At the peak of the Red Line Continent, within the Chamber of Authority in Pangaea Castle of the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, while the outside world celebrated the joy of the resolution's passage, the Five Elders had once again gathered together, watching the projected images broadcasted from the headquarters of Cipher Pol.
This time, Shepherd Ju Peter Saint did not personally take charge at the command center as before, as it had held the significant importance of 'first contact with the New World.'
Naturally, the command was now to be returned to the CP0 agents, who are known as the strongest shield of the Celestial Dragons, responsible for the highest level of classified missions, and even have the authority to execute anyone, including naval officers and royalty, who obstructs official duties.
In terms of their role, they are the highest leadership department of the entire Cipher Pol organization, with the authority to deploy personnel from CP1 to CP9.
The leader of CP0 essentially acts on behalf of Shepherd Ju Peter Saint in handling practical affairs.
"The in-depth investigation is finally about to begin. I am looking forward to it and hope that there will be plenty of surprises," said Topman Warcury Saint, who is in charge of the Government Affairs Office.
"Indeed, it would be too dull if it were just a barbaric world devoid of intelligent civilization," Jaygarcia Saturn Saint laughed.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, holding the First Generation Kitetsu, spoke gravely, "Didn't Lord Imu say that there will be more Stargates in the future? Among them, there are bound to be worlds with civilizations. Instead, we should worry about encountering worlds with overwhelming combat power. If they were to invade our homeland, that would be a real catastrophe!"
"Then we would have no choice but to ask Lord Imu to close the Stargate," Shepherd Ju Peter Saint said coldly, showing no concern for the personnel from various departments who might also be trapped in another world. In his view, sacrifices are inevitable.
"It's starting!" Marcus Mars Saint, who had been silent, reminded the others as he watched the projection. The other four Elders stopped their discussion and focused their attention on the screen.
Area RL1556.
Laskey and a group of CP9 agents, along with Crocodile, were now standing in the isolation room before the first Electric Gate, but the two sides were clearly divided, with no intention of communicating.
"All personnel, please enter the decontamination chamber," the voice announcement sounded, and the gate in front of them slowly opened to both sides. Without a word, everyone followed the command and walked in.
Before them appeared another silver-white sealed gate, while the one behind them closed again.
In the next moment, the lamps on the surrounding walls lit up with a purple glow, and a somewhat pungent white mist poured in through the pipes.
Soon, all eleven individuals were thoroughly disinfected from head to toe.
"Decontamination complete. Wishing you all a successful mission and a safe return," the reminder voice sounded from somewhere, and as soon as it finished, the Electric Gate in front slowly opened, revealing an Energy Gate that was flush with the ground, its edges glowing blue.
Through the gate, one could catch a glimpse of the other side, which appeared to be another silver-white room.
CP9 and Crocodile had already reviewed the written materials, though the latter remained somewhat skeptical. Without a word, they continued forward, stepping one by one into the Stargate.
Sure enough, the scene here was identical to the other side, as if perfectly symmetrical. There was also a decontamination chamber and an isolation room. When the final gate opened, a vast expanse of wooden barracks and patrolling army soldiers came into view. Occasionally, figures in white lab coats and black suits could be seen passing by.
"The sky here is blue too. Doesn't seem like another world at all," a female CP9 member remarked as she observed the unremarkable sky.
"You have ten minutes to familiarize yourselves with the base environment. Gather outside the base gate in ten minutes and prepare to move out!" Laskey commanded coldly, turning his head slightly.
"Yes, Captain!"
The ten CP9 members quickly dispersed in pairs, leaving Crocodile alone standing by the already closed gate, surveying his surroundings. He hadn't received any specific orders.
He was simply told to wander around freely, to go wherever he pleased. But if he didn't return within a month, the World Government would refuse to let him return to the home planet of the Sea Star.
In other words, he would be stuck in this unfamiliar world for the rest of his life. However, if he chose to return, it would mean he was willing to join the World Government.
The choice was his to make! Crocodile, of course, understood their intentions, but this was an open scheme, and he had no real way to counter it. He then pulled his hands out of his pockets.
"Hmph, whatever. I'll take a look first. A new world, huh? Sounds interesting."
In the next moment, he let out a cold laugh, his entire body transforming into a whirlwind of sand that roared toward the base's exterior, attracting the attention of many along the way.
His actions were simultaneously projected onto the screen before the Five Elders.
"Lord Imu's method is truly ingenious. Using the New World as bait to lure these unruly individuals. Once he experiences a whole new world firsthand, it'll be hard for him to resist the allure of more worlds in the future."
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro nodded in agreement. "As Lord Imu said, the entire universe can be seen as a vast, infinite ocean, with each world being an island within it. Someone like Crocodile would never be content to spend his life on just one island. We've got him cornered."
"Indeed. It seems your army is about to gain another useful asset."
"However, I believe this method isn't just effective on Crocodile. It could be used to recruit others as well. The myriad worlds Lord Imu speaks of are filled with temptation, truly inspiring the imagination!" Marcus Mars Saint exclaimed.
Meanwhile, outside the base gate of the No. 0001 Stargate world, the ten black-clad men and women in black skirts regrouped.
They had considered whether to change their outfits, but given that if a civilization existed in this world, their clothing would likely make no difference to this entirely unknown civilization, as they had no idea what the local attire might be like.
Rather than that, it would be better to adapt to the situation when the time comes. If necessary, they could always change into a new set of clothes on the spot. Therefore, they decided to wear their usual outfits when setting out.
Hanging from their left waist was a Multi-functional Tactical Dagger and a large-caliber silver pistol with a 12.7mm caliber, a 266mm barrel, and a magazine capacity of 7 rounds.
This type of gun was powerful but also had strong recoil, making it difficult for an average person to use in actual combat. However, everyone present was a superhuman, making it even more convenient for them.
In addition, an identical dagger was concealed on their left calf, while five green Melon Grenades hung from their right waist. All of these were hidden beneath their black clothing.
This made them appear as if they were unarmed, showcasing the efficiency and elegance of special agents.
Laskey coolly glanced at the team members in front of him and commanded, "Proceed according to last night's groupings and assigned directions. Move out!"
"Yes!"
With a series of whooshing sounds, the eight members transformed into black streaks of light as they shot out, leaving only his partner behind.
"Let's go. The mission has begun."
Looking at his female partner, Laskey's voice seemed to soften slightly, whether it was an illusion or not. The sharp gaze behind his dark red glasses softened considerably the moment it met her face.
"Mm."