Chapter 102: Constructing "Firelight"

In the command center:

"This is Price. The wired base station has been set up, and we are now sharing the individual camera feeds of all forward scouts," Price reported.

With his words, more holographic screens appeared above the central control platform. Through the perspectives of scouts such as Small Strong, Soap, and Ghost, Samuel Young began to "see" more details.

Analyzing the Spanish-language store signs, traffic indicators, and words like "Perú" and "Lima," Samuel confirmed that the space gate was located in Lima, the capital of Peru. 

Judging by the damaged infrastructure and the abandoned vehicles, it was clear that the human civilization on the other side of the sixth space gate was from a near-future era, but it had suffered catastrophic destruction, resulting in the harsh environment and desolate landscape.

Samuel turned slightly to review the environmental data on another holographic screen.

- Temperature: 49°C

- Gravity: 1.0G

- Atmospheric Pressure: 1.4 times Earth's standard

- Atmospheric Composition:

 - Oxygen: 7%

 - Nitrogen: 60%

 - Ammonia: 9%

 - Carbon Dioxide: 21%

 - Other Rare Gases: 3%

The oxygen level was only 7%, while carbon dioxide had reached 21%, and the ammonia concentration, which is toxic to humans, was at 9%.

When the Hellhounds crossed the space gate, their physiological status dropped from green to yellow. Although the Hellhounds possessed far greater resistance to toxins, heat, and cold than ordinary humans, they were not zombies. They were living creatures cloned for these missions and showed adverse reactions to such toxic, high-temperature environments. Nevertheless, they could still operate normally.

However, without an HEV suit or a specially designed combat suit, anyone who attempted to cross the sixth space gate would face dehydration, suffocation, and poisoning, leading to death in less than two minutes.

The environment of Earth-06 was lethal to humans, but it was evidently an ideal habitat for certain other species. It was clear that Earth-06 had been forcibly terraformed by some kind of life form.

Samuel wasn't the only one who noticed this. Magnus, standing on his left, had realized it too.

Magnus, with his red short hair, had long outgrown his youthful appearance. He now stood at around 2.3 meters, much taller than his father. Currently, Magnus was the only one by Samuel's side; the other four Primarchs were independently managing different universes and handling various tasks.

It wasn't that Samuel distrusted Magnus or doubted his abilities. He simply wanted to guide his son, who had the most extraordinary psychic talent, while also assisting him in handling daily affairs.

Seeing the atmospheric data, Magnus frowned slightly and said, "Father, it seems this time we're dealing with a threat that's not viral but alien."

"Possibly," Samuel nodded slightly, then raised his voice to give orders: "Notify Captain Price to find a suitable location near the space gate's shielded area and set up automatic sentry guns. Inform the Engineering Department and AECS personnel responsible for their safety to immediately pass through the space gate. Remind them again to check their suits, ensuring they are fully sealed and pressurized. I don't want to hear about any safety incidents."

"Understood, boss."

After hearing the response from the first floor, Samuel clasped his hands behind his back and walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling observation window on the second floor, gazing at the engineering team and AECS troops preparing to depart for Earth-06.

Magnus followed him to the observation window, remaining silent for a moment before saying, "Father, recently, an abnormal phenomenon was detected in the main universe. Based on the available images and video footage, the threat level seems low. Four investigators have been assigned to track it down."

"I reviewed the report you submitted," Samuel said, looking at his son out of the corner of his eye before turning back to the window. "But still, remind the investigators to remain vigilant. The fact that these creatures can transform from humans into wolves suggests they might be contagious."

"Yes, Father."

Not long ago, the company's network department discovered several posts from European users discussing topics like "Real Werewolves" and "Is This Real? #Werewolves #Vampires," complete with images and videos. 

One video, although blurry, clearly documented a person standing at the edge of a forest, stripping off their clothes and placing them in a backpack. In the blink of an eye, the person transformed into a large gray wolf, grabbed the backpack in its mouth, and disappeared into the woods.

This was the abnormal phenomenon Magnus referred to. However, Samuel was preoccupied with the preparations for opening the sixth space gate and trusted his departments to handle such minor issues. 

Magnus mentioned this phenomenon to segue into the topic he truly wanted to discuss. 

A hint of concern crossed Magnus's face as he continued, "Father, with the surveillance systems in the main universe becoming increasingly sophisticated, it's getting harder for things lurking in the shadows to remain hidden. Moreover, with the company about to embark on extraterrestrial colonization and the apocalyptic scenes of other Earths, I'm beginning to feel that humanity is just a tiny speck in the vast cosmos."

"A tiny speck?" Samuel glanced at his son again before turning back to the window, speaking earnestly. "Yes, humanity is small. But sometimes, even the smallest of sparks can shine like a nova. I know you're thinking about how humanity needs to quicken its pace, to grow as strong as possible to secure its place in the universe. But everything has its process, so be patient, my child."

Since learning about the threat of the Warp and beginning to assist in the company's operations, Magnus had felt a constant tension within him, as if a string in his heart was always taut. 

Confiding in his father made Magnus realize that he had been overly anxious lately. He nodded, calming himself: "I understand, Father."

"Good. Prepare yourself. Once the forward base is established, we'll transfer to Earth-06."

"Yes."

Meanwhile:

At the assembly area for the sixth space gate, heavy trucks were driving through the gate one after another, carrying large quantities of easily assembled and welded building materials, as well as new Hextech robots in standby mode.

Along both sides of the convoy marched thousands of Atlas employees, over 90% of whom were members of the engineering team, with a small number of AECS soldiers providing escort.

Engineering team members wore sealed work suits, with different colored helmets representing their various roles. Some were operating engineering mechs equipped with air conditioning, pressurization, and air filtration systems.

As for AECS, their gear was visibly top-notch. Mechanical exoskeletons were standard for frontline employees, available in military, engineering, civilian, and medical versions. AECS's exoskeletons were similar to those of ARS, featuring more compact designs and comprehensive protection.

Typically, combat suits weren't sealed or equipped with temperature regulation or air filtration. However, the soldiers here were part of AECS's special forces, so they had the best gear AECS had to offer.

Each nine-person tactical team consisted of:

- A leader armed with a modified biological plasma gun (BFG)

- Four AMWS modular riflemen

- Two demolition experts carrying anti-tank missiles and various explosives

- Two machine gunners, one with a .30 cal smart machine gun and the other with a 6mm Gauss machine gun

In normal operations, the team leader would also control six clone soldiers to increase firepower.

At this moment, one machine gunner holding a .30 cal smart machine gun followed the main force through the silvery water mirror-like surface, arriving in the ruined city of Lima.

"Phew," a steady breath echoed inside the helmet.

This soldier, a Private First Class named Jens Thompson, seemed well-adjusted to his work, showing little sign of nervousness.

Not long after, his helmet display showed the location marked by their leader, followed by the leader's command over the comms: "Attention, everyone. Proceed to the target building 1,200 meters ahead and establish a defensive position. Coordinate with Charlie and Juliet squads to create a crossfire line. And stay sharp. We need to ensure the engineers have a safe environment to work in if we want to sleep comfortably tonight."

"Yes, sir."

With clear instructions, Jens and his teammates quickened their pace, heading west.

Thanks to the 3D map generated by the forward team using pulse scanners (metal spheres), they quickly navigated through the rubble and arrived at a three-story apartment building with half its structure missing.

After confirming the remaining structure's stability, they entered and occupied different rooms.

Jens rushed to the balcony, placing his .30 cal machine gun on the railing, and reported, "Six in position."

"Three in position."

"Eight in position."

One by one, his teammates responded over the comms.

Jens also noticed on the map that Charlie and Juliet squads were positioned on either side of their apartment building, forming a triangular formation.

Once the last teammate was in position, the leader spoke again: "Switch to power-saving mode. We'll be here for the next ten hours. Feel free to relieve yourself; the filtration system can handle it. As for number two… I suggest you treat the logistics crew to some drinks after the mission. Good luck."

With that, the channel fell silent.

There was no other choice. Given Earth-06's harsh environment, even a preliminary forward base needed to be sealed and equipped with filtration and recycling systems. These factors meant the engineering team would need at least ten hours to construct and adjust the base to accommodate over 2,000 people.

Once they crossed the space gate, they had to strictly follow

 the company's regulations and couldn't return to the main universe at will. So, they were stuck here for the next ten hours.

Food and water weren't concerns. They could consume nutrient gel packs, containing water, carbohydrates, proteins, and other essential substances, through straws inside their helmets.

Buzz—.

With a faint electronic sound, Jens switched his gear to power-saving mode.

The display dimmed, extending the pulse detection intervals from 15 seconds to 45 seconds, and automatically shutting down unnecessary functions and programs.

After completing the switch, the power and usage time indicators in the lower right corner of the display showed "99%" and "20h."

With all preparations complete, Jens only needed to ensure nothing moved in his assigned direction.

Time passed slowly, minute by minute.

The sunlight, already obscured by thick clouds, gradually faded. As their position fell into shadow, the area became "absolutely dark," with almost no natural light visible.

"..."

Staring at the scene through his screen, Jens couldn't help but wonder how the survivors here endured such hellish days and nights.

He then requested permission from his leader to establish a private communication channel with his comrade from Team Three. After a short wait, he received the response: "Approved, for up to three minutes."

Jens immediately pulled his teammate into a private channel and smiled, asking, "How are your kids doing?"

"They're good. And in nine months, I'll have completed three years of service with the company, which means my family and I can move to Akra City in the main universe. The education resources there are much better than in New Iceland," his teammate replied with a smile.

"You haven't found a new mom for your son and daughter?"

"No interest… Wait, are you thinking about our time in the refuge on Earth-04 (Hell)?"

"What do you think? I just hope there are more survivors in this world, and that I get the chance to take down a few more of those responsible for this mess," Jens said, his tone growing somber.

In fact, Jens and his teammate were survivors of the Sana Refuge, formerly a Private and a short-haired soldier.

After living in New Iceland for three months, they joined the company's large-scale recruitment, passed the fitness tests and exams, and successfully became members of AECS. They even participated in the zombie eradication battles in the Zero-Five Universe.

Their outstanding performance and combat prowess earned them positions in AECS's special forces, leading to their deployment here.

Perhaps it was the harsh times in the refuge or the fear of never waking up after sleeping that made Jens particularly empathetic to the plight of Earth-06's inhabitants.

Hearing Jens's words, his comrade responded, "Once the Ernio is launched, we'll have more intel. For now, let's just focus on holding this position."

"Yeah."

The two cut off communication and remained vigilant.

Leaving the apartment building and rising high above Lima, there were no visible light sources, nor could the ongoing construction or the mercury-like space gate be seen.

This was because, immediately after crossing the space gate, the engineering team had erected a large optical camouflage canopy over the construction site to prevent any potential enemies from visually detecting Atlas's activities here.

If the view continued to rise—to near-Earth orbit—the North American continent on the opposite side, also in shadow, was "ablaze." More accurately, every volcano on the continent seemed to have "awakened," spewing molten lava continuously.

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