Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy Chapter 1521 37: Defiant
Previously on Mech: Shattering of the Galaxy...
Negotiating terms with Mu Fan was not even on his radar; this was the domain of the Aohan Freedom Alliance, and apart from the uppermost echelons of the Firmament Corps, no one else could possibly command him to yield his pride.
It was merely a single battleship that had inexplicably bypassed inspection.
Through the optical display, Li Genmao's gaze held a trace of mockery. He was not directly confronting Mu Fan, and no matter how potent the ship's cannon fire might be, it posed no threat to him.
His disposition was akin to a feline predator toying with its prey, fully aware of the inevitable end but indulging in a playful torment.
He relished the sight of vibrant life struggling in futile helplessness.
"Mecha Army, deploy!"
Thump...
Thump, thump, thump, thump!
Initially, the resounding clatter of metal-clad feet striking the ground echoed, and moments later, the Flame Star Guard contingent at the forefront parted ways, unveiling the Mecha Army commencing a rapid forward assault from behind their ranks.
The synchronized advance of these identical ten-meter-tall standard mechas generated a formidable momentum, reminiscent of a charge involving thousands of cavalry.
These were not mechas designed for space engagements but rather standard, high-firepower land combat units.
The four most formidable mechas among them simultaneously elevated the steel spiral drills affixed to their right arms.
High-energy shields are particularly vulnerable to high-frequency physical cutting!
Now, with four A-class land combat mechas, identified as [Driller] models, spearheading the relentless advance, they were poised to deliver a devastating blow to those protected within the shields.
"Roar!"
An abrupt, piercing dragon's cry reverberated from the mid-air.
The personnel of the Flame Star Guard instinctively cranched their gazes upward.
A colossal shadow ascended into the sky – could it be... a dragon!?
The mechanical engineers and soldiers present were momentarily taken aback, even catching a fleeting glimpse of what appeared to be anger radiating from the mechanical dragon's visage.
Had this mechanical dragon achieved sentience?
Evil Wing fixed its furious gaze upon the now fully activated High Crystal Stone below, its internal sense of grievance profound.
How dare they squander the provisions meant for its lord—
All of you deserve to perish!
Its draconic head suddenly reared back, and a crimson light flared intensely within its throat.
In the subsequent instant, an inferno of terrifying heat and untamed Red Flame erupted from the dragon's maw.
Within every mecha, the energy monitors commenced flashing urgent red warning indicators.
[A potent energy reaction field has manifested 120 meters directly overhead!]
The mechas, which had moments before been raising their drill-equipped arms to breach the shields, swiftly retracted them, stepped back, and adopted a defensive posture, crossing their arms forward.
"Defend!"
Following the bellowed command from the lead mechanical master, all deployed mechas simultaneously raised their shields, instantaneously coalescing into an impenetrable steel bastion before the assembled group.
Yet, it was at this precise juncture that Evil Wing's fury reached its absolute zenith.
"Roar!"
The dragon's head swung downwards with immense force, and a searing red fireball, initially no larger than half a meter in diameter, billowed from its throat, expanding into a colossal sphere nearly five meters across as it pierced the atmosphere.
Furthermore, this monstrous fireball was laced with tendrils of black flame that writhed like serpents, lending it an even more malevolent appearance.
Demon Dragon—Roaring Flame Bomb!
The very fabric of space around the black-red inferno warped and fractured under the intense heat, carving a direct column of fire that plunged from the heavens to the earth.
The immense fireball annihilated its impact upon the lead mecha in the formation.
Boom!
Conflagrations radiated outwards to either flank.
The four vanguard mechas were tossed aside like mere playthings, struck and… sent hurtling away!
Then, with the deliberate movement of Evil Wing's head, the colossal pillar of flame continued its direct assault forward.
Much like a high-pressure water jet dislodging debris, these A-class mechas proved utterly incapable of withstanding Evil Wing's fiery onslaught.
Their shields liquefied instantly, transforming into molten iron, while the mechas' metallic bodies glowed a fierce red before collapsing into a mangled heap under the overwhelming force of the impact.
Ever since Mu Fan successfully tamed Evil Wing, the dragon's daily sustenance requirements had escalated by a factor of ten!
Consuming two High Crystal Stones each day, its origins remain a mystery, but this mechanical behemoth's growth rate has exploded exponentially.
Heaven only knows the current offensive capabilities of Evil Wing.
"We cannot... resist!"
Amidst a distorted cry, Evil Wing's searing Red Flame finally subsided.
The individuals who had been scattered had long since scrambled for cover behind protective barricades erected on either side. Now, they dared not even peek out, the oppressive heat causing a searing pain in their nostrils and throats with every breath.
"What in the blazes is occurring out there!"
A space pirate, masquerading as an ordinary citizen, trembled as he spoke; he now fervently wished he had possessed more limbs to facilitate a swifter escape.
Which Star Thief Group leader would dare unleash such bombardment within Flame Star itself? It beggars belief.
"Roar!"
Evil Wing plummeted downwards, radiating immense fury and emitting an enraged howl.
[Evil Wing is expressing its displeasure at those individuals for withholding its crystal stone.]
"Roar!"
[Evil Wing plans to punish them.]
Black dutifully relayed the message to Mu Fan's ears. While the mechanical giant dragon's approach speed might have been negligible against the Demon God Machine, for A-class mechas, it was an absolute catastrophe. With a swift, swooping descent, its enormous dragon tail lashed out. Instantly, a [Driller] mecha, which had only just begun its cooldown, was obliterated by the spiked appendage. The colossal tail continued its tireless sweep, annihilating an entire sector. A tremor rippled through the steel ranks of the assembled team. Evil Wing slammed a mecha cockpit onto the ground, lifting its head for another furious roar. The appearance of this dragon shattered the combat resolve of the Planet Guard. This non-human, supernatural entity brought with it an immense, unknown dread, burdening them with unimaginable pressure. "Inspector sir, we cannot possibly resist... Ah!" A desperate cry echoed through the communication channels. Li Genmao observed the unfolding chaos through the monitor, his pupils narrowing with icy coldness. His facial muscles contorted as his jaw clenched. With a twitch of his cheek, he spoke with a chilling tone: "Deploy the Butterfly Fighters for interception. The Firmament Corps garrison is right behind them; clear a path for their advance." The Firmament Corps represented the elite fighting force. Li Genmao's initial plan to rely on the Mecha Army's assault had been unexpectedly thwarted by the mysterious mechanical behemoth, leaving a burning indignation in his heart. The current terrain was restrictive, forbidding the deployment of large warships. Allowing battleship cannons to fire within this confined space would likely obliterate half the Star Ring. Upon receiving this order, the Flame Star Guard infantry experienced immense psychological relief and began to scatter like an ebbing tide, no longer forced to face the monster directly. Meanwhile, hundreds of steel plates simultaneously retracted from both sides of the grand corridor, revealing hidden aircraft launch channels. Swish, swish, swish! Countless small, butterfly-like fighters streamed forth. Resembling dual-layered X-wing aircraft, but equipped with two pairs of wings—one set fore and one aft—these seven-meter-long machines boasted exceptional maneuverability and began swarming the corridor like a swarm of bees and butterflies. All fighter pilots had their targeting systems locked onto the ground contingent. "Prepare..." Every pilot simultaneously placed their fingers on the firepower triggers. "Fire," Mu Fan commanded icily. In that precise instant, thousands of Guardian Cannon barrels emerged from the side walls of the Dawn Battleship. Buzz... Boom, boom, boom, boom! The battleship's thunderous volley rendered the onlookers in the corridor nearly deaf.