Black Shark Base.
“Cough cough cough…!”
The cover of the hibernation pod sprang open, followed by the sound of splashing water.
A figure jolted awake from hibernation, hunching over with violent coughing and heavy breathing, the veins on the back of their hands bulging as they gripped the edge of the pod.
“Cough, huff…” Xie Yuduo’s face turned pale, breathing heavily in large gulps, his vision taking a long time to focus.
Steady yet hurried footsteps sounded, and the dim space was illuminated by approaching light.
Sylph held a hovering smart lamp in one hand, taking three steps in two, kneeling before Xie Yuduo. “Major General Xie, please relax your breathing. You’re now in Black Shark Base.”
Xie Yuduo said hoarsely. “I’m fine. How’s the battle situation, the Crystal Nest…”
Before finishing his sentence, the Major General shook his head while pressing his temples, first reciting the mother nucleus coordinates from his memory.
Sylph immediately opened her wrist device to record it. The mini communicator on her ear flickered. “Report Chief! The command room has sent a communication request, His Highness Jiang is asking about the Crystal Nest’s situation.”
The Chief: “Understood. Tell them Major General Xie has returned, and ask both Their Highnesses to contact my wrist device directly.”
Seconds later, the wrist device projected virtual images of Jiang Jianming and Ryann.
“Major General Xie,” Jiang Jianming leaned forward, speaking rapidly, “apologies for skipping pleasantries, but tell me what happened in the Crystal Nest first?”
Ryann was even more direct. “How did you die? Did you see the mother nucleus? We can’t fully trust one person’s memory, call in everyone else who’s returned!”
Sylph draped an outer garment over Xie Yuduo, helping the Major General up from the hibernation pod to sit in a chair.
Xie Yuduo’s spirit had stabilized considerably, and he answered efficiently. “Oh, I took my own life.”
“At that time, the Lava’s young chief broke through that crystalline surface, and the crystals started exploding as if going berserk… Hephaestus was directly riddled with holes and submerged in the crystals.”
“Silver Big Dipper followed up with an attack, and I watched helplessly as that crystal revealed something like a cave. Not big, just a circular hole that two or three people could embrace.”
“Deep in the hole, there seemed to be a snow-white crystal block, but I couldn’t see clearly. At that time, crystal particle streams were gushing outward…”
“I had never felt such a level of pressure before. I don’t know why, but instinctively felt something was wrong. My mind only thought about returning quickly to report the coordinates, and unconsciously I used my crystal bone to slash my throat.”
“As for the others,” at this point, Xie Yuduo looked back, “some should have returned too, right?”
Just then, he heard a commotion behind him. Base members were running back and forth between the hibernation pods, someone exclaimed. “Chief!”
“Base Body 284’s mental consciousness is abnormal, the electrical waves are chaotic…”
Xie Yuduo suddenly startled. Sylph abruptly turned around, frowning. “What?”
“Base Body 284 is confirmed dead!”
“Wait, something’s wrong…Chief, please come take a look.”
“What’s happening?” Jiang Jianming said in a deep voice, then looked at Ryann, “Your Highness, something seems wrong, let’s go check it out.”
The two figures disappeared in mid-air as the communication cut off.
Xie Yuduo only felt his head spinning. He turned his head to see a hibernation pod open, with the soldier inside convulsing violently, white foam leaking from the corner of their mouth.
Lab staff and medical officers rushed forward simultaneously, firmly holding down the soldier’s body.
“Sir! Sir, please calm down… Can you hear me!?”
“You’re safe now, this is the base…”
Sylph had already rushed over. In Xie Yuduo’s field of vision, he could only see heads crowding together, unable to make out the rescue scene. He struggled to stand up, walking over there one heavy step at a time.
Suddenly, a strange shriek rang out – it was the soldier’s voice. As soon as he opened his mouth, he kept screaming intermittently, his hands waving wildly.
The medical officers shouted at him. The soldier kept screaming, his eyeballs rolling aimlessly, randomly touching his face with both hands like an infant.
“What’s wrong with him?” Xie Yuduo asked hoarsely.
The Major General’s voice was drowned in the rising and falling voices.
“Base Body 934 returned! Base Body 131 returned…”
“Base Bodies 8021, 15003, 418, 7324 returned…”
“Base Bodies 2404, 13990…”
Soon, a cold and oppressive air spread throughout the laboratory of Black Shark Base.
These soldiers whose Base Bodies had died and original bodies had returned were, without exception, all in a state of insanity or idiocy.
By the time Ryann and Jiang Jianming arrived, the situation had become severe. The once-quiet laboratory was filled with haunting wails, as if they had descended into the eighteenth level of hell.
“How’s the situation?” Jiang Jianming strode in. His face was deathly pale, his voice weak and hoarse, yet the sharp glint in his eyes had been honed even keener.
The crystal particle density had surged drastically, affecting him severely. It was now at a level where others could tell something was wrong at a glance. Ryann followed behind with a grim face, looking as if he wanted to devour him.
Sylph, who had been checking the instrument data, slowly straightened up.
After a long silence, she finally spoke softly. “…It seems the Crystal Nest’s mother nucleus has found a way to counter the Base Body plan.”
Jiang Jianming peeled off the crystal bones that Ryan had been quietly wrapping around him, “What?”
Sylph: “The Crystal Nest’s mother nucleus has released all its power. Now all crystal particles in the entire Crystal Nest are in an extremely excited and chaotic state. Human mental power cannot resist the crystal particles’ erosion.”
“Now the Crystal Nest no longer kills the soldiers’ Base Bodies, but continuously uses crystal particles to torture their consciousness…”
“When the human consciousness residing in the Base Body collapses, the impact of returning memories also destroys the original body’s brain neurons.”
At this point, Sylph pressed her lips tightly together. Xie Yuduo supported his forehead with one hand and continued hoarsely, “The soldiers who have returned now are all destroyed without exception. Just now the Chief was asking me…”
Xie Yuduo raised his head, complex light flickering in his eyes beneath his disheveled hair, “Should we forcibly end the consciousness projection?”
Suddenly, another wave of crying came from behind, but it wasn’t from the insane ones – it was from the soldiers’ original bodies who had awakened earlier.
“Brother, wake up, look at me. Be strong, we promised to go home together after winning the war…”
“Wuwu… Xiao Rong, Third Brother, Old Pang… how did everyone end up like this, leaving me alone…”
A young recruit knelt on the ground, embracing the old captain’s neck with tears streaming down his face, wailing loudly, “How did this happen? Wasn’t the Base Body plan supposed to be safe!?”
The tragedy continued to unfold. Now only by forcibly ending the consciousness projection could Tang Zhen, Bei Man’er, and other soldiers still lingering in the Crystal Nest possibly return safely, awakening in their original bodies.
“…”
Ryann’s eyes suddenly darkened. “Not possible. The Crystal Nest is disintegrating now, with massive crystal particle leakage. If all soldiers retreat, more rioting crystal particles will directly attack the space station.”
The Crown Prince slightly raised his head, the base’s cold light shining on his platinum hair that flowed like a stream, “We cannot recall the soldiers.”
Sylph was startled. “Your Highness, but the current situation…”
As she spoke, her gaze secretly glanced toward Jiang Jianming, only to see the black-haired officer let out a light sigh and slightly shake his head at her.
The Chief’s heart sank – even the Commander didn’t oppose this seemingly cruel decision, which meant there truly was no other way.
Looking at Xie Yuduo again, the Major General’s expression was calm, as if he had anticipated this outcome. “Say no more, Chief. I was thinking the same thing.”
The Golden Sun Wheel space station continued rotating in the depths of the universe, while that tide of crystal particles, like a vast fog or a magnificent white night, drew ever closer.
“Well, bringing back the Crystal Nest mother nucleus coordinates means I’ve fulfilled my duty,”
Xie Yuduo stood up, stretching his back, and laughed clearly amidst the background of wailing and howling, “Next, I still need to go back.”
He said seriously, “As long as we hold out for three days, the Pangu’s Axe can restart. I’ll leave the rest to both Your Highnesses.”
As the general turned to leave, unexpectedly, the Crown Prince suddenly reached out and gripped his shoulder. “Since we still have three days, there’s no need to rush to your death. I’ll go first…”
Speaking, Ryann looked at Jiang Jianming, a flash of struggle crossing his emerald eyes.
In the current situation, he was extremely worried about separating from Jiang. This disabled human was prone to trouble, and after merging with past-life memories, he had become even more reckless. If something were to happen…
But the situation was urgent, so the Crown Prince finally steeled his heart, gripping Jiang Jianming’s wrist while saying softly, “I’ll go test the Crystal Nest’s attack strength first. You must wait for my return.”
Jiang Jianming suddenly looked up. “Your Highness, let’s observe a bit more.”
Ryann: “Observe what? Communications are down, and those who approach the Crystal Nest either die or go mad – you should understand. Only I can go.”
He turned and left after speaking, hearing people behind him calling “Your Highness.” Ryann walked through the chaotic laboratory without looking back, the pungent smell of medicine in the air, the automatic door opening before him, harsh light streaming in—
He took another step forward when his vision suddenly wavered strangely, his limbs losing control like puppet joints, becoming numb.
“…?” Ryann was bewildered, not yet realizing what had happened, when his body tilted forward and collapsed.
Someone behind him called out, almost hysterically.
“—Your Highness!!!”
……
Omega Alien Star, Silver Big Dipper’s Third Fortress.
A group of grotesque alien creatures howled as they flew over the fortress’s sky. Several rows of anti-aircraft guns swept across, piercing through their half-rotted wings.
They fell from the heights bringing winds with them, like a heavy black rain. Corpses crashed against the fortress’s alloy outer walls, crystal fragments and flesh flying everywhere. More dense swarms of alien creatures surrounded the fortress, crawling up the outer walls.
Emma Lin extended her right hand wearing crystal-blocking gloves, touching the fortress wall. Ice-white crystals were growing there.
Crystal particle density had increased dramatically, causing many alien creatures to riot, and new crystalline creatures never seen before had appeared…
The First and Second Fortresses had already sent emergency alerts one after another, but the Third Fortress was overwhelmed and couldn’t provide assistance.
Major General Emma wasn’t optimistic. She was now the only Silver Big Dipper general remaining on guard, and she didn’t know how long the newly transferred Far Star soldiers could hold out.
“Major General!!!”
Someone ran up the city wall, covered in blood that dripped continuously.
The wounded officer wiped his face, panting heavily as he shouted. “Major General, we can barely hold on! What should we do!?”
“What else can we do,” Emma suddenly clenched her fist and said coldly, “Even if we can’t hold, we must hold. Keep fighting!”
“The alien creatures’ riot must mean the Crystal Nest front has reached a critical moment. If we can’t help, at least we won’t become a burden.”
“Communications officer! Message to First and Second Fortresses: Whatever the cost, hold the line!!”
……
In the Aslan Capital, countless ordinary household windows were pushed open, revealing anxious faces peering out.
It was an overcast day, with clouds blocking the sun and sky, making the light dim.
But people could still see crystalline fragments forming on the street’s tiles, in the trees along the sides, and even on the beams and cabinets in their homes.
Under the window curtains on a small bed, a little girl wrinkled her chubby face, whimpering on the verge of tears. “Mama, Mama, baby feels so uncomfortable.”
The mother’s trembling hands repeatedly fiddled with the crystal particle detector on the wall, its numbers rapidly rising.
Outside the room, father and son were arguing fiercely.
“What’s happening…”
“Did we lose at the front?”
“Bah, this child, what nonsense are you talking!”
“Then what else!?” The young man cried out in fear, waving his hands, “Now crystal particles are flooding into Star City, doesn’t that mean the front line has fallen!?”
The young man’s silhouette reflected in the window. Through the glass, city guards ran quickly through the streets with loaded weapons.
Suddenly, a wild wind blew up leaves and dust, sweeping past the soldiers’ trouser legs.
The dark clouds overhead had become so thick they seemed about to drip ink, a storm was approaching.
****
“Chief, 000’s consciousness connection is unstable… about to…”
“…Your Majesty… Kaios!”
“Why is he like this?”
“Mother nucleus… crystal particle riot…”
“Might not… maintain…”
What?
What are they saying?
There was a commotion all around. Ryann’s consciousness was hazy, vaguely remembering Jiang Jianming’s shout before he fell.
The Crown Prince felt embarrassed. Just after boasting that only he had the ability to challenge the Crystal Nest, he collapsed the next second – too shameful.
He also felt heartache, worried if he had scared Jiang Jianming. If this triggered another episode, that would be serious.
He wanted to open his eyes and sit up, take his commander into his arms for comfort, but his body wouldn’t move at all.
Someone placed their finger between his brows, then quickly slid it down along his hairline.
His hearing gradually became clearer, and Ryann heard Jiang Jianming’s calm voice. “Then why am I still fine?”
“Shouldn’t my consciousness projection also be transmitted from the Crystal Nest through His Majesty’s will?”
…His Majesty. Ryann pondered, repeatedly savoring this noble title in the depths of his consciousness.
He couldn’t help comparing it with Jiang Jianming’s usual “Your Highness,” trying to determine which sounded better, which held deeper affection.
“There can only be one explanation,” Sylph said softly, “Kaios lacks the strength to maintain two projections, so he… prioritized you.”
In an instant, a bone-chilling sense of crisis pierced through him.
Ryann suddenly held his breath, some unknown force exploding forth as he violently opened his eyes!
Clang, thud.
The silver-white sidearm Wings of Venus was knocked into the air by crystal bones, then fell to the ground.
Gasps of surprise rang out in the small room as several people looked toward the Crown Prince who should have been unconscious on the bed, “Your Highness! You’re awake…”
The black-haired young man standing by the bed turned around in a daze.
His right hand was still at his waist, now at the empty holster. His ring finger twitched slightly, making the golden ring flash.
“…Ryann?”
“Jiang. Jian. Ming.”
Ryann slowly propped himself up, his eyes red with hatred blazing in his gaze, like sharpened beast fangs.
“Just now,” he grabbed Jiang Jianming’s collar with one hand and yanked violently, “what were you planning to do!?”
The disabled human couldn’t withstand such roughness – Jiang Jianming was nearly pulled headfirst into the bed corner. Ryann wrapped an arm around him, shouting furiously. “Speak!!”
“Hey no no no,” Xie Yuduo was completely confused and hurried to mediate, “Did Your Highness have a nightmare? Nothing happened just now?”
“You suddenly fell unconscious, and the Little Excellency was extremely worried, asking the Chief about your condition.”
Ryann laughed in extreme anger, restraining Jiang Jianming even more forcefully, “Let him speak for himself!”
Jiang Jianming was silent for a second, then raised his face. “…You misunderstood, Your Highness.”
“I really wasn’t planning to shoot myself to actively end my consciousness projection to protect you.”
Xie Yuduo: “…”
Sylph looked away, painfully holding her forehead with a groan.
Ryann was so furious his voice was trembling. “Then why were you reaching for your gun!?”
Jiang Jianming defended himself helplessly. “I did consider that possibility briefly, but hadn’t planned to act on it… You’re overreacting, Your Highness.”
He paused, lifting his eyelashes, an indescribable coldness flickering in the depths of his black eyes. “Besides, doing foolish things like sacrificing one’s life for love – whether before or now, hasn’t that always been what you do?”
