Chapter 833: Into the Lair
Chapter 833: Into the Lair
[...]
The maid servant politely extended an invitation.
Lindsey and Leaf Haiya, the latter feeling it was not yet time to cause a scene, naturally descended from the cart.
And at that very moment, Leaf Haiya noticed something peculiar about Lindsey's state.
The Silver Witch turned to look, and Lindsey was also stepping down from the cart, but his movements and speed were unusually slower than hers.
Leaf Haiya: [Lindsey, what have you discovered?]
Lindsey: [Umm... it's just that this place looks somewhat familiar.]
In reality, Lindsey's eyebrows twitched.
The cart, where the maid servant stood, was also located within the gorge.
Before Lindsey, a massive metal archway carved into the cliffside came into view, surrounded by an alloy-reinforced framework, even the peephole on the gate was crafted from the same fortified metal structure.
With Lindsey's eyesight, he could make out a faint red glow flickering through the crevices of the alloy gate.
If one disregarded the environmental factors, it seemed they had suddenly arrived at a place like this.
Lindsey might even think he had stumbled upon an ancient military facility, perhaps a World War-era military fortress.
But considering the powerful technology the Craftsmen possessed to create such things, it was not surprising.
The Awakened's skills had advanced to the point where they could construct such fortified bastions, and it made perfect sense.
What truly caught Lindsey's attention, however, was the location of this fortress.
Although much time had passed, he couldn't shake the feeling that the nearby cliffs were familiar.
It was as if he had been here, sweating and toiling to mine minerals, just a few days ago.
[...]
In the silence, Lindsey unfolded his map.
The skill of the Game Player automatically surveyed the surrounding terrain.
Although the underground details and main mine tunnels had undergone significant changes, Lindsey recognized the place through some distinct spatial arrangements.
This was the very spot where he had mined uranium ore just a couple of days ago!
[...]
"So, the Craftsmen discovered the uranium in the great gorge and then established their base here, developing it into their own territory?"
"These guys, they wouldn't be able to make nuclear bombs, would they?"
Lindsey's mind raced with possibilities.
The maid servant, seeing the two of them descend from the cart, approached the entrance first:
"Lokah, No. 004, Personal Assistant Doll."
"Requesting access."
"Project Human Containment - Priority Access."
Click!
A quintessence pulse flashed across the iron gate.
Through the dialogue, the maid servant completed some form of identity verification, granting them access to this base.
"Follow me, Masters."
"The base is heavily fortified with defensive installations. Unauthorized entry into specific areas will result in immediate attack."
Leaf Haiya: [Lindsey, if there's a problem, entering without caution will undoubtedly be dangerous.]
Lindsey: [One cannot obtain the tiger's cub without entering the tiger's lair.]
Lindsey: [Rest assured, if there's danger, I'll get you out first.]
Leaf Haiya: [Let's go together.]
Lindsey and Leaf Haiya exchanged a few words in their friend channel.
Both being bold by nature, they quickly agreed and followed the maid servant forward.
Before entering the metal archway, Lindsey glanced to the side.
The ancient monument left by the Expeditionary Commander Andaphel still stood by the mine, weathered by the passage of time.
But the Craftsmen had taken measures to protect this monument.
They had covered the rock surface entirely with a transparent gel-like substance.
Thus, it ensured that outsiders could view the monument without affecting it, and the inscription was protected from the elements in the canyon.
The servant doll noticed Lin Sai's gaze immediately:
"This monument was left behind by an ancient Expeditionary Commander."
"The area was once believed to be a cursed land, but through the efforts of our Creators, it has become a vital resource production site, and the curse has transformed into a blessing."
Haiya's expression changed, and she almost instantly realized the situation.
Before the other party could ask a question, Lin Sai responded in the friends channel.
Lin Sai: 【This is the reminder left by the Expeditionary Commander I encountered before. I've told you about the specifics.】
Haiya: 【The dangerous ore is being utilized by the Craftsmen?】
Lin Sai: 【I can only say that I hope their method of utilizing the ore isn't what I imagined. Otherwise, the danger of this place would be far more troublesome than expected.】
Lin Sai and Haiya continued their conversation in the friends channel while following the servant doll deeper underground.
The once ancient, dangerous, and primitive mine had been completely transformed by the Craftsmen. Aside from the main gate, passages, and sentry posts, there were also clean spaces suitable for human habitation and workshops for the Craftsmen everywhere.
Lin Sai activated his reconnaissance skill, scanning his surroundings.
When he had previously operated here, he was very careful in collecting uranium ore, but it was impossible to dismantle and remove every single piece.
Now, the Craftsmen had collected all the materials underground.
Their meticulousness even extended to cleaning up any residual radiation in the air and soil, leaving no trace of the original ore deposit.
Following the servant doll, they proceeded deeper underground.
Lin Sai and his companions eventually arrived at a workshop on the third underground level.
The lighting in the room, like the rest of the mine base, was provided by modified radiant crystals.
At their resting place, metal frames and springs formed the framework of the tables and chairs, covered with a layer of gel fabric and animal leather.
Sitting on them felt just right, with a comfortable balance of softness and hardness, and a clever design that automatically conformed to the body's contours, feeling even more comfortable than the most luxurious sofa.
After taking their seats, Lin Sai asked the servant doll:
"This doesn't look like a safety zone at all, does it?"
The servant doll took a step back and respectfully explained:
"I know that both of you are powerful Awakened individuals. Considering the management of the safety zone and the thoughts of other residents, please register here before checking in."
Lin Sai nodded:
"Of course, that's no problem."
The servant doll continued nodding.
Behind the workbench, it took out a simple form and two beautiful emerald green bracelets, placing them on the table for Lin Sai and Haiya.
"I'll create your identity records first, masters."
"And these bracelets are your identification within the safety zone. Please wear them at all times while in the base and don't remove them casually."
Lin Sai hadn't even had a chance to look at the form.
In front of him, Clue Radiance flashed on the bracelet.
【Quintessence Inhibitor - Custom Restraining Bracelet, can restrict Quintessence Activity and prohibit the use of Quintessence Skills for Awakening Stage Seven and below.】
(End of Chapter)
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