"We still can't confirm its exact nature, and we haven't detected enough distinguishing characteristics—"
"The tracking devices implanted under the volunteers' skin disappeared with them, but we've detected no corresponding signals within our satellite coverage. In theory, they could be inside fortifications or underground spaces that completely block those signals. Or they might no longer be on this planet at all."
"Old Guo, you know I've always been an atheist. But looking at the facts, if this really was achieved through technology, it's not much different from a miracle."
"There are signs of changes in light radiation, but the energy peak barely fluctuates."
"Right. The instruments aren't picking up a clear signal either, but we're also seeing a concentration effect resembling fluctuations in that newly discovered 'spiritual energy'—"
"This new phenomenon is changing the theoretical foundations we work from—"
"We can't identify the energy source. I suspect vacuum zero-point energy may be involved—"
The saying that science ended in theology might not have been wrong.
Sighs rose one after another.
Throughout the spacious laboratory, researchers young and old in white coats studied the figures on the impact-resistant platform. The figures repeatedly vanished in a flash of golden light, then reappeared seconds later, drawing a constant stream of discussion.
Some marveled at the monitoring instruments, some looked grave, and others racked their brains, only occasionally managing to offer a few words—
Every so often, someone used the intercom to ask the testers inside whether they could "find a way to make the process slower" when they logged in. Others asked what it felt like or requested a slight change to a test condition.
The users taking part in the tests were starting to look embarrassed.
Clearly, every one of those white coats was bursting with curiosity. If the protective barrier hadn't