StarCraft: Tyranid Empire

Skigel Research Station, lower level.

There is actually a cave beneath the layers of steel coverings of the superstructure of the Skigel Research Station. Five Xel'Naga temples towering above the sky support metal domes covered with cables and protective pipes like columns. Thousands of gates, Empty chambers and tunnels are scattered throughout, connecting the man-made buildings of the new era with the ancient Xel'Naga ruins as a whole, which is extremely spectacular.

"When I set foot on this land, I have already noticed the power hidden in it." When the dark leader Zeratul came here, he couldn't help but look at the majestic Xel'Naga Temple.

At this moment, Zeratul was standing in the majestic hall of the Xel'Naga Temple, surrounded by Kedarin crystal fragments thrust into the ground like swords and spears, and the dense obelisks were surrounded by green. arc. As far as the eye can see, all the walls, columns, steps and stone monuments are made of a strange inorganic rock material, which seems to contain life and rhythms in the light of Kedarin crystal.

Over the centuries, Zeratul has seen many Xel'Naga temples, some of which are only ruins, and some of which still stand majestically among the land, but even if Aiur and Sagulath are included, There are few temples on the planet that can compare in scale with those under the Skigel Research Station.

Just like no two leaves are exactly the same, no two Xel'Naga temples are exactly the same, and some are even wildly different. This is the ultimate aesthetic of Xel'Naga that follows the laws of the universe and nature.

Zeratul soon realized that the Xel'Naga temple here was not only large in scale, but also well-preserved. It also contained an energy array that was still running, and its energy conversion and utilization efficiency was even higher than that of the protoss. The psychic matrix is ​​so much more advanced that it is hard to imagine that it is a creation that already existed in the chaos of the universe.

The power of these temples is so powerful and the connection with the void is so close that Zeratul just standing here seems to be infinitely close to the boundary between the void and the real world.

This explains why the Tyranid Empire insisted on establishing the Skigel Research Station on the uninhabitable planet of Ketil IV. For all groups who want to reach the apex of the universe, the legacy of the Xel'Naga is They are the treasure house of knowledge. They are both the creators of all things and teachers.

"When we discovered these Xel'Naga temples, we were absolutely overjoyed." Regal told Zeratul, "Not only are they well preserved, they also contain the generators and weapons used by the Xel'Naga."

"We also found a boulder weapon capable of firing extradimensional space beams and another Xel'naga turret. Obviously, even in the era when the Xel'naga dominated the universe, they still needed weapons. Self-defense.”

Among the known Xel'Naga ruins, there are not many weapons left behind, which is not to say that there are none at all. Take the Xel'Naga world ship currently owned by the empire as an example. It is equipped with a tear generator that can break everything into molecular forms in an instant.

Judging from the height reached by the Xel'Naga civilization, if they turned their focus to developing war weapons, it would be a natural punishment if they launched a war.

But apparently, they didn't.

The Xel'Naga world ship is not a weapon of war, and the tearing force field generator is only used for the defense of the ship.

"Self-defense?" Prince Arcturus was very surprised: "The Xel'Naga people can create more terrifying weapons just for self-defense. How terrifying can their enemies be?"

This is a race that was once regarded as gods by the protoss. When they came to the universe, the original life had not yet sprouted. In the initial universe where everything is dead, you are the undisputed master, so why bother to dominate the universe.

According to Cerebrate Alpha, in the era when the Xel'Naga were still active in the universe, they should have had difficulty finding opponents and did not need to develop such powerful weapons. However, they were killed by the traitorous Zerg who suddenly betrayed them because of their carelessness.

This may be close to the truth.

"Anyway, Xel'Naga did die - or in other words, they left, leaving only these ruins." Regel shook his head and said, "It's like we built a beautiful building with sand on the beach. Castle, when the tide slowly rose, the crabs began to study what this castle was. But before they could figure it out, the castle was destroyed by the rising sea water. "

"So what does Xel'Naga want to tell us?" Stetman said on the side: "Archaeology is the key to the progress of civilization."

"A long time ago, the Xel'Naga left." Zeratul said: "Our people believe that the Xel'Naga are drifters from afar, free from all disputes. They are the enlighteners of civilization. , is the guardian of reincarnation, and his duty is to protect rather than destroy.”

"They came from the void, and they will return to the void."

"Before returning to the void, Xel'Naga left us ruins waiting to be discovered." Zeratul used his huge rough palm to fumble for a piece of Kedarin crystal fragment protruding from the wall, and said : "We believe that it must contain revelations and clues to reveal the truth."

"The return of Aemon, the fallen god of darkness in Xel'Naga, has long been predicted, and now it has come true."

"What about the other Xel'Naga?" Augustus listened for a long time, then looked at Zeratul and said, "Assuming that there is more than just Amon in the Xel'Naga, what are the other Xel'Naga doing now? Are they Are you siding with Eamon, or are you ignoring it, or are you unable to interfere?”

"The answer to this question is exactly what I am looking for." Zeratul looked at Augustus: "The answer can only be found if we can get in touch with other Xel'Naga."

"But they have not responded to you," said Augustus.

"No, it's just that their response was very vague." The muscles above Zeratul's eyes were twisted together, as if he was frowning:

"The Xel'Naga must have their reasons for doing this."

"Perhaps we will find out soon," Augustus said.

Augustus actually knew that all the Xel'Naga entities in the void were basically dead, and Amon's only enemy was the imprisoned Orus.

In order to prevent Eamon from discovering important information when revealing it to the outside world, Orus could only act as the Riddler, and could only break the message into several sections, leaving Zeratul to ponder on his own.

There is no other way, our Uncle Ze can only be the Riddler.

At this moment, a round shadow broke into everyone's sight from the other side. The golden-red technician's robe and the following servitors revealed the identity of the visitor - Dallam Star Spirit Phase Technician Karax.

I have to say that Karax’s running posture is quite joyful. Most protoss are slender and lithe in stature, walking like graceful felines. The protoss has long abandoned the "indecent" way of eating, and will not overeat. It is indeed rare for Karax to have such a broad-minded and fat figure.

"Hello, Phase Technician Karax, I didn't expect to see you here." When Zeratul saw Karax, he immediately walked forward and hugged him like a brother, which made the latter a little flattered.

There is no distinct class system among the Dark Templar, and phasers among them may be both excellent engineers and powerful warriors.

"Dark Master Zeratul, I am so happy to see you," Karax said eagerly.

It is not unbelievable that Karax appears here. He has a close relationship with the Emperor of the Tyranid Empire, but he is the guest of this human king. As early as the Terran Human Civil War, Karax served as a dispatched engineer to help Augustus' Korhal Revolutionary Army repair warships and maintain equipment.

After the end of the Second Total War, Augustus approached Tassadar, hoping that he would send a group of Kalai phase technicians to assist the empire in building important facilities like the Skigel Research Station specifically designed to deal with hybrids. Karax is first on the list.

At this time, the relationship between the Dalam Protoss and the Tyranid Empire was still in the honeymoon stage, and the friendship between the leaders of both sides was not discussed. Tassadar quickly agreed.

Although Karax himself is also an excellent Kalai phase technician, he is not indispensable to the talented Dalam protoss.

Karax, personally, is also happy to do his part in destroying the hybrids.

"Your Majesty Augustus, our research on the Xel'Naga artifact has made further progress." After Karax let go of Zeratul, he turned to Augustus and said:

"We were hoping you'd go take a look."

"I have a part in this," Stetman added.

"That's why I'm here," Augustus said.

Since the Xel'Naga artifact was assembled, the Tyranid Empire has never stopped studying it.

The main research object of the phase technician Karax is the Xel'Naga artifact. Although Karax is not a dedicated Xel'Naga scholar, he is extremely smart after all.

Industry specializing in surgery.

Karax has only one mission, and that is to understand how to use the Xel'Naga artifact.

Three full years have passed since Karax devoted himself to this work.

Immediately afterwards, Augustus and others were led deep into the Xel'Naga Temple and came to the location of the artifact.

The Xel'Naga artifact is sealed in a completely enclosed room in the temple, which is filled with sophisticated equipment and the top protoss human scientists. At this moment, this magical black triangular prism is suspended high in the air under the pull of spiritual power.

"After many cycles of sunshine, I have been exploring the mystery behind the artifact, trying to figure out why the Xel'Naga made it." Karax came to the Xel'Naga artifact and couldn't help but say:

"But I never found the answer - I was puzzled and even doubted my ability to solve the mystery."

"But you succeeded anyway," said Augustus.

"Yes, Your Majesty, but it was Dr. Narud who reminded me—he takes the most credit."

"Dr. Emil Narud said: For Xel'Naga, genes, energy and information are all one, and they can all be transformed and replaced with each other. This has benefited me a lot and made me enlightened." Kailax said Narud is really my teacher: "What a true insight! I am really stupid in nature."

"Thanks to him."

"It is indeed an artifact." Stetman said excitedly: "The Cosmic Cube is the master key that opens thousands of doors."

These words were actually said by Narud to Augustus a long time ago, and who would have expected that the latter would always remember them. This was later relayed to Karax by Steitmann. From beginning to end, Narud never spoke to Karax.

In fact, this is nothing. Even if he didn't tell Augustus, he would know it. It was just another reasonable excuse.

"So, what is the answer to the Xel'Naga artifact puzzle?" Zeratul also became serious after hearing this.

Zeratul knew that there was a great secret hidden in the Xel'Naga artifact, but at this time he did not know that it was the key to salvation.

Otherwise, even if the artifact has thousands of fragments, Zeratul must collect them all.

"Yes, my interpretation of the Xel'Naga artifact is: it will guide us to Urna." Karax explained to Augustus: "In our myths and legends, Urna is Thrall. Naga’s hometown.”

"I believe that the Xel'Naga artifact can project the coordinates of Urna."

"Guide us to Urna?" Zeratul suddenly thought of something: "The Xel'Naga left the Xel'Naga artifact in the universe, just waiting for one day for a race to collect all the fragments to solve the mystery, and then Urna went to find them.”

All of a sudden, Zeratul thought of many things.

"I knew you would succeed." Augustus always knew that Carax could solve the mystery: "Carax, as I said in the past, do not underestimate the work you are doing now, They may be able to save your people when the dark doomsday comes."

"When that day comes, you will be the savior, Karax."

In fact, in the original timeline this was originally solved by Karax. And because there is still plenty of time now, and there is no sense of oppression and tension when the apocalypse comes, Karax's decryption speed is much slower, and he has not found the answer until now.

"This is the result of the concerted efforts of all of us, not just my contribution." Kailax was as humble as ever, and would not be as complacent as Stetman.

Speaking of which, Karax was also full of doubts when he heard Augustus's words.

His work is indeed important, but how can he be the savior on his own?

After all, he is just a small Karai phase technician.

The saviors should also be the leaders of the Templar class. Adun was Tassadar, maybe even Artanis, but he couldn't be just a Khalai.

"Okay, now let's see where the so-called Urna is." Augustus just smiled and said to Karax:

"I've had enough of Xel'Naga's endless riddles... Then go find them and let them explain it to you face to face."

Karax immediately started operating on the control panel. A moment later, the Xel'Naga artifact in mid-air decomposed into fragments again, projecting a purple nebula-like light and shadow.

"I'm afraid I made a mistake." Karax was very disappointed after seeing all this, feeling that he had betrayed the trust of the human leader and Zeratul:

"This is impossible, this is impossible"

"This is." Zeratul whispered:

"Otarian Rift."

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