Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1074 - 731: Out-of-Control Hive

Having seen the immediate crisis in the minefield defense forces resolved, the New Bauhinia team wasted no time.

Adhering to Bai E's secondary strategy, meticulously planned aboard the 'Traveler,' their objective was to rapidly descend into the depths of Jade Stone Star's ocean. The mission: reconnaissance and elimination of the suspected 'primary nest prototype' situated within the 'CT-7' trench.

Under Catherine’s expert piloting, the transport vessel 'Thorny Bird' slipped unnoticed through the planet's atmosphere. Capitalizing on the chaos from the 'Traveler's' wreckage and the distraction provided by the Bug Race, it eventually positioned itself above a secluded oceanic expanse in the northern hemisphere. This location, far removed from the main fungal colonies, plunged to depths of several thousand meters.

The sea churned violently, clouds sagged low, and on the distant horizon, the faint reflection of infernos painted the surface of this death-shrouded ocean.

"Phase one is complete," Catherine reported via the internal comms. "The 'Thorny Bird' is in stealth hover. External cloaking and Spiritual Energy shielding are fully engaged."

She continued, "No large Bug Race aerial formations detected within fifty kilometers. However, our sonar has picked up numerous biological signatures beneath the waves, species unidentified, with extreme density. Energy readings from the 'CT-7' trench seabed are escalating rapidly, far surpassing the baseline established from the 'Traveler's' data."

"Understood," Bai E’s voice remained steady. "Proceed with phase two as scheduled. Group one and group three will remain aboard the 'Thorny Bird' to maintain defense and communication relays, overseeing the overall situation. Group two will accompany me into the ocean depths."

Selected for this perilous deep-sea infiltration was Bai E's elite second unit, comprising Rose, Gu Lan, Ares, Xi Liu, and three additional specialists proficient in underwater combat or environmental adaptation, making a total of eight individuals.

Their mechs had undergone vital underwater modifications by Helen’s team. These enhancements, informed by the 'Traveler's' intelligence and Jade Stone Star's oceanic data, included pressure-resistant hulls, augmented thrusters, specialized aquatic weaponry, and bespoke life-support and signaling systems.

Eight 'Dawn's Edge' mechs, coated in dark, marine camouflage, were deployed from the 'Thorny Bird's' submerged bay. Like colossal torpedoes, they plunged into the frigid, opaque waters, rapidly descending into the abyssal darkness.

The initial descent proceeded without significant incident.

Acting as navigator, Xi Liu leveraged his acute sensitivity to oceanic currents and the detailed bathymetric charts from the 'Traveler,' skillfully guiding the team around several treacherous currents and abyssal fissures.

However, as the depth increased, the ambient seawater temperature began an unnerving climb. Visibility diminished further, and concurrently, a disturbing "buzzing" permeated the water – a low-frequency vibration originating from the synchronized activity of myriad unseen creatures.

"Multiple fast-moving objects detected approaching from below and the sides!" Xi Liu’s urgent warning crackled through the secure underwater channel, his voice tinged with palpable tension.

"They aren't large individually, but their numbers… incredibly dense! The energy signatures match… Bug Race 'Abyss Hunters' and 'Acidic Worm' variants! They’ve known we were coming!"

The warning had barely finished before the assault commenced.

An overwhelming swarm of deep-sea Bug Race entities, magnified to terrifying proportions and bristling with sharp chitinous spurs and bio-luminescent organs, erupted from the surrounding darkness!

Their speed in the high-pressure water surpassed anything observed on land, moving with unsettling fluidity, akin to the deadliest of oceanic predators.

Simultaneously, gargantuan, anemone-like Bug Race organisms ascended from the seabed’s rocky outcrops, unleashing colossal barrages of viscous, highly corrosive, and neurotoxic acid!

"Maintain formation! Do not break ranks!" Bai E commanded, his voice betraying no strain. The Devouring Star Blade blazed with golden-white spiritual energy in the water, carving paths of destruction with each sweep.

"Ares, Rose, secure the front line! Gu Lan, neutralize those acid-spewing monstrosities! Xi Liu, maintain situational awareness and guidance! All others, engage freely and protect the flanks!"

The battle raged with savage intensity in the crushing blackness thousands of meters below the surface.

The Bug Race assault was unnervingly fierce and remarkably coordinated. They appeared perfectly adapted to this extreme environment, utilizing the complex underwater topography for cover and ambushes.

Even more disquieting was the clear evidence of higher-level strategic command guiding their actions, far beyond mere predatory instinct."They are merely delaying us! And each subsequent wave of assault is more potent than the last!" Rose exclaimed with urgency over the comms. Her mecha had just managed to slice through an 'Abyss Hunter' that was attempting a rear ambush with a high-frequency blade, yet the mecha's left arm plating was already being corroded and sizzled by acid."Multiple powerful energy signatures are rapidly emerging from the depths of the trench!" Xi Liu's voice trembled with apprehension. "They're immense in size... their energy levels are comparable to those advanced Bug Race units we clashed with in the Star Sea! And there's more than one!"

Within Bai E's Insect Race Killer intuition, a chilling, avaricious malevolence surged from the trench's abyss, roaring like a dormant volcano awakened.He could distinctly 'sense' that multiple formidable spiritual energy beings were rapidly approaching, while even further out, it appeared that a greater number of Bug Race units were converging from other oceanic sectors towards this precise location.

"They are aware of our arrival," Bai E stated, his tone unwavering yet tinged with seriousness."Furthermore, they've deployed forces far exceeding expectations to 'greet' us. This isn't merely a defensive maneuver; it feels more akin to... a calculated ambush and annihilation attempt."

"This approach is unsustainable!" Bai E swiftly concluded. "Everyone, converge upon my position, erect a circular defense formation, and descend in a controlled manner! Ares, Rose, your teams will secure the central area! Gu Lan, concentrate on neutralizing the high-threat targets! Xi Liu, continue providing directional guidance! I must approach the trench to personally assess the situation below!"