Scott Outpost—situated on the frontlines of Hollow Zero—is the launch point for most investigators entering the Hollow.
Due to its proximity to Hollow Zero, those stationed here, including soldiers and staff, are recruited based on their exceptionally high Ether Aptitude. This ensures that, even if disaster strikes, they'll have enough time to evacuate with the Hollow Investigative Association's high-tech equipment—without fear of corruption.
That said, since the founding of New Eridu, Hollow Zero's expansion has never reached this far. In fact, it's been kept relatively stable.
At this rate, Hollow Zero likely won't pose a threat to New Eridu for at least another twenty years—unless something entirely unexpected occurs.
But that's a matter for the future.
When the scene returns to Zhong Yan and his team, they're arriving by car at a parking lot just outside the outpost. Since unauthorized vehicles aren't allowed inside, they have to park here and continue on foot.
It's worth noting that only Zhong Yan, Belle, and the Bangboo named Eous came along for this mission. Wise was left behind to assist Fairy in operating the HDD system remotely.
Before entering the outpost, the two were stopped by stationed soldiers. After undergoing a thorough series of security scans, they were finally cleared for entry.
Inside, Scott Outpost looked almost exactly like the in-game version Zhong Yan remembered—though in reality, it was much larger than its virtual counterpart.
Standing on the outpost platform and looking out, they could see a massive Hollow in the distance. Its surface shimmered with iridescent colors, its size so immense it blotted out the sky. Circular waves of light pulsed from either side.
Calling it a "Hollow" didn't do it justice—it looked more like a black hole, devouring everything in its path.
This was the very Hollow that struck fear into the hearts of all in New Eridu: Hollow Zero, codename [Limbo].
"From here... it really is a spectacular sight," Zhong Yan murmured in awe as he stared into the distance.
Belle didn't respond. She simply clutched Eous' hands a little tighter, perhaps unconsciously.
After wandering the outpost a bit out of curiosity, the two eventually made their way into the research tent.
This tent—set up by the White Star Institute—was the outpost's core hub for Hollow Zero research. Its walls were covered in data sheets and logs, while various mechanical instruments filled the space.
At the center stood a woman with mechanical arms mounted on her back, bent over a worktable, adjusting some equipment.
She didn't react to their arrival until they approached. Then, she lifted her head slowly and said, "I noticed you two poking around the tent earlier. A word of advice—don't bring that kind of curiosity into Hollow Zero. It'll get you killed..."
"Take that as me trying to scare you. Name's Ray Yersin, researcher with the White Star Institute. My colleagues just call me Ray. You can too."
So... basically the same name then.
Zhong Yan's mouth twitched slightly. He remembered Ray from the story mode, but hadn't paid much attention before. Now he realized—she actually had a decent sense of humor.
"You two are here for the Hollow Zero assessment, right? Passing the Investigative Association's screening at such a young age and qualifying for an Aptitude Evaluation mission... your team must be quite capable..."
Halfway through speaking, Ray suddenly paused—because only now did she realize something odd.
There were only two of them here.
Assuming one of them had to stay behind to operate remote systems... that left just one person entering Hollow Zero.
Just one? Was this supposed to be a joke?
But they had passed the Association's screening. Ray wasn't the type to judge based on appearance or age.
After all, even the Hollow Special Operations Section 6 had a young prodigy officially titled as the Void Hunter.
"Sorry, spaced out for a second. I've got a mission for you—perfect for beginners. Just subdue the Ethereals wandering near the outer perimeter and collect observation data."
Ray delivered the assignment without changing her tone. Besides collecting data, they were also tasked with escorting an Association investigator—who, in this case, would act as their proctor.
Only if they gained this proctor's approval would they officially pass the evaluation—and only by passing could they obtain a license to investigate Hollow Zero.
For Belle, tagging along with an official organization was the best—and safest—option. As for Zhong Yan, he didn't need to worry about such things.
"I'll install the remote module on your comms terminal in a bit, so we can activate the HDD system. Once you enter, please be careful." Taking the chance while Ray wasn't looking, Belle leaned close to Zhong Yan and whispered by his ear.
Zhong Yan gave a small nod. Then, led by one of the soldiers, he and Eous passed through the stabilization node and entered the outer zone of Hollow Zero.
There, he soon met the proctor—a woman dressed in the Association's uniform, appearing in her late 30s or early 40s, radiating professionalism from head to toe.
"Zhong Yan, system connection successful—can you hear me?" Belle's voice came through clearly in his earpiece. Communication between agents and investigators was fully permitted, so she didn't bother being discreet.
With his confirmation, Zhong Yan and Eous began their first official mission alongside the proctor.
...
Meanwhile, elsewhere inside Hollow Zero—
"This Ether volatility level... is off the charts. Looks like HQ's observation data was accurate. A super-giant Ethereal far beyond expectations has definitely appeared here."
Four figures stood atop a crumbling building. One of them held a scanner with nearly maxed-out readings and immediately realized the gravity of the situation.
Just then, an Ethereal appeared—its body striped in soft pink, white, and gray, resembling a bee. Its wings buzzed as it hovered nearby.
Before the group could respond, something even larger—massive, easily several dozen meters long—rose up from beneath the structure.
Its body twisted in the air, and with each beat of its wings, the blooming bud at its tail released a mesmerizing, multi-colored pollen.
To the outside world, it looked beautiful. But the four facing it knew—this pollen was deadly.
And that bee-like Ethereal? There weren't just a few... there were dozens—hundreds—swarming around the giant.
This wasn't just a threat.
This was a Symbiotic Ethereal Swarm, functioning as a single catastrophic entity.
Codename: Nineveh.