Wasteland Echoer.

Chapter 702 "Red Layer"

“We only have 82 minutes to reach the deepest part of the ‘Red Layer’ and activate the switch to control the entire city. Once we exceed the time limit, the ‘Time Element’ will be exhausted, our bodies will be annihilated, and our souls will be forever imprisoned in the shattered dimension, never to leave.” The Blood Wolf’s voice was very deep, sounding sinister and terrifying.

Furthermore, the giant gate began to emit a darker, more dazzling reddish-black hue than the "shallow" layer, making this semi-cave area resemble the maw of a ferocious beast about to devour any prey.

"Have we reached the 'Red Layer' yet?" Wright looked around curiously, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing.

“'Blood Wolf,' you were so confident just now. You said that seizing the 'Creator's Mechanical Heart' would be a piece of cake, and that activating the machinery would be a breeze. What, I detected a hint of fear in your tone just now.”

"It's not fear, it's caution. Even if we have absolute certainty of success, I still dare not be careless when truly facing the 'Red Layer.' Wright, perhaps you'll understand what I mean when you become a leader." Blood Wolf said, taking large strides forward, but after only a few steps, he stopped at a position not too close to the giant gate.

"You mean, tactically despise the opponent, but strategically respect everything? Interesting." Wright smiled mockingly, but was equally cautious. "So, how do we get through this giant door?"

As Wright spoke, he unconsciously looked up at the massive steel gate that seemed to have no end in sight within the "functional red zone".

It's less of a door and more of a wall made of steel. Its surface has no handles or cracks; instead, it looks like a single piece of metal, mechanically sculpted.

A faint smell of engine oil lingered in front of the giant gate. Upon closer inspection, some tiny, dark creatures could be seen wriggling around the bottom of the gate, seemingly unwilling to leave.

"This door is called Odysseurari. It's a giant door cast from scraps left over from when the old empire was making the humanoid mech 'Budemira.' I don't know if the workers at the time referenced the Karlov Gate when they built it, but in some of the earliest documents and photos, the pattern on this door is different from what we see now." As "Blood Wolf" spoke, he took out a small parchment package from his pocket, tore it open, and poured some black, pungent powder into his palm.

Then, he pulled Wright forward and poured the remaining powder into the giant "Odyssey" gate.

boom!
Cold flames billowed up, rapidly spreading towards every corner of the giant gate under the catalysis of the dark magical energy within the "Blood Wolf." And those wriggling little creatures, in this cold light, finally revealed their true forms briefly.

"A bug?" Wright asked curiously, wanting to grab it, but was instantly pulled back by "Blood Wolf".

"If you want to die, there are countless ways. Don't drag me down with you," Blood Wolf explained to Wright in his sternest voice.

"These insects will devour the already limited 'time element' in our bodies, accelerating the speed at which the 'functional red zone' annihilates us."

"What...are they?" Wright clenched his fists tightly, still feeling a lingering fear, and turned to look at the "Blood Wolf," seeking an answer.

He knew that if "Blood Wolf" hadn't pulled him back in time, he would now be a "prisoner" in the chaotic dimension, a consequence of his curiosity and adventurous spirit.

"'Time Element Source Worms'." Blood Wolf's voice deepened as the cold flames spread. "They are 'Repairers' separated from the 'Autonomous Consciousness' of the 'Functional Red Domain'. In fact, we who have broken into the 'Red Layer' are the real 'Intruders'. The 'Shallow Layer' is the skin of the 'Functional Red Domain', while the 'Red Layer' is its skeleton and internal organs."

"The Creator's 'Principle' states that all living beings, regardless of whether they possess a physical body or what their composition is, will eventually develop 'spontaneous consciousness' through the daily trials and tribulations of the Creator's divine consciousness. Human beings are the Creator's greatest invention, naturally possessing supreme 'consciousness,' while machines are the Creator's latest invention in a state of slumber, also possessing 'supreme divine consciousness' no less than that of humans and gods."

“You mean, the ‘Red Domain of Functions’ is actually a kind of life form?” Wright speculated, glancing at “Blood Wolf” with a noncommittal look, hoping for a negative answer. However, like anyone answering a foolish question, “Blood Wolf” simply nodded slightly but heavily, and then further explained:

“Those who possess ‘divine consciousness’ possess ‘divinity’, and possessing ‘divinity’ means having the qualifications to become a ‘demigod’. Humans are always trapped by their innate ‘supreme consciousness’ and fall into sin or arrogance. If we can find the weaknesses of human nature, we can manipulate them like God.”

"Is this also part of 'Theory'?" Wright felt increasingly uneasy as he listened and suddenly asked.

"No." Blood Wolf shook his head and smiled helplessly.
"This is what a leader should learn. Violence and self-interest can only subdue people temporarily. When power wanes and resources are exhausted, power will also vanish. However... it seems too early to tell you all this now. I only want to plant a seed of becoming an excellent leader in your heart."

"Humans, lost souls, have been trapped in the wasteland for too long, so much so that you have gradually transformed from mad plunderers into hopeless puppets. People's souls will be gradually exhausted by the repeated torment of war, hardship, pain, and death. When you look around and see only hopeless 'hollow people' among the remaining civilizations, then this cycle of civilization will truly come to an end."

“What I see is that the souls of the Crusaders are disappearing, and their bodies are rapidly becoming mere shells driven by instinct. That’s why I want to leave here, to cross the ‘Aventure No Man’s Land,’ and head towards Khitanris.” Wright realized that “Blood Wolf” was trying to persuade him to stay through this indirect approach, so he simply responded in the same way:
"The Khitan-Lis people said, 'Only when food is plentiful will humans consider civilization and etiquette.' The Crusad Federation itself is not lacking in resources, and under the leadership of several leaders, it almost expelled the 'heartless people' and restored civilization."

"However, whoever wields the power of 'Chief Administrator' will gradually be ensnared by greed, stubbornness, irritability, and desire, ultimately either missing opportunities or plunging into the abyss. David was like that, Vasily was like that, Shaneva was like that, and even Atlanca was like that. 'Blood Wolf,' just imagine, if Vasily had truly proceeded step by step, steadily advancing without being obstinate or impatient for quick success, would I still have had a chance to escape from the 'Crimson Illusion Ruins' and gain limited freedom?"

"I think it's unlikely." Blood Wolf sighed, gazing at the cold flames that had engulfed the entire "Odyssey" gate and the charred "Time Element Insects" at his feet, and admitted:
"The 'Universal Energy Evolution Platform' was a deception set up for him by Ivan XXII from the beginning, and 'Pramini' was constantly using his consciousness to attract Vasily's people to come. If he really just wanted to expel the 'heartless people,' accept the lost ones, and gradually stabilize the situation as a leader, Krusd wouldn't have ended up like this."

“I… perhaps I understand what you mean, Wright. My ‘Orderers’ and I will no longer try to persuade you to stay. After leaving the ‘Crimson Zone,’ you can decide for yourself whether to stay or leave. Whatever your final decision, I will provide you and your companions with food, weapons, and ammunition… as payment for protecting Nebusk. Perhaps, the Crusaders do not deserve a true ‘Orderer.’”

"Blood Wolf" sighed softly and then dropped the subject.

Soon, in the deep red and semi-black environment, the "Odyssey" giant gate began to emit brilliant, firework-like light and fire, completely surrounded by flames.

The "Time Element Insects" that were just wriggling at the foot of the giant gate have now completely transformed from supporting roles into the protagonists of this dangerous "fireworks show." Their scorched bodies, surrounded by heat, are lifted into the air and continuously "crowd" towards the top of the giant gate.

Soon, the cold flames gradually became warm and intense, and the deep red glow gradually replaced all the gloom, causing the "Time Element Insects" that were constantly gathering to make dangerous crackling sounds.

boom!
Crash! Crash!

After a rapid, deafening explosion, the "Time Element Insects" burst apart like real fireworks, casting a fleeting, exquisitely beautiful glow over the deathly silent "Functional Red Domain."

All beauty is fleeting, and the fireworks brought by the "Time Source Worm" ended abruptly as the "Odysseer" descended to the ground.

"This door is open. If we keep going along this giant metal bridge, we'll see the control panel for the entire city, and that 'Creator's Mechanical Heart'." Blood Wolf's voice was excited, his eyes filled with greed and desire to control the city.

However, just as he grabbed Wright's arm and ran forward a few steps, the previously empty, openwork metal bridge surface was suddenly covered with large, dark "monsters".

They were throbbing, and their bellies were making gurgling noises.