Chapter 735: The Rear Guard
Chapter 735: The Rear Guard
About ten kilometers southeast of the Union Compound was the campsite of the Linax Federation team.
The camp was heavily guarded by Colossal Guards encased in thick bio-armor, along with various obstacles and barbed wire.
However, the interior of the camp presented a different scene. Many of the team members were relaxed, either chatting and laughing, or keeping to themselves at a distance, or simply lying down in their tents, asleep.
This was because a significant portion of the team's fighters were mercenaries, and many of them didn't get along. Being together might lead to trouble, so the person in charge allowed them to do as they pleased as long as it didn't interfere with combat operations.
Apart from these individuals, several dozen robust men were hard at work, pounding wooden stakes into the ground according to pre-marked locations.
Others were cutting down trees nearby and transporting the logs, seemingly constructing something.
As ancient trees slowly toppled around them, they emitted mournful cries, and a liquid resembling blood oozed from the fresh cuts. Bark peeled off the trees, and leaves scattered across the ground.
The sight was chilling, but these men remained unperturbed. Over the past few days, they had grown accustomed to such scenes. At that moment, a person in a protective suit and mask came forward and sprayed the area, causing the organic matter to dissolve.
Major General Ingram Serby, the team's main leader, stood by, his gray eyes coldly observing the workers. A small, bespectacled man with round glasses approached, holding a roll of blueprints.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief and then respectfully said, "General, the progress is smooth. We can start the ritual today."
Major General Serby asked, "How long will it take?"
"Three days," the small man replied.
"Two days," Major General Serby said firmly. "I'll give you two days. The Inspiration Device must be completed within that time."
The small man stammered, "But, but we don't have enough materials. We need to collect them locally, which may delay the progress."
Major General Serby's gaze dropped, and his gray eyes turned emotionless. "I'll ensure you get what you need. Just focus on your task."
The small man shivered involuntarily, bowed slightly, and then hurried away, clutching the blueprints.
Major General Serby observed the device, now taking shape, his gray eyes reflecting the scene outside.
While the Linax Federation team had some strength, they couldn't compare to the Union Compound. Their biggest disadvantage was the lack of logistical support, limited manpower, and dependence on the Union's transportation system for their return.
This meant they had to rely on the Union, putting them at a disadvantage in the race for relics. Despite the coordination of interests from above, they disliked being led by others and had their own plans.
Since the conventional approach wasn't working, they had to take a bold move, something they were accustomed to doing.
In a past dispute with their southern neighbor, Trequil, the Linax Federation couldn't deploy enough forces. Instead, they sent armed personnel into the nearby Nexus of a central city, using it to travel to Nano Central City, where the conflict was taking place.
This move was unconventional, as Nexus points, though theoretically interconnected, were vastly distant from each other. Each central city's Nexus controlled only a surrounding area, and navigating the unknown regions within was extremely challenging.
The attempt failed; over 90% of the personnel died en route. However, two individuals managed to reach their destination.
These two individuals influenced the situation, preventing their proxy in Nano Central City from being completely marginalized.
This provided a reference for their current situation. Sometimes, taking a bold move didn't guarantee success, but doing nothing guaranteed failure. This time, they were preparing an even bolder action.
At that moment, a telegraph operator put down his headset, quickly translated the message in his hand, and approached Major General Serby. After a salute, he handed over the translated message.
"Sir, we received a message from the Union Compound. They engaged Xu Chan's team again, but external factors prevented them from capturing anyone. They're organizing a third pursuit and suspect the involvement of an unknown force."
Major General Serby's cold gray eyes flickered. "Inform them that if they need our support, we'll join them immediately and assist in the encirclement."
In an outlying camp of the Unknown Region, Xu Chan gathered three squad leaders and asked, "What's your impression of the people in this camp?"
The squad had attempted a trade with the camp, but on their first contact, both sides were cautious. Xu Chan didn't want to cause unnecessary alarm, so he stayed back, hoping to facilitate the deal.
Captain Hai, despite his robust appearance, was a meticulous man. "It's hard to say," he replied. "I asked them to help us find something, and not only did they not refuse, but they were very enthusiastic. I feel like their assistance might not just be for the trade; there could be other motives."
Captain Xu Chan turned to Captain Lu and asked, "Captain Hai, are you saying they're after the relic too?"
Captain Hai didn't jump to conclusions and shook his head. "It's hard to say."
Captain Hu pondered, "These people live here. If a 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, "That's not necessarily true. When a relic appears, it can attract creatures from the Convergence Zone to fight for it. Among them are powerful beings. It's questionable if they have the ability to retrieve it."
Captain Xu nodded and asked, "How strong are the people in the camp?"
"These people are not ordinary," Captain Lu said. "It's true that some of them escaped from the former Imperial Court."
He was well-acquainted with the former Imperial Court, having dealt with them frequently.
"This settlement has only thirty to fifty people. I suspect this place is a secret trading spot, possibly linked to the rebels against the old dynasty. That would explain why they're hiding here."
Rebellion groups existed throughout Dashun, and the old dynasty had its own resistance forces. However, most of these rebels were indigenous people, as the old dynasty had subjected them to brutal exploitation and slavery upon reaching the Convergence Zone.
"But the strongest among them is only as powerful as me. They can't threaten us."
Captain Xu turned to Captain Hai, seeking his opinion. Captain Hai responded, "If we don't consider additional support, then yes."
"We must still take precautions," Captain Xu said. "You three are experienced execution squad leaders. I won't go into details here."
He looked at the three captains, his expression turning solemn. "Yesterday's situation was dangerous. The enemy is strong, and I suspect they have enough forces to surround us. But that doesn't mean we've lost our chance.
From now on, we'll split into two teams.
In a 1619 book, there's a bar, and no mistakes are made!
You three will lead your squads to continue searching for the relic. Remember, protect yourselves. If you find something, immediately retreat towards our rear camp, bringing it back at all costs."
The three captains acknowledged his orders with solemnity.
"I'll stay behind to draw their attention and buy you some time," Captain Xu said.
Captain Lu interjected, "Old Xu..."
Captain Xu raised his hand, signaling him to hold his words. "I know it's dangerous. But the people I encountered yesterday were no ordinary; each of them possessed psychic powers. You can't help me against them. To be honest, I can better utilize my abilities without you by my side, and hiding will be easier."
The three captains sighed, feeling helpless. Although they all mastered Heart Power and considered themselves strong within their tier, they found it challenging to resist psychic powers. Those who possessed such abilities had already reached the highest threshold of their tier.
"The Convergence Zone is vast," Captain Xu continued. "As long as we leave no traces, it won't be easy for them to find you. I'll harass and delay them, avoiding direct confrontation. The longer I can keep them occupied, the safer you'll be."
Captain Hai calmly said, "Captain Xu, we'll follow your plan. It's the best option for now."
Captain Xu then 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 an inner pocket of his protective gear. This object was also a relic, and its purpose was to resonate when other relics or recent traces were nearby.
This resonance was how they ensured they could locate the relic. However, this ability wasn't unique, as the Union and Linax Federation might possess similar tools.
Their advantage was their head start, but now that the opposition had caught up, they had to act swiftly.
Captain Xu stood up and said, "Let's begin, everyone. I'm counting on you." He bowed respectfully to the three captains.
The captains stood and returned the gesture, bowing solemnly.
After finalizing their plans, the team members dispersed to carry out their tasks. Within just ten minutes, they completed all preparations and departed with the indigenous guide provided by the settlement.
Once everyone had left, Captain Xu took out a map given to him by the settlement during the trade. It was made from some unknown creature's fur, with various colored blocks forming patterns and bold lines indicating safe passage routes and hiding spots.
This was a map of the nearby safe routes and traps set up by the settlement's inhabitants.
Even if he had to provide cover, Captain Xu wouldn't engage in direct combat with them. Instead, he would use his extensive experience to delay the opposition, utilizing the map, the high-explosive explosives left by the team, and some special items they had brought along to buy some time.
(End of Chapter)
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