Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2061: Battle Potential (3)

A sizzling and crackling symphony filled Mei City in the ensuing moment, the immense electric nets descending upon the parasites. While some exceptionally powerful entities might have resisted immediate demise, paralysis was an unavoidable consequence. Even those with strength nearing level seven found themselves immobilized for a considerable duration. Cloud Peak's intention with these electric nets was not primarily to annihilate the parasites, but to pave the way for their true killing blow: the self-destructing gene soldiers.

Mirroring advancements in numerous other technological fields, Cloud Peak had achieved substantial breakthroughs in the research of self-destructing gene soldiers, eventually refining two distinct, mature variations.

The first type embodied the complete self-destruct function. The sole purpose of these gene soldiers was detonation, inflicting widespread damage upon their surroundings. The damage types varied, predominantly comprising explosive energy, with a significant allocation for toxic effects. Additional attributes, such as gene contamination, corrosive agents, or incendiary properties, could be incorporated into these self-destructing lifeforms at any time depending on the tactical requirements.

The second classification was the combat-oriented type. These gene soldiers would refrain from immediate self-destruction, instead showcasing respectable combat prowess. However, upon their demise in battle, internal triggers would activate, initiating an explosive chain reaction.

The most optimal scenario would naturally involve a fusion of both self-destructing types. Yet, technical complexities and prohibitive costs made this approach far less cost-effective than producing each type independently.

Following the deployment of the Thunderbolt Electric Insect Nets, colossal creatures soared from the elevated points surrounding Mei City. These were formidable flying beasts cultivated by Cloud Peak, serving primarily as transport rather than combat units. Beneath their bodies, large, cabin-like metal compartments were secured. With powerful wingbeats, they glided over Mei City, their forms beginning to dive. From these metal cabins, countless gene soldiers were released. By the time the beasts ascended and gradually receded into the distance, two thousand self-destruct soldiers had established dominion over the skies above Mei City.

Like aerial bombardments, they plunged into the swarms of parasites, one after another.

The percussive thuds of their explosions, while less ostentatious than the thunderous roars of magic crystal cannons or the concussive blasts of grenade rocket launchers, still managed to obliterate swathes of the parasite legions. These particular self-destruct gene soldiers were all of the complete self-destruct variety. As direct combat was not required, their explosive yields had been amplified to their absolute maximum by Liu Zhenghong for this engagement. The resultant destruction far surpassed that of any self-destructing soldiers from previous deployments.

Their destructive capacity even rivaled the initial salvos from the magic crystal cannons.

Every evolved individual who had ventured into Mei City could feel the palpable reduction in pressure at this juncture.

Merely ten minutes had elapsed since the commencement of hostilities, yet even so, those evolved who had been among the vanguard felt a profound sense of unease.

They had been subjected to immense strain.

Given Mei City's occupation by parasites, it naturally lacked conventional defensive structures like city walls. Previously, many evolved harbored the notion that a small, almost open city, even infested with millions of enemies, would be instantly decimated by an equally numerous force of millions of evolved warriors. After all, they fought under the banner of the invincible Cloud Peak Villa, now the undisputed regional hegemon.

However, upon making direct contact with these parasites, they discovered that these creatures, devoid of magic crystals, possessed a strength far exceeding their initial estimations.

With every passing minute and second, evolved combatants were falling. For those who had navigated the post-apocalyptic world for over eight years, life was a commodity they were perpetually prepared to relinquish. Nevertheless, when death arrived with such swiftness and in such overwhelming numbers, an unavoidable sense of fear began to take root.

It was the subsequent waves of attacks orchestrated by Cloud Peak—from the magic crystal cannons to the rocket launchers, from the electric nets to the self-destructing gene soldiers—that rekindled the resolve within these warriors to continue their fight.

It wasn't that their fighting spirit was inherently inferior to that of Cloud Peak Villa's forces; rather, they found themselves somewhat unaccustomed to the sheer ferocity and intensity of this particular kind of warfare.

In stark contrast, Cloud Peak had weathered similar scenarios across multiple offensive, defensive, and dimensional engagements.

This was the invaluable asset of experience.

Had it not been for Cloud Peak's timely interventions and successive assaults, aiding them through the most perilous initial phase, these evolved forces might well have fractured and collapsed on their own accord.

In the post-apocalyptic era, while combat had fundamentally diverged from the norms of the preceding peaceful period, the phenomenon of troops disintegrating like a landslide remained a grim possibility. If these hired evolved forces were the first to buckle, Cloud Peak itself would be incapable of sustaining the war effort.

Within ten minutes, the combined casualties on both fronts could have easily surpassed hundreds of thousands. Both sides were diligently adjusting to the ferocity of this engagement. Fortunately, Cloud Peak held the advantage of initiative, allowing them to adapt first.

"V3-type grenade rocket launchers, unleash another ten volleys!"

For reasons unknown, Xia Lei's voice carried a distinct note of urgency.

Countless fiery trails blazed across the sky, plunging into the teeming swarms of parasites.

"Has the analysis been completed?!"

Xia Lei spun around. Behind her stood members of Cloud Peak's staff department.

"The initial estimated parasite count was one point seven million. Following the commencement of battle, an additional two point eight million emerged. Up to this point, a minimum of one million have yet to reveal themselves!"

"What types are they?"

"The green-skinned demon monster count is approximately two point two million. The remainder, those not showing... are essentially them."

Xia Lei turned back, her gaze sweeping over Mei City, now adorned with blooming crimson death, and she softly closed her eyes.

"Still can't be forced out, all of you?" The Black-hearted Queen murmured quietly, her previous unease and indecision dissolving.

"Magic crystal cannons, cease fire. Air force units, immediately proceed to the city center and annihilate all structures in your path. Battle Rat Legion and Nine Treasures, materialize directly within the center and advance towards the southeast! Yangos, provide aerial cover for them!"

"Red Hair! You and the Undead Dragonfish, enter the fray and eradicate the enemies in your designated sector. Instruct the Talking Lady to guide the zombie horde, making an incursion from the northwest."

"Li Daqian! War Beast Legion, commence your assault. Secure your advance by persuading other teams ahead to yield ground, but refrain from pushing too deeply. Maintain controlled speed and formation. You will receive orders to pivot southeast at the opportune moment."

"Little Tiger, your cavalry unit, also advance towards the southeast forthwith. Should the Battle Rat Legion, Nine Treasures, and the air force encounter any resistance, lead your forces in a charge to provide support. If their progress remains unhindered, exploit the openings they create and veer towards the War Beast Legion's position to link up with them!"

A rapid series of commands issued forth. Several units, which had remained positioned behind the main battle lines until this moment, began to move. The instant they received their orders, they were absorbed into the maelstrom of war.

Observing the unfolding battlefield, Xia Lei mused, "If you still refuse to show yourselves, then I will be compelled to annihilate this million-strong periphery force..."

Deacon Tong and Deacon Water stood atop a hill, their eyes fixed on the distant battlefield.

"Without witnessing this firsthand, one cannot truly grasp the immense power of Cloud Peak," Deacon Water expressed with profound emotion. Following the relentless barrages they had just endured, Deacon Water doubted any other faction in this world could withstand such an onslaught.

"Indeed, a significant portion of the region, yet it failed to fully draw out Cloud Peak's combat potential. Instead, a fraction of it has been unveiled here. However, this is still not the entirety of their strength."

Deacon Tong let out a sigh, a blend of helplessness and undeniable admiration coloring his tone.

His own contingent, along with those who had defected to the Cannibal Chain, had yet to make a move. Xia Lei's personal guard and Mo Ye's detachment remained inactive. Even the far more formidable Female Guard had not yet entered the fray!

Furthermore, merely half of their elite, top-tier lifeforms had been deployed thus far!