For the next few hours, Arthur continued his search. He moved deeper into the interconnected caverns, scanning every shadowed crevice and narrow tunnel with relentless precision. He also deployed drones, fist-sized, spherical probes equipped with high-resolution cameras, throughout the cavern, as they slipped through cracks and gaps too small for even Arthur to fit through.

The cavern walls bore the telltale shimmer of residual Element-M energy, but the deposits were sporadic. He found smaller veins embedded in tight spaces, clusters of crystalline formations hidden beneath thick layers of rock. Every time his probe detected the faintest glimmer of the elusive metal, Arthur sent his nanobots to work, carefully extracting and securing the material into his dimensional storage.

By the time he had scoured every corner of the cave system, his total haul had increased significantly.

153 million tons.

Arthur exhaled slowly, he had no way of knowing whether the planet contained more Element-M deposits elsewhere or if this was the only significant cache. The metal remained undetectable by conventional scanners, an anomaly that both fascinated and frustrated him.

Even with the advanced knowledge of the Krozonites, they couldn’t decipher why Element-M resisted standard scanning technology. It was a problem for another day. What mattered now was that he had secured every last trace of the material from this site.

After triple-checking his readings and ensuring the nanobots had left no stone unturned, Arthur prepared to leave. But as he made his way toward the cave’s exit, something stirred in the shadows ahead.

A deep, resonant vibration echoed through the cavern.

Arthur stopped.

His visor flickered, scanning the dimly lit tunnel before him. Then, from the depths of the cave, a hulking figure emerged. He had detected it using his probes but he had thought he would be able to avoid it, but it seems it had detected him.

It was as he remembered, a massive crystalline golem, its body a fusion of jagged minerals. The creature pulsed with an inner glow, veins of luminous violet light coursing through its enormous frame. Its towering form scraped the cavern ceiling, and with each step, the ground beneath Arthur trembled.

The guardian’s faceless head with only two round holes in place of its eyes turned toward him, its luminous core pulsing with something that might have been recognition… or challenge.

Arthur didn’t reach for his weapons.

The last time he had been here, he would have stood no chance against this thing. Back then, he had barely understood where he was, let alone how to fight something of this scale. Now?

Now, it was no longer a battle for survival.

The golem let out a low, vibrating hum, its massive arms shifting into a defensive stance. It wasn’t attacking yet, but it was ready to.

Arthur, keeping his movements slow and deliberate, took a step back. He had no reason to kill this creature. This was its home, he was the intruder. He had already stripped the cave of its treasure. There was no need for unnecessary violence.

For a moment, they simply regarded each other.

Arthur extended his technopathy, attempting to sense any form of data or signal within the creature. Nothing. It wasn’t mechanical. It wasn’t something he could hack or control. This was something else, a living entity.

He hadn’t encountered another being like this in the forest or anywhere else on Tarkuun-5. It didn’t fit with the ecosystem. The wildlife here was savage, primal, and creature of flesh… but this was different.

Perhaps the Element-M had altered the environment over time, birthing this guardian from the raw minerals of the planet.

Arthur took one last look at the creature before turning away.

The golem started to follow him. The golem somehow understood it does not stand a chance against Arthur, but it does not want the Element-M to be taken away. From its birth it has always stayed in the cave, and after who knows how many years it had developed a spark of intelligence.

Arthur looked back confused at the guardian of the cave, then he sighed and with a mental command the guardian disappeared. He thought since he had destroyed its home, he might as well take the creature with him. He sent the golem inside the Spear of Heaven. He separated some Element-M and stored it inside a huge chamber and put the golem inside it.

The golem at first froze with the sudden change of the environment, but after seeing the pile of Element-M in front of it, it created a sound like a cat purring and laid down on top of the pile. Arthur seeing it using a hologram had a weird expression on his face.

‘Cute’. He chuckled at his thought and went outside the cave.

…

Arthur emerged into the harsh daylight, stepping out onto the rocky terrain outside the cave. The heat of Tarkuun-5 was a stark contrast to the cool, damp air of the caverns. Three suns still burned overhead, their golden light stretching long shadows across the jagged cliffs.

His shuttle remained exactly where he had left it, hidden by its active stealth mode. As he approached, the hull shimmered, revealing itself.

Arthur boarded swiftly, sealing the cockpit as the systems powered up around him. The gentle hum of the engines filled the small space, and within moments, the shuttle lifted off the ground, ascending into the skies of Tarkuun-5.

From the air, he glanced back at the cave’s entrance, now just a dark speck amid the landscape. He pushed the throttle forward. The shuttle surged ahead, cutting through the atmosphere with ease.

The flight back to the mining station was uneventful. He kept his sensors active, watching for any signs of aerial interference, but the skies remained clear. Within minutes, the mining facility came into view, its metallic structures stark against the barren land.

As the shuttle approached, the landing beacon blinked, guiding him toward the designated pad. He brought the craft down smoothly, the landing gear absorbing the light impact. As the engines powered down, a UFE soldier approached, waiting at the base of the ramp.

Arthur stepped out, his boots hitting the steel platform.

“Sir,” the soldier greeted with a sharp salute. “I will guide you to your assigned quarters for your stay. Please follow me.”

Arthur nodded, falling into step behind the soldier as they made their way into the facility.

The corridors were quiet, the usual hum of mining operations humming faintly in the background. The heat from outside faded as they moved deeper into the structure, the controlled climate inside offering a welcome respite.

The soldier stopped at a door, pressing a panel to unlock it. The door slid open with a soft hiss.

“Your room, sir. If you require anything, we are on standby.”

Arthur stepped inside, scanning the quarters. It was simple, utilitarian. A bed, a desk, a small storage unit. Functional, nothing more.

He turned back to the soldier. “Understood. Dismissed.”

The soldier saluted once more before leaving.

Arthur exhaled, running a hand through his hair as the door slid shut behind him.

He had what he came for. But something about that guardian, about the nature of Element-M itself, still lingered in his mind.

He then took out a fist sized Element-M and used ‘Analyze’ on it.

//——————–//

Object: Unknown

Source: Unknown

Properties: Ability to mimic the properties of other elements or materials. Host can control the element using his mind.

//——————–//

It still showed the same thing, this is the reason why he asked the Guardian of the Spear of Heaven to check if it was Element-M or not as he was not hundred percent sure and could not find what it was.

He then went towards the bathroom to freshen up and after eating something he went to sleep.

…

The next morning, Arthur woke early, stretching out the stiffness from his muscles as he sat up in the small but functional quarters. The artificial lighting hummed softly overhead, simulating the glow of morning, though outside, Tarkuun-5’s three suns had already begun their ascent.

Seeing as James hadn’t called him to assist with the mining station’s defenses, Arthur decided to spend the quiet morning productively. He accessed his datapad, pulling up research articles and production methods for enhancement serums.

His knowledge in the field had expanded significantly since his initial introduction to biochemical augmentation. By now, he had mastered the development of enhancement serums from grade one up to grade five. 

Each successive grade required more precise formulation techniques, complex catalysts, and stronger stabilizing agents. His understanding of biochemistry and nanite infusion allowed him to quickly learn about the process.

Still, one serum remained elusive, the ECHO serum.

Arthur had read enough classified reports to understand its value. Unlike conventional enhancement serums, which relied on carefully synthesized compounds and tailored genetic activators, the ECHO serum was rumored to integrate exotic materials into its formula, pushing the human body far beyond normal augmentation thresholds. It was what made ECHO soldiers the elite among the elite.

But its production method remained a closely guarded secret.

Arthur frowned, scrolling through different reports, cross-referencing known biochemical enhancements with anything that might hint at the serum’s ingredients. He knew that eventually, he’d have to get his hands on it. But that was a problem for later.

For now, he focused on refining his current understanding, running simulations on his datapad, calculating optimal dosages, and theorizing potential advancements.

Then, amidst his deep concentration, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

[Commander,] the Guardian AI of the Spear of Heaven spoke through his neural link, its voice smooth and precise. [The repair of the obelisk is complete. You may now use it at full capacity.]

Arthur blinked, straightening in his chair. He had almost forgotten about the obelisk in the midst of everything else. His expression shifted as curiosity and anticipation flickered through his mind.

“Finally.” With a thought, he summoned the obelisk from his dimensional storage.

The air in front of him shimmered as a small, fist-sized object materialized in his palm.

The obelisk, even in its compact form, radiated an almost imperceptible energy. It was smooth, crafted from a dark metallic alloy with faint, intricate patterns running across its surface, symbols that shifted subtly, as if alive. Arthur could feel the weight of something ancient in his grasp, something beyond mere technology.

He immediately activated ‘Analyze’, channeling his focus into the artifact.

//——————–//

Object: Interdimensional Bridge

Source: Krozonite Technology

Properties: Capable of absorbing, storing, and redistributing vast amounts of energy. Possesses a fluctuating structure that enables size manipulation. Able to breach the universal barrier and create a bridge between two.

//——————–//

Arthur’s breath hitched slightly as he processed the information.

“An interdimensional bridge…” His grip on the obelisk tightened.

The ability to breach the universal barrier, it wasn’t teleportation. It wasn’t a mere wormhole generator. This was something far greater. A bridge between two realities.

He ran his fingers along the obelisk’s surface. Unlike the last time he analyzed it, the structural integrity now seemed flawless, as if the damage it had sustained before had never existed. He felt an odd pull from the artifact, an almost instinctive urge to activate it.

Testing his control, Arthur willed the obelisk to shift.

Instantly, the fist-sized object expanded, growing in his hands. In a smooth, fluid motion, the obelisk stretched until it was nearly three meters tall, its inscriptions glowing faintly with an eerie, silver-blue hue.

Arthur’s expression remained calm, though inwardly, he was intrigued. He asked the guardian, “If it can breach the barrier between universes… then where does it lead to?”

[Commander, the destination is entirely random, but the obelisk has the capability to save the universal coordinates to facilitate safe return and journey between two universes.] the guardian replied hearing Arthur’s question.

Arthur nodded hearing that, if it was so then he will be able to go to a different dimension and won’t have to worry about returning to this universe.

For now, he retracted the obelisk, watching as it smoothly condensed back into its smaller form, once again resting in his palm like a mere trinket. The implications of its capabilities were vast.

“I’ll need to test it under controlled conditions… somewhere secure.”

He exhaled and placed the obelisk back into his dimensional storage. 

***

——————————: END OF BOOK I :——————————

Free patreon members gets to read 2 chapters ahead!

You can join my discord channel to discuss my novel and find artwork of this novel!!

.gg/PmkQsrAdMY

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep