This was a clear disadvantage when fighting humans, but against the BETA, it unexpectedly lowered some units' priority within the enemy's sensory system.
Within the Landing Unit's perception, an unusually dense concentration of silicon-based components, high-frequency electromagnetic radiation, stable Sakuradite energy sources, and active scanning beams suddenly appeared along the southwestern perimeter.
It was a highly organized array of technological constructs, constantly exchanging information and generating large-scale artificial energy activity.
The enemy's threat assessment immediately changed. Some Laser-Class BETA that had been converging on the assault team inside the Hive were reassigned to surface exits before their infusion was complete; the newly formed chambers to the west began diverting more Tank-class and Assault-class BETA toward the sector Britannia had taken over, while several BETA swarms advancing along the northern railway also began changing direction.
Lin Cuo's theater system was the first to detect the change.
[Enemy obstacle-clearing priorities reassigned.] [Electromagnetic signature of Area 18 reinforcements: extremely high.] [Rate of Laser-Class reinforcements from deep within the Hive: temporarily decreased.] [Pressure on the southwestern surface defense sector: rising sharply.]
Lin Cuo stared at the notifications, feeling both a surge of relief and a sudden sinking dread.
Every laser beam spared inside could mean another Britannian machine lost outside.
"Send this assessment to Cornelia exactly as it is," Lin Cuo said. "Tell them why. Integrated sensors, data links, and high-powered communications may be attracting the BETA."
The communications officer beside him pointed out, "That would mean sharing all of Great Han's latest deductions about the enemy's sensory mechanisms."
"In the face of aliens, perhaps we can become friends."
By the time the data reached Area 18's brigade headquarters, the first Laser-Class BETA had already raised their heads in the distance.
The Britannian unmanned platforms conducting high-altitude reconnaissance were hit first. Three