his hands on her shoulders, nudging her away. "Let’s hurry and finish the task at hand, just ignore this guy. Though lacking principles, he does have limits." And indeed, that was true. Though numerous suspicious eyes tracked him, Big Eye refrained from further suspicious actions, so most left him be. Unconcerned with others’ opinions, Big Eye continued on. Let these troublemakers talk; his reputation was already beyond repair, and debts too numerous to count. Compared to the scheming players, he preferred the company of NPCs. "Eat up, don’t be shy. Uncle Big Eye has plenty more." Watching the hopeful faces before him, Big Eye nearly wished to transform his silver coins into chocolate, showering it upon them. A petite girl looked up at him, eyes sparkling like little stars. "Uncle Big Eye...are you Santa Claus?" She didn’t know what the term meant, only overhearing other shelter residents use it. Big Eye chuckled, ready to dismiss those "Blue Gopher" tall tales, insisting he always entered through the front door, never the chimney. But just then, a jovial voice interjected. "Santa Claus? No, no, where we come from, he's known as a 'Simper'." The little girl paused, tilting her head and softly repeated. "Simper?" Seeing her imitate so accurately, "Construction Boy with Brick" beamed and rewarded her with a lollipop. "That's right, just like that!" Not giving Big Eye a chance to react, the little girl gleefully faced him, mimicking the recently learned "shelter slang." "Uncle Big Eye is a Simper!" The radiant expression teamed with the piercing term seemed to deliver a critical hit, striking a vulnerable chord in Big Eye's heart. Ouch! It stung—so much! "Hahahaha, yikes!" "Construction Boy with Brick" laughed obnoxiously, while Big Eye, embarrassed and frustrated, kicked at him. "Bite me!" Seeing he was serious, "Construction Boy with Brick" scurried away hastily. "Whoa! Big Eye, I'm sorry! I apologize! I'll kowtow if I have to!" "Get lost!!" Leaving the chocolate behind, Big Eye chased after his tormenter, eager to "turn him into fragments." The pair sprinted around the camp in circles, never slowing down; clearly, intelligence types lacked stamina. Watching the antics, the campsite laughed incessantly, while a woman called out. "Quit fighting, both of you!" Observing from the camp entrance, Laplace couldn't help but smile. It had been a while since such light-hearted days. For a moment, he felt transported back to the long-ago times at Dawnbreak City. At this moment, the Death Legion's commander, Edge Surfer, approached from outside, finally apprehending those two "troublesome bundles." "There's a mission," Edge Surfer announced, addressing the group. "HQ reports a death in the north—a researcher... or maybe a surveyor. Anyway, someone from the academy, same difference." Construction Boy with Brick raised his head, bewildered. "The academy's here? They have people around?" The Portable Washing Machine looked equally puzzled, scratching his head. "Didn't see them during the fight. How come they're showing up now it's over?" Edge Surfer chuckled softly. "Those folks are never idle. In any case, someone making moves on our turf is a potential threat. Who's with me to check it out?" Construction Boy and Big Eye simultaneously raised their hands. Edge Surfer snapped his fingers with approval. "Alright, grab your gear and follow me." *To be continued...*