"Good. Now, everyone should understand their respective tasks, correct?"
"Roles have been assigned. The remaining task is to reclaim the Disruptor and break through the Groundwave Barrier."
Lucian asked, puzzled, "Disruptor?"
Jiyan pointed toward the protective shield surrounding the statue in the distance.
"Do you see that barrier-like shield over there?"
"To ensure its smooth absorption of the residual weapon energy in Norfall Barrens, Ovathrax erected this barrier."
"One of our primary objectives now is to reclaim the Cracking Cannon, Disruptor, which has been invaded by Tacet Discords."
"It was a device built during Jinzhou's founding to counter Threnodians. Only by reclaiming it can we dismantle this barrier and advance further."
"For more details, let him explain."
Jiyan took out his terminal, and a holographic projection materialized before the group.
The figure of Mortefi, a member of the Security Division at Huaxu Academy, gradually appeared.
Mortefi: "General, Rover, Lucian."
Lucian chuckled. "Oh ho, it's the red-haired glasses guy."
His projection took a deep breath. "My name is Mortefi, not 'red-haired glasses guy.'"
Lucian waved his hand dismissively. "Same difference."
Those are NOT the same!
Jiyan inquired, "How are preparations on your end?"
Mortefi replied, "The good news is that I've successfully established remote contact with Disruptor's control terminal. The Engineers are fully prepared, awaiting only your command."
"The bad news, however… is that we've discovered Disruptor's charging mechanism has been damaged."
"Simply put—it's out of power."
Lucian deadpanned, "Isn't that a bit too sloppy?"
Mortefi smirked. "Fortunately, it still has backup power interfaces we can utilize."
"To operate Disruptor, we must first repair those backup interfaces to initiate its charging process."
"Any other questions?"
Rover asked, "Can we use Disruptor to directly strike the Threnodians?"
Mortefi: "Theoretically, yes. Practically? Difficult."
"Setting aside whether Ovathrax can evade the attack, even if it hits, it would at most severely wound the enemy—not enough to kill it."
"The power of Threnodians is far greater than we imagined. However, using it to tear open the Groundwave Barrier and create an entry point is feasible."
Lucian couldn't help but inhale sharply. If he were the one firing, wouldn't it guarantee a hit?
After all, he did have Sharpshooter talent.
But then again, he reconsidered—Mortefi had already stated it wouldn't be fatal.
Besides, if he took the shot, he'd have to stay in the rear. He figured Rover's safety was more important, so sticking with her was the better choice.
Rover: "Why are we still relying on outdated energy sources?"
Mortefi: "Because… Disruptor's creation dates back to Jinzhou's founding."
"Given the technological level of that era, the fact that an engineer could build such a weapon… truly marks them as a genius."
"If it were fired at Jinzhou City at full power, the entire city might be blasted into the sky—turning it into a literal 'Sky City.'"
Rover: "Can't you just build more Disruptor units?" Thɪs chapter is updated by ⓝovelFire.net
Mortefi: "...It's not impossible, but it would take time."
"Even if I worked at maximum speed… Jinzhou wouldn't last that long."
Rover nodded slightly. "No further questions."
Mortefi suddenly remembered something. "That said, a weapon of this scale—requiring strict tactical oversight—should be under tight regulation by the Magistrate, no?"
"Will its usage authorization even be approved?"
Jiyan nodded. "This matter has already been incorporated into my and the Magistrate's plans. No need for concern."
Mortefi: "Good. Then we'll await further news."
"Additionally, there's another… less-than-ideal update. Baizhi."
At his words, Baizhi's projection appeared beside him.
"Rover—I'll monitor Tacet Discord activity in Norfall Barrens from the Academy and guide you along the safest route."
"A sentinel near the artillery just reported that a large number of Tacet Discords have begun assaulting Disruptor. The soldiers are holding the line desperately."
"Currently, the area around Disruptor's turret is already swarming with Tacet Discords, and more are slowly converging on it."
"After retaking the turret, Disruptor will still require time to charge. During that period, you may need to hold out a little longer."
"I'll send the exact locations of the turret and Disruptor's backup power interfaces to your terminal."
"Best of luck… and Lucian, come back safely. After all, research on you still needs to continue."
Lucian grinned. "Baizhi, if you're worried about me, you can just say it outright. No need to beat around the bush."
Baizhi paused, then coldly snorted before cutting the transmission.
Lucian sighed. Such a tsundere.
Rover suddenly leaned close to his ear and whispered ominously, "Why is she so concerned about you?"
Lucian jumped, then forced a laugh. "Rover, you're being a bit too sensitive now! Trust is key between us! Baizhi's just concerned as a researcher about her subject—nothing more!"
Rover: "Any hint of feelings between you and others must be stomped out the moment they appear! Otherwise, you'll just keep collecting admirers."
Jiyan cut in. "The situation should now be clear to everyone."
"Rover, Yangyang—the mission to reclaim Disruptor and repair its backup power interfaces falls to you."
"I'll draw the attention of other Tacet Discords to reduce the threat as much as possible. Jianxin, you remain here to guard the camp."
"Speed is crucial in warfare. Let's move out."
Outside the camp, Lucian summoned all his Echoes, each draped in red capes—a mighty, imposing sight.
He fastened a Calming Bell around the neck of his strongest fighter, Thundering Mephis.
Lucian's expression turned stern. "Thundering Mephis! Tell me the sole purpose of your enlistment!"
Thundering Mephis: "Reporting! The purpose is to obey your commands!"
Lucian: "Damn right!"
"Thundering Mephis! You're a goddamn genius!"
"I've never heard a more satisfying answer!"
"Your IQ must be over goddamn 160!"
"You're the goddamn genius Thundering Mephis!"
Thundering Mephis adjusted its cape proudly upon hearing this.
The other Echoes looked on enviously.
"Crimson Vanguard, heed my orders! Join the close-combat squad and annihilate the Tacet Discords!"
The Echoes roared: [For Jinzhou! Kill!!]
Morale surged among the Crimson Vanguard as they marched forth in a grand formation, following Thundering Mephis.
A nearby Midnight Ranger muttered, "I feel like these Echoes are more patriotic than I am!"