The next step was naturally large-scale tunnel warfare. But fighting in tunnels whose layout was unfamiliar was even harder than fighting in the streets. Even when they knew the enemy had limited forces, it was still difficult to keep casualties under control.
The three division commanders were all looking rather troubled.
There were ways to break through, of course. Yu Lian, a peak fifth-ring adept, could charge into the tunnels himself and cut his way through the enemy ranks. But even then, there was still a chance things could go wrong. History was full of high-ranking psions who slaughtered ordinary people, only to get themselves killed by one of them after letting their guard down. Besides, none of them could suggest that their commander charge into battle while they stayed behind to watch, even if their emotional intelligence were in the negative.
Simon and Meng Jiao, on the other hand, were looking at him with eager, fighting spirits. They were practically asking for permission to charge in wearing their heraldic frames and draw the enemy's fire themselves. Their earlier adventures through the illusions had yielded quite a bit, so they were naturally full of fighting spirit.
Ina Hilika had been left aboard the Aurora for the time being to help Senior Eleanor, so she wasn't taking part in this ground operation.
Yu Lian told them there was no need to be so nervous. Then he took out the schematic that the golden whistle had provided and drew several lines across the surface.
"Bring over the assault landing craft we used for the airdrop. We have ten of them, right? They just need to drill through the rock! The marauders might be able to guard one entrance, but can they really guard a dozen or more?"
Yu Lian paused, then turned