18: A-rank Galaxy Beast?

Day 68 of the advance.

As they ventured deeper, the number and class of the Galaxy Beast they encountered were constantly increasing.

However, in front of the elite troops of "Dark Destruction Legion," these monsters did not cause too much trouble.

"The core area is just ahead. According to feedback from the intelligence department, there is a magnetic field of a B-Class Galaxy Beast, but they didn't dare to investigate further to see exactly what it is."

Looking at the rolling black tide ahead that resembled a surging flood, the group parked the starship over 200 kilometers away.

This was a special natural environment created by environmental mutation, and no one dared to rashly venture deep into it.

"Zhang Huaiyuan."

An Yu stood by the command cabin glass, gazing out for a moment, before calling out.

"Understood, Commander. However, I need you to escort me close to the black tide so I can confirm its composition before making targeted modifications."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded.

Although his extraordinary ability allowed him to see detailed data directly, he still had to pretend in front of others to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

"Good, there is no time to lose. Let's set off immediately; I will personally escort you with the Second Squad."

"Randy, you are responsible for coordinating support in the command room. The main ship and the cruiser's orbital cannons are to enter charging status. If there is an accident, you may decide for yourself whether to open fire."

"Yes, Commander."

After the orders were issued, the Second Squad immediately put on their combat mechs, surrounding Zhang Huaiyuan in a protective formation, and slowly approached the black tide.

Everyone finally saw the true appearance of the black tide.

It was pools of viscous black liquid, which seemed to have strong corrosive properties. Small meteorites that occasionally crashed into it were being dissolved at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"What a hellish thing... I don't want this stuff touching my mech."

Reis couldn't help but curse under his breath.

Zhang Huaiyuan took out several testing devices, placed them on a specially made transport robot, and slowly approached.

At the same time, a flash of light appeared in his eyes as his extraordinary ability activated.

【Disordered Mixed Fluid】

Contains Radioactive Substance X, accounting for 0.97%...

Radioactive Substance R, accounting for 0.83%...

Unnamed Corrosive Substance, capable of rapidly dissolving alloys below G3 grade...

Pieces of information flooded his mind. In just a moment, he understood the composition of the black tide, and his expanded brain almost instantly provided a counter-modification plan.

Meanwhile, the testing device not far away was still dutifully feeding back information:

"Radioactive substance detected... Corrosive substance detected..."

After waiting calmly for several hours, Zhang Huaiyuan finally said: "That's it, the data collection is complete."

"Hmm, you escort him back first; I'll cover the rear."

An Yu, utilizing the power of the "Wind Spirit," floated backward slowly, but her hands remained tightly gripping her enchanted sniper rifle, ready to fire at any moment.

Suddenly, a flash of scarlet streaked through the boundless black tide.

Bang!

Almost simultaneously, a bullet wreathed in wind gusts burst from the chamber.

After a faint sound of impact, silence returned.

"Commander?"

The members of the Second Squad immediately turned serious, aiming their large-caliber pulse guns toward the black tide.

"It's fine, it's gone. Let's head back."

An Yu frowned slightly.

She could sense that the bullet she had just fired had been corroded of much of its Wind Spirit Power during flight due to the influence of the black tide, so by the time it hit the target, it could no longer cause effective damage.

"What's wrong, brother?"

Reis looked at Zhang Huaiyuan, who was stunned in place, and couldn't help but ask.

"Ah... nothing, just considering the modification plan."

Zhang Huaiyuan brushed him off, a flicker of shock flashing in his eyes.

He had just happened to catch a glimpse of the monster that flashed by.

【Bone-Eroding Giant Lizard】

Classification: Carbon-based lifeform

Class: B (Evolving, estimated time 22 days.)

Ability 1 · Hard Armor: Possesses strong resistance to physical attacks.

Ability 2 · Corrosive Breath: Spits out a powerful corrosive beam, capable of easily destroying alloys below G4 grade.

"Evolving..."

Zhang Huaiyuan's heart couldn't help but beat violently. The probability of wanting to kill this monster within twenty-two days was too low.

In other words, in twenty-two days, it was highly likely they would have to face an A-Class Galaxy Beast, and judging by its abilities, it also possessed extremely high physical resistance.

In the "Dark Destruction Legion" squad, the strongest, An Yu, although possessing the "Wind Spirit" ability, used it mostly in conjunction with bullet attacks. Facing such an A-Class Galaxy Beast, she was definitely no match.

"This is really bad luck... The probability of encountering an A-Class Galaxy Beast in a small Disaster Zone is comparable to collecting all three phantom gods in one go in a certain game from my previous life... I must think of a reason to tell them in advance..."

"How is it, do you have any ideas?"

Just as Zhang Huaiyuan was pondering how to reveal this news, An Yu asked him as soon as they returned to the starship.

"Hmm, no problem. I can complete the targeted modifications in ten days at most."

"Ten days?!"

Hearing this, everyone's gaze focused on the young man in the center.

Normally, from analysis to determining the plan, and then to completing the modifications, even if "Dark Annihilation's" most authoritative senior Star Mechanic, Master "Yake," came, it would take at least over a month.

"Including the starship modifications?"

An Yu confirmed.

Since the other party had applied for starship-related information and knowledge from her over a month ago, she had known that his actual ability had already surpassed that of a proficient Star Mechanic.

However, she hadn't expected that in just this amount of time, he could self-study and master the knowledge required of a senior level.

She had really struck gold.

A flicker of appreciation couldn't help but flash in An Yu's eyes, and she said: "If you need us to cooperate with anything, just say it."

"Hmm, I know."

Zhang Huaiyuan nodded gently; he had already thought of a countermeasure. First, complete the combat readiness adjustments as soon as possible to deal with that monster earlier. Even if they couldn't kill it, he believed that with An Yu's experience, she would be able to sense that something was wrong.

At that time, he would then use the excuse that he had self-studied Genetics to raise some doubts.

As long as he made her consider the possibility of an A-Class mutant beast, given her caution, she would definitely arrange everything.

After carefully thinking through the process, Zhang Huaiyuan relaxed.

He began to calculate the black tide substances he had just analyzed.

Unlike other Star Mechanics who had to first experiment to find the proportions of various substances and then search for targeted strategies.

He already knew everything precisely and only needed to prescribe the right remedy.

"Then, let's begin."

Zhang Huaiyuan bid farewell and walked towards the laboratory.