123: Undercurrents and the Guardians of the "Homeland"

While the interior of "Homeland" was immersed in a rigorous and excited scientific research atmosphere due to the cosmic mysteries revealed by the "one-way mirror" project, the undercurrents of the outside world had not ceased for a moment. Morpheus Li's temporary fall from power did not mean that the "Prophet Foundation's" interest in Excellence had diminished in the slightest. On the contrary, the conservative strategy of the interim committee gave space for more radical factions within The Foundation, who were eager for rapid breakthroughs, to rise. These radicals firmly believed that Excellence and the secrets associated with "pandora" were the only shortcut for The Foundation to achieve its ultimate goal of "Ascension," and any price was worth paying.

At the same time, certain international mysterious syndicates and intelligence organizations, either inextricably linked to The Foundation or simply greedy for cutting-edge technological intelligence, also captured traces of abnormal activity at the "Zhulong" base through their respective channels. Although the location and core secrets of "Homeland" were strictly protected, the energy fluctuations required for large-scale data calculations, secure communication signals on specific frequency bands, and the occasional movements of top experts all left ripples in the ocean of information that were difficult to completely erase. Vague intelligence about a possible "major scientific discovery" by "Zhulong" in the mountains of the southwest began to circulate quietly in extremely hidden dark web channels and high-priced intelligence markets, attracting the attention of multiple forces.

Among them, a mysterious employer codenamed "Hades" issued instructions to "Grey Wolf," a squad renowned in the international mercenary world for efficiency, ruthlessness, and expertise in mountain infiltration, through layers of encryption and untraceable cryptocurrency payments: infiltrate a designated coordinate area (roughly located somewhere in the Hengduan Mountains) for a week of covert reconnaissance to obtain as much detailed intelligence as possible on the facility layout, defensive forces, and personnel activities within the area, and to assess the feasibility of infiltration.

"Grey Wolf" was composed of elite members, led by a captain codenamed "Lone Wolf," an experienced veteran with a heart as hard as iron. They were equipped with the most advanced individual exoskeletons (providing support for mountain climbing and load-bearing), optical camouflage cloaks (providing short-term visual invisibility), high-sensitivity sensors, and miniature drones. After receiving the mission, they set out from a location outside the border, utilized a complex route to sneak into the country, and relied on superb wilderness survival and counter-tracking skills to move by night and hide by day. Like a pack of true ghosts, they silently approached the valley area where "Homeland" was located.

The security core of "Homeland"—the "Xuanwu" system—was no ordinary product. It was not a simple array of cameras and sensors, but a highly intelligent active defense network that integrated artificial intelligence, big data analysis, and environmental Perception algorithms partially derived from Excellence's early "hand-crafted" inspirations. It not only monitored physical boundaries but also analyzed the electromagnetic environment, acoustic vibrations, biological activities, and even extremely subtle geomagnetic disturbances of the entire valley and surrounding areas in real-time.

Just as the "Grey Wolf" squad carefully reached the edge of the valley and chose a densely wooded, rocky high point to establish a temporary observation post, several extremely weak abnormal pulses, almost merging with the environmental noise, appeared in a set of curves representing baseline environmental data within the control center of the "Xuanwu" system.

"Report: Area S-7, detected an abnormal biological heat source signal inconsistent with seasonal backgrounds. Intensity Level 1, duration 3 seconds, subsequently disappeared."

"Report: Sector E-4, an abnormal fluctuation of 0.001% appeared in the environmental background radiation. The pattern does not match known wildlife activity."

"Report: Monitored an extremely brief, unidentified low-probability communication protocol handshake attempt. Signal source is blurred, suspected frequency-hopping disguise."

These signals were intermittent and their locations were elusive, showing that the infiltrators possessed extremely high counter-reconnaissance skills, attempting to perfectly disguise themselves as part of the natural environment. However, under the powerful comprehensive correlation analysis capabilities and almost harsh monitoring precision of the "Xuanwu" system, these "perfect" disguises still revealed flaws. The system automatically raised the threat level from "Normal" to "Attention," flagged these abnormal signals, and submitted them to the analysts at the security center.

Wang Jianguo received the detailed report immediately. Looking at the signal markers on the screen that flickered like candles in the wind, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. He did not show panic; years of experience told him that what was needed most at this time was calm and precise judgment.

"Activate the 'Silent Alert' contingency plan," he ordered in a deep voice. "All external activities proceed as usual, internal defensive forces are to be activated in echelons, and a curfew is imposed on non-core areas. Release the 'Sentry' drone swarm in passive mode to pinpoint the suspicious signal areas. Do not alert the enemy without my command."

"Homeland" was like a giant tortoise sensing danger, slowly retracting its head and limbs into its hard shell. On the surface, everything appeared normal, but internally, nerves were taut, ready to deliver a fatal blow to any intruder at any time. Daily research and life continued, but the patrol routes and frequencies of security personnel were slightly adjusted, and the verification levels at key facility entrances were quietly raised. An invisible pressure began to permeate the valley.

Excellence was completely unaware of the approaching danger. He was still immersed in the ocean of knowledge, spending most of his time every day either in the studio following Evelyn to learn new data analysis methods, trying to use newly learned programming tools to process those "constant ripple" data, or pestering Su Mu with various questions, full of curiosity about this world.

However, he also vaguely sensed something unusual. "Class Monitor, why has it been so much quieter outside at night lately? I used to hear small animals, but now there's no sound at all?" He leaned against the window, looking out at the pitch-black valley, and asked curiously.

Su Mu's heart tightened, but she feigned a relaxed expression and patted his head. "Maybe the weather is getting colder, so the small animals are going back to their nests to sleep early. Don't keep staring outside; get some rest early. You have to learn new things from Sister Evelyn tomorrow." As the person closest to Excellence, although she hadn't been explicitly told of the crisis, a strong sense of unease had risen in her heart based on her feminine intuition and the subtle changes she observed. She could only take more careful care of Excellence to ensure he stayed within the safe zone.

Evelyn, on the other hand, had learned more specific details from Wang Jianguo. She maintained the normal progress of scientific research on the surface, but her heart was full of worry. She was not only worried about external threats but also feared that if the location and activities of "Homeland" were truly exposed, would the results of the "one-way mirror" project—those startling discoveries about cosmic constants—attract even more terrifying covetousness? She urged the research team to speed up data backup and encryption while also thinking about how to use existing technology to further strengthen the protection of the isolation room.

Meanwhile, the "Grey Wolf" squad's stakeout in the mountains was not easy. They soon discovered that the defensive tightness of this seemingly isolated valley far exceeded their imagination. Images sent back by drones showed that the architectural layout within the valley was ingenious and perfectly camouflaged, with sentries and hidden posts scattered everywhere, and multiple areas covered by energy barriers or strong electromagnetic interference that could not be detected. The density of automated weapon platforms and sensor arrays was comparable to a military Fortress.

"Lone Wolf" looked at the reconnaissance results on his tactical tablet, his brow furrowed. A direct assault? No different from suicide. A long-term stakeout? Supplies were limited, and the opponent had clearly become alert; the risk was growing. He had to find a weak point in this iron-clad formation as soon as possible.

After several days of observation, the "Grey Wolf" squad focused their attention on a small supply convoy that entered the valley punctually every evening from a remote winding mountain road. This road snaked along steep cliffs, with several curves offering extremely poor visibility—ideal locations for an ambush. If they could successfully hijack a supply vehicle, they might be able to disguise themselves as staff to get in, or at least obtain passage credentials and some intelligence from the vehicle.

"Lone Wolf" formulated a detailed action plan: at dusk, set an ambush at the most treacherous "Z-shaped" curve, use miniature drones to jam the convoy's communications and monitoring, and have team members use optical camouflage and rock cover to quickly approach, subdue the driver, and control the vehicle.

He thought his plan was meticulous and his actions covert. But he never imagined that from the moment they stepped into the vicinity of the valley, all their movements were under the close surveillance of the "Xuanwu" system. Their carefully chosen ambush point, their movements they thought were hidden, and even the precise times of their drone takeoffs and landings were all predicted by the system and presented on Wang Jianguo's command screen.

Wang Jianguo looked at the light dots on the screen slowly moving toward the preset ambush point, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Wanting to strike from the logistics channel? They certainly know how to pick a soft target. Unfortunately, the one you've picked is the coffin lid I've prepared for you."

He ordered: "Execute the 'Anvil' plan. Have the 'Fortress' squad in position, move the drone swarm into attack positions, and unlock the restrictions on the automated defense system. Remember, I want them alive; I need the intelligence in their heads."

At dusk, the setting sun dyed the sky a bloody red, and the shadows in the valley were stretched long, the light becoming hazy and indistinct. The members of the "Grey Wolf" squad were like lizards under rocks, blending into the environment with their camouflage, patiently waiting for their prey. The air was thick with tension.

The roar of diesel engines came from the distance, and the lights of the supply convoy flickered on the mountain road. "Lone Wolf" whispered through his headset to confirm the positions of each team member, preparing to issue the order for action.

However, just as the lead vehicle of the convoy was about to enter the curve, a sudden change occurred!

"Buzz—" A low and dense buzzing sound suddenly rang out from all directions! Dozens of small attack drones swarmed out from hidden holes in the rock walls and from the tree canopies like a hive of bees, instantly hovering over the heads of the squad members, their non-lethal sonic weapons and capture net launchers aimed right at them!

Almost simultaneously, the ground beneath their feet vibrated slightly, and several seemingly natural "rocks" suddenly split open, revealing automated machine gun turrets. Red aiming laser beams precisely locked onto everyone's chests and foreheads!

"Don't move! Drop your weapons! You are surrounded!" A cold and majestic warning came from the loudspeakers, spoken in international standard English.

The members of the "Grey Wolf" squad froze instantly; they hadn't even seen where the enemy had come from! Optical camouflage lost its meaning under all-around, no-dead-angle monitoring and locking.

"Lone Wolf" reacted extremely quickly, attempting to order a counterattack, but it was already too late. From the dense forest on the flanks, members of the "Fortress" squad, covered in black combat gear and fully equipped, emerged silently like ghosts. Their movements were as swift as lightning, completing the encirclement and disarming in an instant! The entire process was clean and efficient; in less than two minutes, the entire "Grey Wolf" squad was subdued, fitted with special magnetic handcuffs and hoods, without even a chance to detonate the miniature bombs they carried.

The battle (if it could even be called a battle) was over before it began. The valley quickly returned to tranquility, with only the faint electromagnetic fluctuations remaining in the air and the sound of tires rolling over the road surface proving what had just happened.

Interrogation began immediately under absolute secrecy. Although the members of the "Grey Wolf" squad were tough men, under professional interrogation techniques and psychological pressure, they eventually revealed some information. However, the results were disappointing; they were merely hired by a middleman codenamed "Hades" and knew nothing of the ultimate employer's identity. All contact and payments were conducted through the untraceable dark web. Their mission this time was also limited to reconnaissance and assessment.

This attempted infiltration, although ending in a complete victory for "Homeland," sounded an alarm for all the guardians. It proved that external forces had never stopped peering into this place, and their methods were becoming increasingly professional and covert. Today's "Grey Wolf" could be easily dealt with, but what about tomorrow? What if a more powerful opponent came, or if The Foundation itself took action?

Wang Jianguo ordered a comprehensive strengthening of "Homeland's" defenses, especially the monitoring and counter-infiltration capabilities in the surrounding areas. At the same time, he ordered the technical department to reverse-engineer the captured mercenary equipment, hoping to find clues to track the mastermind. He also became more firm in his previous thought: passive defense would never be absolutely secure. They must accelerate the research progress on the mysteries of the star map and transform the transcendental knowledge that might be contained within into "Homeland's" own strength, sufficient to deter any external threat.

Daily life in "Homeland" returned to a surface calm, but an atmosphere of internal tension and external relaxation had formed. The guardians' gazes became sharper, and their steps more determined. And Excellence's growth, under the catalysis of this potential sense of crisis, would be injected with a new sense of urgency. He might not yet realize he was at the eye of the storm, but everything he learned and explored would be closely linked to the safety of this land.