Chapter 74: Pigreun

The IDOM-05 entered the planet’s atmosphere, and the change in the surrounding environment became apparent almost immediately. The atmospheric density was several times greater than that of Earth, while the air pressure increased considerably as the spacecraft descended.

The difference was significant enough that any conventional spacecraft designed according to Earth’s technological standards would have needed extensive adjustments to withstand such conditions without suffering structural damage.

However, the IDOM-05 was in a class of its own. Its advanced systems detected the atmospheric conditions almost instantly and adjusted the spacecraft’s operational parameters accordingly, allowing it to continue its descent without any difficulty.

There was no need for Neolan to interfere with its operation or manually modify any of its systems, as the spacecraft had already accounted for the environmental pressure before it could become a problem.

Neolan sat in his seat, observing the information displayed across his field of vision as the IDOM-05 continued downward. Various readings updated continuously, allowing him to observe the surrounding conditions without needing to divert his attention toward separate instruments.

He had already studied the information available about this planet, but examining its recorded data and experiencing its environment firsthand were two entirely different things.

’Hmm, I had never seen this planet with my own eyes and only knew its information, but looking at it now...’ Neolan paused in his thoughts as he continued observing the data before him. The spacecraft was handling the environmental conditions with such ease that he couldn’t help but feel satisfied with his decision to bring it along.

He had known that the IDOM-05 was capable of operating under extreme conditions, but witnessing its performance in an environment like this gave him a clearer understanding of how useful it would be for his current task.

’I think I did good bringing IDOM-05.’

With that thought, the IDOM-05 crossed the remaining layers of the atmosphere in an instant. Its descent proceeded without any noticeable disruption, and the dense atmosphere that would have presented a serious challenge to ordinary spacecraft did little to interfere with its operation.

Within moments, the surface below became increasingly clear as the IDOM-05 approached the region where Neolan intended to land.

Beneath the layers of atmosphere, the planet’s surface became visible, revealing an enormous stretch of land that extended for kilometers in every direction. Neolan directed his attention toward the terrain as more of the surrounding area came into view.

The landscape continued beyond what he could see from the spacecraft, making it difficult to determine where the vast expanse of land finally ended.

There were no forests, oceans, or recognizable signs of civilization in the region below them. Instead, the entire visible landmass consisted of stone-like structures, their surfaces extending across the terrain without any interruption.

The same material covered the ground in every direction, creating a landscape that appeared remarkably uniform despite the enormous area it occupied.

After confirming that the location was suitable, the Goddess of Niflheim brought the IDOM-05 down toward the surface. The spacecraft adjusted its descent speed as it approached the ground, ensuring that the landing proceeded without unnecessary impact.

Once the landing was complete, Neolan immediately turned his attention toward the next step instead of wasting any time inside the spacecraft. He lifted his wristwatch and tapped through several options displayed on its interface. The device responded to his inputs, and a compact spacesuit covered his body almost instantly.

Its material fitted closely around him, allowing him to move freely while providing the protection necessary for an environment with atmospheric conditions so different from those of Earth.

The deck above his head slowly lifted as the Goddess of Niflheim controlled the spacecraft’s mechanisms. Neolan did not look toward her, as he was already concentrating on controlling the spacesuit. He channeled his Astrine Energy through it, familiarizing himself with its operation and adjusting its functions according to his requirements.

A transparent covering formed around his head, creating a protective layer between him and the surrounding environment. The material used for the transparent section was unknown to him as something that could be found on Earth, and its construction allowed him to maintain a clear view of the area outside. With the suit ready, Neolan no longer needed to delay his departure from the spacecraft.

He jumped off the IDOM-05 and landed on the planet’s surface. The moment his feet touched the ground, a distinct CLANG sound rang out from the compact stone-like structure beneath him. Neolan immediately noticed the unusual sound, and his expression changed slightly as he recognized the characteristic he had been searching for.

’Yep, this is it. This is the only material that makes that kind of sound just from a single touch.’ Neolan remained where he was for a brief moment, looking around at the terrain surrounding him. The landmass was covered in a layer of fog that limited how far he could see, but the same stone-like structures continued across the visible region, stretching for kilometers until they reached the horizon.

There were no obvious differences between the material beneath his feet and the structures extending into the distance.

He then lowered his head and looked directly at the ground. Crouching slightly, he brought his hand closer to the stone-like surface and knocked against it several times to confirm his initial observation. He wanted to make sure that the sound he had heard upon landing was actually produced by the material itself rather than being an effect caused by the impact or the spacesuit.

CLANG! CLANG!

The same sound rang out again, confirming what he had suspected. Neolan smiled before straightening up and turning toward the IDOM-05. He had found the material he needed, and the vast amount of it spread across the surrounding land meant that he would not have to waste time searching for another suitable location.

"Goddess of Niflheim, we would need about a hundred thousand kilograms. Start the process right now." The Goddess of Niflheim nodded in response. Codes ran across her VR glasses as she processed his command, and the IDOM-05 began preparing to collect the required quantity.

The spacecraft did not need a team of workers or a conventional mining operation to carry out the task, as its automated systems could handle the extraction and collection process directly.

The underside of the IDOM-05 opened, and several compact robotic units emerged from within the spacecraft. They immediately began scanning the surrounding terrain, examining the material and identifying the portions that could be collected. Their systems processed the information rapidly, determining how to separate the required material while minimizing unnecessary disruption to the surrounding structures.

Once the scanning process was complete, the robotic units began extracting the material at an atomic level. The process proceeded with extraordinary speed, separating the required substance from the surrounding terrain without relying on conventional mining equipment or lengthy manual operations.

Within seconds, the units had extracted and collected the specified hundred thousand kilograms. The collected material was then compressed into several dense, manageable blocks before being automatically transferred into the spacecraft’s subspace storage.

The entire process was completed without requiring Neolan to supervise each individual operation, allowing him to remain outside the IDOM-05 only long enough to confirm that the material had been successfully collected. With the required quantity secured, there was no reason for him to remain on the planet any longer.

Neolan nodded as he looked toward the area where the material had been collected. His attention then shifted to the surrounding terrain, where the same stone-like structures continued to stretch across the fog-covered landscape. He had obtained what he came for, and the material’s properties made it particularly valuable for the purpose he had in mind.

’Pigreun, the only material capable of withstanding the power of any bombs or missiles on Earth currently.’ A grin formed on Neolan’s face as he considered the significance of the material. He had finally obtained the substance he needed, and the fact that it could withstand the destructive power of the bombs and missiles currently available on Earth made it suitable for his intended construction.

He did not linger on the thought for long, however, and instead jumped back inside the IDOM-05.

The deck automatically closed over him once he had returned to his seat. The spacecraft’s systems resumed operation, preparing to leave the planet and return to the Federation Space Station. Neolan settled into his seat and looked ahead as the Goddess of Niflheim prepared the spacecraft for departure.

"Alright, it’s time to go back."

With that, the IDOM-05 activated its Wrap Drive. The surrounding space-time fabric folded around the spacecraft as its systems initiated the process, and the vessel entered the folded space in an instant. Its form disappeared from the planet, leaving the fog-covered landmass and its seemingly endless stone-like structures behind.

...

While he left, a presence emerged from the torn space at the far left of where the IDOM-05 was floating. A man anyone would recognize as none other than Nathan stepped out and spoke up, "Young Master has grown stronger and smarter considerably. Not just that, he seems to use methods that differ from Astrine energy entirely."

His gaze then shifted toward another direction and his eyes turned cold as he thought, "How dare a small fry like that try to assassinate Young master? I need to inform the Patriarch, seems the emperor is the client." With that, space torn open again without him doing anything and he stepped through it, vanishing from there completely.