First Entry into the Battlefield, Precarious Situation
At the edge of the K-77 star system, ripples appeared in the void as a small fleet broke free from warp drive.
The silver-gray hull of the North Wind sits in the center, flanked by several Sharpness- class assault ships that stand like loyal guards.
In front of them, a huge, dark red planet was slowly rotating, its surface faintly visible as distorted atmospheric storms and the dim luster reflected from mottled metallic veins.
Number G-717, "Crimson Blood Star".
"Arrived at the designated coordinates." Xuanji's voice echoed across the bridge.
Almost the instant the fleet stabilized, an encrypted communication request bearing the insignia of the Star Realm Army 93778th Legion appeared on the main screen.
"Connected." Lin Yi stood in the center of the bridge, his gaze calmly fixed on the screen.
Soon, a stern-faced, sharp-eyed Star Realm Army appeared. "Commander Lin Yi, this is Kayla, the Chief of Operations at the Legion Command. Time is of the essence, so I'll get straight to the point."
"Please speak." Lin Yi nodded slightly.
"Your unit has entered the ' Crimson Blood Star ' War Zone. A designated Mercenary Group cooperative combat mission is now being issued. This mission is at level 4 and will be simultaneously sent through the Mercenary Alliance system."
"As for the specifics of the mission, the East Peak Mercenary Group must immediately organize elite ground forces to airdrop into the Helios Forward Base the Crimson Plateau region of the planet's northern hemisphere, assisting the existing garrison at the base in holding out for at least five standard days."
The Star Realm Army named Kayla spoke very quickly, simultaneously transmitting an encrypted data packet to the North Wind while further explaining:
"Because Crimson Star is extremely close to the territory of the Kunmo Race, it was already under the actual control of the Kunmo Race before the Tiered Battlefield was opened. There are not only Kunmo Race at the Star Core level, but also an extremely large number of low-level servant units. After the battlefield opened, the Legion launched a bold assault operation, successfully landing on Crimson Star and establishing an advance base. At the same time, a 'Giant Deep Space Source Energy Condenser ' was also deployed."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yi's expression became extremely solemn.
It goes without saying how much sacrifice would be required to land on a planet already occupied by the enemy and establish a base.
Moreover, a giant Deep Space Source Energy Condenser has been deployed!
With this, as long as the base remains intact, on the Crimson Star battlefield, Star Core level warriors within its influence range can continuously and rapidly replenish their source energy without relying on Source Energy Crystal that are difficult to use in combat, resulting in a surge in combat power and endurance.
Furthermore, the base can utilize the condensed source energy on-site to mass-produce standard Source Energy Crystal, completely changing the region's predicament of relying on long-range resupply and transforming "Helios" from a forward base into a self-sufficient large-scale stronghold.
This base could easily become a key stronghold on the nearby battlefield, a bridgehead for the Human Race to invade the territory controlled by the Kunmo Race.
It is conceivable that the Kunmo Race would never allow such a thing to happen.
As expected, Lin Yi only heard Kayla continue speaking.
"Because of the immeasurable strategic value of this forward base, the Kunmo Race's counterattack reached an unprecedented intensity and scale, deploying far more troops than we initially anticipated."
"Currently, all fronts in the K-77 star system are under immense pressure. The Legion's emergency support forces arrived on the battlefield fifteen days ago, but casualties have far exceeded expectations. The second batch of support forces, originally scheduled, will not arrive for another seven days."
He paused, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Lin Yi: "Based on a comprehensive assessment, the Legion Command believes that with the current forces at the ' Helios ' base, it is absolutely impossible for them to hold out until the next batch of reinforcements arrives in seven standard days. Based on General Luger's strong recommendation and your unit's excellent rating in the Galactic Mercenary Alliance and the military merit system, the Command has decided that the East Peak Mercenary Group will carry out the emergency support mission!"
Lin Yi nodded slightly, indicating that he understood.
This goes far beyond the scope of ordinary mercenary missions; it is a military operation that determines the outcome of a local battle and may even affect the war situation in the surrounding area.
"Mission objective confirmed: assist in holding Helios Base for seven standard days, ensure the safety of the Deep Space Source Energy Condenser, until reinforcements arrive, and stabilize the front line."
Lin Yi repeated himself in a deep, steady, and powerful voice.
"Correct. Detailed battlefield intelligence, IFF codes, airdrop coordinates, and base defense layout have all been packaged and sent. Finally, a reminder, Regiment Commander Lin Yi."
Kayla emphasized, "The rules of the Tiered Battlefield are strict; Star Vortex level and above forces are strictly prohibited from intervening in surface combat. Therefore, all your warships, including the North Wind, are unable to provide ground support."
"The battle for air superiority within the atmosphere will be handled by the Star Realm Army's fighter squadrons and gunships. However, the enemy's flying Zerg units are extremely numerous. Landing using transport ships requires extreme caution. We recommend using drop pods for a rapid breakthrough. Good luck, the Legion awaits your victory."
Then, as soon as the words were spoken, the communication image disappeared.
A brief silence fell over the bridge.
Aurelia walked to Lin Yi's side. "Due to the rules, I cannot accompany you."
Her voice remained calm, but the subtle concern was hard to conceal. "The North Wind will be anchored here, maintaining the highest level of alert. Take care."
Lin Yi gave her a reassuring look, then turned around, his gaze sweeping over the people standing solemnly behind him.
Chen Yu, Liu Yuan, Andre, Elizabeth, and several Spirit Race squad leaders, along with other shipboard personnel holding their breath via remote connection, totaling 532 Star Core level warriors—this was the entire core combat force that Eastern Edge could deploy on the ground this time.
"The mission details are clear to everyone. Hold out at the ' Helios ' base for seven days. No naval support, no powerful galactic figures to hold the line, only our weapons, our inner energy, and our comrades beside us."
Lin Yi didn't give a lengthy pep talk; he gave the order directly.
"Boarding. Target: Helios Air Base Core Drop Zone."
"Yes, Commander!"
The members quickly turned around, transforming into swift figures as they rushed towards their respective attack routes.
On the belly of the North Wind and the Sharpness -class assault ships, rows of reinforced airdrop pods' locking mechanisms were released one by one, and green lights illuminated, signaling the start of the final launch countdown.
--
The Crimson Blood Star's synchronous orbit is a void, where the spatial structure ripples almost imperceptibly.
A vast and obscure will descended silently, like the eye of heaven hanging high above the mortal world.
As one of the supervisors of this Tiered Battlefield, Cang Ming was casting his senses downwards with great interest.
His thoughts easily locked onto the North Wind, and the hundreds of drop pods that, like arrows released from a bow, broke free from the mothership's restraints, trailing blue plasma tails, and resolutely shot towards the atmosphere of the Crimson Star.
"Junior Brother's efficiency is as good as ever," Cang Ming thought to himself. "Helios is currently a veritable crucible of war. Very well, let's see what kind of sharpness Master's newly accepted junior brother can forge in this real meat grinder of war after so many years."
--
"Helios" base, central command fortress.
The thick composite armor plating blocked out most of the explosion sound, but the violent vibrations still continued to reach the command room.
Commander Tavik, a resolute-looking Star Core level Perfection expert, was staring intently at the massive holographic tactical sandbox in front of him.
On the sand table, the blue halo representing the base's multi-layered defense perimeter is being compressed and swallowed up layer by layer by a tide of scarlet markings.
"Report! The energy shield of the 'Iron Shield' defense zone on the east side is overloaded by 75%! Three 'Storm' type magnetic rail array turrets are offline!"
Large-scale underground activity detected in the western "Rift" area; "Burrower" have breached! The Fifth Rapid Response Team is intercepting them and requests reinforcements!
The "Air Support Squadron Falcon Three" encountered a suicidal interception by a swarm of "Exploding Locusts," suffering over 40% casualties and temporarily unable to effectively suppress the main ground-based insect swarm!
Bad news followed one after another.
Tavik took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his surging anxiety, and turned to his adjutant Noah beside him, whose expression was equally grave. "What's the reply from command? Where are the promised reinforcements? Do they even know our situation here?"
Noah's voice carried the same weariness, "Commander, command reports that all fronts in the K-77 star system are under immense pressure. The planned second batch of emergency reinforcements, the 'Thunder Spear' legion, has been bogged down by the unusually high intensity of conflict in the ' Star Shatter Belt.' They are doing their utmost to coordinate, but the earliest confirmed reinforcements will arrive will be in seven days."
Seven days?
Tavik's voice suddenly rose, filled with barely suppressed rage, "Look at the sand table, look at the situation outside! At the current intensity of these insects' attack, we can only hold out until tomorrow at most! To take this high ground and lay the foundation for the condenser, we've sacrificed the lives of hundreds of thousands of our comrades. Are we going to let all of that go to waste here?"
He smashed the table next to him to pieces with a sudden punch.
The command center was deathly silent, save for the shouts and explosions coming from the Frontline over the communications channel.
Noah swallowed hard and said in a low voice, "Commander, reinforcements. Actually, there are some. Command just added them. When they realized the situation was not right ten days ago, they mobilized a high-ranking cooperative Mercenary Group as a backup force to come and support us. They have already arrived outside Crimson Blood Star and are preparing for an orbital drop."
"Mercenary Group?"
Tavik frowned. Although mercenaries are strong in individual combat, in positional defense battles of this scale, mercenaries without system support are often far less reliable than well-trained and well-coordinated legion soldiers.
The glimmer of hope that had just risen in his heart dimmed again. "Which Mercenary Group? How big are they?"
"It's called the East Peak Mercenary Group. It's not a large force, but the command says it's an elite unit with priority access to the military merit system, specially approved by General Luger."
"I think I've heard that name mentioned before, but elites," Tavik gave a wry smile. Faced with an endless swarm of insects, what could an individual "elite" unit change?
It's nothing more than a pebble thrown into the water; it will sink as soon as it creates a ripple.
He waved wearily. "Never mind, every little bit helps. Continue contacting command to confirm the exact arrival and deployment coordinates of ' Eastern Edge,' guide them in their airdrop, and simultaneously order all units..."
Tavik had not finished speaking
"Boom!!"
An explosion far more violent than any before, seemingly capable of uprooting the entire plateau, rang out simultaneously from all directions around the base.
The command fortress's thick armored walls emitted a sickeningly creaking sound, and the violent tremors caused some loosely secured equipment to fall from their supports.
"Warning! The insect swarm has launched a massive offensive! All defenses are under immense pressure; they're charging in again!" The communication channels were instantly flooded with various sounds.
Tavik's heart sank. He glanced at the sand table, where the crimson tide representing death and destruction had mercilessly engulfed the last few outer support points and was crashing heavily against the walls of the core defense line.
"All units, heed my command! Hold the line! For the fallen brothers, do not retreat an inch!" Vic's voice echoed through the communication system to every corner of the base.
He grabbed his weapon and yelled at Noah, "Command is temporarily transferred to you. Coordinate all remaining firepower. I'm going to the eastern flank! That line mustn't be breached!"
Tavik knew the final moment had arrived.
If we cannot withstand this fiercest attack, everything will be over. Reinforcements, the future—all will vanish.
--
The "Steel Shield" defense zone is located on the east side of the base.
This place has been transformed into a true hell on earth.
The massive alloy barrier is now riddled with huge, torn holes and spiderweb-like cracks, and the scorched earth is covered with a thick layer of green insect fluid and countless broken chitinous shells.
The energy shield generator was operating beyond its capacity, emitting a mournful cry like a dying beast. The pale blue shield light screen flickered violently, its brightness fluctuating. Each time it dimmed, it meant that hundreds or thousands of ferocious Kunmo Race units roared as they broke through the energy barrier, surging towards the last human defenders' position like a flood bursting its banks.
The Star Realm Army fought a desperate resistance, clinging to the ruins, burning wreckage, and even the still-warm bodies of their comrades.
Various beams of energy, each imbued with a rule-based attack, intertwined in the air to form a sparser web of death. Meanwhile, the Star Realm Army soldiers, skilled in melee weapons, engaged in the most brutal and bloody hand-to-hand combat with the charging Star Core level Kunmo Race.
A young soldier, his face covered in blood, had just managed to deflect a Blade Bug that pounced on him. Before he could even catch his breath, a scythe-shaped forelimb of a Kunmo Race swept across his waist.
Blood splattered like ink, the light in his eyes dimmed instantly, and his body went limp and collapsed.
A Veteran Platform with a missing arm witnessed this scene, let out a beast-like roar, ignited the miniature Star Core in his own Source Sea, and then lunged at his opponent, perishing together with the enemy in a violent explosion.
The defensive line is visibly caved in.
The casualty figures were skyrocketing, with many soldiers fighting only on instinct and with their last shred of courage, their consciousness already blurred.
Just as this defensive line was about to collapse and the entire outer area was about to fall—
"Look at the sky."
Some soldiers, still retaining a sliver of consciousness, subconsciously, or driven by the Soul Power, raised their bloodshot and dusty eyes and looked at the sky, which was stained dark red by the smoke of battle.
Hundreds of bright spots, trailing long, blazing plasma tails, like a meteor shower moving in reverse, resolutely pierced through the thick clouds and billowing smoke, falling without hesitation.
They're reinforcements!
Almost instinctively, all the soldiers who witnessed this scene felt their hearts, already frozen by despair, suddenly pound violently. An indescribable surge of warmth welled up from the deepest part of their hearts, dispelling some of their numbness.
Reinforcements have arrived!
However, this newly ignited flame of hope was extinguished in an instant by the cold and cruel reality before it could spread.
They could see more clearly now; those dots of light were individual airdrop pods, roughly estimated to number around five hundred.
Only five hundred people?
The soldiers' gazes shifted from the tragic paratroopers in the sky to what lay ahead—the boundless, roaring, writhing, and surging swarm of insects, like a real ocean!
Five hundred drop pods, five hundred soldiers—what can they do when thrown into this terrifying swarm of insects that seems capable of devouring everything?
They probably wouldn't even be able to create a slightly larger wave before being instantly submerged.
The glimmer of light that had just appeared was quickly replaced by an even colder despair.
Some even wore bitter smiles, a mockery of fate and a sign of despair for their own situation.
"Damn it! Get the hell together! What are you looking at?! Hold your ground, or you'll be killed if you don't want to die!"
The soldiers' desperate roars at the Frontline officers forcibly pulled their scattered thoughts back to this hell of blood and fire.
Yes, reinforcements have arrived, even if it's only five hundred men, they're still reinforcements!
The battle continues. They are not dead yet, and the position has not been lost. As long as they have a breath left, they will stand here.
The soldiers let out long-suppressed roars, frantically squeezing out the source energy within their bodies, and recklessly unleashing even stronger rule-based attacks on the seemingly endless swarm of insects.
It was precisely at this chaotic moment, when the human defenses were crumbling and the Zerg offensive reached its peak, that the more than five hundred drop pods, with their piercing howls that tore through the air and their terrifying kinetic energy that seemed to crush the earth, slammed down precisely and violently onto the specially reinforced landing field at the edge of the "Helios" base, like a hammer of judgment falling from the heavens.
"BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM--!!!!"
The continuous crashes merged into a terrifying sonic wave that almost tore the soul apart, far more violent than any previous shelling.
The heavy drop pods crashed into the ground at a terrifying speed, instantly sending up hundreds of huge plumes of smoke and dust mixed with scorching debris and the remains of Zerg.
The terrifying shockwave spread rapidly in a ring outwards, like an invisible giant hand, tearing the Zerg units that had already covered the landing area to shreds, whether they were Blade Bug or smaller Ripper Beast.
The first drop pod to land, its twisted, deformed, and scorching red-hot hatch, exploded outwards with a deafening hydraulic blast the very next second after the impact, as if kicked open from the inside by a tremendous force.
Immediately afterwards, the doors of the second, third, tenth, and hundredth airdrop pods, as if receiving a unified command, burst open in a matter of seconds, either by explosion or by hydraulic drive.
Amidst the thick, still-lingering smoke and dust, figures exuding a powerful, shrewd, and icy aura, like long-dormant prehistoric beasts, darted out from the open hatch.
Their movements were lightning fast, agile and precise, and a concentrated, tangible killing intent suddenly spread out from the landing site.
At the same time, the twisted hatch of the very center of all the drop pods was instantly blown off.
A figure stepped out from within.
With black hair and black eyes, and a calm, expressionless face, it was Lin Yi.