June 11, 342, 2:00 PM.
The battle ended in less than an hour.
After the "United Squad" breached the "Tianwang Gang" camp, six armored vehicles, led by Bai Xunyang, were dispatched to block the entrances and exits of the camp.
With fuel now controlled by the authorities, even the powerful "Tianwang Gang" had no vehicles, making them unable to outrun the "United Squad's" armored cars. They were all trapped within the camp.
Under the cover of the remaining six armored vehicles, Lin Xi directed sixty-five squad members to dismount, form ranks, and overwhelm the hundreds of scattered remnants of the "Tianwang Gang" left guarding the camp.
During this process, some squad members utilized the flight capabilities of their mecha exoskeletons, launching a high-altitude, precision assault on the disorganized enemy below.
Within the formations, reserve and logistics personnel stood ready, prepared to replenish and treat any casualties promptly.
However, no casualties were sustained during this offensive.
The "Hope Squad's" previous casualties were primarily a result of close-quarters combat and direct hits from enemy firearms.
This time, however, with the support of three other squads, including crack shots, special forces operatives, and martial arts practitioners who had trained since childhood, the engagement became a one-sided annihilation.
This was also why Lin Xi had previously invited Tang Li to lead their squad and later sought to join a squad led by Tang Li.
Even with proper formations, the effectiveness of their formations and the reduction of casualties would be greatly enhanced by the cooperation of genuinely combat-capable individuals.
However, the sisters in the "Hope Squad" had suffered trauma and harbored inherent distrust towards men, let alone serving under a powerful male figure.
It wasn't until Tang Li appeared that Lin Xi found a perfect solution.
With the camp's exits blocked by armored vehicles and aerial patrols overhead, there was no fear of anyone escaping the camp.
The formations advanced with seamless coordination, quickly reaching the county's original exchange.
In smaller shelters, especially those relying on hydroelectric or thermal power, the great floods had long since destroyed all hydroelectric power stations, and the coal for thermal power had been depleted during the extreme cold season, leaving solar power as the primary source.
This was the case for the county occupied by the "Tianwang Gang" and their current camp.
This limited power supply was insufficient to support the entire camp, and the electromagnetic shielding protection field was confined to only a few areas, such as the exchange.
The exchange was originally where the authorities collected points, and it was equipped with various recreational facilities, allowing for a lifestyle akin to the pre-apocalypse era.
The high-ranking leaders of the "Tianwang Gang" all resided within the exchange.
This was also the intelligence obtained by the "United Squad."
Upon reaching the exchange, Peng Yue led his team to surround it, while Zhong Heng directly led his men inside.
Shortly after, the gunfire from within ceased.
Throughout this entire process, Tang Li remained within her combat mecha, conserving energy.
"Maintain vigilance!"
"The high-ranking officials of the Tianwang Gang are not in the exchange!"
Suddenly, Zhong Heng's voice came through the walkie-talkie.
Previously, in environments without the electromagnetic shielding protection field, each vehicle had its own electromagnetic pulse shielding device activated, preventing wireless communication with the outside.
Now that they were within the exchange's electromagnetic shielding protection field, Tang Li deactivated the electromagnetic pulse shielding device and established direct wireless communication.
Upon hearing Zhong Heng's voice, she immediately began manipulating her mecha, transforming its form from mobile to combat mode.
"Captain Tang, why have you switched to combat mode so soon? Is there enough fuel?"
Lin Xi asked, concerned.
"Don't worry, it's more than enough!"
Tang Li had already stored the combat mecha in her spatial inventory.
As for the fuel, for Tang Li, who could infinitely replicate supplies, it was naturally not an issue.
*Chiu* – *Bang*!
At that moment, a firework shot up from the east, exploding in a burst of smoke in the sky.
Following this, smoke bursts erupted sequentially from the south, north, and west.
"This is bad! We're surrounded!"
The squad members, seeing fireworks rise simultaneously from four directions, felt a sense of dread.
Just then, a shout of alarm came through the walkie-talkie. Gunfire resumed within the exchange, and Zhong Heng's combat team lost signal.
"Everyone, do not panic, this is all within our expectations!"
Peng Yue reassured everyone.
"Hope Squad 1 will guard the front entrance, Squad 2 the rear. Squad 5 will serve as reserves. No one is to escape the exchange! Squads 3 and 4, along with the logistics group, will accompany me into the exchange to provide support!"
Lin Xi issued orders methodically.
Concurrently, the armored vehicles that had been blocking the camp entrance retreated towards the exchange.
Along the way, any obstacles were ruthlessly crushed.
And behind them followed a large contingent of armed personnel wielding firearms.
Further behind them were numerous modified vehicles.