In the forest on the edge of the NGL Autonomous Region.
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy.
Casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Morel carried his signature enormous pipe on his shoulder.
Walking at the head of the group.
Knov adjusted his reflective glasses.
Following ten paces behind.
They were the main vanguard of this extermination team.
Their task was to clear out the low-level Chimera Ants on the outskirts.
And find a safe route to the nest.
"Something's moving up ahead."
Morel stopped.
He took the pipe from his mouth.
And blew out a thick white smoke ring.
The bushes nearby shook violently.
A dozen or so grotesque Chimera Ant soldiers burst out.
Some had mantis arms.
Others had wild boar heads.
They caught the scent of humans.
And charged like mad.
"A bunch of trash."
Morel sneered.
He brought the enormous pipe to his lips.
And took a deep, sharp drag.
Then blew out forcefully.
Purple Smoke Soldier Corps.
Dozens of burly soldiers made of purple smoke appeared out of thin air.
They felt no pain.
And possessed tremendous strength.
They charged straight into the Chimera Ants.
Thud.
Crack.
A one-sided slaughter began.
The Purple Smoke Soldier Corps swung fists of condensed smoke.
Smashing the low-level ants to pieces.
Green bodily fluids and severed limbs littered the ground.
In less than five minutes.
The battle was over.
Morel recalled his smoke soldiers.
And hoisted his pipe back onto his shoulder.
"Let's go."
Morel turned to Knov.
"The defenses out here are far too lax."
Knov said nothing.
He merely gave a measured nod.
Just as the two prepared to head deeper in.
A leisurely whistle came from the woods behind them.
Luo Ye had both hands in his pockets.
Wearing his signature Hawaiian shirt.
He emerged with his