Chapter 156

"Um."

Orchid, along with Herul, Jasmine, and Maple, are the Second-Generation Agent who accompany Efnir on the vanguard support mission.

At that moment, the signal flare burst open in the sky.

"Vanguard troops, halt! Remain in place and await further orders!"

Wireless communication equipment is unavailable in the Beyond the Boundary region, so communication with drones is impossible. Drones with pre-programmed routes will eventually return along the original routes set by their onboard AI, so troops must remain there to wait for the drones to arrive.

This was a rare moment of respite for the Beyond-the-Boundary Investigation Corps.

As long as they don't move, they won't encounter more Erosion Entity, and therefore won't need to face dangerous battles.

"Herul, you rest for a while, I'll take over the watch."

Herul in response to Efnir's kind offer.

"Lan, you're in charge of continuing to monitor any unusual activity on the Right Wing flank."

"Okay, okay!"

"Here, remember to use this if needed."

After loading the flare gun, Efnir handed it to Lan and gave one to each of the others.

To help these Second Generation fledglings, who had never actually experienced combat Beyond the Boundary, adapt as quickly as possible, Efnir always assigned them tasks in rotation, including but not limited to combat, reconnaissance, and support. In fact, their performance had always satisfied Efnir.

In the previous battles, Efnir had gained a general understanding of their abilities.

As expected of Second-Generation Agent have been selected and trained as agents since childhood, compared to First-Generation Agent like Canary, what they demonstrate in battle is not just "combat talent," but also "understanding of combat."

Among the younger generation of agents who joined after Efnir, Canary is undoubtedly the best, and it is no accident that Herul was defeated by her.

However, it is foreseeable that, given enough time, these Second-Generation Agent will quickly grow into powerful agents who are in no way inferior to Canary.

In terms of strength, Herul is undoubtedly superior to the other three, but if we were to set a limit on combat conditions or combat venues, then it could be said that each of the four has its own strengths.

Lan is an agent with enhanced vision, making her suitable for reconnaissance or long-range combat support, similar to Anilas who uses Anti-Materiel Rifle as her Order Weapon.

Or rather, similar to Fifina, which was inherited by Yukina.

"Speaking of which, Lan, may I ask you a question?"

"Oh? Okay, okay."

Efnir's sudden inquiry, unrelated to combat, startled Lan, who hurriedly took off her binoculars and gave a military salute.

"Sir, please ask. I... I will answer to the best of my knowledge!"

Lan is a wonderful girl, except she's a little reserved.

Is it introversion or something else? Efnir couldn't simply deny it.

But in fact, Efnir discovered that Lan wasn't just like that in front of her, but also when she was with Herul, Jasmine, and others.

In other words, Lan wasn't "shy about strangers," but simply "afraid of people."

"Relax, it's okay."

"Hmm... yes..."

Despite what Efnir said, it had no effect.

Fortunately, Efnir got to the point.

"I've been wondering about this for a while now. Was your and your captain Anilas's 'Beacon' based on 'Fifina'?"

As soon as the question was asked, Lan suddenly looked surprised.

"How did the officer know...?"

"The features are so obvious, it's hard not to think in that direction."

In fact, there was also the factor of using subtle changes in the dust seen by the right eye to make auxiliary judgments, but Efnir didn't say much about her right eye, which was Nishizaki Yuki's suggestion.

In addition to the clues from her right eye, Efnir also noticed the similarities between Lan and Anilas, or rather, their similarities with Fifina.

Efnir is someone who knows Fitina very well. From her direct junior Fengling Shiyin, who has often carried out combat missions with her, to her younger sister and lover, Yukina, they are all Fitina's perfect match.

One of the most iconic features of the Beacon Fifina is the enhancement of the user's vision and accuracy by the Order Armed Forces. Accuracy goes without saying. Among the Second-Generation Agent, only Kite, who does not use firearms as weapons, does not have much requirement in this aspect, while the others have all exceeded the general level of agents to varying degrees.

In addition, Anilas and Lan both have enhanced eyesight. Anilas's achievement is a 100% hit rate, even at a distance of thousands of meters, while Lan's achievement is eyesight that is no less than that of electronic image capture equipment.

This is very similar to Fixina.

"Is the sir interested in the Second-Generation Beacon?"

This time it was Herul spoke, Efnir nodded straightforwardly.

"I'm just curious about the extent to which the so-called 'Second Generation' has been achieved. But it seems that humanity hasn't been able to completely overwrite the 'Beacon' yet. In other words, my 'First Generation' goes without saying, but even the 'Second Generation' might only be considered an 'unfinished product'..."

This is not baseless nonsense.

10. Eyesight

The term "unfinished product" is merely a conclusion drawn by Efnir based on the extent to which humans have explored Beacon technology.

If it merely rewrites a small portion of information without making breakthroughs, it cannot be called "innovation." At most, it can only be said that Beacon System technology has made some progress, but it is still a long way from the future of humanity.

For example, among the "Second Generation" agents dispatched this time, there is one agent named Yuan who is still using the First Generation of Order's weaponry.

If the use and assembly of Second-Generation Order Weapon —firearm-type Order Weapon —marked by figures like Anilas and Herul, represents the Orderkeepers's vision for the research and development of future agent armaments, then the Kite's combat style, which retains the characteristics of the First Generation while incorporating Second Generation Order weapons as an auxiliary, can be seen as a bold attempt by the Orderkeepers researchers of the Central Province to develop "Second Generation" weapons.

It is evident that the researchers of the Orderkeepers in the Central Province also have differing opinions on the research and development direction of the Beacon System, and this wavering is a sign that the "Second-Generation Beacon technology" has not yet truly matured.

Herul naturally understood the meaning behind Efnir's words.

"Not finished...?"

Herul's expression flickered with a subtle change for a moment.

Herul had actually heard this phrase from Anilas before.

Efnir gazed into the distance.

The main force is currently stationary and awaiting the return of the drones. Because the force has not moved, it has not encountered any new attacks from the Erosion Entity.

She continued:

"Simply put, if someone isn't a 'Eligible,' they absolutely cannot wake up the Beacon System, right?"

Herul paused for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Therefore, even the Second-Generation Beacon system has not broken through the 'barrier' that the Ruins Technology has placed on humanity. That is, we are still just users of the 'program,' and everything we can obtain is merely Ruins upon us by the ancients..."

Only the "chosen ones," that is, the Eligible, have the right to use the "program."

"But on the other hand... Herul, you must have noticed this long ago, right? The tactics against the Erosion Entity were so simplistic, yet the 'Second Generation' boldly developed other tactical models. Why do you think that is?"

The Second-Generation Agent seem to evoke a feeling in Efnir that is more suited to "fighting against people" than "fighting against the Erosion Entity."

Fighting the Erosion Entity doesn't require complicated tactical combinations; those things are cumbersome and useless when facing Erosion Entity.

Those people in the Central Province surely understand this principle.

Then there is only one possibility left—the current "Second Generation" is using a model that was deliberately set up by those people, and this battle against the Apostle is a stage specifically prepared for the "Second Generation" with "battles against people" as the central focus.

Or, to put it another way, it's a showcase of results.

It's like introducing and demonstrating a product to a buyer when selling goods.

In this light, the military training that Herul, Anilas, and others received can perhaps be easily explained.

When faced with Efnir's pointed "question," Herul's eyes flickered for a moment, which Efnir keenly noticed.

Efnir looked at Herul, Herul also looked into Efnir's eyes.

Efnir's eyes are heterochromatic, an extremely rare feature for humans. Her right eye is a translucent black like agate, while her left eye is a strange and eerie deep purple. Clearly, such eye colors are not naturally formed.

When looking into those eyes, Herul always had a fleeting feeling that she was completely seen through from head to toe.

"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Efnir looked at Herul with interest, Herul looked away and shook her head.

No, it's nothing.

I didn't mean to belittle you, I hope you don't mind.

To avoid any misunderstanding, Efnir explained.

"Please don't mind it, sir."

Herul remained nonchalant, but in truth, Efnir saw in her, this "Second Generation," some of the shadows lurking behind them.

Efnir chose not to say anything more.

Some things are not suitable to be asked here.

Herul rarely spoke extra words. The impression she left on Evenier was completely different from Shinomiyami Nami of Efnir, who was also an assistant. Shinomiyami Nami was a quirky and difficult girl with a strong personality in life, while Herul gave people the feeling of a strict housekeeper and manager of daily life, and she never smiled.

Of course, Herul only managed Anilas, and she carried out her duties as adjutant with exceptional strictness.

And, Herul has great respect for Anilas.

"At the same time, I also wonder, since the Second-Generation Beacon is based on the First-Generation Beacons, does that mean that some of us from the 'First Generation' can also find Beacon that suits us in the 'Second Generation'?"

Theoretically speaking, it is certainly feasible.

The so-called "Second Generation" is actually based on the "First Generation". For example, "Orchid" and "Anelace" are prototype Beacon made outside the specification with "Fifina" as the underlying module, and Anilas the Eligible of "Fifina".

Conversely, Fifina can also use the Beacon of Orchid and Anelace, which is not difficult to understand.

But for some reason, Herul suddenly found herself unable to answer Efnir's question immediately.

Looking into Efnir's unwavering eyes, she couldn't fathom Efnir 'Efnir thoughts or fathom the underlying accusations behind her series of assertive questions.

Fortunately, Efnir didn't ask any further questions; she simply smiled and looked away.

"Actually, the terms 'outdated' or 'unfinished' might be more appropriate to describe us 'First Generation.' When I saw your potential, I suddenly started thinking about this: what if one day we'll be eliminated? -- Just kidding, the number of 'Second Generation' Beacon must be very limited, right? With our combat strength severely insufficient now, we remnants of the old era probably don't have the luxury of retiring. Oh, right, I'll get off and take a look. I'll leave this place to you for now, Herul."

Efnir jumped around the topic quickly, and before Herul could speak, she opened the car door and got out, leaving the Second Generation looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Miss Efnir... is she really going to retire?"

"She was just joking. It would be a loss for the Human Federation if someone like her retired."

"But... why would someone as capable as her stay in this city?"

"I've found it strange for a while now; perhaps... there's some special reason..."

Who knows?

Herul sighed softly, a hint of doubt flickering in her eyes.

11. Never seen before

Are the "First Generation" the generation that was eliminated?

That would be absurd!

It was hard to believe such words coming from Efnir's mouth—Lan thought to herself for a moment, but naturally said nothing.

As the latest research achievement, the number of candidates for the "Second-Generation Beacon" is extremely valuable.

Therefore, the ten-member Agent Squad led by Anilas were all outstanding individuals carefully selected by the Central Province from their respective sub-teams; they were truly elites.

Although most of them lack real combat experience and their performance is not up to par at this stage, there is no doubt that each of them has great potential. The only thing they lack before becoming outstanding agents who can stand on their own is the "tempering of combat".

As a newcomer to the new generation, before meeting Efnir, Lan did indeed have thoughts such as "the First Generation is just the tears of the old era that were eliminated by the Second Generation".

Lan felt happy and excited when she was chosen as the "Second Generation".

This is an affirmation of her long-standing efforts.

But the excitement, pride, and slight sense of superiority they felt at that time were utterly crushed by Efnir on their very first day in Xijing City.