Chapter 504 - 244: Selecting a Captain (2)

Chapter 504: Chapter 244: Selecting a Captain (2)

Bai Lin, still looking down at his tablet, said flatly, "The mission is dangerous, but we’re prepared. If everything goes according to plan, it shouldn’t be a problem."

The instructor nodded. "The mission begins in three days. Make sure you’re fully prepared.

Your ship and gear are ready. You have the next three days to continue training and adjusting to ensure you’re in peak condition!"

Li Chang’an took a deep breath, looked at his teammates, and said seriously, "Alright everyone, let’s get ready. We head out in three days!"

Three days passed quickly. Li Chang’an and his squad, fully geared up, boarded the ship bound for Asteroid K47.

Sun Yang, checking his equipment, said excitedly, "Alright guys, we’re finally heading into battle! We’ve got to put on a good show. We can’t bring shame to the Insect Hunter Squad’s name!"

Shen Qiuyue said coldly, as always, "The mission comes first. Don’t get careless."

Han Ruoxi smiled and nodded. "Let’s do our best, everyone!"

The ship cruised through space. Li Chang’an sat in his seat, silently contemplating the mission ahead.

He knew this was their first official operation as the Insect Hunter Squad; they had to give it their all.

Bai Lin whispered from the side, "I’ve already hacked into the Insect Race’s network system on the asteroid. Our plan is in motion."

Li Chang’an nodded. "Stick to the plan. Stay calm."

The ship slowly descended over the asteroid, and the Insect Hunter Squad’s mission officially began.

The ship’s hatch slowly opened, and a blast of frigid air washed over them. A gloomy, gray mist shrouded Asteroid K47. The surrounding terrain was rugged and uneven, with signs of Insect Race activity everywhere.

Li Chang’an and his squad disembarked, their gazes sweeping nervously across their surroundings.

Although they had mentally prepared themselves, the atmosphere instantly grew tense the moment they set foot in the Insect Race’s territory.

Sun Yang was the first to speak, a hint of excitement in his voice. "Heh, this place is seriously desolate! Not a shred of vitality. I guess it’s a fitting place for creatures like the Insect Race. Everyone be careful, don’t let your guard down!"

Han Ruoxi’s sharp gaze scanned the area as she reminded them in a low voice, "We’re currently on the outskirts of the Insect Race’s nest. According to Bai Lin’s plan, we’ll follow this ridge to bypass their patrol routes and head straight for their core area. Everyone, stay hidden!"

Shen Qiuyue gave a slight nod and said calmly, "Mission first. Don’t get complacent. These bugs won’t be easy to deal with."

Li Chang’an had already activated the comms system and checked the squad’s gear and status. He then said in a low voice, "Bai Lin, check the reconnaissance system. See if there are any enemy patrols."

Bai Lin skillfully operated the device in his hands and reported a moment later, "No large-scale Insect Race forces in our vicinity at the moment, just a few scattered scout bugs moving around the perimeter. We can keep moving, but be careful. We can’t rule out an ambush up ahead."

Li Chang’an nodded, his tone firm. "Good. Everyone, maintain formation and keep a low profile. Sun Yang, you’re on point. Han Ruoxi and Shen Qiuyue, take the flanks. Bai Lin, you’re with me, ready to provide support. We need to infiltrate the enemy’s interior silently, just as planned!"

"Understood!" Sun Yang replied, immediately moving to the front of the formation. He gripped his Pulse Gun, his expression full of vigilance.

The squad advanced slowly, the rocky terrain providing them with a degree of cover.

"What do you guys think are our chances on this mission?" Sun Yang asked in a low voice as they walked, his tone tinged with curiosity and a hint of uncertainty.

Han Ruoxi smiled faintly. "What’s wrong, Sun Yang? You’re usually so confident. Feeling unsure now?"

Sun Yang scratched his head and laughed. "It’s not that I’m unsure, I just think this mission is pretty tough. I was just wondering how we’ll do, since it’s our squad’s first time out."

Shen Qiuyue interjected coldly, "Strength decides everything. Whether we complete the mission or not depends on our own abilities."

Just then, Li Chang’an abruptly stopped and raised a hand, signaling for everyone to halt. "Quiet! Movement!" His deep, strong voice instantly put everyone on alert.

Bai Lin immediately checked his screen. "Something’s approaching. Approximately fifty meters out!"

"The Insect Race?" Han Ruoxi tensed up, her weapon already in a ready-to-fire state.

"Scout bugs, probably," Li Chang’an said softly. "We don’t need to engage. Let’s try to avoid them."

The team immediately changed their route, bypassing the scout bugs’ patrol area and continuing their silent advance.

After a while, Sun Yang suddenly remarked in a low voice, "Tsk, Chang’an, you’re really something. Our first mission is going so smoothly. I bet those guys who looked down on us are regretting it now!"

Li Chang’an smiled, his tone nonchalant. "The mission’s not over yet. Don’t celebrate too early. The Insect Race’s core area is still ahead."

Bai Lin looked up at the distant terrain and said calmly, "The core area of the Insect Race nest should be just ahead. We need to be careful. According to intel, there’s likely a large number of them stationed there!"

Han Ruoxi tightened her grip on her weapon, her expression grave. "This is the crucial moment. Everyone, stay sharp and don’t make any mistakes!"

Li Chang’an nodded and said in a low voice, "Maintain formation. Keep moving!"

As the Insect Hunter Squad drew closer to the core area of the nest, the atmosphere grew even more tense. In the distance, the faint shadows of the Insect Race could be seen moving about.

"The target is just ahead!" Bai Lin said in a low voice, staring at his screen. "We need to destroy the core facility, then retreat as quickly as possible!"

"Prepare for battle!" Li Chang’an gave the command calmly.

The squad members immediately entered a combat stance. As they slowly approached the target area, an Insect Race patrol finally spotted them.

"Here they come!" Sun Yang roared. His Pulse Gun instantly erupted in a brilliant flash of light, a laser beam shooting straight toward the few vanguard bugs charging at them.

The bugs’ hard carapaces were instantly pierced, and they let out shrill hisses.

"Don’t let them get close!" Li Chang’an commanded loudly. "Han Ruoxi, fire support on the right! Shen Qiuyue, prepare to defend! Block the next wave of insects!"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Han Ruoxi quickly activated her Superpower. With a move of her hands, a brilliant current of electricity burst forth. The crackling arcs of lightning wove into a protective net, instantly stopping the charging insects.

The current danced across the bugs’ carapaces with a CRACKLING sound. The insects struggled to break through, but the electricity sizzled and burned them until they collapsed lifelessly to the ground.

Meanwhile, Shen Qiuyue calmly deployed an Energy Shield on the other side, providing defensive cover for the squad.

The blade of her sword glowed with a blue light. Whenever a bug tried to breach their line, she would strike with unerring accuracy. The sharp edge, pulsing with powerful energy, severed their limbs, splattering green insect blood on the ground and releasing a nauseating, rank odor.

"These bugs are such a nuisance," Shen Qiuyue said flatly, a hint of impatience in her voice.

"A nuisance? I think there aren’t enough of them!"

Sun Yang laughed as he continued firing his pulse weapon. "Don’t you think this is finally a bit of a challenge? Those last few were just cannon fodder!"

Li Chang’an shot Sun Yang a glance and shook his head. "Don’t get cocky. That was just a small unit. There are more ahead."

Bai Lin calmly added, "According to our recon data, there’s at least one more large swarm of the Insect Race in the nest ahead. They’re likely an elite force."

"Well, that could be tricky."

Han Ruoxi said, a little worried, "An elite force means they’ll be very tough to deal with."