Endless streaks of light and silver energy tides surged in from all directions, carrying terrifying spatial energy that seemed ready to devour everything.
Although some kind of skill released by the Blood Guard Starship dispersed most of the spatial currents, the Star Origin's shields continued to fall.
It had nothing to do with the shield's energy value. The Star Origin simply hadn't reached the Elite-class level, so it couldn't activate even the most basic spatial-environment resistance.
Every starship that reached the Elite class had to activate this mode. Otherwise, when traveling through deep space, the spatial currents would be enough to tear you apart.
[Shield decreasing: 1000...] [Shield decreasing: 1000...] [...]
Only when the shield value fell to 30,000 did the spatial currents around them gradually weaken and finally disappear.
Feng Xiao, who had been feeling somewhat tense, finally relaxed.
"We're about to get out." Watching the light curtain rapidly expand, Wang Hao exclaimed in delight.
The next moment, the scene changed in an instant.
A brilliant starry sky came into view, the light of countless stars spilling all around them.
Streams of light in dazzling colors nearly filled the entire sky, creating an utterly dreamlike scene.
"What a huge subdimension!"
Feng Xiao exclaimed in surprise. According to their calculations, this starry sky was at least the size of a galaxy, nearly a hundred million light-years in diameter. It was simply enormous.
"Not only that. According to the Matrix's energy readings, the energy concentration here is at least fifteen times the average concentration in the Main Universe!
"And this energy can be absorbed directly by individuals, strengthening their supernatural abilities and even raising the energy levels of ancient martial arts, as well as their life levels!"
"Oh?"
Ilde and Feng Xiao were delighted.
Everyone knew that if an area had abundant energy capable of raising life levels, it would also have more life-bearing planets than an ordinary region.
By the same token, its natural and ecological resources would certainly be extremely abundant!
"Let's not worry about anything else for now. If we keep heading in one direction, we're bound to come across something interesting."
Feng Xiao laughed and casually picked a direction.
The Star Origin's propulsion system engaged, accelerating as it surged into the distance.
Meanwhile.
Two Alliance Star Dome-class starships and six Star-Land-class starships were stationed nearby.
Inside the large military starport, which was still being expanded, the officers watched the scene on the screen with some astonishment.
It showed a continent right in front of them!
That was right—a continent!
A continent two light-months in diameter, as large as a medium-sized star system!
Three enormous stars and hundreds of planets slowly orbited around it, radiating immense natural energy.
"It's incredible. I never imagined such a breathtaking celestial body could exist!"
"The natural energy is so pure and abundant. I'd guess its individual combat power is considerable, too. There seems to be an area that makes me feel threatened.
"The danger level isn't high, but it does have the potential to damage a single Star Dome-class starship."
Two major officers in black military uniforms, both Star Dome-class captains, spoke with each other.
On the screen, two empires were currently at war, both using melee weapons.
The view quickly zoomed in. An armored human swung a sword, unleashing an energy blade more than three meters long. It slammed forward, cutting every enemy in its path in half!
There were also robed figures who raised enormous staffs and chanted. Then, a large number of magic circles with distinct energy signatures appeared.
Dozens of fireballs, each as powerful as an artillery shell, rained down on the enemy army.
Several captains froze, then exclaimed in disbelief, "Wait! Is that... magic?"
Another captain quickly began running calculations on the display. Half an hour later, he shook his head.
"I just used the Matrix to observe and analyze several thousand similar individuals at once. Their cultivation methods are indeed fascinating, but judging by their energy levels and displayed abilities, they're not particularly impressive.
"First of all, fighters of the same level can't compare to ordinary combat-type supernatural abilities or ancient martial arts. They're much stronger than gene warriors, though. Their drawback is that they consume resources at a rate comparable to ancient martial arts.
"The system they call Battle Qi, on the other hand... Its strength is about on par with that of gene warriors, but it consumes fewer resources. It's worth looking into."
"I've already informed our research starships to prepare for a study. We can capture any test subjects we like, as long as they're not human or similar humanoid species. There seem to be plenty of races here."
One of the auxiliary starship captains said with a cool smile.
His gaze lingered on a lion-headed orc, and he looked quite interested.
"Report! We've more or less determined how the continent formed. Its core is a spatial crystal, and a large amount of spatial energy is stabilizing the continent's structure."
The adjutant entered the command room and delivered his report.
"A spatial crystal? It's certainly valuable, but it seems less important than this continent's combat system and ecological environment. I propose we establish a research station to observe and study its ecosystem."
"Agreed. Then let's avoid alerting them for now and conduct our research in secret."
"I'll notify the starport to have the Alliance send more troops to protect the extraction of resources from this subdimensional world."
"..."
While the Alliance Military discussed how to deal with the subdimensional world, on the other side of the continent...
"Holy crap..."
The Star Origin stopped some distance away. The three aboard stared in utter shock at the vast continent before them, which stretched beyond the horizon.
"W-what is this?"
Even Feng Xiao and Ilde, both top students during their school years, were dumbfounded.
Wang Hao, who was still learning about interstellar civilization, was even more shocked.
Wait, the Heart of Dawn!
After being repaired to 0.5, it seemed to be able to scan things like celestial bodies and inanimate objects, right?
Feng Xiao, still struggling to describe what he was seeing, suddenly realized this. He immediately summoned the Heart of Dawn.
[Scan: This celestial body is a special cosmic body—the Cosmic Continent. Cause of formation: A natural spatial crystal or natural gravitational Matrix at its core can form a plate-like celestial body resembling a continent. Intelligence scan: Countless life-forms live within. There are many different species, and their combat system is very similar to the fantasy and magic systems of the Human Alliance. Their method of using abilities is similar to that of the Human Alliance's special profession, the Source Energy Master, but their potential and combat power are far inferior. Learning it is not recommended. Civilization is in a semi-feudal, semi-slave state. Tip: This continent has an extremely high atmosphere. Entering it from the outside or leaving it from within requires at least a veteran Star-Land-class starship. The strongest attack in this world comes infinitely close to the standard main cannon of a Star Dome-class starship, but its defenses and propulsion systems are relatively underdeveloped. Unable to break out of the continent's atmosphere. Note: The Heart of Dawn can let you enter the continent. Energy cost: yours. Suggestion: This civilization has a special profession, the Alchemist. We believe you will have a respectable status and standing if you enter.]
After carefully reading the Heart of Dawn's display, Feng Xiao looked disgruntled. "Why aren't so many of these new functions showing up?"
He turned to look at the continent. He was certain there were good things inside, and plenty of them.
More importantly, he had a feeling that this place could greatly strengthen the supernatural abilities of all three of them!
Feng Xiao didn't know that the Alliance's military starships had detected the Star Origin the moment it arrived.
"The starship's overall energy level isn't high, but its shields and propulsion system are excellent. It's impressive for a rookie captain to have developed a starship to this level.
"Does he meet the requirements?"
"He does!"
"Then let's ask him."
[Excellent rookie captain, this is A1 Temporary Military Starport. You meet the requirements for one of our freelance exploration missions. If you accept, we'll provide you with the relevant equipment and assistance. The reward is substantial.]
Feng Xiao, who had been preparing to enter the continent, paused. Then he changed course and headed for the starport.
A military mission was bound to involve entering the continent to gather intelligence. It wouldn't conflict with his own goals, and they'd even send him into the continent for free.
Why pay out of pocket when he could get a free ride?
Before you continue