The next morning, the submersion platform of the Abyssal Observation Station once again activated those unsettling Rune Arrays.
Ron stood alone in the center of the platform, surrounded by meticulously prepared experimental equipment and material supplies.
Unlike last time, he did not request an escort from the exploration team.
"It’s just routine material collection and environmental surveying."
He replied to Miller and the others who volunteered: "I am quite familiar with the Fourth Layer’s environment, acting alone is more efficient."
Worry flashed in Miller’s single eye, as a seasoned explorer, he well understood the dangers of venturing alone into the Abyss:
"Wizard Ralph, even for routine tasks, the Fourth Layer of the Abyss is far from a safe place. Those environmental changes are random, and past experiences may not apply this time..."
"I understand your concern, Captain Miller."
Ron’s tone was gentle, but his stance was firm:
"But some experiments need to be conducted in an absolutely quiet environment, any external interference might affect the accuracy of the results."
He did not elaborate on the true reasons.
The meeting with Nari and those experiments involving forbidden fields were not suitable for outsiders.
Blake wanted to say something but was gently held back by Camilla.
As the most sensitive member of the team, the Female Witch read a kind of undeniable determination from Ron’s attitude.
"I appreciate everyone’s goodwill."
Ron finally said, "If I do encounter a situation that I cannot handle, I will immediately activate the emergency Summoning protocol."
Just as the atmosphere was at a stalemate, Uther’s Void Remains projection gradually solidified on the platform.
Silvery light rippled like waves, and the old professor’s voice carried an unquestionable authority:
"Everyone’s concerns are understandable, but Researcher Ralph’s decision also has its rationality."
The phantom’s gaze swept over everyone present:
"With his current strength and Abyss Adaptability, conducting Fourth Layer routine tasks alone indeed does not pose too much risk. Moreover..."
Uther’s tone became meaningful:
"Some research indeed requires special environments and privacy protection."
Upon hearing this, Miller and the others could only reluctantly accept the reality.
In the power hierarchy of the observation station, Professor Uther’s words were the highest rule.
"Then, I wish you all the best, Wizard Ralph."
Miller eventually expressed his blessing, though the worry in his eyes remained apparent:
"Please make sure to return on time, if you exceed the scheduled time..."
"I will be back on time." Ron nodded to them in acknowledgment.
As the platform activated, Ron began to descend into the depths of the Abyss.
But before he left, he asked Uther about a question that worried him:
"Professor, Maxim’s exploration team... how are they doing now?"
Uther’s phantom dimmed slightly, a deep worry showing in his silvery eyes:
"They have exceeded the scheduled return time by a full ten days."
The old professor’s voice became heavy:
"According to standard procedures, we have already dispatched three search and rescue teams.
But the complexity of the Sixth Layer ’Maze Domain’... the hope of finding them is very slim."
This news sank Ron’s heart.
Although Maxim suffered some serious Abyssal Contamination, he was also quite an experienced explorer.
Even a veteran like him encountering misfortune in the Abyss...
"Even experienced explorers, when faced with the terrifying environment starting from the Abyss Sixth Layer, are only slightly stronger than novices."
Uther seemed to see through his thoughts:
"This is the harsh reality of Abyss exploration, no matter how careful one is, no matter how rich the experience, death can descend at any time."
Ron nodded silently, gaining a deeper understanding of such dangers in his heart.
Then, he remembered something else that had always been on his mind:
Those erased by the ’Land of Oblivion’—Trish, Corina, and others whose names couldn’t even be recalled.
"If I hadn’t met Nari..."
He pondered another possibility privately in his heart:
"Facing the Abyss’s curse and dangerous environment, I would probably have to tread cautiously and avoid it at all costs."
Just like before meeting Nari, using the Stand-In Puppet for exploration on the Fifth Layer.
The various twisted monsters encountered while traveling alone, and various bizarre active environments were almost exhausting step by step.
Meeting Nari and establishing a maternal connection with her was indeed his greatest fortune.
With the protection of this "mother," he could navigate the Abyss more smoothly and even see it as a treasure trove of power.
But for other ordinary explorers, the Abyss is always a terrifying dark pit that devours life.
"Once I advance to Historian..."
Ron secretly planned in his heart:
"I can start trying to analyze and track Trish’s condition, even if by then she may have been devoured by the ’Land of Oblivion,’ at least confirm her final fate."
This is not only in memory of old companions but also a testament to that part of his humanity.
During the descent, Ron could observe the complex internal structure of the observation station slowly rising beside him through the transparent Shield of the platform.
Those giant biological pipeline systems are not only part of the structure but also the core of the entire Abyssal Materials processing flow.
The daily operation of the Abyssal Observation Station is far more complex and busy than outsiders might imagine.
Apart from those eye-catching Abyss exploration and research projects, most staff members’ time is actually devoted to relatively tedious foundational work.