bookpub Chapter 160 Departure
Chapter 160 Departure
Chapter 160 Departure
After the joint exploration agreement was signed, the atmosphere inside the Shadow Raven Tower was noticeably different.
Research on the fragments of the Scorching Hell and the relics of the Silent Eye has been elevated to an unprecedented level.
Resources began to be allocated, and wizards in related fields were mobilized.
Rowling's life became even busier.
He still spends a lot of time in the research lab every day, trying to establish a more stable connection with the [Civilization Stele].
Progress remained slow and erratic, but a few successful sketches allowed him to collect some clearer fragments of the fundamental energy geometry and logical symbols.
He carefully recorded these fragments and input them into the echo unit for in-depth analysis and simulation.
While it was far from being an interpretation, these fragments, like scattered puzzle pieces, began to sketch out a vague outline of a completely unfamiliar knowledge system in his mind.
In addition to studying the stone tablet, he also needs to prepare for the upcoming joint expedition.
This exploration is larger in scale, has a clearer objective, and inevitably carries higher risks.
He must ensure that his condition and equipment are at their best.
I'm already familiar with the Insight Ring; its features are well-developed.
He obtained a batch of new materials from his war merits and project funding, and combined them with inspiration from researcher Murphy to create several small, quickly deployable order anchors.
A one-time use runestone that can briefly stabilize a small-scale chaotic energy environment.
Inspired by research on purple plague stone, the formula for the energy stabilizing powder was improved, making it work faster and lasting slightly longer.
The nurturing effect of the star core embers continued to manifest, and although the growth of mental power was slow, it was progressing steadily, getting closer and closer to the peak of the first ring.
He spent more time refining the [Starflow Aquatic Field], trying to make it not only adaptable to extreme environments, but also able to produce a slight sorting and guiding effect on the surrounding chaotic energy at specific frequencies, which might have unexpected effects in an environment like the Ash Plains.
Researcher Duden practically lived in the piles of data and the laboratory. He led the formation of a temporary Ancient Observer Symbol Deciphering Team, which brought together several wizards skilled in runes, linguistics, and psychic coding, in an attempt to find a more systematic interpretation method from the massive amount of data and fragments of information from the civilization stone tablets brought back by Rowling.
Although progress has been slow, a preliminary table of correspondences between suspected observer base energy units and common logical connectors has been compiled, which is helpful in understanding some of the information on the Relics console.
Ella and Gorson, on the other hand, devoted more time to tactical integration and combat training.
Ella began practicing how to concentrate the power of fire spells and tried to combine them with Rolin's Order energy in simple ways, such as wrapping Order energy marks in flames for rapid deployment.
Gorson adapted to heavy weaponry combat techniques in the scorching hell environment and became familiar with some common tactical combinations used by the Imperial Forge Guards.
A month flew by in the midst of intense preparations.
The day before their departure, the joint exploration team assembled at the large teleportation plaza at the headquarters of Santa.
In addition to the core members of the Shadowraven Tower, including Master Veranika, Duden, Rolin, Ella, and Gorson, there are eight other experienced first-ring wizards, each specializing in protection, healing, reconnaissance, trap breaking, and energy engineering.
There were twelve people in total.
The Imperial forces were larger.
Commander Hector personally led twenty of the most elite furnace guards, ten fire priests, and four fire cleansers dispatched by the royal court, who were said to be proficient in ancient rituals and the handling of dangerous materials.
There were a total of 35 people.
The combined force of nearly fifty people from both sides arrived in batches at a large forward base newly built on the outskirts of the Forge, amidst the teleportation light.
A large amount of supplies have been stockpiled here, and preliminary defensive fortifications and energy shielding arrays have been established.
In the command tent at the center of the base, the projections of Commander Hector and Master Veranika presided over the first joint operations meeting.
"According to the agreement, there are three main objectives for this joint exploration."
Hector pointed to the huge sand table, on which three clear coordinate points were already marked.
"First, the main entrance to Hub 2, located in the D-7 area of Ash Plains."
"Second, the coordinates of the star map archive located about three kilometers to its northeast."
"Third, a suspected area located about five kilometers to the southwest, related to the records of the missing maintenance unit."
"Given the complexity of the environment and the time constraints, we recommend splitting the force into two groups."
"Team A, personally led by me, consists of fifteen Forge Guardians, eight Flame Priests, two Flame Cleansers, and the Shadow Raven researchers Duden, Rolin, Ella, and four members specializing in defense and engineering."
"Objective: To attempt to open the main entrance to Hub 2 and conduct a preliminary internal security assessment and environmental scan."
"Team B, led by my officer Renekton, includes the remaining five Forge Guards, two Flame Priests, two Flame Cleansers, and the Shadow Raven wizard Gorson and four members skilled in reconnaissance and rapid response."
"Objective: To simultaneously conduct rapid reconnaissance and marking of the coordinates of the Star Map Archive and the suspected areas of the lost maintenance unit, and to assess their accessibility and potential risks."
"The two teams maintain encrypted communication via crystals, reporting their situation every hour, and immediately retreating to the designated rendezvous point if they encounter any danger that they cannot handle."
Dividing forces is reasonable and can maximize the use of time and manpower.
Master Veronica's projection nodded: "I agree to the division of forces plan."
"Team A's main task is to explore and establish a safe forward base, while Team B's main task is reconnaissance and risk mitigation."
"Remember, safety first, data second."
"Wizard Rowling, you're on Team A. Make full use of your sensory abilities to help Duden crack the entrance."
"Understood," Rowling replied.
"Gorson, the safety of Team B is in your hands," Ella said to Gorson.
Gorsen nodded in a deep voice: "Don't worry."
After the meeting, the team conducted a final equipment check and distributed supplies.
Everyone received a specially made protective amulet that combined the technologies of both sides, providing stronger protection in emergencies and featuring a simple location tracking function.
The next morning, the two teams lined up outside the forward base.
The scorching winds of the wasteland whipped up ashes, slapping them against everyone's protective suits.
"Let's go!" Commander Hector gave the order.
Team A and Team B headed in different directions, disappearing into the eternal dark red and desolate gray plains.
Rowling walked in the middle of Team A, closely following researcher Duden.
The team was spearheaded by the Furnace Guardians, with the Flame Priests carrying an improved Flame Beacon in the center. The beacon emitted a stable red aura with a wider range, making it more effective at suppressing chaotic energy.
The Shadow Raven wizards were scattered throughout the ranks, each with their own duties.