Reincarnated NPC, but Arknights

"We can't keep provoking the swarm. The swarm has already awakened once; the instincts for evolution and survival engraved into its genes have activated. The Firstborn alone clearly can't stop the swarm, and the restraint it provides will eventually fail," Bai Ye said slowly.

This was an emergency measure, not a long-term solution. Moreover, the Abyssal Church could activate another Firstborn at any time. That would be disastrous.

Bai Ye had not even intended to release Ishar-mla.

"I understand." Luna nodded. "Then let's keep going deeper. Further below, in the depths of this laboratory, there's another facility. Perhaps we'll find a new solution there."

Bai Ye nodded. They left the Deep Blue Tree's core organ and continued downward.

The Abyssal Hunters followed at his side.

Gladiia suddenly asked:

"If there really is no other way, then that method from earlier may be our only choice."

"Yes... It isn't a long-term solution, but at least Ishar-mla can restrain the swarm and buy us enough time—provided she's willing," Bai Ye agreed.

As they spoke, they entered the deeper levels of the laboratory. A vertical shaft led straight downward. This should have been an elevator shaft, but the lift was damaged and could not be used.

Seeing that the elevator would not start, Luna could only have everyone descend through the shaft.

Fortunately, the Abyssal Hunters and Bai Ye were all practically superhuman, so reaching the lower level took no effort. They could clearly feel the surroundings becoming unusual.

"This place is deep..." Bai Ye murmured.

"Yes. We are continuing downward—we are about to enter Terra's crust. Outside the laboratory is nothing but mantle material."

The mantle lay between the Mohorovičić discontinuity and the Gutenberg discontinuity, with a thickness of more than 2,800 kilometers. Temperatures in the upper mantle could reach 1,250 to