In the end, Li Wei chose two soldiers to accompany him. Of course, before they set out, he made it perfectly clear that no one knew what was happening outside. He could not guarantee that they would not turn into those Crystal Monsters themselves, so participation was entirely voluntary.
As it turned out, the Second Field Company had no cowards. Everyone stepped forward to volunteer, so Li Wei chose the fairest method.
Drawing lots.
That was how these two soldiers had been selected.
Now all three of them, Li Wei included, wore fully enclosed Powered Armor. The two soldiers had also traded their Laser Machine Guns for large-caliber machine guns. After all, those creatures outside were covered in crystals, and Li Wei suspected that energy weapons would not be very effective. Ultimately, they would have to rely on the power of kinetic weapons.
One of the soldiers also carried a small cage. Inside, a plump white rabbit gazed curiously around with an utterly clueless expression. These rabbits were test subjects Big Annie had brought from the Empire, primarily for use in controlled experiments.
Of course, they were supposed to be safely disposed of after the experiments, but if you were hungry and wanted to slaughter one for a meal, that probably worked too. Li Wei shifted around in his Powered Armor, feeling that the thing did not suit him at all. Still, he had no choice. The company commander would not let him outside without it. So, like the other two, Li Wei wore Powered Armor, though he carried no heavy weapon.
After all, Li Wei was going out to investigate. He could leave the fighting to the men beside him.
"All right, open the door."
Once he had confirmed that all three were ready, Li Wei gave the order