Thump—
In the clearing at the center of the battlefield, the dark red crystal pulsed even more violently.
A savage aura, so dense it seemed tangible, spread outward from it.
The eyes of several nearby recruits instantly turned bloodshot. Their breathing grew heavy, and veins bulged on the hands gripping their guns. They looked ready to turn their weapons on their comrades at any moment.
"Everyone, fall back! Keep your distance!"
Leo's voice rang out just in time.
The affected soldiers jolted back to their senses and scrambled away, their faces pale with fear.
They had almost aimed their guns at their own people!
Leo's figure blurred, and he appeared before the crystal.
He reached out as if to pick it up.
"Commander! It's dangerous!" David warned instinctively.
Even Ascenders like them felt agitated by the aura it gave off. The consequences for an ordinary person who touched it were unthinkable.
But Leo's hand stopped half a meter from the crystal.
Hum—
A pale blue hexagonal energy shield unfolded from his palm. Like an intricate container, it carefully enclosed the pulsing heart.
The savage aura was cut off at once.
Holding the energy container aloft, Leo turned to the others.
"Mission complete. Return to Tianshu City."
When the First Cleansing Brigade returned to Tianshu City with its prize and not a single casualty, the whole city erupted.
Screens across the plaza had broadcast the final stage of the battle live.
Everyone had seen the terrifying monster, over fifteen meters tall, appear. They had also seen the glaring prediction of a 27.3% casualty rate.
At that moment, countless survivors had held their breath.
Then, in the very next instant, they witnessed a sight they would never forget.
Ten Ascenders became ten streaks of light, and then the monster was gone!