36: Seek other methods

Ultra-long-range fixed-point Warp Device.

These words suddenly flashed through Zhang Huaiyuan's mind.

This was the contingency plan of Viscount Kane that his smart assistant, Asroth, had discovered after infiltrating the Imperial Mining Zone network.

Therefore, during this period, he had actually been considering how to build a closer relationship with this imperial noble, so that when it came time to evacuate, he could get the other party to take the people from Dark Annihilation along.

But now, seeing the several S-Class Star River Beasts shown to be evolving...

"We must evacuate immediately."

This was the only thought in his mind right now.

"Lord Dark, Eldest Miss, I have suddenly had some inspiration and need to go to the laboratory."

"Alright, we can handle things here."

"Lord Dark" did not think much of it and immediately agreed.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Zhang Huaiyuan walked quickly toward the mining zone's command center.

"Sir."

The guards nearby were clearly not strangers to this Master-level Star Mechanic who was highly regarded by their leader, and they greeted him respectfully one by one.

"Hmm, is the Viscount inside?"

Zhang Huaiyuan suppressed the urgency in his heart and nodded, saying, "I have some important matters to report; please announce my arrival."

"Viscount Kane has given instructions that if you come, there is no need for notification; you may enter directly. I will lead the way for you."

"Then... thank you for the trouble."

Zhang Huaiyuan expressed his thanks and followed him inside, while simultaneously contemplating how to report to the other party in a moment.

After a period of buffering, he had now calmed down from his initial shock.

First, the matter of the ultra-long-range fixed-point Warp Device was Viscount Kane's secret; he certainly could not just say, "Viscount, I know you have a way to evacuate, hurry up and take us with you."

Even the most magnanimous person would not be able to tolerate that; let alone taking the entire Dark Annihilation with him, not killing him on the spot would already be polite.

Secondly, he could not directly say that he could see the other party's evolution status.

Not to mention whether the other party would believe it, even if they did, once this news was leaked back, he would likely be imprisoned for life to be studied.

Therefore, it would be best to let the other party propose that they have a way to evacuate, and in consideration of his warning, allow him to take himself and the people of "Dark Annihilation" along.

"It seems I still have to use the same rhetoric I used to persuade the Eldest Miss last time."

Just as he made up his mind, the soldier leading the way brought him to the entrance of the command room.

"Sir, please enter; I still need to continue my guard duty."

"Alright, thank you for your hard work."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded, and just as he was about to knock on the door, it opened automatically.

"Mr. Zhang, please come in."

Viscount Kane came up to meet him with a face full of smiles: "Duty calls, I cannot leave the command center at will, so please forgive me for not welcoming you from afar."

"Viscount, what are you saying? It is I who came uninvited; I hope you will not take offense."

Seeing the other party so polite, Zhang Huaiyuan also smiled and returned the greeting.

He glanced around the command center; besides Viscount Kane, the S-Class Transcendent Leios, and two other Master-level Star Mechanics were also present.

"I wonder what advice you have, Mr. Zhang, for your sudden visit?"

After a few pleasantries, Viscount Kane asked.

"I do indeed have some important findings that I would like to report to you, Viscount."

Zhang Huaiyuan's expression became serious; he lightly tapped the projection equipment twice, projecting the combat video he had just intercepted into the air.

"I have previously self-studied knowledge of Genetics and have some research on the evolution and mutation of Galaxy Beasts."

"Viscount, look at this 'Ghost Blade Giant Mantis.' I have studied it; under normal circumstances, even if it is S-Class, its body size would not exceed 80 meters. But this one is already approaching 100 meters. Moreover, this type of Galaxy Beast has formidable attack power, but its defense is relatively weak."

"Lord Leios is a lightning-type Transcendent, with the strongest attack power at the same tier. With his strength, this Thunderstorm move, even if it cannot kill this monster on the spot, should at least cripple half its life. But look..."

Zhang Huaiyuan said, pointing to the image in the projection replay: "This monster actually still had the strength to flee quickly; this is unreasonable."

"And this six-eyed monster fish as well as that giant merman..."

"What do you mean?"

Listening to the other party's narration, the smile on Viscount Kane's face gradually disappeared, and his expression became solemn.

"I am 80% certain that these few Galaxy Beasts are in the process of evolving, and have already completed a part of it; they will definitely advance within two months."

Zhang Huaiyuan stated firmly.

As soon as these words were spoken, breathing in the command room paused for two seconds, and all eyes were focused on him.

"Mr. Zhang, it is not that I do not believe you."

After a long while, Viscount Kane took a deep breath and slowly shook his head: "Your talent as a Star Mechanic is unquestionable, but after all, the time since you awakened your ability is still short, and having stayed in an obscure, small faction, you do not understand the intelligence regarding Disaster Zones."

"Under the verification of the Empire's hundreds of years of research, the power available for biological evolution in a Disaster Zone is limited. Even if one Galaxy Beast monopolizes the core area, the probability of it advancing is less than one in ten thousand, let alone three advancing simultaneously. In the Empire's centuries of records, there has never been a situation where three SS-Class monsters appeared in a large Disaster Zone."

"But Viscount, the current situation is different from the past few hundred years; the Disaster Zone and even the outside world have undergone mutations. Previously, there had never been a situation where monsters in the North Zone rioted on such a large scale."

Zhang Huaiyuan insisted.

He had been to the scene to see it and knew that another type of evolution potion had been introduced into the current Disaster Zone, the effect of which far exceeded the past.

"This..."

Viscount Kane paused slightly upon hearing this, and before he could say anything else, a Master-level Star Mechanic from the Empire on the side suddenly spoke up and reprimanded:

"Hmph, utter nonsense. I entered the Empire's higher education institution at 16, was selected for the Elite Program at 18, became a Senior-level Star Mechanic at 30, and became a Master-level Star Mechanic at 48, joining the Imperial Research Institute. I have read more literature and data than you have eaten meals, and even I would not dare to make such rash conclusions."

"You, a wild-path Master-level who just happened to be lucky enough to master a few Transcendent blueprints, dare to talk about self-studying Genetics and disrupting military morale here."

Although the other Star Mechanic did not speak, he also looked at Zhang Huaiyuan with a cold sneer.

As Master-level Star Mechanics with formal Imperial training, they naturally did not think much of such wild paths. Especially since Viscount Kane had repeatedly shown favor during this period, even placing them on equal footing with him, which had long caused dissatisfaction in the two of them.

Of course, more importantly, their faction also had huge interests tied to the Imperial Mining Zone project; unless absolutely necessary, they would be reluctant to give it up.

Otherwise, as Master-level Star Mechanics, why would they personally run to such a desolate place?

"It really isn't great to take 18 years just to scrape by and become a mediocre Master-level Star Mechanic; I forgive you for being unable to understand the self-learning ability of a genius."

Zhang Huaiyuan retorted indifferently.

"You...!"

"Enough. This is a war command room, not a place for you to quarrel."

Viscount Kane's face darkened, and he waved his hand to interrupt: "I will make my own decision on this matter; there is no need to argue further."

"Viscount, please forgive us, we spoke out of turn." Seeing this, the two Star Mechanics saluted with some reluctance.

Zhang Huaiyuan also saluted with his hands cupped, and looking at the expression on the other party's face, he sighed inwardly and stopped trying to persuade them.

These imperial nobles looked friendly, but if you really offended them, they could turn against you faster than turning a page of a book.

"It seems I must seek another method. Asroth, your next task is to fully analyze the ultra-long-range fixed-point Warp Device."