Just as Song Chen was considering how to break the deadlock, movement arose in the distance.
Two figures came racing from within the defensive line.
Song Chen recognized one of them at a glance. It was Zephar. The garrison officer had fully entered combat mode, golden psychic energy blazing over his entire body like fire.
All the runes on his metal right arm lit up, and he gripped a long spear condensed from pure energy.
The other figure was even more massive—an enormous Rockiron Civilization brute named Gu Tu, a full size larger than the squat warrior. His entire right arm had been modified into a cannon barrel, where psychic particles were gathering madly at the muzzle.
"Song Chen, fall back!" Zephar's voice came through the comm channel.
Song Chen did not try to be a hero. With a single traverse, he pulled away.
Zephar had already charged before the squat warrior. His energy spear blazed with dazzling golden light as he thrust it at the opponent's chest.
The squat warrior raised two arms to block. The spear tip struck the bone blades, erupting in a ring of golden shockwaves.
The squat warrior retreated half a step, and Zephar also retreated half a step.
Gu Tu flanked him from the side. His arm cannon roared, firing a thick golden beam that struck the squat warrior squarely in the left ribs.
The squat warrior was blasted spinning through the air. His left ribs were charred black, exposing the pulsing tissue beneath.
"What's going on?" Song Chen flashed behind Zephar.
Zephar kept his eyes locked on the squat warrior. "The entire defensive line has engaged the enemy. Their main force isn't on our side—they're assaulting the command center. We can't spare more people. We have to finish him here."
"I was just