Chapter 735: The Backup Plan
Chapter 735: The Backup Plan
About ten kilometers southeast of the Union camp lies the Linaksis Federation team's camp.
The camp is heavily guarded by towering Gigantic Guardians encased in thick bio-armor, along with various obstacles and barbed wire.
However, the interior of the camp presents a different scene. Many of the team members are rather relaxed, either chatting and laughing, or keeping to themselves at a distance, or simply napping inside their tents.
This is because a significant portion of the team's fighters are mercenaries, and many of them don't get along. Being together might lead to trouble, so the leader allows them to do as they please when not in combat.
Apart from these individuals, several dozen robust men are hard at work. They drive stakes into the ground, following pre-marked positions.
Others continuously cut down trees, trim them, and transport the logs, seemingly constructing something.
As they work, the ancient trees around them slowly fall, emitting pitiful sounds. Blood-like liquid sprays from the severed ends, and bark peels off, while leaves scatter on the ground.
The scene is chilling, but these men remain calm, having grown accustomed to it over the past few days. Immediately, several figures in protective masks and suits appear, spraying potions to dissolve the strange substances.
Major General Ingram Saber, the team's primary leader, stands by, observing the workers with a detached gaze. A small man with round glasses and a handkerchief in hand approaches, carrying a roll of blueprints.
He wipes the sweat from his forehead and respectfully says, "General, the progress is going smoothly. We can start the ritual today."
"How long will it take?" Major General Saber inquires.
"Three days," the small man replies.
"Two days," Major General Saber states firmly. "I'll give you two days to complete this initiation device."
The small man stammers, "But, but we don't have enough materials. We must collect them on-site, which might delay the progress."
Major General Saber's gaze lowers, her gray eyes devoid of emotion. "I'll ensure you have what you need. Just focus on your task."
The small man shivers involuntarily, bows slightly, and hurries away with the blueprints.
Major General Saber observes the device, now taking shape, her gray eyes reflecting the scene outside.
While the Lianaker Federation has some strength in numbers, they pale in comparison to the Union, especially in logistics and supply. They rely on the Union's transport system for their return journey.
This dependence puts them at a disadvantage in the relic hunt, despite prior agreements on interests. The Federation has always preferred to chart its course, so they have a backup plan.
When the conventional approach fails, they resort to unconventional strategies, a common practice for them.
In a past dispute with their southern neighbor, Terkuell, the Federation couldn't deploy sufficient forces. Instead, they sent armed personnel to a nearby Nanor Center City fusion zone, using it to reach the conflict zone in another Nanor Center City.
This move was bold, as fusion zones are theoretically interconnected but physically distant. Each city's fusion zone controls only its surrounding area, making travel through the unknown regions within extremely challenging.
The attempt failed, with over 90% casualties during the journey. However, two individuals managed to reach the destination.
These two individuals influenced the situation, preventing their proxy in the target city from being completely marginalized.
This experience taught them that unconventional tactics can yield results. Doing nothing guarantees nothing, so they plan another daring move.
Just then, a telegraph operator removes his headphones, quickly translates a message, and approaches Major General Saber. He salutes and hands over the translation.
"Sir, we've received a report from the Union camp. They've clashed with Xu Chan's forces again. Due to external interference, they couldn't capture anyone. They're organizing a third pursuit and warn us of possible involvement from unknown forces."
Major General Saber's gray eyes flicker. "Inform them that we'll join forces and assist in the hunt if needed."
In an unknown region, at the outskirts of a gathering camp, Xu Chan gathers three execution squad leaders. "What's your impression of the people in this camp?"
The squad has attempted a trade with the camp, but being the first contact, both sides are cautious. Xu Chan stays back to avoid alarming them, which might hinder progress.
Captain Hai, despite his robust appearance, is meticulous. "It's hard to say. I asked for their help in finding something, and they were not only willing but enthusiastic. I think their assistance goes beyond the trade; there might be other motives."
Xu Chan's subordinate, Captain Lu, spoke up, "Captain Hai, are you saying they are also after the relic?"
Captain Hai didn't jump to conclusions and shook his head, "It's hard to say."
Another Captain Hu pondered, "These people live here. If the relic appears, shouldn't they be the first to discover it? Why would they wait for us to come and take it?"
Captain Lu replied, "Not necessarily. Once the relic appears, it will attract creatures from the Fusion Zone to fight over it. Among them are powerful beings. Whether they have the ability to retrieve it is questionable."
Xu Chan nodded and asked, "How strong are the people in the camp?"
Captain Lu said, "These people are not simple. Some of them are said to have escaped from the Old Imperial House. That's indeed true."
He used to frequently interact with people from the Old Imperial House, so he was quite familiar with this aspect.
"This settlement has only thirty to fifty people. I suspect this place is just a secret trading spot. It might be related to the group resisting the Old Dynasty. That's why it's not surprising for them to hide here."
There were resistance organizations in various places of Great Harmony, and similarly, there were resistance forces against the Old Dynasty. However, most of these people were indigenous, as the Old Dynasty had been oppressing and enslaving them in the Fusion Zone, leading to the emergence of numerous resistance groups.
"But the strongest person among them is at most on par with me. They can't threaten us."
Xu Chan turned to Captain Hai, seemingly seeking his opinion. The latter said, "If we don't consider any other reinforcements, that's the case."
Xu Chan said, "We still need to take necessary precautions. You are all experienced execution captains, so I won't say more."
He looked at the three of them, his expression turning solemn. "Yesterday's situation was dangerous. The enemy's power was strong, and I suspect they have enough forces to surround us. But that doesn't mean we've lost our chance.
So, from now on, we'll split into two teams.
You three will lead your squads to continue searching for the relic. Remember to protect yourselves. If you find anything, immediately retreat towards our rear camp and bring it back at all costs."
All three captains nodded solemnly.
Xu Chan said, "I'll stay here to draw their attention. I can match the strongest among them, so I'll buy you some time."
Captain Lu interrupted, "Old Xu..."
Xu Chan raised his hand to silence him. "I know it's dangerous. But just the few people I encountered yesterday possess psychic power. It's hard for you to help me. To be honest, I can better utilize my abilities without you around, and it'll be easier for me to hide."
The three captains sighed helplessly. Although they all possessed Heart Force and considered themselves strong at this level, they found it challenging to resist psychic power. Those who mastered such power had already reached the highest threshold.
Xu Chan said, "The Fusion Zone is vast. As long as there are no traces, it won't be easy for them to find you. I'll harass and delay them, rather than fight them head-on. The longer I can keep them occupied, the safer you'll be."
Captain Hai calmly said, "We'll follow your plan, Captain Xu. It's indeed the best method for now."
Xu Chan took out a pendant-like object from his pocket and tossed it to Captain Hai, "Captain Hai, keep this with you."
Captain Hai caught it and carefully placed it in the inner pocket of his protective gear. This object was also a relic, and its function was to resonate when a relic was nearby or when there were recent traces.
With this, they could ensure they'd find the relic.
However, this function wasn't unique, as the Union and Linaksis Federation might possess similar items.
Their advantage was their head start, but now the opponents were catching up, so they had to act quickly.
Xu Chan stood up and said, "Then let's begin. I'm counting on you all." He bowed respectfully to the three captains.
The three captains also stood up and bowed solemnly to him.
After giving all the instructions, the personnel split up and began their tasks. In just over ten minutes, they were fully prepared and left with the indigenous guide provided by the settlement.
Once everyone had left, Xu Chan took out a map given to him by the settlement. It was made from the fur of an unknown creature, with various colored blocks forming patterns and bold lines indicating safe passageways and hiding spots.
This was the settlement's map of the nearby safe routes and the traps they had set up.
Even if he was covering for them, Xu Chan wouldn't engage in direct combat with those people. Instead, he'd use his rich experience to delay the opponents. With this map, plus the explosive materials and special items the team had brought, he could buy some time.
...
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(End of Chapter)
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