socalfunplaces Page 273
Page 273
The two quickened their pace, working together to clear away the covering. Gradually, a dark silver metallic pillar, about three meters high and one meter in diameter, was revealed. The pillar's surface was unusually smooth, engraved with unfamiliar geometric patterns they had never seen before. Within these patterns flowed extremely faint, almost imperceptible halos of energy. The base of the pillar was deeply embedded beneath the control tower's deck, seemingly integrated with the spaceship's basic structure.
“What is this thing?” Li Sha touched the surface of the pillar with her hand. It was cold and smooth to the touch, definitely not biological tissue. “It doesn’t look like something that should be on ‘Radiance of Annihilation’. The style is completely wrong.”
Lin Ye carefully examined the patterns, his brow furrowed, and slowly shook his head: "Never seen it before. It's not from any human civilization I know, not even the technological style of any major alien civilization." He subconsciously raised his right hand, the dim fragment of the Key of Creation slightly close to the pillar. The fragment only emitted a faint warmth, not the purifying light it had emitted when facing the Whispering Creatures. "The fragment didn't react strongly, which means that this thing itself... at least wasn't directly corrupted by the Whispering."
"Scan analysis complete." The Sentinel's voice came through the terminal. "The material of the columnar structure is unknown, and there is no matching record in the database. The energy response is extremely weak, and it is at a dormant level to maintain a basic state. The structure is hollow inside. A biometric interface was detected on the side."
"A biometric interface?" Lin Ye and Li Sha moved closer as instructed, and sure enough, they found a clearly recessed palm-shaped groove on one side of the pillar, with several abstract symbols of unknown meaning surrounding the edge of the groove.
"Does this... require a specific person's palm print to open?" Li Sha guessed, "Like some kind of security lock?"
Lin Ye didn't answer immediately. His gaze was fixed on the palm groove, and the fragmented images he had seen in the mental turbulence flashed through his mind—the blurry figure bound to the core by countless energy chains, and the pain of "Radiance of Annihilation" repeatedly mentioned in "Echo's" venomous thoughts. A bold hypothesis gradually took shape.
“Perhaps… it’s not entirely about needing ‘who’s’ palm print,” Lin Ye said slowly, his voice low and tinged with uncertain inquiry, “but rather… it’s about needing biological information that meets ‘certain conditions’.” As he spoke, he raised his right hand. This hand had just experienced a high-intensity energy confrontation; the web of his hand was cracked. Although it was simply bandaged, blood and sweat still soaked through the fabric. More importantly, this hand had just fully activated the power of order, and perhaps some trace of its aura remained.
“You mean…” Li Sha looked at his bloodstained hands, and seemed to understand something, her eyes becoming complicated.
“Sentinel, ‘Echo’ is a monster born from the pain and mistakes of this ship. And this thing,” Lin Ye pointed to the metal pillar, “is so carefully hidden in its very core, even protected by an energy shield. This doesn’t make sense. Unless, this thing is crucial to it, or… it’s trying to hide something.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Lisa and the terminal (representing the Sentinel), his tone becoming firm: "What the enemy desperately tries to hide and protect is often either a crucial truth or a weapon that can threaten it. In any case, it's worth the risk."
After saying that, he no longer hesitated, took a deep breath, and pressed his right hand, which was stained with blood and sweat and was still trembling slightly, firmly and forcefully into the cold palm groove.
Perfect fit!
The moment his palm completely fit into the groove, a strange change occurred!
The previously barely perceptible geometric patterns on the surface of the dark silver column suddenly shone with a soft, water-like blue light from the inside out! The entire column emitted a deep and smooth mechanical sound, as if some precision instrument that had been dormant for countless years had been reactivated.
"Verification successful." A cold, emotionless, synthesized electronic voice emanated from within the pillar, a stark contrast to the malicious and twisted intent of "Echo." "Life characteristics confirmed: Carbon-based human. Mental state: High load, trace amounts of residual order energy detected. Access granted: Temporary visitor."
"Click——"
With a soft sound, the smooth surface of the pillar silently slid open a nearly invisible door, revealing a not-so-spacious interior space.
There were no complex control consoles or flickering screens as expected, only a deep darkness. In the center of the darkness, a blue sphere of light silently floated, constantly changing and assembling into a complex three-dimensional structure. Directly below the sphere, on a similarly floating base, was a strangely shaped, jet-black crystal chip that seemed to absorb all light.
The energy fluctuations emanating from the blue orb gave Lin Ye a strange sense of familiarity—vast, desolate, and carrying a faint trace of pain, somewhat similar to the original consciousness of the "Radiance of Annihilation" that he had sensed before, but countless times weaker and purer, more like a... fragment of consciousness that had been peeled off and solidified.
The black crystal chip, however, emitted a completely different kind of energy—cold, refined, and carrying a familiar feeling that made one feel uneasy deep in their soul. It was an aura that shared the same origin as the "Whispers of the End," but seemed to be purer and more essential!
at this time!
Lin Ye's personal terminal on his wrist, as well as the Sentinel's core module, simultaneously received a brief, noisy stream of information that erupted violently from the blue orb:
[WARNING!!! 'Whispers of the End' anchor protocol... is still running... cannot be terminated...]
[Core control area... The 'main brain' logic core has completely lost control... Repeat, out of control...]
The remnants of 'Hui''s' soul... are recorded here... his... pain and...
We must stop... ultimate assimilation... otherwise... everything... will... end up...
The chip... is a key... leading to... but... it is also... a trap... be careful...
The flow of information here is abruptly cut off, as if forcibly choked.
The blue orb of light flickered violently a few times, then its light quickly dimmed and went out, finally turning into a few scattered blue specks of light that completely dissipated into the air. It seemed to have exhausted all its energy in order to convey this final message.
Inside the pillar, only the black crystal chip remained, still silently suspended above the base, emitting a dark, ominous glow, like a cold, black eye staring at them.
A deathly silence descended once again upon the hall.
Lin Ye and Li Sha stared blankly at the chip, the color draining from their faces, leaving only utter solemnity.
The second node was destroyed, and a fierce battle seemed to have temporarily come to an end. But at this moment, they clearly felt that they had only inadvertently pried open the tip of the iceberg of a much larger, darker, and more dangerous mystery!
"The key... is also a trap..." Lin Ye repeated the last contradictory and warning words in the information stream in a low voice, his gaze as if drawn by a magnet, locked on that small patch of deep darkness, as if trying to see through it.
The road ahead is unknown, and the outcome is uncertain.
Should we take this chip or not?
Chapter 567 Choices and Hidden Dangers
The hall was deathly silent, except for the black crystal chip suspended on the metal pillar base, emitting a dim, ominous light, like a solidified black heart.
Lin Ye and Li Sha's eyes were fixed on the chip. The last message conveyed by the blue light sphere... the remnant of "Hui"... was like ice water poured over their heads, chilling them to the bone.
The key... is also a trap...
“The key…the trap…” Li Sha’s face was pale, and her voice was dry as she looked at Lin Ye, “Lin Ye, this…should we take it or not?”
This chip is too crucial; it's likely related to the "anchor protocol" of the "Final Whispers," and may even be the only way to enter the core control area and resolve the "mainframe's" loss of control. But the warning of the "trap" hangs like a knife over their throats. They just fought tooth and nail to kill the "Echo," and their condition is terrible; any further mishap could mean their demise here.
Lin Ye's lips were pursed until they turned white, and his brows furrowed into a knot. He shifted his gaze from the chip, glancing at Li Sha beside him, who was so weak she could barely stand, then at the light spot representing the Sentinel's core consciousness on his personal terminal, before finally settling on the cracked, almost extinguished fragment of the Key of Creation in his hand.
The cost was too high. The Sentinel was almost gone, the fragment's energy was almost depleted, and he and Lisa were at their limits. If this chip was truly a trap, they wouldn't even have the strength to struggle.
Can I not take it?
The "Echoes" are gone, but the erosion of the "Whispers of the End" hasn't stopped. The warning is clear: the "Anchor Point Protocol" is still in operation, and the "Mastermind" has gone mad. This means that the crisis is far from over for the entire "Radiance of Annihilation," and even further afield. If you're too afraid to step forward, you might miss the only chance to turn the tide, and the result will be the same: annihilation.
A dilemma. Choosing the wrong path leads to certain death, and the mission will utterly fail.
“Sentinel,” Lin Ye’s voice was terribly hoarse, “analyze the information stream we just received, combine it with the database, and assess the likelihood of a ‘key’ and a ‘trap.’ Also, scan that chip, try to read its energy characteristics and structure, and determine the risk of direct contact.”
“Executing.” The sentinel’s voice remained calm. “Information flow analysis: The warning message is logically clear and has a specific target. However, the information source, ‘Remnant of Radiance,’ is in an extremely unstable state, and the information may be incomplete or interfered with. The keyword ‘key’ usually represents access permissions, control interfaces, or energy guiding cores. ‘Trap’ may refer to physical energy backlash, mental pollution, logic viruses, or trigger-based defense mechanisms.”
"Preliminary scan complete: The target chip material cannot be fully analyzed. The energy characteristics are highly homologous to 'Whispers of the End,' the structure is stable, and no active energy leakage or contaminating radiation was detected. The risk of external physical contact is... determined to be low. However, the possibility of an internal hidden protocol or a psychological trap cannot be ruled out."
The risk is low, but it can't be ruled out. This is fucking a gamble.
Looking at Lin Ye's tense profile, Li Sha asked softly, "You've got an idea, haven't you?"
Lin Ye took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, his eyes gradually sharpening: "We can't stop here. 'Echo' is just a gatekeeper; the real problem lies in the core area. This chip might be our only clue and opportunity."
He paused, looking at Lisa and the terminal: "But we can't force it. Sentinel, record the order: If I show signs of losing control, being corrupted, or losing consciousness after contacting the chip, you have the highest authority to take all necessary measures, including... terminating my vital signs, and then do your best to evacuate with the chip data and Lilith."
"Lin Ye!" Li Sha exclaimed, grabbing his arm tightly. "Are you crazy! This is absolutely not allowed!"
The sentry's electronic voice also showed a very subtle fluctuation: "...Command recorded. Warning: This command is logically in conflict with the core protocol 'Guarantee the target's survival.' Execution will result in a paradox."
“Special circumstances, Sentinel.” Lin Ye looked at Li Sha, his eyes complex, but his tone resolute. “If I’m controlled, I’m no longer ‘Lin Ye.’ In that case, protecting Li Sha and the data that could potentially save more people is more important than protecting a controlled puppet. Understand?”
"...Logic chain updated. Special protocol recorded. Upon confirmation that Commander Lin Ye has an irreversible consciousness invasion posing a lethal threat, execute the 'purification' protocol." The Sentinel's voice returned to its absolute coldness.
Li Sha wanted to argue, but Lin Ye squeezed her hand tightly and forced a somewhat awkward smile: "Someone has to try. Believe me, I'm not that easy to kill. Besides, we still have this—" He shook the dull fragment in his hand, "the power of order, maybe it can withstand it."
He knew he didn't really believe it himself; the fragments were almost shattered to pieces. But he had to give Li Sha, and himself, a boost of confidence.
Having said that, he didn't hesitate any longer and turned to face the metal pillar. He took out a spare small storage box with an insulating layer from his waist bag, then took a deep breath and slowly reached out his hand, which had just pressed the identification slot and was still trembling slightly, towards the floating black chip.
Just as his fingertips were about to touch the cold surface, Lin Ye felt his heart pounding in his chest. A faint, almost imperceptible tremor emanated from the fragment, like a final warning.
Is it a key, or a one-way ticket straight to hell?
His fingertips gently touched the chip.
A bone-chilling cold instantly spread up his arm! It wasn't just the temperature; it was a chill that seeped into his bones and froze his soul! At the same time, countless chaotic, twisted, and malicious fragments of whispers rushed into his mind like a flood bursting its banks!
At this moment——
"Buzz!"
The fragment of the Key of Creation suddenly burst forth with its last glimmer of light, and a faint yet exceptionally firm force of order surged from his arm to his fingertips, colliding fiercely with that chilling malice!
"Ugh!" Lin Ye groaned, feeling as if his head had been hit by a hammer. His vision went black, but he gritted his teeth and refused to pull his hand away. The light of the fragment and the darkness of the chip clashed fiercely at his fingertips, producing a faint, crackling sound, like intersecting electric currents.
This process lasted less than two seconds.
As if a switch had been triggered, or the trap's energy had been depleted, the chilling malice and whispering fragments receded like a tide, vanishing without a trace. The chip no longer emitted any energy fluctuations, becoming like an ordinary black stone, though still icy to the touch.
The light from the fragments was completely extinguished, and the cracks on the surface seemed to have widened slightly, plunging the area into utter silence.
Lin Ye successfully removed the chip, quickly placed it into the isolation box, and locked it with a "click".
He swayed slightly, but quickly grabbed the metal pillar to avoid falling. His forehead was covered in cold sweat.
"Lin Ye! How are you?" Li Sha rushed over to support him.
"...It's alright." Lin Ye gasped for breath, feeling the lingering coldness in his mind and the deathly silence emanating from the fragments, his heart sinking. The trap had been triggered, but it seemed to have been neutralized or temporarily suppressed by the fragments' last remaining power. However, the fragments had paid a heavy price for it.
"Chip acquired. External threat temporarily eliminated," the sentinel reported. "Commander Lin Ye's vital signs are stable, and his mental fluctuations, which were briefly disordered, have stabilized. The energy reaction of the Key of Genesis fragment... has dropped to an undetectable level."
Lin Ye looked at the isolation box in his hand. The black chip lay quietly inside, harmless to humans and animals.
The key is in hand. The price is that the fragments are temporarily unusable, plus a mine that could explode at any time.
He looked up at the hall's exit. With the second node closed, the aberrations outside should be like headless flies, their threat greatly reduced. They had to leave quickly, find a safe place to catch their breath, and study this thing.
"Let's go." Lin Ye carefully put away the isolation box, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Sentinel, plan the evacuation route, choose the safest one."
"Route planning in progress. External life signal strength has significantly weakened. We recommend returning via the original route."
However, just as they were preparing to set off—
A faint yet undeniable vibration suddenly emanated from the entire control tower! A subtle tremor ran through the metal floor beneath our feet. At the same time, a low, muffled hum, seemingly emanating from the engines deep within the spaceship, faintly penetrated the tower.
Lin Ye and Li Sha's expressions changed simultaneously.
"What's going on? The spaceship... has started up?" Li Sha looked at Lin Ye with surprise and doubt.
Lin Ye listened carefully, feeling the vibrations coming from the soles of his feet. He shook his head, his face grim: "It doesn't seem like a normal startup... it's more like... something was forcibly activated, or... something worse."
He recalled the warning from "The Remnant Soul of Radiance"... "The Mainframe" had gone out of control.
Could it be that shutting down the node or taking away the chip alerted the crazed "mastermind"?
"Sentinel, can you analyze the epicenter and energy characteristics?"
"The signal is too weak and mixed to be accurately located. The energy characteristics partially match those of the spacecraft's conventional propulsion system, but there are numerous unidentifiable interference waveforms. Warning: An abnormal increase in the level of network activity within the spacecraft has been detected."
A strong sense of unease gripped them.
The battle that just ended seems to have been merely the beginning. Much bigger trouble is likely yet to come.
"Get out of here quickly!" Lin Ye decided without hesitation. "Leave the control tower immediately!"
Unexpected events have occurred; they must get out as soon as possible, find a way to contact the outside world, and figure out what exactly is going on deep inside this wrecked ship!
Chapter 568 The Tide of Decline and Anomalies
Leaving the control tower was much easier than entering.