A beast stood out from the others, noticeably larger and shaped like a giant mantis, with sharp, bone-like scythes grown from its forelimbs. It endured the dense machine-gun fire and the occasional mortar shell, forcing its way through the long-range blockade formed by artillery and armed helicopters.
One of its hind legs seemed to have been injured by an explosion, leaving it with a slight limp. But its compound eyes still gleamed with bloodthirsty ferocity, and it remained blindingly fast as it shrieked and charged straight at the first defensive line.
The section directly in its path happened to be the one assigned to the cadet squad Chen Yu and Zhou Yuxuan belonged to.
"A Stardust Rank Scythe Abyss Mantis."
Lin Yi instantly identified the beast and its rank.
Though injured, its momentum was more than ordinary soldiers or these inexperienced cadets could withstand head-on.
In the trench, Chen Yu felt a foul wind rush toward him. The grotesque monster rapidly grew larger in his vision. Its crushing presence stopped his breath, his heart hammered as if it might burst from his chest, and cold sweat instantly slicked the hand gripping his weapon.
Fear—raw, primal fear—closed in around him.
"It's injured. It's slowed down!"
At this critical moment, Zhou Yuxuan's voice rang out, clear despite its slight tremor, forcefully suppressing the panic around him.
"Use the tactics the Chief Instructor taught us! It's charging too fast and has become separated from the Abyss Beasts behind it. We'll move up, harass it, and draw its attention! Give the anti-tank missile team behind us time to lock on!"
He turned sharply toward his comrades, his gaze fierce and resolute. "We can't let it reach the trench!"
Before the words had even left his mouth, Zhou Yuxuan clenched his teeth and leaped out