He paused, pulled up another file marked "Star Alliance Top Secret/Galactic Strategic Value Assessment," partially decrypted after the arduous efforts of the remaining decryption modules of the "Traveler's" mainframe. 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Additionally, sir, captain, while compiling higher-level brief summaries received by 'Traveler' as a frontline intelligence and support node for the Star Alliance, we stumbled upon something... more astonishing."

Ash's voice carried a hint of incredulous shock, "This perhaps explains why the Star Alliance's highest directive insists on defending the Aisera Star System at all costs, even before our contestant teams arrived, the United Fleet was already here engaging in fierce battles with the Bug Race's main forces."

The screen displayed a satellite's scan image and a brief description.

It was a rocky satellite of Aisera I, code-named "Ancient Bell."

Beside the image, there were some brief text descriptions and several extremely blurry schematic diagrams of the relic's internal structure as if processed by multiple layers of encryption and damage.

The key passages of the text description were highlighted:

"...Approximately 12 kilometers beneath the surface of 'Ancient Bell' satellite, a large-scale ancient civilization building relic of non-human, non-Bug Race origin has been confirmed. The relic is relatively intact, with its building materials exhibiting 'phase shift' status defying conventional physical properties, inert to most detection methods. An unusually stable high-dimensional energy field has been detected within, along with... a suspected dormant or awaiting activation unknown technological creation."

"Initial archaeological and high-dimensional physics analysis suggests that the civilization's technology tree fundamentally differs from the existing Star Alliance perception system, potentially involving direct material-energy-information conversion, local spacetime manipulation, and a deeper utilization of the essence of Spiritual Energy. The Star Alliance's highest academy 'Trace' project team has been secretly researching here for over thirty-seven standard years, progress slow yet has confirmed some peripheral facilities' 'defensive' functions can be limitedly activated under specific conditions."

"Strategic evaluation: The technological potential contained within this relic, particularly its possibly superior defense or attack technology relative to current Star Alliance levels, is considered to have 'civilization-level' strategic value. If consumed, contaminated, or reverse-engineered by the Bug Race, the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore, the Aisera Star System, especially the 'Ancient Bell' satellite, must be held firmly. This is an S-level directive from the highest security council of the Star Alliance."

Subsequently, the data included several scattered observation records or research note fragments from different periods, filled with perplexity and awe:

"They seem to... be 'dead,' but not fully 'dead.' As if they are waiting for a correct 'key' or 'command.'

"The energy response mode cannot be categorized, neither Spiritual Energy nor pure physics, more like a... solidified 'rule' or 'concept.'

"Attempts at physical contact or energy infusion are ineffective; the relic surface will 'swallow' or 'shift' any external force attempting to alter its state. The only limited interaction observed is the possible weak response of certain facilities triggered by specific frequency Spiritual Energy resonance..."

"Warning: The seventh attempt to activate the peripheral 'Automatic Defense Array' (temporarily named) failed, causing unknown energy backlash, resulting in permanent Spiritual Energy damage for three researchers. The project risk rating has been elevated."

Upon seeing this, Catherine and others, along with technical personnel listening through internal channels at their respective posts, fell into a brief silence.

"'Ancient Bell' satellite... ancient technology research base..." Bai E quietly repeated, looking at Catherine, "Have you heard of anything similar before?"

Catherine frowned deeply, slowly shook her head, "The Star Alliance's territory is vast, discovering ancient civilization relics is not unusual. But to be classified as an S-level strategic secret, potentially influencing the defense decisions of an entire star system... is rare. From these incomplete descriptions, the technological level of the 'Ancient Bell' relic is probably far beyond imagination. No wonder the Star Alliance values it so highly."

She paused and added, "According to the previous draw results, the team representing the World of Forge Alliance is executing the 'Echo' operation. They excel in technological decryption, so this task allocation seems suitable. However... based on the 'Traveler's' brief, the Star Alliance's research over years has been slow; whether they can make any discoveries under the Bug Race threat is hard to say."

"These data, particularly those regarding the 'Ancient Bell' relic, encrypt and archive them as top secret."

Bai E's voice came through the communication, calmly giving instructions, "For now, our primary task is the 'Main Nest Prototype' on Jade Stone Star. But this information is important, explaining the deep background of the battle and reminding us that this star system's war might be more complex than it appears. In the future, if circumstances call for it, or should we have the opportunity... perhaps we could pay attention to the state of the 'Ancient Bell' satellite."

He deliberately emphasized "if circumstances call for it."

Bai E was well aware that New Bauhinia's power is currently limited, and the main objective is to complete his high-difficulty task.

The mysterious ancient relic is something for the Star Alliance and World of Forge Alliance to worry about.

However, for some reason, Bai E vaguely felt that the feeling described in the document of relic technology having "unconventional physical property" and "solidified rules," along with the inability to be activated or influenced by conventional means, might... one day become an unexpected variable in front of a dilemma that cannot be solved with current capabilities.

This was merely a flash of intuition; he buried it in his heart as a potential thought among many strategic considerations.

"Understood," Catherine replied and immediately ordered, "Ash, continue compiling other tactical data, especially detailed ocean charts of Jade Stone Star and speculation on possible underwater units of the Bug Race. We need to be prepared as thoroughly as possible for the second phase of our operation."

"Yes!"

The voyage continued amidst silence and vigilance.

The remnants of the "Traveler" resembled a tragic pioneer, attracting considerable fire from the Bug Race, drawing out a skewed trajectory in the cosmos, slowly descending towards Jade Stone Star.

Meanwhile, the "Thorny Bird" skillfully used the various cosmic dust, small debris, and the spiritual energy disturbances and attack afterwaves caused by the "Traveler," much like an assassin in the shadows, closely following.

During this time, they managed to avoid two waves of small Bug Race patrols and witnessed fierce skirmishes erupting in other regions of the distant starry sky—

That could be other contestant teams engaging the Bug Race or remnants of the Star Alliance army engaging in their final stand.

Through the observation window, Jade Stone Star's blue-atmosphere-enveloped planetary silhouette gradually enlarged in view.

Also enlarging were those alarming, festering wound-like dark purple fungal blanket patches on the planet's surface and the occasional flashes of explosions within the atmosphere.

In the planetary orbit, more human warship wreckage and Bug Race biological fragments floated silently testifying to the fierce offense and defense battles that had taken place here before.

"Approaching Jade Stone Star's gravitational influence zone."

Catherine reported, "'Traveler's' final crash trajectory calculation completed; it is expected to fall into a vast ocean area in the southern hemisphere, triggering a tsunami and certain environmental disturbances, potentially attracting more Bug Race attention. We need to disengage before its crash, find a safe entry point and landing zone."

"Based on 'Traveler's' data, the target continental shelf region is located in the temperate oceanic zone of the northern hemisphere, designated 'CT-7' trench."

Bai E pulled up detailed nautical charts synchronized to the mecha tactical computer, "Water depth there is approximately 4500-5200 meters, the ocean floor is complex with hot vents and active geological activity. The Bug Race's choice to establish a 'Main Nest Prototype' there might be due to its choice for geothermal energy and complex environment providing natural protection."

He swiftly issued new orders: "Catherine, find an area in the northern hemisphere relatively distant from large fungal blanket patches, with enough deep water below as the temporary concealment spot and underwater operation departure position for the 'Thorny Bird.' The commotion caused by 'Traveler's' crash will draw southern hemisphere Bug Race attention, buying us time."

"Second group, final checks on mecha underwater modules, life support systems, and weapons equipment. The first phase task adjustment: cover 'Thorny Bird's' dive and concealment, then immediately prepare for the second phase deep-sea action."

"First and third groups, post-'Thorny Bird' concealment, are responsible for establishing temporary defenses, monitoring orbital and aerial threats, ensuring evacuation channels remain open, and being ready for any unforeseen situations."

"Understood!" Group members responded in unison.