Chapter 19 Skirmish

Half an hour later, Su Mo drove the Iron Guard, following the troop's gradual approach to the rubble.

Everywhere were shattered meteorites, some large, some small.

Su Mo glanced at the radar display, but didn't scan many red dots. The enemy must have entered stealth mode, a stationary hiding pattern.

This wasn't good; they could be ambushed.

Su Mo observed other legion teams entering the rubble.

Mo Bake didn't immediately go in. Instead, he led Su Mo and the others on a circuit around the outside. Only after most of their comrades had entered did he boldly take his unit in.

They advanced deeper, everything eerily quiet.

Su Mo warily watched the passing meteorites.

Having seen no enemies for a while, Mo Bake started yelling in the comm channel.

"A bunch of trash! Can't find a single one of them, hiding like scared turtles!"

"Captain's right!"

Ke Liefu responded in a deep voice.

Su Mo was speechless. They entered the rubble last. The front units hadn't engaged yet, so their chances of encountering enemies were naturally low.

At this moment, behind the floating meteorites, Iron Slave mechs stood motionless, their gray shells blending with the surrounding rocks, making them look like stones.

Suddenly, the eyes of the stationary mechs glowed with scarlet light.

In an instant, the mechs hidden in the rubble moved, awakening like beasts, baring their fangs.

Inside the Iron Guard's cockpit, Su Mo had been grumbling about Mo Bake when his senses suddenly sharpened, sensing danger. He immediately issued a warning over the comm channel.

"Tenth Squad, everyone be careful, enemy attack!"

Hearing Su Mo's warning, Zhao Bo and the others raised their high-speed, short-range guns, alert to their surroundings.

Mo Bake was startled by Su Mo's words. He glanced at his radar, saw no red dots, and scolded.

"Lieutenant Su Mo, don't give false alarms, there are no enemies..."

Before he could finish, several beams of light shot toward his head.

Ke Liefu immediately warned, "Captain, watch out!"

Mo Bake frantically pulled the control stick, and the Black Steel mech abruptly dodged. But he wasn't fast enough, and a beam struck him.

*Boom!*

The whole mech shook violently, but luckily, the Black Steel was a heavy mech with sturdy armor, and the hit didn't do much damage.

Iron Slave mechs appeared from behind the surrounding meteorites, attacking ferociously.

Moving at high speed, they fired wildly at Su Mo and his team, like ravenous wolves!

But they were facing a GT unit; even the reserve forces were selected from thousands of elites.

No one panicked.

Ke Liefu immediately gave orders.

"Counterattack!"

Su Mo and the others dodged the incoming attacks while methodically returning fire.

The training mech units from other legions weren't so lucky. Many were caught off guard by the ambush. The situation became chaotic, lacking the expected suppression.

Mo Bake came to his senses. The sneak attack had frightened him. After regaining his composure, he realized they were only facing I-generation Iron Slave mechs, no II-generation mechs, posing no threat to him. Ashamed and annoyed, he shouted.

"Counterattack! Blast them to bits!"

Then Mo Bake charged his Black Steel toward an Iron Slave.

The Iron Slave tried to escape.

"No way you're getting away."

Mo Bake accelerated, pursuing the Iron Slave, and pierced it with his black ultra-long spear, instantly impaling it.

*Boom!*

"Haha, that's all there is to it. Hold your ground, and take them out one by one!"

Mo Bake said smugly over the comm channel.

At that moment, behind a nearby floating meteorite, a II-generation mech, Scarlet Guard, lit up its eyes. It burst from the side, its scarlet spear flashing like a meteor toward Mo Bake.

Lost in his triumph, Mo Bake suddenly sensed danger. At the last moment, he yanked the control stick.

The Black Steel mech raised its black spear, barely blocking the scarlet spear.

*Clang!*

The Black Steel mech staggered backward.

Then, the Scarlet Guard frantically swung its scarlet spear at Mo Bake.

Mo Bake's face turned green. How unlucky could he be, to be targeted by a II-generation mech? Terrified, he desperately raised his black spear to parry.

Under the shadow of death, Mo Bake unleashed unexpected potential. Though being chased and attacked, he managed to survive.

"Help! Someone help me!"

Mo Bake screamed in the comm channel.

Hearing this, Ke Liefu and the others looked over. Seeing the II-generation mech, Scarlet Guard, chasing Mo Bake, they responded immediately.

"Captain, hang in there, we're coming to help!"

Ke Liefu exploded into action, dodging an Iron Slave's attack with a side step, and plunged his alloy blade into the enemy mech's head.

*Boom!*

After dealing with the enemy in front of him, he charged toward Mo Bake, shouting in the comm channel.

"Anyone who can break free, immediately assist Commander Mo Bake!"

"Yes, sir!"

Resounding voices echoed in the comm channel.

Su Mo, controlling the Iron Guard, moved at high speed, dodging enemy fire. At close range, he skillfully plunged his alloy blade into the enemy's chest.

*Boom!*

After taking out his attacker, Su Mo noticed two streaks of light flashing past.

He turned to see Mo Bake being chased by the Scarlet Guard.

Su Mo couldn't help but smile wryly.

This guy's luck was terrible. According to the intel, there weren't supposed to be many II-generation mechs among the attackers.

"Su Mo, help me!"

Mo Bake noticed Su Mo nearby and desperately shouted over the comm channel.

Su Mo's smile froze. He didn't charge in right away, not because he was scared, or wanted Mo Bake dead.

The Iron Guard's performance was subpar. Rushing in would likely get him killed.

Seeing Su Mo's hesitation, Mo Bake's face turned red with anger. The guy was doing it on purpose!

At that moment, Ke Liefu bravely charged in from the side, swinging his alloy blade.

The Scarlet Guard reacted instantly, sweeping its scarlet spear, sending Ke Liefu's mech flying.

Their performance wasn't even in the same league. It was like a father beating his son.

The other Iron Guards who came to help charged in valiantly, only to be swatted away.

If the Scarlet Guard hadn't been too busy to finish off the support mechs, they would have been in dire straits.

Mo Bake felt like crying. What was wrong with this guy? He hadn't done anything to provoke him, yet he was being hunted relentlessly.

While the Iron Guards' support seemed ineffective, it didn't mean they were helpless; they just needed a precise opportunity.

So, Su Mo slowly followed, keeping his distance.

Su Mo waited for the chance to strike. If Mo Bake could hold his own, Su Mo could easily find an opening. But the guy wasn't cooperating at all.

...

Inside the Black Yao command center, the operations room reported the battle situation.

"Report, our deployed forces are engaged in fierce combat with the enemy!"

"What's the situation?"

"According to the information received, over one hundred and twenty of our mechs have suffered varying degrees of damage, rendering them mostly combat ineffective. We have destroyed just over seventy Iron Slave mechs."

The operator reported.

The report seemed acceptable on the surface, but it was terrible. They had twice as many deployed mechs, and most of the kills were from the GT unit.

Li Ruiqi said grimly, "That's awful."

"Take it easy. We can't completely blame them. Our space combat capabilities are weak. And judging from the combat footage, the enemies are unusually fierce. It's normal to suffer some losses."

Pu Temi sighed.

"I guess that's all we can do."

Li Ruiqi didn't say anything more.

...

In the rubble field, a II-generation Scarlet Guard was chasing a Iron Guard from the Third Legion.

Suddenly, Mai Han narrowed his eyes and charged forward in his Shatterer, sweeping his spear.

The Scarlet Guard raised its scarlet spear to block.

The mech was sent flying like a meteor.

"Thank you, General!"

The Iron Guard pilot said gratefully, relieved.

"Be careful."

Mai Han said, concerned. Then, he steered the Shatterer mech toward the Scarlet Guard.

The Scarlet Guard turned and fled.

The two mechs chased each other, entering a dense area of rubble, leaving the others behind.

Suddenly, the Scarlet Guard stopped, turning to face Mai Han.

Then, a piercing sound emanated from the mech, inaudible to others, transmitted directly into the Shatterer's cockpit.

On the surface, it looked like two mechs confronting each other.

"Haha, we finally meet again, General Mai Han!"

"Lu Lawei."

Mai Han replied, his expression twisted, each word forced out. A sinister red light shone in Mai Han's eyes.

"Tsk, tsk, no need to be so formal. How is the investigation going, the one I asked you to do?"

"Why would I tell you?"

Mai Han replied, his eyes filled with animosity.

"Because we are the same now. Do you have a choice? I've made it clear to you in your subconscious. You have only two paths: join us, or be destroyed!"

Lu Lawei replied casually.

"Hmph, you think I'm afraid of your threats?"

"You're wrong. I'm not threatening you. I'm just telling you the reality. This isn't a threat; it's an opportunity. You should be thanking me."

"Don't you think it's funny, thanking you? Thanking you for turning me into a monster?"

"Wrong, wrong. Don't think that way. Think about how long you could have lived as you were? A few centuries at most. But now, I can give you a much longer life, easily thousands of years! And I can give you immense power. I can even promise you that if you help me find what I'm looking for, I can make you a lord of a star region, a true king, enjoying everything this world has to offer. You can have anything you want. Why cling to your old identity, a lowly general? Toiling day and night, bound by rules and restrictions?"

Lu Lawei tempted.

"You think I'd believe you? You have that much power? You'd probably just turn me into a monster after you get what you want."

"You have no choice but to believe me. And don't question my abilities. This is all for the great God-King. The gods favor their faithful followers. And don't be so resistant to the negative energy virus. The Star Ring City guys made that up. The so-called negative energy virus isn't just a virus. It's a powerful force. Only the weak become mindless zombies after infection. Elites like you and me won't become zombies. We'll become stronger, opening the door to a new world."

Lu Lawei said with a smile.

Mai Han's expression shifted, seemingly wavering.

Lu Lawei continued, "Don't suppress your inner desires. Let them run wild. Those desires are your true self. The negative energy virus is just a catalyst, unlocking our shackles, revealing our true selves. You'll understand the joy soon enough. The Star Ring City's propaganda is just to control you. They are the evil ones. Only the great God can save us, transcend us, and make us the masters of the universe!"

Lu Lawei's words were half-truths, impossible to discern.

The negative energy virus didn't just amplify desires; it brought out the evil within, completely changing a person.

Infected people might still be alive, retaining their memories, but they were no longer who they once were.

Mai Han raised his head and said hoarsely, "I didn't find what you wanted, but I'm sure the Black Yao got something good from Batak's royal capital during the invasion, but I don't know what it is."

"Good. Find out if it's on the Black Yao."

Lu Lawei said.

"It's not easy. Those old guys are keeping it secret."

Mai Han replied grimly.

"It's alright, take your time. I believe in your abilities. I've prepared something for you."

"What is it?"

"Two special potions. If you need more power, use the red one. It will make you stronger. If you want a higher position, use the green injection, mixed with my blood, to turn a higher-up into one of us. Besides the potions, I've prepared something extra, all in a shielded container."

Lu Lawei said with a sinister grin.

"I understand. How do I contact you if I need to? Shouldn't you give me a communication device?"

Mai Han asked in a low voice.

"That's tricky. Even the best communication device, if activated from the Black Yao, could be detected by humans. Then you'll be exposed."

"How do I notify you if I find it?"

"Here's what we'll do. Over the next month, I'll send troops to attack the Black Yao periodically. If you need to contact me, deploy like today. I'll find you."

"Alright!"

Mai Han replied, a good plan.

After the conversation, Mai Han launched the Shatterer towards the Scarlet Guard in front of him.

He pierced the mech with one shot.

Then, he tore open the cockpit and took a black metal shielded box, like a trophy.

Mai Han hid the black metal shielded box in a hidden compartment in the cockpit.

Unless his mech was damaged, no one would check it carefully.

...

On the other side, Mo Bake was being chased across the sky and ground by the Scarlet Guard.

He was nearly killed several times, scared out of his mind!

Su Mo followed behind, neither too close nor too far, not attacking.

He frowned. He hoped this guy wouldn't just run. He needed to fight back, or Su Mo would never get a chance to strike.

Fortunately, the situation didn't last too long. The Scarlet Guard caught up to Mo Bake, charging furiously.

Seeing no way out, Mo Bake had to brace himself and raise his black spear to parry.

The two mechs collided, and the Black Steel was immediately overwhelmed.

Su Mo seized the opportunity, pushing the control stick to the limit. The Iron Guard's engine roared as its power output went to maximum, charging forward at lightning speed.

As Su Mo approached, the Scarlet Guard sensed danger and spun around, hastily drawing its scarlet spear to sweep at Su Mo.

Su Mo didn't retreat but maneuvered the mech with extreme precision.

The Iron Guard leaned, barely dodging the sweeping spear. Then, Su Mo swiftly controlled the Iron Guard, swinging his alloy blade with pinpoint accuracy at the Scarlet Guard's neck.

*Clank!*

The sharp alloy blade pierced the Scarlet Guard's neck, hitting the power transmission lines.

Sparks flew from the Scarlet Guard, causing it to freeze.

Seeing this, Mo Bake quickly steered the Black Steel, piercing its cockpit with his spear.

At that moment, Ke Liefu and the others swarmed in, stabbing alloy blades into the Scarlet Guard's body.

The Scarlet Guard was completely disabled.

Mo Bake, seeing the enemy who had been chasing him finally dead, breathed a sigh of relief, collapsing in his pilot's seat.

Ke Liefu and the others looked at Su Mo. They didn't say anything, but they had seen the fight, and were filled with respect. His skills were undeniable.

His precise dodges and deadly strike had disabled the enemy.

Without him, taking down the Scarlet Guard would have cost them dearly.

Ke Liefu said in a deep voice, "Everyone, support the other teams, clear out the remaining enemies."

"Understood!"

Su Mo and the others responded.

If Mo Bake hadn't messed up, the skirmish wouldn't have been so difficult. After all, they outnumbered the attackers.

They had been caught off guard at first, but they quickly stabilized.

...

After a long time, the battle ended. Su Mo and the others steered their mechs back to the base.

At the entrance to the return corridor, one could see battered Iron Guards, and even some destroyed mechs.

The extent of the losses was clear.

At that moment, a III-generation mech, Shatterer, sped past. The mechs waiting to return moved aside.

The III-generation mech entered the ship directly.

Su Mo recognized it as Mai Han's mech from the Third Legion. He shook his head.

Even with a III-generation mech in command, they fought so poorly. It was shameful.

...

Inside the Black Yao command center, the operator reported.

"Battle ended. A total of 253 enemy mechs and two small transport ships were destroyed. The wreckage is being recovered. We sustained damage to 210 mechs, with 80 minor injuries, 23 serious injuries, and 43 deaths..."

Li Ruiqi was too tired to comment. He said softly.

"After the injured are treated and rested, order all participating units to have their commanders write a self-reflection report."

"Yes, sir."

...

Three days later, Su Mo finished quarantine and went to G12 to assemble.

As soon as he arrived at G12, he met several members of his squadron, who greeted him warmly.

"Good morning, Su Mo!"

"Good morning."

Su Mo nodded and smiled.

He could feel that everyone's attitude toward him had changed after the battle.

Soon, he arrived at the assembly point. Everyone was there except for the injured.

Su Mo hurried to join the ranks.

At this time, Ke Liefu walked over. He scanned the assembled members and said in a deep voice, "Regarding the battle a few days ago, I know everyone did their best. We can't completely blame you for the result. We lost formation supporting Captain Mo Bake, and I didn't have time to direct you. But results are everything. We need to work harder, improve our strength, and prepare for any situation."

"Understood, sir!"

Everyone responded.

"I want to commend Lieutenant Su Mo. He remained calm and made the right decisions under pressure. Let's give him a round of applause!"

Ke Liefu started clapping.

The others followed.

"It's what I should do."

Su Mo replied modestly.

At that moment, footsteps approached.

Everyone looked over to see Mo Bake striding in, head held high. Ke Liefu naturally stepped aside, yielding the main position.

Mo Bake glared at everyone and said angrily, "Look at your performance! I'm ashamed for you. I just received a reprimand from above! I'm very angry! From today on, all training will be doubled! And everyone will write a thousand-word self-reflection! I want to see it tomorrow morning..."

As Mo Bake lectured, his eyes fell on Su Mo, and he paused.

He was even angrier. On the battlefield yesterday, he had asked Su Mo to support him. This guy watched from the sidelines, and only acted at the last moment, making him look like a fool.

Mo Bake was furious.