As the group continued heading north, the closer they got to the Arctic, the lower the temperature dropped, and the weather became increasingly harsh.
Accompanying the howling winds were large, fluffy snowflakes that drifted down from the sky, landing softly on Mo Chen's shoulders.
"Commander."
Mo Chen turned around and saw Ludmilla approaching with a coat in her hands.
"Put this on. It's going to get even colder up ahead. You're human, and those thin clothes won't be enough to keep you warm."
The coat was a fluffy, white faux fur overcoat, its soft texture and thick material giving off a clear sense of warmth.
It was a women's style—Ludmilla's.
Still, Mo Chen shook his head.
"No need. I'm fine."
Before departing, he had already dressed in heavy clothing.
The weather in the northern region was unexpectedly cold. Even though Mo Chen was already dressed in thick clothing, he could still feel the bone-chilling wind.
The words "death zone" were no exaggeration.
He couldn't help but recall the debate about whether the north or south was colder. Now he had the answer. Outdoors and without heating, the north was definitely colder.
Before Mo Chen could refuse again, Ludmilla had already draped the fur coat over his shoulders.
"Nikkes won't be affected by the cold, but humans need to stay warm," Ludmilla said as she carefully adjusted his collar.
With the two so close, Mo Chen couldn't help but notice Ludmilla's deep cleavage, as well as her soft, faint fragrance.
Suddenly, there was a disturbance ahead. A loud buzzing noise filled the air.
"Enemies incoming!"
Everyone immediately prepared for combat.
Gunfire erupted ahead.
When they arrived at the scene, they saw a group of Nikkes locked in a desperate battle against the Raptures.
Without hesitation, Mo Chen and his group joined the fray. After an intense fight, they successfully rescued the trapped Nikkes.
"T-Thank you..."
The rescued Nikkes were visibly shaken but filled with gratitude.
"We're saved."
Relieved to be out of danger, the Nikkes collapsed onto the snow, their exhaustion and injuries making it hard to stand.
Their tattered uniforms and damaged bodies, riddled with bullet holes and burn marks, told the story of a hard-fought battle. Low ammunition and broken weapons made their situation even worse.
"Which unit are you from?"
Ludmilla stepped forward and asked.
"Why are you here?"
The leader of the group, a petite Nikke with chestnut-colored hair, introduced herself nervously.
"I'm Signal, from the Scout Squad. We were carrying out a mission, but somehow we veered off course."
Signal was small and delicate, wearing glasses that made her look even more fragile. Yet, on her back, she carried a massive olive-green box nearly as large as her body, covered in antennas and screens—clearly communication equipment.
Scout Squad?
Mo Chen immediately recognized the unit.
They were an elite force under the Ark, responsible for reconnaissance and surveillance. Their primary tasks involved communication, scouting, and securing battlefields.
Ludmilla continued questioning.
"What's your casualty report?"
"We lost three members, and seven are critically injured. We urgently need replacement parts for repairs. We were heading to the southern relay station where the Unlimited Squad is stationed, but we were ambushed along the way..."
Signal's face dimmed. Her eyes reddened as she wiped away a tear.
The relay station?
Mo Chen recalled it.
It was one of the Ark's newly established ground outposts—similar to the outpost base. It served as a vital logistics hub for transporting troops, supplies, and ammunition during the war against the Raptures.
But… that place was over 1,000 kilometers away!
Could it be...
Mo Chen immediately asked, "Where exactly were you assigned for this mission?"
Signal hesitated briefly before replying.
"South of the Ark's elevator, at the abandoned farmlands."
Mo Chen's expression darkened.
"Did you experience interference from Alva particles during your journey?"
Signal was surprised.
"How did you know? Yes, we encountered an Alva particle storm shortly after leaving the Ark. It disrupted our communications, and we had to navigate using terrain alone."
Just as I thought, Mo Chen sighed.
"If I'm not mistaken, you've fallen into a trap."
"Ah?"
"We're nearly 1,000 kilometers away from the Ark."
Signal froze in disbelief.
Ludmilla approached Mo Chen and quietly asked what was going on.
Mo Chen's expression turned serious.
"If my guess is correct, they fell into a trap set by Material H shortly after leaving the Ark."
The Scout Squad had advanced search capabilities: no matter how directionally challenged they were, there was no way they could deviate this far off course and fail to notice it for such a long time.
Even with high concentrations of Alva particles, the interference shouldn't be this severe.
"Material H?"
Ludmilla was puzzled. She hadn't heard that name before.
Mo Chen explained.
"Material H is a Tyrant-class Rapture that hides underground. It has numerous tentacles and can alter terrain across a vast area—up to 20 kilometers."
"Judging by the current situation, its range might be even greater."
Hearing this, Ludmilla realized the gravity of the situation.
Mo Chen, however, was deep in thought.
Could his presence in this world have caused deviations in the timeline?
In the original story, Material H didn't have such an expansive range.
"Excuse me... Are you Commander Mo Chen?"
A timid voice called from behind. He turned around and saw Signal staring at him with hopeful eyes.
"I'm Mo Chen."
"Ah?"
Signa's face lit up immediately. "You're Commander Mo Chen? I can't believe I get to meet you here!"
She hurriedly rummaged through her backpack, searching for something. After a while, she finally pulled out a pen and a piece of paper.
"C-Can I have your autograph?"
Mo Chen was taken aback.
An autograph?
Seeing Mo Chen's confused expression, Signal panicked.
"Ah, sorry! That was too abrupt of me!"
Noticing her disappointed look, he realized she misunderstood. He took the pen and paper, quickly scribbling his name.
Signa's face lit up with joy as she held the signed paper carefully and bowed deeply.
"Thank you so much!"
The other Nikkes saw this and immediately gathered around.
"Can you sign mine too?"
"I want one as well!"
"Me too, please!"
Even the severely injured Nikkes asked their teammates to get signatures for them.
Surrounded by the enthusiastic Nikkes, Mo Chen felt overwhelmed.
Why do they want my autograph?
They're not planning to use it for repaying loans, right?