98: Chapter 97 Trio Sonata

The "Cradle" control center was torn apart by triple alarms.

The East Sea Node peak monitoring data jumped frantically like an out-of-control EKG. The curve representing anchor activity had long since broken through the preset warning threshold and was still soaring exponentially. The buffer array on the geostationary orbit had been automatically activated according to the contingency plan, but feedback data showed that the peak energy far exceeded expectations, and the array was rapidly overloading.

From the direction of the "Pruning Faction," at least twelve high-speed targets had broken through the peripheral warning circle formed by the "Scavenger" network and the "Star Ring" interference. They were splitting into multiple routes, heading straight for key nodes in lunar and Earth orbits at a penetration speed far exceeding that of the previous infiltration units. Their trajectories were erratic, clearly employing more advanced maneuver avoidance algorithms.

And that standard-format greeting signal from the Galactic Council, coming from the edge of the Oort Cloud, hung over all emergency communication channels like a cold intermission announcement, declaring the formal entry of a "referee."

Lin Shen's consciousness had just withdrawn from the weight of the Sanctuary and the warmth of obtaining authority, only to be instantly soaked by the ice-cold crisis of reality. There was no time to digest, no time to celebrate.

"Activate the Level 3 Crisis Plan!" His voice overrode the alarms, piercing through the entire control center and transmitting to Earth's spiritual pivot via encrypted channels. "All units, act according to the predetermined plan, synchronize in real-time!"

Orders were passed down like a chain reaction:

Handling the East Sea peak (led by Sarah):

"Activate the newly acquired 'East Sea Node Peak Safety Monitoring and Guidance Protocol'!" Sarah's light and shadow flickered rapidly within the heart crystal, her consciousness instantly connecting with the newly opened protocol library of the Cradle. What she "saw" were no longer blurry energy readings, but a complex energy flow model inside the East Sea Node, along with several preset guidance paths provided by the protocol. "The peak energy core is 'erupting' in both directions toward the shallow crust and the ionosphere! The buffer array is insufficient to fully divert it! Protocol recommendation: Guide part of the energy through the Gaia Network background harmonic channels for 'harmless dumping' into the iron lotus (Qinghai-Tibet) and genesis (Amazon) anchors!"

"Execute guidance!" Lin Shen authorized.

Sarah concentrated fully, as if steering a violent river, carefully guiding that majestic and chaotic energy flow. She diverted a portion and sent it out along the harmonic channels indicated by the protocol, which were compatible with the solid structure of the iron lotus and the life field of genesis. Monitoring satellites in Earth's orbit showed that two faint, "groomed" energy flows indeed began to converge toward the directions of Qinghai-Tibet and the Amazon, and the upward momentum of the East Sea peak curve showed an extremely slight slowdown.

"Guidance is effective! But it can only divert about 15%! The peak is still climbing and is expected to reach its theoretical vertex in seven minutes!" Elena quickly analyzed the data.

Engaging the Pruning Faction vanguard (led by Lin Shen and Zhao Yan):

"Enemy targets confirmed: six heading for the Moon (the Cradle and Kunlun Station), four heading for geostationary orbit (Tianshu Station and the Qingtian Channel node), and two cruising on the periphery," Zhao Yan's report was concise and cold. "Lunar defense: all weapons at Kunlun Station are online, and the Cradle's peripheral defense field (at 25% power) has strengthened its focus. The anchor point one engineering prototype has been deployed to the Cradle's entrance area."

"What about Earth's orbital defense?" Lin Shen asked.

"The orbital defense ships 'Great Wall' and 'Mount Tai' have moved forward to intercept, but they are outnumbered. The Qingtian Channel has been urgently closed, and the resonance towers have switched to stealth mode," Dr. Zhou Zhe answered from the Earth side.

"Order the Great Wall and the Mount Tai not to seek destruction, but to prioritize delaying, interfering, and forcing them to deviate from their main targets," Lin Shen ordered. "On the lunar side, Zhao Yan, you are responsible for the Kunlun Station area; use the terrain and preset fire points to conduct echeloned interception. I will control the Cradle's defense field and anchor point one to prioritize the safety of the Sanctuary entrance and the core control area. Elena, I need you to monitor the global electromagnetic and spiritual spectrum to predict the timing of the enemy's possible use of Law Disruption weapons!"

"Understood!"

Contacting Stargazer 742 (led by Chu Yunshen, Chen Qiming, and some Gardener Representatives):

"The greeting signal has been replied to according to the primary template of the 'Welcome' plan. Receipt is confirmed, and the other party is invited to conduct a first non-physical contact (holographic meeting) at the Earth-Moon Lagrange L1 Point, provided safety is ensured," Professor Chu Yunshen reported. "The other party has accepted, and the contact time is set for 90 minutes from now. The Gardener Representative will attend as a third-party observer."

"Content of the contact?" Lin Shen asked while distractedly monitoring the battlefield situation.

"We will briefly explain the Pruning Faction attack we are currently facing, express our stance on self-defense, and probe their attitude toward the Sowers' Legacy and the current conflict. We won't reveal details of the successor protocol, but we will state that we have a legal connection with the Cradle," Academician Chen answered.

"Be aware, when Stargazer arrives, it will likely scan the battlefield and Earth simultaneously. Any details of our guidance of the East Sea peak energy and our engagement with the Pruning Faction could become data for its assessment," Gardener Representative Qi reminded them.

The three-way crisis, like three surging Undercurrents, violently struck the ship of human civilization—a vessel that had just gained a stronger keel but was far from finished.

The lunar battlefield.

Six Pruning Faction vanguard units, like six poison-dipped daggers, pierced the darkness. They no longer hid themselves, their surfaces flowing with dark red energy patterns, their speed astonishing. Two of them headed straight for Kunlun Station, while the other four spread out in a pincer movement, attacking the area where the Cradle's hollow was located from different angles.

Kunlun Station's point-defense system spat out dense barrages and lasers. The incoming units wove through them with incredible flexibility; occasionally hit, their dark red shields flickered violently but did not immediately collapse. Simultaneously, they fired fine energy rays, similar to "Order Cutting" but less powerful, performing precision kills on Kunlun Station's external equipment and turrets.

Zhao Yan commanded calmly, using preset mobile turrets and explosive minefields to constantly force the enemy to change course, buying precious seconds for the heavy weapons to charge and aim.

On the Cradle's side, the pressure was even greater. The four vanguard units clearly had more detailed instructions; their targets were very specific—several key energy convergence points on the Cradle's hull and the general area where the Sanctuary portal had previously opened.

The pale gold light of the Sanctuary defense field shone brightly, deflecting or absorbing most of the attacks. However, the enemy's attacks were exceptionally concentrated and continuous, and the local energy density of the defense field was being rapidly depleted.

"High concentration of spiritual energy detected! The enemy units are preparing to release some kind of area-of-effect attack!" Elena warned.

"Activate anchor point one! Cover the core control area and the area above the Sanctuary entrance!" Lin Shen said without hesitation.

The anchor point one engineering prototype Type B, deployed near the Cradle entrance, emitted a low hum. The spiritual lattice at its core flowed with light, presetting an invisible "Law Reference Field" trigger zone in the sky above the designated area.

Almost simultaneously, the four vanguard units erupted at once! Four dark red beams were not fired at a single point but interlaced in the air, forming a complex three-dimensional energy network that slammed down toward the Cradle's hull! This attack not only carried physical destructive power but also contained a strong intent of "Law Disruption," attempting to create a local area of physical constant chaos to collapse the stability of the Sanctuary defense field.

The moment the dark red network collided with the pale gold shield—

anchor point one activated!

Within nanoseconds, inside the preset protected area, the "substrate" of space seemed to be forcibly refreshed. The Law Disruption effect contained within that dark red network, as if hitting an absolutely smooth mirror, was mostly "reflected" and "cancelled out." The remaining pure energy impact was arduously endured by the Sanctuary defense field.

The defense field vibrated violently, its light dimming by a third, but it was not pierced! The Cradle itself was unharmed!

An overload alarm came from inside anchor point one, and several new cracks appeared in the spiritual lattice, but it did not fail.

Success! The defense method independently developed by humans against high-level threats had withstood the first round of testing in actual combat!

However, the enemy clearly hadn't expected such a defense. The four vanguard units stalled slightly and then immediately changed tactics. Two of them turned sharply, no longer attacking the heavily defended core area, but pouncing on some relatively weak "pipeline" areas on the Cradle's hull that connected to external energy nodes. The other two began high-speed maneuvering orbits, continuously firing interference rays, attempting to deplete the defense field's energy and find new vulnerabilities.

Almost simultaneously, bad news came from Earth's orbit: "The Mount Tai has been heavily damaged! The enemy's Law Disruption weapon pierced its main shield! The Great Wall is covering its retreat! One enemy unit has broken through the interception and is approaching Tianshu Station!"

When it rains, it pours.

In the direction of the East Sea, the peak finally reached its theoretical vertex.

The ionosphere over the entire Western Pacific region experienced violent disturbances, and radio communications were cut off over a large area. Several monitoring stations detected brief but intense abnormal gravity fluctuations. The diversion channels Sarah was guiding reached their load limit.

Just as the peak seemed about to start its natural decline, another anomaly occurred!

Through her newly acquired protocol perception, Sarah was horrified to find that deep within the vast monitoring network of the East Sea Node, some sleeping "Secondary Protocol" had been unexpectedly "washed" by this unprecedented energy peak and briefly awakened. A stream of not natural energy, but highly structured "Information Pulse," following the wake of the peak energy, suddenly shot toward... the direction of the Moon! More precisely, it shot toward the Cradle and the Gaia Network background harmonic field deeply connected to it!

"High-priority information flow impact detected on the Cradle's external spiritual field!" Elena cried out. "The content cannot be parsed, but it carries strong characteristics of a 'Validation Request' and 'Protocol Awakening'!"

This unexpected Information Pulse from Earth, like a third key, produced an unpredictable resonance with the Cradle on the moon, which was in the midst of battle, and with the three candidates who had just obtained the successor protocol.

Inside the Cradle's control center, the system that had just stabilized fluctuated violently again. That energy portal connecting to the Sanctuary of Choice, which had already closed, now flickered unstably again! And the successor protocol imprints deep in the consciousness of Lin Shen, Sarah, and Elena simultaneously transmitted a burning sensation and a strong sense of being pulled, as if they were being drawn toward a certain direction.

The voice of the Sanctuary, like a distant echo, faintly emerged:

[...External protocol resonance detected... consistent with supplementary clauses of 'Inheritor Responsibility Determination in an emergency'... activating...]

What clauses? What determination?

Before they could understand, the Information Pulse from the East Sea arrived, causing a complex chain reaction with the Cradle, the Sanctuary Protocol, the three Inheritor imprints, and even the background harmonics of the entire Gaia Network.

In the sky above the lunar battlefield, near the combat zone, space warped and folded without warning, and a small but stable "Rift" emitting an interlaced light of milky white and pale gold quietly bloomed. On the other side of the Rift was not the starry sky, but an incomprehensible, non-Euclidean geometric space, within which complex structures rotating slowly were faintly visible—that was some deep area of the Sanctuary of Choice, which had been temporarily "projected" into real space due to the unexpected resonance!

The appearance of this Rift instantly attracted almost all attention on the battlefield.

The Pruning Faction vanguard units clearly stalled, their scanning beams immediately focusing on it.

In Earth's orbit, the Stargazer 742 ship, which had just sent the greeting signal, undoubtedly captured this anomaly with its powerful sensors as well.

Even Sarah, who was guiding energy and fighting hard, and Lin Shen, who was commanding the defense, felt their consciousness awed by the vast aura coming from the Rift, which shared the same source as the Sanctuary.

The three-way crisis had actually interlaced at a single point in a way that no one could have predicted!

The Rift was like an abrupt stage, exposing the Pruning Faction's force, the Stargazer's scrutiny, the human Inheritors' new authority, and the ancient secrets of Earth's Gaia Network to each other simultaneously.

And inside the Rift, within that slowly rotating complex structure, an ancient symbol, dark red and extremely similar to the Pruning Faction's mark, was appearing and disappearing with the rotation of the structure.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment.

In the next second, in which direction would the storm blow?