Chapter 635: Three-Front Strategy

Chapter 635: Three-Front Strategy

“The current intel footage is limited—we don’t even have full information on the enemy’s abilities.”

“But there’s one thing we do know that’s absolutely critical—they have an incredibly powerful intelligence-gathering capability!”

“If they were able to fully analyze the first ten Superhuman teams that went into battle, we have to assume the same could happen to us.”

At this point, Zhang Yi couldn’t help but find it a bit amusing.

If the Moon of Corrosion truly had someone that capable in their ranks, then the moment he showed up on the battlefield, probably no one would want to go up against him.

“But that’s just speculation. We don’t actually know how they’re gathering intel on us, or how detailed that intel might be.”

“So being fully prepared is never a bad idea.”

Zhang Yi took a deep breath and gave Chen Xiaoxiao and Peng Li a cheerful smile.

“Just like in the first battle, they always made sure to send their Superhumans against opponents they had the best chance of beating.”

“So it’s very possible we’ll face enemies specifically tailored to counter us.”

“That’s probably why the district chose to split us into three teams, pairing Superhumans with different ability types.”

“It’s the only way to compensate for each team’s weaknesses.”

Chen Xiaoxiao listened carefully, nodding along. She clearly agreed with Zhang Yi’s reasoning.

Zhang Yi took a sip from his cup, then continued:

“Also, there are a few people among them whose combat strength is clearly on another level.”

He picked up the satellite phone, projecting the profiles of the thirteen Moon of Corrosion members into mid-air.

Zhang Yi pointed to the former sumo wrestler, Daiku Kai Enzu.

“That guy’s strength is at least on par with a Vice-Captain of an Investigation Team.”

In the footage, Daiku Kai Enzu had singlehandedly crushed two Superhuman teams head-on.

That kind of raw power—even Zhang Yi had to give it a second look.

By his estimation, this man’s strength might even rival Baili Changqing.

“Shhhff shhhff shhhff—”

Peng Li was scribbling quickly in her notebook.

Even though she sometimes came across as a playful girl, she was all business when it counted.

Zhang Yi then pointed to another in the group of thirteen—Tsukamoto Nobunaga, the one with the long topknot.

“Tsukamoto Nobunaga. A master of Neon Nation swordsmanship. Some even call him the modern-day Sword Saint.”

“Granted, Neon folks love their over-the-top titles—Rice Immortal, Ramen Immortal, heck, they’d probably give a toilet its own deity.”

“But this guy’s strength seems legit. We should take him seriously.”

At the mention of Tsukamoto Nobunaga, Liang Yue’s eyebrows shot up, and her cold eyes ignited with a proud battle spirit.

As a Martial Arts Master from Huaguo, she had her pride.

In the path of martial arts, she certainly wasn’t going to bow to some Neon Ronin.

Hearing Zhang Yi’s assessment of Nobunaga lit a fire in her.

“If possible, I’d like to test myself against him.”

Chen Xiaoxiao and Peng Li looked over at Liang Yue, intrigued.

There was some doubt in their eyes.

To their knowledge, Liang Yue was just one of Zhang Yi’s subordinates.

And yet, she dared to say something like that?

They knew Tsukamoto Nobunaga was the kind of person who had taken down an entire Superhuman organization by himself—and even captured Li Tianlong alive.

On the battlefield, capturing someone was always harder than just killing them.

Liang Yue sensed their skepticism, but she couldn’t be bothered to explain. She wasn’t much of a talker to begin with.

And for a martial artist, the best way to prove yourself could be summed up in one word: fight.

Zhang Yi continued, “Other than those two, there are three whose strength we know nothing about.”

He pointed to the projections of Phoenixin Ren, Takeuchi Mayumi, and Nishijumu Satoru.

“We need to be extra cautious of these three—no room for sloppiness.”

“Especially the squad leader, Phoenixin Ren. In Neon Nation, where strength rules all, there’s no way he’d be made group leader unless he had power to match.”

Zhang Yi’s expression grew more serious.

“If even his subordinates are that strong… then what level must he be at?”

They hadn’t been able to gauge his abilities in the first battle.

Which meant that in this upcoming second confrontation, Zhang Yi and his team would be the ones to uncover it.

Afraid?

Not quite.

Zhang Yi was one of the best in the business at staying alive.

But going up against an unknown meant you couldn’t easily wipe them out, and that opened the door to all kinds of complications.

Chen Xiaoxiao could see the concern in Zhang Yi’s expression.

But she calmly said, “When facing enemies at this level, all we can do is handle our own responsibilities.”

“Don’t forget, this mission is being led by Headquarters, and the main firepower is coming from the Celestial Squad, not us.”

“Which means—” she stared directly at Zhang Yi, her eyes blazing with clarity, “I think I’ve figured out what Headquarters’ battle plan is.”

At those words, Zhang Yi and Liang Yue both glanced at her in surprise.

Peng Li’s lips curled slightly into a proud smile.

She and Chen Xiaoxiao had only met after the apocalypse, but their personalities meshed so well that they’d become best friends.

Their powers complemented each other perfectly, just like their friendship—supporting each other, rising step by step to the top of Dominion City’s power structure.

Chen Xiaoxiao’s intellect was something even Peng Li took pride in.

“Oh? Let’s hear it.”

Zhang Yi smiled and gestured for her to continue.

Chen Xiaoxiao said, “You’re right. The Moon of Corrosion didn’t reveal their true strength in the first battle. Which is exactly why we need to split into two echelons for this mission.”

“Assuming they have exceptional intel-gathering abilities, they’ll likely counter us with the best lineup possible.”

Superhuman powers had strong counter relationships—like how water beats fire.

If you lost the edge in that matchup, you could get overwhelmed fast.

Chen Xiaoxiao continued, “But we do have one advantage on our side—numbers.”

As she spoke, she reached for four cups on the tea tray.

She placed two cups in front.

“These represent our three teams—the first line of battle.”

“Our role is to force Moon of Corrosion to strike first, exposing their strength.”

“Even if they use intel to form an optimal strategy against us, we still have a second line of defense!”

She placed two more cups behind the first row.

“And that’s the Celestial Squad!”

“All we need to do is assign Celestial Squad members whose abilities don’t overlap with ours—maybe even complement them—and have them follow behind.”

“Then we can completely neutralize the enemy’s tactics!”

Chen Xiaoxiao tapped her chin in thought for a moment, then smiled.

“Basically, it’s like playing rock-paper-scissors. That should make it easier to understand, right?”

“And even if the enemy realizes what we’re doing, there’s not much they can do to stop it.”

“Because honestly—I don’t believe they’re stronger than us in terms of raw power.”

Author's Note