Chapter 38: The Abyss of the Labyrinth
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Time: Three days later
Location: Shen Group Global Command Center
The data copy from the Tokyo branch has been completed, yet this victory brings not peace, but a more intricate web of mysteries. Although the Abyss Consortium’s core plan has suffered a heavy blow, they retain the strength to retaliate and could launch their next attack at any moment.
Inside the command hall, Zhao Ming’s face is pale, his eyes bloodshot. He has been working for three consecutive days to analyze the data retrieved from the Tokyo branch.
"Yunchuan, we have finally located their next critical node." Zhao Ming projects a complex data map onto the holographic screen, where red light points flicker.
"According to the analysis, the Abyss Consortium has a hidden relay node in the Maldives, in the Indian Ocean. They have built a high-performance server cluster there, serving as a hub for global data infiltration and reverse transmission."
Shen Qingwan looks at the map and says softly, "The Maldives? That’s a tourist destination. Who would have thought a node so critical would be hidden there?"
Xu Yunchuan’s gaze is sharp, his voice cold: "This node may be the Abyss Consortium’s final line of defense. If we destroy it, their technical offensive will be completely dismantled."
Zhao Ming nods: "But they will never let us approach it easily. According to satellite surveillance, there is a large armed force stationed there, along with complex electronic defense systems."
"There is no retreat; we must act," Xu Yunchuan says in a low voice.
---
Departing for the Maldives
Under the cover of night, a private transport plane cuts through the clouds, flying toward the Maldives in the heart of the Indian Ocean. The starry sky is brilliant, and the sea is calm, yet beneath this tranquility lies a lethal intent.
Inside the cabin, Shen Qingwan examines the satellite map of the target area: "According to satellite imaging, they have built an underground data center on a remote island. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary holiday resort."
Zhao Ming’s voice comes through the headset: "The island is under the complete control of the Abyss Consortium. They are using the resort as a cover, and all movement is strictly monitored. You must proceed with caution."
Xu Yunchuan nods: "Zhao Ming, you are responsible for remote technical support. Ensure our actions go undetected."
"Understood. I will monitor everything happening on the island," Zhao Ming responds.
---
Infiltrating the Resort
At dawn, the transport plane lands slowly on the ocean five kilometers away from the target island. A small speedboat approaches the shore, and Xu Yunchuan, Shen Qingwan, and members of the special task force, wearing diving gear, quietly ascend the beach under the cover of night.
"Zhao Ming, we have reached the island," Xu Yunchuan whispers.
"The island’s surveillance system has been briefly jammed. You have twenty minutes to enter the underground data center."
The group quickly moves through the rear of the resort, avoiding patrol guards, and arrives at an alloy door hidden deep within the jungle.
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"This is the entrance," Shen Qingwan whispers.
Zhao Ming’s voice comes through: "I am unlocking the electronic lock now. Please wait... Alright, the door is open."
The alloy door slowly slides open, revealing a deep, dark passage leading underground.
---
The Underground Data Center
The underground passage is dimly lit, with moisture condensing on the walls and the air filled with the scent of metal and coolant.
At the end of the corridor lies a massive underground data center. Hundreds of servers emit a faint blue glow, and the cooling fans hum, resembling a forest of steel.
Zhao Ming’s voice comes through the headset: "Yunchuan, this is their data core. I have connected to the main console and am attempting to copy all the data."
Shen Qingwan stares intently at the server screen and asks in a low voice: "Zhao Ming, how much longer?"
"At least ten minutes," Zhao Ming’s voice carries a hint of urgency.
However, at that very moment, an alarm suddenly blares, and jarring red warning lights flash throughout the hall.
"Warning! External intrusion detected! Seal all exits immediately!"
"They’ve found us!" Shen Qingwan draws her pistol and quickly finds cover.
---
Battle Erupts
A large number of armed soldiers rush in from both sides of the corridor, and gunfire erupts instantly within the data center.
"Zhao Ming, hurry up!" Xu Yunchuan shouts while firing back.
"I’m doing everything I can! Give me five more minutes!"
The enemy pours into the data center in endless waves, their firepower intense, with bullets whistling through the air.
"Shen Qingwan, cover Zhao Ming’s connection equipment! The data copy cannot be interrupted!" Xu Yunchuan orders.
Shen Qingwan quickly covers the main console; an enemy bullet grazes her shoulder, blood seeping out, but she stands her ground.
Zhao Ming’s voice is tense: "One more minute! Hold on!"
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Data Copy Complete
The progress bar on the screen finally reaches the end, and the system prompt sounds: "Data copy complete."
"We did it!" Zhao Ming shouts through the headset.
"Everyone, evacuate!" Xu Yunchuan yells.
The task force retreats rapidly, with the enemy in hot pursuit; gunfire intertwines, and sparks fly.
At the end of the corridor, a steel gate slowly closes, blocking the enemy outside.
The group moves through the passage and returns to the beach, where the small speedboat is already waiting on the water.
---
Return to Headquarters
The private jet flies away from the Maldives, but the atmosphere inside the cabin remains tense.
Zhao Ming’s voice comes through the headset: "Yunchuan, we have copied the core control code of the Abyss Consortium, along with the locations of their multiple hidden nodes across the globe."
Shen Qingwan exhales softly: "This time, we have finally grasped their Achilles' heel."
Xu Yunchuan leans back in his seat, his gaze profound: "Zhao Ming, begin the data analysis immediately. Find the final command node of the Abyss Consortium. We will draw this war to a close at the very heart of their operations."
---
The Calm Before the Storm
The plane streaks across the night sky, and the distant dawn gradually rises on the horizon.
Zhao Ming’s voice comes through the headset, firm and steady: "Yunchuan, I think we are not far from the end."
Xu Yunchuan nods, his eyes resolute: "Prepare for the final battle."
---
The core data of the Abyss Consortium is now in hand, and the ultimate showdown of the global energy war is imminent. The center of the storm is gradually emerging from the depths.