34: The Mystery of Samples and the Ambition of Steel

Although the "Under-ice Probe" operation suffered casualties, the results brought back far exceeded expectations.

First was the batch of high-purity energy mineral samples collected from deep within the Arctic ice. The Combat Laboratory's analysis report came out quickly, and the results were shocking:

[Sample Analysis: Confirmed to contain high concentrations of highly ordered "order light energy" crystals.]

[Energy Characteristics: Homologous with the energy of the glimmer keystone fragment, but purity and stability far exceed the energy produced by existing resonance arrays.]

[Application Prospects:

· Can serve as super fuel for the light energy resonance array, greatly enhancing energy conversion efficiency and accelerating the recovery of keystone activity.

· The "order" characteristics contained within can be used to attempt to strengthen the stability and penetration of existing energy weapons (such as prism towers and prism tanks).

· Long-term contact may produce beneficial evolutionary stimulation for carbon-based life forms (to be verified).]

"Order Light Energy Crystals!" Sun Zheng looked at the report, his eyes shining. This was practically a treasure prepared specifically for him and the base! Not only did it solve the fuel problem for the light energy resonance array, but it could also directly enhance the combat power of the troops!

He immediately ordered that this batch of precious crystals be prioritized for upgrading the main base's light energy resonance array. The Engineers carefully replaced the original ordinary energy conduits with the crystals.

The moment the upgrade was completed and the array was activated, a more condensed and pure pillar of light descended from the sky, and the entire array emitted a refreshing and soft glow. Sun Zheng could clearly feel that the glimmer keystone fragments within the homeworld space were like parched earth receiving sweet rain, greedily absorbing this pure energy, and the internal light became bright and active at a speed visible to the naked eye!

[glimmer keystone (fragment) energy activity increased to 15%. Information feedback clarity improved.]

[homeworld space volume expanded to 200 cubic meters. Spatial stability slightly increased.]

A double blessing! The growth of the keystone meant Sun Zheng might unlock its secrets sooner; the expansion and stabilization of the homeworld space took his tactical flexibility to a new level.

Next was the in-depth analysis of the biological tissue samples from the Ice Abyss Predator elite guards collected during the battle. The laboratory discovered that besides organosilicon crystals, the carapaces of these elite guards also contained trace amounts of metal components homologous with the Under-ice Ruins in the Arctic.

"Commander, this seems to indicate that these predators are not purely naturally evolved organisms. They are likely related to the ancient civilization of the Under-ice Ruins, possibly some kind of biological weapon or native creatures modified by that civilization," the Chief Researcher speculated.

This discovery made Sun Zheng more wary of the Under-ice Ruins. If the predators were man-made or controlled, then there might be a more advanced intelligence or control center deep within the ruins.

Finally, a summary of the tactical level. The tactic of deploying elite troops via Chronosphere Teleportation proved effective, but it also exposed problems: facing enemies with an absolute numerical advantage, the lack of sustained firepower and solid positions made it easy for the strike teams to get bogged down in a war of attrition. While prism tanks were strong, they were expensive and required protection.

"We need a mobile fortress that can be quickly deployed, has powerful firepower, and possesses a certain level of survivability," Sun Zheng pointed out during the military meeting.

The Engineers at the Combat Laboratory immediately took the hint and pulled up a project blueprint that had been shelved due to resource and technical constraints—

[battle fortress] - Cost: $2500

[Function: Ultra-heavy mobile defense platform, capable of carrying multiple infantry or Engineers, equipped with multiple automatic cannons and missile launchers, with heavy armor.]

[Construction Requirements: War Factory, Combat Laboratory, Air Command Post.]

"battle fortress!" Sun Zheng looked at the 3D model of the behemoth on the screen, a look of longing in his eyes. This was practically tailor-made for the Arctic environment! If several battle fortresses could be teleported to key locations, combined with prism tanks and tesla coils, it would be enough to establish solid temporary bases on the ice fields.

"The research and construction of the battle fortress is set as the highest priority!" Sun Zheng decided. At the same time, he also approved the research project to use Order Light Energy Crystals to strengthen existing prism weapons.

The base's development direction became increasingly clear: using Chronosphere Teleportation as the core deployment method, battle fortresses and prism tanks as the main combat force, and Magneto-Shock technology as a characteristic support, to build a rapid-response, stronghold-conquering Iron Army.

Sun Zheng walked to the massive map of the Moon, his eyes burning bright.

The Under-ice Ruins of the Arctic hide the secrets of an ancient civilization and rich order light energy mines.

The threat of the Scrin still lurks in the shadows.

The growth of the homeworld space and the glimmer keystone is in full swing.

"Resources, technology, power... everything is developing in a positive direction."

"Ice Abyss Predators, the secrets you guard, I am determined to obtain."

"The day the battle fortress rolls off the line will be the day I plant my battle flag atop the Arctic ice cap!"