The emergency council chamber in New Dawn Plaza was brightly lit once more, the atmosphere even more somber than before. The brutal hypothesis of a two-way hunt was supported by more observational data, weighing heavily on everyone's hearts like a Boulder. Although the expansion speed of the Rift Demons had slowed slightly due to tactical adjustments, they were still steadily and irresistibly devouring the outer islands, transforming them into nests radiating ominous purple light. With each additional island that fell, the pressure on the defensive line increased, and the activity of the terrifying aura deep within the rifts seemed to be subtly increasing as well.
"We must find a way to curb their expansion, or even... push them back!" The dragon's voice carried a hint of weariness, but more so an undeniable resolve. "Current tactics can only delay, not eradicate. Gentlemen, what are your thoughts?"
Sabo spoke first, pulling up the latest strategic map. "Based on the characteristics of the Power of Fortune, I suggest implementing a strategy combining 'elite hunting and fortress advancement.' Assemble more elite squads led by strong individuals, no longer content with mere defense, but proactively infiltrate the polluted periphery areas to eliminate monster lairs. Each destroyed lair might weaken the activity of monsters in an area, or even disrupt their channels for channeling ' Tribulation Power ' into the rifts. Simultaneously, establish fortified forward fortresses in the reclaimed areas, advancing step by step to compress their living space."
"The idea is good, but it's extremely difficult to implement," Ace frowned. "The monster density in the lair area is extremely high, and the environment is severely polluted. Our warriors' combat effectiveness will be reduced there. Moreover, who can guarantee that there aren't Admiral- level or even stronger monsters lying in wait deep inside the lair? The risk is too high."
"High risk, but high reward," Zoro said coldly, holding his sword. "If we keep retreating and defending, we'll eventually be worn down. We might as well take a gamble and concentrate our forces to create an opening."
" The Moss Head is right!" Luffy rarely agreed with Zoro. "Fighting those lowly soldiers all the time isn't enough! Let's go to their lair and fight them!"
Nami immediately objected. "No! It's too dangerous! We don't even know the specifics of what's inside their nest!"
Robin pondered, "Perhaps... we can start with intelligence. Since the Power of Fortune can strengthen us, could we prioritize training a group of elites skilled in stealth and reconnaissance, providing them with resources, and sending them deep into the contaminated area, or even... attempting to approach the rift to obtain firsthand intelligence? Only by knowing ourselves and our enemy can we find our true weaknesses."
"Agreed," Allen said. "My Power of Zhulong can protect small groups to some extent, distorting the spacetime around them and reducing the probability of being discovered. But it cannot last, and we cannot approach the core of the rift, where the spacetime rules have been completely distorted."
Jinbe suggested another angle. "Perhaps we can start with the external environment? Could the Science Department develop a device or... weapon for large-scale purification of pollution and suppression of monster activity? For example, utilizing the properties of Commander Ace's Flame of World Purification?"
Tesoro added, "I can provide unlimited funding and resources! Whatever rare materials are needed, I'll get them! Even if it means throwing money at it, I'll make sure we have something to deal with these monsters!"
The meeting descended into heated discussion. Everyone offered their ideas, but each proposal came with significant risks and uncertainties.
Actively attacking the lair? It could result in heavy losses, and might even hasten the arrival of powerful monsters.
Prioritize reconnaissance? That takes time, and the reconnaissance team might not return.
Developing new weapons? That's a long-term solution that can't address the immediate problem, and whether they will be effective remains to be seen.
This is a desperate predicament. The invaders have the advantage of terrain (the transformed lair), an almost unlimited supply of troops (the rift), and can profit from the casualties of the defenders. Although the defenders can grow stronger by killing enemies, the process is slow and extremely risky, and their overall strength is still at a significant disadvantage.
Ultimately, the dragon made a difficult decision. "We cannot place all our hopes on one solution. We must pursue multiple paths simultaneously, taking risks at the same time!"
"First Priority: Intelligence Gathering. Allen will personally select and escort a top-tier stealth team, equipped with the latest detection equipment, to attempt to infiltrate deep into the contaminated area, getting as close as possible to the core of the lair to obtain crucial intelligence. Mission codename: ' Deep Dive '."
"Second Priority: Elite Hunting and Fortress Advancement. Sabo will coordinate, with Ace, Luffy, Zoro, Jinbe, and others acting as spearheads, taking turns leading elite forces to launch probing attacks on the outer perimeter of the nest. The goal is not complete destruction, but rather to ascertain the nest's defensive strength, structure, and weaknesses, and seize forward outposts when the opportunity arises. Operation codename: ' Nail '."
"Third priority: Technological research and development. The Science Department will focus its efforts on three areas: 1. Penetrating weapons targeting the energy absorption characteristics of monsters; 2. Large-scale environmental purification technology; 3. Enhancement and utilization devices based on the Power of Fortune. Ace will be primarily in charge, with Tesoro providing resource support."
"Fourth priority: Overall defense and evacuation. Continue to consolidate existing defenses, adopt more flexible tactics, and minimize casualties. At the same time, accelerate the evacuation and resettlement of people in unaffected rear areas, and prepare for the worst."
This was a risky plan, almost like dancing on a knife's edge. The " Deep Dive " operation, in particular, was tantamount to sending our most valuable combat force into a den of wolves.
"If there are no objections, execute immediately!" Dragon's gaze swept over the crowd. "This is the best option we can make right now. Remember, we can't afford to lose any high-stakes gamble, but we also can't sit idly by and wait to die!"
The meeting ended, and everyone left carrying heavy pressure and unwavering resolve. Each person understood that every step from now on would be fraught with peril, and every action could potentially influence the course of the entire war.
The predicament has already formed, and whether their plan to break through it will succeed remains to be seen. But in any case, they must try, for the sake of the countless lives behind them, and for the faint hope of this world.