Linsey made his way up to the surface.
The sturdy gate that had originally blocked the entrance to the mine tunnel had also gained an Automation System after the base was upgraded.
It required no manual control.
It opened for Linsey automatically, then slowly closed after he left.
Whoosh—
A cold wind swept past.
The autumn wind howled through the canyon, carrying with it the scent of scorched wood.
A formidable enemy was approaching.
All the Machine Race sub-units active outside had already returned to the base, standing firm to defend their home.
So at this very moment...
Linsey really was the only one standing here.
"..."
The cold wind blew across his face as Linsey swept his gaze over the surroundings.
Only then did he notice—aside from the base gate behind him and the Stone Tablet where the expedition members had warned of the mine's curse...
This place had not undergone much development.
It still retained the rather primitive appearance of a canyon, identical to how it had looked near and far.
If the two things behind him were erased, this would be nothing more than an ordinary canyon.
"Oh?"
"Maybe it won't be much use."
"But since I can do it, I might as well add another layer of camouflage!"
Not minding the trouble, Linsey took out the building blocks in his hand and walked toward the gate and the expeditioners' inscription, speaking to the base at the same time:
"Listen, I'm going to conceal the base entrance first."
"Once things here have settled down, you can break open these dirt blocks and come and go freely."
Crack—
At that moment, the gate opened again.
Linsey watched as Rota emerged alone, and only then did the gate seal shut once more.
Their earlier actions had already consumed quite