Defensive

Although it did not match the size and build of Earth's Stegosaurus, it was undeniable that it looked like an enlarged version of one.

Uh, Stegosaurus Plus...

But it held no attachment to its homeland, nor any friendliness toward its neighbors.

As if it had no memories of Earth at all.

The moment Dr. Herman saw "Stegosaurus," his body went weak. Fortunately, Commander Mao Shucheng beside him supported him, preventing him from falling.

Herman's right hand had been trembling nonstop. Outsiders might have thought he was frightened, but that was not the case.

His emotions were simply too "intense," causing localized muscle spasms.

It was just that this was not the excitement of joy.

Herman wore a bitter expression, his lips trembling as if he were trying to organize his words, unsure what to say for a moment.

"Our speculation was correct! The monsters are being controlled! And they haven't only started targeting us recently!"

"They had their sights set on Earth long ago. They came here as early as the Cretaceous period. 'Stegosaurus' is the best example! They have cellular genetic data from dinosaurs!"

"But perhaps Earth's climate and environment at the time were unsuitable for them, so they abandoned this place."

"But because humanity has recently been destroying the environment on a massive scale, we may have accidentally turned it into the kind of environment they wanted."

"So, they've come back!"

Upon hearing Dr. Herman's explanation, everyone present fell silent.

Only General Jonathan, his adjutant Wright, and several soldiers busy at their consoles remained in the PPDC headquarters command center, so there was no need to worry about information leaking.

Commander Mao Shucheng had already known about this speculation when Dr. Herman arrived.

After all, the Z-side Jaeger Combat Department shared Jonathan's determination to fight the monsters to the bitter end.

Jonathan completely trusted the Z-side Jaeger Combat Department.

Now, perhaps it could no longer be called speculation. It had become reality.

A heavy shadow settled over everyone's hearts.

Known monster enemies were not frightening. It was merely a matter of how great a price had to be paid to eliminate them.

Unknown enemies were the most terrifying, because you had no idea what they were capable of.

Whether their strength was something humanity could even match.

Xiao Shou had not yet realized just how serious this threat was.

In his eyes, it was nothing more than meeting soldiers with generals and water with earth.

Only later would he come to understand how formidable "they" truly were.

"Based on its monster form, it will now be designated 'Stegosaurus' and entered into the PPDC archives."

"Yes, General!"

"Lieutenant Colonel Davis, attack 'Stegosaurus' and intercept it here. Do not let it advance any farther!"

"Understood, General!"

Jonathan reacted swiftly and began issuing orders with calm composure.

No matter what that so-called mastermind behind the scenes was, that was a problem to worry about later.

Right now, they still had this enormous problem on their hands!

"Stegosaurus" was only a little over one hundred nautical miles from San Francisco.

Converted to land units, that was only a little over 180 kilometers.

San Francisco absolutely could not fall again!

Nor would the government permit it.

Especially since the PPDC headquarters stood here, bearing responsibility as the command center for the entire Pan-Pacific Defense Line theater.

If this place was destroyed again, the Jaeger Program would become a joke!

Upon receiving the general's order to attack, Davis's fighter squadron sprang into action.

They were furious at "Stegosaurus." Two comrades they had spent every day with had been killed on the spot.

Their anger directly overcame their fear of the colossal beast.

They unleashed a barrage at "Stegosaurus."

The once-invincible 20mm M61A2 Vulcan six-barreled rotary cannons had no effect whatsoever when they struck "Stegosaurus."

They merely made noise; they could not shake the bony spikes on Stegosaurus's back at all.

Moreover, because Stegosaurus's head was so small, it was difficult to target.

"Use AM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles directly!"

Seeing no results from the attack, Lieutenant Colonel Davis immediately ordered all fighters to use air-to-air missiles.

They were the highest-damage weapons carried by the fighters, with each aircraft carrying only two.

Nearly forty missiles shot forth at once, their smoke trails filling half the sky.

The missiles struck "Stegosaurus" in violent explosions, nearly forty missiles engulfing its entire body.

Its exact condition could not be seen.

Even General Jonathan, stationed far away in the headquarters command center, felt his nerves tighten.

He did not expect this attack to destroy "Stegosaurus" outright, but it would be good if it could inflict some damage or reveal its weaknesses.

Smoke and dust blanketed the entire sea, and "Stegosaurus" made no movement.

But Lieutenant Colonel Davis at the scene did not believe it had been destroyed so easily.

He ordered the fighters to spread out and surround "Stegosaurus," preparing to strike again once the smoke cleared.

However, they had underestimated "Stegosaurus" once more.

Its arrow-like tail launched another surprise attack, suddenly emerging from the smoke before anyone could react.

The three fighters surrounding it from behind were swept down by its tail.

"Oh, shit!"

It walked out of the smoke.

There was not the slightest sign that it had been attacked.

Nearly forty Sidewinder missiles had failed to leave even a single scratch on its body.

It continued roaring, as though mocking them.

"Classify 'Stegosaurus' as a defensive-type monster. Tell Jacob and Hans its characteristics!"

"Yes, General."

General Jonathan analyzed the situation calmly. Though the fighter squadron's heavy casualties were painful, they had at least gathered some intelligence for Wanderer.

There was no need to rush. The battle had only just begun!