A metal jet was a high-energy stream of metal produced through specific techniques, mainly by using shaped charges to trigger the Munroe effect through an explosion.
It was not molten metal, but rather a high-temperature, high-pressure fluid formed when a metal liner—usually copper—was struck by the blast.
The jet could reach speeds of 2,000 to 8,000 meters per second and temperatures exceeding 3,000°C. Using it against personnel was complete overkill.
Still, when dealing with those arm monsters, it was better to be cautious. Theus had prepared himself from the start for the possibility that bullets would be completely unable to harm them. If that happened, these specially designed mines would be the final line of defense.
Fortunately, despite their utterly grotesque appearance, they still seemed to be carbon-based lifeforms. Weak flesh could not resist steel. Once the flames faded, every arm monster had fallen.
Theus let out a breath of relief. It seemed they had all detonated properly.
The greatest technical challenge of these mines was ensuring stable triggering, but with Nini's biological fuses, that was no problem at all. In fact, it became their greatest strength. Precise, reliable detonations were especially rare for weapons of this era.
The soldiers had clearly been frightened. They were barely over a hundred meters from the blast's center, and it was their first time experiencing such deafening noise and immense firelight.
A few had already wet themselves in terror. More simply stood frozen, staring blankly ahead, without moving at all.
Alexei immediately led the squad leaders over to slap them awake and make the soldiers snap out of it. If no one comforted these frightened men, they could easily be left with psychological scars and develop an overwhelming fear of battle from then on.
The Imperial Army Academy had specialized lessons on the