256: Chapter 256 The Mars Project

Black Watch Base,

BI3-6 Simulation Training Room. With a hiss of depressurization, the hatch of the sealed simulation pod opened. Several figures clad in bulky protective suits emerged. After clumsily removing their suits, limbs feeling weak, they began gulping down the outside air in large breaths.

Among them, one female crew member with short, pale blonde hair and distinct European features was particularly noticeable.

Her name was Ella Sorensen, a graduate of the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden with a Master's degree in Geophysics.

Ella was only 25 this year.

After graduation, like many of her classmates, Ella felt a sense of uncertainty about the future. Geophysics sounded cool, but its job prospects were relatively narrow, especially in the civilian sector.

Ella had mentally prepared herself that it might take months or even longer, sending out countless resumes, attending various interviews, only to perhaps end up with a research assistant or data analysis position far removed from her ideals.

However, she discovered she was wrong, because she soon found an invitation from a company in her email.

Third-Party Biotechnology.

Although she didn't know how this company got her email address, Ella's eyes lit up. This company was hailed as having the best benefits and compensation. She just didn't understand why they would seek out someone like her, who studied geophysics.

After an interview that still felt chilling to recall, Ella successfully joined the company and was invited into the Inner World.

Initially, Ella was puzzled by this 'Inner World.' But when she took a subterranean shuttle and arrived at this massive underground base, she suddenly felt everything made sense.

My God, so this world-famous company was hidden this deep. Were they planning to secretly control the world like HYDRA in the movies?

Gazing at the beam of light at the center of the base that seemed to pierce the heavens and reach the earth.

Ella was utterly awestruck at the time.

Moreover, once, while passing by, she even discovered Professor Bloyva, who had been declared missing in the outside world. This idol of hers even greeted her warmly. Ella's expression at that moment was probably akin to seeing a ghost.

So, this esteemed professor hadn't disappeared; he had joined this organization just like her.

'We are all striving for the same goal...'

Ella recalled the first sentence from the voluntary agreement to join the Inner World, ripples stirring in her heart.

'Ella, training's over. Let's go eat together,' a clear female voice sounded beside her, carrying the slight breathlessness characteristic of post-exercise, and she affectionately took Ella's hand.

'Okay,' Ella snapped back to reality and looked at her friend from the base. It was a young, beautiful Asian female face.

The living quarters were located under another dome on the opposite side of the base. The lighting here was closer to the natural warm tones of the surface, even simulating a circadian rhythm.

Outside the massive transparent dome were meticulously arranged ecological landscapes: flowing water, ferns, and some low-growing flowering plants, effectively alleviating the sense of confinement from being underground long-term.

As they passed by, Ella's friend said somewhat mysteriously, 'Ella, you know what? I heard this place used to be very dangerous. All sorts of monsters came out from the channel opposite, they were everywhere. Back when our people first came here, they had to be careful not to get snatched away. It's much better now.'

Hearing this, Ella was immediately startled. 'Shiqi, where did you hear that? Be careful not to violate safety regulations. That would be terrible.'

'Don't worry, I asked Xiao Zhi.'

'That's good then,' Ella smiled. Xiao Zhi was the smart assistant everyone here downloaded.

While eating, the two deliberately chose a seat by the window, offering a view of that spectacular Rosen Bridge channel. During the meal, the girl named Shiqi gazed at the channel with admiration and said,

'Ella, you know, I really, really want to see what's on the other side of that channel. Xiao Zhi says it's a new world over there.'

She was B1 level. Unless under special circumstances, she simply didn't have the clearance to enter the channel.

'If I get selected for the Mars Plan and become a part of it, maybe then it's possible. Let's do our best!'

Ella said with a laugh.

Both of them had participated in the selection for the Mars Plan and were undergoing training. If selected, they could join this operation; otherwise, they would return to their original posts.

'Ella, what do you think this plan is really about? Could it really be, like others guess, about landing on Mars?'

Mars was the god of Mars in ancient Roman mythology.

'It's too mysterious. I can't guess...' Ella shook her head and said softly.

As the two were talking, the communicator on Zhou Shiqi's person suddenly emitted a short beep. The former took it out to look and found it was a notification of passing the Mars selection, meaning she could participate in the company's mysterious operation.

Zhou Shiqi was stunned for a moment before it sank in. The delight in her eyes was almost overflowing. She grabbed Ella's arm excitedly, her voice trembling: 'Ella! I... I passed! Look!'

Ella leaned over to look at the small communicator screen. It clearly displayed a notification informing Researcher Zhou Shiqi of her selection for the first-phase reserve team of the Mars Plan, along with specific instructions for subsequent reporting.

'That's fantastic! Shiqi!' Ella was genuinely happy for her friend, but an inevitable wave of disappointment welled up in her heart.

She and Shiqi were in the same batch. Not receiving a notification herself meant that she...

Almost the very next second, Ella felt her personal communicator vibrate with a beep. Ella took a deep breath, pulled it out, and saw it was also a selection notification, just with the name changed to Ella Sorensen.

'I passed too!' Ella's face broke into a smile.

'Amazing! Let's treat ourselves! Let's eat something special!' Zhou Shiqi exclaimed happily, pulling Ella towards the premium dining area they usually couldn't bear to splurge on.

Within the base, basic meals were free. More advanced custom meals or special ingredients cost money. Usually, these two wouldn't indulge, as the regular fare was delicious enough—why waste money?

But today was a must. It was said you could eat cuisine from any corner of the world within the base.

—

Two days later, Ella and Zhou Shiqi looked at the team of over fifty people at the assembly point, exchanging glances.

They had discovered a fact: everyone who participated in the Mars Plan selection process had ultimately passed.

So all that excitement back then might not have been necessary.

At that moment, they were in a comprehensive training hall deep within the Black Watch Base. It was an extremely expansive space, with a ceiling height exceeding thirty meters. Three walls were constructed of sturdy alloy.

But what captivated everyone the most was the sealed door ahead.

Excitement rose in many eyes, because on the other side was the new world rumored within the company!