After Professor Arche finished recounting his experiences within Hollow Zero, he noticed that Sam Li and the Adepti did not seem particularly concerned about the dangers he had described. Instead, each of them wore an expression of quiet confidence.

After a brief silence, Professor Arche spoke slowly. "No matter where you come from or what power you possess, do not underestimate Hollow Zero… The origin of every void disaster—of every calamity in this world—lies in humanity's disregard for the unknown."

Hearing this, Moon Carver smiled. "Next time we enter Hollow Zero, do not stop this immortal. I want to see its core with my own eyes."

During their last expedition into Hollow Zero, they had been accompanied by Keqing, the Section Six agents, and the Proxy. To prevent them from succumbing to Ether corruption, the operation had to be called off.

Next time, however, he was determined to explore its depths and uncover the truth for himself.

Beside him, Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper nodded in agreement, clearly supporting Moon Carver's resolve.

Cloud Retainer said calmly, "To underestimate the unknown is folly, yet to fear it excessively is cowardice. When this immortal next descends, I shall see the truth with my own eyes."

Mountain Shaper turned to the New Eridu Public Security Director. "When will the next operation against Hollow Zero begin?"

The Director looked a bit uneasy. "The plans for the next operation will be decided by Miss Keqing..."

However, based on previous discussions with Keqing, the second Hollow Zero campaign would not be far off.

Furthermore, after deliberations between the New Eridu Public Security Director, the H.A.N.D. Headquarters Chief, and the Defense Force Commander, the next operation was expected to be a large-scale one—

with Sam Li and the Adepti serving as the vanguard, plunging deep into Hollow Zero's heart.

The Defense Force, Aerial Division operatives, and members of the Hollow Investigation Association would follow close behind, working together to contain and suppress the void.

But for now, nothing had been finalized.

Before the second campaign could begin, a strategy meeting would be held at the [Hollow Zero Operations Department], with Keqing and the Adepti representing Liyue, and the directors and officers representing New Eridu.

...

Just then, Professor Arche's holographic form began to flicker, his virtual projection growing increasingly unstable.

A nearby researcher rushed forward. "Directors, due to partial data loss, Professor Arche's data state is unstable. Maintaining his [awake state] for too long will put excessive strain on the system..."

The Director turned to the Adepti, then faced Professor Arche. "Professor Arche, please rest for now. Once your data is fully restored, we will awaken you again."

At his signal, the researcher at the console disconnected the projection, allowing Professor Arche's image to fade back into dormancy.

The Director then said firmly, "Make it a priority to create an intelligent body capable of sustaining life for Professor Arche."

At that, one of the researchers sighed helplessly. "Director, the technology for creating advanced synthetic bodies has long been lost… The new techniques developed so far require extremely rare materials—and we haven't found any suitable ones yet."

In short, with current technology, they could only build artificial bodies on par with Bangboo units—nowhere near capable of containing human life data.

It was, undeniably, a major challenge for New Eridu.

However, Cloud Retainer seemed intrigued. "Oh? What sort of materials do you require? This immortal happens to have some leftover scraps from crafting mechanisms. Perhaps they might be of use?"

The researcher was momentarily speechless.

Scraps? Did she think the most advanced laboratory in New Eridu was a scrapyard?

Still, seeing the Director's serious expression, the researcher exhaled and said respectfully, "Please, Immortal—let us see the material."

With a wave of her hand, Cloud Retainer produced a palm-sized metallic fragment. It was indeed leftover from crafting mechanical constructs, with visible cutting marks along the edges.

The researcher carefully accepted it.

The instant it touched his hand, his expression changed dramatically.

It was heavy—astonishingly heavy. Though no larger than a palm, it felt almost as if it were made of solid starstone, nearly slipping from his grasp before he steadied it.

Its density far exceeded that of any known metal.

Cloud Retainer said evenly, "Examine it at your leisure. This immortal has other matters to attend to. If this material proves useful, be sure to inform me."

The researcher quickly nodded. "Understood. I'll notify you immediately after testing, my—"

Cloud Retainer interrupted gently, "This immortal is no mortal official. There is no need to address me as 'Lord.'"

With that, she turned and departed the Public Security Bureau alongside Sam Li, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Xiao.

After they left the building, Mountain Shaper mused aloud, "What exactly is the 'Sunlight and Starlight Gem' that Professor Arche mentioned?"

Cloud Retainer replied solemnly, "We shall know once we reach the heart of Hollow Zero."

With that, they boarded the patrol car driven by Zhu Yuan and Qingyi and set off toward the [Hollow Zero Operations Department].

...

After the Adepti's departure, the researchers in the Bureau placed the fragment left by Cloud Retainer into the analyzer.

A few minutes later, the results appeared.

The researcher stared at the screen in disbelief. "There's actually a material like this in the world..."

Snapping out of his astonishment, he rushed out of the lab—only to realize the Adepti were already long gone.

He immediately sought out the Director, his voice brimming with excitement. "Director! This material exhibits extraordinary conductivity—hundreds, even thousands of times greater than any known element! With enough of it, we could reconstruct Professor Arche's intelligent body in no time!"

However...

Artifacts belonging to the Adepti are not so easily obtained.

The Director pondered briefly, then said, "Begin your preparations. As for the materials we lack, I'll ask the Adepti for help."

Just then, the phone on her desk began to ring.

She picked it up—and her expression immediately shifted. "What? A Class A or higher Hollow disaster in the Kris District? Wait... that location is—the Bangboo Maintenance Headquarters—"

Judging by the timing, the batch of Bangboo from Bangboo Town hadn't yet been repaired.

That meant the Bangboo units—and Azhdaha—were still at the Maintenance Headquarters.

Upon receiving the report, the Director wasted no time. She immediately called the [Hollow Zero Operations Department] to inform Keqing of the situation.

Moments later, Keqing relayed the message to Sam Li and the Adepti.