Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1073 - 730: Rescue (Part 2)

The human firepower network seemed like a candle facing a raging storm, each flickering light a harbinger of another area succumbing to the swarm.

Far in the distance, several colossal tankers, comparable to mobile artillery platforms, were methodically adjusting their aim. The repulsive, fleshy maws adorning their backs began to emit a strange, eerie green luminescence, focusing their deadly intent on the final main fortress that was still repelling the assault.

"It's over... it's all over..." Malcolm felt an icy dread creep through him.

He harbored no fear of his own demise; from the very instant he donned his uniform, he had accepted that his life could be forfeit at any moment.

What he couldn't accept was the prospect of being meaningless buried beneath an endless sea of bugs, or the thought of everything he had valiantly protected becoming mere sustenance for the Bug Race.

At that critical juncture, his damaged armor's sensors detected a sharp, piercing sound, like something being violently ripped through the air from high above!

The sound rapidly grew closer, its intensity escalating!

"An airstrike?" A flicker of an absurd notion crossed Malcolm's mind.

The Star Alliance's orbital support had been severed long ago, and it was inconceivable that the Bug Race would employ such an attack method.

In the very next moment, several sleek, metallic objects, trailing fiery plumes, descended like falling stars into the heart of the densest bug concentration, merely two hundred meters in front of their beleaguered defense line!

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The sheer force of the explosions blasted away countless bug units, the massive shockwave ripping them asunder!

A searing wave of heat and a hail of metallic shrapnel swept across the battlefield, causing the bunkers to tremble violently and shed a cascade of dust.

Before the smoke and debris had even begun to settle, Malcolm and every remaining defender witnessed a sight that would be forever seared into their memories——

Those descending

"New Bauhinia Republic, special operations unit. We detected your combat signal as we passed by. What is your current situation? How many survivors are there? Do you require immediate evacuation?"

"New Bauhinia?" Malcolm was momentarily taken aback; he hadn't heard of this faction before, but at this moment, it hardly mattered.

"I am Malcolm Red, a sergeant with the Third Company, Seventh Mine District Garrison Regiment, part of the Jade Stone Star Planet Defense Army. We thank you for your rescue! We... have about thirty people remaining, most of whom are wounded. Our ammunition is nearly exhausted, and our vehicles have been destroyed. Rear communications are cut off, and the evacuation status is unknown. What mission are you on? Can you assist us in leaving?"

"We have another mission to complete and cannot remain for long, nor can we transport a large number of personnel." Bai E's voice came through, calm yet compassionate.

"However, we can clear a relatively safe path for you and provide coordinates to the nearest potential Star Alliance assembly point or evacuation center. 'Ash,' retrieve the latest evacuation routes and potential safe house information from the Traveler's data in this region and synchronize them with Sergeant." Bai E stated, his voice conveying a cold, hard reality, yet not devoid of empathy.

"Yes!" a voice responded through the mecha's communication system.

Shortly after, Malcolm's powered armor tactical computer received a clear route map and several coordinates, along with a rough prediction of nearby Bug Race activity.

"Follow this route and steer clear of the marked red zones. We will clear the main bug obstacles along your path. Make haste; the Bug Race might be dispatching reinforcements." Bai E instructed as the other mechas began to move, carving out an evacuation path.

Malcolm experienced a wave of complex emotions, a blend of relief at being saved, gratitude, and curiosity towards these mysterious and powerful 'bystanders.'

"Thank you... truly, thank you! May the light of humanity guide and protect you!"

"Likewise." Bai E gave a brief reply, then inquired, "Sergeant, during your engagement here, did you happen to observe any unusual activity in the adjacent sea, particularly in the direction of the 'CT-7' trench? Were there any peculiar energy fluctuations, unusually frequent Bug Race activity, or... any special underwater structures or lights?"

Malcolm tried to recall and nodded affirmatively. "Yes! Approximately four days ago, we were still receiving some long-range sensor data. In the direction of the 'CT-7' trench, intense, unnatural geological energy fluctuations were detected, and Bug Race aerial units were observed entering and exiting that area with greater frequency than elsewhere. We surmised they might have been establishing a significant nest or command node there, but we soon lost contact with the main defense line, and the subsequent situation remains unclear."

This intelligence perfectly aligned with the Traveler's data and mission objectives.

Bai E felt a sense of clarity wash over him.

"This intel is highly valuable. Good fortune to you, Sergeant. Proceed with your evacuation swiftly."

The blue mecha gave a nod, then turned to rejoin the others. They swiftly and silently activated their propellers, skimming low across the ravaged battlefield towards the distant azure ocean, quickly vanishing into the concealing shadows of hills and lingering smoke.

Malcolm remained standing, transfixed, his gaze fixed in the direction the mechas had departed, motionless for a considerable time.

It wasn't until his subordinates prompted him that he returned to his senses, glancing at the route map on his tactical computer, and drew a deep breath.

"Everyone, if you're able to move, gather the wounded and any usable equipment. We're evacuating; follow the route I'm providing!" he commanded loudly, his voice suddenly imbued with renewed strength.

Though he remained unaware of what the New Bauhinia was or the perilous mission those formidable mech pilots were engaged in, Malcolm understood that their survival this day was an outcome of these individuals' timely intervention and their overwhelming capabilities.

This debt of gratitude, he vowed to remember forever.