Warhammer: The Time Traveler

Chapter 300 New Dimension (Third Update)

Seventy-two hours passed in the blink of an eye.

Mann's team members, Valerie, and Jack reunited in the teleportation hall of the abandoned town laboratory.

Compared to when they returned a few days ago, their faces showed less relaxation and more solemnity and a hint of anticipation as they embarked on an unknown journey.

All personal matters have been taken care of, and the carefully inspected and packed equipment and supplies are neatly stacked to the side.

Chen Yu stood in front of the control panel, his dark red mechanical body appearing particularly majestic under the cold light of the laboratory.

His crimson optical lens swept over the team members below who were ready, and without any further pleasantries, he directly activated the holographic projection.

The projection displays a coordinate parameter being fine-tuned, along with some limited and vague environmental inferences derived from the analysis of the received signals.

"This is the target dimension we are exploring this time," Chen Yu's synthesized voice sounded smoothly. "The coordinates have been locked, the stability assessment is 'medium,' there are slight energy fluctuations, but it is not expected to affect the teleportation."

He zoomed in on some of the environmental data: "Based on the analysis of the received signals, the target location may have an atmosphere, but its composition is unknown; the gravity level is not much different from the baseline value; there are obvious signs of liquid water, and also... unnatural energy signals."

“An unnatural energy signal?” Valerie keenly grasped the key point.

"Confirmed." Chen Yu's response was devoid of speculation. "The signal is weak and scattered, and the pattern doesn't resemble any known natural phenomenon. It could be remnants of some kind of technological equipment, or it could be traces of intelligent activity."

Determining its origin is one of the core objectives of this exploration.

He switched the projection to show the three phases of the operation.

"The mission is divided into three phases. Phase one: preliminary reconnaissance and environmental assessment. After the teleportation is completed, the primary task is to establish a secure temporary base."

Drones were then deployed to conduct terrain scanning, environmental monitoring, and threat detection within a five-kilometer radius. Air, soil, and water samples were also collected. The goal was to determine the suitability of the environment for habitation and identify any direct threats.

"Phase Two: Expand the reconnaissance area. If the environment is safe, dispatch reconnaissance teams to expand the search area. Focus on finding the source of non-natural energy signals and attempt to determine whether an intelligent civilization exists and its level of development. Direct contact with any potential intelligent life is strictly prohibited without authorization."

"Phase Three: Resource Assessment and Outpost Site Selection. After confirming that the environment is safe and valuable, a preliminary survey of local mineral, biological, energy, and other technological resources will be conducted. At the same time, suitable locations for establishing semi-permanent observation stations will be identified."

Chen Yu focused his attention on Mann and Valerie: "Mann, you are responsible for overall command and security decision-making. Valerie, you are responsible for intelligence analysis and reconnaissance planning. Jack, you will assist Valerie and focus on assessing any potentially valuable external items."

He paused, his tone serious: "The unknown means both opportunity and equal danger. All decisions must prioritize team safety and mission completion. If we encounter an insurmountable threat or environmental conditions that exceed our survival limits, we must immediately initiate the emergency return procedure. The preset coordinates are the Death World base."

"Understood, Boss (Sage)!" the crowd responded in unison, their eyes resolute.

"Your communication equipment has been adjusted to maintain squad contact in the target dimension and a basic connection with the transmitter. If you become separated or communication is lost, the first priority is to return to the temporary base." Chen Yu confirmed the equipment and personnel status one last time. "The intelligent mech squad will remain at the base. This exploration will depend on your own efforts."

His massive body turned to the center and began to emit a low hum, the core of the dimensional teleporter gradually brightening with a ghostly blue light.

"Conduct final equipment checks. In one hour, initiate the first active dimensional exploration."

The atmosphere in the laboratory suddenly became heavy.

The crowd fell silent, quickly dispersing to conduct a final, thorough check of their weapons, protective gear, and critical supplies. Only the low hum of whirring equipment and the soft clanging of gears filled the hall; a silence, a mixture of tense anticipation and the pressure of the unknown, permeated the air.

A brand new journey is about to begin.
-
The intense feeling of being torn apart by space gradually subsided, and everyone's senses returned to normal.

They found themselves in a huge underground cavern.

This space was clearly extraordinary—the surrounding rock walls shimmered with a soft light, as if some kind of energy was pulsating deep within the rock strata.

The air was fresh and moist, and the faint sounds of dripping water and the calls of some faint creature could be heard in the distance.

The light source inside the cave comes from the faint light emitted by the rock walls themselves, illuminating the fluorescent moss growing on the ground and some strangely shaped mineral crystals.

The entire space is full of life, exuding a tranquil yet strange atmosphere.

However, the sudden appearance of this heavily armed squad, exuding an aura of steel, instantly shattered the peace here.

"Stay alert!" Mann's growl rang out immediately.

His modified body sank slightly, and the energy circuit of the explosive gun in his left arm quietly activated.

Dorio quickly moved to his flank, his heavy metal boots treading on the soft moss.

Rebecca nimbly took cover behind a crystal cluster, the plasma cannon on her back beginning its low-power pre-charge, emitting a faint hum. Valerie and Jack also sought cover, quickly scanning their surroundings.

Just as they completed their tactical deployment, five figures suddenly appeared above the rock wall at what looked like an exit.

Among them were three middle-aged people dressed in dark red uniforms—two men and one woman. The uniforms were made of a material similar to high-grade synthetic fiber, with a neat design, and they wore the same badge on their chests.

The other two were a young man and woman, dressed in ordinary clothes, and looked like technicians.

The three men, dressed in red uniforms, were all gripping pistols that looked like energy weapons. Although the muzzles were not fully raised, they were clearly pointing downwards.

Their faces were filled with shock and vigilance, their eyes fixed on the group of armed men who had suddenly appeared.

The middle-aged man at the head of the group stepped forward. He had a resolute face, and his red uniform had unique patterns on the shoulders, making him look like a leader.

He demanded sharply, his clear English echoing through the cave: "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

His voice rose slightly with shock, and his hand gripping the laser pistol was steady and strong.

Behind him, another middle-aged man turned slightly to the side, maintaining an aiming posture, while the middle-aged woman vigilantly scanned the movements of each member of Mann's squad.

These words were clearly heard by everyone in Mann's squad.

The only sounds in the cave were the faint hum of energy weapons warming up and the tense breathing of the people, as both sides assessed the threat level of the other.

(End of this chapter)