In the empty conference room, only cold white points of data light hovered on the display.

Several representatives from the investment side sat behind the table, listening in silence.

Solas stood before the screen, a controller in hand, delivering the final explanation in an even tone.

“According to our projections, under optimized conditions, once the phase-lock core is catalyzed, the overall reaction time will be reduced by 2.7%.”

He closed the presentation, stepped back half a pace, and gave a slight nod.

“That concludes the report for this Phase Acceleration Project.”

Concise and precise.

One of the investment representatives behind the table gave a light clap, a satisfied smile at the corner of their mouth.

“Mr. Solas, your work continue to impress.”

The other party rose, walked around the conference table, and extended a hand toward him.

“As always, the Artemis Group will continue to support your research.”

Solas stepped forward and shook their hand.

A standard, well-measured smile appeared on his face.

“A pleasure to work with you.”

With the exchange of pleasantries concluded, a series of streamlined, efficient procedures followed.

Under the cold lights, the contract was signed, and confirmation materials were exchanged between both parties.

Once all procedures were complete, Solas gathered his documents and turned toward the exit.

Just before pushing it open, a voice sounded from behind him.

“Mr. Solas.”

He paused, then turned back, his gaze calm.

The representative spoke with a polite smile.

“We’d like to invite you to join the Artemis Group’s technology division.”

“We’re willing to establish an independent laboratory for you,
with you serving as chief.”

“If you require any resources—personnel, equipment, or funding—we’ll provide full support.”

In the conference room, the light lay quietly.

Solas listened in silence, his eyes unruffled.

A faint smile followed, his tone gentle yet distant.

“Thank you for the recognition, but I’m more comfortable working on my research on my own.”

The other party let out a soft sigh, a look of genuine regret on their face.

“I see… If you change your mind, you’re always welcome to contact me.”

Solas gave a small nod.

“I will.”

With that, he turned and stepped out of the conference room.

The door closed behind him without a sound.

The floating-rail vehicle rested quietly in front of the conference center,
its streamlined body reflecting silvery-white light.

Solas stepped inside.
The door closed without a sound.

Moments later, the system activated, a mechanical prompt ringing out.

“Please set your destination.”

He leaned back into the seat, his tone calm.

“Laboratory.”

“Coordinates confirmed. Destination: Laboratory.”

With the confirmation complete, the vehicle gave a gentle vibration, then slipped into an invisible energy rail, gliding forward with steady motion.

Outside the window, the city lights stretched into lines, the cool-toned world flowing past in silence.

Solas closed his eyes, his fingers resting naturally interlaced on his knees.

In his mind, details from the investment meeting that had just ended surged back, rippling layer upon layer like waves on water.

—How long would this funding last?

—How much would need to be quietly diverted from subproject allocations to keep the main project moving?

At that thought, a barely audible sigh escaped.

—Perhaps… is it time to give up on the field of time?

The idea lingered for a while, yet refused to settle into a real conclusion.

In the gap between thoughts, a cold prompt sounded inside the vehicle.

“Destination reached: Laboratory.”

Eyes opened, the gaze unruffled, followed by a slow exhale.

The door was pushed open, and the path led straight toward the laboratory.

Back in his own work area, the desk was as cluttered as ever—documents, notes, and loose data reports piled together.

Standing there for a moment, eyes swept over unfinished formulas and unresolved problems.

“I’ve come this far… how could I give up…”

Taking a deep breath, the chair was pulled out and the seat taken.

The materials on the desk were set back into order—rearranged, sorted, filed.

With each page turned, past experiments were quickly reviewed, trying to locate a flaw hidden among the smallest traces.

“There must be some key factor that was wrong…”

The gaze sharpened, intent on piercing through the pages.

“Otherwise… the results couldn’t have turned out like this.”

Fingers moved swiftly across light screens and paper, comparing back and forth, cross-checking.

Every page.
Every mark.
Every line flashed through the mind in rapid succession.

“What exactly was overlooked…”

Plunged fully into deduction.

Thoughts ran at full speed, the senses gradually fading, until only numbers and formulas remained—roaring.

Then, in the very next second—

The vision jolted.

All strength was drained from the body.

Without any warning, the whole form collapsed heavily onto the desk.

Documents scattered.

No movement followed, as faint, cold light spilled down from above, outlining a pale silhouette.

When he opened his eyes again, Solas found himself in endless darkness.

He tried to move a finger, to shift his gaze, but felt no response at all.

Consciousness was clear.

He could sense the existence of “himself,” yet was unable to control even a single inch of his body.

The state was profoundly strange.

Quietly, every possibility was tested—breathing, tensing muscles, attempting to move—
yet everything felt as though sunk in gel, utterly unresponsive.

A slight frown creased his brow.
After a brief moment of composure, he spoke in a low voice:

“Is anyone there?”

The words had barely left his lips when the darkness suddenly brightened.

Caught off guard, his eyes narrowed instinctively.

Rough stone walls came into view, gray-brown in color, their surfaces scored with irregular scratch marks.

Thick wooden clubs were scattered across the ground, crudely shaped, bearing the worn traces of repeated use.

Before the details could fully register, a shrill scream rang out right at the ear.

“Uhh—uhhh!”

Like a primal cry.

Solas was shaken to the core. Instinctively, he tried to turn his head—
only to realize that his body was still unable to move.

The very next second, the view lurched violently once more,
and a blast of intense sunlight stabbed straight into his eyes.

Stretching out ahead was a vast, boundless grassland,
thick with shrubs, dust and sand swirling through the air.

The scenery moved rapidly.

Grass.
Mud.
Rock.

They swept across the field of view like a canvas being dragged.

He was forced forward by this unknown power.

Then—
the scene came to an abrupt halt.

Not far away, a humanoid creature, naked and covered in thick hair, crouched in the grass.

Its muscles were taut, its gaze alert—like a beast.

Solas’s eyes widened; something clenched tight within him.

—A human?

Or…
Human… from the past?

Chill creeping up the spine.

A short, sharp inhale—everything inside shaken.

Where exactly is this place?

It seems that I…
have crossed into somewhere else?