The Way Back to Civilization - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Unfaded Hope

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Judging from the way the other party spoke, it should be a machine. If nothing went wrong, it should be the auxiliary intelligence of the Dragon Gate Factory.

The signal sent from inside the factory was very unstable. In order to facilitate better communication, Gu Fan decided to personally enter the factory to meet the artificial intelligence called 301.

However, when he proposed this idea, Xue Feng immediately objected.

“We haven’t confirmed if there are any dangers in the factory. For your safety, it is recommended that you stay in the body of the Glory Queen.”

After roughly glancing at the location of the armory on the screen, Gu Fan stood up silently.

“The ship’s scanner has already analyzed the bottom many times. There’s no lifeform’s reaction inside. Besides, you and the iron guards are accompanying me.”

Speaking of this, he casually looked at Xue Feng beside him and grabbed the explosive pistol on the side.

“Don’t you have the confidence to keep me safe?”

In response to Gu Fan’s question, Xue Feng only promised calmly.

“We will do everything in our power to keep you safe.”

Looking at the girl’s rather serious expression, Gu Fan only found it rather interesting.

“Also, don’t underestimate me. My military training results were A+ back then.”

Unexpectedly, the moment he heard that, Xue Feng, who was slowly following him, gave an analysis in all seriousness.

“Based on your bodily functions and neural reactions, your combat effectiveness is estimated to be about 1/270,000 of the Iron Guard.”

The moment he heard this, Gu Fan was stunned for a moment before he suddenly reacted.

Oh no…

Am I being ridiculed by artificial intelligence?

…

…

As the two of them landed on the outer deck of the factory on the careful shuttle, the Iron Guard team that was first released had been waiting for a long time.

These machines equipped with cutting-edge intelligence were taciturn and absolutely loyal warriors.

The black ceramic steel plated armor on their bodies made them look very heavy. The heavy automatic explosive guns in their hands and the mini ion cannons on their backs allowed them to pour firepower at the enemy.

Living for war, dying for war, defending the dignity of mankind, these were the absolute creeds engraved in their procedures.

At the same time, the sealed door of the factory was slowly opening, revealing the air pressure room inside.

“It seems that the owner of this place welcomes our arrival.”

Looking at the bustling factory in front of him, Gu Fan was in a good mood.

He was wearing a set of light armor. Although the Glory Queen’s armory had many new armors and weapons, most of them were new models produced during his slumber.

Simply put, there were not many that he knew how to use.

On the side, Xue Feng’s beautiful burgundy eyes glittered. It was a signal that he was communicating with other devices.

As a Stronghold AI, Xue Feng was given the talent program of [Commander].

Not long after, under her arrangements, the Iron Guards were divided into two groups. One group was in charge of the deep exploration ahead, while the other group formed a defense team around Gu Fan.

Not long after, the group passed through the air chamber and officially entered the factory. A dark yellow caterpillar engineering robot was already waiting behind the airtight door.

There was an electronic screen in front of the robot’s chest. After seeing Gu Fan, a cute cartoon smiley face instantly appeared in the center of the screen. Then, a reassuring voice came from its loudspeaker.

“Welcome. Please allow me to lead you to the core of the factory.”

As if beckoning, the other party waved its hydraulic pliers.

Looking at it, Gu Fan raised his doubts.

“You’re 301?”

“301 is the manager of this factory. My code name is C19. I’ll bring you to see it next.”

As soon as he finished speaking, C19 turned its tracks and slowly drove towards the long corridor at the side. Gu Fan silently followed behind it.

As he stepped inside, the lights in the corridor snapped on. He knew the owner of the factory was watching him.

“This is the assembly workshop of the factory. Time managers have been maintaining the normal operation of the equipment in the past.”

Through the window of the passage, he could see a wide and large workshop. Countless assembly lines were running, but no specific goods were processed.

Countless engineering robots like the C19 were running back and forth between the factories, but no one knew what they were doing.

“The production was completed on July 6, Year 12728 of the Earth Calendar. Since then, no one has contacted the factory.”

This time node was roughly 1,100 years ago. At that time, he had already slept in the dormant cabin for 400 years.

No one had contacted the factory. Could it be that after that, humans had disappeared?

Immediately after, Gu Fan raised his next question.

“What was produced here before?”

“Onboard hibernation pods. The total number is 4.235 billion.”

Hearing this, he gradually stopped in his tracks.

4.2 billion hibernation pods…

For a moment, Gu Fan could not believe his ears.

“You mean that this batch of hibernation pods has been delivered, right…”

As he spoke, his voice trembled slightly, as if he had sensed the change in his emotions. He watched as Xue Feng slowly moved closer to him.

“Yes, everything has been delivered.”

It was not until he received C19’s answer that the stone in Gu Fan’s heart was finally lifted.

Humanity has not perished, and at least 4.2 billion of our compatriots have fled this cold grave.

At this moment, joy, excitement, and peace of mind rose in his heart…

Looking at Xue Feng’s face, Gu Fan smiled and pinched her soft face.

Behind Xue Feng, two Dark Wasp drones were floating quietly. They were the pets she had taken out of the stellar fortress. Xue Feng seemed to cherish these two little things.

“Please come this way. The core area is just ahead.”

A moment later, C19, who was walking in front, turned around again. The happy cartoon smiley face was still on its chest.

Not long after, the team passed through the heavy factory gate under the lead of the engineering robot.

In the quiet core area, the first thing that appeared in front of him was a steel giant with only the upper half of its body.

It was fixed to the wall by a pipe and moved along a track.

After seeing Gu Fan, the giant slowly bent down and stared at the small human with its single eye that flickered with a sky-blue light.

A moment later, a dull voice slowly echoed in the core hall.

“Welcome back…”

“I’m glad to see you.”