Fantasy Game: Infinite City

Han Zu cautiously made his way forward for about fifty meters. The passage suddenly opened up, revealing a massive circular space—at least two hundred meters in diameter and over fifty meters high—clearly the true core of the Creation Engine. The ceiling was a colossal dome, constructed from countless translucent, crystalline fragments. Fluorescent purple energy flowed within these crystals, illuminating the entire space. At the very center of the dome hung a massive vortex of flesh and bone. At the vortex's core, a fist-sized crystal floated, radiating a gentle yet incredibly powerful energy fluctuation. This fluctuation carried a sacred and pure aura, a stark contrast to the chaotic surroundings.

The surrounding flesh and bone structures swirled around the crystal, forming a massive energy field. Tiny bolts of lightning occasionally flashed within this field, producing a hissing sound. Around the perimeter of the space were dozens of enormous, altar-like platforms constructed of black rock, covered in intricate runes that shimmered with a faint red light. Connecting the platforms were several thick "pipelines" formed by intertwined nerves and blood vessels, through which flowed a pink liquid, linking the platforms into a unified whole.

On the open ground surrounding the crystal stood more than twenty fully armed individuals—they wore black, tight-fitting combat suits covered by a thin energy shield that shimmered with a pale blue light. They wore black gas masks with red night-vision goggles around the eyes, allowing them to clearly observe their surroundings in the dark. They held strangely shaped weapons, similar to rifles but with thicker barrels, intricate patterns covering the shafts, and a faint energy aura emanating from the muzzles—clearly some kind of non-standard, but well-crafted energy weapon.

They also carried various sophisticated instruments, some displaying complex data on their screens, others constantly beeping, monitoring the surrounding energy fluctuations. In addition, they carried items exuding a mysterious aura—several held scrolls inscribed with intricate runes, wrapped in black silk and inlaid with shimmering gems; others held a container carved from bone containing a dark red liquid, its surface covered with a layer of black mist.

Seven or eight people were busy around a complex device, more than a meter tall, made of metal and crystal. Its surface was covered with buttons and displays. Several transparent tubes extended from the top of the device, their ends connected to suction cup-like objects. These suction cups adhered tightly to the central crystal, clearly for extracting energy. Around the device were several small generators and energy storage tanks, with indicator lights on the tanks showing that they were charging.

Han Zu's gaze swept quickly across the group, instantly recognizing them as elite members of the Ferdinand family. Their combat uniforms all bore a golden family crest embroidered on the left breast—a soaring eagle with a sword in its beak, the iconic emblem of the Ferdinand family. He had seen this crest before in Bastienburg. Although Han Zu was aware of the Ferdinand family's power, he hadn't expected them to possess such strength, capable of penetrating deep into the core of the Creation Engine.

What surprised him even more was that these people's equipment was far more advanced than he had imagined—the energy weapons they wielded were clearly far more powerful than ordinary firearms, and their energy shields could effectively resist attacks from malfunctioning creations. Han Zu had only seen similar equipment in some special forces units of Infinite Corporation before. The mysterious items they carried also made him wary—the scrolls inscribed with runes emitted a rich energy aura, clearly magical scrolls that had undergone special enhancement; the dark red liquid in the bone container carried a strong bloody smell and a strange odor, causing the little mouse perched on his head to involuntarily repel it.

Han Zu carefully observed the actions of these people and found that their division of labor was exceptionally clear: four people were responsible for guarding the area, standing in the four corners of the space, their energy weapons constantly scanning the surrounding environment with vigilant eyes; six people were responsible for operating the instruments, surrounding the monitoring equipment, constantly recording data, and occasionally exchanging information with focused expressions; eight people were responsible for guarding the extraction device, standing around the device to form a tight protective circle, their weapons aimed at the surrounding passage entrances; and two people stood in the center of the group, seemingly the leaders. They wore more ornate combat uniforms than the others, with larger badges on their chests, and instead of weapons, they held a black ancient book, talking in hushed tones, occasionally glancing up at the crystal in the center with greedy eyes.

The little mouse also saw these people. Its body trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the extremely uncomfortable evil aura emanating from them, especially the dark red liquid in the bone container, which made it hiss softly. It buried its body in Han Zu's hair, leaving only its eyes exposed, staring intently at the people.

Han Zu lay prone in the shadows beside the entrance to the passage, completely concealed behind the melting flesh and blood walls, only his eyes visible as he carefully observed the movements of the people. He suppressed his breathing, even slowing his heartbeat, becoming one with his surroundings. The little mouse also became unusually quiet, lying motionless on Han Zu's head, its golden tail tightly wrapped around his neck. Han Zu noticed that the two leaders seemed to be arguing about something. One pointed to the central crystal, then to the ancient book in his hand, his tone somewhat agitated; the other shook his head, pointing to the data on the monitoring equipment, seemingly reminding the other not to be impatient.

After a while, the excited leader seemed to be persuaded, nodded, and waved for the operators to continue. The operators immediately busied themselves, adjusting the parameters on the device, and the data on the display screen began to fluctuate rapidly. Then, the people carrying the magic scrolls stepped forward, unfurled them, and the runes on the scrolls instantly glowed red. They began chanting obscure incantations in low, hoarse voices. As the incantations continued, the runes on the scrolls began to fall off, transforming into streaks of red light that wrapped around the pipes connecting the crystal.

The person holding the bone container stepped forward and opened it. A dark red liquid flowed along the tubing, merging with the red light bands on the tubing to form an evil energy stream that flowed towards the central crystal. With these actions, the light emanating from the central crystal grew brighter, the energy fluctuations stronger, the surrounding vortex of flesh and blood spun faster, the energy field in the space became more chaotic, and the number and volume of lightning increased. The guards became even more vigilant, their weapons scanning more frequently, their eyes filled with tension—clearly, they knew this method of energy extraction was extremely dangerous, and any accident could have disastrous consequences.

Time ticked by, and Han Zu had been lurking in the shadows for nearly half an hour. His body remained motionless, almost completely embedded in the surrounding walls of decaying flesh, but he paid no heed, his attention solely focused on the Ferdinand family members ahead. He saw that the operators of the equipment were covered in sweat; although they wore gas masks, he could see them constantly wiping away the condensation inside, clearly indicating that operating the extraction device required immense effort.

The data on the monitoring instruments fluctuated faster and faster, the beeping became more and more urgent, and some instruments even began to emit warning red lights, the values ​​on the screens approaching critical values. The people guarding the extraction device became even more tense, their bodies leaning slightly forward, their grips on their weapons tightening, their eyes fixed on the central crystal, fearing any accident. The two leaders stopped arguing and stood beside the instruments, their eyes glued to the data on the screens, one of them holding a red button, clearly the emergency stop device switch.

As the red light band and dark red liquid continued to pour in, the light from the central crystal became exceptionally dazzling, and the energy fluctuations reached their peak. The surrounding vortex of flesh and blood spun so fast that it almost formed a blurry barrier, and the lightning in the space grew thicker and thicker, some even striking the surrounding platforms and shattering the runes on them with deafening roars. But the Ferdinand family members did not stop; on the contrary, they became even more excited. The people operating the instruments quickened their pace, constantly adjusting the parameters, trying to extract more energy.

Han Zu could clearly sense that the energy within the crystal was being rapidly drained. The originally pure energy fluctuations were beginning to carry a hint of malevolence—the aura of the magic scroll and the dark red liquid. He knew that if this continued, not only might the crystal be completely corrupted, but the entire creation engine might explode due to energy imbalance. At that point, not only would leaving this place be impossible, but even he himself might not survive. His hand clenched quietly, and the energy within his body began to slowly gather, ready to strike at any moment.

Just as Han Zu was about to make his move, the person operating the device suddenly shouted, "The energy has stabilized! The extraction threshold has been reached!" His voice was filled with excitement and anticipation. Upon hearing this, everyone else stopped what they were doing and looked at the central crystal. Han Zu also held his breath. He saw that the light from the central crystal suddenly dimmed considerably, no longer so dazzling, but the energy fluctuations became more condensed. A stream of pure energy was drawn out along the pipes and flowed into the energy storage tank next to it.

The indicator light on the storage tank changed from red to green and emitted a soft "ding," indicating that the tank was full. The operators exchanged glances, all seeing excitement in each other's eyes. They nodded to each other, and one of them took a deep breath and pressed a red button on the device. Instantly, the device emitted a piercing buzzing sound, the tubing connecting to the crystal began to contract, the suction cup-like object detached from the crystal, and the energy flow in the tubing stopped. The display screen on the device lit up, showing a string of complex data, ending with a green "Complete" indicator.

The person recording the data immediately took out a special terminal, transmitted the data, and a relieved smile appeared on their face. The guards also relaxed, some even putting down their weapons and starting to tidy their equipment. The two leaders walked to the device and looked at the data on the screen. One of them removed his gas mask, revealing the face of a middle-aged man. His face was covered with wrinkles, and his eyes were filled with greed and smugness.

He patted the person operating the device on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Well done! With the energy of this core, our Ferdinand family can completely control Bastienburg, and even the entire region!"

Another leader removed his gas mask, revealing a long scar running from his forehead to his chin, making him look exceptionally ferocious. He looked at the crystal in the center, licked his lips, and said, "It's a pity we can only extract this much. If only we could take the whole crystal."

The middle-aged man shook his head and said, "Don't rush. Once we get back and figure out how to use this energy, we'll definitely be able to take the whole crystal with us next time we come back! Now let's pack up the storage container and leave here as soon as possible. The environment here is too unstable."

The others echoed their sentiments and began dismantling the energy storage tanks, preparing to leave. They were clearly unaware that a pair of cold eyes, filled with murderous intent, were watching them from the shadows of the passageway.

"We did it! We really did it!" The operator who had just shouted also took off his gas mask, revealing a young face covered in tears of excitement. He quickly ran to the energy storage tank, stroking the cold surface as if it were a rare treasure.

"I never imagined that the core energy of this strange thing would be so powerful. We've only extracted a small portion, but it's enough for us to study for several years!" another young man said excitedly, his voice trembling with excitement.

"Hmph, this is just the beginning," the scarred leader said with a sneer.

"Once we master the use of this energy, those useless members of the Deer Faction, and even the Infinite Corporation, will become stepping stones for us!"

Especially when he mentioned Infinite Corporation, his eyes were filled with disdain and murderous intent—clearly, these Ferdinand family members were Sebastian's trusted confidants, or at least a portion of them, and they were revealing their ambitions without reservation.

The middle-aged man frowned and said:

"Alright, don't be careless. Infinite Corporation isn't those useless deer-affiliated people. They're not so easy to deal with. Let's leave here as soon as possible, lest things get complicated."

His tone carried a hint of caution, clearly indicating some apprehension towards Infinite Corporation. Perhaps it was because he was closer to Sebastian and thus knew more about Infinite Corporation.

"What's there to be afraid of?" the scarred man said disdainfully. "This godforsaken place has a natural barrier. If it weren't for the family's relics, no matter how powerful Infinite Corporation is, they would never have been able to find this place. And even if they did come, their technology would be useless here, and would even malfunction in various ways. Trying to deal with the family here? What a joke!"

A brief look of disdain flashed across the middle-aged man's face, but he didn't refute the scarred man's arrogance. He simply waved his hand and said, "Hurry up and pack your things. We're leaving in ten minutes!"

The others immediately sprang into action; some dismantled storage tanks, some organized instruments, and others began inspecting weapons and equipment. The entire core area was filled with an atmosphere of excitement and busy activity. They were completely unaware that in the shadows at the entrance to the passage, Han Zu's energy was rapidly gathering, and the aura of destruction was growing increasingly heavy.

Han Zu watched the extracted energy flow and felt the energy fluctuations within the crystal begin to become unstable. A surge of killing intent rose within him. He slowly straightened up, took the little mouse from his head, and gently placed it in a nearby depression, covering it with his flesh to signal it to stay put. The little mouse nodded obediently, curling up in the depression, only its bright black eyes visible, watching Han Zu's back.

Taking a deep breath, Han Zu's energy erupted instantly. Flames and lightning engulfed Han Zu once again. He no longer concealed his aura and strode towards the circular space. The heavy footsteps echoed in the passage. Of course, it was hard for a walking ball of flame, exuding an aura of destruction, not to attract the attention of the Ferdinand family's men.

"Prepare for battle!!"

Upon sensing something amiss, the guards immediately raised their weapons and aimed them at the passageway. The others reacted swiftly, grabbing their weapons and watching warily. When a walking inferno, exuding an aura of destruction, appeared at the passageway entrance, everyone froze, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

The Ferdinand family members were no pushovers; they quickly recovered from their shock and reacted instantly, pulling the triggers. A dense barrage of bullets and energy streams shot towards the moving flame. In the eyes of the Ferdinand family members, a life-or-death battle against the aberrant creation of this strange region had begun.