Facing the Enemy

In the silver-gray underground passage.

Squads of separated recruits jogged swiftly along the passage toward the underground armory where the colony suits were stored.

Instructor Holv ran at the very front. As he ran, he explained through the communications earpieces how to put on the colony suits.

"Colony suits are essentially a branch of biochemical armor, so they are worn differently from other armor. You can put them on like clothes, but remember to take off all your clothing in the nutrient fluid.

"Because you are not allowed to wear any close-fitting clothing beneath a colony suit. Otherwise, it will affect its connection to your nerves and other bodily systems."

"What you will receive is the basic-grade colony suit—Liva. Remember, colony suits themselves are alive. They possess a portion of their own consciousness. What your psychic power needs to do is merge with that consciousness, allowing your weak psychic power to control the colony suit's immense consciousness, and then fight!"

"Just like in your usual training." Holv kept reminding them.

Wei He followed close behind him. Ende, Lolsa, and the others followed farther back.

Further behind were ordinary, unremarkable recruits like Castor.

No one was afraid. Anyone who could reach this hidden city under their own power while wearing protective gear had experienced danger and encountered contaminated beasts.

Thus, from the moment they signed the contract to become recruits, every one of them had been mentally prepared.

Suddenly, Holv ahead of Wei He came to a stop, then leaped forward. A circular passage automatically opened in the silver door before them.

Holv immediately slid down through the passage.

Wei He followed at once, jumping into the passage as well. Like riding a slide, he slipped down the long red, flesh-like tunnel.

Soon, the tunnel ahead writhed and began branching apart,