After a few brief pleasantries, everyone's attention returned to the map on the conference table.
A general named Nie Chang, representing the General Staff and serving as both commander-in-chief and meeting chair, pointed his laser pointer at the prominently marked purple-black vortex in the center of the map.
"Everyone, now that we're all here, let's begin. This is the core objective of our operation: the No. 3 Abyss Beast Nest, code-named 'Nightmare Pupil.'"
Nie Chang was a decisive man, and his voice was steady. The General Staff had clearly chosen him to lead such an important mission because they had confidence in his abilities.
Lin Yi, however, had no impression of Nie Chang at all. He guessed that the man might have died early in his previous life.
"Based on the intelligence provided by Major Lin Yi and our previous reconnaissance, the core mission of the Dawn Operation is to withstand the Abyss Beasts' furious counterattack during the one hour Major Lin spends neutralizing the Source Energy in the Nest, and ensure that the process isn't interrupted."
Nie Chang's gaze swept across the room. "Now, our operations staff will give a brief overview of the enemy situation and our troop deployment. After that, everyone can add their comments, and we'll agree on the final tactical plan together."
A capable-looking operations officer immediately stood and took the laser pointer.
"Enemy situation: Our reconnaissance personnel used Portable Source Energy Detectors to survey the area. Within two kilometers of the Nest, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 ordinary Abyss Wolves, with strengths ranging from 7 to 15. However, we must be particularly vigilant: once the neutralization begins, all Abyss Beasts within the Nest's territory will rush back to defend it, according to Major Lin's intelligence."
"We must also watch for reinforcements from other