As night deepened at the base, the lights remained bright and unwavering. An emergency meeting was underway, the atmosphere in the conference room tense, filled with an invisible pressure.
Lin Xi handed over the intelligence gathered during the mission along with fragments of Crystal to the Technical Team for analysis. He then entered the meeting room with Chen Rui and Zhou Zheng. A massive electronic screen displayed a topographic map of the Area, highlighting several locations marked with red warnings.
"Good job on destroying the Crystal," a senior commander said in a low voice, his sharp gaze sweeping across everyone. "However, according to our reconnaissance data, this was merely the outer defense line set up by the enemy. The Core Area of the Abyss Project may still be hidden deeper underground."
The black-robed man we encountered is a variable, Lin Xi said as he stepped closer to the screen, pointing at the Area near the Crystal. He claimed to be a messenger of the Abyss and seemed capable of manipulating the power of the Crystal. His appearance not only delayed our actions during its destruction but also exposed us to more unknown threats.
"A messenger of the Abyss?" one of the strategists frowned. "He could be a key player in their plans, perhaps even central to the entire operation. Do we have any more details about him?"
"None so far," Lin Xi shook his head. "But his existence alone proves that the enemy's research on the Crystal exceeds our expectations."
Silence fell over the conference room as everyone pondered their next steps.
Chen Rui broke the silence first: "The Energy Fluctuation released by the Crystal indicates that it is not a natural product; it was manufactured through some process. If we can locate its production base, we could potentially dismantle their production capabilities."
"That is indeed feasible," the commander nodded and turned to the intelligence team. "Do we have any other relevant leads?"
The head of the intelligence team stood up, his expression serious: "According to feedback from frontline squads, the raw materials for Crystal may be related to a mineral known as Shadow Stone. This mineral only exists in a few specific Areas, all currently under enemy control."
Lin Xi took over: "So, if we can identify these mining sites, we can trace back to find their production base."
"Yes, but it won't be easy," the team leader sighed. "Most of these mining sites are hidden deep in mountains or underground, without clear entrances, and enemy defenses are extremely tight."
After the meeting concluded, Lin Xi led his squad to the operations room. On the wall map, five potential mining sites were circled in red.
"Next, we need to prioritize our movements," Lin Xi stated while examining the map. "The five mining sites are widely dispersed; we can only check them one by one."
"The closest mining site to our base is here," Chen Rui pointed to a mountain range on the north side of the map. "Reconnaissance satellites have shown significant transportation activity in that Area recently; they may have set up important facilities there."
"In that case, we'll start from here," Lin Xi decisively declared. "Zhou Zheng, you’re in charge of planning an ambush; Chen Rui, prepare equipment and logistical supplies. We depart tomorrow at dawn."
"Understood!" both responded simultaneously.
At dawn the next day, Squad set out in an all-terrain assault vehicle. After crossing mountains and dense forests, they finally arrived at their target Area. Before them loomed a steep cliff, below which lay several concealed buildings surrounded by heavy defenses.
"It seems like they've heightened their alertness," Zhou Zheng observed through binoculars. "There are three entrances, but each is equipped with heavy firepower; a frontal assault would be nearly impossible."
"Then we'll infiltrate," Lin Xi said as he pulled out a hand-drawn map. "We'll split into two teams; Chen Rui and I will circle around here to draw their attention while Zhou Zheng leads another team to infiltrate from below along the cliff."
Zhou Zheng nodded: "I understand, but won't this be too risky?"
"Every second counts now," Lin Xi replied firmly. "The timeline for the Abyss Project has entered countdown mode; we don't have time to hesitate."
"Let's move."
Lin Xi and Chen Rui's team initiated a small-scale battle from the front, drawing most of the enemy's fire. Meanwhile, Zhou Zheng led his team down the cliff using ropes, stealthily entering the mine through a hidden side tunnel.
Deep within the mine, the air was thick with a strong mineral scent, and the underground space resonated with the rumble of machinery. As Zhou Zheng directed his team to search, he skillfully operated equipment to record the layout of the mine and the operational patterns of its machinery.
"Zhou Team, we have a discovery!" a team member whispered urgently.
Zhou Zheng hurried over to see a closed storage room. A tight security sign hung at the entrance, and several fully armed guards stood nearby.
"This might be the core warehouse for Shadow Stone," Zhou Zheng murmured. "We need to assess the situation inside."
He signaled his team with tactical gestures, and they quickly spread out to surround the area, preparing for a simultaneous attack. Just as they were about to move, a low rumbling sound suddenly emanated from within the warehouse.
"Something is activating inside!" one team member exclaimed in alarm.
Zhou Zheng's expression changed: "Quick! Move now!"
At that moment, Lin Xi and Chen Rui were engaged in combat with the enemy, and the situation was becoming increasingly dire. Just then, their communication devices crackled with Zhou Zheng's urgent call:
"Leader Lin! A significant target has been detected inside the mine! The Abyss Device appears to be activating!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Xi decisively replied, "Chen Rui, keep pressing the enemy. I’m going to support Zhou Zheng!"
Chen Rui nodded: "Understood. Be careful!"
Lin Xi swiftly charged into the depths of the mine, knowing that the device Zhou Zheng had discovered could be a crucial element in the enemy's plans.
To be continued...
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