章 297: Bit Of A Rush
The ruins of the dragon clan, Ninth Special Service Division camp.
As soon as Batman left, the Ninth Special Service Division moved in, setting up their base within the strange and mystical realm created by the dragons long ago. The team knew that Ant-Man's earlier encounter with the dragon had left a positive impression, and it paid off—the dragon, now playfully called "Mr. Scales," didn't seem to mind the humans coming and going. In fact, it even helped keep other creatures at bay. As the sole dragon, it had naturally become the leader of these other creatures, and none dared to cross it, especially with Mr. Scales declaring the humans under his protection.
With the dragon watching over them, the Ninth Special Service Division had a smooth start. The discovery of an ancient and powerful infection source, possibly linked to gods from beyond the stars, was so important that it quickly took top priority on Earth Star. Specialists from around the world were flown in, settling into the newly constructed camp to begin studying the mysterious artifact. Professor Miyazaki himself had hurried down from the mothership, bringing along every piece of equipment he could pack, clearly planning to stay for a long time.
Thanks to Ant-Man's conversations with Mr. Scales, the dragon reluctantly agreed to let the team study the artifact it had been guarding, the Advent Core. However, Mr. Scales insisted that the Core must stay in the camp, within the restricted area and never leave this isolated realm. So, under these terms, Professor Miyazaki and his team gained access to the powerful object. They immediately began using all their equipment to conduct deep scans, cautious about its potential threat.
Everyone was aware that this small box held enough power to endanger the entire world, so securing it was the highest priority. Professor Miyazaki quickly proposed a containment strategy, using a holographic 3D model to show his team how it would work.
"We're going to build a protective fence around the entire ruins, like a massive, invisible city wall," Professor Miyazaki explained, gesturing toward the blue holographic image of the structure floating in mid-air. The hologram displayed intricate layers, each one embedded with equipment designed to keep the Core contained.
The hologram itself was another impressive piece of Stark technology—a 3D projection system that allowed detailed images to appear anywhere in a room. It was as easy to use as a smartphone screen: with a simple swipe or hand gesture, anyone could move or adjust the display.
High-ranking officials in the Ninth Division had already grown accustomed to using these new tools, and now the technology was being rolled out to lower-level staff, saving them time and effort.
Professor Miyazaki continued, "I designed a smaller, 4x4-meter containment box to hold high-risk infected items in the past. For this project, we'll be creating a much larger version, capable of surrounding the entire ruins. Combined with the relic's natural containment properties, this should keep the infection from spreading any further."
One of the scientists raised a concern. "But, Professor, we're in the same room with this thing right now, and you said it's the most dangerous infection source ever discovered. Are we sure it's safe to be so close to it?"
Professor Miyazaki chuckled. "I understand your worry, but you're safe. This infection source doesn't affect humans; it only impacts creatures with lower intelligence. Besides, everyone here is among the brightest minds on the planet, right?"
The team shared a nervous laugh, some of them clearly reassured.
"Alright, let's get to work," Miyazaki said, his tone turning serious. "This artifact may be linked to the existential threat we've been preparing for, so let's start our research right away."
While the think tank inside began their discussions, the camp outside bustled with activity. Supplies and machinery arrived steadily, with agents setting up structures, tents, and equipment as quickly as they could. Everyone worked with a sense of urgency, fully aware of the artifact's potential danger.
"Man, this equipment is heavy," one agent grunted as he and his teammates lugged a detection device into place near the center of the camp.
"What exactly is this thing supposed to do?" another agent asked, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"It's designed to detect infected individuals so no one with the infection slips through undetected," the first agent replied. "Professor Miyazaki designed it, and if it detects an infected person, an alarm will go off. See, the light is on, so it's working fine."
As the agents continued their conversation, none of them noticed that one of their "teammates" had quietly slipped away.
Hidden among the Ninth Division agents was a spy, taking advantage of the camp's early setup phase when security measures weren't as tight. Wearing a full Ninth Division uniform, helmet, and goggles, he blended in well, with most of his face hidden from view. In the camp's dim lighting, even his fellow agents didn't recognize him as an outsider.
Moving casually, the spy made his way to the barracks where the think tank was stationed. Carrying a few spare parts as a prop, he slipped inside, pretending to be one of the technicians setting up equipment. Inside, other team members were busy connecting wires, setting up displays, and adjusting devices. The spy's disguise made him look like he belonged, and no one paid him any attention.
Once inside, he paused by the door, angling his shoulder slightly so the pinhole camera hidden on his shoulder strap could capture photos of the room. He took several shots of Professor Miyazaki's holographic containment plans and the Advent Core resting on a table nearby.
The spy knew there was no chance of stealing the Core; he'd be spotted immediately, and Mr. Scales wouldn't stand for such a theft. The dragon had an unbreakable instinct to guard the Core, and stealing it would provoke a deadly response. But for now, just getting photos and details on the Ninth Division's containment plans was valuable enough.
Satisfied with his work, the spy set down the spare parts and quietly exited the barracks. He walked calmly toward the camp's exit, blending in with the bustle of agents, his heart pounding with the anticipation of a clean escape. He was almost free when a figure appeared out of nowhere and bumped right into him.
"Whoops! Sorry, buddy, wasn't watching where I was going," said the man who'd bumped into him with a cheerful tone.
The spy, trying to keep his cover, muttered, "It's fine," and attempted to keep walking, brushing off the encounter. But just as he was about to take another step, he felt a strong hand clamp down on his wrist.
He turned, and there stood Ivan Petrov, an agent from the Ninth Special Service Division. Ivan gave the spy a polite but suspicious smile as he tightened his grip.
"Hey there, in a bit of a rush, huh?" Ivan said. "I don't think I've seen you around here before, buddy."
---
Read the entire fic on at P@treon.com/Onesword
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