Chapter 611: Avatar
Ryo (the second avatar) silently processed all the information.
Gaia planets, neural connections, collective consciousness—in the Warhammer universe, such concepts were often associated with dangerous Warp entities or xenos corruption.
However, the preliminary data provided by Maine's squad ruled out obvious Chaos corruption or hostile intent.
This planet displayed a natural, albeit extremely unique, ecological form.
He did not make an immediate decision.
His massive data-processing core extracted and packaged the key points of the report, transmitting them instantly through the mind-link that transcended physical distance to his main body on Necromunda.
Deep within Necromunda, where the primary allocation of processing power was occupied by gene-seed cultivation data and STC analysis projects, Ryo's main body synchronously received the report.
High-definition visual feeds and data streams from Maine's squad unspooled within his logic core.
The bioluminescent forests, the soaring Ikran, and the distinct neural connection network rapidly matched a cultural fragment from his memories before his transmigrations.
Avatar. Pandora.
This realization instantly raised the strategic evaluation rank of this dimension.
Not because of its potential military value, but due to its unique ecological research value.
A living global consciousness, "Eywa," connected via a biological neural network, could offer game-changing insights for his ongoing Creation Particle research, bio-mechanical interface optimizations, and even his fundamental understanding of life itself.
Almost at the exact moment he identified it, the main body's decision was transmitted back through the mind-link: Approval granted for deep exploration.
Permission was granted for the EVA pilots to accompany the team.
However, a strict limitation was attached: No EVA-Titan units are to be brought along.
The value of this dimension lay in its intact ecosystem and biological network; any heavy equipment capable of causing large-scale environmental damage or provoking the hostility of the planetary consciousness had to be excluded.
The primary principle for the expedition team was to be research, observation, and non-intrusive contact.
At the same time, the main body flagged potential risks: according to memory fragments, the planet harbored an intelligent indigenous species known as the Na'vi, as well as possible human outposts (depending on the timeline).
Contact had to be approached with caution to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
The directive was transmitted clearly back to the second avatar.
Ryo (the second avatar) immediately contacted the EVA trio—who were conducting routine maintenance in the hangar—and Maine's squad, who had just finished their reconnaissance mission and were resting, via the base's internal communication system.
"The dimensional exploration request submitted by Maine's squad has been approved," his synthesized voice resounded steadily through the communication channel. "Target: Dimension K-77c, Gaia Planet. Mission nature: deep exploration and scientific research. All members of Maine's squad, alongside pilots Shinji Ikari, Asuka, and Rei Ayanami, will participate in this operation."
He paused briefly to emphasize the restrictions: "Note: EVA-Titans are strictly forbidden on this operation. Pilots are permitted to participate only in their personal capacities."
"During the mission, non-destructive research protocols must be strictly observed, with priority placed on gathering data related to the planet's biological network and collective consciousness. Preparation time: twenty-four standard hours."
A brief silence fell over the channel before being broken by varied responses.
"Understood. Maine's squad will begin preparations immediately," Maine responded steadily.
"Acknowledged," came Rei Ayanami's habitually concise reply.
"Huh? We... we can't bring the EVAs?" Shinji's voice carried a trace of uncertainty and mild anxiety.
"What? We can't pilot our mechs?" Asuka's voice was full of surprise and slight dissatisfaction. "Then what are we going for? Sightseeing?"
"This is an order," Ryo (the second avatar) stated in a tone that left no room for debate. "The value of this dimension lies in its pristine ecology. The intervention of heavy equipment could trigger unpredictable consequences."
"Your mission is to observe, learn, and assist Maine's squad in exploration. This is another test of your adaptability and teamwork."
Without further explanation, he cut the transmission.
Despite their disappointment and slight confusion at not being able to pilot the EVAs, the news of leaving the dreary base for a brand-new world described as "full of life" still stirred waves in the hearts of the three young pilots.
For Asuka in particular, her curiosity about the unknown temporarily outweighed her frustration over not piloting her EVA.
The twenty-four-hour preparation window passed quickly amidst tight, orderly arrangements.
The distinct energetic hum of the dimensional teleporter gradually faded inside the Death World base's portal chamber.
The ghostly blue rift stabilized, revealing a starkly different vista on the other end—a vibrant alien rainforest shrouded in hazy light and shadow.
Ryo (the second avatar) stepped through the portal first, the heavy feet of his Tartaros pattern Terminator armor landing on the soft soil covered in thick humus with a dull thud.
The sensor array on his helmet engaged at full power, instantly displaying preliminary environmental telemetry on his HUD.
Atmospheric composition: Nitrogen-oxygen ratio suitable for human respiration, rich in water molecules and various organic volatile compounds, with a slightly sweet, organic scent.
Ambient temperature: 28°C; humidity: 85%.
Background radiation: Within safe parameters; anomalous, highly stable bio-electric background noise present, matching the collective consciousness field characteristics noted in Maine's report.
Ecological characteristics: High-density biological responses; flora universally exhibits bioluminescent properties.
Threat assessment: No obvious hostile targets or high-tech weapon signatures detected. Potential threats may originate from indigenous apex predators.
Maine's squad followed close behind.
Maine and Dorio stepped out first, scanning the surrounding environment alertly, their weapons held at the ready but not raised.
Rebecca bounded out, her eyes wide as she looked at the giant flora glowing with pale blue and purplish-pink lights, letting out a soft gasp of wonder.
Pilar and Falco skillfully began operating portable scanners, establishing temporary communication nodes and environmental monitoring baselines.
The last to emerge were the three EVA pilots.
All three were dressed in standard exploration suits issued by the base—lightweight, durable, and equipped with baseline environmental protection features.
Shinji stepped forward somewhat stiffly, his respirator over his nose and mouth emitting a rhythmic, soft hiss as it delivered filtered, properly proportioned gas into his lungs.
Through his helmet's reinforced visor, he looked curiously at this world so vastly different from the base's recycled air. A barely perceptible hint of nervousness showed in his eyes as he subconsciously checked his helmet's seal indicator.
Asuka held her chest high, also wearing her helmet. That did not stop her lake-blue eyes from shining brightly behind the visor, undisguisedly taking in this magnificent, fantastical world whose light was slightly distorted by the faceplate, her excitement plainly visible.
Rei Ayanami remained placid as ever, her red eyes quietly sweeping past the glowing forest and the small bioluminescent creatures fluttering through the air behind her visor, as if logging data through her faceplate.
They were situated in a relatively open clearing within the forest.
Tall, spiral-shaped exotic trees stretched straight into the sky, with countlessly glowing, fiber-optic-like tendrils hanging from their branches, illuminating the entire woodland like a dreamscape.
Dandelion-like glowing seeds drifted through the air, dancing slowly like tiny spirits, occasionally bumping into the explorers' helmet visors before sliding off. The long, distant calls of unknown creatures echoed from afar, adding to the sense of mystery shrouding this land.
Everyone knew clearly that without the filtration systems of their helmets, the planet's rich oxygen levels—far exceeding human tolerance limits—would quickly send them into a dangerous state of hyperoxia, rather than allowing them to stand and observe safely as they were doing now.