A Breach Starts with a Crack

Hmm? Well ... it's alright. I just arrived, too.

And you? All drenched in sweat. Did you come rushing here?

...Liar.

Nefarith left quite a mess... There's a lot on the agenda and it's a little tiring.

The AIC Factory has quickly restored our post-disaster Xiranite production. The Tianshi Pillar Array is also working properly again.

As for city repairs, Mi Fu is handling it well. And Tangtang is taking care of her Stockade. I shouldn't be asking you, but...

Words won't explain it. I should just show you myself.

Indeed, Endmin. A new rift ... has appeared under Wuling.

Hey, not again...

Technically, the fall of Nefarith should have brought peace. The lantern that symbolizes the peace of Wuling should be lit again.

But even now, the lantern remains dark.

Definitely not. But my schedules are packed. A leisurely walk is a luxury I can't afford.

It's second nature to me. The matter is urgent so I just dragged you along without thinking.

Though I blocked Nefarith's hit, the aftershocks have compromised the Xiranite Dam. A new rift has appeared.

Identity verified. Highest authority level confirmed. Access granted.

Layouts of the underground area are quite complex. Stay close when we get there.

Careful!

Thankfully we have enough Xiranite here to keep the Tianshi Pillar running at full power, which stops the rift from getting bigger.

But ... as long as the rift remains, Wuling will not be safe.

We once developed a device capable of sealing the rift. It's called the Xiranite Nexus.

But things got in the way and development has been stalled. The device is still incomplete. We need your help.

To counter the rift, we have decided to restart R&D for our rift sealing device, the Xiranite Nexus.

However, the project was interrupted. What we have right now is an incomplete prototype. That's where you come in.

I dragged you to the Underground Array to let you observe the rift up close, and assist you with your work.

Æther energy levels are now very low. We must retrieve the data before it climbs back up.

The observation point is up ahead. Follow me and watch your step.

We only decided to retrieve the Nexus because you are with us. We now stand a chance to complete the project quickly.

It's not surprising. After the project was stalled, the Nexus became a key component of the Xiranite Forge.

Yes...

Ten years ago.

The scroll preserves what the Wuling Science Station had left behind back then... Just a few traces...

Once the dust settles at this place, I'll take you there for a tour.

But ... you might be disappointed. The things inside are really old.

Transfer completed.

Not good. Æther energy levels are rising. We must go!

Data transfer in progress.

A note written by Mi Fu.

"Things are hectic but if you only eat when you're free, then you're never gonna eat."

An order for a pallet of energy drinks, totaling 24 cans. The last order made was only a few days ago.

Tianshi Ge, what's going on? I thought the Xiranite Forge would be open by now.

The forge's pressure valve is malfunctioning and can't vent at all. We can't take out the Xiranite Nexus.

Let me see... Yes. There's a problem with the pressure valve control script... Overwriting it will be difficult.

Can't we just get the engineers to take this apart?

The forge is obsolete anyway. We can't let it delay our subsequent tests.

*Sigh*. It'd be such a waste to take it apart. It might be old, but it's still useful in research and it still works.

This little old engine kept us company for quite a few years... But our need is urgent. Just get a team to dismantle it.

No rush. Perhaps ... I can try adjusting the command script.

Endmin, can you lend me a hand?

If only we continued the project. The next iteration could have miniaturized it further for portability.

Ask away.

The Xiranite Nexus has great potential, but also problems that cannot be overcome.

It consumes vast amounts of Xiranite to work. But that's no longer an issue since we're making a lot more Xiranite.

Another problem is the way it fights the rift — it's essentially "brute-forcing".

Yes. Sudden release of Xiranite energy will react with Æther and lead to unpredictable losses.

Solving its issues within short notice will be challenging.

But with your help, the damages can be minimized and Wuling City would hardly be affected.

Of course, but the latest data has yet to be exported. This warrants a trip to the monitoring center.

Sure. Once I'm done, I'll go find you at the monitoring center.

But I have a few things ... to entrust Tianshi Ge with.

I only saw this on a design drawing before.

*Sigh*... Years have passed since I last saw this thing.

A ten-year old vintage Bamboo Brew. It must be very precious to Zhuang Fangyi, because she has not even touched its seal.

Just delivering some files. Feel free to ignore me.

I got things to deal with. I'll be gone once the boss finish reading the documents.