"Erosion level... 0.01%?"
The technician repeatedly confirmed the test results, seemingly unable to believe his eyes:
"Are you sure you’ve been working at the observation station for a full three days?"
"Yes, is there a problem?" Ron calmly inquired.
"No problem, it’s just..."
The technician looked at the test results of the others, his tone filled with disbelief:
"Typically, newcomers working at the observation station for three days usually have an erosion level of about 0.05%. Cases like yours, with almost no change, I’ve only seen twice in my thirty-year career."
This result caused a small stir within the research group.
The colleagues looked at Ron with more complex expressions, full of envy, confusion, and that indescribable unease.
"Truly an enviable constitution."
Mary’s tone was tinged with bitterness; her erosion level had already reached 12.3%, getting closer to the mandatory treatment warning line:
"Some people are naturally resistant to the Abyss, while others... can only watch helplessly as they are gradually transformed."
Martin nodded in agreement; his keratinized fingers had gained a few more marks, evidently with worsening erosion:
"That’s the reality. In this place, talent is more important than effort."
Facing his colleagues’ mixed emotions, Ron maintained surface calm, but in his heart, he pondered deeper questions.
His resistance to erosion was indeed extraordinary.
This might be related to his identity as a Primordial Wizard, or it could be the additional protection brought by multiple traits.
But such "distinctiveness" also meant greater risk.
In an environment where everyone was enduring suffering, an overly prominent "lucky one" often becomes a target of intense attention.
......
Five days later in the morning, Wayne called Ron to the office.
"Researcher Ralph, your performance has left a deep impression on me."
This experienced supervisor sat behind the desk, the petrified half of his face appearing particularly eerie in the shadows:
"It’s not just your analytical skills, more importantly, it’s your resistance to Abyssal erosion. This suggests a possibility to me."
Ron maintained a cautious stance: "Are you referring to...?"
"Field sampling."
Wayne took out a detailed mission report:
"We plan to organize a short-term sampling operation on the second layer of the Abyss, targeting the Bloody Shallow area for new biological samples. This mission requires a researcher with high resistance to erosion, and you are the most suitable candidate."
He handed the report to Ron:
"Of course, this is a voluntary task. Although Abyssal sampling is dangerous, it’s also the only way to obtain firsthand information. For a scholar aspiring to Abyss research, this is a rare opportunity."
Ron took the report and quickly browsed through its detailed contents.
The Bloody Shallow is a special region on the second layer of the Abyss, known for its unstable spatial structure and rich biodiversity.
It is home to many rare Abyssal creatures and simultaneously a high-danger erosion area.
"How is the sampling team composed?" Ron asked.
"Three researchers, two exploration team guards, and an automatic alert golem."
Wayne elaborated:
"The researchers will handle sample collection and preliminary analysis, the guards will ensure safety, and the golem will handle environmental monitoring and warnings. The entire journey is expected to last 7 hours, with at least 5 hours spent in the Abyssal environment."
This was indeed a rare opportunity.
Not only would it enable the acquisition of valuable research material, but more importantly, it allowed for onsite observation of the Abyss environment, providing firsthand data for all his research.
Moreover, it was also the perfect opportunity for him to arrange for the "Stand-In Puppet" to enter the Abyss.
"I accept this mission." Ron responded without hesitation.
Wayne nodded with satisfaction:
"Very well. You have two days to prepare, and I’ll send you the specific equipment list and precautions. Remember, this is your first Abyssal expedition, and safety must be the priority."
......
In the morning, inside the equipment room at the observation station, a small sampling team was conducting the final preparations.
Ron wore a specially designed Abyss protection suit, made of multi-layer composite materials that effectively block most erosive substances.
The inner layer of the protective suit was soft "Purification Fiber," capable of neutralizing low-intensity Abyssal energy.
The middle layer was a tough "Barrier Fabric," capable of resisting physical attacks and corrosive liquids.
The outermost layer was a shimmering "Reflective Coating," specifically designed to counter certain Abyssal creatures with optical attack capabilities.
"Check the breathing system."
The team leader Miller, a Silver Ring Level explorer, had a fully mechanized left arm, gleaming with a metallic luster:
"At the Bloody Shallow, the concentration of erosive particles in the air is dozens of times higher than on the surface. Without a perfect filtration system, Ordinary People would suffer lung decay after breathing there for ten minutes."
Ron checked the mask’s sealing, ensuring the filtration device was functioning properly.
The interior display of the mask provided real-time environmental parameters, including oxygen concentration, toxin content, erosion level, and more.
"Sample collection equipment."
Another researcher, Alice, was responsible for this introduction.
She appeared to be in her thirties but had a half-transparent body, with internal organs vaguely visible:
"These are specially designed collection containers, capable of maintaining sample vitality and stability. Each container is for one-time use only, so they must be used sparingly."
The third researcher, Falko, was responsible for checking the analysis equipment.