novelThe Dangerous Night
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Chapter 32: The Dangerous Night
Extinction Site Administration, South Pole Base.
The base was shrouded by an intense and anxious atmosphere. Han finally understood why he hadn't seen Li Yu or Wu Di for such a long time. They were actually working hard in the extinction domain. No wonder the training center was always empty, the majority of the espers here were actually on the assault and they were fighting with their lives on the line inside that extinction domain...
As to the progress in extinction domain exploration, Han didn't understand at all.
It seems like exploring extinction domain is quite different from those archeology projects, a high number of espers were stationed inside the domain and it was also extremely dangerous. There were always espers either severely injured or killed getting carried out of the domain, and the medical team was the second busiest department in the base.
Even the janitors at the base became a lot more careful than before. Everyone's walking pace were significantly faster, and no one spoke in a loud voice in public anymore.
Han's circumstances were a bit special, although he was registered as a member of the Esper Administration, he doesn't really have any duties. Li Yu just wanted to return the favor and let Han use the training facilities at the base.
Now, Han already had 983 points in Power Source Index, and he was at the gate of breaking the barrier to becoming a 3 star esper.
At midnight, Han finished writing the index reports like usual, set it as a scheduled post, and went to find Pathless Origin.
"It's a bit unbelievable, you managed to reach the gate of a 3 star esper in under a month, that speed is a bit insane. I'm starting to worry whether progressing this fast will leave an unstable foundation and other side effects."
It seemed like he was really satisfied with Han's speed of progress, maybe even proud. He started talking more and more to Han. In the past, Han always had to be careful and ask only 3 questions, fearing that the odd Pathless Origin will get irritated. But now, even if Han asked him 30 questions in a row, he will still answer one by one.
Han's fingers were quickly typing on the keyboard, "That shouldn't happen, right? Every day I put in a lot of effort on those fundamental exercises. I heard from others that normal esper soldiers started to learn higher level fighting techniques when they reach two stars, but I'm still practicing the basics and it seems like we are planning to continue practicing them."
Pathless Origin was a bit unsatisfied, "Why do you care about what other people do? They started learning higher level martial arts at 2 stars because it usually takes them 1 to 2 years to advance to 2 stars, and you only took a little more than one month, how could that be the same?"
Han quickly responded, "Teacher don't get angry, I was just saying it... And for my achievement up to date, I feel like it's mainly because of your help, otherwise I would be nowhere as close to what I am now. I will soon be pushing for 3 stars, teacher do you have any pointers?"
You had to admit it, Han really knew what to say to change his teacher's mood, staying very humble and respectful. Han also discovered, Pathless Origin kind of had the temper of a little kid, he got mad easily and frequently, but he quickly forgets about it later.
"With your potential, you are going to reach 3 stars for sure. So, the main objective is still to stabilize your foundation, today you can practice in the -50 degrees Celsius area of the pool. The moment you reach 3 stars, go back to the shore immediately, put on your battle suit and go back into the water."
"Training in extremely cold water is mainly for exploring potential, and now that you are progressing at such a fast pace, you will occasionally need a break and focus on stabilizing the new energy you gained. Tonight just do what I say and you will be good."
Han nodded, "Understood, I will go train right away and report back to you when I'm done."
"Alright, go, remember to use the proper dose of source energy pill."
......
Han brought his battle gear, including his tritanium dagger, and came to the familiar pound in a delightful mood.
Today's guard on duty was still blonde haired Charlie and big nose Fo Liman. Every night Han will meet them at the entrance so they have already became friends with each other.
Charlie was a guy that liked to smile. He had a great personality and he always joked about Han not being able to give birth to a son because of staying in the cold water for so long.
Big nose Fo Liman was a serious guy, his eyes were focused on Han the entire time. With Han's authorized level of access, he shouldn't be anywhere near the entrance to the extinction domain, and seeing Liman's expression, it was as if Han will get arrested if he gets one step closer.
Seeing Han coming from far away, Charlie smiled and yelled, "You are on time again, Han. I told you before, my grandpa said..."
Not even waiting for Charlie to finish, Han said, "I know I know, stay in cold water for too long and I won't be able to have a son. You are a really boring man, everyday making the same joke. I would say, a daughter is pretty good too, when my mom was alive she always said that a daughter is like a little cotton padded jacket, and she always regretted not giving birth to a little sister for me."
"Here, here's some midnight snacks for you two."
Han smiled as he give a bag full with food to the two guards. Those two couldn't leave their post, and Han always came at around 3 o'clock in the morning so he brought them food.
Han was about to head to the little path on the side when suddenly, the heavy gate of the extinction domain opened up. Wu Di walked out and saw Han.
"5th Brother, I haven't seen you in a long time. What's the situation down there?" Wu Di was the youngest student of Li Yu's 5 students, so Han called him 5th brother.
Wu Di let out a long sigh, "Heavy sacrifice... But finally we are close to taking control of it."
Han asked curiously, "I don't really get what happens in the extinction domain, but I saw that all of our brothers at the base were all very worried and nervous. Also there were many severely injured brothers getting carried out... Thanks for the hard work!"
Wu Di shook his head, "Our brothers even sacrificed their lives for this, so our hardwork is really nothing in comparison to their contribution. You don't know how important this extinction domain means for Earth. Since we are already at the last stage of taking control of it, I will just tell you. As long as we can secure this extinction domain, there is hope for Earth!"
"Now, the biggest program for Earth is money. You saw the equipment that Charlie and Fo Liman are wearing? Those are all from the second hand market from space, and the quality is only okay. And that's our Earth's Extinction Site Administration department, the other departments' equipment quality is even worse."
"The entire Earth army only has one battleship that can travel across the Milky Way, and it was still something that Ke Lake won from the last Galactic Meet. We have around 15, 000 esper soldiers, but the majority of them don't have any weapons or equipment, not even access to training facilities."
"If we can take down this extinction domain, Earth will have waves and waves of income. We can use the loot from the extinction domain to trade for GC, buy some equipment for our troops. And if we are lucky, we can even buy a few more battleships, now you tell me how much this extinction domain means to us."
Han was shocked, "It means that Earth can finally be really recognized as a country in the Milky Way, it means that we can finally form a real esper military, it means hope for Earth?!"
Wu Di answered in excitement, "That's right! That's why teacher said, even if he has to die in the extinction domain this time, he will make sure that we take this extinction domain. For Earth and the future of us humans on Earth, this is our responsibility. All the brothers in there have all swore to god, even if it costs them all of their lives, they will still take over this extinction domain today!"
Maybe it's because it's almost over, Wu Di's mood was a lot better, that's why he chatted for a bit with Han and got Han's blood boiling!
Although Han don't know what was really happened in there, but with over a 40% death rate, the assault troop is still in there giving it their all, they are really the true men!
"Can't talk more, I have to go to the control center. There's no signal in the domain, and headquarters is still waiting for my report."
Wu Di patted Han on the shoulder and started walking towards the control center with big, proud steps. However, Han realized Wu Di was walking with a limp, it seemed like his leg was injured.
"Looks like there will be a result tonight, pray to god that nothing goes wrong." Han was rethinking about what Wu Di just said and he said to himself, "After tonight, I will be a 3 star soldier too, how about I signup to join the assault team and offer my contribution too."
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