After the handover, everyone, under the guidance of Chief Bennett, arrived at a conference room.

But at the entrance to the conference room, Ryan Clark was stopped.

Chief Bennett looked Ryan Clark up and down, murmuring, “You really look like your dad.”

Upon hearing this, Ryan Clark simply stood there in silence, expressionlessly staring at Chief Bennett.

“Your personality is quite similar too, acting like you’re the center of the universe.”

So, is there some unresolved grudge here?

Logan Clark perked up his ears gossipingly from behind, though he didn’t actually need ears to listen anymore.

Chief Bennett walked over to the metal block again, sighing, “Your luck is just as good as his.”

After saying this, he waved at Ryan Clark, “It’s fine, go on in. If you ever need anything in the Abyss, you can come find me.”

Ryan Clark didn’t stand on ceremony either, turning and walking away.

“Not even taking the chance to build a connection—she really does have quite the personality.” Logan Clark also thought this girl was truly distinctive.

Inside the conference room, people gradually gathered. After welcoming everyone in, Chief Bennett walked to the head of the table, pulled out a chair, but didn’t sit down.

He first gave everyone a deep bow.

“First of all, thank you all for your contributions to clearing out the Totem Ghost camp.”

“The Seventh Monitoring Station is the one farthest from the main elevator, and the road here is the most difficult. Clearing away one more obstacle means fewer people will die in the future.”

“As the head of the Seventh Monitoring Station, it was my negligence not to notice the situation in time. I apologize to all of you.”

Chief Bennett bowed deeply again before slowly sitting down.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 5: The First Layer of the Abyss and Relic Hunters

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Chapter 5: The First Layer of the Abyss and Relic Hunters

“Once again, welcome to the Seventh Monitoring Station.”

Chief Bennett placed his hands together on the table, looking at the newcomers with satisfaction. “Let me introduce myself first. My surname is Liang, Eric Bennett—the ‘Zhi’ of intelligence. I am the current head of the Seventh Monitoring Station.”

On the conference table, an electronic screen popped up in front of each person. The newcomers picked up their screens.

As various data began to appear on the screens, Chief Bennett began his explanation:

“The Seventh Monitoring Station, as the name suggests, was originally established as the seventh station to monitor anomalies in the Abyss.”

“Later, as exploration of the Abyss deepened, the station also took on roles in research, hunter resupply, mission distribution, and communications. You can think of it as a small city.”

“You’ll need to gradually familiarize yourselves with the station’s affairs during your tasks. Everything is also on the electronic screens you’ve been given. If you have questions, you can ask the guides in the station, so I won’t go into more detail.”

“Next, let’s talk about the most important matter.”

Chief Bennett pushed up his glasses, his expression growing serious and his gaze sharp.

He took a deep breath, slowing his tone:

“Although I know you’ve probably heard this countless times before entering the Abyss, out of responsibility, I have to say it again.”

“You may have learned about the great catastrophe fifty years ago from many sources.”

“In the east of the Eurasian continent, now known as Dawn City, a massive hole appeared, its destination unknown, from which all sorts of Abyssal creatures and relics poured out.”

“Those Abyssal creatures and relics began invading all parts of the world, but in the end, humanity fought back and drove them back into the Abyss.”

“Yet the Abyss still exists, attracting people from all over the world to seek adventure. Those who come here to explore the Abyss are called ‘hunters’ by the world.”

“That’s also the origin of the characters on your nameplates. Of course, you’ve all seen the relic that makes the nameplates. Now, let me talk about the layer we’re currently on.”

“The First Layer of the Abyss—The Forest of Aberrations.”

“To this day, the Forest of Aberrations remains a key focus of research. As the largest layer of the Abyss, it’s filled with all kinds of strange Abyssal creatures and is the main source of invasions into the human world. There are also many treasures waiting for us to discover.”

“I won’t go on about the other layers, but as for the first layer, I do have some deeper insights.”

Chief Bennett paused, looking around at the group, his gaze sweeping over each young, hopeful face. His expression grew grave as he spoke, word by word:

“The Abyss is very dangerous, even just the first layer.”

“Every day, hunters die from all sorts of unexpected dangers.”

As he spoke, Chief Bennett’s eyes reddened, his expression full of sorrow.

“People flock to the treasures of the Abyss, but don’t forget its dangers. This is my heartfelt advice—please remember it.”

Logan Clark, while listening, glanced at the electronic screens the newcomers were operating, which described the various dangers of the first layer of the Abyss in detail.

Creatures beyond human imagination, unknown types of species.

Logan Clark’s worldview was shaken to its core. So that Totem Ghost camp full of bones was just a small appetizer?

Chief Bennett continued, his genuine feelings showing through.

“Sorry, I’ve dampened the mood again.”

“A hunter strives with all their heart for what they desire. I hope each of you can find what you’re looking for in the Abyss.”

Hearing Chief Bennett’s blessing, the newcomers spontaneously applauded, their faces full of determination.

However, Ryan Clark still wore no expression, continuing to swipe through the content on her electronic screen, fully focused.

“You really are rude, girl.” Logan Clark couldn’t help but complain.