Chapter 311: Blood-Colored Shoal

Stepping into the interior of the observation station, everything here appears so transcendent of common sense, as if stepping into a completely different world.

First to catch the eye are those "living" walls.

They look like some kind of translucent biological tissue, with subtle ripples constantly surging on the surface.

When Luo En's finger accidentally touches the wall, that area immediately reacts.

The texture on the surface changes, as if "remembering" his touch.

"Don't be too surprised." Lei Nuozi notices Luo En's expression:

"You should have felt it outside just now; these are 'activated building materials,' a major feature of the observation station. They can self-repair, self-regulate, and even identify intruders."

Sure enough, when they pass a corner, Luo En sees the amazing ability of this material.

There is an obvious crack on the wall, but that crack is healing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Countless tiny tentacles extend from both sides of the crack, intertwining and wrapping around each other, finally perfectly filling the gap.

"This technology comes from the 'regenerative moss' of the fourth layer of the abyss." Lei Nuozi continues to explain:

"Through special bloodline modulation technology, we successfully fused it with traditional building materials. The result is this wall that will never truly be damaged."

Stepping into the descending elevator, during the operation of the elevator, the "ceiling" inside the car turns into a giant display screen, showing the status of each layer of the observation station in real-time.

Luo En can see dense personnel positioning points, as well as the operating status of various equipment.

"Green represents normal, yellow represents needing attention, red represents emergency."

Lei Nuozi points to the color coding on the display screen:

"Currently, everything looks normal, but in this place, 'normal' can turn into 'emergency' at any time."

"Now let me take you to visit the living facilities." Lei Nuozi leads Luo En to the living area of the observation station.

Everything here embodies the ultimate implementation of the "safety first" principle.

The design of the cafeteria opens Luo En's eyes.

Every dining table is an independent sealed capsule, and diners need to wear specially made breathing masks and eat through a pipeline system.

"These are foods processed by 'purification insects'."

Lei Nuozi points to the dishes that look exceptionally brightly colored:

"They can identify and clear any possible abyss pollution components in the food. Although the taste might be somewhat... unique, it is absolutely safe."

Luo En tries a bite and finds the taste is indeed very strange.

It is not that it tastes bad, but a feeling that cannot be described with conventional vocabulary at all.

It is like tasting sweet, sour, and bitter flavors at the same time, but each flavor is surrounded by some kind of neutral "blank feeling."

"Newcomers all need a period of time to adapt."

Lei Nuozi nods in understanding:

"But you will soon find that this kind of food is not only rich in nutrition but can also slowly improve anti-pollution ability. For employees who eat it long-term, their resistance to low-level abyss erosion will be significantly enhanced."

The design of the sleeping area is even more oppressive.

Each employee is assigned a sealed "sleeping capsule," which looks like a cryo-chamber in a spaceship.

The interior of the capsule is full of various monitoring equipment, capable of monitoring the user's vital signs, brain activity, and even dream content in real-time.

"The influence of the abyss does not only exist when awake."

Lei Nuozi explains:

"Mental protection in a sleeping state is the weakest, and it is also when pollution is most easily penetrated. These monitoring devices can discover abnormalities in the first instance and start the emergency wake-up program."

The walls of the capsule are covered with dense rune stickers, each one flashing with faint light.

"Mental barrier runes."

Lei Nuozi continues to introduce:

"They will form a protective network when you sleep, blocking most external mental disturbances. Although it cannot be guaranteed to be 100% effective, it can at least give you a relatively safe rest environment."

After visiting the living facilities, Lei Nuozi takes Luo En to a spacious lounge.

A dozen or so observation station employees of different identities are gathered here, which happens to allow Luo En to intuitively understand the power structure here.

"Now let me introduce the internal factions of the observation station in detail."

Lei Nuozi lowers his voice:

"From a broad direction, it is divided into two major camps: the Research Group and the Exploration Team. On the surface, it is a difference in the nature of work, but in reality, it is a division of political stance."

He points to a few people in the corner, who are wearing scholar robes and quietly discussing some academic issue:

"Those are members of the Research Group, mainly composed of scholar-type wizards. They tend toward Professor Utel's 'Balance Faction' philosophy, advocating cautious exploration, in-depth research, and avoiding excessive risk-taking."

"There is a strict hierarchical system within the Research Group." Lei Nuozi continues to introduce:

"Intern researchers are at the bottom, mainly responsible for organizing data, maintaining equipment, and other basic work.

Assistant researchers can participate in some low-risk analysis projects.

Formal researchers are qualified to access confidential data and conduct independent research.

And senior researchers enjoy project leadership and resource allocation rights."

Luo En observes those Research Group members and finds that most of them are pale and thin, clearly lacking sunlight and exercise for a long time.

But the longing for knowledge shines in everyone's eyes, and that kind of pure scholar temperament is impressive.

"This work is relatively safe and rarely requires direct contact with the abyss environment; you are considered to have been specially recruited by Professor Utel based on your expertise, so you can start directly as an assistant researcher."

Lei Nuozi glances at Luo En, his tone carrying envy.

Next, he takes Luo En to the other side of the lounge.

A group of completely different people are gathered there.

They are strong and well-equipped, and everyone exudes a dangerous aura.

Even more eye-catching is that almost everyone has obvious signs of alienation.

Some have eyes that have turned into vertical pupils like reptiles, some have skin that presents a metallic luster, and others have scales or bone spurs growing on their arms.

"Those are members of the Exploration Team, the true core power of the observation station."

Lei Nuozi frowns, not daring to stare too closely at these people with extremely keen perception:

"They almost completely support Cassandra's 'Conquest Faction' philosophy, advocating active attack, bold exploration, and obtaining more resources and power. Within the observation station, they enjoy higher status, more resource allocation, and greater speaking rights."

"The grading of the Exploration Team refers to the grading of bloodline levels, but there are no higher-level Sun Rings and Moon Rings, only four levels."

Lei Nuozi explains in detail:

"The Copper Ring level is the basic explorer, mainly responsible for routine patrols and sample collection in the first two layers of the abyss. Although the risk for members of this level is not too high, they also have to face the threats of various low-level abyss creatures."

"The Silver Ring level is the backbone force, qualified to enter the third to fourth layers of the abyss to execute tasks. This level begins to contact the truly dangerous abyss environment, and the mortality rate rises significantly."

"The Gold Ring level is the elite member, capable of penetrating into the fifth layer or even deeper areas."

Lei Nuozi takes out an atlas, inside which is a figure that can barely be seen as human:

"This is 'Ripper' Marcus, who once survived alone in the sixth layer for three months. But look at what he looks like now..."

Luo En carefully observes the image of the person called Marcus and finds that the other's body structure has undergone fundamental changes.

The limbs are exceptionally long, and sharp bone spurs have grown at the joints.

The face has also become extremely uncoordinated, with a protruding jaw, sharp teeth, and deeply sunken eyes.

"The price of the abyss is always heavy." Lei Nuozi sighs:

"Even the most outstanding explorers cannot completely avoid the erosion of pollution. What the strong can do is only to control this erosion within an acceptable range."

"As for the Star Ring level..." Lei Nuozi pauses, his tone full of awe:

"That is the captain-level existence; the entire observation station only has three people who have reached this level. Each of them can explore alone in the deep layers of the abyss, i. e., the seventh layer and below, and can even evade the hunting of apostles."

"The Exploration Team has established an evaluation system completely different from the traditional academic world." Lei Nuozi says this, his tone carrying obvious disapproval:

"They completely ignore traditional academic achievements, purely using combat ability and survival ability as criteria."

He takes out a detailed evaluation form from his bosom, on which various indicators are densely listed:

"First is the 'Survival Index,' evaluating a person's survival ability in the abyss environment. This includes resistance to pollution, adaptability in extreme environments, emergency response when facing sudden dangers, etc."

"Second is the 'Combat Rating,' mainly looking at the killing efficiency against abyss creatures.

They have a complex scoring system, and killing abyss creatures of different levels can obtain corresponding scores.

A third-layer 'Corrosion Insect' is worth 1 point, while a seventh-layer 'Nautilus Dragon' is worth 5000 points."

Luo En notices some specific data on the form and finds that the precision of this scoring system is staggering. It not only sets scores according to the danger level of abyss creatures but also adjusts according to factors such as killing method, time taken, and whether it was completed independently.

"Then is the 'Adaptability Test'."

"This test requires candidates to stay in abyss environments of different layers for a specific time to observe changes in their physical and mental states.

The standard for passing the test is not zero pollution... that is almost impossible, but that the degree of pollution is within a controllable range and there are no obvious symptoms of loss of sanity."

He flips to the other page of the form:

"Finally is the 'Leadership Potential' test, evaluating the ability to command squad operations.

This test is usually conducted in a real abyss environment; candidates need to lead a squad to complete specific tasks, and both the survival rate of the team and the task completion degree will be included in the scoring."

Luo En carefully studies this evaluation system and finds that it indeed embodies the cruel principle of "the weak are prey to the strong."

Any academic achievement in the traditional sense—publishing papers, theoretical innovation, teaching ability, etc. —is worthless here.

The only thing recognized is the pure combat power displayed in this extreme environment of the abyss.

"This evaluation method is cruel, but it also has its rationality."

Lei Nuozi has to admit:

"In the abyss, a brilliant paper cannot save your life, but a sufficiently powerful spell can. From a purely practical perspective, the Exploration Team's evaluation system is indeed closer to the actual needs here."

But then his tone becomes worried:

"The problem is that this way of thinking is spreading to the entire school alliance.

More and more people are beginning to think that traditional academic research is a 'useless ivory tower game,' and only conquest and plunder can bring true progress."

Luo En silently records this information, his heart beginning to conceive his survival strategy in this complex environment.

As a new member assigned to the Research Group, he needs to find a subtle balance between the two camps.

He can neither be bound by the traditions of the conservative faction nor be swept away by the fanaticism of the radical faction.

To put it bluntly... for him, the combat power converted from his own research results is much more reliable and stable than these guys who rely on risking their lives and mutation.

In the next few days, Luo En is arranged to enter the Material Analysis Department to start work.

The research environment here is better than he imagined.

At least there is no need to directly face living abyss creatures, but soon he discovers that even "safe" material research is full of risks beyond ordinary people's imagination.

"Assistant Researcher Ralph, welcome to our team."

The department head, Wei En, is a senior scholar who looks to be in his fifties; the left half of his face has completely petrified, and only the right half of his lips move when he speaks.

That eerie half-face makes every one of his expressions appear exceptionally distorted.

"I know my appearance might make you feel uncomfortable."

Wei En seems to notice Luo En's gaze and says with a wry smile:

"This is a souvenir left by a 'small accident'; at the time, we all thought we had made full protective preparations."

He shakes his head without continuing this topic, but starts to introduce the department's work content.

In the first few days, Luo En is mainly responsible for some basic material classification and data recording work.

But soon, the outstanding ability he displays attracts the attention of his colleagues.

"This energy fluctuation analysis report."

Wizard Zeli holds the first formal report submitted by Luo En, surprise shining in her eyes.

She is the deputy head of the department, and her right eye has been replaced by some kind of crystal body, constantly flashing with blue light:

"Are you sure this was completed independently by you? The precision of the data reached 96.7%; this level is difficult to achieve even for senior researchers."

Luo En nods calmly:

"I used some optimized analysis methods, combined with multiple perception techniques for cross-verification."

Naturally, he won't say that he obtained supernatural perception ability through skills like "Extraordinary Identification."

In this environment, exposing too many special abilities is not wise.

"Optimized analysis methods?"

Wei En is also attracted over, carefully examining the report with his one normal eye:

"Can you explain your analysis process in detail?"

In the next half hour, Luo En elaborates on his "analysis method."

Of course, he packages the extraordinary perception he formed through various trait bonuses into "mental power micro-manipulation techniques" and "practical application of energy resonance theory."

Although it is an explanation made up on the spot, relying on his deep theoretical foundation and practical experience, this set of rhetoric sounds quite convincing.

"Impressive theoretical integration ability."

Zeli nods in praise, the light of that crystal eyeball becoming brighter:

"It seems Professor Utel did not misjudge the person."

As Luo En continues to display superior ability at work, the attitude of his colleagues toward him also undergoes subtle changes.

From initial polite courtesy, it gradually turns into true recognition and respect.

"Here, infectivity is one of the most terrifying characteristics of abyss erosion."

Zeli warns him during an experimental break.

She is cleaning a precision detection device, her movements exceptionally careful, and every step strictly follows complex safety regulations:

"Long-term contact with severely eroded individuals, even without direct exchange of body fluids, will lead to the spread of pollution.

The 'aura' emitted by the eroded, the gas exhaled, and even the items they have touched can all become sources of infection."

She stops her movements and looks at Luo En with her one normal eye:

"Do you know why my right eye was replaced by a crystal body?"

Luo En shakes his head, waiting for the answer.

"Ten years ago, I was responsible for checking a batch of mineral samples from the fifth layer."

Zeli's voice becomes distant, as if recalling some long-past nightmare:

"All protective procedures were strictly executed—isolation suits, magic barriers, purification runes... everything was operated according to standards. But one of the samples carried a form of erosion we had never encountered before."

She strokes her crystal eyeball, the cold touch making her tremble slightly:

"Just looking at that stone for thirty seconds, my right eye began to show abnormalities. At first, it was just blurred vision, then color distortion, and finally... the eyeball began to liquefy from the inside."

Zeli's description makes Luo En feel a wave of nausea, but he forces himself to continue listening.

"Fortunately, the medical department discovered the problem in time and immediately performed an eyeball removal surgery."

She says with a wry smile:

"This crystal eye looks strange, but at least it stopped the erosion from spreading to the brain. If it had been one day later, I might have spent the rest of my life in the 'special containment area'."

She points to an area of the building surrounded by high walls outside the window, which is shrouded in a layer of unnatural shadow:

"Some... existences that are no longer completely human live there.

They still retain part of their sanity and memories, but their bodies and minds have undergone irreversible changes.

The policy of the observation station is that as long as they still maintain basic sanity, they will not be subjected to 'mercy ending'."

"Mercy ending?"

Luo En keenly captures this euphemistic way of saying it.

Zeli's expression becomes even heavier:

"A quick and painless way to die. When a person's erosion degree exceeds the critical value and treatment is ineffective, the observation station will start this program. The person being executed will pass away quietly in their sleep without any pain."

Her voice becomes exceptionally soft:

"This is not punishment, but protection for them and others. Highly eroded individuals may lose control at any time and turn into existences more dangerous than ordinary abyss creatures; this is the last mercy the observation station can give them."

Luo En quietly digests this information, his understanding of this place deepening by another layer.

Under the temptation of knowledge and power, countless researchers are willing to risk their lives to penetrate this forbidden domain.

But the true price is far heavier than it appears on the surface.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 312 =====