Every day, a large amount of abyssal materials is transported to the observation station in various ways:
Samples brought back by exploration teams, harvests from automated collection devices, and even particles filtered from abyssal air currents...
Most of these raw materials contain chaotic abyssal energy and cannot be used directly.
They need to be subjected to complex purification and optimization processes to be transformed into valuable research resources or trade goods.
"Detoxification of abyssal blood algae... Energy stabilization of soul stone fragments... Morphological correction of twisted metal..."
Ron recalled the assembly line operations he had observed:
"Almost every kind of abyssal material requires a dedicated processing procedure."
In the mid-level area of the observation station, there is a vast set of material processing facilities.
These facilities are mostly a fusion of biomechanical devices, bizarre in appearance but powerful in function.
Take the "flesh filter" for example.
A filtering device transformed from a massive organ, capable of extracting pure energy essence from the murky abyssal liquid.
The heart of this device must beat tens of thousands of times a day to power the entire filtration system.
Operators must regularly check the heart’s health status and perform "surgical" maintenance if necessary.
There is also the "neural network analyzer," an analysis device woven from the nerve fibers of countless abyssal creatures.
It can identify the intrinsic traits of various abyssal materials, automatically categorizing them and recommending the most suitable processing scheme.
But this device is extremely sensitive, requiring absolute mental tranquility during operation; any emotional fluctuation could lead to deviations in analysis results.
The "rune engraver" is one of the most precise devices at the observation station.
It uses living tentacles as carving tools, capable of inscribing incredibly complex rune patterns on the surface of various materials.
Each tentacle possesses an independent perception ability, able to adjust carving depth and angle in real time according to the material’s traits.
However, the maintenance cost of this device is extremely high, as those tentacles need to be fed special nutrient solutions regularly, and they have a short lifespan, requiring replacement every three months or so.
The daily work of most researchers involves using these peculiar devices to process materials.
Apart from researching some mutated materials, their daily routine consists of repeating monotonous yet highly skilled operations.
Each person must be thoroughly familiar with the equipment they are responsible for, understanding their "temperaments" and "preferences."
Because these biomechanical fusions often exhibit some sort of emotion-like response patterns.
Ron observed this mode of operation, gradually forming some ideas in his mind:
"If these processing devices could be further automated..."
He began contemplating improvement plans in his mind:
"Using more advanced intelligent control systems to reduce dependence on manual operation, improving processing efficiency and product quality..."
But he also knew that, with his current technical level, such a vision was still far from achievable.
This level of automation transformation would require deep integration of artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and rune magic, among other cutting-edge fields.
Even the level of an ancient alchemist might not be able to accomplish it easily.
"Perhaps once I advance to ancient alchemist, I can consider research in this direction."
He recorded this idea in the Library of Consciousness:
"An automated abyssal material processing system could not only greatly enhance the operation efficiency of the observation station but also reduce the professional risks faced by the staff."
After all, long-term exposure to abyssal materials, even with protective measures, could potentially impact physical and mental health.
Reducing the need for direct contact would undoubtedly make the entire system safer and more sustainable.
The platform descended, passing through the Bloody Shallow of the first layer and the Bubble Area of the second layer.
These familiar sights gave Ron a peculiar sense of belonging.
For him, the abyss was no longer purely a place of danger but another "home."
The Black Sand Wilderness on the third floor remained as eerie as he remembered, the bone sand making subtle rustling sounds in the breeze.
But Ron had fully adapted to this environment, even able to keenly sense the pull from deeper within.
It wasn’t a malicious drag but a gentle guidance, like a mother extending her embrace.
"This is certainly unusual..." Uther noticed the unusual energy fluctuation:
"The special connection you’ve established with certain existence in the abyss seems to be closer than I imagined. Such a guiding energy field is not naturally formed."
Ron nodded, not denying this obvious fact:
"Indeed, but this connection is beneficial to me, you don’t need to worry."
"I hope so." The professor’s phantom flickered, expressing complex emotions:
"Remember, child, any relationship in the abyss is dangerous.
Even seemingly friendly existences could change face in an instant. Stay vigilant, always prepare for the worst."
As the platform reached the fourth layer, that sense of pull became even stronger.
The distorted silhouettes of the Flesh and Blood Forest appeared in the distance, the familiar scent of decay and sweetness beginning to permeate the air.
"Not much longer now, and I’ll see Mom..."
Ron gently stroked the magic sword on his chest, feeling the warm response from within.
This journey into the abyss would be a crucial step towards a higher level for him.
Whether it’s the breakthrough in bloodline modulation, the activation of the magic sword’s form, or those bold fusion experiments...
All the preparation work is ready; now it just needs Nari’s support and the catalyst of the abyssal environment.