Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2065: All out attack
Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
With a mighty roar, all nearby lifeforms scattered, be they Cloud Peak's soldiers or the alien parasites. The sheer intensity of the flames seemed to elevate the temperature of the entire Mei City by several degrees. Even amidst the conflagration, fierce combat sounds persisted, signaling that the two paramount entities were still locked in battle. Mo Ye, who had been by Xia Lei's side, had vanished, leaving only Yellow Ball. However, Yellow Ball had already risen, its gaze fixed upon the unfolding conflict below with an eager intensity. Yet, its directive for the day was to safeguard Xia Lei, rendering it unable to join the fray, confined to observation.
Mei City had descended into chaos, with battles erupting across its expanse. Nevertheless, Cloud Peak was beginning to assert a decisive advantage. The intervention of the supreme lifeforms had instigated the collapse of the parasites, who had, until then, managed to withstand the onslaught. Whether it was Little Tiger's cavalry, Li Daqian's War Beast Legion and his dedicated team, or the aerial divisions, they were engaged in what was virtually a massacre, sustaining minimal losses themselves. The disorganized resistance of the parasites appeared utterly feeble against such large-scale, swift assaults. This engagement bore a striking resemblance to cavalry clashing with infantry in ancient warfare. While these monstrous entities were certainly no ordinary foot soldiers, Cloud Peak's units were infinitely more formidable than conventional cavalry.
"Xia Lei."
Guangyao's voice resonated through the Battle Merit Medal. His command zone had been confronted by a ninth-level parasite, incurring the most substantial casualties to date.Xia Lei shifted her attention to that sector, observing that progress there was also favorable. The Death King Tree was dominating its adversary, poised to conclude the engagement at any moment.
"Speak."
"It's somewhat peculiar. Considering the sheer number of these parasites, there ought to be far more than just two top-tier lifeforms among them. Yet, a third has yet to materialize. I suspect they are orchestrating some ulterior motive. Have you perceived any unusual signs?" Guangyao's voice inquired via the Battle Contribution Medal.
Upon processing this information, Xia Lei responded, "No pertinent discoveries thus far. I too am awaiting their next move. Currently, Deacon Tong and Big Yellow remain inactive; Chuyin and Mo Ye have only just entered the fray. Should any deviations occur, we possess the means to adapt. It's likely these creatures won't endure much longer. If they refrain from further escalation, their opportunity will be lost."
At this very instant, unburdened by the threat of superior lifeforms, assaults from all four fronts proceeded with remarkable smoothness. A preliminary statistical report relayed by the Exquisite Floating Balls indicated that nearly a million diverse parasites had been annihilated within the forty-minute duration of the conflict. This figure was staggering, as even a million beings standing passively would require an immense amount of time to eliminate. However, Cloud Peak's preceding assaults had predominantly been area-of-effect attacks. The initial wave of long-range offensive strikes had decimated tens of thousands. Subsequently, each volley of V3-type grenade rockets, numbering over two hundred thousand, resulted in the elimination of sixty to seventy thousand parasites per discharge. Three such volleys brought the total close to two hundred thousand. The casualties inflicted by self-destructing soldiers, while not as astronomically high as those from the V3-type grenade rockets due to their limited numbers, were still significant. Their potent destructive force, deployed within the densest enemy concentrations and augmented by electric nets, also accounted for tens of thousands of fallen parasites.
Furthermore, one must not overlook the contribution of the magic crystal cannons. The thunderous discharge of thousands of these cannons, focusing their barrage upon the previously congested swarm in the city's core, unleashed devastating power. Each shot was guaranteed to annihilate a multitude of enemies. While precise figures are unavailable, their effectiveness undeniably surpassed that of the grenade rocket launchers. These combined offensive actions alone were responsible for the elimination of six to seven hundred thousand parasites, with Cloud Peak's other combatants accounting for the remaining number.
The casualties sustained by Cloud Peak's own forces were also considerable, a factor that would require detailed post-battle assessment. Presently, Cloud Peak's offensive perimeter had been compressed to within two kilometers inside Mei City. Considering Mei City's modest size—likely a fifth-tier city in peacetime, spanning approximately a thousand square kilometers, translating to a radius of roughly seventeen to eighteen kilometers if circular—the occupied two-kilometer peripheral zone encompassed around two hundred square kilometers, already representing one-fifth of the city's total area. It must be acknowledged that in the case of a metropolis, Cloud Peak's current troop strength might not only prove insufficient for a complete encirclement but that engaging over five million parasites would exponentially escalate the difficulty of the operation.
The area was confined, yet the parasite density was disturbingly high. Within such close quarters, Cloud Peak's strategy could expertly exploit its advantages and sidestep its vulnerabilities during combat.
"I can't shake this feeling of unease. I recall Zhongming mentioning an encounter with a three-tailed, green-skinned monster. He described it as exceptionally unique, possessing high intelligence and formidable strength. While it might not be present here, what if it is... then..."
As one of Cloud Peak's principal strategists and tacticians, Guangyao possessed a foresight that surpassed most. Not a shred of information, however minor, could escape his sharp intellect.
The matter of the three-tailed monster Ye Zhongming had spoken of might have faded from others' memories, but Guangyao held onto it. Ever since Ye Zhongming had relayed the directive for Cloud Peak to eliminate as many parasites as possible, the image of that monster grew increasingly vivid and palpable in Guangyao's mind.
This led to a pervasive sense of apprehension.
Guangyao, known for his composure, impartiality, and unwavering principles, maintained standards for his war team in this post-apocalyptic reality that were not far removed from those of peaceful times.
One might wrongly assume such an 'independent' individual didn't revere Ye Zhongming like other Cloud Peak members. On the contrary, a person like Guangyao could better grasp Ye Zhongming's actions, thus holding him in even higher regard, viewing him as a spiritual mentor.
Given that his mentor had voiced concerns about the three-tailed monster during its nascent stage, Guangyao had even less reason to disregard the potential threat.
Xia Lei was apprised of this situation. Guangyao had previously broached the subject with her, and she, too, had kept it in consideration. Upon hearing Guangyao raise it again, she furrowed her brow and remarked, "Regardless of its abilities or might, let's observe how it attempts to turn the tide."
At that precise moment, resounding cheers erupted from one sector. Xia Lei directed her gaze towards the southeast. Cloud Peak's cavalry and the War Beast Legion had successfully linked up, having previously carved a clear path through the parasite infestation along their advance.
"Little Tiger, Li Daqian, consolidate your teams immediately. The flanking units are to secure our sides. All others, engage and eliminate the enemy. All forces, charge ahead!"
Xia Lei's decision was sound: initiate a full-scale assault while the enemy teetered on the brink of collapse.
As if to affirm her strategic choice, the Death King Tree's countless branches suddenly erupted towards their position. The colossal Level Nine demonic monster was impaled, hanging lifelessly. Meanwhile, at Yangos's location, the outcome was also decided. The malevolent dragon ascended from the inferno, its roar echoing to the heavens. Though battered and wounded, with a wing mangled, it held the enemy's head firmly within its grasp!