Chief Bennett also noticed Ryan Clark, but didn’t show any reaction. After thinking for a moment, he continued, “Let me tell you about something interesting.”

“Relics.”

“These refer to a series of strange items discovered in the Abyss. Relics display unique abilities that modern human technology cannot achieve.”

“The technological principles behind relics are completely different from what humanity currently understands, so people are still studying the functions of various relics.”

“Users must pay a certain ‘price’ to use relics. Some are simple, while others are hard to bear.”

“In general, the function of a relic is proportional to its price. The deeper you go into the Abyss, the more terrifying the price and abilities of the relics you find.”

“There are also some exceptions—relics with powerful abilities that only require a small price. But these relics might be very bulky, or attack indiscriminately. Each has its drawbacks, so you need to find ways to compensate.”

“In the first layer of the Abyss, relics are extremely rare. After hunters obtain a relic, they can choose to use it themselves or hand it in. Of course, the authorities will also give a generous reward.”

Although Chief Bennett was introducing things to everyone, Logan Clark felt that his words had a deeper meaning.

“You can also check out information on relics yourselves. A suitable relic is the best ‘partner’ for exploring the Abyss.”

“There are still many mysteries about the Abyss that you’ll need to explore on your own. That’s all for today. I need to hurry and investigate the riot.”

“My office is on the second floor of the main hall. If you want to visit or ask questions, you can contact my secretary at any time.”

After finishing, Chief Bennett stood up and bowed to the newcomers, then left the conference room to the sound of applause.

With Chief Bennett’s departure, the conference room erupted into all kinds of discussions, and some people couldn’t wait to head out the door.

Ryan Clark continued flipping through the electronic screen in her hand, then took out another one from her bag and transferred all the data over.

Logan Clark also benefited greatly. Although things were still a bit unclear, a corner of this world was gradually being revealed to him.

“The Abyss? Relics? Where exactly did I end up after just one nap?”

Right now, Logan Clark was full of conflicting thoughts. He had considered using a teleportation note to let the outside world know what was happening and get himself rescued.

But he still didn’t know this world’s exact attitude toward him—maybe they’d treat him as an Abyss creature.

Besides, even he couldn’t figure out his own abnormalities at the moment.

“Better wait a bit, hide a little longer. It’s always safer to be cautious.”

Ryan Clark quickly finished transferring the information on the electronic screen and, carrying the metal block, headed into the main hall.

At this moment, Evan Brooks was leaning against a pillar in the hall, holding a thermos and drinking tea. When he saw Ryan Clark come out of the conference room, he hurried over. “Did Old Bennett say anything? He always nags the newcomers a lot.”

“No.”

Ryan Clark’s answer was very brief, but she immediately asked Evan Brooks a question:

“How do I get to the second layer of the Abyss?”

Cough, cough, cough!

Evan Brooks almost choked on his tea, turning his head and spraying tea all over the floor.

“Sorry, the tea’s a bit hot.”

“It’s fine.”

At this moment, the girl suddenly became very polite.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 6: The Way to the Second Layer

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Chapter 6: The Way to the Second Layer

“You just got to the first layer, and you already want to go to the second?” Evan Brooks asked incredulously, breathing out a puff of air.

“I want to reach the bottom of the Abyss,” Ryan Clark answered seriously.

Evan Brooks choked again, almost spitting out his tea, and retorted, “Do you know what’s at the bottom of the Abyss?”

“The gateway to another world,” Ryan Clark blurted out.

“That’s just a myth…” Evan Brooks was about to deny it outright, but stopped himself. “No one knows. Those who go down never come back.”

Ryan Clark still wore a serious expression.

“Fine, I’ll tell you how to get to the second layer first. See that mission counter over there?” Evan Brooks pointed to a busy counter in the hall.

On the counter was a huge screen like in an airport lounge, densely listing all kinds of missions.

“If you complete missions there, you can earn points. The missions on the screen get harder from front to back, and the points get higher. At the monitoring station, having over 10,000 points is one of the requirements to go to the second layer of the Abyss.”

As soon as Ryan Clark learned the requirement, she turned to leave, but Evan Brooks stopped her.

“There’s one more requirement: you need to possess a relic.” Evan Brooks glanced at the block behind Ryan Clark. “You’ve already met this one. Many people get enough points but can’t meet this condition.”

Inside the block, Logan Clark suddenly understood. No wonder Chief Bennett said Ryan Clark was lucky—she had already met one of the requirements to reach the second layer right at the start.

The so-called bottom of the Abyss also piqued Logan Clark’s interest, because they said it was the gateway to another world.

“Another world… could it be the world I came from?” Logan Clark was a bit excited. “If I reach the bottom of the Abyss, can I go back?”

While he was thinking, the little cart started moving again, and Ryan Clark was already heading toward the mission counter.

Evan Brooks kept chattering beside her:

“At first, pick some herb-gathering or investigation missions. Just get some footage and come back, get used to how the missions work.”

“Before you set out, check out the equipment, supplies, and medical area to see if you need to update anything. Of course, it all costs money, but that’s nothing compared to your life. Remember to buy plenty of food for your iron block.”