As the announcement ended, a dark red figure about a kilometer ahead of the defense line suddenly accelerated. Everything in its path—abandoned vehicles and low-rank Abyss Beasts alike—was effortlessly torn apart by its terrifying pair of bone blades, as easily as paper.
Even from this distance, that heart-stopping pressure made the soldiers on the front line's scalps prickle.
Yet no one panicked.
"You all heard that?"
A Source Martial Army officer issued orders over the tactical channel. "Same as always: Zhao's team handles the big guy; we take care of the fodder. Fire support, extend your fire and cover the Lord's flanks. Everyone else, clear out the little pests approaching the defense line. Don't let them get in the way."
The orders were clear and crisp.
In an instant, the defense line's fire distribution shifted subtly.
Heavy weapons began focusing on both sides of the Bloodthirsty Blade Lord's path, suppressing the ordinary Abyss Beasts surging along behind it.
The soldiers and civilian Source Warriors focused even more intently on clearing the enemies that reached the fortifications.
They trusted the command system behind them, and trusted even more the Instructor Corps squad holding the front line like an unshakable rock.
Zhao Gang drew a slow breath, then let it out just as slowly, the muscles in his shield arm making minute adjustments as he readied himself.
Without looking back, he said to those behind him,
"Everyone ready? Plan C. Chen Mo, watch out for its sweeping slash. Li Lei, its lower-leg joints are its weak point. Wang Xue, look for an opening. Zhou Qing, keep an eye on the surroundings."
His voice held not a trace of emotion, as if they weren't about to face a terrifying monster with twice his Source Energy, but were simply beginning an ordinary training exercise.