Liam's figure darted rapidly through the ruins on the east side of the Pentagon. Each step precisely avoided gravel obstacles. With his brain activation level stabilized at 16.8%, the super spatial perception granted by this level allowed him to anticipate the road ahead, navigating the dim light and shadow of the ruins as smoothly as on flat ground. After defeating four Reaper pursuers, the bioenergy he had absorbed was slowly being refined. His energy intensity stabilized at 36 units, and his neural symbiosis stability remained at 76%. His energy control, honed after advancement, became increasingly fluid. Occasional flashes of blue-black halo at his fingertips could automatically absorb weak energy from the air, replenishing nutrients for physical repair.
[Host, Dr. Elena has successfully joined the human resistance forces and is currently located in a temporary hidden stronghold in the east ruins—a discarded underground communication room. There are resistance soldiers on guard outside the stronghold with stable energy fluctuations, and no Reaper traces have been found. In addition, it is detected that the host's brain activation level is 16.8%, physical damage has been repaired to 90%, and the remaining muscle fiber tears can be fully repaired using the stronghold's medical equipment. The resistance forces have fully analyzed the weakness data and are counting available supplies to prepare for the counter-weapon, but they lack core manufacturing components, which need to be obtained from the abandoned arsenal on the south side.] The AI's voice sounded steadily, and at the same time, the stronghold location and arsenal route were presented to Liam's mind in the form of neural projection. Three low-energy fluctuation areas were marked on the route, suspected to be blind spots for Reaper patrols.
Liam breathed a sigh of relief and ran faster. The neural reaction speed brought by the 16.8% brain activation allowed him to easily avoid the patrol tracks of scattered Reapers in the distance. He could clearly feel that the 16.8% activation level had formed a stable adaptation with his body. The tearing pain from the previous breakthrough to 17% had completely dissipated, replaced by the coordinated resonance between energy and muscles. Every run could mobilize a small amount of symbiotic energy to assist in exertion, saving physical strength while increasing speed.
After passing through the last stretch of crisscrossing broken walls, a hidden entrance covered by steel bars and canvas came into view. On both sides of the entrance stood a soldier holding a pulse gun. They wore worn combat uniforms, with tired but firm expressions on their faces, and a faintly glowing identity mark on their foreheads—they were soldiers of the human resistance forces. Sensing the symbiotic energy fluctuation on Liam, the soldiers instantly raised their pulse guns, their eyes vigilant, and their tone cold: "Halt! Show your identity mark, otherwise we will attack!"
"I'm Liam, the one who sent the data with Dr. Elena. This is the proof." Liam stopped, slowly took out the black chip and the small data storage device. The two-color halo intertwined between them resonated weakly with the soldiers' identity marks. The vigilance in the soldiers' eyes disappeared instantly, and they slowly put down their pulse guns, with joyful expressions on their faces.
"It's you! Dr. Elena has been waiting for you inside. She said you would definitely come!" The soldier on the left said excitedly, quickly stepped forward to pull open the canvas covering the entrance, made a gesture of invitation, "Please come in. The stronghold is safe, and there is a simple medical cabin inside that can help you repair the remaining physical damage. The captain is also inside, waiting to discuss the counter-weapon manufacturing plan."
Liam nodded, put away the chip and data storage device, bent down and walked into the entrance. The passage was narrow and low, filled with a faint smell of engine oil and disinfectant. After walking about ten meters, the passage suddenly opened up, and a spacious underground communication room appeared in front of him—this was the temporary stronghold of the resistance forces. The walls were covered with old communication equipment. Several soldiers were busy around the screen, quickly typing on the keyboard, analyzing data and debugging equipment. On the central table were simple maps, material lists and pulse gun ammunition. Elena was standing beside the table, talking to a tall and resolute man. Her face was much better, wearing a combat uniform handed by a soldier, and her fingertips occasionally pointed on the map, looking focused.
Hearing the footsteps, Elena suddenly turned around. The moment she saw Liam, a trace of light flashed in her eyes. She quickly stepped forward, her tone eager and joyful: "Liam, you're finally here! How's your physical damage? I sensed energy fluctuations from your side just now and was worried you encountered trouble."
"It's almost fine. The physical damage has been basically repaired, only a little sequelae left." Liam smiled, raised his hand to show the stable blue-black halo at his fingertips, "The Reaper pursuers have been dealt with. I already know about the core components. When do we set off for the arsenal?"
His eyes swept over the soldiers in the stronghold, and finally fell on the man beside Elena. The man was wearing a black combat uniform, with obvious battle scars on his shoulder pads, holding a modified pulse gun in his hand, his eyes sharp, staring at him with a hint of appreciation and scrutiny—there was no fear of symbiotic energy in that gaze, only recognition of a strong man.
"Let me introduce you. This is the leader of the resistance forces, Kane. Captain Kane, this is Liam. He has completed the neural symbiosis advancement, can accurately control energy, and it was he who blocked the Reaper pursuers and protected me to send the data." Elena quickly introduced, with a hint of pride in her tone, and at the same time put her hand on Liam's wrist, a faint energy detection wave coming from her fingertips, "Your neural symbiosis stability has improved, and your brain activation level is still within the safe threshold. That's great. I was worried you would force a breakthrough and damage your body."
Kane took the initiative to extend his hand and shook Liam's hand. His palm was rough and powerful, with thick calluses from holding a gun all year round, and his tone was firm and sincere: "Liam, thank you. The data you and Dr. Elena sent is the hope for humanity to fight the Reapers. We have been besieged for a whole week, and many soldiers have been eroded by symbionts and turned into puppets. With this weakness data, we finally have a chance to fight back. Your symbiotic ability is very powerful. Being able to achieve this level with a 16.8% brain activation level is far beyond our expectations."
Liam nodded slightly, shook Kane's hand tightly, and could feel the strength transmitted from the other's palm. His tone was calm: "Captain Kane, you're welcome. Protecting humanity is the responsibility of each of us. I know you lack the core energy converter and need to obtain it from the abandoned arsenal on the south side. My 16.8% brain activation level allows me to accurately perceive Reaper energy fluctuations, so I'm the most suitable for the infiltration mission."
"That's right." Kane let go of his hand, turned to the table, pointed to the red dot marked on the map, and his tone was solemn, "The core principle of the counter-weapon is to use high-frequency blue energy to accurately hit the Reaper's biochip. The core energy converter is the key component, which is only stored in the abandoned arsenal on the south side. However, it is now occupied by a large number of Reapers and guarded by Hale's remaining forces. They seem to be looking for this component too."
When Hale was mentioned, Liam's eyes suddenly turned cold, and the blue-black halo at his fingertips flickered slightly. The memory enhancement brought by the brain activation level made him clearly recall the collusive conversation between Hale and the Reapers. Anger surged in his heart but did not affect energy stability—the 16.8% activation level allowed him to accurately control the balance between emotions and energy, avoiding energy chaos caused by anger. [Host, it is detected that Hale's energy fluctuation has increased significantly. Current energy intensity is 15 units, neural symbiosis stability has increased to 50%, and basic mobility has been restored. He is leading 5 Reapers and 10 remaining soldiers to move towards the abandoned arsenal on the south side, suspected of also looking for the core energy converter, wanting to destroy our countermeasure plan.] The AI's warning sounded timely, and at the same time, Hale's energy trajectory was projected in Liam's mind, overlapping with his route in parts.
"Hale recovered so quickly and still wants to seize the core components!" Elena's face changed, her tone full of worry, "He knows the role of the core energy converter and the manufacturing principle of the counter-weapon. Once he gets there first, our plan will be completely ruined. Your body has just recovered, and even with a stable 16.8% activation level, facing Hale and the Reapers together is too risky."
Kane's face also became more solemn. He held the pulse gun in his hand tightly, and his tone was resolute: "We must not let Hale get there first! I have a plan—I will lead most of the soldiers to contain Hale and the Reapers' troops from the front to attract their attention; Liam, with your symbiosis power, you take the opportunity to sneak into the abandoned arsenal to obtain the core energy converter; Dr. Elena, you stay in the stronghold, continue to assist the soldiers in analyzing data, debugging the counter-weapon manufacturing equipment."
"No, this is too dangerous!" Elena quickly retorted, "If you contain them from the front, there will be heavy casualties. Moreover, if Liam sneaks in alone and encounters Hale's ambush, there will be no support. We should split our forces—one team to contain, and one team to escort Liam to infiltrate. That would be safer."
Liam shook his head, his tone firm: "There's no need to split forces. I'm in a stable state now. The 16.8% brain activation level allows me to perceive all energy fluctuations within 500 meters. Hale's dark energy has obvious characteristics, and I can avoid him in advance. In addition, the primary energy absorption ability allows me to absorb Reaper bioenergy to supplement myself. The infiltration process is also a process of physical repair. Captain Kane, you just need to buy me 15 minutes, and I can get the components and return. Although Hale has recovered his mobility, his energy has not fully recovered, and I am confident in containing him."
He paused and continued: "In addition, my symbiotic energy is homologous to the counter-weapon energy. After obtaining the core components, I can inject energy to accelerate weapon manufacturing, and at the same time use the weapon's energy field to further stabilize the brain activation level, preparing for the subsequent breakthrough of the 17% safety threshold. We have no time to hesitate. Hale is already on his way to the arsenal."
Kane looked at Liam's firm eyes, then at Hale's energy trajectory approaching on the map, and nodded, his tone solemn: "Okay! Let's do it as you said! We will set off in ten minutes to go to the abandoned arsenal on the south side to perform the containment mission. Liam, the core components are crucial to us, and your safety is the same—the stronghold's medical equipment can help you break through to a higher activation level, and we can't afford to lose a combat power like you."
"Don't worry, I will come back smoothly." Liam nodded, turned his gaze to Elena, and his tone was soft: "Elena, wait for me to come back. We will complete the counter-weapon together and watch humanity defeat the Reapers. Please reserve the medical equipment in the stronghold for me. After repairing my body, I want to try to use the equipment to stably increase my brain activation level to the 17% safety line."
Elena's eyes were filled with a hint of worry, but she still said firmly: "I will. You must be careful. Hale is very cunning, and his symbiotic energy has corrosive characteristics. If a direct conflict occurs, try to avoid direct energy collision. The medical equipment has been debugged by the soldiers. You can use it as soon as you come back. I have also initially formulated the auxiliary breakthrough plan. By guiding energy to slowly penetrate the neural pathways through the equipment, the physical damage during the breakthrough can be minimized." She stepped forward and patted Liam's shoulder gently, "I will wait for you to come back and break through to the new realm of 17% together."
Ten minutes later, the soldiers in the stronghold were ready. They wore combat uniforms, held pulse guns, wore ammunition and grenades around their waists, with resolute expressions on their faces. Even though they were tired, their eyes shone with hope—they knew that this operation was related to the life and death of humanity. Captain Kane stood at the front of the team, counted the number of people, and looked at everyone firmly: "Brothers, today we will fight for the hope of humanity! Contain Hale and the Reapers, buy time for Liam, get the core components, and we will be able to fight back and take back our homeland! Let's go!"
"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!" The soldiers shouted in unison, their voices loud, piercing the underground stronghold, echoing in the ruins. Captain Kane led the soldiers, bent down and walked out of the stronghold, their figures soon disappearing in the depths of the ruins, rushing towards danger.
Liam stood at the entrance of the stronghold, watching the soldiers' leaving backs, a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. He took a deep breath, guided the symbiotic energy in his body, and the blue-black halo at his fingertips condensed into a weak light blade. At the same time, he activated the primary energy absorption ability to absorb the weak energy remaining in the stronghold. His brain activation level slightly rose to 16.9% under the nourishment of energy, his neural symbiosis stability increased to 77%, and the last physical damage was completely repaired. [Host, Captain Kane has arrived at the periphery of the arsenal, encountered Hale's forces, and both sides have started a fierce battle! Hale's energy fluctuation is stable, and he is commanding the Reapers to launch an attack, which is expected to buy you 15-20 minutes. It is recommended to infiltrate through the ventilation duct at the back of the arsenal, where the energy fluctuation is zero and has not been detected by the guards.]
"Okay!" Liam shouted loudly, turned around and got into the gap of the ruins, running quickly towards the abandoned arsenal on the south side. In the distance, the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and Reapers' roars intertwined. A fierce battle had already broken out. With the super hearing brought by the 16.9% activation level, he could distinguish Hale's position from the chaotic sounds, deliberately bypassing the front battlefield and detouring towards the back of the arsenal.
The ruins were filled with the smell of gunpowder and dark energy, full of dangers, but Liam had no fear at all. His eyes were firm, and the calm thinking brought by the brain activation level allowed him to quickly analyze the battlefield situation and adjust his route. Every energy detection and every route change reflected the perfect coordination between symbiotic energy and brain development—the 16.9% activation level was not only the safety peak of the current body, but also the cornerstone for exploring higher realms. The upcoming core components and the medical equipment in the stronghold would become the key to his breakthrough of the 17% threshold.
He shuttled flexibly through the ruins, avoiding the fierce battlefield. The blue-black halo at his fingertips occasionally lit up to clear the gravel blocking the way. In his brain, the AI updated the battlefield data and route information in real time. The 16.9% activation level allowed him to process multiple information simultaneously, without affecting his running speed, and accurately avoiding risks. The outline of the abandoned arsenal gradually appeared in his field of vision. The ventilation duct entrance at the back was hidden behind a pile of abandoned steel, and as detected by the AI, there was no energy fluctuation.
Liam slowed down, bent down to check the ventilation duct. The entrance was narrow, just enough for one person to pass through. The inner wall of the duct was covered with a faint smell of engine oil, and no Reaper bioenergy traces were detected. He took a deep breath, condensed the symbiotic energy on his body surface to form a thin protective halo to avoid scratches on his skin from the inner wall of the duct, then bent down and got into the ventilation duct. In the darkness, the night vision ability brought by the 16.9% activation level allowed him to clearly see the path ahead. Every crawl was precise and quiet, steadily approaching the direction of the core energy converter.
At this moment, Elena in the stronghold was staring at the counter-weapon drawings on the screen, tapping the keyboard quickly to optimize the energy interface. She knew that Liam not only had to bring back the core components, but also carried the hope of breaking through a higher brain activation level. And this battle around the arsenal was not only to raise key materials for the counter-weapon, but also the first frontal confrontation between the human resistance forces and the Reaper forces. The glimmer of light had appeared, the resistance had assembled, and the door to a new realm of symbiosis was waiting for Liam to push open.