The military truck traveled along the bumpy road for three days and three nights before finally arriving at Dragon Fang Pass Fortress in the Northern Border.
When the truck drove through the fortress gates, Fang Yan and the others were all stunned by the sight before them.
Dragon Fang Pass Fortress had been built against the mountains. Its enormous walls were constructed entirely from black rock, reaching a hundred meters high and dozens of meters thick. Energy cannons of various calibers and defensive runes covered the walls. Behind the battlements, soldiers held their weapons and watched the distance vigilantly.
The air was thick with the heavy smells of blood and gunpowder. In the distant sky, figures could occasionally be seen darting rapidly through the air. They were Martial Artists and soldiers responsible for patrol duty.
"This is Dragon Fang Pass Fortress, the first line of defense for us humans against the Dark Demon Race." Major General Li Jianguo stood at the front of the truck and introduced the place to everyone. "A hundred kilometers farther ahead is the location of the dimensional rift. Over the past month, the Dark Demon Race has been increasingly active and has already launched several small-scale attacks."
Everyone's hearts grew heavy after hearing this. The atmosphere here was completely different from that of bustling Donghai City, filled instead with tension and oppression.
The truck stopped at a military camp inside the fortress. After getting off, everyone was led to a spacious training ground.
Quite a few soldiers and Martial Artists in camouflage uniforms had already gathered there. Their faces were marked by exhaustion, but their eyes remained steadfast.
"For the next half-month, you will undergo a half-month of acclimatization training here," Major General Li Jianguo said. "The training will include battlefield tactics, coordinated combat, analysis of the weaknesses of exotic beasts and the Devil Race, and more. After half a month, you will be formally assigned to combat units and participate in defensive missions."
Over the next half-month, Fang Yan and the others began their grueling acclimatization training.
The intensity of the training far exceeded their drills at school. They had to rise before dawn every day for physical training, study battlefield knowledge and tactics in the morning, conduct simulated combat exercises in the afternoon, and review and cultivate at night.
Here, no one treated them as the champions of the national competition. They were regarded only as ordinary soldiers. The instructors' demands were exceptionally strict, and the slightest carelessness would result in severe punishment.
Although Fang Yan and the others were all outstanding among the younger generation, they still felt immense pressure under such high-intensity training. Quite a few people suffered from physical exhaustion, but not one of them chose to give up.
During training, Fang Yan also became acquainted with quite a few Martial Artists from other units. Some were seasoned veterans, while others were young Martial Artists like him. Through exchanging pointers and sparring, Fang Yan learned many practical combat techniques that he could never have learned at school.
At the same time, he did not neglect his own cultivation. Every night, he would set aside time to cultivate Profound Ice Force and Five Finger Fist Heart Sword. As his understanding of Five Finger Fist Heart Sword deepened, his sword embryo became increasingly condensed, and the might of his sword light grew stronger and stronger.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
The youthful awkwardness had faded from Fang Yan and the others' faces, replaced by a touch of resolve and composure. Their strength had also improved to varying degrees. Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao had both broken through to the Martial Master Late-stage, while Li Hao's strength had become even more unfathomable.
"Acclimatization training complete!" Major General Li Jianguo stood on the training ground and looked at the spirited crowd with satisfaction. "From today onward, you are officially assigned to the 'Eagle Cub Assault Team.' I will serve as the team leader and be responsible for leading you in defensive missions. Now, distribute the weapons and equipment!"
Soon, the soldiers distributed a batch of specially made weapons and equipment to everyone. These included a special alloy military saber, a lightweight bulletproof suit, a communicator, and some emergency medical supplies.
Fang Yan took his equipment, his heart filled with excitement. He knew that he was about to truly step onto the battlefield and engage in a life-and-death struggle with the Dark Demon Race.
"Everyone, get ready! Target: Defense Position Three! Move out!"
Following Major General Li Jianguo's order, the members of the Eagle Cub Assault Team climbed in formation into the military off-road vehicles and drove toward Defense Position Three.
Defense Position Three was located on the outskirts of Dragon Fang Pass Fortress, only fifty kilometers from the dimensional rift. It was one of the places most frequently attacked by the Dark Demon Race.
When the off-road vehicles arrived at Defense Position Three, the entire position was already tense. Soldiers were reinforcing the fortifications, while the energy cannons had been loaded and were aimed toward the distant dimensional rift.
"Reporting to the team leader! A large number of Dark Demon Race energy signatures have been detected ahead. They are expected to arrive in five minutes!" A scout ran over and reported loudly.
Major General Li Jianguo's expression changed. "Everyone, take up your combat positions! Prepare to meet the enemy!"
Fang Yan and the others immediately followed the deployment they had practiced during training and moved into their respective combat positions.
Fang Yan lay in a trench, gripping the Ink Ice Spear tightly as he fixed his gaze on the distant horizon. He could feel a dense aura of darkness rapidly drawing near.
Soon, a dense mass of black shadows appeared on the distant horizon. They were tall, with dark-purple skin and sharp horns growing from their heads. They were the warriors of the Dark Demon Race.
"They're here!" someone shouted in a low voice.
Major General Li Jianguo took a deep breath and ordered loudly, "Energy cannons, prepare! Target: enemy formation! Fire!"
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
Dozens of energy cannons fired simultaneously, and massive beams of energy shot toward the formation of the Dark Demon Race.
Violent explosions erupted within the ranks of the Dark Demon Race. Quite a few demon warriors were struck by the energy cannons and instantly turned to ashes.
But there were simply too many members of the Dark Demon Race. Even after one wave of attacks, a great number of demon warriors still charged toward the defensive position.
"Melee units, prepare!" Major General Li Jianguo ordered again.
Fang Yan tightened his grip on the Ink Ice Spear, a trace of resolve flashing through his eyes.
His first real battlefield had arrived!
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