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墨書 Inktalez
Outside the factory, a cold wind mixed with dust swept through as Lin Xi led her squad out of the industrial park's perimeter. A deafening explosion erupted behind them, and the roof of the abandoned factory was torn away by a massive shockwave. A plume of gray smoke rose into the sky, reminiscent of the lingering roar of a giant beast.
"Target confirmed destroyed," Chen Rui reported through the communicator. "The device has ceased operation, and the energy fluctuations have dissipated."
Lin Xi took a deep breath and turned to Zhou Zheng. The members of the team appeared disheveled but largely unharmed. However, she couldn't shake off a sense of unease; a greater danger seemed to be looming.
"Let's head back to base," Lin Xi ordered decisively. "This place isn't safe. We need to reassess the situation."
Zhou Zheng nodded and led the team in retreat. Just as everyone turned to leave, a low wailing sound suddenly echoed through the air from a distance, as if something in the darkness was watching them.
Upon returning to base, Lin Xi immediately convened an emergency meeting.
In the conference room, the screen on the wall displayed a replay of their operation, particularly focusing on the moments leading up to the factory explosion. It was clear that the number and aggressiveness of Rift Creations far exceeded previous records. At that moment of detonation, a strange wave of light had been released from a piece of azure crystal, briefly tearing through space.
"What was that light wave?" Lin Xi asked Chen Rui.
Chen Rui frowned and replied, "Based on my preliminary analysis, it could be some kind of signal. The design of that device not only maintained the stability of the rift but also served some form of information transmission."
"Transmitting to whom?" Zhou Zheng pressed.
"I'm still searching for that answer," Chen Rui shook his head. "What I can confirm is that this signal might be a call for help or a response to higher-level powers."
Lin Xi's expression hardened at his words. "So what we destroyed was merely a node, and the true puppet master remains hidden?"
"Exactly," Chen Rui pointed at the data fluctuation graph on the screen. "Moreover, the activity frequency of the rifts has been gradually increasing; we might face a larger-scale energy explosion soon."
Zhou Zheng furrowed his brow. "This feels like some sort of countdown. We have limited time to stop them."
"Even if it's a countdown, we need to find the right approach," Lin Xi stood up and surveyed her team. "We need more information; we must take action instead of waiting for our enemies to make their move."
She pointed at Xinghe Yeyuan on the map. "Before the factory exploded, there may have been traces left by the signal released from that device. Chen Rui, can you track its source or destination?"
Chen Rui pondered for a moment before responding, "The signal's intensity is very high but also very brief; I’ll need some time to analyze the data."
Lin Xi nodded. "Get me those results as quickly as possible."
Meanwhile, on another side of the base, the atmosphere in the medical area felt even more somber.
After leaving the conference room, Lin Xi headed straight to the medical area to check on her injured teammates from the operation. She paid special attention to Wang Miao, who had sustained injuries while heroically covering for others during their mission. He lay pale on a hospital bed but insisted on reporting his condition to Lin Xi.
"Leader Lin," Wang Miao's voice was weak but resolute. "I can continue with my duties."
"Don't push yourself," Lin Xi interrupted him gently, placing a report on his bedside. "Your injuries need time to heal. Your current mission is to rest well; I don't want you in danger during our next fight."
Wang Miao pursed his lips and finally nodded in agreement. "Understood, Leader Lin."
Lin Xi smiled slightly and gently patted his shoulder. "Don't worry, you're doing well. From now on, it's up to us."
In the deep of night, Lin Xi stood on the outdoor platform of the base, lost in thought. The starlight in the night sky was faint, and outside the base lay a desolate wasteland, yet her mind was filled with a jumble of thoughts.
"Leader Lin."
A familiar voice interrupted her contemplation. Lin Xi turned to see Zhou Zheng approaching with two cups of coffee, handing one to her.
"Still thinking about the factory?" Zhou Zheng asked.
"Yes," Lin Xi nodded, taking the coffee. "It feels like a huge web; we've only just scratched the surface."
"Indeed," Zhou Zheng leaned against the railing, gazing into the distance. "But no matter how big the web is, it has its vulnerabilities. As long as we find clues, we will definitely uncover what's hidden behind it."
Lin Xi took a gentle sip of her coffee and then turned to Zhou Zheng. "What do you think our enemy really is?"
Zhou Zheng paused for a moment before replying, "I don't know. One thing is certain: the existence of these rifts is definitely not random; there must be some kind of purpose behind it."
Lin Xi nodded, a glint of determination in her eyes. "No matter what, we will uncover the truth."
At that moment, a red dot quietly appeared on the screen of the base's Surveillance System. It was located in the northern wasteland area of the base; at first, it was just a faint point of light, but it began to grow brighter.
"Chen Rui! The system is detecting anomalies!" A technician rushed into the command room, pointing at the red dot on the screen. "The energy fluctuation in this area has suddenly increased; we suspect a rift is forming!"
Chen Rui immediately focused on analyzing the data, typing rapidly on the keyboard. His expression grew serious. "This isn't just an ordinary fluctuation from a rift; it's a stronger energy disturbance that may be related to previous device signals."
"Should we inform Leader Lin?" the technician asked nervously.
Chen Rui pressed his lips together and decisively said, "Notify Leader Lin immediately and mobilize nearby squads for reconnaissance!"
Quickly, Lin Xi received the notification, her expression turning grim.
"Everyone prepare for action," she commanded in a low voice. "We need to reach there before the rift fully forms!"
In the deep night, vehicle engines roared back to life as the team readied themselves for departure. The mist deep within the rift seemed to open its mouth wide, waiting for their arrival.
To be continued...
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