April 2nd.
Six days after the space gate opened.
Thanks to the environment of Planet 07 being vastly superior to Planet 06 (Pacific Rim Earth), especially the favorable atmospheric conditions, the engineering team found the construction much easier.
After six days of building, the frontline base centered around the space gate was now quite complete.
The base had barracks, warehouses, hangars, repair workshops, a bio-center, and a command building. Additionally, there was a light factory equipped with 3D printers and robotic arms. These, along with various models of Hextech robots, could handle local material sourcing and manufacturing.
The frontline base now had the capacity to house over ten thousand employees and soldiers simultaneously, with an automated transport route linking it to the ruins' base. This setup was sufficient for daily needs or any combat-related emergencies.
Although the engineering team cleared many trees to make space, the optical camouflage covering the area and the space gate's shielding capabilities kept the base perfectly hidden. Unless Atlas launched a large-scale assault and revealed their location, no one in this world would be aware of the frontline base's existence.
08:24.
The morning forest was shrouded in mist, and the rising sun created a dazzling halo through the tiny droplets of water.
At this moment, the base was bustling with soldiers wearing short-sleeved training uniforms. They were either jogging and doing strength training, running with weights around the buildings as ordered by their superiors, or performing squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
Though they had no combat missions, they needed to keep their bodies in peak fighting condition.
In an annex connected to the command building, there was a small meeting room equipped with a holographic projector.
Around a foldable table sat over a dozen investigators dressed in medieval-style clothing. Most wore outfits made of cotton and leather, with burlap cloaks and hooded capes. Their hair was unkempt, including Leon's, which was supposed to be parted in the middle.
Standing at the front, however, was Ada Wong, dressed in black leather pants and a red shirt.
This operations director activated the holographic projector, displaying a satellite image.
After glancing at the image, Ada turned back to the group and explained:
"Everyone, based on high-altitude images captured by the newly launched Ernio 007, we can confirm this is an Earth-like planet.
Although it's smaller, with a diameter similar to Mars at about 6,500 kilometers, the planet has a highly dense core and an active liquid metal layer, giving it a magnetic field and gravity slightly stronger than Earth's.
We are currently located on the western edge of the northern hemisphere, in fertile soil, surrounded by villages and towns engaged in farming and livestock rearing. The nearest town is about ten kilometers to our north.
In addition, Ernio 007 detected that the southern part of the planet's eastern continent is covered by a strong magnetic field, which blocks conventional observational methods. This prevents us from gathering more details about that region.
Regardless of what's on that eastern continent, our company needs to figure out the structure of this planet's civilizations and intelligent life. You all will attempt to infiltrate the nearest town."
Ada paused for emphasis, then continued in a more serious tone:
"Remember, we are outsiders. So during the infiltration, do your best to avoid conflicts with the local civilization. Yes, the local residents speak a human language.
Through bird surveillance units developed by the biology department, we have confirmed that they use human language and operate on a currency system of copper, silver, and gold coins.
Given that the locals may have magic-related methods of verifying authenticity, the company did not attempt to counterfeit their currency. Instead, we've provided you with enough silver and copper ingots, which you should be able to exchange for coins.
One last reminder: this local civilization may have deep connections with humanity, or they might even be humans from this universe. So unless it's absolutely necessary, avoid conflict of any kind. Understood?"
"Understood," the investigators, including Leon, responded in unison.
"Good. Then, pair up according to your assigned numbers and begin your infiltration at staggered times."
"Since the aviation and armor units can't provide transport, you'll be traveling on foot through the forest to reach the target town. But that amount of physical activity should be nothing for you. I've said all I needed to. If there are no questions, you're dismissed."
Ada waited a few seconds, and after seeing no one raise their hand, she gathered her belongings and left the meeting room.
Leon and the other investigators stood up and began making their way out.
They passed through the hallways and automatic doors equipped with bio-scanners and emerged into the outdoors, where the morning mist had begun to dissipate.
"Good luck, Number One and Number Two," a female investigator called out to Leon and Mike, who were at the front.
"Good luck," others echoed.
"Leave it to us," Leon replied with a small smile, raising his right fist and giving a thumbs-up.
"Don't worry! We're old partners. Sneaking into a medieval town with swords and magic? Easy as pie," Mike laughed heartily.
Since Leon and Mike were tasked with leading the mission, their colleagues wished them luck.
Shortly after, Leon and Mike, having gathered their gear, used their exceptional endurance and running speed to swiftly cross the forest and reach the open plains.
They then proceeded along the stone-paved road toward the northwest.
Along the way, they occasionally passed locals on horseback and exchanged friendly waves with townsfolk working in the fields, as if they were being warmly welcomed.
Seeing this, Mike whispered, "Man, the people here seem pretty simple."
"Yeah," Leon nodded. "Honestly, I wouldn't mind living like this. It feels peaceful, like they're isolated from the world."
"Not me, I'm too used to the convenience of phones and computers. Plus, my wife and kids wouldn't adjust well. Look ahead," Mike said, suddenly alert.
Leon shifted his gaze to the edge of the town up ahead, where about a dozen local soldiers and a richly dressed official stood by the road.
"They seem to be waiting for someone," Leon whispered.
"Definitely not us. Probably some big shot is arriving," Mike agreed.
As they got closer to the town and approached the soldiers and official:
"Shreeeee~!"
A beastly roar suddenly echoed from the sky.
Startled, Leon and Mike looked up to see three massive creatures with eagle-like heads and wings but lion-like bodies and tails flying overhead.
Moreover, these enormous creatures carried three heavily armored knights on their backs.
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