Chapter 496: Shadow of Seven
Among the sensors scattered throughout the experimental zone, fourteen sensors located in different terrain units recorded temperature transient events lasting exactly 7 seconds with a magnitude of 0.07 degrees Celsius at asynchronous time points.
These events could not be correlated with any known environmental variables. After the events concluded, the parameters immediately returned to their original states without producing any actual impact.
At the same time, within the microbial community activity index records of the water bodies, twenty-one anomalous activity peak readings were found clustered around values based on the number 7, such as 7.0 and 14.0.
The most baffling incident occurred during a low-intensity Genesis Particle release calibration test.
After the guidance energy field was activated, the field strength stability reading exhibited a directional deviation lasting precisely 0.07 seconds with a magnitude of 0.7 percent at the 49th second after the test began, before immediately returning to normal.
A thorough inspection of all systems was conducted afterward, but no hardware malfunctions or software errors were discovered.
System logs indicated that in that instant, aside from the field strength reading itself, no underlying parameters showed corresponding changes, as if this deviation was independent of the system and imprinted out of thin air onto the final output result.
Ryo (Avatar) stood before the main console, his hands covered in mechanical augmetics operating rapidly across the control interface.
Beneath the facial respirator, on his natural young male face, his brows furrowed slightly unconsciously.
He pulled up all the data again, aligning all these subtle anomalies on a timeline for correlation analysis.
"Initiate level-three diagnostic protocols, covering all systems related to Genesis Particle research, including energy, control, sensing, and environmental maintenance," Ryo's (Avatar) synthesized voice remained steady, but the level of the directive issued revealed the severity of the situation.
"Understood." The acolytes executed the order immediately and mobilized the base's automated diagnostic systems to intervene.
A deeper, more time-consuming system self-check and cross-verification began.
The diagnostics lasted for exactly forty-eight standard hours.
Almost all relevant circuits, interfaces, and chips were inspected one by one through automated procedures. The Skitarii technical personnel also assisted in checking for potential external electromagnetic interference.
The results remained fruitless.
All systems reported normal operation, with no potential fault points or traces of external intrusion discovered.
Those subtle anomalies never reappeared during the intensive diagnostic period.
Everything seemed to have returned to "normal."
But this "normal," as seen by Ryo (the consciousness shared between the avatar and the main body) at this moment, was filled with eeriness.
Multiple independent systems simultaneously exhibiting insignificant anomalies pointing to biological activity or energy stability, yet leaving no trace after investigation.
This did not conform to any fault pattern recognized by the Adeptus Mechanicus's logical core.
Records of Warp entities flashed rapidly through Ryo's (Avatar) mind, particularly those descriptions closely associated with the domains of life, decay, and disease.
A name, along with the essence it represented—nurturing twisted life amidst decay and stagnation—surfaced clearly.
According to documented records, the way such entities exerted their influence was often not through furious destruction, but rather a more insidious infiltration.
The nature of their power leant more toward silent distortion and systemic corruption, like some mold following an anomalous pattern, taking deep root before the host could even perceive it.
The core of the Genesis Particle technology lay in intervening in the origin of life, guiding evolutionary paths, and even reshaping physical matter; its operational level had already touched upon the fundamental laws of the material universe.
Interfering so profoundly with the fabric of reality, the resulting "ripples" were highly likely to extend beyond the material universe, echoing deep within the entangled Warp as well.
Did this mean that the unique "frequency" emitted by this research itself had already attracted the attention of a certain consciousness?
Were these subtle anomalies revolving around a specific number—unexplainable by logic or technological means—the thin shadows cast into the material dimension by that power transcending physical rules?
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the level of risk inherent in this possibility alone was enough to put any cautious researcher on high alert.
Under the cruel laws of the Warhammer universe, ignoring anomalous signs at the Warp level resulted in consequences far beyond mere experimental failure; it often led to an end far more terrifying than physical destruction.
A chill crept silently up his spine; it was the human instinctual vigilance against unknown danger.
Ryo (Avatar) immediately made a decision. He could no longer leave the Death World research exposed to this potential risk; it had to be relocated.
"Suspend all active experiments related to Genesis Particles and life guidance." Ryo (Avatar) turned to the acolytes responsible for daily maintenance, his directives clear and swift. "Transfer all critical samples, including the Alpha entity, the Omega containment unit, and all evolved plant and microbial strains, along with the core experimental data, to the dimensional teleporter platform in the base's core sector. Physically isolate and seal the relevant research equipment in preparation for cross-dimensional transit."
The acolyte's mechanical augmetic eye flickered at this sudden directive, but he did not question the authority of the Magos's representative: "Directive confirmed. Executing containment and transfer procedures immediately."
Through that consciousness connection transcending physical distance, Ryo (Avatar) instantly transmitted the complete anomaly assessment report and the transfer decision to the main body far away on Necromunda.
The main body's approval arrived almost instantaneously: Risk assessment validated. Execute transfer.
The entire base subsequently sprang into highly efficient operation.
Under Ryo's (Avatar) personal supervision, the acolytes and servitors carefully transported the precious biological samples, the Omega dimensional container radiating ominous fluctuations, and various precision experimental instruments.
All materials were methodically moved to the vicinity of the dimensional teleporter within the base for final securing and inspection.
Ryo's (Avatar) gaze swept over every step, ensuring no sample was left behind and no suspicious "attachments" were packed along with them.
When all materials slated for transfer were ready, Ryo (Avatar) checked the inventory list one last time.
Upon confirming everything was correct, he initiated the dimensional teleportation sequence.
A deep blue energy rift unfurled steadily at the center of the teleporter. Behind the distorted light, the scene inside the Night City laboratory faintly showed through.
"Teleportation sequence initiated." Ryo's (Avatar) synthesized voice echoed through the cavernous teleportation hall.
The ghostly blue light engulfed the mountainous piles of scientific materials.
When the light gradually faded, the teleporter platform was empty. All critical research achievements and potential risks had been sent to another dimension.
Ryo (Avatar) also traveled to Night City alongside them. However, he did not take the dimensional teleporter out of the Warhammer world, bringing only a small communicator used to maintain cross-dimensional contact.
The cutting-edge research regarding Genesis Particles on the Death World was thus forcefully interrupted.
All the mysteries and potential corruption were temporarily transferred to that place covered in rain, neon, and jungles of steel—Night City.
(End of Chapter)