Chapter 310: Mercy Ending

Early the next morning, when the first ray of sunlight just pierced through the clouds and mist of the Crystal Spire, Luo En had already packed his luggage.

He didn't bring many personal items; the Abyss Observation Station has extremely strict safety regulations, and any items that might carry pollution are prohibited from being brought in.

"Is everything packed? Although you can come back later, going back and forth is still quite troublesome."

Lei Nuozi's voice comes from outside the door, ten minutes earlier than the agreed time.

As a senior member of the observation station, he knows the importance of punctuality.

In that place, any form of slackness could lead to disastrous consequences.

"Everything has been arranged."

Luo En checks the room one last time to ensure no important items are left behind.

Ailan and Daier will continue to stay here, and he will consider whether to bring them over via the mobile workshop after he settles down there.

"Ink" is still in the recovery period after the last energy conflict, and is also not suitable to be brought into the dangerous environment of the observation station.

The two travel in silence, taking a dedicated flight vehicle to the observation station.

Unlike ordinary vehicles, this transport tool adopts a multi-layer protective design.

Not only does it have conventional magic barriers, but it is also equipped with an abyss pollution detection system and emergency purification devices.

The air inside the vehicle has been specially filtered to ensure that no "breath" of the abyss can penetrate.

Through the specially made observation window, Luo En sees the Abyss Observation Station standing on the horizon in the distance.

It is a building complex with a unique shape; the main structure presents a twisted spiral shape, like a giant seashell or the shell of some deep-sea creature.

The Abyss Observation Station is not the steel fortress he imagined, but an organic building body that seems to have grown from the abyss itself.

The entire building complex presents an irregular worm-like structure, with the surface covered by a layer of slightly wriggling translucent material.

Those "walls" deform slowly according to the internal magic fluctuations, like the breathing of a giant creature.

"This is... a living building?"

Luo En cannot hide the shock in his heart and activates the "Extraordinary Identification" skill to observe carefully.

In his special vision, the entire observation station is like a huge living body.

Countless energy lines flow like blood vessels inside the "walls," transmitting various information and nutrients.

"That's right, this is the third-generation observation station, using 'symbiotic architecture' technology."

Lei Nuozi explains, his tone carrying pride:

"The building itself is a huge abyss creature that has established a symbiotic relationship with humans after special modulation. It can self-repair, self-defend, and even possesses a certain degree of thinking ability."

He points to the slowly wriggling textures on the building's surface:

"These 'textures' can sense the existence of any intruder; once an unauthorized intrusion is detected, the entire building will turn into a giant trap."

Following Lei Nuozi toward the entrance, Luo En notices that the ground is not conventional stone slabs or metal, but some kind of biological ground with slight elasticity.

Every step can feel the slight response of the ground, as if stepping on the skin of some giant creature.

This ground seems to be able to "remember" the characteristics of the person stepping on it.

When the same person passes by again, the ground will automatically adjust its hardness and texture, providing a more comfortable walking experience.

The building surface is covered with dense runes and detection devices, constantly flashing with warning lights of various colors.

Most eye-catching is the giant crystal dome at the top of the building, inside which some constantly changing energy bodies seem to be suspended.

"That is the 'Eye of the Abyss'." Lei Nuozi notices Luo En's gaze and explains:

"One of the core pieces of equipment of the observation station, capable of monitoring the energy fluctuations of each layer of the abyss in real-time.

Once abnormal situations are detected, the entire observation station will enter the highest state of alert."

As the vehicle approaches, Luo En begins to feel a subtle sense of discomfort.

A certain indescribable "smell" seems to permeate the air.

It is not perceived through the sense of smell, but a feeling that acts directly on the depths of the soul.

That feeling is like standing on the edge of a cliff, knowing clearly that there is a bottomless abyss under one's feet, yet unable to help wanting to look down.

"This is the 'call' of the abyss; more than half of the core units of the observation station extend into the interior of the abyss." Lei Nuozi's voice becomes serious:

"Even with heavy protection, the influence of the abyss will still penetrate.

What you are feeling now is only the weakest trace; the true abyss environment is thousands of times more terrifying than this."

The vehicle lands on the mooring platform on the periphery of the observation station.

Luo En notices that even this seemingly ordinary platform is full of various detection and protective equipment.

Dozens of detectors of different sizes are scanning every visitor who arrives, and those blue light beams make one feel a sense of discomfort at being peeped at.

"Are you ready?"

Lei Nuozi's eyes reveal a solemn look:

"After entering the observation station, everything will become different. That is not the academic ivory tower of the Crystal Spire, but a true battlefield front line."

Luo En nods, secretly checking the various preparation items in his space bag.

Emergency potions, protective runes, communication crystals, and most importantly—that silver pocket watch, quietly pressed against his heart.

"Welcome to the Abyss Observation Station."

A female receptionist wearing a dark blue uniform comes up to meet them.

Her left eye has been replaced by some kind of mechanical device, flashing with cold red light.

There are obvious signs of alienation on her right arm; the skin presents a metallic luster, and sharp claws have grown from the tips of her fingers.

"I am Sarah, responsible for the onboarding process for new employees."

Her voice carries a mechanical monotony, as if her emotions have been extracted by something:

"Lecturer Ralph, your arrival is three minutes earlier than expected. This place does not welcome any form of randomness; please act strictly according to the schedule."

This harsh attitude makes Luo En frown slightly, but he quickly understands the reason.

In this environment where disasters can happen at any time, any slackness and randomness can lead to fatal consequences.

Strict discipline is not to make things difficult, but for survival.

"Identity verification, step one."

Sarah guides them to a room sealed by a thick metal door.

The interior of the room is empty, with only a circular platform about two meters in diameter in the center.

"Please stand in the center of the platform and remain still."

After the platform is activated, Luo En feels an unprecedented intensity of scanning.

Countless energy waves of different frequencies penetrate his body, from skin to bone marrow, from muscles to internal organs, and even deep into the cellular level for detection.

Most uncomfortable is the scanning at the mental level; a cold consciousness invades his brain directly, checking every inch of his thinking space.

【Detected external mental power intrusion】

【"Star Projection" trait automatically activates protection】

【Intrusion successfully resisted】

The prompt from the profession panel makes Luo En feel slightly relieved, but he still maintains his outward calm. "Strange..."

The technician behind the console frowns:

"The mental scan encountered resistance and could not penetrate completely."

"The mental structure of an original wizard is relatively special." Lei Nuozi explains hurriedly from the side, clearly Professor Utel had given him a heads-up in advance:

"Their connection with high-dimensional existence will produce natural protective effects; this is a normal phenomenon."

The technician nods and makes a note on the recording board:

"Identity confirmation complete.

Mental power scale: 5.5.

Magic structure: stable.

Bloodline characteristics: composite type, possesses traces of multiple bloodline fusions."

"Step two, pollution detection."

In another room, a group of creatures Luo En has never seen before are waiting for him.

They look like a specialized version of "Autophagic Slime," larger in size, with complex sensory organs covering their surface.

"These are 'Deep Cleaners'." Sarah introduces:

"Modified creatures specifically used to detect abyss pollution; they can sense any trace of abyss energy residue."

One of the "Cleaners" slowly wriggles to Luo En and extends several tentacles to perform a full-body check on him.

That touch is exceptionally eerie, neither warm nor cold, but a completely neutral sense of existence, just like being touched by nothingness itself.

A few minutes later, the "Cleaner" emits a low hum, indicating that the detection is complete.

"What is the result?" Sarah asks.

The technician checks the data on the display:

"Pollution level: low. Blood purity: 91.7%. Mental pollution index: low."

She pauses and adds with some surprise:

"This is one of the cleanest detection results I have ever seen; most people, even if they haven't directly contacted the abyss, will have quite a bit of background-level pollution."

"Now I can issue you protective equipment."

In the equipment warehouse, Luo En sees various protective tools specifically designed for observation station staff.

Each piece of equipment emits strong magic fluctuations, clearly having invested a large amount of resources and technology.

First is the "Anti-Erosion Cloak," a black robe that looks light and thin but is surprisingly heavy.

Thousands of ultra-fine mithril threads are woven into the inner layer of the cloak, forming a complex protective network.

When Luo En puts it on, he immediately feels an invisible barrier surrounding him.

"This kind of cloak can resist most low-level abyss erosion." The equipment manager explains:

"But please remember, it is not omnipotent. When facing high-intensity pollution, you still need other protective means."

Next is the "Mental Protection Collar," a metal ring inlaid with blue crystal.

After putting it on, Luo En feels his thinking become exceptionally clear, and at the same time, there is a feeling of being isolated from the outside world.

"This can filter out most mental pollution, but it will also reduce the sharpness of perception. When precise operations are needed, it can be temporarily turned off."

Finally, there is the "Emergency Purification Potion," three silver liquids in specially made containers.

"Once you discover you are polluted, take one immediately. If the symptoms do not alleviate, take the second one ten minutes later."

The manager's expression becomes as cold and solemn as a marble statue:

"If all three are used up and there is no effect... then prepare to write your will."

Sarah's tone is mechanical and routine:

"Also included are a personal locator, an emergency communicator, and a self-destruct device."

"Self-destruct device?" Luo En carefully checks this small silver button.

"Once it is confirmed that you have been captured by an abyss apostle or the pollution exceeds the critical value, you can choose... a decent ending."

The manager's expression has no fluctuation: "Compared to turning into a monster and threatening your companions, this is a better choice."

This cold reality makes Luo En realize once again the cruelty of abyss research.

Here, death is not the most terrifying thing; losing one's humanity is.

"Alright, the next step is the last one, contract signing."

Luo En follows Sarah and Lei Nuozi to a room decorated luxuriously but with a gloomy atmosphere, where a legal officer in a black robe is waiting for them.

On the table lies a contract document dozens of pages thick, each page densely filled with various terms and details.

"This is the standard employment contract for the observation station." The legal officer's voice sounds as cold as if it came from a grave:

"Please read each term carefully to ensure you fully understand its meaning."

Luo En begins to read this contract page by page, and soon discovers that the harshness far exceeds his imagination:

"Article 17: Any casualties of employees during the execution of tasks are deemed as occupational risks voluntarily assumed, and the observation station does not assume any compensation responsibility..."

"Article 23: For the alienation or death of employees due to abyss pollution, their remains and personal items will be treated as research materials..."

"Article 35: Employees have the obligation to report abnormal behavior of colleagues; those who conceal the truth of pollution will be regarded as accomplices..."

Each term is reminding the signer what kind of hell they are about to enter.

Here, personal dignity, privacy, and even life have become items that can be disposed of at will.

"There is also a confidentiality agreement." The legal officer flips to the final part of the document:

"Any information regarding abyss research is classified as top secret.

Leakers will face soul interrogation, memory wiping, and in serious cases, direct execution."

Luo En notices that a considerable portion of these terms are written in ancient script.

That kind of script naturally contains binding power; once signed, it will leave a mark on the signer's soul.

"I need some time to consider." Luo En speaks up.

"No, you don't have time." The legal officer responds coldly:

"Either sign now, or leave immediately. The observation station does not accept indecisive employees."

Seemingly thinking of something, the legal officer relaxes his tone slightly and adds:

"Moreover, your contract has already been modified to a certain extent under the guarantee of Professor Utel.

Other people's contracts still have a clause: the observation station has the right to conduct regular mandatory inspections of employees, including but not limited to body dissection, mental detection, memory reading..."

Lei Nuozi coughs lightly from the side and gives Luo En a wink.

The meaning is very clear: this is the standard procedure of the observation station, and there is no room for bargaining.

Luo En weighs it for a moment and finally signs his name on the contract.

The moment the ink dries, he feels a subtle energy radiating from the contract, establishing some kind of connection with his soul.

"Welcome to the Abyss Observation Station, Lecturer Ralph."

The legal officer shows a stiff smile on his face:

"I hope you enjoy your work here... and are able to leave alive."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 311 =====