From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 610 "Zerg is a great threat to human existence"

crystal?

Leon's fingertips hovered in the air, and the rotating crystals in the holographic projection refracted cold light, casting changing shadows on his face.

The surface of this prismatic mineral is covered with fine energy lines, and even in static images, one can see a liquid halo slowly flowing inside.

The data from the Intelligence Department was constantly being updated, showing that this type of substance contained an extremely high concentration of energy, with an energy reading of approximately 7.2×10 joules per cubic centimeter.

In addition, the Intelligence Department also stated that there are groups in the "18" universe that are extremely hostile to humans, or to intelligent creatures. Therefore, in order for the Empire to better understand the "18" universe, elite investigators are needed to conduct in-depth investigations there.

After reading the briefing, the holographic screen turned into tiny particles of light and disappeared.

Leon stood in the middle of the living room in silence for a moment, then turned and walked towards the bathroom.

As the warm water flowed, the steam quickly blurred the mirror. When he reached out to wipe away the mist, the face reflected in the mirror made him pause slightly.

Although he still looks handsome, he now bears the marks of time.

The fine lines at the corners of his eyes were particularly obvious under the light, and a few strands of silver hair were stubbornly sticking up at his temples, making him look like an "uncle".

Leon subconsciously touched the stubble on his chin, and couldn't help but think of Ada's face that seemed to have been forgotten by time.

She always jokes that "aging can't catch up with me", but Lyon is very clear about how much "vitality" she has overdrawn over the years.

“It’s really over-consumption.”

He smiled bitterly and shook his head, then took the towel and dried his hair.

Then he walked into the cloakroom, and the sensor lights lit up one by one with his footsteps.

Leon put on the plain clothes that he had ordered from the Investigation Department.

A dark blue shirt woven with nano bulletproof fiber and tactical trousers made of the same material.

When he tightened the holster, the leather made a familiar creaking sound, and the custom-made Gauss pistol was carefully inspected and inserted into the armpit holster, with magazines filled with Gauss spike bullets fixed on both sides of the belt.

Finally, he pulled out several tiny devices from the depths of the drawer, such as neurotoxin injectors, holographic disruptors, and the birthday gift that Ada had given him last year, a plasma cutter disguised as a button.

The apartment's smart system automatically switched to alert mode when he left the house.

His complete attire was reflected on the elevator wall, an image of an agent who was still tall and straight, but no longer young.

Shortly after.

The high-rise parking lot of the giant apartment building was empty and quiet, with only a few high-end hover cars parked in exclusive spaces. It was obvious that most of the residents in the building were out enjoying their vacation.

Lyon's car, a seemingly ordinary black SUV, was waiting quietly.

As he approached, the car lights came on silently and the rear doors opened automatically after biometric authentication was passed.

The interior of the car was filled with a mixed smell of leather and gun oil, and there were several spare weapons placed in several hidden grooves on the console.

The slight vibration when the engine starts can be heard through the leather seats.

Leon habitually gripped the steering wheel and drove this heavily modified "official car" out of the parking space.

When passing through the building exit, he switched to manual mode and allowed the vehicle to climb along the maglev channel to the 700-meter middle channel.

The night view of New Accra is fully visible from this height——

Countless neon signs flow on the surfaces of buildings, the traffic on the aerial driveways is like glowing blood vessels, and the "golden roof" of the Imperial Palace in the distance shines brightly in the moonlight.

"Switch to autopilot, destination, company (Investigation Department headquarters at the Imperial Palace)."

After Leon finished speaking, he let go of the steering wheel, and the seat immediately tilted back 15 degrees and entered cruise mode.

The hover car merges smoothly into the traffic flow in the air, and the anti-glare glass softens the light from outside.

Lyon looked at the city that never sleeps beneath his feet, and his memory suddenly flashed back to the first time he saw the new Accra more than 30 years ago.

At that time, there were only a dozen huge buildings here, but now it has become a megacity spanning three continents.

The empire's development speed is indeed astonishing. It has only taken half a century for it to grow from the original main universe Earth to a behemoth that currently rules over seventeen parallel universes.

The car communicator suddenly lit up, interrupting Leon's thoughts.

Ada's holographic image appeared in the passenger seat. She seemed to have just taken a shower, with water dripping from her black hair.

"I forgot to tell you," she said with a smile in her voice, "there are special nutrients I prepared for you in the refrigerator."

Just as Leon was about to answer, the car body suddenly vibrated slightly.

The navigation showed that they were passing through the central business district, and below them was the Interstellar Plaza, which was known as the "never-extinguished" one.

Even at this height, you can still hear the cheers of the crowd celebrating Labor Day in the square.

Glancing at the lively scene below, Leon replied: “Let’s drink after I get back.”

"How long will it take this time?"

Ada's expression turned serious.

It seemed that this senior member of the Investigation Department was also on vacation, but the Investigation Department did not notify Ada to execute or direct any actions related to the "18" universe.

"It depends on whether those bastards over there cooperate." Leon tried to make his tone lighter. "Chris didn't say much. It might just be a routine reconnaissance, or he might continue to bring in some newcomers."

Ada raised her eyebrows, obviously not believing this explanation, and prepared to personally check the information released by her superiors later.

Then she just nodded: "Remember what you promised."

The hovercraft began to enter the suburban expressway, and the silhouette of the giant building became increasingly distant.

Lyon took one last look at the night view of the city. In his eyes, those twinkling lights were not only proof of the empire's strength, but also treasures that needed people like them to protect.

"I'll get the certificate when I come back, don't worry, and I'll bring back souvenirs."

He said before closing the communication.

"Ah."

Ada responded softly, and then the holographic image disappeared.

Before long, the hovercraft smoothly drove into the dedicated waterway leading to the Imperial Palace. Leon leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes to rest.

The car's temperature control system emits a subtle hum, gently delivering purified air into the car.

This made Leon fall into a short light sleep without realizing it.
"We are about to arrive at our destination. We are expected to arrive at the Investigation Department's central parking lot in 10 minutes."

The dull voice of the in-car stupid AI sounded, waking Leon from his light sleep.

He slowly opened his eyes, and the scene unfolding outside the car window made even the most experienced agent hold his breath.

The Imperial Palace complex looked like a glowing mountain in the night. The living metal on the main building surface changed color from dark purple to dark gold depending on the viewing angle. Countless searchlights illuminated the perimeter of the palace as bright as day, and the patrolling Imperial Guards' power armor also reflected golden light in this environment.

The most shocking thing is the holographic projection of the dragon pattern suspended on the top of the palace. The imperial symbol with a diameter of more than one kilometer slowly rotates, and every dragon scale on its body is clearly visible.

The hovercraft began to descend and passed through three security light curtains.

Without having to roll down the window, the biometric scanner confirmed his biometrics.

The fourth checkpoint was an armed checkpoint, where six automatic turrets simultaneously locked onto the vehicle until the central control system confirmed his high-level agent authority.

"Welcome back, Agent Kennedy."

The synthesized voice of the mechanical guard sounded, and the heavy alloy gate slowly opened.

The Investigation Department headquarters building is like a black sword piercing the sky. There are no windows on its surface, only countless dense sensor arrays.

Under the control of the stupid AI, Leon's hover car accurately drove into Area F of the mid-level parking lot.

When he pushed open the car door, the parking lot was already full of various "cars", and many agents who had just got off the cars were also hurriedly walking towards the elevators.

"Leon! You were called back too?"

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in the parking lot.

Lyon turned around and saw Mike Monadi getting off a dark blue hovercraft.

This agent was as unkempt as ever, with food residue on the collar of his shirt. It seemed that he had also rushed here immediately after receiving the notice, but did not tidy up like him.

Leon waited for his friend to approach, and the two of them joined the crowd heading for the elevator.

After entering the maglev elevator, the door closed and it carried everyone to the hall below.

Mike looked at the dark blue under Leon’s eyes and teased: “You look terrible, what’s wrong, have you stayed up late again?”

Leon shook his head: “Don’t mention it, how are you doing over there?”

"Hey!"

Mike sighed exaggeratedly, but his face was filled with an unconcealable smile, and said:

"The twins are two little bastards. Fortunately, this temporary mission saved me. Now the children are in the care of their mother."

As he spoke, Mike took out a card holder from his pocket and took out a photo, showing off a photo of his wife and children.

In the photo, the former supermodel and movie star is separating two twin boys who are fighting with each other, with their seaside mansion in the background.

Before marrying Mike Monardi, his wife was a second-rate celebrity in the film and television industry and had starred in many large-scale war, science fiction and action dramas.

The most famous science fiction series among them is also the "enlightenment mentor" for many young people.

However, after marrying Mike, especially after having children, the movie star chose to turn down all work for the sake of her family, concentrate on taking care of her children, and enjoy a leisurely and wealthy life.

As for the so-called movie stars, in the society of the Human Empire, they have no "special" privileges at all, and even their salaries are only slightly better than most people.

After all, the human empire is not as "deformed" as it used to be.

Moreover, this group of elite members of the investigation department are truly high-income people in terms of salary and benefits, but the corresponding price is that they are on the edge of danger almost all the time.

As Leon watched his friend's happy face, he couldn't help but think of the photo in his apartment of him and Aida when they were on vacation in the "Zero Two" universe (Avatar).

"Honestly." At this time, Mike put away the photos and card bag, lowered his voice and asked, "When are you and our boss going to get married?"

"After this mission."

Lyon replied bluntly.

"sharp."

And Mike gave Leon a thumbs up.

Because in the eyes of these agents, only Leon can "subdue" the boss of their department, and with marriage leave and maternity leave, these agents can also enjoy a relatively "peaceful" working environment.

After all, Ada's reputation within the investigation department is notoriously strict.

Soon, the elevator arrived at the lobby on the first floor of the building. The moment the doors opened to the left and right, a noisy sound came towards us.

A large number of agents from various branches are gathering in the hall, and mission briefings are scrolling on the holographic projection.

As soon as the two walked out of the elevator, Chris Redfield, whose muscular body could not be concealed even in his training uniform, was waiting not far away.

This legendary commander still serves as the head of the special operations team of the Investigation Department, and there are several fully healed scars on his sturdy arms.

Judging from his posture, it seems that he can solve most problems by brute force.

And since Chris has been genetically enhanced, he can easily hammer several tons of rock with his bare hands.

"You've come just in time." Chris glanced at the two of them, "Let's go directly to the platform. The nearest train is about to depart."

The three of them walked through the busy hall, and Leon noticed that the bulletin board in the hall was specially marked with a red alert status, and the words "Assemble the Special Operations Team of Space Gate No. 18" were scrolling.

The maglev train on the central platform is about to start, and its streamlined silver body surface is flashing blue light, indicating its readiness.

A large number of fully armed special operations team members from the Investigation Department, plainclothes agents and technical experts from various fields are boarding the train one after another.

Chris took Leon and Mike straight to the first carriage, which was like a small briefing room.

After entering the car, Chris used the holographic panel to bring up a holographic display screen and said:
"This is the latest image sent back by the orbital drone and the stealth hunter."

The Earth-like planet shown in the image is similar to Mars before it was transformed, and there are dozens of giant city clusters on its surface.

The enlarged images show that the buildings in these cities have typical futuristic designs and are obviously human settlements that have entered the stage of interstellar civilization.

Even more eye-catching are the ships parked in low-Earth orbit, whose main gun caliber indicates that they have impressive firepower.

In addition, stealthy aerial hunters operating within the atmosphere also photographed numerous mines and military checkpoints at major passages.

The human soldiers stationed at the checkpoints are all equipped with power armor that looks like titanium armor but is much "lighter and thinner" than the real titanium armor.

At the same time, there are many heavy armored units that cooperate with human soldiers wearing power armor to carry out strict defense and check all vehicles and personnel passing through military checkpoints.

Chris pointed to a city's star port and said, "We speculate that the human civilization on the other side of the gate is already a standard Level 2 civilization, with complete interstellar navigation, colonization, and transformation capabilities.

Furthermore, the humans over there seem to be using crystals containing highly concentrated energy to develop and improve technology.

"But" the muscular man changed the subject and said in a more serious tone:

"However, after the various investigation units collected and uploaded the data, and the Intelligence Department reviewed it, they issued a warning, saying that the universe on the other side of the 18th space gate is not peaceful, and there are Zerg that are extremely threatening to human existence.
"

(End of this chapter)