I handed over to another world

The order has been given, and an invisible barrier has been erected in deep space. The seeds of danger have been placed in an absolutely isolated cage for study, and a new shield of defense and a sword of counterattack have begun to be forged.

Chen Lin finally shifted his gaze from the flickering purple light on the medical screen. That light was like the first shadow cast by an abyss deep within the human fortress, cold and blinding.

He knew that this was just the beginning; the "Hou Tu" incident exposed far more than just an isolated "Omega fragment."

It's like a pebble thrown into calm water; behind the ripples it creates, there may be a whole dark ocean hidden.

Why did Dr. Zhang Wei suddenly fall into fanaticism?
What is the source of the whispers behind that “membrane”?
How exactly does the "rule virus" spread?

What do Captain Li Zheng's incoherent final mentions of "seeds" and "growth" mean?
These questions, like cold vines, entwined Chen Lin's mind, each potentially leading to deeper despair.

We cannot wait passively; at the very least, the abyss that has been revealed will not give humanity a chance to breathe.

“Dr. Zhou,” Chen Lin’s voice broke the brief silence following the decision in the command center. He turned his gaze to Zhou Kerui, “The establishment of ‘Laboratory Zero’ is the most urgent task and the highest priority. Whatever you need, the association’s resources will be allocated unconditionally.”

“Ella’s perception is key. We must ensure her condition remains stable. Li Rui… Currently, she is our only window into understanding the enemy, but also our biggest source of risk. The circuit breaker protocol must be absolutely reliable, and execution authority must be shared between you and me.”

"Any abnormality, even the slightest logical paradox or disturbance of consciousness, must be reported immediately without delay."

"Understood, President."

Zhou Kerui solemnly replied, her eyes flashing with determination and pressure, "We will dissect fear in an absolute cage and never repeat the mistakes of the 'Houtu'."

Chen Lin nodded slightly, then his gaze swept across the star map control panel like a hawk's: "Lin Han!"

"exist!"

Lin Han immediately stood up straight.

"The in-depth analysis of the black box data cannot stop. Key points: 1. Analyze all of Dr. Zhang Wei's physiological, psychological, and operational logs before activating the highest-power probe, identifying the quantitative causes of her abnormal behavior and whether there was external information infiltration. 2. Analyze the spectral characteristics of the background 'whispers' in the bridge communications, attempting to build an information model to see if its influence mechanism can be traced or simulated. 3. Conduct the highest-precision acoustic and vibration analysis of the 'gurgling' and impact sounds last captured by Captain Li Zheng's personal recorder; I need to know what caused them. 4. Analyze the microstructure of the residue in all contaminated areas, comparing it with the contaminants in Li Rui's wound to find commonalities and differences… This is your core task going forward."

"Yes! President!"

Lin Han's spirits lifted; tackling technical challenges was precisely his forte.

"Wang Zhe!" Chen Lin's gaze turned to the special operations commander.

"To!"

"The formation of the 'Night Watch' force will begin immediately."

"As the first instructor and tactical advisor, the selection criteria are briefly described as follows: top-notch combat skills are the foundation, but more importantly, top-notch mental resilience and logical stability are required. We need to refer to Ella's mental resistance assessment model and design extreme stress tests."

"In terms of equipment, based on the combat feedback from the 'Candlelight' task force, we will optimize the 'Klein Bottle' protective suit, enhance the energy efficiency and resistance to information shocks of the entropy increase barrier, and simultaneously develop non-lethal, high-precision 'Logical Paradox Disruptor' and 'Cognitive Filter' prototypes as standard tactical equipment for the 'Night Watchers'."

"Time is of the essence. I'm giving you the highest authority. The resources of the Joint Fleet and the Academy of Sciences are at your disposal. Within three months at most, I want to see a sharp blade capable of combating the corruption of the rules."

"Guaranteed to complete the mission!"

A fighting spirit ignited in Wang Zhe's eyes.

“General Zhao,” Chen Lin said, turning his gaze to the commander of the joint fleet in the holographic projection, “I’ll leave the blockade of the ‘Silent Seas’ to the fleet.”

"I agree with the deployment plan in principle, but I would like to emphasize two points: First, the detection array must include a monitoring module for subspace background information disturbances. This is the core requirement for the upgrade of 'Eye of the Candle Dragon'. Dr. Zhou's team will handle the technical details."

"Second, forceful expulsion is the priority, and ultimate destruction is the last resort. Any target that enters the restricted area, regardless of its identity, should first be driven away by the highest intensity, non-contact information interference (such as strong logic noise broadcasting). Only if this fails should physical destruction be considered."

"We must avoid energy bursts to prevent the activation of our unknown latent contamination. If there are any unusual movements on the blockade line, report them to me immediately."

"Yes, Chairman Chen!"

General Zhao responded in a deep voice that Chen Lin's supplementary request was more specific and cautious, and he had no objection to it: "The fleet will use the strongest chains to lock up that star field."

Finally, Chen Lin looked at the projection of the Academy of Sciences advisor: "Advisor, the basic research of the Academy of Sciences is of utmost importance."

"Based on the desensitized data, I need you to make key breakthroughs in several areas: First, model the correlation between high-dimensional energy storms and known subspace phenomena to find their regularity or anomalies; second, simulate the biological and information effects of unknown strong radiation and establish a theoretical protection model; and finally, I need you to study the collapse threshold of space structure stability under extreme distortion."

"These are the theoretical foundations for building the 'firewall,' and the research results will be directly synchronized with Dr. Zhou's 'Zero Lab' and the 'firewall' project team."

"The Academy of Sciences will do its utmost, Chairman Chen."

The consultant made a solemn promise.

With the instructions clearly issued, all aspects began operating at high speed.

Chen Lin did not leave the command center. He sat back in the main seat, his deep gaze once again fixed on the star map, the scar of UDF-7243 resembling an ugly sore.

He pulled up the real-time data stream from the Deep Space Exploration Network, where countless points of light represented ships, space stations, and probes involved in human activities. They may seem tiny in the vast sea of ​​stars, but they carry the weight of civilization.

"President,"

A calm voice came through the communication; it was the intelligence analysis director.

"Following your instructions, we have conducted a preliminary review and risk assessment of all deep space exploration projects over the past three years, especially those involving gravitational lensing, zero-point field pulsation, or subspace exploration."

"Let's get to the point."

Chen Lin's words were concise and to the point.

"Yes... the vast majority of projects are currently stable and the risks are controllable. But there is one project... the 'Deep Diver 7' exploration vessel entered the K-77 Stardust Vein area, which is located on the edge of the 'Silent Sea' no-navigation zone but has not yet been officially included, three months ago for routine exploration."

"Its last routine communication was 24 hours ago, reporting that everything was normal and that the exploration would end and the ship would return as planned in 72 hours."

Chen Lin tapped his fingertip lightly on the control panel: "K-77? I remember that vein is rich in zero-point field sensitive crystals."

"Yes, Chairman. That's exactly why we're concerned."

"While its routine reports are normal, our passive subspace background noise monitoring network detected extremely weak, intermittent information disturbances in the 'Deep Diver 7' operating area... The spectral characteristics... have a similarity coefficient of 0.73% with the background 'whispers' recorded by Dr. Zhang Wei before activating the highest power probe in the 'Houtu' black box."

"Although below the alarm threshold,... it warrants attention." 0.73%...

In the vast background noise of the universe, this number is so small that it can be almost ignored.

But in the aftermath of the "Omega fragments" incident, any trace of the deadly contamination was like a phosphorescent light in the night, enough to raise the highest level of alert.

Chen Lin's eyes instantly sharpened. He didn't need any more evidence; his intuition and experience told him that this was no coincidence.

K-77 Stardust Vein, that area rich in zero-point field-sensitive crystals, that location on the edge of the no-fly zone, that exploration ship reporting "all is well"... and that whisper of 0.73% similarity.

The tentacles of the abyss seem to extend further and are more hidden than expected.

"Take immediate action."

Chen Lin's voice was cold and resolute, without the slightest hesitation: "Deep Diver VII is ordered to immediately cease all exploration operations! Shut down all non-essential systems, especially any form of field pulse detection or zero-point energy related equipment! Maintain absolute silence and stand by!"

Immediately afterwards, Chen Lin quickly issued several instructions, all of which were issued in his highest capacity as the president of the association.

The command spread out like an invisible network in an instant, precisely targeting that potentially hazardous star region.

Chen Lin stood before the enormous star map, the K-77 cursor highlighted, like a tiny reef that could ignite a storm.

He cannot easily intervene without preparation, but he also cannot sit idly by and watch potential threats fester right under his nose.

Li Rui's injuries, the loss of the Houtu, and the future of human civilization all weighed heavily on this precarious decision.

"The abyss is testing us..."

Chen Lin muttered to himself, his gaze piercing through the star map, as if he could see the terror hidden deep within the mineral vein crystals, yet to awaken. "Then let's see whose net is stronger, and whose blade is sharper."

……

The Deepdiver VII, a medium-sized industrial vessel, hovers silently in the beautiful yet dangerous stardust belt.

The hull is covered with robotic arms and drilling equipment used to collect high-purity zero-field sensitive crystals.

Just minutes earlier, Captain Wang Hai received an order from the Red Dragon Association with the highest level of authorization and an encryption level of "Dark Star." The order was cold and urgent:

[Supreme Directive - Source: Chen Lin, President of the Red Dragon Association]

Immediately cease all exploration operations! Shut down all non-essential systems! In particular, shut down all field pulsation detection and zero-point energy related equipment!

Remain absolutely silent and stand by!
Those who disobey orders will be considered traitors!
Captain Wang Hai was experienced and knew the weight of the "Dark Star" order, and he understood the meaning of the words "betrayal of the planet".

A chill ran down his spine. Without hesitation, he immediately issued an order over the ship's intercom: "Attention all personnel! Execute the highest level of the 'Silence Protocol'! Cease all operations immediately! Shut down exploration equipment, non-life support systems, and active communication arrays! Shut down all field pulse scanners and zero-point energy stabilizers! Repeat, execute immediately! Maintain absolute silence!"

The piercing alarm was abruptly cut off, and the bright lights inside the ship instantly switched to dim red emergency lighting.

The once-roaring drilling robot arm came to a standstill as if frozen, and the instrument panel, which was flashing its working indicator lights, was deathly silent.

Although the crew was taken aback, they quickly carried out orders under strict discipline, and the entire ship soon fell into a stifling, unsettling silence.

"Captain... what happened?"

The first mate lowered his voice and asked nervously.

"I don't know, but it's definitely a top-level crisis."

Wang Hai stared at the shimmering stardust vein outside the porthole, his mind racing with alarm bells.

He recalled that in the past few hours, some crew members seemed to have complained of mild tinnitus, headaches, and even reported inexplicable minor deviations in instrument readings... At the time, he assumed it was just interference from the complex electromagnetic environment of the ore vein area.

Looking back now, those subtle discomforts lingered in his mind like venomous snakes.

Less than half an hour after the Deep Diver VII fell into absolute silence, an unexpected change occurred!

Deep inside the ship, near the main ore processing tank, a dull, teeth-grinding "click" sound suddenly rang out!

Immediately afterwards, a blinding purple light burst out from the gaps in the ventilation ducts and the seams of the bulkhead without warning!

The light was not pure light; it was more like some kind of viscous energy flowing through it!
"Alarm! Alarm! Ore processing compartment C... abnormal spatial readings! Energy radiation... undetectable!"

A terrified voice rang out in the bridge's internal communications, only to be drowned out by a sharp, grating sound, like countless fingernails scraping against metal! The sound didn't come from the speakers; it exploded directly in everyone's minds!

"Ugh!"

The first mate clutched his head in pain and collapsed to the ground.

Captain Wang Hai also felt a violent dizziness, and the control screen in front of him began to distort and deform, as if it were melting.

He saw on the screen that the monitoring footage representing Zone C of the ore processing compartment was instantly covered by crazy purple noise. In the footage, the stacked ores rich in zero-point sensitive crystals were now emitting an eerie purple light, as if they had come alive!
Even more terrifying, the alloy bulkheads near that area began to soften and twist like candles, with dark purple veins appearing on their surface! A cloying, pungent smell mixed with metallic rust began to permeate the enclosed space of the ship!
"Pollution...it's pollution! Just like the 'Houtu'..."

Wang Hai instantly understood the meaning of the command, and a tremendous fear gripped him!

They shut down the active equipment, but the vein itself... seems to be activated!

Or rather, tiny fragments of contamination had been lurking deep within the vein, and their previous exploration activities were like dancing around a sleeping venomous snake, which has now awakened!

"Report to the bridge! Sector C... the bulkhead in Sector C is melting! Something... something is crawling out! Oh my god!!"

The communicator crackled with the desperate screams of the processing module operator, then the communication was cut off, leaving only the chilling sounds of chewing and splattering of viscous liquid!
"Activate internal isolation! Seal off Section C and adjacent cabins! Everyone stay away!"

Wang Hai suppressed the screams and nausea in his mind and roared out the order.

The heavy isolation doors slammed shut amidst the alarm, temporarily blocking the spreading purple light and terrifying scene, but the eerie smell permeating the ship and the omnipresent whispers of the spirits kept everyone on edge.

Despair, like an icy tide, began to engulf the now lifeless exploration vessel. (End of Chapter)