svetikya Page 221
Page 221
"Shield energy is below 30%!" Xi reported, her voice trembling slightly. "At this rate, we won't be able to hold out for long!"
Lin Ye looked at the slightly warm foundation stone in his hand, and then at the mirror fragments outside the window that kept flashing by and reflecting various scenes. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him.
"Xi! Can you create a particularly strong 'fear echo'? Targeting that warship behind us!" Lin Ye asked urgently.
Xi paused for a moment, her hands continuing to work: "Theoretically, it's possible! But it requires a massive energy shock as a trigger, and we need to know what they fear most!"
“I’ll figure out the energy source! As for what they fear…” Lin Ye’s gaze sharpened, “What they fear most is the success of the ‘Sower’ Camilla! The continuation of the ‘Spark’! The loss of control!”
He raised the foundation stone in his hand and poured all the energy he had just recovered, as well as the last energy he had drawn from another fragment, into it!
"System! Cooperate with me! Amplify Camilla's last image information, the proof of the 'Spark's' existence, and the energy characteristics of the foundation stone to the extreme, and project them out!" Lin Ye commanded in his mind.
[Received! Energy output maximized! Information frequency modulation in progress... Projection ready!]
Buzz...!
The foundation stone in Lin Ye's hand burst forth with unprecedented brilliance. A powerful information stream, which combined Camilla's image, variable engine signature code, and pure foundation stone energy, spread out like a shockwave from the "Star Shuttle" and crashed into the countless mirror fragments around it!
In an instant, the entire "Echoing Maze" was activated! All the mirror fragments no longer reflected the chaotic scene, but instead unified into Camilla's resolute face, Lin Ye's figure holding the cornerstone, and the blue-gold light of the variable engine running! Countless "Camillas" and "Lin Yes" filled the entire maze, as if endless "sparks" were being born!
"The sowers have returned!"
"The flame has been lit!"
"Control will eventually come to an end!"
Countless voices, amplified and amplified through echoes, formed a soul-stirring torrent of information that crashed fiercely towards the "Judge" warship behind!
The warship jolted violently, its speed abruptly decreasing, and it even began to sway irregularly! Clearly, this sudden sight, which struck at their deepest fears, had a tremendous impact on their commander and the system!
"What's going on? Their attack has stopped!" Trunks exclaimed in surprise as he watched the suddenly chaotic swarm of drones.
The drones darted around like headless flies, some even colliding and exploding.
Vegeta raised an eyebrow: "Interesting. What did you do?"
Lin Ye's face was pale, and he barely managed to support himself: "I just showed them the thing they least wanted to see."
Xi seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and pushed the power of the "Star Shuttle" to its limit: "Now! Let's go!"
Like an arrow released from a bow, the spaceship shot out of the "Echoing Maze," instantly leaving the chaotic "Arbiter" warships and drone swarm behind.
A few minutes later, the spaceship entered a relatively stable void, and the alarm gradually subsided.
Everyone slumped into their seats, panting heavily; it had been an incredibly close call.
"We did it...we shook them off..." Trunks wiped his sweat, a relaxed expression on his face.
Vegeta crossed his arms, his face still stern: "It's only temporary. Those guys won't give up so easily."
Number 18 checked the spaceship's damage report: "The shield energy is only 18% remaining, and there are several minor damages to the hull. We need to find a place for repairs and to replenish energy."
Xi adjusted the course, her expression still serious: "Vegeta is right, the 'Arbiters' won't give up easily, they'll soon regroup and catch up. We must get to the next safe point as soon as possible." She turned to look at Lin Ye, noticing his pale face and the dim foundation stone in his hand, "And... Lin Ye, the way you used the foundation stone just now, it was too much of a drain."
The foundation stone in Lin Ye's hand had once again become dull and lifeless, and even a tiny crack had appeared on its surface. He felt a wave of weakness wash over him and said with a bitter smile, "There's nothing I can do; that was the only chance."
He took out the data storage device Camilla had left behind: "Hopefully, what's inside is worth the price."
Trunks leaned closer curiously: "What's in there?"
“I don’t know,” Lin Ye said honestly, “but Camilla risking her life to protect it must be very important.”
Vegeta suddenly spoke up: "Could you use that move again?"
Lin Ye shook his head: "It's impossible in the short term. The foundation needs time to recover, and I..." He rubbed his temples, "...I also need to rest."
Number 18 suggested: "Since the 'Echoing Maze' can effectively disrupt the pursuers, could we consider finding a hiding place in the nearby area? After all, the most dangerous place is sometimes the safest place."
Xi thought for a moment: "That's possible. I know there are several abandoned observation stations on the edge of the labyrinth, left behind by an ancient civilization. Perhaps we can rest there temporarily and study the data left by Camilla."
"Then it's decided." Lin Ye nodded. "Let's find a place to recover first, and then decide on the next step."
The "Star Shuttle" sailed deeper into the "Sea of Nothingness," leaving behind a brief moment of tranquility and the still chaotic Echoing Labyrinth.
In that labyrinthine maze, the "Arbiter" warship finally stabilized. Inside the bridge, the commander angrily slammed his fist on the control panel.
"Report the extent of the damage!" he demanded sternly.
A subordinate timidly replied, "The drones are 70% damaged, and the sensor system needs to be rebooted to fully restore functionality. But Commander, we just received that signal... the Seeder might really still be alive..."
The commander's face darkened. "Impossible! Camilla has been confirmed eliminated. This must be some kind of deception tactic." He paused, his tone softening slightly. "However... the energy signature does match the records of the Foundation Stone. Report this to the Supreme Court immediately!"
"Then the pursuit operation..." another officer asked.
The commander stared in the direction the "Star Shuttle" had disappeared: "Continue tracking, but keep your distance. I need to know where they're going and who they're meeting. This time, we might catch a bigger fish."
A cold smile crept across his lips: "Get the 'Hound' team ready. If it really is the cornerstone reappearing, then this game has only just begun."
Meanwhile, during this chase and escape, Lin Ye was unaware that his actions had not only shocked his pursuers but also caused certain ancient beings deep within the "Sea of Nothingness" to quietly open their eyes.
In an absolute void where even the chaotic energy of the "Sea of Nothingness" cannot reach, a pair of enormous eyes slowly opened, reflecting the birth and death of countless stars.
"The energy of the foundation... has finally reappeared..." An ancient and deep voice echoed in the void, "This time, can we break the eternal cycle..."
His eyes slowly closed, as if nothing had happened. But on an unseen level, an invisible wave was already spreading towards the "Star Shuttle" at faster-than-light speed.
Inside the spaceship, Lin Ye suddenly felt a strange unease, as if he had been watched by some extremely ancient and powerful being. He subconsciously turned around to look, but only saw endless void outside the window.
"What's wrong?" Trunks noticed his unusual behavior.
Lin Ye shook his head: "It's nothing, I'm probably just too tired."
He gripped the foundation stone tightly, feeling the faint but still present flow of energy within it, and secretly made up his mind: no matter what difficulties lay ahead, he must find the variable engine and unlock the secrets of this universe.
Only in this way can we live up to Camilla's sacrifice, the trust of our companions, and the meaning of our existence in this world.
The Star Shuttle continued its journey, carrying its passengers toward an unknown destiny. And in the endless void, more eyes were slowly opening, watching this small spaceship and the hope and change it brought.
Chapter 478: Stronghold of the Remnants
Under Xi's precise control, the "Star Shuttle" continued to fly along an extremely concealed route with exceptionally violent energy turbulence. Outside the window, distorted and ever-changing light and shadow and occasional bursts of energy vortexes made the journey extremely difficult.
“This place is really tough,” Trunks said, staring at the constantly fluctuating warning data on the control panel. “The energy fluctuations are too strong, and the shield is being depleted.”
Without turning her head, Xi steadily steered the spaceship: "Although this route is difficult, it can conceal our movements to the greatest extent. No matter how advanced the Arbiter's sensors are, it will be difficult for them to accurately lock onto us amidst such strong interference."
Vegeta stood behind with his arms crossed, and snorted coldly, "Hiding like this is so frustrating. I wish we could just fight back directly."
Number 18 glanced at him: "You saw the enemy warships' firepower; we have no chance of winning in a direct confrontation. The most important thing now is to preserve our strength and find allies."
After flying for about half a day, a huge, nebula-like cloud of colorful dust appeared ahead. This cloud was extremely vast, with very low visibility inside, and various energy interferences were so intense that the readings on the control panel were fluctuating wildly.
"Hold on tight, we're about to enter the 'Camouflage Nebula'," Xi reminded him. "The energy turbulence here is intense, but it's also the best natural cover."
The spaceship plunged into the clouds, instantly becoming like being submerged in a sea of color. Nothing could be seen outside the window except for the constantly swirling, colorful mist and the occasional flash of electric arcs.
"Where are we going?" Trunks asked curiously, looking at the hazy colors outside the window.
“‘Safe Haven’,” Xi replied, her tone unusually relaxed. “It’s an important stronghold for our ‘Remnants’ in the ‘Sea of Nothingness,’ hidden deep within the ‘Camouflage Nebula,’ relatively safe. You need to rest, and I also need to report the news of the appearance of the ‘Spark’ and the ‘Foundation Stone.’”
Lin Ye noticed that Xi was unusually familiar with this route; even in such poor visibility, she could still choose the direction to proceed without hesitation: "Do you come here often?"
Xi nodded gently: "I am one of the few navigators authorized to travel to and from 'Safe Haven'. Every three months, I am responsible for transporting supplies and intelligence." She paused, her voice lowering, "The last time I came back was half a year ago. At that time, we lost three strongholds, and everyone was worried that 'Safe Haven' might be next."
After flying for some time, the clouds ahead suddenly thinned, and the view opened up. Deep within the nebula, a small artificial celestial body was hidden. It was not a traditional space station or planet, but an extremely large, chaotic yet orderly composite structure pieced together from countless spaceships of various sizes, space station modules, asteroids, and even the skeletons of unknown giant creatures.
"Wow..." Trunks couldn't help but exclaim, "This is practically a space collage!"
Various lights flickered within the structure, and small aircraft darted about like worker bees, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Some areas were clearly residential, with clothes hanging to dry floating in the weightless environment; others were work areas, with sparks flying from welding operations everywhere; and there were even small planting areas where green plants grew tenaciously under artificial light.
"This is the 'safe haven'?" Lin Ye looked at this strange creation with some shock. It was practically a huge space slum, yet it exuded a tenacious vitality.
“Yes.” Xi’s tone carried a hint of pride. “This is the home of countless wanderers who have escaped the control of the Observers. We are poor in resources and have a harsh environment, but we are free. Every ship and every module here represents a story of escape.”
The "Star Shuttle" slowly approached, and after several covert scans and identity verifications, it entered a port where various kinds of spaceships were docked. The people in the port were dressed in all sorts of different clothes and of different races, but most of them had weathered faces, and their eyes generally carried a sense of vigilance and resilience.
When Xi led Lin Ye and the other three off the spaceship, they immediately attracted a lot of attention. In particular, the extraordinary foundation stone in Lin Ye's hand, even though it was dim, and the distinct aura of the group, which was different from that of the "remnants," drew everyone's attention.
A mechanic, his face covered in grease, stopped what he was doing and squinted at them: "Pilot Xi, you've brought a new face this time?"
Xi nodded: "Important figures need to see the elders."
The mechanic whistled and examined the foundation stone in Lin Ye's hand: "It certainly looks extraordinary. Hopefully, they can bring us some good news."
Xi led them through the bustling port area, deeper into the complex. Along the way, they witnessed various scenes of life: merchants haggling over prices, children chasing and playing in the passageways, and elderly people gathering to share limited food... Despite the harsh conditions, life went on.
They rode the old elevator down the twisted metal corridor, finally arriving at a relatively spacious, simply furnished hall. Several "remnants" of different ages and ethnicities, dressed in different styles but equally old-fashioned clothing, were already waiting there. They were the members of the Presbyterian Council of the "Haven."
The leader was an elderly human, his face covered in wrinkles, but his eyes were deep and wise. He looked at Xi and nodded: "Xi, the navigator, you're back. And who are these people?" His gaze fell on Lin Ye and the other three, especially lingering on the foundation stone in Lin Ye's hand for a long time.
Xi bowed respectfully: "Elder Ex, elders. These are warriors from the main timeline..." She briefly reported on Lin Ye and his companions' origins, experiences, and possession of the "Primordial Foundation Stone."
After listening to Xi's report, the elders looked at each other, their faces showing shock and disbelief.
“Dr. Camilla’s ‘spark’...it really still exists…” a female elder who looked like she was from a technological race murmured, her mechanical eye constantly adjusting its focus, as if trying to observe Lin Ye more closely.
“There are two more fragments of the ‘Primordial Foundation Stone’…” Another tall, burly elder’s eyes gleamed. “If this is true, it’s incredible news!”
Elder Ex pondered for a long time before slowly speaking, his voice deep and powerful: "Young man, the news you bring is too astonishing, and too important. This may be the turning point that the 'Remnants' have waited for for countless eons." He looked directly at Lin Ye, "But we need solid evidence. The Observers' infiltration is ubiquitous, and we must be cautious."
Lin Ye nodded in understanding, raised his hand, and the Variable Engine appeared on its own, emitting a blue-gold light that shone brightly against the faint white light of the foundation stone in his hand. "This engine is said to have been created using the prototype data of the Time Core that Camilla took away. It and the foundation stone are my proof." He then took out the data storage device. "This was found next to Dr. Camilla's remains; perhaps there is more information inside."
As the elders looked at the Variable Engine and the Foundation, feeling the shared power, they nodded in agreement. The doubts in their eyes gradually dissipated, replaced by a burning hope.
“That’s right…this is indeed the technology and power of the ‘Sowers’…” Elder Ex stood up excitedly, his wrinkles seemingly smoothing out. “Welcome, inheritors of the ‘Fire Seed’! Your arrival is the greatest fortune for the ‘Remnants’!”
The other elders also stood up to express their welcome and respect to Lin Ye and his group. The atmosphere immediately became lively.
“Elder, the Observer’s ‘Arbiter’ warship is likely still searching for us nearby,” Xi reminded them at the right moment, drawing everyone’s attention back to the practical issue.
Elder Ex's expression turned serious: "Don't worry, 'Haven's' concealment and defenses are quite good. They won't find it so easily. Even if they do," he looked at Lin Ye, his tone firm, "we will protect 'Spark' and 'Foundation' with our lives!"
He turned to Lin Ye: "Young man, settle down here and recover your strength. We will organize a team as soon as possible to try to decipher the memory device left by Dr. Camilla. At the same time, we also need to understand the latest movements and strength of the Observers in detail."
Lin Ye nodded: "Thank you. We also need your help. We need to find the other cornerstone fragments and unite all the forces that can be united."
“Of course!” Elder Ex said solemnly, “Although the ‘Remnants’ are scattered and lack resources, we have accumulated intelligence about the Watchers over countless eras, and we are also in contact with other scattered forces that are also resisting the Watchers. We will do our best to make this alliance happen!”
Over the next few days, Lin Ye and his companions settled down at the "safe haven." Although the conditions there were basic, the people were very hospitable, providing them with the supplies they needed and a quiet place to rest.
Lin Ye focused on restoring the Foundation's energy and healing his own depletion. Vegeta and Android 18 became interested in some of the unique combat techniques and modification technologies of the "Remnants," even engaging in several friendly sparring sessions with the local warriors. Trunks, on the other hand, immersed himself in the "Remnants'" archives, eagerly absorbing knowledge about the "Sea of Nothingness" and the Watchers.
Xi became their main contact person. She helped Lin Ye connect with some of the top scientists among the "Remnants" and began to try to crack Camilla's memory.
The cracking effort was not going smoothly; the memory's encryption method was extremely old and complex, and it seemed to require a specific power key.