Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2058: True expansion

With Xia Lei's decision to engage, the formidable war machine of Cloud Peak roared to life.

After dispatching instructions to subordinates for their respective duties, core members Gan Lan, Mei Na, Tang Tian, and Ah Yang convened to locate Guang Yao. They shared the pivotal responsibility for the impending battle in the northern sector of Mei City.

"You've arrived ahead of schedule. I anticipated needing an additional ten minutes for you all," Guang Yao greeted them with a smile. As the overall commander for this front, he deemed a brief pre-battle meeting with these key individuals essential.

"Sister Lei indicated we'd commence shortly. Beyond emphasizing mutual coordination and charging forward bravely, there isn't much more to convey," Mei Na replied.

Ah Yang, now a young man, bore a rugged countenance. Contrasting the uncertain teenager who first joined Cloud Peak, he exuded an acquired maturity, tinged with both composure and resolve.

From an insignificant, bullied youth in Peace Town to a commander leading a primary combat unit, Ah Yang's transformation mirrored that of numerous Cloud Peak members.

Naturally, not all members achieved such elevated standing; some had met their demise in the unforgiving wilderness during prior conflicts.

But this was the apocalypse, a reality so brutal it discouraged retrospective glances.

"It may sound straightforward, yet the reality is..." Gan Lan trailed off, shaking her head.

Engaging these parasitic entities presented a different challenge compared to confronting evolved individuals.

During the campaigns to secure the China region, Cloud Peak employed a dual strategy of 'confrontation and assimilation'—decisively neutralizing defiant factions while welcoming willing allies. The only variance between teams was their specific ratio of 'confrontation to assimilation'. Teams like Little Tiger's leaned heavily on confrontation, while those led by Guang Yao and Tang Tian focused more on assimilation.

However, confronting these parasitic worms left only a singular outcome: annihilation of the enemy, or succumbing to their parasitic nature.

Though the blue-skinned monstrosities were relatively unknown to many within Cloud Peak, their combat simulations on training platforms had provided a chilling familiarity with the creatures' fighting styles and their seemingly inexhaustible reserves of strength.

Victory would undoubtedly incur substantial losses, a fact that fueled Gan Lan's apprehension.

"Today, we are not the only force present," Guang Yao announced, guiding the group to a vantage point. Due to a wooded area bordering Mei City's northern edge, Cloud Peak's forces were positioned outside this timberland. Their assault would initially traverse this terrain. Consequently, the temporary command center was established atop a towering war fortress, offering an unobstructed perspective. The location they reached was adjacent to this fortress, providing access to its command cabin, situated over thirty meters above the ground.

"In addition to our ranks, we are joined by five hundred thousand other evolved individuals, drawn by the promise of substantial rewards or the aspiration to join Cloud Peak. Furthermore, fifty thousand gene-modified warriors are present, alongside various magical crystal armaments. Support also comes from legions of war rats and controlled mutated zombie hordes."

Guang Yao consulted his chronometer. Thirty minutes remained until the engagement commenced. In certain sectors, preparations for team mobilization were already evident. Across the woods, the parasitic worms were also stirring, with a significant number venturing into the forest.

Yet, as unsettlingly familiar as before, they refrained from initiating attacks on the nearby Cloud Peak-affiliated units.

"I understand your concern: the potential casualties. After all, we face an onslaught of at least five and a half million assorted monstrous entities. To achieve victory, losses across every team are an unavoidable certainty."

Guang Yao shifted his gaze and motioned for everyone to follow him into the command center.

"Yet, in warfare, lives are expended. A formidable force truly solidifies its elite status through relentless conflict. Cloud Peak's current strength is undeniable. However, its ascent to this position was meticulously built, foundation by foundation, by our leader. Now that the leader has ascended beyond, we must shoulder the burden and strive independently. Do not let the swift conquest of the China region, once an unthinkable feat, delude you. Beyond its borders lie vast territories populated by more potent evolved beings and mutated lifeforms. Consider the Demon Whale as an example. We must evolve further. And battles, time and again, serve as the crucible for our growth."

Guang Yao had become a recognized authority on strategy and tactics within Cloud Peak, his insights into the holistic development of the team and faction profoundly influencing its trajectory.

"Among those below who, aware of the perils, chose to join us, at least half are taking this risk in the hope of integrating into Cloud Peak. Following this engagement, the survivors among them will provide the most suitable replenishment for any losses we sustain. Your task is straightforward: identify warriors possessing the requisite capabilities and unwavering loyalty for your respective teams."

The assembled individuals listened, their heads nodding in gradual assent.

"The situation here is manageable; after all, the majority of our forces are concentrated in this area. However, what about the East Sea? The Demon Whale is causing havoc. If we finish here and redirect our troops, won't those sea beasts have ample opportunity to grow stronger, making them much harder to deal with? Furthermore, time is a critical factor; we'll also see a reduction in combat power, weakening our overall strength. Could this have a significant impact then?"

Ah Yang expressed some concern. Similar to many others, he felt that addressing the sea beast tide in the East Sea should be their top priority. Those creatures had already inflicted substantial damage on Cloud Peak's interests in that region.

Guang Yao offered a smile and a shake of his head. "You all seem to underestimate the Black-hearted Queen somewhat."

The others chuckled. Mei Na playfully remarked, "A slip of the tongue; be careful not to reveal any secrets."

Guang Yao let out a hearty laugh. "This leads me to another important point. Ah Yang, your trusted subordinates didn't join us this time, nor did the Youth Army. A contingent of individuals who have fought alongside us for years are also absent. What are they engaged in?"

Ah Yang was aware that his brothers were not present, but he did not find it particularly troubling, as Sister Xia Lei had previously selected a small group of individuals from various teams. Everyone assumed there was a special mission involved.

"It's fine to tell you all," Guang Yao stated. "Cloud Peak has resolved to expand its army significantly. This isn't merely an increase in numbers within existing teams as done before. This time, we are establishing ten entirely new teams. The organizational structure will consist of these relocated individuals and the Youth Army. The initial strength of each team will be ten thousand. Once these teams are formed and their structures are solidified, it's only a matter of time before their numbers expand to match our current teams."

Guang Yao stretched, as if readying himself for the impending engagement. He continued, "We control such an expansive territory; our current troop numbers are insufficient. The inaugural deployment for these ten newly formed teams will be against this very sea beast tide. At this very moment, they should have completed their initial formation and are en route to the coast."

The realization dawned on the others—so that was the reason.

"Accompanying them are the primary forces from our peripheral organizations—Zhao Xingmei, Bai Feng, Sha Sha, and other teams. They have departed from their former defensive sectors and have already proceeded to the East Sea."

"Upon their convergence, we should have approximately five hundred thousand Cloud Peak-affiliated warriors assembled there. While this may not be enough to completely annihilate the sea beast tide, it is certainly sufficient to stabilize the situation. Our objective is to swiftly conclude the conflict here and return to provide reinforcement."

"Very well, everyone return. Let us communicate through the battle contribution badges. The battle... is about to commence."