Chapter 1570 - Mine-Running Nolan (1/2)

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation  Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

As he saw the laser beam and the screen turning into a buzzing still picture, Hao Ren knew that the droid had been destroyed. This was not too surprising since the droids were not particularly sturdy objects, including the combat variants. It also appeared that the massive light cloud was not to be trifled with, but most importantly, what the heck was that thing?

“We can now be sure that this is not some natural phenomenon,” Hao Ren said seriously. “It is man-made.”

“And this thing… can even communicate, so it must have some sort of logic system to it,” Vivian continued. “The thing is we don’t know if it’s operated by a crew.”

“The droid only had limited contact with the latter, and barely a few sentences later, it was destroyed, so the information we’ve gathered is quite insufficient,” Nolan said as she waved her droid’s tentacles about. “The collated information we have now is as such: first, the light clouds are not a natural occurrence. They’re some sort of man-made being, probably guardians left behind by the goddess of creation. Next, they also broadcast authorization requests, but if any outsiders fail to provide valid identification data, they will be attacked. And lastly, the light clouds, at the very least, have the ability to morph. They can materialize a part of their formless body and attack from the materialized part. This transformation means that they not only do they possess the form that we’ve just seen, but under other circumstances, they could change into entirely different forms.”

“What if we communicate with them?” Hao Ren asked with a frown. “What happens if we send them a communication request?”

“There’s no way to communicate. They are either running on an automatic system, or the controller behind them is very rigid. I’ve sent two other droids over, but whenever no contact authorization or identification serial is provided, the ‘light cloud’ does not respond and proceeds to attack. To prevent any adverse reaction from the light clouds in the system, I have to cease all forms of provocation.”

“It’s prudent to be on the safe side.” Hao Ren nodded in agreement with Nolan. “Send the droids to monitor all activities around the light clouds and try to obtain as much long-range observation data. Once we have enough, send it back to CARS and see if Muru, as well as the rest, recognize this thingamajig. Since it may very well be something created by the goddess of creation, the guardians might be of help.”

“Roger that.”

“Say, how’s that antenna array going?” Hao Ren recalled something. “The one to locate the crystal’s resonance.”

“The core components have already passed the lab’s inspection, and the setup of the main antenna array has already been completed near the low planetary orbit. By the time each auxiliary system is online and the diagnostics completed, we can install the core. However, the surface auxiliary arrays have only just started construction, so even if the main antenna goes online, the connection will still be rather sub-par.”

Hao Ren knew that there were many major construction works going on around the tiny planet and was pleased with the progress. Nodding, he said, “That’s fine, we’re trapped here anyway. If we can’t leave, it won’t matter if we find that crystal planet. We don’t have to rush this, and oh, did you manage to collect the things I asked you to?”

“Only partially. I just moved them to the second storage yard.”

“Collect? Collect what?” Vivian gave Hao Ren a curious glance. She did not hear about the arrangement prior to this.

Hao Ren wore a mysterious smile. “The droids collected them while they prospected the flats. You’ll know when you see it.”

The engineering droids had already brought back some of the items and were now storing them on an empty field by the side of the base.

It was a little mound of twisted metal, which consisted of half-melted armor, broken support pillars, unrecognizable thrusters, artillery platforms, and also burnt out computer systems. All these broken pieces were piled up on the empty field, almost like a rubbish mound, and at the top of the pile, a torn-apart black metal pillar was the most eye-catching of them all.

Regrettably, that metal pillar did not glow anymore.

The wreckage had already cooled down for many days. The heat from atmospheric entry or the flames of combat had long died off, yet the pieces still emanated a strong charred stench. Standing before the little “mound”, the burning smell made everyone feel like they were still on an infernal battlefield.

Nangong Wuyue slithered carefully toward the wreckage as she used her tail to pick up a piece of broken metal and dangle it in front of her. She then turned back to Hao Ren with curiosity in her eyes. “Mr. Landlord, these are…”

“The remains of the Cortex Prime.” Hao Ren looked up at the pile of twisted metal and subconsciously recalled its original shape: that of a majestic fortress city. “I never thought the fortress would be destroyed so thoroughly and the droids could only salvage this much.”

Vivian seemed to latch on to Hao Ren’s idea as she asked thoughtfully, “You’re collecting the remains of the Cortex Prime? And you’re…”

“I plan to erect a memorial plaque on the southwest corner of the plains. It was the landing point of the Cortex Prime’s final piece, and it was also the spot where the humans had ‘returned’ to.” Hao Ren smiled. “Think of it as a ‘coming-of-age gift’ for the Executors. As a budding civilization, they’ll need moral support.”

Vivian showed a forlorn smile. “That’s just so you.”

Hao Ren smiled in return but did not speak further.