Chapter 427: Convergence Zone
Chapter 427: Convergence Zone
Lao Qi had made arrangements, and Chen Chuan returned to the academy dormitory, while also drafting a report for the Processing Bureau.
Although he could confirm that the Secret Sect materials he used were fine, the ones Hao Zhuo sold to others were a different story.
The investigation had led them to Lao Qi, likely because he was a frequent customer and a familiar face, providing leads to follow.
However, there was no guarantee that the materials sold by others were safe, especially those related to the Plague Gang, an organization connected to a cult. It was hard to say if they might cause any trouble.
After submitting the report, he continued with his pre-departure preparations, especially making sure to bring some special medicines. Even during mission execution, he couldn't afford to neglect his martial arts training. As for regular medications, they should be issued there, and at the very least, there would be channels to purchase them. Nonetheless, he brought some himself.
Regarding equipment, he prepared to bring several sets of commonly used clothing. Firearms and blades of various lengths were cleaned and maintained before being stored in their respective cases. He also packed a tin of tea leaves.
Just as he was preparing, a notification sound beeped. Glancing at it, he saw a voice message from Green Bag Jade Workshop.
As a former test subject for their drugs, he still received advertisements for their pharmaceutical products from time to time, along with persistent invitations.
Initially, it was Manager Fan who tried to woo him, but after several unheeded responses, the messenger was changed to a subordinate employee.
He hadn't set it to reject calls, as a large company like this might have future collaboration opportunities. However, he wasn't interested at the moment, so he casually swiped it away.
After another day of rest, Ji Cadre didn't notify him until the afternoon: "Executor Chen, if you're ready, please come to the Processing Bureau now."
Chen Chuan replied, "I'm on my way." He packed up all his belongings and left the dormitory, driving straight to the Processing Bureau.
Ji Cadre was waiting for him there and led him into the same conference room as before. Inside, a man in uniform with a small beard and a kind expression stood waiting, with an assistant-like figure behind him.
Ji Cadre introduced him, "This is Commander Pei from the Ji North Command Post of the Defense Department."
Commander Pei enthusiastically shook Chen Chuan's hand, "Welcome, Executor Chen. We're delighted to have a young talent like you join our defense team."
Chen Chuan greeted him, "Hello, Commander Pei."
After the greeting, Commander Pei's expression turned serious, "Executor Chen, in light of your joining, according to our Command Post regulations, your rank will be automatically promoted. Therefore, I officially notify you that you are now a First-Level Executor under our Command Post. Your uniform, firearm, and sword will be issued upon your arrival at our Command Post's military base."
Chen Chuan saw his information pop up on the Boundary Vessel and quickly updated, changing his rank from Second-Level to First-Level Executor. He expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Commander Pei."
At this rank, in local terms, he would be equivalent to a Deputy Director of the City Patrol Bureau, with direct access to such a powerful and authoritative institution.
However, in practice, very few Tier 3 Fighters were willing to work for local authorities, as they lacked resources and had to deal with additional restrictions.
At the Command Post, his rank already allowed him to lead a small team independently, with at least two Tier 3 Fighters as the main force. The next level up would be the Executor Captain rank, commanding two to three teams.
Commander Pei glanced at the Boundary Vessel and said, "It will take some time to reach the Defense Zone, Executor Chen. Let's talk as we walk."
He led the way, with Chen Chuan following alongside the assistant. They exited and took an elevator, where the assistant pressed two numbers, and the elevator descended.
Chen Chuan's thoughts turned to the fact that the conference room was already underground, and now they were going even deeper. Were they heading to the Lower City?
But then he reconsidered. Although the Lower City was not small, it was made up of separate, dispersed spaces connected by tunnels. Most of the undeveloped underground areas were likely still under the control of the Upper City District.
Not just the government, but major companies would likely operate in the same way.
The elevator descended without displaying specific floor numbers, but after about half a minute, it came to a stop. The elevator doors opened to both sides, and the assistant stepped aside, allowing Commander Pei and Chen Chuan to exit.
Before them was an underground station with a train consisting of only three carriages. Under the illumination of the tunnel lights, the tracks extended into the depths, beyond the reach of their vision.
Several duty personnel were present, and upon seeing them, they saluted with a crisp, respectful gesture.
Commander Pei checked the time and said, "Perfect timing." He turned and said, "Executor Chen, follow me."
Chen Chuan took a quick glance and nodded, following him into the first carriage.
Inside, he found the environment to be quite pleasant. The carriage walls were adorned with finely crafted decorative panels, and the seats were made of genuine leather, with a thick carpet covering the floor.
Commander Pei invited him to sit, then took a seat himself. He asked the assistant to prepare two cups of tea and said, "The passage to the Defense Zone only opens twice daily, at 5 AM and 5 PM. If we miss this window, we'll have to wait until tomorrow."
The assistant brought the tea just as the train began to move slowly.
Commander Pei lifted his cup and said politely, "While Executor Chen is engaged in the defense mission, your position will be within our Command Post. Specific actions will be communicated upon arrival."
"Chen Chuan nodded, aware that he hadn't participated in the defense operations and that many details were not publicly disclosed. Only by going there would he truly understand.
After about seven or eight minutes of travel, Commander Pei glanced at his watch and said, "We're almost there."
Just as he finished speaking, the area ahead suddenly brightened, as if they had exited a tunnel and arrived at an open expanse.
Chen Chuan looked outside, wondering... Had they left the Central City?
No, that's not right!
He turned back, and behind was an endless plain. In the distance, there seemed to be the shadow of mountains, not the silhouette of the Central City, and even the terrain was completely different.
At this moment, the train was moving along the long tracks. Up close, it was fine, but looking out the side window, the horizon was filled with dark clouds, and occasionally, lightning flashed.
Commander Pei smiled and said, "We've entered the Convergence Zone."
He paused before continuing, "Agent Ji should have discussed this with Chen Executive, right? Every Central City is a cutting-edge intersection of two worlds. Through these intersections, we can enter the Convergence Zone, the intermediate zone between two worlds."
"This is a vast area, and we haven't been able to find its boundaries. For this place, there are many theories..."
He picked up his teacup and gestured outward, "The most prevalent theory is that it's naturally formed from the collision of two worlds, but there's also the theory that during a past period of change, the other world took land and space from us."
At this point, he took a sip of tea and smiled, "There's an even bolder theory that the collision of worlds isn't limited to our world. Instead, there are numerous worlds converging in one place, and eventually, a brand-new world will form, including our world, which will also be absorbed into this new world."
His expression turned slightly serious as he said, "Regardless of which theory is correct, it's up to the theorists and technicians to verify. Our task is to, before anything happens, eliminate unstable factors and ensure the stability of the World Ring."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly.
Commander Pei put down his teacup and continued, "The Convergence Zone is only open for a short period each day, and it's sealed off the rest of the time. This is to ensure our world isn't infiltrated, because every time we pass through, we come over, but it may also lead to certain things reaching our world."
Chen Chuan looked outside, and at some point, the rear of the train was shrouded in thick fog, as if concealing what was beyond.
He asked, "Are those things there?"
Commander Pei shook his head, "Not entirely. We still can't fully understand what has passed through, but there must be something."
He spoke seriously, "So we must reduce frequent travel and, for this reason, some troops and personnel from the Command Post are stationed here long-term. And for such stationed personnel, we offer better treatment."
He smiled, "But since Chen Executive just arrived, he can first familiarize himself with the situation here and then decide what to do."
At this moment, Chen Chuan checked his Boundary Device, seeing that it still maintained communication functions, but he couldn't connect with the people in the Central City. He asked, "Can the Boundary Device still be used?"
Commander Pei explained, "We've set up Field Domain Connection Points here, and although we don't have a large field like the Silkworm Mother, within the range of these connection points, basic communication functions can be maintained."
As he spoke, he tapped his hand, and Chen Chuan immediately received a contact addition, adding the other party to his communication list.
At this moment, he inadvertently glanced at a mountain on the horizon, which seemed to move. But when he looked again, it appeared perfectly normal, as if it was just his eyes playing tricks on him.
Yet he knew he wouldn't experience such illusions.
Perhaps it was because this place was close to the other world, so such anomalies appeared?
He stared at the outside for a long time. This place was desolate and strange, seemingly hiding many mysterious things.
After the train traveled for over an hour, snow began to fall from the sky, and thick dark clouds gathered above, making the vast sky even darker.
"We've arrived," Commander Pei said at this time.
Chen Chuan could see that it was a fortress built along the hillside, and from the exposed exterior, one could see the bright searchlights on the thick guard towers amidst the wind and snow.
After the two of them got off the train, a strong wind carrying snowflakes blew by. Commander Pei could tell they were well-prepared, as he was wearing thick clothing.
Chen Chuan only felt slightly cool, as if he had been indoors for too long, so he opened the window to breathe in some fresh air, which made him feel more invigorated.
Commander Pei tightened his own tight-fitting suit and joked, "No matter how many times I've seen it, I still feel a bit envious. Let's go in."
After the strict entry procedure, the metal gate in front rose, and the three of them entered the fortress.
"Commander Pei, what are we defending against here?" Chen Chuan asked.
"Do you remember what I discussed with Chen Executive earlier, those theories?" Commander Pei asked.
Chen Chuan nodded.
"This area isn't just about us; there are other life forms as well. According to one theory, they might be from other ancient worlds, or they might be from our world's past. Well, there's no conclusion yet."
Commander Pei looked outside, and the thick fortress gate was slowly descending from above. He slowly said, "They aren't friendly to us."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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