The air within the outpost's deep data zone seemed to freeze under Ming Xin's grave tone.
Though the spatial ripples coming from afar were faint, they contained an unnatural signal of Order-based guidance.
Like stones cast into a still lake, they stirred wave after wave of dangerous ripples within Ming Xin's sea of consciousness.
"The beacon has been activated... Umbral Shadow is finally making its next move."
Ming Xin swiftly said to Shadow Fiend, "We must get there immediately and stop them. At the very least, we need to find out what they're after!"
"Yes, Senior!" Shadow Fiend did not hesitate. With a flash, he had already reached the entrance, spreading his shadow perception to its fullest to inspect the external passages.
The guide machine had also received some kind of command, and its core processor accelerated. "High-priority spatial disturbance detected... Source: primary monitoring target area.
Recommendation: use the outpost's remaining short-range directional Teleportation Array. It can save three-quarters of the travel time.
Target coordinates must be set manually. Estimated transmission stability is 67.3%. There is a risk of deviation."
"There's a Teleportation Array? Where is it?" Ming Xin immediately pressed.
"Upper level of the outpost, the former rapid-response unit assembly area. Some functions may still be intact."
The guide machine pointed at an internal structural map displayed on the console. "This unit can guide you there.
However, warning: that area previously suffered severe energy impacts. Its structure is fragile, and low-activity aberrations may still be wandering within."
"No matter. Lead the way!" Ming Xin decided at once. Time was pressing, and 67.3% stability was worth the risk.
The two men and the machine swiftly withdrew from the deep data zone and retraced their path through the passageways.
This time, they no longer concealed their speed. Dao Rhyme circulated around