Just as Linde was busily setting up the "Spark Base," attempting to ignite an independent spark within the cracks of the magic network, in a dimension far beyond the reach of mortals, the will of the goddess of magic, Tiolantis, was operating with unprecedented efficiency.
He no longer merely tempted, but launched a clear, ruthless, and thorough purge.
Linde stood in the magnificent bridge control room of the Steel Sky, where a huge holographic star map in front of him was flashing a blinding red alarm at an alarming frequency.
On the star map, the dozens of large ruins or hidden outposts of the Zedu civilization that were originally marked are dimming one after another without warning, eventually turning into gray, which represents "signal loss".
These locations were originally "berths" used by the Zedu civilization to dock the steel sky, while some were disguised targets used to confuse the outside world and distract attention.
But at this moment, under the influence of a force beyond ordinary comprehension, they are being indiscriminately erased from the map.
"Report! Coordinates Gamma-7, 'Silent Library' signal lost! Last transmitted energy reading... Unable to analyze, exceeds threshold!"
"Report! Coordinates delta-12, 'Automatic Forging Temple' has lost contact! Large-scale rule distortion has been detected in the surrounding area!"
"Report!……"
Aster's calm yet slightly tense voice echoed in the bridge, each report like a heavy hammer blow to the heart of everyone in the know.
The technicians were pale-faced, their fingers flying across the control panel, trying to catch any remaining signal or information, but mostly to no avail.
The holographic image transitioned, capturing the last scene of a certain ruin before its destruction:
That was neither an explosion nor a physical impact.
Instead, the space itself seemed to be "grabbed" by an invisible giant hand made of pure magical runes, and then collapsed and squeezed inward.
The sturdy Zedo alloy twisted and deformed like soft clay, and the protective runes engraved on it melted instantly like ice and snow exposed to the scorching sun.
Ultimately, the entire ruins, along with the mountain or underground space they were situated in, were abruptly "erased" from reality, leaving only a smooth, mirror-like, and eerily regular depression, as if nothing had ever existed there.
This is a "negation" based on rules, a direct modification of "existence" itself by Tiolantis using her authority as the master of the magic network. It is simple, brutal, and irresistible.
Linde's cold gaze swept over each extinguished point of light, his purple eyes surging with data as he analyzed the energy patterns, rule disturbances, and... the information revealed behind each destruction.
“He knows.”
Lind's voice rang out in the silent bridge, eerily calm, "He not only sensed Tris's presence, but also, through some means unknown to us, roughly located all the locations that might contain the core legacy of Zedo, especially those related to the 'Root Ark' or the 'Divine Structure'."
Tiolantis is in fear. The origin of fear itself is revealed, and the "key" that may bind Him is found and used.
Therefore, He no longer cared about the minor damage that might be caused to the magic network itself (such a large-scale rule modification would inevitably be extremely costly and not without consequences), and began to eliminate all potential sources of threat at all costs.
This is a desperate act of sacrificing an arm to save the body, and it also shows the true importance this "man-made god" attaches to this moment, as well as... a trace of panic that has been touched to the core.
“We are at an outpost on the Eternal Icefield…” Aster immediately thought of the most crucial location.
"The 'silence' there might provide some cover, but not for long."
Lind interrupted him, "Since Tiolantis can locate other ruins so precisely, finding this place is only a matter of time. Notify Narash to abandon standard exploration procedures and urgently relocate all discovered technology samples and energy cores, especially that data storage device, at top speed. Once completed, evacuate immediately and activate the pre-set magic network interference device to cover up all traces."
"Yes!" Aster immediately relayed the order.
Linde turned around and looked out at the boundless starry sky. His gaze seemed to pierce through dimensions, and he saw the God of Magic, who sat high above the magic network, coldly carrying out the "cleaning" procedure.
“You are afraid, Teolantis.”
Linde muttered to himself, a cold smile curving his lips, "What you fear is not the present me, but the evidence I might unearth from the past about your 'true face,' and the 'key' that could shake your throne."
This relentless obstruction only strengthened Lind's conviction that he was on the right track! Tris and those non-magic network energy technologies were the key to fighting this god!
"But this will severely limit our access to Zedu's legacy."
Astaire walked to Lind's side, his brow furrowed. "Many planned technology upgrades and weapons development projects will face resource shortages..."
"Then let's change our approach."
Linde answered without hesitation, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, "Since He is destroying the 'past,' then we will create the 'future.'"
He pointed to the new point of light on the holographic star map, which represented the "Spark Base" and was slowly lighting up.
"Accelerate the construction of the 'Spark Base'! Raise all priorities to the highest level. Invest all the dwarven craftsmen, the fox clan laborers, and all the non-magic network energy cores and materials we have in stock!"
"Aster, adjust the direction of the 'Echoes of the Ark' project. Since the complete 'Root Ark' technology is difficult to reproduce, let's focus on reverse engineering the parts we already know—Triss's 'source code' structure and the non-magic network energy mode of the Eternal Ice Plains. We will use them as blueprints to design our own 'miniature law framework' that is independent of the magic network!"
"At the same time, we will launch the 'Mirror Project.' Using some data we obtained in advance from the destroyed ruins, combined with the simulation characteristics of the Light Veins and Shadow Abyss, we will attempt to construct a small-scale, controllable 'law environment' within the 'Starfire Base.' Even if it can only cover one room at first, it will be of great significance!"
Linde's orders came one after another, clear and swift.
Faced with Tiolantis's brutal "table-flipping" behavior, he showed neither anger nor frustration, only extreme calmness and a more aggressive counterattack strategy.
You destroy the past, I will create the future. You rely on the magic network, I will establish new laws.
This is an asymmetrical war.
One side possesses near-limitless resources and absolute power at the level of rules, while the other side possesses vision ahead of its time, fearlessness in the face of forbidden knowledge, and... an unwavering determination to break free of shackles.
The engines of the Steel Sky roared low as they adjusted their course, and more resources and personnel were deployed to the "Starfire Base" in the direction of the Howling Abyss.
That place will become the Noah's Ark of the new era, or perhaps... the first bridgehead piercing the heart of the gods.
Linde watched as the last few Zedu ruins on the star map struggled and then went out completely. In the end, almost all the "Bokou" markers on the entire star map were wiped out, leaving only the lonely "Starfire Base" stubbornly flashing.
The losses were enormous, and the road ahead would be even more difficult. But Lind's eyes grew ever deeper and brighter.
“Tiolantis, you've cleared the chessboard…”
"But now, it's my turn to set the new rules."
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