The tent was immediately filled with chatter.

"Professor... according to your assessment, the enemy we're facing this time..." A Hunter said with a trembling voice, "is an original anomaly?"

"It's very possible." Mr. Lee nodded.

"Professor, this is not a joke." Another Hunter said, breathing heavily, "If the enemy really is an original anomaly, we stand no chance... it would be better to minimize our losses and abandon the Shuzhou Territory early."

Although not many voices in the venue agreed, from the expressions on everyone's faces, it was clear that most did not oppose this suggestion.

"Is there any record in human history of successfully defeating or repelling an original anomaly?" Sun Hang turned his head to Yang Qi and asked in a low voice.

The latter shook his head, "Not to mention defeating, there's not even a record of sightings... original anomalies only exist in 'concept.'

"Concept?"

"It's a reverse deduction based on mimic frequency. It can be confirmed that there exists an anomaly with all the original mimic traits of the same type, and that is the original anomaly." Yang Qi said, "Although we haven't seen original anomalies, we have ample evidence of their inevitable existence."

"Then what about the corrupted mother tree deep in the Amazon Rainforest?" Sun Hang followed up with a question.

"Even those Angsa people who once lived across the ocean have never seen the corrupted mother tree... humans can't even approach the area where it exists." Yang Qi said, "It's like a black hole in the universe, unobservable by conventional means and unreachable by conventional methods, yet everything around cannot ignore its existence... currently, the most reliable detection method is probably to detect mimic frequency changes in remote areas and then deduce the general location of the original anomaly."

"I don't understand." Sun Hang said honestly.

"These calculations are completed by supercomputers. Even I am not clear on the principles or methods." Yang Qi said, "I can only tell you this much. If you want to know more details, you'll have to consult experts specializing in this field."

As she said this, Yang Qi glanced towards Mr. Lee in the distance—among all present, it seemed that only this third-ranked figure of the Dubhe Tower could help Sun Hang find answers.

"Has no one accidentally encountered an original anomaly?" Sun Hang asked somewhat persistently.

"The area within a hundred-kilometer radius of an original anomaly is an absolute no-go zone for humans." Yang Qi said, "If you insist on asking if there are descriptions of direct contact between humans and original anomalies—there are, but only in entirely fictional web novels and commercial sci-fi movies."

...

"Let's do this," the old general who had remained largely silent suddenly said loudly, "I know the news about original anomalies is a major shock to everyone, but for now, these are just our speculations. You all should know, when dealing with anomalies, we always prepare for the worst, and this time is no exception."

He paused, then continued, "I think everyone might need some time to digest the information they just received, so from now, the strategic meeting is adjourned for thirty minutes. You all may move freely within the camp area but do not enter prohibited zones or leave the camp. Additionally, all information related to Eternal Night will be unconditionally open to you all. If needed, please consult it on your smart terminals."

After saying this, the old general quickly left the tent with a few officers, while the more familiar Hunters gathered in small groups to converse quietly.

"Actually, I think it was unnecessary for that old professor to mention the original anomalies." Sun Hang shrugged, "With what he said, I'm afraid not many are willing to risk their lives."

"No," Yang Qi shook her head, "The stronger the Hunter, the more loyal to the Federation, they won't defy the Federation's orders... the Hunter who suggested abandoning it did so not out of fear for his life, but purely from a perspective of overall interest. What he said isn't incorrect; if it's indeed confirmed that the spawning source harbors an original anomaly, I think the Federation would most likely choose to abandon the Shuzhou Region."

"The reason for this strategic meeting," Yang Lian interjected, "is that those in the upper levels still harbor a sliver of hope."

"I'm curious, why is it said that the stronger the Hunter, the more loyal they are to the Federation?" Sun Hang asked.

"The answer is simple: they cannot live without the Federation." Yang Qi glanced at Wang Xiyi, "Take the 'Night Slayer' for example, if she can't receive suppressant drug injections regularly, she'll soon become a full anomaly... for Hunters, that is a fate worse than death, as their self-awareness would be eternally imprisoned, tortured but unable to find release."

Sun Hang looked at Wang Xiyi and suddenly understood why Wang Xiyi had said those things to him initially.

To be consumed by him might already be a not-so-bad outcome for her.

Just then, as Yang Qi was about to find a smart terminal to check the Eternal Night-related data compiled by the Dubhe Tower, a soldier with a Dubhe Tower insignia approached and asked, "Are you Ms. Yang Qi from the Celestial City Mysterious Creature Research Institute and Mr. Sun Hang, a registered Hunter? Mr. Lee would like to have a private discussion with you."

"Mr. Lee? The one who just chaired the strategic meeting?" Sun Hang was slightly taken aback; this way of inviting people reminded him of Lu Hongming, who had previously tried to threaten him.

This made him somewhat displeased.

"Mr. Lee?!" Yang Qi's reaction seemed rather excited. She immediately nodded and said, "Okay, please take us there!"

Yang Lian and Wang Xiyi instinctively wanted to follow, but the soldier politely stopped them.

"Mr. Lee only invited Ms. Yang Qi and Mr. Sun Hang; the two of you are not on the guest list."

"Ah Lian, just wait for me here." Yang Qi patted Yang Lian's shoulder, "I'll be back soon."

...

The soldier led Sun Hang and Yang Qi out of the main tent, past two posts, and into a smaller tent, which was nonetheless more luxuriously furnished inside. In this tent, mountains of paper documents and files were everywhere, and a large computer taking up almost an entire wall emitted continuous beeping sounds, with thousands of indicator lights blinking constantly.

"Oh, you're here?" Mr. Lee came out of the inner compartment carrying two cups of tea, "I'm sorry, it's a bit messy here, just find a place to sit."

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