53: The call of the asteroid belt and the resonance of home.

An abnormal spatial fluctuation signal from the edge of the Asteroid Belt was like another pebble thrown into a lake, stirring new ripples among the command level of Hope Fortress.

This signal was far too unusual. It didn't possess the aggressive energy signature typical of the Scrin; instead, it was deeper and more stable, even carrying a certain ancient rhythm. It continued to transmit from distant coordinates—faint yet exceptionally clear, as if silently whispering something.

"Is there any progress on the signal analysis?" Sun Zheng stood before the main console of the Deep Space Detection Array, his brow furrowed.

"Commander, progress is very slow." The Signal Analyst shook his head. "This fluctuation pattern is completely beyond our database. It doesn't seem to be a communication signal; it's more like some kind of natural phenomenon? Or perhaps spatial resonance generated by the operation of large-scale equipment?"

"A natural phenomenon?" Sun Zheng was skeptical. The probability of such regular and sustained energy fluctuations appearing in the Asteroid Belt being a natural phenomenon was infinitesimal.

"Could it be a man-made beacon? Or ruins?"

"We can't rule out that possibility. But if it is an artifact, its technological level is likely far beyond our imagination, perhaps even older than Scrin technology."

Older than the Scrin? Sun Zheng's heart stirred. He recalled the Ancient Ruins on the far side of the moon, the mysterious geometric symbols in the Under-ice Ruins, and the Living Metal. Could the Asteroid Belt also hide the legacy of some lost civilization?

While he was deep in thought, the glimmer keystone within his homeworld space suddenly sent out a slight but clear throb!

This sensation was different from when he had faced Scrin units or the Lunar Ruin! There was no rejection or wariness; instead, it carried an indescribable sense of familiarity and resonance! It was as if there was a natural connection between the distant signal and the keystone!

Sun Zheng immediately concentrated his mind to experience this resonance. He felt the order light energy emitted by the keystone vibrating slightly at a unique frequency, faintly harmonizing with the fluctuation frequency of the distant signal!

"This signal is related to the glimmer keystone?" Sun Zheng was shocked by his own discovery.

Could the thing in the Asteroid Belt be related to the ancient 'order' civilization that left behind the keystone and the Lunar Ruin? If so, its value would be immeasurable! It might contain more complete technology, a more profound history, and could even be the key to resolving the current crisis!

Risk and opportunity were once again laid out before him. Dispatching a fleet to explore the Asteroid Belt hundreds of millions of kilometers away was undoubtedly a huge gamble. The voyage was long and the environment complex; they might encounter unknown dangers or even run into the Scrin again. Furthermore, Hope Fortress still needed time to consolidate; a major expedition could leave their rear vulnerable.

But if the signal truly shared the same source as the glimmer keystone, missing it could be a massive loss, or even a strategic blunder.

Sun Zheng pondered for a long time, his gaze sweeping over the distant coordinates on the star map before looking at the wreckage of the voyager floating in Mars' orbit. The Scrin threat was like a thorn in his side; increasing their strength was the fundamental way to deal with the threat. This unexpected discovery might be the very opportunity needed to break the deadlock.

He made his decision.

"order!" Sun Zheng turned around, his voice firm. "Assemble a 'Deep Space Probe Fleet' and prepare to scout the signal source in the Asteroid Belt!"

"Commander, our main force needs to stay and defend Mars..." the adjutant reminded him.

"We won't use the main force." Sun Zheng had already planned ahead. "The seagull three transport ship will serve as the flagship, carrying specially modified gull-class scout ships and a crack marine squad. The fleet size must be small and highly mobile; the goal is reconnaissance, not combat."

He looked at Lieutenant Colonel Falcon: "Falcon, you will command this mission. Your task is to confirm the nature of the signal source and assess the risks. Avoid any contact or conflict unless absolutely necessary. If things look wrong, evacuate immediately."

"Understood! I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Lieutenant Colonel Falcon stood tall and accepted the command. After the brutal battles on Mars, he had become even more steady and decisive.

"The technical department will go all out to refit the scout ships, installing the latest Phase Crystal Sensors and Super-space Communication Arrays to ensure stable contact with the fortress."

"The Combat Laboratory will package all data regarding the ancient civilization and the glimmer keystone for the exploration fleet's reference and analysis."

The entire Hope Fortress was once again operating with high efficiency, preparing for this deep-space expedition. This time, the goal was no longer rescue or assault, but exploration and discovery, pointing toward a deeper and more mysterious corner of the Solar System.

Before the fleet departed, Sun Zheng entered the homeworld space once more. He gently grasped the glimmer keystone, focusing his thoughts on those distant Asteroid Belt coordinates.

The resonance from the keystone became increasingly clear, even transmitting a faint 'pulling sensation' that felt like guidance.

"What exactly is out there?" Sun Zheng murmured to himself. "I hope we find answers this time, rather than an even greater mystery."

A few days later, the Deep Space Probe Fleet, consisting of seagull three and the explorer scout ship, quietly left Mars' orbit and began an unknown voyage into the depths of the Asteroid Belt.

Sun Zheng remained at Hope Fortress, his gaze deep as he looked out toward the starry sky.