"Bring up the latest satellite map of the mission area, the environmental analysis report following the ’Purifier’ missile strike, and detailed data on any known surviving Star Beasts."

"Retrieving..."

Information streamed across the light screen.

The satellite image of the southeastern Ashen Wasteland revealed a startling expanse of charred black, like an ugly scar upon the Earth.

The area where Rift 7-C was located was a concave depression at the center, surrounded by radiating marks of high-temperature melting.

The report indicated that surface radiation levels in the area were still at dangerous levels, but had not yet exceeded the protective limits of an Advanced Combat Suit.

The Energy Turbulence was mainly concentrated within a one-kilometer radius of the rift. It was unstable and could erupt into small-scale energy torrents or spatial warps at any moment.

Large areas of terrain had collapsed and were now soft and unstable, with hidden cavities and fissures.

The data on potentially surviving Star Beasts was also listed: primarily Ash Worms, Energy Level 25-30, adept at burrowing, and possessing some resistance to high temperatures and Energy attacks. There were also Lava Lizards, Energy Level 28-33, with skin covered in heat-resistant keratin, swift movements, and the ability to spit high-temperature acid.

The possibility of undetected High-Tier individuals with special Stealth or survival abilities could not be ruled out.

’The environment is worse than the Rotting Swamp Forest, but the Star Beast threat is relatively well-defined, and they most likely haven’t formed organized groups.’ Xu Wuyi quickly assessed.

He had no intention of teaming up with anyone. At his current strength, he wouldn’t be able to find any suitable teammates.

There might have been suitable choices, but he didn’t know them, and he had no time to develop synergy.

Going solo was the best choice for his current situation.

With his Spiritual Perception, which surpassed others of the same level, he could preemptively avoid most environmental hazards and efficiently locate any remaining Star Beasts.

’[Undying Flame] might also be unusually effective against Star Beasts like the Ash Worm, which rely on their robust Life Force to survive.’

’And the mission description did say that more than one squad had accepted this task, and that the military would be involved as well.’

"Anna, purchase list: three high-efficiency radiation neutralizers, two replaceable filter modules, ten High-Explosive Concussion Grenades, and one detailed geological structure scan."

"Processing purchase... Points deducted: 170. The items will be delivered within twenty minutes."

Xu Wuyi glanced at his account balance. These were necessary investments, and they didn’t cost too much.

...

「Two hours later.」

Yuntai City eastern suburbs, Seventh Airport, military restricted zone.

A ’Peregrine’-type high-speed transport craft, painted with angular lines of camouflage gray, was parked on a dedicated tarmac, its rear ramp open.

Xu Wuyi had changed into an all-environment combat suit, over which he wore a dark gray, windproof cloak with a hood. His Meteor Iron Long Spear was secured to his back in a custom magnetic sheath.

He presented his electronic mission credentials, and after an identity verification and a brief equipment check, he boarded the transport.

There were already seven or eight people inside the cabin. Judging by their attire and auras, they were all Martial Artists, with Energy Levels generally between 32 and 35.

They were seated on either side, some resting with their eyes closed, others conversing in low voices. The atmosphere wasn’t lively; instead, it was filled with a subtle tension.

Xu Wuyi’s arrival drew a few glances.

He was too young, and his face was unfamiliar.

Surprise flickered in some of their eyes, while others simply gave him a passing glance before looking away.

No one who could accept this mission was a slouch, but they clearly didn’t know each other, so no one initiated a conversation.

Xu Wuyi found an empty seat against the cabin wall and sat down. He pulled his hood down a little lower and also closed his eyes to rest, while simultaneously extending his Spiritual Power slightly to perceive the auras within the cabin.

Excluding the pilot and an accompanying military liaison officer, there were nine Martial Artists in the cabin. The strongest among them, a middle-aged man with short hair and an old scar on his cheek, was sitting at the very front.

’Looks like they’re all lone wolves or temporary squads, lured here by the high point reward,’ Xu Wuyi thought.

’That’s for the best. Once we get there, everyone will go their own way and stay out of each other’s business.’

About an hour later, the transport began to shudder slightly as it started its descent.

Through the porthole, a desolate, charred landscape could be seen below, with a continuous range of dark red hills in the distance.

The transport landed on the edge of the wasteland, at a makeshift landing field.

Several military tents and simple fortifications had already been set up here. An Energy Shield Generator was active, maintaining a relatively stable area.

Military personnel in standard-issue combat suits moved back and forth, and several armored vehicles and light hover assault vehicles were parked nearby.

The ramp opened, and a wave of turbid, scorching air rushed in.

"All Martial Artists who have accepted mission LK-4472, please assemble at Tent Three for a briefing!" the military liaison officer shouted from outside the ramp.

Xu Wuyi followed the others off the transport. The ground beneath his feet was hard and cracked, and the temperature was noticeably higher than in Yuntai City. The filtration system in his mask automatically increased its frequency to handle the trace amounts of toxic particles and radioactive dust that might be in the air.

Tent Three was more spacious than it looked. Inside, an officer with the rank of major and a stern expression was already waiting.

In the center of the tent was a holographic sand table, clearly displaying the topography of Rift 7-C and the surrounding three-kilometer area.

"Everyone’s here." The major glanced at the nine Martial Artists filing in, his gaze pausing on Xu Wuyi for half a second before he moved on without any reaction.

"I am Zhao Zhen, the one in charge of control and support for this outer perimeter. Time is short, so let’s skip the pleasantries."

He pointed to the holographic sand table. "This is Rift 7-C. The central zone is approximately five hundred meters in diameter and is currently in an energetically inert phase, but it is extremely unstable."

"Three days ago, the ’Purifier’ strike covered a two-kilometer radius centered on the rift. Your target area is the three-kilometer radius zone."

"Your primary mission is to deploy a total of twenty-four micro signal base stations within this ring-shaped area," he said, drawing a circle on the sand table. "The coordinates for the base stations have already been uploaded to your personal terminals. Just activate them once you reach the designated locations. They will automatically form a network and attempt to connect to the satellite."

"Secondly, you are to explore the area to confirm and eliminate any remaining Star Beast life signs. Finally, you must collect at least three Energy samples from a safe location as close to the rift’s edge as possible."

Zhao Zhen’s tone was rigid and clear. "For safety and maximum efficiency, we recommend you operate in teams. However, Command respects the wishes of every Martial Artist and will not force the issue. But I must remind you, the environment within the zone is extreme, and the risks for a solo Martial Artist are exceptionally high."

"Command has designated a vanguard." He looked toward the scar-faced, middle-aged Martial Artist with the most powerful aura.

"Martial Artist Lei Lie, Level 36.8, specializes in frontal assaults and area-of-effect attacks. He will be the first to enter through Entrance Three and sweep toward the core area to draw out any major potential threats, clearing a relatively safe path for the subsequent deployment of the base stations."