Early the next morning, as the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouded Crystal Tower, Ron was already packed and ready.
He didn’t bring many personal belongings since the Abyssal Observation Station had extremely strict security protocols, prohibiting any items that might carry contamination.
"Are you ready?"
Reynolds’s voice came from outside the door, ten minutes earlier than the appointed time.
As a senior member of the observation station, he fully understood the importance of punctuality.
In that place, any form of negligence could lead to disastrous consequences.
"Of course."
Ron checked the room one last time to ensure no important items were left behind.
Ailan and Dale would remain here to guard his private research findings.
"Ink" was still in recovery from the last energy conflict, also unsuitable for the hazardous environment of the observation station.
The two walked in silence, taking a dedicated flying vehicle to the observation station.
Unlike ordinary vehicles, this mode of transport employed multiple protective designs.
Not only did it have a regular magic barrier, but it was also equipped with an Abyssal contamination detection system and an emergency purification device.
The air inside the vehicle had been specially filtered to ensure no "scent" of the Abyss seeped in.
Through specially crafted observation windows, Ron saw the Abyssal Observation Station standing on the horizon.
It was a uniquely styled complex, with the main structure twisted into a spiral shape resembling a giant shell or some deep-sea creature’s exterior.
The Abyssal Observation Station wasn’t the steel fortress he imagined but an organic architecture that seemed to have grown from the Abyss itself.
The entire complex had an irregular wormlike structure, its surface covered with a faintly pulsing translucent substance.
Those "walls" would slowly reshape according to internal magic fluctuations, like the breathing of a giant creature.
"Is this... a living building?"
Ron couldn’t hide his shock and activated the "Extraordinary Recognition" skill to observe closely.
In his special vision, the entire observation station seemed like a massive living entity.
Countless energy circuits flowed like blood vessels within the "walls," transmitting various information and nutrients.
"Indeed, this is the third-generation observation station, using ’symbiotic building’ technology."
Reynolds explained, his tone carrying a hint of pride:
"The building itself is a gigantic Abyssal creature, specially modulated to establish a symbiotic relationship with humans. It can self-repair, self-defend, and even possess a certain level of cognitive ability."
He pointed to the gently undulating textures on the building’s surface:
"These ’textures’ can sense the presence of any intruders. Once an unauthorized entry is detected, the entire building would transform into a massive trap."
As they followed Reynolds towards the entrance, Ron noticed that the ground wasn’t made of conventional stone slabs or metal but some kind of slightly elastic biological material.
Each step elicited a slight response from the ground, as if treading on the skin of a gigantic creature.
More unsettling was that this ground seemed capable of "remembering" the characteristics of whoever stepped on it.
When the same person walked over again, the ground would automatically adjust its hardness and texture to provide a more comfortable walking experience.
The building’s surface was densely covered with runes and detection devices, constantly flashing warning lights of various colors.
The most striking feature was the building’s top, a massive crystal dome with something constantly shifting within.
"That’s the ’Eye of the Abyss,’" Reynolds noticed Ron’s gaze and explained:
"One of the station’s core devices, capable of real-time monitoring of energy fluctuations across the Abyss’s layers.
Upon detecting any anomaly, the entire observation station would enter the highest alert state."
As the vehicle approached, Ron began feeling a subtle discomfort.
The air seemed filled with an indescribable "scent."
Not sensed through smell, but a feeling that acted directly upon the depths of the soul.
The sensation was akin to standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing there’s an abyss below, yet unable to resist the urge to peer down.
"This is the Abyss’s ’call.’ Most of the core units of the observation station are extended into the Abyss," Reynolds’s voice turned somber:
"Even with heavy defenses, the Abyss’s influence can still seep through.
What you’re feeling now is just the faintest trace. The real Abyssal environment is a thousand times more terrifying than this."
The vehicle landed on the observation station’s peripheral landing platform.
Ron noticed that even this seemingly ordinary platform was brimming with various detection and defense equipment.
Dozens of detectors of various sizes were scanning every visitor, the blue beams invoking a discomfort akin to being scrutinized.
"Are you ready?"
Reynolds’s tone was far more serious than usual, his eyes reflecting an uncommon gravity:
"Once inside the observation station, everything will change. It’s not the academic Ivory Tower of the Crystal Tower but a real battlefield front line."
Ron nodded, silently checking the assortment of prepared items in his spatial bag.
Emergency Potions, Protective Runes, Communication Crystals, and the most important of all—the silver Pocket Watch resting quietly against his chest.
"Welcome to the Abyssal Observation Station."
A female receptionist in a dark blue uniform approached.
Her left eye had been replaced by some mechanical device, glinting with a cold red light.