281: New teammates, further studies, and an unexpected "gift"

Stardust's arrival was like a drop of condensation falling into boiling oil.

The base, originally permeated by Excellence's free-spirited nature and White Elder's metaphysical style, was instantly pierced by the meticulous sense of Order she carried.

Her stride was constant, her turning angle precise, and even her breathing frequency was so regular that one couldn't help but wonder if she had a metronome installed inside her.

Within twenty-four hours of arriving at the base, she had familiarized herself with all public areas, open equipment, and basic systems—no questions, no exclamations, only observation, recording, and analysis.

The next morning, just as Excellence took a sip of the cloyingly sweet nutrient drink specially prepared by Su Mu, his personal terminal chimed.

A file titled "Preliminary Safety and Efficiency Assessment Report for the Base (Draft)" sat quietly in his inbox.

Sender: Probationary Observer Stardust.

Excellence opened it, and the corner of his eye began to twitch.

The report followed the standard Council format, with clear items and detailed data.

It was divided into two parts: Part One, "Potential Safety Risks," listed seventeen items.

Item one: "Observer Su Mu habitually places unsealed snack packaging next to the main console; residual crumbs may enter the ventilation ports of precision instruments, and long-term accumulation will increase the failure rate by 0.3%."

Attached was a snapshot of the energy bar wrapper Su Mu had half-eaten yesterday.

Item two: "Evelyn's core computing threads have unnecessary shunting phenomena, processing an average of forty-seven non-core computing threads simultaneously, with a peak of fifty-three.

Although not overloaded, this reduces the core monitoring response efficiency threshold by approximately 1.2%."

Item three: "In the 'Spear of Order' projection simulation training ground, the No. 7 energy buffer has a periodic 0.7% redundancy loss, suspected to be due to uncalibrated Resonance frequency." ...

Part Two, "Efficiency Optimization Points," contained thirty-one items.

From "Corridor lighting system can be zone-sensed, expected to reduce energy consumption by 18%," to "Waste recycling classification labels are unclear, leading to a 5% increase in recyclable contamination rate," to "Daily material procurement cycle does not match consumption curve, posing a 13% risk of inventory redundancy or temporary shortage"... everything was detailed and incisive.

At the end of the report was a concise note: "Data collection time is limited; some items are preliminary estimates.

If detailed argumentation or execution of optimization plans is required, please instruct."

Excellence looked up.

Stardust was already standing at the entrance of the command center, her posture as straight as a javelin, her gray eyes looking over calmly, waiting for feedback.

There was not a trace of smugness or anxiety on her face about "pointing out so many problems," as if she had merely submitted a weather report.

"Uh... report received, thank you." Excellence coughed dryly, trying to make his tone sound relaxed.

"Some suggestions... hmm, quite inspiring, we will consider them."

Of course, he wouldn't actually make rectifications according to the report.

Su Mu's snack packaging, Evelyn's multi-threading "habit," and that negligible loss in the training ground—these were all part of life at the base, the "human touch."

If everything were done according to standards, wouldn't this place become a sterile workshop?

"Understood." Stardust nodded, seemingly unsurprised by his reaction.

She brought up another file and projected it into the air.

"Additionally, according to Article 7, Section 3 of the 'Probationary Observer Code of Conduct,' I have preliminarily read the publicly available summary of your past mission records, as well as the syllabus for the 'Specialized Advanced Training' course you are about to attend.

Combined with your performance in the 'Sprout-Star Scar' incident, I have the following preliminary analysis."

Excellence sat up straight.

The main event was here.

This "overseer" was about to start evaluating him.

"First," Stardust's voice was steady and waveless, as if reading technical parameters, "when facing sudden crises, you demonstrate decisive decision-making power and are adept at utilizing existing conditions for indirect intervention.

Your flexible understanding and application of the 'Limited Intervention' principle align with the traits of an excellent observer."

A positive evaluation?

Excellence was slightly surprised.

"Second," Stardust changed the subject, "there is significant uncertainty in your handling of energy associated with the 'World Devourer'.

The 'remote interference and induced energy disorder' mentioned in the report lacks specific technical details, energy control precision data, and accurate predictive models for subsequent developments.

According to my risk simulation, in similar scenarios, the success rate of the operation you described is only 41.3%, with a 24.8% probability of exacerbating pollution spread.

In the successful outcomes, the weight of luck is relatively high."

Excellence was speechless.

She was right.

In that situation, he relied more on the instinctive response of the 'Spear of Order' and on-the-spot adaptability; there was indeed an element of gambling.

As for the final cleanup by the 'Lord of the Grand Feast'—that was even more outside the plan.

"Third, your vigilance regarding the 'possibility of high-dimensional interference' is insufficient.

The logical chain between 'third-party intervention' and 'crystal energy depletion and destruction' in the report has at least three breaks.

Based on the technological level of 'Sprout' and 'Star Scar' and the energy environment at that time, the probability of natural crystal depletion and destruction is less than 5%.

A more reasonable inference is that there was an unrecorded, higher-level force intervention.

Your failure to propose a reasonable argument or hypothesis for this is a clear flaw in the report."

Excellence felt a chill in his heart.

This analysis was almost about to pierce that layer of window paper.

Stardust, relying solely on public records and logical deduction, had approached the possibility of the 'Lord of the Grand Feast's' existence.

Her insight was as sharp as a knife.

"Fourth, your report writing style tends toward 'result-oriented' and 'vague handling,' lacking in key details and logical rigor.

When dealing with high-risk complex events, this may lead to misjudgment by superiors or bury hidden dangers for subsequent disposal.

It is recommended to strengthen information completeness and the tightness of the reasoning chain."

Every word hit the mark.

Excellence's "grasp the big, let go of the small, as long as it passes" report style might be sufficient for ordinary missions, but in events of the level of 'Sprout-Star Scar,' it indeed appeared rough.

The Council sending Stardust over likely had the intention of correcting his problems in this regard.

"The analysis is very spot on." Excellence did not defend himself and frankly admitted, "I will pay attention to improving.

So, regarding the 'specialized advanced training,' what suggestions do you have?"

Stardust brought up the 3D projection of the course syllabus.

"I have already previewed the advanced training course 'Abnormal Entity Identification, Risk Assessment, and Low-Intensity Contact Response Protocols (Applicable to Junior Observers).'

Its core lies in establishing a systematic cognitive framework, mastering basic risk assessment models, and standard response processes under different contact levels.

The theoretical part is relatively simple; the difficulty lies in the virtual reality simulation assessment.

According to historical data, the pass rate for the simulation assessment is approximately 68.5%.

The main reasons for failure for those who do not pass are: rigid understanding of norms, insufficient on-the-spot adaptability, or strategic errors caused by biased self-assessment of abilities."

She paused for half a second, her gray eyes locking onto Excellence: "Observer Excellence, your strength lies in combat experience, adaptability, and your special power of 'Order'.

Your weakness lies in insufficient mastery of normative details and the possibility of neglecting standard procedures due to empiricism in high-pressure simulation environments.

It is recommended that you focus on mastering the 'Risk Assessment Matrix' and the 'Contact Grading Response Flowchart,' and in the simulation assessment, try to flexibly integrate your combat intuition on the premise of complying with core norms."

This analysis was as precise as a scalpel, directly cutting out the exam preparation strategy.

The look Excellence gave Stardust carried a bit more genuine respect.

This "overseer" might not be just a simple monitor.

"Understood, thank you." Excellence's gratitude was much more sincere.

"It is my duty." Stardust responded calmly, glanced at the time, "According to the schedule, your theoretical course will begin in 1.5 hours.

It is recommended that you prepare in advance.

Also, regarding my temporary permissions and task arrangements, please instruct."

"Regarding permissions, Evelyn has already opened access for you to public areas, the basic database, training facilities, and non-core systems of the 'ranger'.

As for tasks..." Excellence pondered slightly, "During my advanced training, you will mainly assist Su Mu in handling daily affairs and familiarize yourself with our work processes.

You can study our past non-core mission materials in advance to prepare for the next mission.

Additionally, if you have spare capacity, you might as well look at those 'efficiency optimization points' of Evelyn—of course, on the premise that it does not affect main work."

"Understood.

I will assist Analyst Su Mu and study the mission materials.

Efficiency optimization suggestions will be carried out during non-core time periods to ensure that priority tasks are not affected." Stardust nodded decisively, then turned around and left the command center with that gait precise to the centimeter.

Excellence watched her back, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously.

This new teammate was so rule-abiding that it was somewhat suffocating, but her ability was unquestionable.

If it was strictly professional, she might be a good partner.

For the next half month, Excellence's life was completely filled with "specialized advanced training."

During the day, he was submerged in a sea of theory: energy spectrum lineage of abnormal entities, behavior pattern classification, quantitative assessment of impact range, cross-analysis of historical cases...

The Council classified the strange existences encountered by countless civilizations and compiled them into volumes, attempting to use rational frameworks to constrain those indescribable things.

Excellence studied until his head was dizzy; those dry clauses and flowcharts were incompatible with his style of solving problems by intuition and power in the past.

At night, it was virtual reality simulation assessment.

The scenes were realistically infuriating: on the spore planet, every step could wake the sleeping parent body; in the void space, concept devourers followed like shadows; there were even phantoms of the 'Lord of the Grand Feast' messengers, extremely weakened, carrying that chilling, giggling whisper.

Excellence hit walls repeatedly.

He habitually wanted to use the Power of Order to forcefully clear the way, only to be judged by the system as "excessive intervention, triggering a chain reaction"; he tried to use the authority of definition to hard-clash with the concept devourer, but "died of exhaustion" due to calculation errors in the energy consumption model.

Every time he failed, the system would generate a cold, detailed analysis report, pointing out which rule he had violated and displaying the standard operating procedure.

And every time the assessment ended, Stardust would appear at the right time.

She offered no comfort, no encouragement, just brought up Excellence's actual combat data and simulation reports for comparative analysis.

"In the spore planet scenario, you chose to use the Power of Order to purify the passage.

According to Article 4, Section 2 of 'Low-Intensity Contact Protocols,' using high-level intervention before the characteristics of the pollution source are clear exceeds the risk threshold.

The standard procedure should be to first use non-active detectors for sampling and analysis to determine the spore species and the parent body's sensing threshold, then formulate a detour or induction plan." Stardust pointed to the energy graph, "Your energy peak is here, 220% higher than the safety threshold.

Assuming the parent body's sensing sensitivity is within the estimated range, you have an 87% probability of directly triggering its attack mode."

"When facing the concept devourer, you tried to use 'Order Definition' to counter its 'Existence Erasure' characteristic.

However, according to the 'Abnormal Entity Ability Cancellation Model,' the ratio of your Power of Order level to the target's energy level is 0.8, putting you at a disadvantage.

The protocol recommends using 'Information Redundancy Tactics': releasing a large amount of meaningless information flow to attract its attention, while using environmental rules to detour until it leaves on its own or support arrives.

Your direct confrontation strategy has a success rate of less than 30%."

Analytical and cold, ruthless.

But Excellence had to admit, she was right.

Many of his "experiences," under the normative framework, were actually high-risk, inefficient behaviors.

He began to adjust.

He forced himself to spend a few seconds conducting a quick risk assessment before taking action; he began to memorize those cumbersome flowcharts, trying to find flexible space within the framework; his use of the Power of Order also became more refined, no longer seeking massive suppression, but learning how to achieve critical Node control with the least amount of energy.

Stardust occasionally offered some practical tips: "The virtual system's risk assessment matrix has default weight settings, but allows users to fine-tune according to their own abilities.

It is recommended that you appropriately increase the weights of 'Adaptability' and 'Special Ability Adaptability'."

"In the Contact Grading Response Flowchart, the system default assessment time for the judgment Node 'Is it avoidable?' is 2 seconds, but it actually allows floating to 1.5 to 3 seconds; you can utilize this flexibility."

These details were like a sliver of light through the gray norms, allowing Excellence to find room to breathe.

Half a month later, final assessment.

The scene was ancient ruins, the target was an out-of-control ancient war construct.

Requirement: Non-destructive subjugation, causing it to return to dormancy.

This time, Excellence did not rush forward.

He spent a precious minute conducting reconnaissance, analyzing the construct's energy circuits, movement patterns, and the relic's energy flow network.

In his mind, standard flowcharts and combat intuition began to merge.

He first used a trace amount of Power of Order to interfere with several secondary energy Nodes, creating a small-scale disturbance to lure the construct into a predetermined low-energy zone.

Then, the moment the construct swung and exposed its back interface, he precisely threw a simulated "Information Turbulence Grenade"—that was a low-intensity control device he found in the database that complied with regulations.

Finally, within the three seconds the construct's movements were stiff, he moved close to its control core and slowly injected the Power of Order, simulated as the relic's sleep command frequency.

The entire process was calm, precise, and fully compliant with regulatory requirements.

When the red light in the construct's eyes extinguished and it crashed to its knees, transforming back into a silent guardian, the system prompt sounded: "Assessment passed. Rating: Excellent (A)."

Excellence exited the virtual pod, soaked in sweat, but his mind felt an unprecedented clarity.

This feeling of constraining power within a framework of rules and replacing high-stakes gambles with precise calculations was strange, but not bad.

"The assessment process has been recorded, and the analysis report will be synchronized and sent to the Personnel Department and the 'Clear Mirror' investigator." Stardust's voice came.

She stood outside the pod, the terminal in her hand displaying the newly generated data charts: energy consumption curves, risk probability changes, operation and compliance scores... everything was within the optimal range.

"Your tactical execution efficiency has increased by 19.3%," White Elder's projection appeared to the side, stroking his beard and smiling, "Your application of the rules has begun to grasp their essence. This advanced training has been quite beneficial."

"Thanks to Stardust's 'special training'." Excellence smiled at Stardust, this time from the heart.

Although the process was grueling, her strictness and precision had indeed benefited him greatly.

"It is my duty." Stardust's reply was still standard, but deep within her gray eyes, did a faint glimmer pass by?

Perhaps it was just a reflection from the screen.

"Your learning ability and adaptability exceed the initial assessment model by 7.2%. This is the result of your own efforts."

This was probably the highest praise she could give.

Excellence was speechless.

"So, the advanced training is over, time to take on a new mission, right?" Su Mu leaned in, her eyes shining.

In the past half month, she and Stardust had gotten along... reasonably well?

Stardust had helped her reorganize the database and optimized the snack inventory management system (although Su Mu had some complaints about the "daily sugar intake limit warning" function), and the two had also analyzed data patterns from several old missions together.

"It should be soon." Excellence turned to Evelyn.

Evelyn's spirit body appeared on the console, pulling up the communication panel.

"Just received a notification from the Seventh Sub-bureau mission dispatch center. A new mission has been issued. Mission ID: O-5582-C. Type: Civilization Observation and Potential Risk Warning. Target star sector: N-7741. Target civilization: Codename 'echo', which has initially mastered interstellar navigation technology, has a unique social structure, and is suspected of having a collective subconscious network link. Observation focus: Recently, abnormal 'noise' and 'panic imagery' have appeared in the civilization's 'collective subconscious network', suspected of suffering from unknown information-level interference. Need to assess the nature, source, and potential threats of the interference, and when necessary, conduct guidance in accordance with regulations to prevent the collapse of the civilization's mental structure."

"Information-level interference? Collective subconscious?" Excellence frowned.

This was trickier than physical monsters.

Intangible and formless, yet it struck directly at the mental core of a civilization.

"Mission risk rating: Medium-high. Reward: Base 1500 points, performance-based up to 2000 points. If the source of the interference can be identified and dealt with, an additional 3000 points." Evelyn added.

The reward was generous, and the risks were obvious.

For a mission like this, Stardust's analytical capabilities and his own new skills might complement each other.

"Mission details and preliminary data on the 'echo' civilization have been sent." Evelyn continued, "Additionally, the dispatch notice notes: for this mission, apprentice observer Stardust will participate as a full member. Her mission assessment report will account for 30% of the evaluation weight for your promotion to intermediate observer."

As expected, the assessment was the core.

Excellence glanced at Stardust, who nodded slightly, indicating she had received the information.

"Prepare yourselves, we depart in three days." Excellence ordered, "Evelyn, check the ranger, restock supplies. Su Mu, Stardust, let's study the 'echo' civilization data in detail and formulate a preliminary plan. Old White, what are your thoughts on this kind of mental interference?"

"Collective subconscious... information noise..." White Elder mused, "Such interference has many sources. It could be the manifestation of the civilization's own inner demons, the unconscious leakage of external information, or perhaps... the intentional doing of some entity skilled in manipulating the mind. One must carefully discern its nature and not be deceived by appearances."

Everyone immediately threw themselves into preparation work.

Stardust demonstrated astonishing efficiency, extracting key information from massive amounts of data, creating clear civilization overview charts, social structure genealogies, and timelines of abnormal events, and establishing several hypothetical models for the source of the interference.

Su Mu was responsible for supplementing cultural details and potential mental defense loopholes.

Evelyn optimized the ship's sensor array, especially strengthening its sensitivity to information flows and psionic fluctuations.

Three days passed in a flash.

On the eve of departure, Excellence was organizing his equipment in his personal cabin.

He carefully packed the "cognitive stabilization anchor" (still locked in a lead box), the "heart-clearing pendant", and the newly received trial equipment—including the potion that could temporarily boost mental resistance but might trigger mild hallucinations—into his custom multi-functional waist bag.

Just as he fastened the buckle of his waist bag, the "heart-clearing pendant" on his chest transmitted a warmth.

It was not the burning or stinging of a warning, but a gentle, almost "reminding" warmth.

At the same time, the center of his brow felt slightly swollen—that "water droplet" mark bestowed by the "Lord of the Grand Feast" that could observe emotional colors had actually activated on its own!

It was not triggered by him, but seemed to sense some kind of Resonance, operating spontaneously.

Excellence was stunned, focusing his Perception.

In his "vision", strands of pink light, faint to the point of being almost transparent but carrying a strange sense of presence, quietly emerged in the air of the cabin.

They seeped out from the void, floating slowly, gathering and weaving in the air in front of him...

Gradually, an arrow outlined by pink light, crooked like a child's doodle, appeared.

The arrow pointed in a direction outside the cabin door—the Ecological Garden.

Below the arrow, there was a line of small, equally twisted and funny light characters:

"Complimentary trial sample has been delivered~ Please check it out~ (It's only a surprise if it's hidden in the most unexpected place~) Tee-hee~"

The characters flickered twice and dissipated along with the arrow, as if it were just a hallucination.

Excellence froze in place.

Complimentary gift? Trial sample? Ecological Garden?

The "Lord of the Grand Feast" again?

And it "delivered" something into the base's Ecological Garden?

When? How did it do that?

Did the base's defense system and Evelyn's monitoring system not notice anything at all?

"Evelyn!" Excellence immediately connected the internal communication, lowering his voice, "Scan the Ecological Garden comprehensively at once! All frequency bands, highest precision! Check for any abnormal energy, changes in material, or... things that shouldn't be there!"

"Scanning..." Evelyn's voice carried a hint of imperceptible hesitation, "No abnormal energy fluctuations detected. No change in total material. Vital signs are normal. Environmental parameters are all within standard ranges. Wait..."

She paused for a moment, her tone revealing confusion: "In Cultivation Zone 3, next to the 'Starlight Berry' parent plant, a... unrecorded, weak organic life signal has been detected. Life form cannot be identified. Retrieving optical imagery."

The command center's main screen switched views, displaying real-time monitoring of Cultivation Zone 3.

That was a small ecological zone used by the base to regulate air and provide a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables.

At the roots of the half-person-tall plant in the corner, which bore pale blue glowing berries, on the surface of the thick nutrient substrate, there was an inconspicuous little bump.

The camera zoomed in and magnified.

At the bump, the substrate was pushed open a small gap, revealing a tender green, trembling seedling.

The seedling was extremely small, only the size of a fingernail, topped with two round, miniature leaves.

The leaf surface was covered with fine, delicate silver patterns—those were not leaf veins, but more like the etched patterns of some kind of micro-circuit board, shimmering with an unnatural metallic luster under the light.

"What kind of plant is this? No matching records in the database!" Su Mu exclaimed.

"Life signal confirmed, it is an unknown life form, possessing both organic plant characteristics and... micro-mechanical structures. Energy reaction is extremely weak but stable. No aggression, no signs of contamination spread." Evelyn reported quickly, "How did it appear? The cultivation zone surveillance didn't capture any abnormalities!"

Excellence stared at the strange silver-veined Sprout on the screen, recalling the prank-like hint from just before—"hidden in the most unexpected place".

"Is this... the 'complimentary gift'?" Su Mu's face turned pale, "Sent by the 'Lord of the Grand Feast'? A... Sprout?"

"I fear it is no ordinary species." White Elder's projection appeared, his expression grave, "Plant and machine combined, silver patterns like a contract... this object is mysterious. What that entity gifts must contain hidden mechanisms, but this 'cleverness' is likely not something kind people can easily fathom."

"Should... should we get rid of it?" Su Mu's voice was tight.

"How do we get rid of it?" Excellence smiled bitterly, "Pull it out? Burn it? Who knows what kind of reaction that would trigger. Since it's a 'trial sample' and was deliberately hidden here... perhaps it's harmless for now? At least it seems so for the moment."

He remembered the last "complimentary gift"—the emotional observation ability; although its source was strange, it was indeed useful.

What would this "Sprout" be this time?

It couldn't really just be an ornamental plant.

"Isolate it for observation first." Excellence made a decision, "Evelyn, set up the highest level of energy barrier and physical isolation in Cultivation Zone 3, and prohibit any unauthorized contact. Su Mu, record its growth data and report any subtle changes immediately. Stardust, analyze its structure, especially those silver patterns."

"Yes." Stardust responded, having already pulled up the detection data to begin analysis.

"Preliminary scanning shows that the silver patterns are not pigment or mineral deposits; there are complex ultra-micro energy circuits and information conduction paths inside. It is currently in a dormant or extremely low-power state. Its genetic material composition... cannot be parsed and does not belong to any known life coding system. It is closer to... a creation that is a hybrid of concept and matter."

A hybrid of concept and matter?

Excellence felt a headache coming on.

The "gifts" from the "Lord of the Grand Feast" always challenged the bottom line of cognition.

"Ignore it for now. As long as it behaves, let it grow." Excellence rubbed his brow, "We proceed with the plan. Evelyn, strengthen base defense and monitoring, and keep a close eye on this 'Sprout'. If there are any abnormalities, notify me immediately. Su Mu, Stardust, continue preparing for departure."

Everyone busied themselves again, but a shadow hung over their hearts.

The "complimentary gift" from the "Lord of the Grand Feast" was like a time bomb buried in their home; no one knew when or in what way it would "surprise" them.

The next day, the ranger was ready and about to depart.

Before leaving, Excellence took one last look at the monitoring screen.

In the image, Cultivation Zone 3 was already shrouded by a pale blue energy barrier, the silver-veined Sprout stood quietly in the substrate, and the silver patterns on its two round leaves occasionally had a trace of imperceptible light flowing through them.

"Trial sample..." Excellence whispered to himself, "I hope your 'experience' won't be too outrageous."

Carrying the hidden worry about the "mysterious gift" at home, and the cautious anticipation for the new mission, the ranger's engines hummed low, slowly sailing away from the berth, turning into a stream of light, disappearing into the depths of the starry sea, heading towards the "echo" civilization troubled by "information noise".

And inside the isolation barrier of the base's Ecological Garden, the leaves of the silver-veined Sprout, in an instant when no one was watching, trembled extremely slightly in the direction the spaceship had departed.

The silver light on the leaf surface flickered for a moment, as if breathing.