67: Breaking the Ice and the Prelude to the Ice Prison

Once the "Icebreaker Action" plan was approved, it immediately became the highest priority for Hope Fortress. The entire base operated at full speed like precisely interlocking gears, revolving around this high-risk, high-reward mission.

In the Combat Laboratory, the R&D of equipment for Europa's extreme environment entered the sprinting stage. A prototype of a small "Phase Submersible" based on phase technology was manufactured and underwent several tests in a simulated sub-glacial environment of Europa. Shaped like a streamlined metallic fish, this submersible could utilize a weak phase field to temporarily reduce its physical interaction with the ice and water medium, achieving silent navigation; however, it consumed a massive amount of energy and had limited continuous stealth time.

Meanwhile, the medical center and training grounds were also exceptionally busy.

Shadow's body was recovering well, and under the nourishment of the newly acquired keystone fragment, his control over Order Energy grew day by day. He could not only condense a sturdier Order Shield but also perform short-range "Order Blinks" similar to those of a Chrono Legionnaire, and he possessed an extraordinary sensitivity to the energy fluctuations of Scrin units. He was undoubtedly the core of this mission.

The ace Spy codenamed "Ghost" and the chief Engineer codenamed "Artisan" also completed targeted enhancement training. They became familiar with the operation of the new submersible and the use of sub-glacial survival equipment. A top-tier Rocket Trooper (codenamed "Hawkeye") was selected for the team; he would pilot a specially modified mini-sub with short-term sub-glacial capabilities, remaining on standby above the ice layer to handle communication relay and emergency extraction.

The mission squad was officially named the "Icebreakers."

On the eve of the operation, Sun Zheng personally saw off the "Icebreakers" squad. Inside the isolation chamber of the orbital dock, the four-man team was fully equipped; Shadow's blue-black armor, "Ghost's" camouflage suit, "Artisan's" tool kit, and "Hawkeye's" flight armor all exuded an aura of elite lethality.

"Everyone," Sun Zheng's gaze swept across each resolute face, "the journey to Europa is fraught with danger. You carry not just the success or failure of a mission, but the future of Earth and human civilization."

"I know any words are pale in the face of death. But I hope you remember that you are not alone. The entire base is your strongest support."

"No matter what situation you encounter, preserving your lives is the first priority. If things cannot be done, retreat immediately and we will find another way."

"I wish you a triumphant return!"

"For the base! For humanity!" the four men growled in unison, their fists thumping heavily against their chests.

There was no excessive sentimentality; everything was understood without words.

The next day, the reconnaissance ship "Star Shuttle-01 wind chaser" set sail once again. This time, its belly carried the disguised "Phase Submersible" and the "Icebreakers" squad; the mission was no longer long-distance reconnaissance, but direct insertion.

The voyage was long and oppressive. Inside the ship, the team members conducted final equipment checks and tactical simulations. Shadow spent most of his time meditating and communicating with the keystone within his body, attempting to further enhance his sensory abilities.

A few days later, the wind chaser arrived silently at the outer edge of Jupiter's orbit, hiding in the Shadows of numerous asteroids. In the distance, the giant gas planet Jupiter occupied more than half the field of vision, its banded atmosphere rotating slowly and emitting a heart-palpitating majesty. Beside it, Europa looked like a smooth ice ball, reflecting the cold light of the star.

"wind chaser reporting: we have arrived at the designated position. No abnormal patrol units detected on the surface of Europa; Scrin activity seems concentrated under the ice," Captain Renault's voice came through.

"Received. 'Icebreakers' squad, prepare to depart!" Shadow, as the captain, issued the command.

The "Phase Submersible" was slowly released into space. The four members of the "Icebreakers" squad entered the narrow but fully functional cabin one by one.

"Submersible system self-check complete. Phase stealth system activation countdown: 10, 9, 8..."

"Hawkeye, your mini-sub has been released at the designated coordinates and is on standby."

"Understood. Maintaining silence. Good luck to you all."

"3, 2, 1! Phase stealth activated!"

An imperceptible spatial ripple shimmered across the surface of the submersible, which then vanished from optical and radar detection as if melting into the void. It adjusted its direction and glided silently toward the pure white icy surface of Europa.

"Operation Icebreaker officially begins."