I’m Trapped in a Cube - Chapter 5

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

Station Head Liang placed his hands together on the table, looking at the newcomers with satisfaction. “Let me introduce myself. My surname is Liang, Liang Zhi-Zhi as in wisdom. I’m the current head of the Seventh Monitoring Station.”

Electronic screens popped up in front of everyone at the table. The newcomers picked up their screens.

As data began to display, Station Head Liang started his explanation:

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

“Later, as exploration of the Abyss deepened, the station also took on research, Hunter supply, mission distribution, and liaison roles. You can think of it as a small city.”

“You’ll need to learn about the station’s affairs as you go through your missions. The screens we’ve given you have all the information, and you can always ask the guides here if you’re unsure. I won’t go into more detail now.”

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

Station Head Liang pushed his glasses, his expression growing serious, gaze sharp. He took a deep breath and slowed his speech.

“Even though you’ve probably heard this a hundred times before entering the Abyss, I have to say it again out of duty.”

“Fifty years ago, a great catastrophe struck Earth.

“In the east of the Eurasian continent, now called Dawn City, a huge, bottomless vertical cave appeared. From it surged all sorts of Abyss creatures and relics.”

“These Abyss creatures and relics began invading the world, but humanity eventually drove them back into the Abyss.”

“But the Abyss still exists, drawing people from all over the world to adventure here. Those who come to explore are called ‘Hunters’ by the world.”

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

“Abyss First Layer-the Forest of Aberrations.”

“To this day, the Forest of Aberrations remains a research focus. As the largest layer of the Abyss, it’s full of strange creatures and is the main source of invaders into the human world. It also holds many treasures waiting to be found.”

“I won’t go into the other layers, but I do have deeper insights into the Abyss First Layer.”

Station Head Liang paused, looking at the crowd, his gaze sweeping over each young, eager face, his expression grave as he spoke each word:

“The Abyss is dangerous-even just the First Layer.”

“People die here every day. Every single day.”

As he spoke, his eyes reddened, glistening with tears.

“People chase the Abyss’s treasures, but don’t forget its dangers. That’s my heartfelt advice-please remember it.”

Mo Ling listened while glancing at the newcomers’ screens, which described the dangers of the First Layer in detail.

Creatures beyond human imagination, unknown species.

Mo Ling’s worldview was shaken. Was that bone-filled Totem Demon Camp just the tip of the iceberg?

Station Head Liang spoke slowly, his sincerity clear.

“Sorry to dampen everyone’s spirits.”

“Hunters, for what they seek, must endure hardship and strive. I hope each of you finds what you want in the Abyss.”

Hearing his blessing, the newcomers spontaneously applauded, faces full of determination.

Yet Li Luo remained expressionless, swiping through her screen, focused on the information.

“Girl, you really have no manners,” Mo Ling couldn’t help but complain.

Station Head Liang also noticed Li Luo but didn’t say anything. After a moment’s thought, he said, “Let me tell you about something interesting.”

“Relics.”

“These are a series of strange items found in the Abyss, each displaying unique abilities beyond modern human technology.”

“The principles behind relics are completely different from what humanity knows, so we’re still researching their uses.”

“Users must pay a certain ‘cost’ to use a relic. Some are simple, some are hard to bear.”

“Generally, the more powerful the relic, the higher the cost, and the deeper you go into the Abyss, the scarier both become.”

“There are exceptions-some relics are very powerful but require only a small cost. But those might be bulky or attack indiscriminately, each with their own flaws, so you have to find ways to compensate.”

“In the Abyss First Layer, relics are extremely rare. Hunters who obtain them can use them or turn them in, and the authorities give generous rewards.”

Though Station Head Liang was introducing things to everyone, Mo Ling felt like he was hinting at something.

“You can check relic information yourselves. A handy relic is your best ‘companion’ for exploring the Abyss.”

“There are many mysteries left in the Abyss for you to discover. That’s all for today-I need to go investigate the riots.”

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

With that, Station Head Liang stood and bowed to the newcomers, then left the conference room to applause.

As he left, the room erupted in discussion, and some people hurried out the door.

Li Luo kept reading her screen, then took out another from her bag, transferring all the data over.

Mo Ling also learned a lot. Though still a bit confused, a corner of this world was gradually opening up to him.

“Abyss? Relics? Just what kind of place did I wake up in after that nap?”

Mo Ling was full of doubts. He’d thought about teleporting a note out to let people know and get rescued.

But he still didn’t know how this world would treat him-maybe they’d see him as an Abyss creature.

Besides, even he didn’t understand his own abnormal situation.

“Better wait, hide a bit longer, and be cautious.”

Li Luo quickly finished transferring the data, then brought the metal block to the main hall.

At that moment, Du Kang was leaning against a pillar, sipping tea from a thermos. Seeing Li Luo come out, he hurried over. “Done? Did Old Liang say anything?”

“No.”

Li Luo’s answer was very brief, but then she immediately asked Du Kang,

“How do you get to the Second Layer of the Abyss?”

Cough, cough, cough!

Du Kang almost choked on his tea, turning away and spraying it everywhere.

“Sorry, the tea’s a bit hot.”

“It’s fine.”

At that moment, the girl suddenly became very polite.