Ethan, accompanied by Zhao Ren, Hu Zhan, and Hu Jian, arrived at the abandoned village. As Shen Bao had anticipated, the place was hidden deep within the mountains, isolated among dense forests and steep cliffs.
The access had been complicated. The uneven terrain and narrow paths forced the group to stop several times along the way, slowing their progress.
The first thing that appeared before their eyes was a collection of ruined buildings, many with collapsed roofs. Nature had begun to reclaim the place: thick roots fractured the stone foundations, and vegetation grew unchecked through the dirt streets.
Ethan dismounted his horse and adjusted his golden glasses, observing the scene attentively.
"AION, scan the surroundings," he ordered mentally.
[Scanning complete. Structures detected in an advanced state of deterioration. No signs of recent activity observed. Probability of collapse in the buildings: high.]
[Thermal analysis: No heat sources detected in the immediate range. Proceed with caution is recommended.]
Ethan observed his surroundings and nodded calmly, processing the information. "Secure the area and mark the most stable buildings. I don't want anyone near structures that might collapse," Ethan ordered firmly.
They nodded and got to work. Meanwhile, Ethan advanced toward what seemed to have been the central plaza. In the center, a well stood out, surrounded by cracked stones. As he approached, he noticed it still contained water.
[Analysis complete. High underground humidity detected. Possible connection to a larger body of water.]
Once everyone finished inspecting the area, they gathered with Ethan.
"We're going to inspect the mine entrances. I need to confirm if there's a connection to an underground river."
Accompanied by Zhao Ren and the Hu Brothers, Ethan headed toward the village's outskirts until they found an entrance partially blocked by rubble and overgrowth.
He ordered the access to be cleared, and in a short time, they managed to open a passage wide enough for exploration.
The temperature dropped as they ventured into the mine. The air, dense and heavy with moisture, grew thicker with every step. Light was scarce, so they lit torches to continue their descent.
After traversing an endless passage, the murmur of flowing water broke the silence. Before them stretched a colossal cavern, so vast that its end was lost in the darkness. A subterranean river, serene and undisturbed, flowed with unfathomable depth.
Its width defied all logic, for even though they were deep underground, the other side remained out of sight, hidden beyond the mist and distance. Monolithic stones emerged from the waters, irregular and solitary, like remnants of a submerged world.
But the most unsettling detail was the direction in which the river flowed—toward an abyss of absolute darkness, a black horizon where all traces of light vanished. A destination unknown.
Ethan inhaled deeply, steadying his mind. His instincts told him he needed to proceed with caution. Without losing control, he ordered a scan mentally, in search of hidden answers within that vast subterranean expanse.
[Confirmed: Active hydrogeological system. Possible uses: water supply, hydroelectric power, escape route, or transportation.]
[Initiating biological analysis...]
[Spectral scan in progress...]
[Results: Aquatic life present. Extremophile microorganisms detected in rock formations and water, along with cave fish, annelids, and tiny crustaceans in the vicinity.]
[Conclusion: Stable subterranean ecosystem, but no signs of nearby predators. Recommendation: Proceed normally.]
Ethan narrowed his eyes, observing the vast underground river. According to AION's scan, the surroundings seemed safe, but that did not mean they were alone. No one could confirm what lurked in the depths, hidden in the dark currents, nor what lay ahead, where the cavern faded into the shadows.
Ethan crouched and touched the current. The water was cold but clear. This discovery increased the site's strategic value.
With access to water and proper defenses, it could become a secure point for his future project.
They returned to the surface, and Ethan began outlining the next step in his mind. There was still much to be done.
As he walked along the edge of the cave entrance, Ethan crouched down upon noticing a rock glimmering with white sparkles. The light illuminated it, revealing the crystalline appearance of the mineral, its surfaces shining as if tiny stars were trapped inside the stone.
"This... this is Calcite, an excellent source of material," Ethan exclaimed.
Calcite was not just an interesting find—it was a key component in cement production. The base he planned to build in the area could utilize this resource for constructing structures. Moreover, the fact that the mineral was so close to the underground river provided an advantage: the water could be used in the extraction and calcination process.
Ethan continued exploring the surroundings of the cave, moving toward the edge of the cliffs, where the rock formations became more abrupt.
In the distance, the mountainous landscape appeared challenging yet promising. As he ascended a narrow path, a reddish gleam on the ground caught his attention. Approaching, his eyes widened as he identified what he had found: iron deposits.
The ore was in the form of hematite, visible in large veins embedded in the rocks—some closer to the surface, others deeper—but all concentrated in an extensive area. Ethan ran his hand over the rocks, red dust coating his fingers as he assessed the value of what lay before him.
With iron, we could create tools, machinery… weapons. This place is full of vital resources. And if the iron sources are large enough, we could establish a smelting plant to process it and produce what we need, he reflected, as his mind began visualizing the future advancements that could be achieved.
With an almost imperceptible smile, Ethan sat on a nearby rock, evaluating the surroundings. It was clear that this place, which had initially seemed like nothing more than a remote region, concealed resources that could be fundamental for the base.
"From today onward, this place will be known as Sector Omega Zero," he declared firmly.
A brief silence followed, the echo of his words resonating, slowly dissipating.
Omega, the absolute end, marked the twilight of a world once dominated by cultivators.
Zero, the beginning, represented the birth of a new civilization, forged through reason and built upon technology.
This would not simply be a refuge; it would be the heart of a revolution.
The name gained strength among those present, giving the place a new identity. It was no longer a forgotten site; now, it was a starting point.
With calcite and iron, Omega Zero could rise as a stronghold of natural resources, making the base not just a refuge but also a key production hub.
Ethan gazed at the horizon, already thinking how to transform those resources into valuable materials for construction and technological advancement.
This cave, the underground river, and the surrounding mountains were not just geographically significant—they were strategically crucial. With the discovered minerals and plans in mind, the construction of Omega Zero would advance faster than he had imagined.
The day passed quickly, and Shen Bao returned with a group of ten individuals, all carefully selected. This was the first group.
The newcomers were young. The youngest, Ye Han, had barely reached adulthood, while the oldest was no more than twenty-five. Each carried scars from past experiences, stories that had marked them.
Now, standing before Ethan, they waited in silence. Ethan wore a gray hooded robe, and over his face, he donned a steel mask that. His cold, unwavering gaze swept over the group before he spoke.
"I know what you're thinking. There are no towering fortress or armies waiting. Just rocks and ruins. Perhaps you believe you've been deceived, that this is nothing more than another farce."
His eyes locked onto each of them, capturing every expression, every trace of doubt.
"But listen carefully: this place is the starting point of a new era. Here, mortals will cease to kneel. Here, we will build the first stronghold where we will be no less than the cultivators. We will forge our own path."
He paused, allowing his words to settle in their minds before continuing.
"From this moment on, it doesn't matter who you were. The only thing that matters is who you will become."
He turned and took a metal box. Inside, steel masks awaited. They were not full-face coverings but pieces designed to shield the lower half of the face, from the nose to the chin, with an angular and austere design. Their surface was smooth, without unnecessary embellishments, except for one distinctive detail: on the left side of each mask, the emblem of Astralis was engraved: an ascending star.
"These masks symbolize your new identity. A new beginning. Wear them with pride, because from today… you are pioneers."
Ethan turned calmly and began walking toward Omega Zero. His steps were steady, as if destiny had already been set. Behind him, the recruits exchanged glances; some showed skepticism, others silent determination, but all followed him.
As they advanced, AION's voice resonated in his mind.
[Analysis complete. To maximize the effectiveness of a small group against superior forces, the development of a highly specialized combat unit is recommended, with rigorous training in endurance, tactics, and coordinated weapon usage.]
Ethan smiled slightly under his mask.
"Orion" he said without turning. "You will train them. I will provide you with a detailed plan, and you must follow it without deviation. I want you to form a combat unit superior to any elite guard—soldiers capable of challenging the best warriors in this world and winning."
Shen Bao nodded seriously. "I will do whatever is necessary."
Ethan stopped on a rocky plateau within the ruins. His eyes swept over the recruits before he spoke firmly.
"From today, your training will be ruthless. Cultivators absorb spiritual energy to grow stronger, but we will do it with sweat and blood. Each of you will become faster, more resilient, and deadlier than any warrior."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "The training will have two phases. First, your body. You will develop extreme endurance, speed, and strength. You will train to the limit every day. Being strong is not enough—you must be tireless."
His gaze hardened. "Second, weapons. You will learn to master a new tool of combat, one that eclipses any bow or sword. It is not enough to hold a weapon—you must wield it with precision, coordination, and speed."
Ethan stepped forward, his voice resonating with determination. "From today, you will no longer be mere mortals. You will be the vanguard of a new era. From this moment on, you will be known as Vesper Special Forces. Like the evening star, you will rise when darkness covers the battlefield. You will be lethal, and precise. Cultivators believe they are invincible… but soon, they will know true terror when they face soldiers who do not retreat."
The recruits exchanged glances. A spark of defiance ignited in their eyes, kindling a fire that would soon burn with determination.