Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2082.5- Technology from above (4)

Upon hearing this, Deacon Tong let out a sigh, "At this point, I truly believe you. They... must have been incredibly expensive."

Laughter erupted from the others at his words. Little Tiger, with his distinctive northeastern accent, chimed in with a peculiar sound, "A pretty significant sum."

"There's another crucial point," Xia Lei added. "They possess an excellent leader. While Xia Bai is also an eight-star evolved being, her combat prowess genuinely rivals that of top-tier experts. Especially when wounded, she transforms into a formidable entity, inspiring dread and awe. One ability from the Female Guard's massive Team Book allows for power transference to Xia Bai, elevating her to the status of a top-tier life form during such moments."

So that was the reason. Deacon Tong and the others turned their gaze towards Xia Bai, Xiao Min, and several other leaders of the Female Guard standing in a corner. They remained in quiet contemplation, as if oblivious to the ongoing discussion about them. This composed silence instilled a sense of reverence in Deacon Tong and his companions.

It was no wonder Cloud Peak seldom deployed the Female Guard; they were indeed a potent force to be reckoned with.

Then, a sudden realization dawned upon her: a team like this, all adorned with purple gear...

"I estimate that dealing with three top-tier life forms shouldn't pose too much difficulty, right?" A Yang inquired, his eyebrows arched.

"I'd venture to say four are needed. The difference between purple and gold equipment is substantial; purple is significantly superior," Yun Shao countered.

"Four top-tier life forms engaging simultaneously? I don't believe that's feasible. How could we possibly allow the Female Guard to confront four top-tier life forms alone?" Little Tiger chuckled. In truth, during the Mei City engagement, having avoided direct confrontation with top-tier life forms, his hands had been itching for a real fight.

Xia Lei applauded, bringing an end to the debate.

"After Zhongming distributed the equipment, Xia Bai and I examined several pieces. At the time, we both agreed that with the new gear, if absolutely necessary, the Female Guard could indeed contend with four to five top-tier life forms. However, Little Tiger has a valid point: we cannot afford such a deployment. Even if victorious, it would mean the annihilation of the Female Guard, rendering the victory hollow. To achieve success with minimal losses, three top-tier life forms represent the absolute maximum. If zero casualties are the objective, then two is the limit."

This was a definitive assessment. Yet, even so, it was remarkably astonishing. A contingent of eight-star evolved beings capable of eliminating two top-tier life forms without suffering any losses? That seemed almost unbelievable.

"Very well, our discussion regarding the Female Guard concludes here," Xia Lei announced, transitioning to the next agenda item.

"Aside from the equipment transmission, Zhongming also sent down something else," the Black-Hearted Queen revealed without preamble. "Technology—a significant amount of advanced technology."

A hush fell over the assembly, as no one seemed to know how to respond.

Technology delivered directly from the Leader—it had to be of unparalleled quality. All that was required was to listen attentively. To speak would only betray their ignorance, and such an act would serve no purpose.

"Among these technological advancements lies one that can elucidate the reasons behind our engagement in the Mei City battle and also dispel any lingering doubts within many hearts."

Xia Lei directed these words toward the entire group.

The losses sustained by Cloud Peak this time were devastating, reaching a level that threatened its very foundation. Hundreds of thousands of casualties, the complete annihilation of an entire combat team, coupled with immense damage to equipment and significant expenditure of magic crystals, all in exchange for a mere four million corpses. If not for Ye Zhongming's immense prestige within Cloud Peak, if the prospect of venturing into the cosmos didn't inspire unwavering trust and obedience, or if any other leader were in charge, these core members and ordinary warriors would have voiced their objections long ago.

Nevertheless, a comprehensive explanation was still necessary to fully assuage the concerns lingering in everyone's minds.

Now, the Cloud Peak King was poised to provide that answer.

"According to the communication Zhongming sent back, the Earth we inhabit is currently encompassed by a life form known as the Slave Race."

This revelation was profoundly shocking. After Xia Lei concluded her statement, a palpable silence ensued as everyone struggled to process the information.

Several seconds later, the room erupted as these core members, already influential figures in the nation, broke into a clamor.

They were aware of the Slave Race, but their prior assumption was that the parasites themselves constituted the Slave Race. Even Guangyao and Commander-in-Chief Mu, who possessed considerable knowledge, were visibly taken aback.

"I cannot comprehend how, with Earth enveloped, factors such as sunrises and sunsets, the ebb and flow of tides, and seasonal transitions still persist. However, this is indeed the reality. Zhongming would not deceive us on matters of such gravity. A colossal predator truly encircles our planet externally, siphoning its vitality."

The core members listened in stunned silence, experiencing emotions akin to when Ye Zhongming first learned the truth: shock, followed by a profound sense of bewilderment.

Information, equipment, and everything else transmitted costs resources. Yes, resources. The specific form of this resource will be explained shortly. However, the crucial point is that these beings within Mei City, and others identified elsewhere, are merely parasites. They are creations of the Slave Race that plagues Earth from the outside, drawing sustenance from our planet via these parasitic forms. Zhongming did not elaborate on further details, and I possess no further knowledge either. My understanding is limited to the fact that the technology behind the post-apocalyptic world was not intended for our destruction; rather, it was designed to foster our evolution, equipping us to combat the Slave Race and its parasitic offspring.

Absorbing the revelations presented by Xia Lei, the assembled individuals required some time to fully process the implications. Little Tiger, Young Master Yun, and the others couldn't help but release gasps of astonishment, exclaiming phrases like "Unbelievable!" and "This is insane!"

The circumstances were undeniably bizarre and profoundly ironic.

"The entities known as Cosmic Races are, in truth, as pitiable as we are. They too have lost their home worlds and are now forced to construct artificial sanctuaries adrift in the vastness of space. Their only distinction from us lies in the fact that they represent our potential future."

Having conveyed this information, Xia Lei experienced a sense of catharsis. When she first encountered this knowledge, her own state of mind was not dissimilar to those listening. Now, disseminating this truth to a wider audience seemed to alleviate some of the personal burden she carried.

"Naturally, the Cosmic Races faced their calamities much sooner than we did, which explains their superior capabilities, both technologically and individually. Consequently, in their protracted conflict with the Slave Race, a conflict of indeterminate years, they discovered and successfully extracted a substance from these parasites, which they termed Moonspan Gold. This substance has since become the linchpin and foundation of all operations for the Cosmic Races. Not only does a significant quantity of Moonspan Gold function as the energy source for numerous devices, but it has also supplanted magic crystals as the exclusive form of currency. The considerable expenditure required for Zhongming to establish communication with us, across the dominion of the Slave Race, necessitates the use of substantial amounts of this very substance."

Xia Lei directed her gaze towards the individuals assembled below and stated with gravity, "Yes, your assumptions are correct. This Moonspan Gold is obtained by extracting it from the bodies of these parasites. These more than four million corpses are not merely remains; they represent... wealth! Immense wealth, a fortune beyond measure!"

"Currently, Zhongming has provided us with the extraction technology. Therefore, we are on the verge of becoming rich."

A collective sigh of understanding rippled through the group. So that was the true nature of their situation.

"In addition to this, Zhongming has also transmitted down various technologies that far surpass anything currently known on Earth. With Moonspan Gold and these advancements, we will be capable of manufacturing equipment exceeding even purple-grade and constructing starships suitable for interstellar travel!"

"From this moment forward, the primary focus of Cloud Peak will shift from combat to technological advancement. Therefore, I have made the decision to formally establish Cloud Peak's Technology Department, appointing Master Le as its director and chief engineer."

"He will spearhead our efforts to replicate these technologies of the Cosmic Races... right here on Earth!"