30: The eve of settling down and breaking through

The heavy losses suffered by the "arctic shadow" squad acted like a bucket of cold water on the base's feverish development. The momentum of blind expansion slowed down, replaced by a more stable development model focused on internal strength.

Sun Zheng focused his primary energy on internal integration and deep research and development.

The Combat Laboratory became the busiest place. Analysis of the Ice Abyss Predator biological samples continued, and Engineers even tried to use collected carapace fragments to develop a new type of composite armor. Although progress was not fast, every step was taken solidly.

In response to the speculation that the monsters were "afraid of electromagnetic attacks," the laboratory increased research into the unlocking conditions for the Soviet Forces' technology tree. They repeatedly analyzed the previously captured Scrin wreckage, trying to find common ground with Soviet magneto-shock technology. Sun Zheng also shared more perception data regarding spatial stability from his homeworld space with the Chronosphere project team, hoping for a two-pronged approach to accelerate the development of the Chronosphere.

The Arctic front entered a high-alert "silent period." Forward Base Alpha stood like a solid fortress, the beams of the prism towers patrolling coldly through the polar night. All active scouting was halted, replaced by a dense network of sensors outside the red alert line, listening to movements beneath the ice like extended tentacles. That massive Under-ice Ruins returned to a dead silence after its brief commotion, as if the previous attack had never happened.

This silence was, instead, even more unsettling.

The main base's development focus shifted to "internal cultivation." New Power Plants and Ore Refineries were built to increase basic production capacity. More American Soldiers and Rocket Troopers were trained to fill the ranks, and practical combat drills were strengthened. Sun Zheng even personally joined the soldiers in tactical training to further refine the command system.

The light energy resonance array continued to operate stably, providing energy for the glimmer keystone fragment. Sun Zheng could feel the flowing light inside the keystone spinning a bit faster, and its connection to his mental level became clearer. Occasionally, during deep meditation, he could capture clearer fragments of intent regarding "order" and "balance," but he still couldn't piece together a complete picture.

That night, Sun Zheng was alone in the Command Center reviewing everything that had happened recently. From the Scrin attacks to the awakening of the Ancient Ruins, from the discovery of the Arctic ore veins to the horrors of the Under-ice Ruins, from the last words of the "deep space gate" to the glimmer keystone within him... the clues were increasing, weaving into a massive, chaotic web.

He had a strong premonition that these seemingly isolated events all pointed toward the same core secret. This secret was likely closely related to the origin of the Moon, and perhaps even the fate of the Solar System.

He walked to the massive observation window, looking at the familiar blue planet. Earth's civilization knew nothing of this, still drifting in its own internal conflicts. Meanwhile, he, who had unexpectedly become the Lord of the Moon, was forced to shoulder the burden of peering into the truths of the universe.

The pressure was immense, and the path ahead was blurred.

But when he felt the solidity of the homeworld space within him, touched the warmth of the keystone in his pocket, and saw the orderly lights of the base outside the window, the confusion in his heart was gradually replaced by a calm strength.

He was no longer in a rush for success, nor did he fear failure. He needed time, accumulation, and patience to unravel the puzzles one by one.

"Reporting, Commander." The Chief Researcher of the Combat Laboratory sent a communication, his tone carrying irrepressible excitement. "The Chronosphere project team has had a major breakthrough! Based on the Spatial Anchor stability data you provided, we have successfully optimized the energy core load algorithm. Theoretically, teleportation stability and precision have increased by 30%! The estimated completion time will be significantly moved forward!"

Sun Zheng's eyes lit up. Good news!

Almost simultaneously, another communication came in from the group analyzing the connection between Scrin wreckage and Soviet technology:

"Commander, we have a discovery! In the energy conduction system of the Scrin 'devourer' tank, we found a unique crystal structure that is exceptionally sensitive to magnetic fields. This structure is strikingly similar to the theoretical core components of the Magneto-Shock Coil! We believe this might be the key to unlocking the Soviet Forces' basic defense technology!"

A double blessing!

Sun Zheng took a deep breath to suppress his excitement. He knew that breakthroughs often occurred after long periods of accumulation. After this period of recuperation and deep research, the base was finally about to welcome a new round of explosive growth.

He looked out at the pitch-black universe, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.

The frozen ruins, the mysterious predators, the watchful Scrin, the ancient last words... "Let the storm come more fiercely."