38: Will we make it through safely?

"East Sector 3, East Sector 5, West Sector 6... Ion Shield activating. North Sector 2, South Sector 4... Ion Shield deactivating."

Just as everyone was locked in a bitter struggle, the red light shield on the dome covered the area again, and a large swarm of incoming Galaxy Beasts was instantly knocked back.

Clearly, the command center had seen that the defensive line was unstable and immediately shifted its target.

After losing their continuous reinforcements, the remaining Galaxy Beasts were quickly annihilated under the covering fire of the fleet and ground defense systems.

Flesh, blood, and monster limbs rained down from the sky, staining the ground bright red, while the once-bustling streets and shops were smashed into a mess.

One severed finger, still bearing sharp claws, suddenly pierced down through a roof and struck a shop selling "Freshly Slaughtered Galaxy Beast Meat."

It happened to slash open a special iron cage holding a few small Galaxy Beasts waiting to be slaughtered.

The shopkeeper, who had been sharpening his knives, and the few beasts that had accepted their fate were both stunned for a moment.

The next moment, several pairs of bright red eyes flashing with hatred suddenly lit up, and they lunged viciously at the shopkeeper.

"Wait... No... Ah...!"

Amidst the screams, this shopkeeper, who had slaughtered countless Galaxy Beasts, eventually became food in the mouths of the Galaxy Beasts.

However, the screams attracted patrolling soldiers, who killed the few dying small Galaxy Beasts with a few shots.

The entire Imperial Mining Zone was plunged into chaos and oppression.

Above the dome, the seemingly endless swarm of Galaxy Beasts blocked out all light.

After losing the protection of the orbital defense system, this place had truly become an isolated island that could only hold out under siege.

At this moment, mechs were rapidly descending over the areas that had first faced the Galaxy Beast swarms, such as East Sector 3.

The pilots jumped out of the cockpits, panting heavily. They didn't even have time to take off their combat suits before collapsing in any available empty space, lying there motionless.

"Damn it, I almost thought I was going to kick the bucket back there."

"Hey, Reis, you're still not dead yet."

"Cut the crap, I won't die even if you do!"

Several elite warriors from Dark Destruction Legion ate special nutrient bars to replenish their energy while making weak, bitter jokes to lighten the mood.

Logistics personnel from Dark Annihilation quickly entered the scene, using cell activation devices, nano-current stimulators, and other equipment to rapidly relieve the warriors' muscle tension and help them relax.

And the busiest person of all was Zhang Huaiyuan.

He had to inspect and repair all the weapons and equipment during this precious rest period.

However, equipment like the Titan IV mechs was too complex for most Star Mechanics in Dark Annihilation; they simply didn't have the ability to repair them.

Relying solely on the few Researchers dispatched by the Empire to both inspect and repair them, completing the work before the next battle arrived was simply a pipe dream.

"Everyone, listen to my instructions."

"Mech No. 1 has a short circuit in the third and fourth circuit groups, and two gears in the cutting blade kinetic system joint are broken..."

"Mech No. 2 is intact internally; just replenish the surface alloy in time..."

"Mech No. 3 has a faulty second reactor and needs a replacement; the right shoulder automatic turret is damaged..."

"..."

With the help of his ability, Zhang Huaiyuan quickly analyzed the problems with each mech, keeping the difficult tasks for himself and assigning the relatively simple ones to the various Star Mechanics to solve.

By skipping the tedious inspection steps, efficiency was greatly increased, barely reaching the expected results.

"Is this Mr. Zhang really someone who grew up in such a small place? This is just too impressive!"

After completing the repairs according to Zhang Huaiyuan's instructions, an Imperial Researcher couldn't help but widen his eyes in disbelief.

This almost overturned his worldview.

Even within the Empire, he had never seen anyone who could accurately diagnose all problems without relying on any instruments.

"Yeah... I feel like even the two superiors in the Mining Zone aren't as skilled as Mr. Zhang."

"I heard that Mr. Zhang just advanced to the Master level and hasn't taken on any apprentices yet. Plus, he's highly regarded by Viscount Kane. If one could become his disciple, they might just rise to prominence in the future."

Several Researchers whispered among themselves, their tone unconsciously becoming respectful.

Zhang Huaiyuan naturally knew nothing of this; he just felt that this group of Imperial Star Mechanics was very dedicated and unexpectedly cooperative.

"Finally, the inspections are all done. Now, we just have to wait for the Mining Zone to transport the supply materials for repairs."

He let out a long sigh, casually took out a nutrient pack, drank it, and prepared to rest for a moment.

But at that moment, an order came through the war communication channel in his ear.

"North Sector 2, South Sector 4... Ion Shield activating. East Sector 6, East Sector 7, West Sector 2... Ion Shield is about to deactivate. Please prepare for combat."

"Not even ten hours?"

Zhang Huaiyuan stood up abruptly, his brows furrowing tightly.

The first round of the bitter battle lasted for almost fifteen hours before the defensive sectors were rotated.

The second round was forced to rotate in less than ten hours.

The equipment strength in each area is about the same. If there's no issue with the command, it means the intensity of the Galaxy Beast swarm's attack is increasing.

If this continues, it will be this area's turn to open up again in at most ten hours.

"Damn it, there really is no room for slack."

Zhang Huaiyuan stood up with a self-deprecating smile, just about to take out a muscle-stimulating injection, when a gust of wind blew it away.

Looking back, he saw a beautiful woman wearing a form-fitting combat suit looking at him with a slight frown.

"Miss, what's wrong?"

"Use this instead; that one has too many side effects."

An Yu threw something over, and a delicate box instantly floated toward him, containing ten neatly arranged vials glowing with a pale purple luster.

"High-grade Cell Activation Serum?"

Zhang Huaiyuan's eyes flashed. This kind of serum could greatly increase body cell activity in a short time, generate a continuous stream of energy, and maintain the body in a healthy state, with almost no side effects. However, each vial was extremely expensive.

"This is too valuable, Miss, I..."

"You are the most valuable asset of the entire Dark Annihilation."

An Yu's lips curled up slightly, and she joked rare for her: "You cannot fall; otherwise, all this equipment will just become useless scrap metal. Take it."

"Uh... then I won't stand on ceremony."

Seeing her say this, Zhang Huaiyuan hesitated for a moment, then smiled, took one out, injected it directly into his body, and carefully put the rest back into his spatial storage device.

"Hmm... Zhang Huaiyuan..."

"What is it?"

Seeing her hesitation, Zhang Huaiyuan asked curiously.

"Since you joined Dark Destruction Legion, the judgments you've made have never been wrong. I know your abilities go far beyond what you've shown, so..."

An Yu looked up, her gaze drifting toward the countless monsters outside the red dome, appearing a bit dazed:

"Can you tell me, will we be able to survive this disaster safely?"

"Miss..."

Zhang Huaiyuan was slightly stunned. His gaze swept over the familiar faces below, whose faces were now filled with exhaustion and faint unease.

His eyes slowly became firm, and his voice was low and certain.

"Of course. At the very least, all of us in Dark Annihilation will be safe and sound. I guarantee it."