Chapter 427: Convergence Zone
Chapter 427: Convergence Zone
Lao Qi had made arrangements, and Chen Chuan returned to his academy dormitory, also drafting a report for the Handling Bureau.
Although he could confirm that the mystical teachings materials he used were safe, the same couldn't be said for the ones Hao Zhuo sold to others.
The trail leading to Lao Qi could be due to his frequent visits, not just as a regular customer but also as an acquaintance, providing leads to follow.
However, there was no guarantee that the materials sold to others were safe, especially those involving the Plague Gang, an organization linked to a cult. It was hard to predict if this might trigger any incidents.
After submitting the report, Chen Chuan continued his pre-departure preparations, especially packing some special medications. Even on a mission, he couldn't neglect his combat training, and standard medications should be provided, or at least there were channels to purchase them. Nonetheless, he brought some of his own.
As for equipment, he prepared to bring several sets of his commonly used clothing. Firearms and long and short blades, after maintenance and cleaning, were placed in their respective cases. He also packed a canister of tea leaves.
Just then, a notification sound chimed, and he glanced at it. A voice message had arrived from Jade Medicine Hall.
As a former drug trial participant, they still sent him advertisements for their pharmaceutical products from time to time and continued to extend invitations.
Initially, it was Manager Fan who tried to recruit him, but after several unrequited attempts, the messenger was switched to a subordinate employee.
He hadn't set it to reject calls, as there might be future collaborations with such a significant company. However, he currently lacked interest and casually swiped it away.
After another day of rest, Officer Ji didn't arrive until the afternoon, saying, "Executor Chen, if you're ready, please come to the Handling Bureau now."
"I'm on my way," Chen Chuan replied. He packed everything, left the dormitory, and drove straight to the Handling Bureau.
Officer Ji was waiting for him there and led him into the same conference room as before. Inside, a uniformed man with a small mustache and a kind demeanor stood, accompanied by an assistant.
Officer Ji introduced them, "This is Pei Can Shi, the Advisor from the Defense Department's Jinbei Command Center."
Pei Can Shi enthusiastically shook Chen Chuan's hand, "Welcome, Executor Chen. We're delighted to have a young talent like you join our defense forces."
Chen Chuan greeted him, "Hello, Advisor Pei."
After the greetings, Pei Can Shi became serious, "Executor Chen, with your addition, according to our Command Center regulations, your rank will be automatically promoted. So, I officially inform you that you are now a First-Level Executor under our Command Center. Your uniform, firearm, and sword will be issued upon arrival at our military base."
Chen Chuan noticed his Boundary Token displaying his information, quickly updating his rank from Second-Level to First-Level Executor. He expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Advisor Pei."
At this rank, he held a position equivalent to a Deputy Inspector of the Patrol Bureau in local regions. If within the administrative system, a lateral transfer could directly grant him access to such a powerful and authoritative institution.
However, in reality, very few Tier Three Combatants were willing to work in local regions, as they lacked resources and imposed restrictions.
At the Command Center, his rank already allowed him to lead a small team independently, with at least two Tier Three Combatants as the core members. The next level up was the Executor Captain, who could command two to three teams.
Pei Can Shi glanced at the Boundary Token and said, "It'll take some time to reach the Defense Zone, Executor Chen. Let's talk as we walk."
Pei Can Shi led the way, with Chen Chuan and the assistant following. They exited and took an elevator, where the assistant pressed two digits, and the elevator descended.
Chen Chuan wondered if they were heading to the Lower City District, as the conference room was already underground.
But then he realized that although the Lower City District wasn't small, it consisted of separate, scattered spaces. Each area was connected by tunnels, and most of the underground space, which remained largely undeveloped, was likely controlled by the Upper District.
This was true not only for the government but also for major companies.
The elevator didn't display specific floors as it descended, but after about half a minute, it came to a stop. The elevator doors opened, and the assistant stepped aside as Pei Can Shi and Chen Chuan exited.
Before them was an underground station with a three-car train. The tunnel lights illuminated the tracks, extending into the darkness beyond sight.
Several guards were on duty, and upon seeing them, they lowered their guns and saluted with a crisp sound.
Pei Can Shi checked the time and said, "Perfect timing." He turned to Chen Chuan, "Follow me, Executor Chen."
Chen Chuan took a quick glance and nodded, following Pei Can Shi into the first carriage.
Inside, the environment was luxurious, with intricately carved decorative panels on the walls and leather sofa seats over a thick carpet.
Pei Can Shi invited Chen Chuan to sit and took a seat himself. He asked the assistant to prepare tea, saying, "The passage to the Defense Zone only opens twice daily, at 5 AM and 5 PM. If you miss it, you'll have to wait until the next day."
As the assistant served the tea, the train began to move slowly.
Pei Can Shi picked up his tea and politely said, "During your defense mission, Executor Chen, you'll be officially assigned to our Command Center. Specific actions will be communicated upon arrival."
Chen Chuan nodded, understanding that since he hadn't participated in defense missions before, many details were not disclosed to him. He would only learn more once he arrived.
After about seven or eight minutes of travel, Pei Can Shi glanced at his watch and said, "We're almost there."
As he spoke, the area ahead suddenly brightened, as if they had exited a tunnel and emerged into an open area.
Chen Chuan looked outside, and it seemed like... they had left Central City?
No, that couldn't be right!
He turned back, and behind them was an endless plain. In the distance, there appeared to be the shadows of mountains, but there was no sign of Central City. Even the terrain and landscape were completely different.
At this moment, the train was moving along the long tracks. It was fine up close, but when he looked out the side window, the horizon was covered in dark clouds, and occasionally, a flash of lightning would flicker.
Pei Can Shi smiled and said, "We've entered the Convergence Zone."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Ji Geshi should have discussed this with Chen Chuan, right? Every Central City is a convergence point at the forefront of two worlds, and through these convergence points, we can enter the Convergence Zone, which is the intermediate zone between the two worlds."
"This is a vast area, and we haven't been able to find its boundaries yet. Many theories have been proposed about this place..."
He picked up his teacup and gestured outside, "The most popular theory is that this zone is a natural result of the collision between the two worlds. But some believe that during past periods of change, the opposite world took away our land and space, forming what we see now."
At this point, he took a sip of tea and smiled, "There's an even bolder theory that suggests the collision of worlds isn't limited to just our world. Numerous worlds are converging towards a single point, and eventually, a brand-new world will emerge, including our world, which will be absorbed into it."
His tone became slightly more serious, "Regardless of which theory is correct, it's up to the theorists and technicians to verify. Our task is to eliminate unstable factors before anything happens and ensure the stability of the World Ring's barrier."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly.
(End of Chapter)
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