The pyramids, in reality, are bases constructed on Earth by some long-vanished ancient civilization. Although the original structures they built have faded into history, the Egyptians imitated this "miracle" and passed the knowledge down.

The only reason this architectural style is currently popular within the Empire is that structures shaped like pyramids genuinely possess the effect of gathering positive cosmic energy, and more importantly, this gathered energy has a beneficial effect on the human body.” At this point, Major General Fei Ji smiled, picked up the cup next to him, and took a sip of water: "All of this sounds quite fantastical, but it’s actually very simple. It's like if you needed to create a vortex; you would simply poke a hole in the bottom of a basin full of water—if we consider positive cosmic energy to be the water, then the pyramid is merely that punctured basin.

It is just a tool that aligns with the special laws of positive cosmic energy." "The reason you find it mysterious is simply due to your complete ignorance of cosmic energy, much like a primitive man suddenly seeing a lion shot dead by a rifle would find the gun utterly mysterious." Fang Senyan’s eyes narrowed slightly. He had to admit that Major General Fei Ji was quite talkative and had shown him considerable friendliness, but after hearing the final analogy, Fang Senyan couldn't shake a faint sense of sarcasm underlying the words, and a subtle layer of wariness immediately formed in his heart.

At that moment, Major General Fei Ji's aircraft passed the identity scan and flew into the pyramid. Of course, the interior of this colossal structure did not contain huge stone blocks, spider webs, gloomy chambers, or seeping sand.

Instead, it appeared clean, bright, and meticulously organized. Upon disembarking, there was another routine check, and then the military police led the way deeper into the base.

The surroundings of the tarmac were crisscrossed with labyrinthine corridors, truly like a maze, yet the floor of the corridors was swept impeccably clean, shining like a mirror. Without an escort, getting lost would have been inevitable.

Occasionally, uniformed civilian personnel walked briskly down the corridors, stopping to salute their group. Every few meters, potted green plants with large, vibrant green leaves stood along the corridor, radiating vitality.

The air was also filled with a very pleasant, fresh fragrance. After walking for about five minutes, the military police led them onto an elevator.

Fang Senyan noticed the destination was the twenty-seventh floor. It was clear that in a pyramid structure, the higher the elevation, the smaller the usable area, but also the greater the concentration of "positive cosmic energy." The twenty-seventh floor was neither excessively high nor particularly low, suggesting that they were being treated with considerable importance for this operation—at least not summarily dismissed like beggars.

Upon reaching the twenty-seventh floor, Major General Fei Ji led Fang Senyan to the doorway of Room 501 and stated solemnly, "Lieutenant Colonel, I sincerely apologize, but the facilities at Alpine Base No. 7 are limited.

This is the best accommodation we can currently offer. From now until the mission commences, you will be sharing a room with another Contractor." Fang Senyan smiled: "Sir, that is nothing." Then Fang Senyan began a series of handover procedures with the nearby military police.

It seemed the orientation and training would take several days, so Fang Senyan was also issued a temporary access card. This card was not only identification but also contained a prescribed amount of spending credit (similar to currency) loaded according to Fang Senyan's rank, and it also unlocked the additional privileges reserved for an Imperial Lieutenant Colonel.

Fang Senyan then opened the door. It appeared another Contractor had already checked in.

He was sitting near the bunk, his head completely covered by a white hooded jumpsuit, giving off an air of mysterious detachment. He immediately turned his head upon hearing the door open.

Their gazes met, and both exclaimed in surprise, "It's you?" It turned out Fang Senyan had encountered none other than Aldaris, an acquaintance of Reef Stone, and formerly his subordinate! Running into an acquaintance from the same Nightmare Space here felt quite like meeting an old friend in a distant land.

While it didn't reach the point of weeping uncontrollably upon meeting someone from home, any minor past resentments or unpleasantness certainly evaporated. Moreover, Fang Senyan and Aldaris hadn't actually had any prior conflicts.

It was also Aldaris's first time undertaking a mission of this nature, so he entered into a deep discussion with Fang Senyan. His rank was that of a Reserve Lieutenant General, so unlike Fang Senyan, he hadn't been directly notified; rather, he had won this mission through a lottery draw after completing a significantly difficult rank-based task.

Fang Senyan couldn't help but glance at Aldaris's lower body, recalling the treatment he himself had endured: "When you arrived, did that Major Lekli hassle you at all?" Aldaris looked bewildered: "Who is Major Lekli?" Then, he scoffed: "Although the people here are somewhat coldly arrogant, eliminating them would be as simple as crushing ants. They dared to cause me trouble?" Fang Senyan pondered: "Which entrance did you use to enter this Alpine Base when you landed?" For an ordinary person, this question would be unanswerable, but for Contractors who mostly struggle on the edge of life and death, observing details is an essential skill.

Thus, Aldaris quickly replied: "It should be Entrance E-3. Why, is there a problem?" "I encountered that bastard at Exit A-18.

He should feel fortunate he didn't run into you, or he wouldn't even have the chance to moan in the infirmary," Fang Senyan said coolly. "By the way, how long have you been in this godforsaken place?" Aldaris replied: "About twelve hours.

You're quite late; the current time should be 7:16 PM. If I recall correctly, midnight tonight is the final deadline.

Oh, I heard several people's breathing fluctuations at the entrance just now—were you brought by the service staff?" Fang Senyan shook his head: "I left a little 'gift' for that Major who tried to pull down my pants, which inevitably caused some trouble. A person called 'Black General' resolved everything.

He claimed to be part of our coaching team and then brought me to you." "Damn it! Can you stop saying it so disgustingly?

What do you mean, 'brought me to you'?" Aldaris grimaced in distaste. "Only that damned Major would be interested in your backside." At this point, Aldaris suddenly frowned: "What did you just say?

Our coaching team? Who could be my instructor?

And aren't we here for a mission?" Fang Senyan gave him a look of contempt: "Have you spent the entire twelve hours you've been here jerking off? How come I, who arrived less than an hour ago, know more intelligence than you?" Aldaris was not one to admit defeat easily.

He snorted coldly and drew a circle on the carpet with his toe. Fang Senyan noticed tiny sparks of static electricity crackling where Aldaris's toe dragged: "What you know is what's inside this circle.

What I know is what's outside of it!" Fang Senyan smiled: "I can talk big too." Aldaris snorted coldly: "Do you even know our final destination?" "Of course, Planet Epross," Fang Senyan replied with a smile. Aldaris said proudly: "That planet is less than five light-years away from here.

If we took the fastest vessel, we could arrive in four hours. However, the magnetic interference on that damned place is as maddening as a banshee's wail, and it generates extremely powerful kinetic impact due to electromagnetic action.

Consequently, after losing thirty-seven elite pilots in succession, it has become a no-fly zone for Air Force pilots." "Great. Do those bastards upstairs expect us to jog to that cursed place?" Fang Senyan couldn't help but swear, but he immediately mused: "Could it be that this supposed training is meant to teach us how to pilot ships ourselves to fly there and die?" Aldaris looked at Fang Senyan without speaking, but his smugness was almost palpable; clearly, the eleven hours he arrived earlier were not spent doing nothing.

However, just then, there was a sudden knock on the door. Their eyes met, and they knew the knocker was unrelated to either of them, but the door still had to be opened.

When the door opened, they saw a tall, powerfully built man standing there, resembling Morpheus from The Matrix—thick fingers, full lips, and wearing a pair of brightly gleaming sunglasses. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

Upon seeing Fang Senyan emerge, he pointed a finger at his face: "Meeting in the conference hall in ten minutes." With that, he turned around briskly and left. However, just as Fang Senyan was about to close the door, the man suddenly turned his neck, removed his sunglasses, fixed his eyes on Fang Senyan, and said with a heavy nasal tone: "Forgot to introduce myself.

Hedy Kuri, Imperial Major, Awakened MT, currently temporarily appointed as the leader of this contingent—if possible, please relay everything I said to your roommate." Fang Senyan nodded: "I will." Hedy Kuri nodded in satisfaction, took out a cigar, lit it, and took a deep drag. Before striding away, he finally waved a hand at Fang Senyan, signifying basic approval of his compliance.

Fang Senyan stared at his retreating back and suddenly broke into a faint smile. * The next update might be quite late, but it will definitely be posted.

If you have other things to do, please check tomorrow; don't let it affect your work or studies.