Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1070 - 729: Ancient Ruins

Externally, Catherine orchestrates the firepower of the "Thorny Bird" along with the remaining first and third Mecha groups. They utilize the platform's residual defensive capabilities and the "Thorny Bird's" own agility to combat the incoming swarm of Bug Race aerial units.

The third group, under Kuang Xin's command, functions like a rapid response fire brigade, extending support to whichever sectors face the most intense pressure.

Internally, the conflict proves to be far more treacherous and intricate.

Confined by narrow passageways, shrouded in darkness, and with lurking Bug Race entities emerging without warning, assaults are launched from unforeseen directions.

Zero's precise marksmanship is severely hampered within these confines, necessitating closer-quarters combat and cleanup by Rose, Ares, and Bai E.

Xi Liu, leveraging her acute environmental awareness, provides timely warnings of areas where Bug Race units might be concealed.

"Data download at 85%... 90%... experiencing interference from internal assaults, transmission speed is diminishing!" Ash announces.

"Just hold on!" Bai E slams a "Lurker" that lunges from the ceiling, pinning it against the wall with a single, decisive blow and unleashing spiritual energy to obliterate it completely.

He senses the escalating intensity of the Bug Race's external assault. The formidable "City-breaking Worms" are employing their heavy exoskeletons and potent acid sprays to systematically degrade the platform's outer armor, seeking to carve out a larger entry point.

"We cannot simply remain on the defensive!" Bai E vocalizes his realization, acknowledging that the "Traveler" itself has transformed into a colossal target.

Its remaining utility must be harnessed, and proactive movement toward their objective is essential.

"Catherine, once the data download concludes, immediately synchronize the information to all Mecha tactical computers! Subsequently, enact Backup Plan B!"

"Backup Plan B?" Catherine questions, a moment of hesitation preceding her understanding, "You intend... to utilize the "Traveler's" wreckage and its propulsion systems?"

"Precisely!" Bai E states calmly, presenting his analysis. "Although the "Traveler" is damaged, its primary structure remains largely intact, and some thrusters may still be functional. We require it as both a 'shield' and a 'springboard.' After eradicating the primary internal threats, I will attempt to reactivate some of its propulsion and navigation mechanisms, setting a course generally aligned with Jade Stone Star. From there, we will all evacuate the "Traveler," using it as a buffer, and follow closely behind, making our way towards Jade Stone Star. This strategy not only allows us to use its debris to draw some Bug Race attention but also conserves our Mecha's energy reserves for the extended journey, while its sheer mass can assist in breaching any obstacles encountered along the way!"

This strategy is ambitious and fraught with peril, yet it represents the most viable path given the current dire circumstances.

"Data download complete! Initiating synchronization!" Ash's voice finally conveys welcome news.

"Second group, accelerate your clearing operations! Eliminate the primary threats within the control center and the passage leading to the core propulsion chamber within the next five minutes!" Bai E commands.

The ensuing five minutes witness the battle escalating to a feverish intensity.

The hidden Bug Race units within the structure appear to have discerned the intruders' objectives, escalating their assaults to an even more frantic degree.

Nevertheless, through the tenacious efforts of the White Calamity Squad, control over the main passageways and critical areas is progressively established.

Guided by Xi Liu's directions, Bai E locates the relatively undamaged core propulsion chamber.

The vicinity bears marks of conflict, yet the central equipment has, miraculously, remained intact.

Drawing upon his astute perception of energy flow and a foundational grasp of engineering principles acquired previously, Bai E endeavors to reactivate certain systems.

Following a sequence of grating metallic protests and the hum of energy overload, a few weak lights flicker to life, and several screens flash with disordered data.

Several attitude adjustment thrusters and a solitary main thruster still affixed to the "Traveler" platform emit a deep, resolute rumble, a sound of defiance against overwhelming odds.

"Setting a course... generally towards Aisera III... power output... 30%... unable to sustain stability... trajectory predicted to deviate significantly..." Bai E articulates his operational assessment rapidly.

"That will suffice! As long as it can move and divert enemy attention, it will serve its purpose! Everyone, execute the plan: evacuate to the "Thorny Bird!" We will follow close behind!"

The "Thorny Bird" detaches itself from the "Traveler," maintaining a prudent distance.

The colossal wreckage of the platform, propelled by the uneven thrusts of its sporadic thrusters, begins a slow, erratic drift towards Jade Stone Star.

Just as Bai E had foreseen, a segment of the Bug Race forces is immediately drawn to this lumbering, albeit slow-moving, colossal target, falling in behind it.

"Maintain concealment, stay close! Be vigilant against debris in our path and any Bug Race patrol units!" Bai E's voice resonates through the comms channel, exuding a calm yet unwavering resolve.