Chapter 312: Are You Out of Control?

In the laboratory of the Material Analysis Department of the observation station, there is a faint smell of disinfectant mixed with some kind of indescribable corrosive odor.

Luo En, wearing a specially made protective suit, stands before the analysis bench, carefully observing the sample before him.

It is a piece of "Matter-Eating Bacteria" brought back from the fourth layer of the abyss, with its surface covered in fine textures, presenting an eerie deep red color under special lighting.

"Newcomer, be careful; that thing is not ordinary goods."

Researcher Martin, sitting at the opposite workbench, reminds him.

This middle-aged man, who looks to be in his forties, has three fingers on his right hand that have completely alienated, turning into hard structures similar to a carapace.

He is processing a batch of digestive fluid samples from "Corrosion Insects," his movements skillful but exceptionally cautious.

"The erosiveness of Matter-Eating Bacteria is extremely strong." Martin continues, looking at the instrument Luo En is operating with some worry:

"We once had a researcher here who directly touched an unprocessed sample due to an operational error. As a result, within three hours, the entire forearm began to rot. In the end, he had to have it amputated to save his life."

Luo En nods to show understanding, but his movements do not pause in the slightest.

He activates the "Extraordinary Identification" skill to carefully observe the internal structure of the living bacterial frozen block through his special vision.

In his eyes, this block-like object, which seems to be completely frozen, is actually full of vitality.

Countless tiny energy threads intertwine inside it, forming a complex three-dimensional network.

Even more amazing is that these energy threads are still pulsing slowly but regularly, like the blood vessel system of some kind of creature.

"This kind of activity... abyss samples really are most valuable when collected fresh and alive."

Luo En quickly records the observation results on the recording board.

His analysis speed and accuracy make several colleagues around him look sideways.

Under normal circumstances, a newcomer needs at least several days to master the basic characteristics of Matter-Eating Bacteria.

Yet Luo En used less than an hour to reach conclusions deeper than many formal researchers.

"Are you sure there are highly active living body characteristics?"

Another researcher, Mary, leans over; her left eye has been replaced by some kind of glowing artificial organ, which is flashing with curious blue light:

"We have been researching this new sample for half a year and have never found any signs of life activity in the frozen state."

"Please look here."

Luo En points to the display screen of the analysis instrument, which shows the energy flow diagram inside the frozen block:

"If you observe the energy distribution pattern carefully, you will find that they follow a specific periodic change.

The frequency of this change is about 72 times per minute, very close to the human heart rate."

Mary widens her eyes, carefully observing the data on the screen.

Indeed, hidden within those seemingly chaotic energy fluctuations is a kind of subtle regularity; if it weren't for Luo En's reminder, it would be difficult to detect.

"Actually, the most important thing is this reaction mode."

Luo En adjusts the instrument parameters, and the screen immediately displays another set of data:

"When we apply external stimulation to the crystal, its internal activity will change accordingly.

When the temperature rises, the 'pulse' will accelerate;

When subjected to pressure, the energy flow direction will be adjusted. This adaptive reaction is a typical life characteristic."

Other researchers in the laboratory also stop their work and gather around to watch this discovery.

Wei En, who is in charge of this laboratory, also walks over; the petrified half of his face looks exceptionally eerie under the light.

"Assistant Researcher Ralph, your observation ability is indeed outstanding."

Wei En carefully checks Luo En's analysis report, praise appearing in his eyes.

However, just as everyone is gathered around discussing, Luo En notices a subtle detail.

Although the praise from his colleagues is sincere, in the depths of those mutated eyes, he captures distorted emotions that are difficult to detect.

It is not simple jealousy, but a deeper sense of unease.

Martin unconsciously taps the table with his keratinized fingers, making a harsh friction sound.

The flashing frequency of Mary's artificial eye becomes more rapid, showing inner fluctuation.

Even the usually steady Wei En has the petrified half of his face twitching faintly.

"People who work in this place." Luo En analyzes this subtle atmosphere in his heart:

"All bear the price of abyss erosion to varying degrees, and my outstanding performance as a newcomer might remind them of the things they have lost."

This realization makes Luo En even more cautious.

He begins to deliberately lower his performance.

He no longer displays overly outstanding analysis ability, but chooses to work at a more "normal" speed.

In the next few days, Luo En gradually adapts to the work rhythm of the observation station.

Every morning at eight o'clock, he comes to the laboratory to process the samples accumulated from the previous day.

He eats lunch in the cafeteria; although the food processed by "purification insects" tastes strange, it can indeed provide sufficient nutrition.

In the afternoon, he continues analysis work and occasionally participates in discussions on small research projects.

At night, he rests in his sleeping capsule.

Although those rune stickers are somewhat oppressive, they can indeed provide basic mental protection.

What impresses Luo En most is the mandatory inspection every three days.

In the inspection room, dozens of precision instruments operate simultaneously, performing all-around scans on each person being inspected.

When it is Luo En's turn to be inspected, the technician responsible for the inspection clearly shows surprise.

"Erosion degree... 0.01%?"

The technician repeatedly confirms the inspection result, as if he cannot believe his eyes:

"Are you sure you have worked at the observation station for a full three days?"

"Yes, is there a problem?" Luo En asks calmly.

"No problem, just..."

The technician looks at the inspection results of others, his tone carrying disbelief:

"Generally, the erosion degree of newcomers after working at the observation station for three days will reach about 0.05%. A situation like yours with almost no change is something I have only seen twice in my thirty years of practice."

This result causes a small sensation within the Research Group.

Colleagues look at Luo En with more complex eyes, containing envy, confusion, and that indescribable unease.

"Truly an enviable constitution."

Mary's tone carries bitterness; her erosion degree has reached 12.3%, getting closer and closer to the warning line for mandatory treatment:

"Some people are born with resistance to the abyss, while others... can only watch themselves being changed bit by bit."

Martin also nods in agreement; his keratinized fingers have more traces, clearly the degree of erosion is continuing to deepen:

"This is reality. In this place, talent is more critical than hard work."

Facing the complex emotions of his colleagues, Luo En maintains outward calm, but in his heart, he is thinking about deeper issues.

His anti-erosion ability is indeed different from ordinary people.

This might be related to his identity as an original wizard, or it might be extra protection brought by multiple traits.

But this "specialness" also means greater risk.

In an environment where everyone is bearing pain, an overly prominent "lucky person" often becomes a target of public criticism.

………………

Five days later, in the morning, Wei En calls Luo En to his office.

"Assistant Researcher Ralph, your performance has impressed me."

This senior supervisor sits behind the office desk, the petrified half of his face looking exceptionally eerie in the shadows:

"Not just your analysis ability, but more rare is your resistance to abyss erosion. This makes me see a possibility."

Luo En maintains a cautious posture: "You mean?"

"Field collection."

Wei En takes out a detailed mission report:

"We plan to organize a short-term collection operation in the second layer of the abyss, targeting new biological samples in the Blood-Colored Shoal area. This mission requires a researcher with high anti-erosion ability to participate, and you are the most suitable candidate."

He hands the report to Luo En: "Of course, this is a voluntary mission. Abyss collection is dangerous, but it is also the only way to obtain first-hand data. For a scholar with aspirations in abyss research, this is a rare opportunity."

Luo En browses through the detailed content in the report quickly.

Blood-Colored Shoal, a special area in the second layer of the abyss, is famous for its unstable spatial structure and rich biological diversity.

It is the habitat of many rare abyss creatures and also a dangerous area with an extremely high degree of erosion.

"What is the composition of the collection team?" Luo En asks.

"Three researchers, two exploration team guards, and one automatic alert golem."

Wei En introduces in detail:

"Researchers are responsible for sample collection and preliminary analysis, guards are responsible for security, and the golem is responsible for environmental monitoring and early warning. The entire trip is expected to take 7 hours, of which at least 5 hours will be spent in the abyss environment."

This is indeed a rare opportunity.

Not only can he obtain precious research materials, but he can also observe the abyss environment on-site, providing first-hand data for his various studies.

Moreover, this is also the perfect time for him to arrange for the "Substitute Puppet" to enter the abyss.

"I accept this mission." Luo En answers without hesitation.

Wei En nods with satisfaction:

"Very good. Preparation time is two days; I will send you the specific equipment list and precautions. Remember, this is your first trip to the abyss; safety must come first."

………………

Early morning, in the equipment room of the observation station, a small collection team is making final preparations.

Luo En wears a specially made abyss protective suit; this clothing adopts multi-layer composite materials, capable of effectively blocking most erosive substances.

The inner layer of the protective suit is soft "purification fiber," capable of neutralizing low-intensity abyss energy.

The middle layer is tough "barrier fabric," capable of resisting physical attacks and corrosive liquids.

The outermost layer is a shimmering "reflective coating," specifically designed to deal with certain abyss creatures with optical attack capabilities.

"Check the breathing system."

Team leader Miller is a Silver Ring-level explorer; his left arm has been completely mechanized, flashing with metallic luster:

"In the Blood-Colored Shoal, the concentration of erosion particles in the air is dozens of times that of the ground. Without a perfect filtration system, ordinary people would have their lungs rot within ten minutes of breathing there."

Luo En checks the airtightness of the mask, ensuring the filtration device is running normally.

The multi-function display screen inside the mask shows various environmental parameters in real-time, including oxygen concentration, toxin content, erosion degree, etc.

"Sample collection equipment."

Another researcher, Alice, is responsible for the introduction in this regard.

She is a woman who looks to be in her thirties, and the right half of her body has become translucent, with internal organs vaguely visible:

"These are specially made collection containers, capable of maintaining the activity and stability of the samples. Each container can only be used once, so cherish them."

The third researcher, Falco, is responsible for checking the analysis equipment.

This young man's hair has turned silver-white, making him look ten years older than his actual age:

"Portable analysis instruments can only perform basic detection; detailed analysis still needs to be done back in the laboratory. But it can help us judge the basic value of the samples, avoiding wasting precious collection opportunities."

Another guard is Copper Ring-level explorer James; his eyes have turned into vertical pupils like reptiles, capable of seeing clearly in the dark.

The automatic alert golem "Watcher-7" is a mechanical structure about two meters high, covered with sensors and weapon equipment.

Its role is to monitor the surrounding environment in real-time; once a threat is discovered, it will immediately issue an alert.

"Descent preparation."

Miller checks everyone's equipment one last time, confirms it is correct, and issues the departure order:

"Remember, in the abyss, any abnormality can mean death. Report problems immediately; absolutely do not act alone."

The descent system of the observation station is an engineering miracle.

The giant mechanical lifting platform is suspended by dozens of thick steel cables, slowly descending to different layers of the abyss.

Powerful lighting equipment and protective barriers are installed around the platform, capable of providing passengers with basic safety guarantees.

With the descent of the platform, the surrounding environment begins to change significantly.

The sunlight on the ground gradually disappears, replaced by a strange deep red light.

The air becomes thick and humid, and every breath can feel some kind of strange taste.

"Depth 1000 meters, entering the entrance of the first layer of the abyss."

The broadcast system on the platform reports real-time data:

"Environmental erosion degree: slight. Air quality: acceptable. Estimated time to reach the second layer: 15 minutes."

Through the guardrail at the edge of the platform, Luo En sees the scene of the first layer of the abyss.

It looks like a giant cave system, with glowing moss covering the stone walls, providing faint lighting.

Occasionally, one can see some small abyss creatures shuttling through rock crevices; although their forms are strange, they have not completely deviated from the category of biology.

"Depth 3000 meters, entering the second layer of the abyss."

The broadcast sounds again, but this time the tone becomes obviously serious:

"Environmental erosion degree: medium. Air quality: needs protection. All personnel, wear breathing equipment immediately."

With the increase in depth, Luo En can clearly feel the strengthening of abyss erosion.

Even through the protective suit, the skin begins to feel a slight stinging sensation.

Even more terrifying is the pressure at the mental level, like countless voices whispering in the ears, trying to erode his sanity.

"This is the 'welcome ceremony' of the abyss."

Miller notices Luo En's expression;

"Everyone has this feeling when they first contact the abyss environment. The key is to keep your sanity clear, do not listen to those voices, and do not try to understand what they are saying."

But Luo En's adaptability makes everyone look at him with admiration.

Although he did feel uncomfortable initially, he quickly adjusted his state and was even able to actively analyze various characteristics of the surrounding environment.

"The experience at the Bloodline Altar really helped a lot."

He rejoices secretly in his heart.

Coupled with the abyss aura leakage incident he experienced at the Black Mist School before, he has a certain resistance and adaptability to this kind of erosive environment.

"Depth 3500 meters, arriving at the edge of the collection area."

The platform stops descending slowly, and a shocking scene appears ahead.

The Blood-Colored Shoal, a landmark of the first and second layers of the abyss, is as the name suggests, a giant area covered by deep red liquid.

But this is not ordinary water, but some kind of mysterious substance with biological activity.

The surface of the liquid is constantly surging with ripples, as if countless lives are swimming within it.

Even more amazing are the space bubbles floating above the "shoal."

Each bubble looks only the size of an ordinary room, but the interior presents completely different environmental characteristics.

Some bubbles contain ice and snow worlds, some are desert landscapes, and others are twisted spaces difficult to describe.

"These space bubbles are a landmark phenomenon of the first and second layers of the abyss."

Alice explains, her translucent body appearing exceptionally eerie under the blood-colored light:

"Each bubble is an independent space, possessing its own ecosystem. They will appear and disappear randomly; some only exist for a few minutes, while others can last for several years."

Falco adds;

"The most precious samples often come from these space bubbles. But entering them is also extremely dangerous, because no one knows what kind of laws the interior of the bubbles follows."

Team leader Miller begins to deploy the action plan:

"Our target is three relatively stable space bubbles. According to observation data, they have existed for more than two months and should be relatively safe.

James is responsible for outer perimeter alert, Watcher-7 is responsible for environmental monitoring, and the others are divided into two groups for collection."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 313 =====