The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

Lowe's urgent warning was like a bucket of ice water poured over their heads, instantly putting everyone remaining at the Thorn Base on high alert. Instructor Verna reacted the fastest, almost simultaneously activating the base's highest emergency plan, the "Deep Dive Protocol."

"Initiate Level 1 Silence! Shut down all non-core energy outputs, synchronize the camouflage field with background radiation! 'Stargazer' enters warm-up mode, ready for emergency evacuation! Anderson, activate the preset jamming program to create false energy signals around the base! Lilith, transfer all critical supplies to the starship! Annie, monitor all system status, ready to cut off non-life support lines at any time!"

Commands flew rapidly through the encrypted communication channel. The entire base, like a beehive awakened from its slumber, operated efficiently in silence. The base, already in a state of high concealment, completely extinguished its last glimmer of light, even suppressing the energy fluctuations of its internal circulation system to the limit, blending into the cold nebula background around it. Several engineering robots were dispatched to a distant location, and according to Elder Anderson's pre-set algorithm, began periodically releasing false signals simulating small energy reactor leaks or exploration activities, attempting to confuse the situation.

"Love, how's the situation? What intelligence have you obtained? What's the enemy's size and estimated arrival time?" Verna asked urgently over the comms while coordinating the overall situation. Even with multiple encryptions and frequency hopping, the signal still carried interference noise.

"The 'Shadow' is returning at full speed and is expected to arrive in forty minutes. We've obtained the key to the core database of the 'Starfire Chamber,' but more importantly, we've discovered a fragment that records the complete truth behind the alteration of the 'Starfall Pact'!" Luo Wei's voice was filled with barely suppressed shock and urgency. "The Silent Court, whose true name is the 'Court of Order', is an extreme faction that split off from the more ancient civilization, the 'Primordial Spirits'! The Abyss's loss of control and the decline of the Stargazers are all betrayals and conspiracies orchestrated by them! They fear 'variables,' and our existence, especially the existence of the Star Key, has triggered their highest-level 'pursuit program'! The 'Court of Order' in Marbas's memories has been activated, and the enemy's advance team could arrive in this nebula within days!"

Silence reigned over the communication channel. Despite a premonition, the darkness of the truth and the origins of the enemy still exceeded everyone's expectations. A terrifying court that had betrayed its own origins and manipulated the changing of eras had now targeted them for elimination.

"The Primordial Eldar... the Court of Order..." Verna repeated in a low voice, ancient fragments of memory surging wildly, yet only scattered information remained. "Deep within my inherited memories, there seem to be records of awe towards the 'Eldar,' who were the rulers of 'possibilities' from an earlier era... But there is no information whatsoever about the division and the court. Marbas doesn't know either... It seems this is a history that has been deliberately erased."

"We don't have time to process all the information," Rowe's voice was resolute. "The enemy could strike at any moment. Instructor Verna, I suggest we execute a 'deep dive' evacuation, but not a blind retreat. Utilizing our familiarity with this nebula environment, and the partial data on nebula energy disturbances we just obtained from the 'Starfire Chamber,' we can attempt a proactive deployment, to wage... a nebula guerrilla war!"

"Guerrilla warfare?" Patton's voice broke in, tinged with excitement.

"Yes! The enemy is powerful, but they are not as familiar with the environment of this complex nebula as we are. We have obtained data on the energy nodes and turbulence patterns in parts of the nebula. We can set traps, use natural barriers, delay, weaken, or even ambush small enemy advance teams to buy more time and find an opportunity for a safe retreat." Luo Wei spoke quickly, a preliminary plan already forming in his mind. "Moreover, we cannot completely abandon this base. It is our only foothold, and resource gathering and initial repairs cannot be done without it. We need a 'shadow base' solution that can be activated at any time and quickly abandoned."

Verna instantly understood Rowe's intention, a sharp glint in her eyes: "Feasible! The initial enhancements to the starship are complete, improving its mobility and stealth. With the help of nebula environmental data, we can pre-plan several 'safe houses' and 'ambush points.' But the prerequisite is that we must act immediately, and... we need sufficient forces to execute the ambush and interception."

"Power..." Lowe gripped the Star Key tightly, feeling the knowledge contained within resonate with the "Silver Flame." "On the way back, Barton, Lina, and I will immediately begin to digest the core gifts of the 'Starfire Chamber.' We'll strive to take another small step forward in our strength before the enemy arrives!"

The communication ended. The "Shadow" reconnaissance boat pushed its speed to the limit, speeding through the wreckage maze. Inside the boat, Rowe, Barton, and Lina, without taking a break, immediately began trying to absorb their respective gains.

Luo Wei immersed his consciousness into the Star Key, connecting it to the "Silver Flame." A vast stream of knowledge flooded in, but he had no time to delve into the profound astrological laws and runic mysteries. Instead, he focused on searching for readily available information related to combat, stealth, and environmental manipulation. Soon, he found a second-ring advanced escape technique called "Stardust Mirage," which greatly enhanced stealth and agility in environments rich in stardust energy, and could briefly simulate the energy characteristics of the surrounding environment. Another technique was "Stellar Resonance," which allowed him to manipulate "Stellar Protection" more precisely, even temporarily converting the shield's energy into a small-scale energy disruption field to interfere with enemy targeting and energy attacks. He immediately began to comprehend and simulate it. Under the influence of this knowledge and the pressure of the moment, the second-ring Star Speaker's comprehension was exceptionally sharp, and with the aid of the Star Key, his learning speed for these two techniques far exceeded his usual level.

Current status: Luo Wei (Second Ring Star Speaker, late stage of consolidation)

Strength Enhancement: Initial mastery of "Stardust Concealment" (environmental stealth/mobility) and "Star Resonance" (defense/interference conversion).

Core digestion: Urgently absorb the combat and survival knowledge of "Spark Chamber", improve theoretical understanding, and practical application requires real combat experience.

Combat capability forecast: Overall survivability, environmental adaptability, and tactical flexibility have been significantly enhanced, while the ability to conduct frontal assaults has been improved to a limited extent.

Barton, meanwhile, was engrossed in the incomplete "Star Rock Body Tempering Method." This method, which guided stardust energy to temper the body, perfectly complemented his Starry Battle Qi. He tried circulating his Battle Qi according to the method, absorbing the nebula energy filtered within the ship. Instantly, he felt waves of tingling and solidification throughout his muscles and bones. The hidden injuries from the previous battle were rapidly healing, and the total amount and refinement of his Battle Qi had also slightly increased. More importantly, his control over power had become more subtle. His understanding of "the resilience of power" and "the sharpness of desperate situations" allowed him to vaguely touch the threshold of "transforming the nature" of his Battle Qi. If successful, his attacks would be more penetrating and destructive. He sat cross-legged on the ground, his Battle Qi surging like the tide, his aura steadily rising, making solid progress towards becoming a Star Warrior (peak).

Lina's gains were the most unique. The "Communication with All Things" meditation technique allowed her to reach a new level of connection with her environment. She could even vaguely perceive the "emotions" of the nebula's energy flow—which areas were "irritable" and easily angered, and which areas were "calm" and stable. She tried connecting her spiritual sense with the hull of the "Shadow" reconnaissance boat, and it actually slightly improved the boat's concealment, as if the boat itself had acquired a "protective coloration" from her spiritual sense. Her premonitions of danger also became clearer. Although she couldn't predict specific events, she had a more definite sense of the direction from which "malice" and "danger" originated. Her Spirit Speaker (Peak Initial Stage) realm was completely solidified, and she was approaching the threshold of the first ring level.

Forty minutes later, "Shadow" successfully returned to the Thorn Base and silently slipped into the rift. Most of the relocation work inside the base had been completed; key equipment, research data, and reserve supplies had all been loaded onto the "Stargazer." Lilith even used this brief time, combining some of the newly acquired purification sequence principles, to hastily produce a batch of enhanced "energy interference bombs" and "psychic shielding dust."

Without time for pleasantries, Lowe immediately gathered everyone together for an emergency operational meeting on the bridge of the "Stargazer".

"Based on data from the 'Starfire Chamber' and Lina's perception, this is a map we've marked of seven relatively stable 'energy nodes' and four dangerous 'natural trap' areas within the nebula." Lovi projected the star map. "If the enemy's advance team wants to search for us, they will most likely probe inwards from the outer edge of the nebula. We can use these energy nodes—here, here, and here—to deploy Lilith's jamming bombs, creating false energy burst signals to lure the enemy into dispersing or entering pre-set areas."

"These four 'natural traps'," Verna continued, pointing to the highlighted red dots on the star map, "are a 'magnetic storm vortex,' a 'gravitational fold,' an 'inert energy tide,' and a 'meteorite nest' that appears to be inhabited by a group of highly aggressive star beasts. We can use our familiarity with the terrain to lure small groups of enemies to the edges of these areas and use the natural barriers to wear them down. If conditions permit, Rowe and I can try to guide or intensify the triggering of the traps."

"Patton and I will lead the mobile squad, aboard the 'Shadow' and another modified fast assault boat, to lure, harass, and, if necessary, engage in direct combat," Elder Anderson calmly added. "Our objective is to buy time and create chaos, not a decisive battle. Strike and retreat, without prolonging the engagement."

"Lilith, Annie, your main task is to ensure the concealment and security of the 'Stargazer' and the base core, while monitoring the overall situation and providing us with intelligence and medical support," Rowe said, looking at them.

"Understood!" Lilith and Annie nodded vigorously, their eyes showing tension, but even more so, determination.

"Lina, you are our 'eyes' and 'ears.' Your spiritual perception range is the largest, and you need to constantly monitor the energy disturbances on the outer edge of the nebula, detect enemy traces as soon as possible, and determine their approximate size and movement."

Lina nodded solemnly, closed her eyes, and her spiritual senses, like an invisible net, quietly spread outwards from the nebula.

"The enemy is powerful, but we are more familiar with this nebula. Remember, our primary objective is survival and delay, buying time for the 'Stargazer's' eventual transfer and our own growth. Now, act immediately!"

With a command from Luo Wei, the entire Thorn Base began operating at high speed, like a sophisticated war machine.

Over the next two days, Rowe and Verna led engineering robots to secretly deploy jamming devices at selected energy nodes. Anderson and Barton piloted small aircraft, setting up guiding beacons and observation probes around several natural traps. Lilith worked overtime to produce more special agents and bombs. Lena's intuition, like a sleepless radar, monitored the situation day and night. Annie assisted Verna in optimizing the Stargazer's short-range jump stability and emergency escape procedures.

Everyone knew this was likely a contest of overwhelming odds. But no one backed down. From their escape from the continent of Chirva to the decisive battle at the Starry Temple, and now to their confrontation in the nebula, they were no longer the panicked team they once were. They had a clear goal, had gained invaluable inheritances, and, most importantly, possessed a deep trust in each other, a bond that transcended life and death.

The third day, early morning (there is no day or night in the nebula, the base time is the standard).

Lina, who had been in a deep meditative state, suddenly opened her eyes, her face instantly turning pale, her voice trembling slightly: "They're here! Three short, high-intensity spatial jumps have been detected in the Kuiper Belt, on the outer edge of the nebula! The energy signature... cold, orderly, and carrying a strong... search and lock-on intent! The number... at least three ships, all with energy responses far superior to our 'Stargazer'! They... are deploying a fan-shaped search formation, and they're moving very fast!"

Inside the control center, the air instantly plummeted to freezing point.

They finally arrived. And they brought at least three warships whose technology clearly surpassed their own.

"Initiate Phase One of the 'Deep Dive' Protocol! All pre-programmed jamming devices, according to Plan C, will activate sequentially after a 30-second delay!" Lowe's voice was calm and even, but his eyes burned with resolute fighting spirit. "Elder Anderson, Barton, proceed along the predetermined route! Remember, your mission is to be the 'eyes' and the 'decoy,' not the shield!"

"Understood!" Anderson and Barton quickly disappeared at the end of the passage.

"Velna, channel starship energy, prepare to initiate short jump at any time. Target: Backup concealment point A. Lilith, Annie, prepare for impact."

"Lina, continue monitoring, paying close attention to whether the enemy splits up their forces and the main force's route of movement."

Orders were issued one by one, and everyone took their positions. Despite the immense pressure, there was an unusual calm.

Beyond the nebula, three sleek, sharply styled, and matte silver-gray-coated shuttle-shaped warships, like three silent metallic sharks, slowly cut into the outer dust belt of the "Shattered Star Remains" nebula. They bore no markings, only a tiny, almost invisible composite emblem of scales and gears on their bows. An invisible detection field flowed across the warships' surfaces, meticulously combing through the airspace they passed through.

Suddenly, a detector on a warship on the left flank detected a faint but clearly unnatural burst of energy in a wreckage area about 0.3 light-minutes away from them, which then quickly decayed.

"Abnormal energy fluctuations detected, coordinates marked. Suspected overload of a small energy device or leakage from a wrecked reactor. The fluctuation characteristics have a 0.7% similarity to the afterglow of the 'Key' energy." A cold, synthesized voice echoed within the warship.

"Dispatch a 'Hound' reconnaissance boat to verify. The rest of the units, continue the search along the pre-determined area, and remain vigilant. The target is highly concealed and may have set up decoys," a completely emotionless voice commanded.

A small and agile reconnaissance boat separated from the main ship and shot towards the signal burst point like an arrow.

Almost simultaneously, similar, weak but suspicious energy fluctuations also appeared in two other directions, in areas far apart.

"Report: Two more abnormal fluctuations detected, with similar characteristics but located in different areas."

"The target is trying to distract us. Foolish. Main fleet, maintain formation and advance steadily towards the Nebula's mass center. 'Hound' units, split up to check anomalies. If resistance is encountered, minimal armed engagement is permitted, with the capture or destruction of critical information carriers as a priority."

Three "Hound" reconnaissance boats rushed toward three decoy signals. Unbeknownst to them, in the shadows of some debris they passed, or at the edges of some seemingly calm energy turbulences, some cleverly disguised observation probes were silently transmitting their images and data back into the depths of the nebula.

The first nebula guerrilla war at Thorn Base has begun. The roles of hunter and prey are subtly shifting amidst the complex environment and the clash of wits. Real danger has just arrived, and the prelude to the counterattack has already quietly begun, shrouded in stardust.