Inside the core laboratory, the energy confinement field emitted a low hum.
The imprisoned alpha sample floated on the central analysis platform, its dark blue shell revealing a complex internal structure under the illumination of various scanning rays.
Osiris' massive mechanical body stood like a sculpture in front of the platform, with dozens of sophisticated mechanical tentacles extending from his back, like a self-aware surgeon, performing non-destructive layer-by-layer analysis of the sample with micron-level precision.
Data flows like a waterfall at the edge of his main optical lens, constructing the complex system inside Alpha, which far surpasses that of ordinary organisms and is interwoven with biological tissues and metal neural networks.
"An unusually stable quantum resonance signal has been detected." Osiris' synthesized voice murmured to himself in the silent laboratory, with a hint of focused intent as he discovered his prey.
His analysis focused on a tiny node at the core of the alpha neural cluster, where a unique energy signature continuously emanated.
Almost simultaneously, in the isolation zone on the other side of the laboratory, the monitoring readings on the surface of the dimensional container that contained Omega also showed synchronous and perfectly corresponding fluctuations.
"Correlation confirmed." Osiris' mechanical tentacles paused for a fraction of a second, then began to operate at an even faster speed: "Alpha individuals are not independent units; they are extensions of Omega consciousness, its 'tentacles' in the spacetime continuum."
Further in-depth analysis revealed even deeper mysteries.
There is an extremely powerful quantum entanglement between Alpha and Omega. This entanglement is not a simple transmission of information, but involves the spacetime structure itself.
The death of Alpha, especially the release of its core energy blood, will send an irreversible "reset signal" to Omega through this entangled link, strong enough to disrupt the local time structure.
"It's not about actively manipulating time," Osiris corrected his initial conjecture, his core logic working at high speed with excitement, "but rather about using some underlying rule of the universe itself to trigger a pre-set 'rollback' mechanism."
Omega is the anchor, Alpha is the trigger, and Cage... is the 'coordinate' that was accidentally bound to it.
He was amazed by the efficiency of this mechanism.
With relatively little energy consumption, local time resets on a planetary scale can be achieved through sophisticated quantum correlations.
This is far more elegant and powerful than any dimensional technology or physical theory he knows...
A pure, yearning desire to explore the unknown and mysterious burned within Osiris' computational matrix.
He no longer sees Omega and Alpha merely as precious experimental samples, but as keys to unlocking deeper cosmic laws.
Understand it, analyze it, and ultimately... master it.
"Time…" his synthesized voice whispered with an almost pious tone, "is no longer an insurmountable river, but a set of editable parameters."
More mechanical tentacles joined the analysis, scanning the alpha sample at the molecular level in an attempt to reproduce the way it produced that special quantum phenomenon.
Indirect observations of the Omega within the dimensional container are also being conducted simultaneously to analyze the principle by which it serves as an "anchor point" to maintain the stability of the time cycle.
The laboratory lights stayed on all night as Osiris was engrossed in a fervent deconstruction of the nature of space and time.
What Maine's team brought back was not just two powerful alien samples, but also an opportunity that could overturn existing knowledge and open up a whole new realm of power.
And all of this is just the beginning.
——
Maine stood in the reporting area of Osiris' laboratory and uploaded a detailed task report data panel through the interface.
The report objectively records the entire operation process in the dimension codenamed "Edge of Tomorrow", detailed data on the time loop phenomenon encountered, interactions with key local individuals (Cage, Rita), and the process of successfully capturing Alpha and Omega.
The study also focused on analyzing the tactical advantages and potential risks brought about by the time loop mechanism, as well as the performance and growth of squad members during multiple resets.
"Experience has shown," Maine's synthesized voice added, "that such environments involving higher-order spacetime rules present both enormous challenges and unique opportunities."
Thorough prior reconnaissance, flexible use of environmental characteristics, and cooperation from key local forces are crucial factors for mission success.
Osiris received and quickly processed the report, the crimson optical lens flickering slightly.
"The results of this exploration far exceeded expectations." His synthesized voice carried a clear affirmation. "Not only did we successfully recover high-value samples, but more importantly, we confirmed the existence of dimensional domains that can directly interfere with the continuity of spacetime."
This opens up entirely new directions for our research, demonstrating that in the multiverse, there may exist more fundamental manifestations of physical rules that we have yet to understand.
His research on the Omega-Alpha Time Reset System has only just begun, but its potential has already shown him countless possibilities.
From the tactical use of time to the strategic understanding of spacetime structure, and even a deeper understanding of the nature of the universe, this door has been opened a crack.
"We cannot be satisfied with discoveries from a single dimension." Osiris' mechanical body turned to Sekhmet, who was standing to the side.
Tech Priestess Sekhmet immediately stepped forward, the data stream flashing at the edge of her eyepiece, indicating that she was ready to go.
"Sekhmet," Osiris instructed, "Based on the successful experience of this exploration and the new data obtained, recalibrate the dimensional coordinate filtering algorithm."
The priority has been adjusted to: searching for dimensions that may contain similar higher-order physical phenomena or unique technological approaches.
Target characteristics include, but are not limited to: anomalous spatiotemporal readings, atypical energy signatures, and signs of a civilization with potentially highly advanced or drastically different technology trees.
"As you wish, Magos." Sekhmet bowed and accepted the order, her voice cold and efficient. "I will immediately integrate the 'Edge of Tomorrow' dimensional data and optimize the exploration parameters."
Preliminary scans have identified several potential coordinates, whose energy characteristics exhibit fluctuations under non-standard models.
Maine listened quietly.
He knew that the end of one mission meant the beginning of the next.
The time loop experience the team just went through not only enhanced their combat capabilities but also broadened their understanding of the possibilities of the "mission".
Osiris finally looked at Maine: "Keep your team on standby and make full use of the rewards to strengthen them. The next exploration target may be even more... unconventional."
"Understood," Maine replied simply, then turned and left the laboratory.
Sekhmet has begun accessing star map data; countless points of light twinkle against the virtual cosmic background, each potentially representing a new world full of unknowns and opportunities.
For Osiris, Omega research is the current focus, but the exploration of endless dimensions will never stop.
New coordinates are being calculated, new doors are about to open, and Maine's squad, a blade that has been honed to an even sharper edge, will continue to cut through the fog ahead for him.