Pretending to be a genius starts with the civilization advancement assessment.

Chapter 285 Enthusiastic Sign-up, Traversing the Secret Realm (5.1K)

"Show the mission details," Lin Yi then instructed.

"Yes, Master."

With a wave of her hand, Xuanji unfurled a massive light screen, and a stream of deep blue data surged forth like a waterfall, finally settling on the highlighted task option.

[Mission ID]: TQ-73419-X
[Task Type]: Secret Realm Exploration (Unknown/Unrated)
[Mission Location]: Edge of the Ash Starfield, Unstable Space Node K-I91 (Tentative Name: Gate to the Secret Realm)
[Environmental Assessment]: A stable space bubble structure was detected at the other end of the node, containing a continent-mass-level entity and signs of life; specific details are unknown. [Stableness Assessment of the Quality Space Channel]: Passage is permitted at a maximum level of stellar core-level perfect energy.

[Task Objective]:
1. Initial Exploration: Confirm the basic environment, physical constants, resource overview, existence of intelligent civilization and its level, and assess the potential threat level within the secret realm.

2. Establish outposts: Under the premise of ensuring safety, establish temporary forward bases with basic defense and survival capabilities.

3. Construct a passage: In cooperation with the Planetary Forces engineering team, locate and stabilize the spatial coordinates inside the secret realm, and establish a stable two-way hyperspace passage with the main universe.

[Task Reward]:
Basic reward: 500 million military merits (team). All non-designated strategic resources gained during the exploration period belong to the exploration team.

Exploration Points: Points are awarded based on a comprehensive evaluation of factors such as the completeness of the submitted secret realm information, the value of the threat assessment report, and the accuracy of the resource distribution map, with no upper limit.

Channel Bonus: Successfully establishing a stable two-way channel will earn an additional 300 million military merits.

[Risk Warning]: Unknown environment, unknown risks. The secret realm is not covered by the Pan-Spirit Alliance virtual network; once entered, you will be in a state of absolute disconnection. According to the "Safety Regulations for Exploring Unknown Secret Realms," if the exploration team fails to send back any confirmation information or successfully establish a passage within one hundred standard years after entering, the mission will automatically be upgraded to a 'high-risk disconnection' status. The Astral Army will activate its emergency plan, dispatch a second, higher-level exploration team, and simultaneously strengthen the entrance blockade.

Lin Yi's gaze swept calmly over the mission briefing.

The information is scarce, filled with words like "unknown," "unrated," "possible," and "warning."

This is the norm when exploring unknown and mysterious realms.

The secret realm is essentially a "bubble" detected by the Astral Military's most advanced technology. All that is known is that such a bubble exists, but its size is unknown, and no one knows whether the bubble is a paradise of birdsong and fragrant flowers or a purgatory that devours everything.

Under the current exploration mechanism in the human territory, the massive Astral Legion needs to maintain the territory's defense line. Its bloated logistics system and standardized combat procedures are often inefficient when faced with such sharp, unconventional missions that require "crossing the river by feeling the stones."

Therefore, for these kinds of secret realms where the initial risks are immeasurable and the environment is extremely uncertain, having a mercenary group with strong individual combat power and flexible tactics take the lead has become the best choice.

Especially the core element of establishing a stable channel.

The newly discovered entrances to the secret realms are more than 99% naturally "one-way valves." Entering may not be difficult, but returning the way you came would only be possible if the professional engineers from the Astral Army who accompanied the mercenary group into the secret realm used their equipment to slowly establish a stable two-way passage.

Therefore, the ability to maintain combat effectiveness in various complex environments is especially needed.

As for the rule of "escalating the blockade after a century of no contact," it is an experience summarized over the years.

Depending on the level of energy and the differences in rules, it typically takes 1 to 50 years for an Astral Army escort squad to establish a two-way portal.

If no passage is established and no one returns for a century, the advance team has most likely encountered significant trouble, and the Astral Army will upgrade the danger assessment of the secret realm.

Not all secret realms are uncharted virgin lands. Some are home to highly advanced or extremely bizarre civilizations. Once, an exploration team lost contact in a secret realm. A hundred years later, a second team entered and was shocked to find that the pioneers had already been captured, studied, and assimilated by the native civilization. Their technology and equipment had been reverse-engineered, and they were even preparing to launch a surprise attack on the main universe.

According to what Lin Yi learned from the course, some ultra-high-level secret realms even contain terrifying beings comparable to the Venerable Lord level.

Many of the minor and weak races in the main universe today emerged from secret realms and gradually developed. Even some of humanity's staunch allies came from secret realms within human territory and were supported in their development.

Of course, based on many years of experience, the theoretical ceiling of the internal world of a secret realm with an entrance energy level at the star core level is usually between the star core and the star field level.

For the human race, even if there are star domain-level enemies inside, and only star core-level enemies can enter, it is merely a matter of whether the amount of power invested is worthwhile; there will be no situation that cannot be handled.

"Xuanji, in the name of the leader of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group, accept the mission TQ-73419-X."

Lin Yi gave the instructions.

"Yes, Master. Mission accepted successfully. Relevant mission permissions have been activated. The Astral Army liaison officer will conduct mission details confirmation and engineering team docking at the 'Thunderblade' forward logistics station in seven days."

Xuanji immediately accepted the task as required.

Lin Yi nodded slightly and continued, "Send information to the mercenary group members, briefly describing the mission details, and let everyone sign up voluntarily. I will then finalize the list."

Upon hearing this, Xuanji bowed slightly. Then, a message marked with the permission level "Highest - Leader's Order" was quickly transmitted to the terminal of each member.

"Attention all units, the mercenary group has accepted the initial exploration mission of the Unknown Realm. We are now publicly recruiting the first batch of exploration pioneers. Requirements: Star Core level with strong will and rich experience, or Stardust level with special support, survival, and construction abilities. Application is voluntary, and applicants must sign the highest level risk disclosure and will agreement. Application deadline: within 24 hours of standard time. The preliminary mission briefing has been distributed to the terminals."

The news immediately caused an uproar within the mercenary group, which had been relatively quiet due to the stabilization of the border conflict.

In recent decades, due to the Kunmo tribe's extremely cunning strategy of avoiding battle, the number of high-reward, high-merit large-scale assault, defense, and raid missions that the Dongfeng Mercenary Group can take on has decreased sharply. Instead, they are given some tedious patrol, reconnaissance, and small-scale mopping-up missions.

For mercenaries who are used to fighting amidst gunfire and seeking breakthroughs on the edge of life and death, this "relatively leisurely" life makes them feel uneasy.

Inside the mercenary group's virtual training equipment, although things were still in full swing, the lack of real combat experience made it feel like something was missing.

Of course, most importantly, the rate at which military merits are accumulated has slowed down significantly.

For many members, their merit records are just one or two high-difficulty missions away from being promoted to the next rank and gaining a more powerful legacy and more precious resources.

This kind of threshold that you can see but can't touch is the most frustrating.

Therefore, when the mission of "exploring unknown secret realms," which was high-risk but also inevitably high-reward, appeared, the mercenaries, who were already bored out of their minds, instantly became excited.

The mercenary group's internal forum was flooded with messages.

"Finally, a big job! Sign up, I have to sign up!"

"Count me in. I've had enough of this bullshit. My fists are practically rusting."

"Let's explore! I've heard that unexplored secret realms hold the most treasures! Let's take a gamble and turn stardust into star cores."

"I only need 800,000 more military merits to exchange for the 'Ninefold Mountain Technique,' and I absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."

"For the title, we'll fight to the death!"

The enthusiasm for volunteering was unprecedented. Even some members who were usually in charge of logistics and not on the front line of combat were carefully reading the requirements for "special support, survival, and construction capabilities" and considering whether they could contribute their share.

Outside Lin Yi's battalion commander's office, a small queue had even formed, consisting of captains from various battalions or renowned fighters who hoped to express their determination to participate in the war in person.

Not only did the expected people like Chen Yu and Andrei come, but even people like Elizabeth, Zhou Yuxuan, and Liu Yuan also came.

Lin Yi listened patiently to the requests of each volunteer, quickly weighing his options in his mind.

He needs an elite team capable of handling all kinds of emergencies, but he also needs to ensure the stability of the rear base.

After the 24-hour registration period ended, Lin Yi and Irelia, who could only stay in the mercenary group, reviewed the list together.

"Chen Yu, Zhou Yuxuan, Andrei, and Elizabeth are all seasoned veterans with comprehensive abilities. They can stand alone and are perfectly capable of serving as the core command team."

Looking at the list on the screen, Irelia calmly analyzed, "Although Zhou Yuxuan is young, he is usually calm and has good talent. His management skills are very helpful for coordinating the team in unfamiliar environments. However, Liu Yuan has also signed up, and their abilities overlap to some extent."

Lin Yi nodded in agreement.

“That’s right. I can’t take both of them with me. In that case, Liu Yuan’s overall abilities are actually stronger. But that’s precisely why he has to stay. The daily operation of the fortress, the logistical coordination with the Astral Army, and the possible deployment of support are all inseparable from him. You need a capable assistant by your side.”

"Zhou Yuxuan is more than capable of coordinating the exploration of the secret realm."

Irelia nodded in agreement.

Finally, the first batch of "Secret Realm Exploration" list was officially determined.

The number of Star Core level members selected is 500.

This group was personally led by Lin Yi's clone, with Zhou Yuxuan, Chen Yu, Andrei, and Elizabeth as the core command layer, covering major combat missions such as strong attack, heavy defense, high-speed reconnaissance, and long-range support.

The Stardust-class crew consists of 1000 people. Their primary tasks include auxiliary reconnaissance, preliminary resource exploration and collection, physical labor in base construction, and equipment maintenance and operation. This serves as both support and training. Furthermore, according to the detailed mission specifications, an engineering squad from the Asgardian Army will also be accompanying this expedition.

The squad commander's name is Rek.

The team was responsible for carrying and operating three Hermes VII space anchor point generators and related auxiliary equipment, which were the core technology for establishing the passage.

When the list was announced, some cheered, some were eager to try, and some were disappointed that they were not selected. They could only tell their selected companions to be careful and look forward to the next batch.

The next day.

The final moments before departure.

All selected participants underwent a final check and replenishment of their personal equipment before departure, and bid a final farewell to their comrades who remained in the main universe.

Lin Yi's main body and Irelia stood side by side on the observation deck at the top of the fortress, gazing at the deep starry sky in the distance.

"It's a pity I can't go, Commander. Please be careful," Irelia said softly, her emerald eyes reflecting starlight.

Lin Yi smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "There's no other way. Due to the rules, Star Domain level beings can't enter. But don't worry, if an avatar goes, even if something goes wrong, it will only lose some energy and time, and the main body will be unharmed. This is the safest solution."

So, you don't need to worry about me.

I'm not worried about you.

Irelia was speechless; who would worry about a clone?

She turned to Lin Yi and said earnestly, "I'm worried about the team members who went in with you. The rules are completely different inside the secret realm, and the dangers are unknown. You are an avatar, so you can be fearless of death, but they are all living people, partners who trust us and have entrusted their lives to us."

“So,” Irelia paused, her voice softening, “Captain, please take good care of them during this operation. Do your best to bring them back safely.”

Looking at the solemnity and earnestness in Irelia's eyes, befitting a vice commander, Lin Yi's relaxed expression also faded.

He nodded solemnly: "I understand. Ellie, don't worry. I will do my best to protect them. Exploration is important, but the lives of my companions are more important to me."

"Besides."

Lin Yi looked up at the starry sky and smiled. "I have already set this time before departure. Even if there are any accidents, I can revive them when I become stronger. At most, I can just consider it as losing the memories of the time I went to the secret realm."

Because the secret realm is not located in the main universe, but is somewhat similar to the deep waters of the river of time, the cost of rescuing people whose timeline is in the secret realm is much higher. Generally speaking, the timeline for resurrecting and rescuing people is placed before entering the secret realm.

Irelia felt somewhat relieved after hearing Lin Yi's words.

She naturally had great trust in Lin Yi's talent, and now that the timeline was complete, it was only a matter of time before he could perform resurrection.

The two stood quietly on the observation deck until the time to depart arrived.
-
Five days later.

The secure conference room on the "Thunderbolt" space station.

Lin Yi's clone met with Rek, the accompanying commander of the Astral Army.

This was a middle-aged officer with a cold and stern expression and sharp eyes like a hawk, possessing the strength of a Star Core level expert. Behind him were fifteen elite team members dressed in gray-black light engineering power armor.

"Commander Lin Yi, I have long admired your name."

Rex gave a perfect military salute. "These are my team members. We are responsible for the final opening and locking of the portal, as well as recording the mercenary group's mission execution."

"I'll have to rely on you all for this trip," Lin Yi replied with the courtesy due to a mercenary group, his tone calm.

Without any unnecessary formalities, both sides got straight to the technical details.

Reck displayed the three Hermes VII space anchor generators, which resembled multi-legged metal spiders, as well as a large number of energy crystals and computing units that shimmered with a ghostly blue light.

"Based on the latest fluctuation model of the entrance, we expect it will take at least ten standard days to complete the precise positioning of internal coordinates, adaptation of spatial parameters and placement of anchor points."

With a serious tone, Reck pointed to the complex data stream on the screen, "During this period, the anchor point generator is extremely fragile and requires an absolutely safe operating environment. Any violent energy shock or rule interference could damage the generator. That's why we brought three generators, but it would be best if we could succeed on the first try."

"Our Dongfeng Mercenary Group will be fully responsible for security and escort." Lin Yi nodded. "After entering, we will clear the landing site immediately. You will be the last to enter, along with the supplies and equipment."

With the mission details finalized, the next day, on the edge of the Ash Starfield, in a forgotten, desolate starfield.

Here, the stars are sparse and cosmic dust fills the air, making even the light seem weary.

A spatial rift, only a few kilometers in diameter, with its edges constantly flickering and twisting, is quietly suspended in the void.

It is the "Gateway to the Secret Realm".

The transport ships of the Dongfeng Mercenary Group, several escort ships of the Astral Army blocking the entrance, and the seemingly inconspicuous "Ant"-class heavy engineering vessel that looked like a large container hovered several kilometers away from the entrance.

All members involved in this mission have entered their respective personal space shuttle pods.

This shuttle cabin is streamlined and about ten meters long. It is made entirely of high-strength wave-absorbing alloy. The interior space is narrow and can only accommodate one person or a small amount of supplies. Its core design is to protect the crew in the unstable space channel. The strength of the energy core and the shield has been strictly calculated to ensure that it will not exceed the channel's capacity limit.

They were arranged closely together in the projection compartment of the transport ship, like bee pupae ready to be released.

Lin Yi's shuttle module was located at the very front of the sequence.

"Final status confirmed for all personnel!" Zhou Yuxuan's calm voice rang out in the communication channel.

"Power system normal!"

"Life support systems are functioning normally!"

"Navigation and emergency systems are functioning normally!"

Confirmation messages were sent back one after another.

"Captain Leike, we are ready." Lin Yi's voice rang out in the encrypted channel.

"Received. Space parameters meet shuttle requirements; shuttle can be activated," Lake quickly replied.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi immediately gave the order.

"Dongfeng, let's go!"

hum-

A slight tremor came, and Lin Yi felt a powerful thrust coming from behind.

His shuttle was the first to be ejected from the transport ship, shooting precisely at the twisting, writhing spatial rift like an arrow released from a bow.

The shuttle began to shake violently the moment it crashed into the "Gateway to the Secret Realm".

A strong sense of spatial tearing came from all directions, as if an invisible giant hand was about to crush the shuttle cabin.

The shuttle's outer shell emitted a sickening metallic fatigue sound, and the internal protective force field flickered erratically.

The view outside the porthole was no longer a starry sky, but a bizarre, rapidly spinning mass of colors that made one dizzy.

The painful process may seem long, but it actually only takes a few seconds.

Suddenly, all the noise and the tearing sensation stopped abruptly.

The shuttle seemed to be violently "spit out" from some narrow pipe, with a "bang!" as if it had crashed into some hard object, producing a dull thud.

　I'm busy today, so Chapter 12 will be a little late, but I'll try to finish it before midnight.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)