"Sister Qiao, take the main force to the central altar area at once. Destroy the Snakefolk Altar as quickly as you can, and see whether you can save any humans who haven't been transformed yet. If you find a Heart-Eating Demon Worm hatching pool, leave it intact for now if circumstances allow."
After a one-second pause, Bai Xiaowen continued, "I've located the Magic Crystal Cannon factory. It's on the east side of the base. I need to destroy it before the Snakefolk can react and see whether I can find the three Snakefolk magic craftsmen required for the side quest."
Qiao Rui agreed. The Freedom Legion soon split in two. Bai Xiaowen and Li Shuyi led a small, capable force east, while Qiao Rui, Cecilia, and the others took the main force south.
Rageclaw ran swiftly. Carrying two riders seemed to make no difference to him, and whenever a stray Snakefolk got in his way, he swiped at them in passing.
They met no serious resistance along the way. Not a single Snakefolk leader appeared.
The trip to the factory went smoothly, but Bai Xiaowen frowned slightly.
Sometimes, things going too smoothly was a problem in itself.
"Stop."
Bai Xiaowen patted Rageclaw's large head.
"What's wrong?" Li Shuyi asked.
"It's been too easy..." Bai Xiaowen shook his head. "This is the heart of the Snakefolk base. Even if their forces are stretched thin, there should be at least one leader here to stop us."
Bai Xiaowen summoned an Elite Tier soldier captain and ordered him to take a squad ahead to scout the factory. Once that was arranged, he turned Rageclaw around and raced with Li Shuyi toward the central altar area.
"We're not going to the factory?" Li Shuyi asked.
"I think it's a trap. We'll regroup with Qiao