Chapter 129: Landing in the New World

The shuttle pod had been drifting in space for three days. During this time, Vernon and his two companions had used their limited resources to survey the planet below.

"Let’s summarize the information from the past three days so I can decide on our next course of action," Vernon said, exporting all the data to his portable arm-mounted computer.

"First, the medical check on the three of us: vital signs are stable, and the soul oscillation is in a rapid self-healing phase. It’s recovering even faster than anticipated; at this rate, we should be fully recovered in two days."

"Second, the shuttle pod itself. Out of 1,321 systems, eleven are damaged and twenty-three are malfunctioning. Overall, it’s in good condition and meets the standards for continued exploration."

"Third, the survey of the planet below shows that the environment is less than one percent different from our home Earth. Air composition, hazardous material analysis, and energy distribution analysis all check out. We can survive without any protective gear. However, for safety, everyone must leave a fragment of themselves in the life-transfer array. If something goes wrong, we can immediately return to the shuttle for reconstitution. Any data or supplies gathered can be abandoned if necessary."

"Also, in these three days, there have been three time-oscillations in this universe and five on the target planet. The amplitude of these oscillations was very small—well within the negligible range—but due to their high frequency, we must remain vigilant."

"Finally, no formed planetary consciousness has been detected, no individuals capable of connecting to such a consciousness have been found, no other spacecraft have been sighted, and no communicative collective consciousness exists. According to the test manual standards, this planet is classified as a Level 1 ordinary technological planet, and its civilization as a sub-Level 1 ordinary technological civilization."

After his brief report, Vernon looked at Fina, as it was now her area of responsibility.

"I’ll keep it brief as well," Fina said. "I’m primarily responsible for the preliminary establishment of the energy extraction array and the gathering of relevant information beforehand. The philosophy behind the array is one of green, sustainable development, peace, and mutual benefit. However, since there is no planet-wide unified organization or collective consciousness, negotiation and trade are currently impossible."

"Per the manual, I will continue to select sites for the energy extraction array while adjusting the magical energy density of the world. The Captain is responsible for natural energy. If the collective consciousness hasn't taken shape by the time the sites are selected, we will proceed directly with extraction, keeping a ledger of every unit of energy to reconcile once the consciousness forms."

Frank nodded in understanding. "My turn. Within three days, I have marked the key areas of interest according to the manual’s operational procedures. I have also calibrated the orbital weapons and orbital landing pods, making us ready for the next step at any time. Furthermore, I have successfully hacked the networks in the marked areas and forged three legal identities."

"Additionally, based on my assessment of the planet as a whole and the target area, its technological level is roughly equivalent to our planet in 1970, lacking any high-end or specialized technology."

"Furthermore, according to the test manual, we must avoid causing significant fluctuations in the economic or social lifelines of any region on this planet. Following the danger-level protocols, we must adhere to a policy of absolute defensive counter-attacks. We are strictly forbidden from initiating attacks on any group, but in the event of an attack, we may retaliate without restriction, while taking care to avoid harming the innocent."

"Finally, per the information concealment manual, if it is determined that something has significant value to the energy extraction array or the collective consciousness, we may disclose relevant information to a limited extent, or fulfill the other party's requests provided it does not violate the aforementioned regulations."

Vernon nodded after hearing everyone’s report. "Good. All preliminary test preparations are in order. If there are no objections, we will prepare for orbital descent, targeting the designated area."

"Everyone must report in advance if they move more than ten kilometers from my line of sight. Anything else to add? If not, let’s get ready."

"I have something," Fina raised her hand. "My teacher gave me a scroll before I left, and I managed to look over the introduction..." Fina scratched her head, her expression complex. "It contains ten Ninth-Circle spells, all of them stacked with every possible magical effect. If I let them all loose, flattening the target area wouldn't be a problem."

"That? It’s fine," Vernon replied dismissively. "Our primary orbital ammunition comes from a gift from China: the custom-made Dongfeng-series nuclear missiles. I’ve checked them; all seven multi-warhead missiles, including the arrays inscribed on them, are intact. We are capable of conducting nuclear strikes on every major region of the planet."

Fina breathed a sigh of relief. It was good to know there was an even more insane gift available; compared to that, her teacher’s gift didn't seem so violent after all.

Frank, on the other hand, touched the pendant on his chest, at a loss for words. This arsenal didn't feel like it was meant for a test; it felt like they were here to wreak havoc.

Half an hour later, the orbital landing pod ejected from the shuttle and descended directly above the target area. Once the hatch opened, Fina waved a hand, stored the pod in her personal space, and activated a mass-teleportation spell to transport the three of them to the ground.

It was raining heavily. Fina reflexively prepared to cast a force-field barrier, but Vernon stopped her just in time. He threw three seeds that instantly grew into three green umbrellas, which he handed to them.

Fina looked at the umbrella in her hand, then at Vernon. This method didn't seem much more discreet than her force-field shield.

"Hey, look over there," Frank, who had been on alert, tilted his head toward a certain direction.

The three of them looked over to see a girl wearing an oversized lab coat, stumbling through the rain. She fell every few steps but never stopped, as if something were chasing her.

Fina looked at Frank, who already had his pendant in his hand. "No armed enemies detected, and no one is following her."

As Frank spoke, various symbols flickered across his glasses.

Fina turned back to Vernon, blinking her eyes at him as if she were acting cute.

"Alright, quit looking at me. If you want to help her, go ahead. The natural energy in her body is in severe disarray, and her connection to this world is much tighter than an ordinary person's. She might be an important figure," Vernon said.

Fina’s empathy for humans, humanoids, and even non-human sentient beings was far greater than his own connection to the natural world.

"Captain, you’re the best!" Fina said, and hurried toward her.