From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 766 Barren Land
early morning.

As the first rays of sunlight crossed the horizon, gilding the magnificent imperial palace complex, the core area of ​​the ruins remained unchanged.

Om-!
A deep, yet soul-stirring hum of energy seemed to originate from the void. Immediately afterward, two indescribably dazzling white lights burst forth, their intensity even briefly suppressing the rising sun.

The light expanded rapidly like a supernova explosion, yet it was precisely confined to a specific area of ​​space by an invisible force.

As the blinding light gradually faded, two brand-new, giant spatial gates, each six kilometers long, stood within the core area of ​​the ruins.

They are like two flawless mercury mirrors, reflecting the silhouettes of the sky and the palace. Inside, there are slowly rotating, bottomless vortices of soft light, connecting two unknown universes.

Overlooking this core area, which now houses twenty-two spatial gates, one can see that a vast assembly area has already been designated in front of the newly opened 21 and 22 spatial gates.

At this moment, this place has been transformed into a torrent of steel and will.

A large number of soldiers formed a neat square formation. They were dressed in equipment from different legions, with different paint schemes, but they all exuded the same aura of battle-hardened elites.

The agents belonging to the Investigation Department and the Inquisition Department gathered in twos and threes in relatively independent areas. Their clothing was more diverse, but the sharpness and competence in their eyes were the same.

A large number of automated combat units—

From massive, heavily armored intelligent tanks and mechs to small, agile swarms of drones used for reconnaissance and assault, they are like silent steel jungles, scattered throughout every corner of the assembly area.

The view is even more spectacular at higher altitudes.

Warships belonging to the various legions responsible for this integration mission were moored in the designated airport and orbit in the core area of ​​the ruins, blotting out the sky.

Examples include the Flame Lizard's heavy and stable battle barges, the Dark Angel's sharply styled strike cruisers, the Dawn Raiders' ships that emphasize firepower projection, the Steel Warrior's turret-covered "siege ships," and the Midnight Lords' dark-painted, seemingly light-absorbing stealth ships, and so on.
They formed a metal mountain range suspended in the sky, casting shadows that covered almost the entire core area and even the entire imperial palace.

According to standard procedures, once the advance reconnaissance units confirm that the environment on the other side of the space gate is relatively stable and not directly in an extremely dangerous battlefield or desperate situation, and after the construction of the forward base has begun, these advance fleets parked above the core area will cross the space gate and take control of the key orbit.

The main fleets that follow will arrive at Earth in the main universe from different universes where their respective legions are stationed, through the existing space gate network, and then be deployed to new battlefields in turn.

At this moment, the spatial gate has stabilized, and the familiar reconnaissance procedure is immediately initiated.

A large number of biological and mechanical reconnaissance units equipped with high-strength physical cables were activated.

These units come in various shapes and sizes, some resembling multi-legged mechanical spiders, others being small, bio-modified creatures with heightened senses. Dragging fiber optic cables flashing with signal indicator lights, they plunge one after another into the softly glowing "mercury mirror," like worker ants rushing towards a new world, transmitting the initial data back in real time via physical lines.

Within the assembly area, most personnel remained in place, using this brief time to conduct final equipment checks or adjust their mindset.

This is the area where the special agents gathered in front of Space 21.

A group of men and women, whose demeanor was distinctly different from that of regular soldiers, were gathered here.

Most of them wore bulletproof casual clothes that allowed for easy movement, rather than standard power armor, but the various high-tech equipment they carried, along with their subtle yet sharp aura, indicated that they were no ordinary people.

Among them, Leon S. Kennedy's figure is still eye-catching.

He maintained his classic attire—

Dark cargo pants, a light gray short-sleeved shirt with the cuffs casually rolled up to the elbows, revealing muscular forearms, and a tactical belt at the waist holding spare magazines, a tool bag, and a quick-draw holster containing a signature custom pistol.

Time has left its mark on his face, but it has only added to his composure.

Standing next to him was his longtime partner, Mike Monardi.

Slightly different from Lyon's "tactical casual style," Mike wore a fitted dark long-sleeved T-shirt and a pair of durable jeans, giving him a more relaxed look.

Two veteran agents, both considered "older brothers" in the investigation department, were chatting quietly during the wait.

"So, your partner took the kids on another trip?"

Lyon asked casually, but his gaze habitually swept over the surrounding environment.

"Yes." Mike's face showed an exaggerated expression that mixed happiness and helplessness:

"Six little ones, plus her, it's practically an advanced class! Now, going home feels like walking back into school, painful memories."

His wife was a moderately famous model and actress. After marrying him, she became a full-time housewife and made outstanding contributions to the empire's population growth with astonishing "efficiency," earning her the title of "breeding pacesetter."

As Mike spoke, he nudged Leon with his elbow, a teasing smile on his face:
"Hey, seriously, old buddy, when your little princess gets a bit older, how about you consider my little rascals?"
The eldest son may be a bit mischievous, but he's honest and kind-hearted! If all else fails, how about we arrange a marriage between our children right now? I really think highly of you as a future father-in-law!

Upon hearing this, Leon refused without hesitation: "Come on, Mike."

When it comes to matters of the heart, let the children decide for themselves. As parents, our role is to provide support and guidance. Forced relationships never work.

His stance is clear: he respects his children's free will.

Undeterred by the setback, Mike chuckled and turned his attention to Maggie Shaw, who was standing not far away, quietly examining a pair of special-material fighting finger gloves in her hand.

She has long since abandoned the title of "Queen Maeve," and is now simply Maggie Shaw, a senior agent of the Investigations Department.

She was wearing a black tracksuit, which accentuated her still-impressive and powerful figure.

“Maggie,” Mike leaned closer and asked in a familiar tone:

"How have you been lately? I heard you mentioned last time that you went on vacation and traveled? Did you encounter anything... interesting, under the romantic starlight?"

Maggie didn't even look up, continuing to adjust the tightness of the finger cots, and replied in a flat tone: "Didn't look, and too lazy to look."

Work is fulfilling enough, so on my days off I prefer to be alone, or go to the gym, or maybe wander around in some unfamiliar place for peace and quiet.

Mike shrugged, his tone tinged with a mixture of confusion and regret: "You... well, never mind, everyone has their own way of living."

Leon, who had been keeping an eye on the reconnaissance data feedback screen, interjected, bringing the topic back to the main point: "Alright, enough chit-chat, let's focus on the present. The preliminary scan data from the two new universes should be back soon."

Mike's smile faded, and he nodded, his gaze fixed on the dimensional portal, which resembled a giant, mercury-like mirror. His eyes became focused.

"That's true, business is important. We don't know what kind of 'new friends' are waiting for us behind the door."

The atmosphere in the assembly area grew increasingly tense yet filled with anticipation as the reconnaissance operation progressed.

The wait wasn't long.

The highly specialized reconnaissance process ensured efficiency. Before long, the biological and mechanical reconnaissance units, equipped with wired devices, stably transmitted real-time images and preliminary environmental data from the other side of the space gate back to the command node in the core area of ​​the ruins.

Leon, Mike, Maggie, and the other agents almost simultaneously raised their wrists, looking at the individual tactical computers worn there. On the small, clear screen, real-time images from Universe 21 and 22 were displayed in split format.

Their main attention naturally focused on the images of Universe 21.

According to the mission assignment, this experienced investigation department special agent team will be mainly responsible for infiltration, infiltration, and deep intelligence gathering in the 21 universe.

The infiltration and reconnaissance missions corresponding to Universe 22 were handled by the elite special operations team of the Investigation Department, led by Chris Redfield.

This allocation makes sense.

On the one hand, Chris's tactical team is better at high-intensity frontal assaults and special operations support;
On the other hand, their team has a "super agent" like Maggie Shaw.

After being modified by Compound V from infancy and subsequently strengthened by the Empire, Maggie's individual strength was considered mid-range within the entire Empire, especially her physical physique, which reached the top level.

In certain extreme environments, the tactical value she can bring is indeed comparable to, or even surpasses, that of an entire conventional special operations team.

Of course, considering Queen Tinas Lothrian's warning that the unification process of Universe 22 would be "exceptionally difficult," the Empire also provided Chris's special operations team with additional powerful support—

This refers to the Chinese people, whose strength has been greatly enhanced through multiple technological upgrades and biological modifications.

He will serve as a tactical deterrent and strike force, assisting Chris's team in dealing with potential extreme threats from Universe 22.

At this moment, the images displayed on the individual soldier's computer screen begin to reveal the appearance of two new universes.

The footage from Universe 21 shows that the exit of the portal is located in a vast, desolate desert.

But unlike ordinary deserts, the sand here is darker, presenting a deathly grayish-brown color.

Looking into the distance, one can see the coastline receding dramatically in an unnatural way on the far horizon, exposing large areas of dry, cracked seabed, as if the planet's oceans had undergone a catastrophic retreat at some point.

The rapidly scrolling environmental data on one side of the screen shows that the atmospheric composition there is slightly different from that of the main universe, with a slightly lower oxygen content and a slightly higher proportion of dust and inert gases. However, key parameters such as gravity and air pressure almost certainly indicate that the exit of the space gate is located on Earth in Universe 21.

While the scenes in the 22 Universe also depict a desert landscape, its terrain appears closer to a natural desert environment, with undulating sand dunes. Although the sky appears somewhat yellowish due to the sand and dust, it does not evoke the sense of desolation that would be a forbidden zone for life.

Environmental data also confirms that its exit is also located on Earth in the second universe.

"Tsk." Mike looked at the screen, especially at the desolate and hopeless scene of Universe 21, and couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.
"Judging from these initial images alone, the situation in Universe 21 is clearly much worse than in Universe 22."

The coastline has receded so much.
This is not something that can be easily caused by natural evolution.

I think the humans over there have probably suffered a catastrophic disaster, and are likely on the verge of extinction; otherwise, the environment couldn't have deteriorated to this extent.

Leon nodded silently, his gaze fixed intently on the real-time footage of Universe 21.

As an experienced veteran, he also sensed the profound atmosphere of civilization's decline and even collapse from those dried-up seabeds and desolate deserts.

This suggests that their mission may not only involve infiltration and reconnaissance, but may also involve humanitarian aid and intervention in the survival of civilization.

Subsequently, Leon, Mike, and the others focused all their energy on the follow-up actions in Universe 21.

Soon, the command center confirmed that no large-scale physical or energy threat was detected on the other side of the space gate.

The order was issued immediately.

The first to act were elite reconnaissance troops dressed in lightweight, highly mobile dedicated power suits.

Like arrows released from a bow, they swiftly and methodically passed through the portal, establishing a preliminary circular perimeter on the other side.

Immediately afterwards, a large convoy of maglev trucks operated by the engineering department began to move. These vehicles, loaded with prefabricated building materials, energy cores, and infrastructure equipment, smoothly drove through the mercury-mirror-like gate under the escort of the reconnaissance troops, heading towards the unknown desert.

Ground forces of the Flame Lizard Legion—

The Astartes, clad in dark green heavy armor and resembling mobile fortresses, followed closely behind the engineering convoy as they crossed the portal in a disciplined formation.

They will provide the most direct and reliable protection while the engineering department carries out its work.

According to standard procedures, only after confirming that the area opposite the gate is completely controlled by ground forces and that a basic air defense and early warning system has been established, will the main force of the Flame Lizard fleet, which is anchored above the core area of ​​the ruins, pass through the space gate in turn to enter the near-Earth orbit of Universe 21 and seize control of the sky.

“It’s our turn,” Lyon said in a low voice.

The agents from the investigation department exchanged glances and checked their weapons, equipment, and disguises.

Subsequently, Leon, Mike, Maggie, and others mingled with the follow-up support team and stepped into the portal.

After a brief, strangely familiar feeling, the scene before me suddenly opened up.

They are already on Earth in Universe 21.

A dry, hot wind carrying fine dust rushed towards me, and the air was filled with an indescribable, strange smell, a mixture of decay and even dust.

The sky overhead was a dim yellow, and the starlight, shining weakly through the thick dust clouds, seemed feeble.

Looking around, all you see is an endless expanse of gray-brown desert, and in the distance, a shockingly dry seabed that looks like a scar on a planet.

The reconnaissance forces that arrived earlier have already released several stealth drones specifically designed for reconnaissance within the atmosphere and in near-Earth orbit.

These drones take off silently, like ghosts blending into the dust, and quickly spread in all directions, beginning to draw detailed maps and scan for any life or technological signals.

Meanwhile, several reconnaissance teams, riding in all-terrain armored vehicles, headed into the depths of the desert. Their mission was to establish forward observation posts at greater distances, ensuring the safety radius of the base construction area.

Near the exit of the space gate, a busy yet orderly construction scene is unfolding.

The Astartes of the Flame Lizards constructed simple yet sturdy defensive fortifications on the outer perimeter in small squads. Their heavy footsteps and the slight hum of their power armor servo systems were the only reassuring sounds in this desolate world.

Within the tightly protected core area, engineers are directing various heavy construction machinery and intelligent machines to unload standardized base modules from maglev trucks.

The massive energy core was activated first, emitting a deep rumble and injecting the first wisp of imperial energy into this barren land.

A fully functional frontline base is rising from the ruins of this civilization at a visible pace.

Leon looked around and said to Mike and Maggie in a deep voice:

"It seems we need to figure out what happened here as soon as possible and prepare to take action."

(End of this chapter)