Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2067.5- Going towards death to live
Previously on Apocalypse Gachapon...
The most terrifying aspect was the sheer chaos.
While Cloud Peak's teams maintained a semblance of order, it was crucial to remember that the majority of the evolved individuals present were not directly affiliated with Cloud Peak. They lacked the unwavering resolve and superior combat prowess characteristic of Cloud Peak warriors.
Upon witnessing the headquarters under siege and an seemingly endless horde of monsters descending from the heavens, many individuals crumbled. Their immediate instinct was not to stand firm, but to flee or at least retreat to reassess the dire situation. This psychological breakdown drastically diminished the fighting capacity of the entire Cloud Peak allied forces, instantly forfeiting their control over Mei City's interior.
In stark contrast, these parasitic entities, despite over 1.5 million being annihilated within mere hours, still boasted a surviving population of three million. The instant their comrades initiated the assault, these parasites unleashed their full might, launching a savage counteroffensive against the human forces.
Crippled by internal disorder and facing a fierce enemy counterattack, the human troops who had just penetrated deep into Mei City found themselves being repelled even more rapidly. Throughout this chaotic retreat, countless human lives were lost!
Observing this unfolding disaster with clarity, Guangyao issued his strategic directives.
Chaos? It mattered not. The immediate objective for these individuals, including some Cloud Peak combatants, was to stall the advancing horde of nearly three million parasites. Guangyao's true priority was ensuring the swift advancement of Little Tiger's cavalry unit, the air force commanded by Red Hair and the Undead Dragonfish, and Deacon Tong's war team on the flanks towards the headquarters.
The paramount goal was to safeguard the headquarters at all costs; all other concerns would be addressed later!
Around the headquarters, the vanguard consisted of the Talking Lady and Black Cat, who had just disengaged from combat; the wounded evil dragon Yangos; the unharmed Yellow Ball; and Xia Lei's personal war team. Guangyao held a firm belief that these formidable entities would not fall easily, even when confronted by an enemy force numbering in the millions, including a significant contingent of top-tier lifeforms!Given sufficient time, once the Talking Lady, the Undead Dragonfish, Little Tiger, Deacon Tong, and several other elite lifeforms converged at the headquarters, augmented by the cavalry unit, air force, and the war team centered around the Five Ring Money, the tide of the battle would inevitably turn.
With three war teams supported by Xia Lei's own unit and the zombie horde, totaling close to three hundred thousand combatants, and bolstered by the presence of eight top-tier lifeforms, they possessed the potential to hold their ground.
Furthermore, once the situation in Mei City stabilized, Mo Ye and the Death King Tree would also be able to reinforce the defense.
Crucially, one must not overlook Cloud Peak's untapped reserve force: the gene warrior legion! Upon Liang Chuyin's reunion with Liu Zhenghong and Le Dayuan, this formidable legion could either join the fray within Mei City or bypass it entirely to bolster the headquarters' defenses.
Everything seemed to have converged at a critical juncture: the survival of the headquarters hinged entirely on its ability to withstand the ongoing assault.
"Have Chuyin and the gene soldier legion both proceed to reinforce the headquarters. Sister Rong's war team is sufficient here."
Liu Zhenghong's voice resonated from the Battle Contribution Badge. She astutely recognized that the linchpin of the current battle resided at the headquarters, prompting her suggestion.
"No!" At this precise moment, Guangyao's unyielding resolve as a commander became evident. "I refuse to grant these monstrosities another opportunity for an ambush. Not only can we not afford to withdraw your protection force, but should the battlefield situation deteriorate, you must immediately retreat to Cloud Peak!"
Liu Zhenghong's brow furrowed, yet she remained silent.
"We shall depart immediately. After Sister Rong escorts us, she shall remain here to engage in combat." Le Dayuan unexpectedly interjected.
Naturally, their desire to remain was driven by the invaluable data that could be gathered; the intelligence obtainable from this real-world conflict far surpassed anything acquired in controlled testing environments. Direct combat always yielded superior insights compared to theoretical exercises.
However, under the prevailing circumstances, lingering would only serve to strain Cloud Peak's resources. Le Dayuan promptly proposed their withdrawal.
Without a moment's hesitation, Guangyao declared, "Excellent. Sister Rong, you will escort Master Le and Sister Hong. Chuyin, continue your cautious advance. Upon completion of your mission, your war team will remain, re-enter Mei City, and you will then proceed to the headquarters to provide assistance."
Guangyao implemented minor adjustments to the battlefield directives.
Yet, he understood that regardless of any tactical modifications, their impact would only manifest in subsequent engagements. The true determinant of the battle's trajectory rested unequivocally with the fate of the headquarters.
But... could Xia Lei possibly hold the line?
………………………………
A colossal golden net materialized above Xia Lei and the headquarters personnel positioned behind her. At the intersections of this intricate grid, metallic spheres began to sprout, resembling ripe fruit.
The instant these entities from the void manifested, Yellow Ball sprang into action.
Its primary objective for the day had been to provide precautionary protection for Xia Lei. Who could have possibly foreseen that an actual crisis would erupt?
Big Yellow took a proud stance, its gaze lifted towards the oppressive multitude of enemies filling the sky. A surge of battle intent emanated from its form, and it unleashed a powerful bark towards the airborne adversaries, its body shimmering with an almost blinding luminescence.
Not far away, Yangos was struggling. It managed to reach Big Yellow's side, cast a weary glance at the sky-borne foes, and without a word, tucked its head beneath its body, succumbing to slumber.
The evil dragon, rather than confront the danger, chose to place its trust entirely in its comrades.
This was a realization born from ascending to the status of a level nine lifeform.
It understood the gravity of their predicament, acknowledging that the enemy's choice of this location as their target was no mere coincidence. Nevertheless, with its current combat power severely depleted, the evil dragon opted for slumber as a means to recuperate swiftly.
Complete restoration was, of course, out of the question. The immediate goal was to regain at least some fighting capability, rather than simply awaiting a doomed end.
Yangos possessed an inherent talent unique to the dragon race, a power that awakened upon reaching level nine. This ability allowed them to enter a state of slumber for a predetermined duration, akin to an internal alarm clock. Upon waking at the set time, their injuries would show a degree of recovery. The extent of this healing was contingent upon the severity of their wounds and the length of their slumber.
In its current state, Yangos selected the shortest possible duration – thirty minutes. This would likely result in a recovery of less than ten percent of its combat power. However, it was the only viable option. Even if it could manage to unleash a few breaths of dragon fire later, it would still contribute to the team's effort.
The colossal mass engulfing the monsters disintegrated, unleashing a rain of demonic creatures. Leading this descent were ten towering entities. These green-skinned demon monsters, whose formidable strength was matched by their imposing stature, stood at a height of five meters. Their individual might was categorized as top-tier, equivalent to that of level nine lifeforms!
These formidable beings had employed two other top-tier lifeforms as a diversion, while the rest of their elite brethren converged on this very location!
With sharp 'pings,' metal spheres launched from the metallic net ascended like cannonballs, hundreds in number.
Numerous descending demon monsters were struck, their bodies impaled instantly, their free-fall transforming into a terminal descent.
Even the elite green-skinned demon monsters were forced to defend themselves, either shielding their bodies or resorting to punching away the incoming metal spheres.
Big Yellow's initial assault effectively eliminated a portion of the monsters menacing Xia Lei and the members of headquarters.
However... the grim reality of the situation only intensified.
The ten top-tier lifeforms descended directly around Xia Lei and his companions, their objective clear: to neutralize Cloud Peak's command center. Within this immediate vicinity, Big Yellow stood as the sole combat-capable top-tier lifeform. Facing an overwhelming one-versus-ten confrontation, the foregone conclusion was painfully evident.
The deployment of a single skill only marginally impeded the descent speed of these elite lifeforms.
Big Yellow recognized the imminent need for a desperate struggle. Its form suddenly expanded, activating this specific ability. Concurrently, a set of beast equipment materialized upon its body; mechanical wings granted it the power of flight.
Yet, after a couple of wing beats, it refrained from taking to the sky to engage the enemy, as doing so would leave Xia Lei completely exposed.
"I'm here."
The Talking Lady, clutching Black Cat, materialized beside Big Yellow. The zombie horde she commanded was also caught within the scope of this enemy ambush.
Big Yellow hesitated for a moment, but then heard Xia Lei's command, "Go. Remember, employ guerrilla tactics while awaiting reinforcements."
Big Yellow lingered no further. With a mighty roar, it surged skyward, confronting the ten adversaries of equal standing.
Embracing death to grasp life, utterly devoid of fear!