Chapter 36: Preparing for Action

Inside the underground equipment vault of the Time-Space Administration, cold white neon tubes crisscrossed the vaulted ceiling, weaving a stern web of light that sliced the space into countless sharp-edged, geometric zones.

Mechanical arms emitted a rhythmic hum, like the gears of a precision timepiece interlocking or the steady breathing of an ancient giant. They moved with methodical efficiency, transporting gear, while the sound of clashing metal echoed through the cavernous vault. Each crisp resonance sounded like a countdown to the impending battle, the sonic waves rebounding off the walls to create an unsettling, layered echo in the silence, deepening the heavy, tense atmosphere. Every so often, a mournful whistle of air drifted from the ceiling vents, as if the facility itself were lamenting the unknown campaign ahead.

Lin Yu and his "Chain-Breaker Project" team were the first to step into the vault. Their boots struck the metal floor with a dull thud, as if the earth were whispering of the approaching danger. As the holographic shelves slowly unfurled in a wash of blue light, rows of pulse rifles glowed with a faint, eerie luminescence. The energy circuits flowing along the rifle bodies pulsed like the veins of a living creature, exuding a breathtaking, heart-quickening technological beauty. These patterns shimmered in the light, as if imbued with the mysterious power of the cosmos.

"This is the latest model of the quantum resonance rifle," the equipment supervisor said, donning radiation-proof gloves as he carefully handed one to a team member. His eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness. "It has a miraculous effect on crystalline structures, but the recoil is enough to shatter an ordinary person’s shoulder blade."

Lin Yu gripped the cold handle, his fingertips tracing the jagged, anti-slip texture, and he could still smell a faint trace of machine oil on the metal surface. He took a deep breath and pulled the trigger. The simulated blue light streaked across the wall like lightning, and a massive jolt of recoil shot through the frame, numbing his palm. His arm muscles tensed instantly, and he involuntarily took half a step back.

Afterward, they gathered around a tactical sandbox. Seventeen potential transport routes for the crystals flickered in the holographic projection, with every turn and every cover point meticulously marked. Lin Yu pointed his laser pen at a canyon terrain, his voice grave: "This is a natural ambush point. The enemy will most likely station heavy forces here; we must develop multiple contingency plans." The team members frowned in discussion, occasionally using their laser pens to gesture across the projection as if drafting a precise map of life and death. A heavy, thoughtful atmosphere permeated the air.

On the other side, Su Yao and Elin’s "Interrupter Operation" team was deep in a tense infiltration simulation within the holographic training pod. As the virtual scene shifted to the mysterious organization's launch site, the realistic environment made them feel as if they were truly on the battlefield. The energy shields in the hologram glowed with a sinister purple light, their surfaces rippling like the writhing skin of a demon. The footsteps of the guards approached from a distance, each step feeling as if it were landing on their very hearts. In the silence of the training pod, these sounds were amplified, chilling the spine.

"Watch out, there’s a thermal sensor at three o'clock," Elin said, her eyes fixed on the red warning flickering across her tactical visor. Her voice was as taut as a snapping lute string, and her hands, slick with sweat, gripped the control sticks tightly. "Su Yao, use the EMP to interfere, and I’ll take the chance to hack the security system."

Su Yao’s dagger carved a cold light through the virtual space, precisely piercing the throat of a virtual guard. However, the simulation system suddenly emitted a piercing alarm: "Infiltration failed! Hidden alarm triggered!" A red warning light instantly engulfed the entire pod, the harsh siren echoing within.

The group exchanged glances, anxiety flickering in their eyes, but they quickly returned to re-planning their route. Elin pulled up a 3D map and zoomed in on a ventilation duct: "We’ll detour from here to avoid the main surveillance zones; perhaps we can find a breakthrough." They knew better than anyone that on a real battlefield, a single mistake meant total ruin. Every decision was a matter of life and death.

Old Zhou and A-Jie’s "Bulwark Project" team was working feverishly at the time-space shield test field. In the center of the massive circular arena, the unfinished shield glowed a translucent, pale gold. Its surface rippled constantly, looking like a pool of agitated liquid sunlight or a mysterious barrier left behind by the gods.

"The energy output must be precise to within 0.01%," Old Zhou said, his fingers flying across the console. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, sliding down his cheeks to drip onto the buttons of the control panel. "The time-space structure of the Middle Ages is as fragile as glass; the slightest negligence could trigger a chain collapse."

A-Jie activated his mechanical ocular implant, streams of data flashing rapidly across his lens. He committed every parameter of the shield to memory, his metal joints emitting a soft hum. He crouched down to carefully inspect the shield's base, his mechanical fingers gently stroking the metal surface: "The stress distribution here is uneven; we need to reinforce it, or it won't withstand the impact of time-space turbulence." They had also pulled terrain data from the Black Death era, repeatedly rehearsing in the virtual environment how to quickly build defensive fortifications amidst narrow streets and buildings. Every construction and every adjustment was aimed at perfection; even the placement of a single virtual brick was subject to multiple rounds of discussion and testing.

In another corner of the equipment vault, the medical team's white lab coats stood out sharply against the cold light. Wearing goggles and masks, they focused on developing a special serum to combat time-space radiation. Various instruments in the lab emitted soft whirring sounds, and the liquid in the petri dishes glowed with eerie colors under the blue light.

"This serum must be injected within three minutes of radiation exposure to effectively neutralize the harmful substances," the medical team leader said, recording data while loading the serum into portable injectors. Each syringe was a weapon against death, carrying the hope of survival.

Meanwhile, the nutritionists were busy in the ration preparation room, neatly packing high-energy compressed food into vacuum-sealed bags. These rations not only had to provide sufficient calories and nutrients but also had to account for taste and preservation conditions in various environments. They repeatedly tested formulas and adjusted ingredient ratios, all to ensure the team members received optimal energy replenishment on the battlefield.

Psychological counselors moved between the groups, talking with the members. They sat on benches in the corners, patiently listening to the team's worries and fears, using warm words to soothe every tense heart. Each act of listening and every bit of guidance helped alleviate the inner pressure, ensuring everyone could meet the challenge in their best state.

When the countdown hit 70:59:59, the preparations were essentially complete. The teams lined up in the assembly plaza. Their brand-new gear gleamed under the lights, and their tactical visors reflected a cold, sharp light, mirroring the resolute gazes of the warriors.

Lin Yu looked at his steadfast team. Some were checking their gear, repeatedly confirming the sturdiness of every component; others were straightening each other's uniforms, smoothing out collars and patting shoulders in encouragement. A surge of warmth rose in Lin Yu's heart, strengthening his resolve to complete the mission. He knew that an unprecedented, brutal battle was imminent, but they were ready to meet the challenge of fate at any moment. Even if an abyss lay ahead, they would leap without hesitation, for they carried the heavy responsibility of guarding time and space—a duty that could not be allowed to fail.