The convoy continued rumbling forward, drawing closer and closer to the target nest.
Inside the vehicles, the trainees adjusted their breathing and tightened their grips on their weapons, preparing to face the first true battle of their lives.
They had no idea that Lin, the Chief Instructor they respected, had already envisioned their future among the stars. At that moment, they were fighting only to protect the land beneath their feet.
The convoy came to a stop at an abandoned industrial park, relatively open and several kilometers from the target nest.
General Nie Chang, commander of the eradication operation, was stationed in a modified armored command vehicle. His voice came through the communications network, reaching the commanders of every unit loud and clear.
"First Battalion, First Regiment, establish a defensive line on the left flank. Move the heavy weapons forward!"
"Second Regiment, guard the right flank. Send out reconnaissance teams to clear any scattered Abyss Beasts!"
"Combat engineers, set up temporary communications stations and jamming devices at once!"
"All trainee squads, follow your assigned combat companies, familiarize yourselves with the positions, and follow your company commanders' orders!"
Orders came one after another, and the entire force began operating with the precision of a finely tuned machine.
The soldiers who had taken part in the previous battle to clear the stadium nest were noticeably calmer.
They expertly dug foxholes, set up machine guns and mortars, and laid tripwires and alarm devices.
Seeing the trainees nearby trying to stay calm, though a trace of tension and confusion still showed in their eyes, some Veterans even managed a grin and offered a few words of reassurance.
"Hey, rookies, don't tense up so much. Your muscles will stiffen once the fighting starts."
"Watch your step. Don't twist an ankle on the rubble—that'd be more