Chapter 284: The entire city is a dead end

"I'm sorry, Lin Dui. Thank you for being willing to entrust me with such an important item as the Hell Black Chrysanthemum. Please also forgive me for taking the liberty of using it for a dangerous experiment. Although I installed it on the co-pilot's ejection seat and added protection, I know that once I go, I might not come back..."

"I don't have the courage of General Zhang or Team Leader Bai. I didn't survive from a pile of corpses. During the Wei River evacuation, as a core scientific and technical backbone, I was actually in the first batch arranged for transfer by Team Leader Bai. At the Yubei Airport, I saw your fearlessness, so I didn't want you to think I was a coward. I was afraid of seeing too many people die around me, so I made this risky decision. I know, perhaps this is just my cowardice and avoidance..."

"The world has ended. I don't know if I'll be able to see the dawn. Perhaps you can. If you can receive this recording, please help me convey an apology to my teacher. This disappointing student of his never had his courage."

Inside the laboratory temporarily converted from the command center at Xilan Airport, the computer played the recording from Wei Kexue. This recording was found on the Hell Black Chrysanthemum's protective device. After being ejected from the cabin, it fell into the valley of Mount Fenglan and was eventually recovered by Ding Junyi and Lin Xian.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Many people from the scientific research team had reddened eyes.

Guo Sicheng stood in front of the crowd, his whole person appearing to have aged several years in an instant.

Because it was an emergency event, apart from Phoenix Society members like Zhao Yu, He Zhen, Wen Zhuo, and Xiao He, only Lin Xian and a few people from Shi Diyuan, who were helping with the search work on the west side of the city, were here.

Lin Xian sighed slightly in his heart at this moment. He didn't expect that Wei Kexue, who was reminiscing with him the day before yesterday, would just leave like this. Lin Xian took the iron box out of his pocket and opened it to see the three blood essences still resting quietly inside. This was the 'reward' he had brought for Lin Xian, intended to borrow his Hell Black Chrysanthemum for research. In fact, Lin Xian had no intention of gaining any benefits; he just knew that by accepting this, Wei Kexue would feel better.

Perhaps Wei Kexue wouldn't have thought that he would die on the eve of the evacuation for this theory.

The Hell Black Chrysanthemum was placed on the table, shining with a crimson luster, while a disheveled Yu Yuheng sat to the side.

This meant that he had also been marked with a Level 5 mark.

Zhao Yu's expression darkened: "The current situation is that the experimental team found evidence of the dark mark, but discovered other anomalies?"

Old Guo adjusted his glasses and nodded: "The ultra-pure germanium detector captured a type of weakly interacting massive particle. This particle forms a certain dark matter bond with human cell membranes. The dark matter flow can penetrate any barrier, making the marked person a 'lighthouse in the dark.' This is an unprecedented discovery. If you give us some time to specifically develop a sensing device, then everyone will be able to check their own marking status."

Spark Team Leader Wen Zhuo looked at the still-shaken Yu Yuheng: "Team Leader Yu, can you tell us in detail what happened? Why did you say that monster was a scout? What is this judgment based on?"

Everyone's eyes fell on Yu Yuheng at this moment, all very concerned about this question.

Yu Yuheng's gaze was somewhat vacant. He looked up at the crowd, the terrifying scene from two hours ago constantly replaying in his mind.

Two hours ago.

Yu Yuheng's aircraft had just fallen out of a cloud layer. The immense weightlessness almost left his mind blank, but fortunately, the aircraft's automatic flight control system stabilized it quickly.

At this time, having little piloting experience, he hurriedly checked the instruments and the situation outside the porthole.

But when he looked up, he discovered that in the originally hazy cloud layer on the right side of the aircraft, a giant black shadow had appeared, completely obscuring the already gray moonlight.

It was a monster covered in countless giant feet, each monster foot perhaps over a hundred meters long, like a black sea urchin floating in the air, covered in countless red compound eyes. The dense cilia on the walking feet swayed with the blizzard, and the small aircraft that Yu Yuheng and Wei Kexue were riding in was terrifyingly tiny in front of it!

Beep, beep, beep—the aircraft issued an alarm.

"Professor Wei, it's above us!!!" Yu Yuheng gasped.

"Pull up, pull up!" Wei Kexue's exclamation came through the communicator.

"Is the disaster plant lit up?!"

"No."

"How can that be!?"

Beep, beep, beep—at this moment, the various instruments on the aircraft began to issue fault alarms.

"The detector is in working condition. This thing seems to be looking at us!"

"It has been hiding here all along!"

"Forget it, open fire directly at it and see what kind of trick this monster is playing!" Wei Kexue gritted his teeth. At this moment, adrenaline surged, and the fear and panic from just before were instantly suppressed.

"Ah!!"

Zzz, shhh!

The combat missiles on the aircraft flew out of the magazine, their tail flames drawing an arc as they flew rapidly toward the compound eyes floating in the air.

Boom!

The explosion's firelight appeared, but the giant strange entity did not suffer any damage. When the missile approached, it seemed to hit some kind of invisible wall in the air, exploding with a bang. A translucent halo rippled in front of the 'sea urchin' and then disappeared.

"What was that?!"

"Some kind of protective shield???"

"Oh no."

"What do we do now?"

Wei Kexue looked back at the Hell Black Chrysanthemum in the rear, which still showed no movement, so he gritted his teeth and said: "Team Leader Yu, I'll get closer. According to Professor Ding's research report, this disaster plant only covers 500 meters. Perhaps getting closer will work."

"500 meters is too close!" Yu Yuheng shouted.

"There's no other way, this is the only chance!" Wei Kexue took a deep breath, turned the direction sharply, and piloted the aircraft directly toward the monster.

"Professor Wei!"

"Don't come over, maintain a safe distance to receive the capture signal. If I eject, remember to keep an eye on where the disaster plant lands. I promised Lin Dui I would return it to him intact!!"

Woo!

The Tongxing aircraft's turbine engine began to boost. Wei Kexue pierced through the cloud layer, gritting his teeth as he flew straight toward the giant monster.

Beep, beep.

The detection signal on the radar rang wildly.

At this moment, the countless red compound eyes in the air looked at the aircraft approaching it. A strange red light began to oscillate outward. In an instant, the sky turned scarlet. Yu Yuheng only felt a chill all over his body. Looking up, he saw the giant monster seemingly turn entirely red, like a blood moon in the sky, and Wei Kexue's aircraft rushed forward without hesitation.

"Professor Wei!!"

Beep, beep, beep, beep.

Yu Yuheng's eyes were splitting. Countless strange images flashed before his eyes. Blood-colored ripples surged constantly, and his pupils reflected broken visions in their trembling. Tens of thousands of pale pupils condensed in the void into a giant compound eye, surrounded by the eye of a storm formed by rolling black clouds.

He hurriedly took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, trying to find the calculation module of his computer on the aircraft.

"Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick, quick!!!"

Yu Yuheng frantically refreshed the feedback signal of the detector.

Beep, beep, beep, beep.

Hum!

"It's lit up!! The disaster plant is lit up!!" At this moment, Wei Kexue's shout suddenly came to his ears.

Beep—at the same time, the monitoring unit of the ultra-pure germanium detector emitted a green light, which meant the capture was successful!

"Professor Wei, quick..."

Boom!

Before Yu Yuheng could finish his sentence, a terrifying shock suddenly arrived. All the instruments on the entire aircraft went dark, and then he felt a huge sense of weightlessness strike rapidly.

At this instant, he looked up outside the porthole. In front of the blood-moon-like giant strange entity, a tiny cluster of fire exploded—that was Wei Kexue's aircraft!

"Professor Wei...!!"

Hum!

Before Yu Yuheng could shout, a huge sense of dizziness arrived with a bang. He only felt the world spinning. He didn't know how long it had been before alarm sounds began to ring out one after another in his ears.

【Altitude warning, altitude warning.】

【Taking over flight control program.】

【Mountain ahead, mountain ahead.】

【Pull-up failed, pull-up failed.】

Yu Yuheng, with a groggy head, suddenly came to his senses and grabbed the aircraft's control stick...

"That monster is different from what we have seen before. Ordinary weapons seem unable to cause it any damage, and it also possesses some kind of group attack method."

Inside the laboratory hall, Yu Yuheng recounted the previous encounter in detail. He took off his glasses, pinched the bridge of his nose, and sighed: "At that moment, all the instruments failed. I seemed to see something terrifying in my mind, but that thing was different from this one. I have a feeling it seems to be communicating something, guiding something. This feeling is very strong..."

He Zhen frowned: "You mean there is more than one S-level monster?"

Zhao Yu pondered: "If it's this kind of subordinate relationship, then it means the other one might not be as simple as just S-level."

Hearing this, everyone felt their hearts sink.

"Regardless of whether it's S-level, for us, it represents a greater crisis." Zhao Yu exhaled a long breath and then said to He Zhen and Wen Zhuo: "Since the monster tide has retreated, let's organize an early evacuation and speed up the progress. All casualty statistics and preparation plans will be carried out on the road. Xiao He, call Han Jun and Qin Xueming together to discuss the issue of ammunition supply."

"Yes!"

"Wait." At this moment, Lin Xian, who had been silent, suddenly spoke: "Supervisor Zhao, I know the evacuation plan is for tomorrow, but don't you think the situation we've encountered from yesterday until now is very strange?"

"I have this feeling too. An S-level monster is hiding like this without launching an attack on us—isn't that a bit too strange?" Shi Diyuan could no longer suppress the suspicion in his heart and spoke directly.

"Indeed." Wen Zhuo nodded and looked at Zhao Yu: "Assuming this is really a scout looking for prey for some dark creature, then why did I encounter a monster tide attack tonight? If the whole city died, what would be the point of doing this?"

"Because this was not an attack."

Just at this moment, a female voice rang out in the hall. Everyone looked over and saw Ding Junyi walking out from the crowd.

"Professor Ding, what do you mean by saying it wasn't an attack?" Zhao Yu frowned and looked at her.

Ding Junyi looked at Yu Yuheng and then said:

"Professor Wei was right. That monster didn't come entirely for the Hell Black Chrysanthemum; discovering the Hell Black Chrysanthemum was just a coincidence. The reason why there were no marks in the entire Xilan City is that all the Snow Demons and Snow Monsters no longer emit dark marks externally. Because a Level 5 mark can only be applied by an S-level strange entity, and that monster seems to have noticed that we are studying dark marks, which is why it applied the marks to the Falcon Squad patrolling outside the city first, triggering the attack on the city tonight."

He Zhen looked puzzled: "Didn't you just say it wasn't an attack on the city?"

Ding Junyi looked at the Hell Black Chrysanthemum and said: "Now, except for that high altitude, no strange entities are emitting dark marks. That monster is monitoring Xilan City. And the reason it didn't apply marks before was to keep the city safe, so that more and more people would gather!"

Her gaze was cold: "Because Xilan City has strong defensive power. Perhaps it was to reduce casualties, or simply to make us chaotic and fearful, so... tonight was not an attack, it was a drive-away!"

"But our original plan was to evacuate tomorrow!" another female researcher couldn't help but say at this time.

"Yes, we are actually evacuating more timely now, and have a better chance of avoiding the polar night and the coverage of Star Abyss No. 5. Isn't this better?"

Everyone was full of doubts.

And at this time, Lin Xian walked out and said: "Then what if they apply Level 5 marks to the whole city before we evacuate?"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone felt a chill all over.

The atmosphere in the hall seemed to freeze for an instant.

He Zhen's gaze condensed, recalling the situation of the Falcon Squad before, and he said in a deep voice: "You mean..."

Lin Xian looked at Zhao Yu: "Supervisor Zhao, I suggest calling the captains of all the large and small vehicle teams in the city to check the marking situation one by one. When I brought the Hell Black Chrysanthemum over just now, I checked it along the way. Our vehicle team has all been marked with Level 5 marks. I think this might be related to the loud noise in the sky before. If this is the case, then the reason why those monster tides retreated can coincide with Professor Ding's speculation."

Zhao Yu looked at Lin Xian with knitted brows, was silent for a few breaths, and then said decisively: "Okay, let's do as you say. Wen Zhuo, we will transfer to the Michel Church and gather everyone. Only call the captains; don't reveal the specific reason to them first. Then conduct decentralized testing. Once the results are confirmed, we will discuss it."

"He Zhen, you arrange to count the casualties first, and replenish ammunition on the defensive line. Before the evacuation is confirmed, the line cannot be relaxed."

"Understood." He Zhen nodded.

Zhao Yu checked the time and then said to everyone: "Time is tight, everyone act now. It will definitely be too late by dawn. We must implement the evacuation plan before 5 o'clock."

"Okay."

The great battle of the night had just subsided, and before everyone could catch their breath, they felt an even greater crisis. For a time, people were panicked, and the entire Xilan City seemed to be shrouded in a suffocating situation.

Swish, swish, swish.

At 4:00 AM, the Michel Church square was full of hurried figures. Captains of countless survivor vehicle teams were urgently summoned. The monster corpses piled up like mountains on the scarred square had been temporarily cleared by the Nightwalker organization, but the thick stench still made people's heads heavy. Under the high-brightness square floodlights, Ding Junyi and many researchers were conducting marking tests on the captains in a dispersed manner.

"What is this for?"

"I don't know, just cooperate..."

"They said the attack mode of the strange entity has been confirmed, called the Dark Mark. Everyone who is marked will attract monsters in the dark night."

"Ah? So that's how it is..."

"Then does checking this now mean there will be more attacks?"

"Many of the casualties in our vehicle team haven't been dealt with yet."

"Fortunately, the Phoenix Society is distributing ammunition and supplies to us..."

"Are we going to evacuate?"

On one side of the square, Zhou Wuer, Peng Peng, and a group of Nightwalker courier team members stood in a corner, watching this scene with complex expressions.

"So many people have been marked. It seems our evacuation plan is going to change," Peng Peng said with her arms crossed.

Zhou Wuer had been killing all night, and at this moment his face was extremely serious: "Who knows? I hope everything goes smoothly."

"Chirp, chirp."

At this moment, the communicator rang. He waved his hand behind him: "Let's go, let us in."

04:35

Inside the temporary command center of the Church Gospel Hall, quite a few people had gathered.

Phoenix Society leaders headed by Zhao Yu and He Zhen, scientific research team members Guo Sicheng and Yu Yuheng, as well as leaders of various vehicle teams from the Nightwalker organization and the Crimson Phoenix Order, such as Lin Xian, Shi Diyuan, Qian Dele, Han Jun, Qin Xueming, Zhang Tianfang, Chen Xiao, etc.

"The test is finished. Out of 1,236 vehicle teams in the city, 786 vehicle team captains carry the Level 5 Dark Mark," Xiao He reported the data with a solemn expression.

"Why doesn't everyone have it?" He Zhen was very puzzled: "Does this monster pick and choose?"

"I think it is very likely that the actions of Team Leader Yu and Professor Wei had an impact on that monster, so a portion of people were not marked. That is also the reason why those monsters retreated early," Ding Junyi said.

"64%." Zhao Yu frowned and murmured: "I don't know whether to call it a good thing or a bad thing."

After he finished speaking, he looked up at everyone: "The specific situation has been explained just now. I want to hear everyone's opinions."

"I think we must evacuate immediately, otherwise are we waiting to be killed by that so-called S-level strange entity?" Qin Xueming of the Universe Vehicle Team had just finished a battle and was very disheveled. Hearing such bad news, he immediately expressed his thoughts.

"I think so too. Is there any other choice?" Chen Xiao of the Torch Alliance suffered heavy losses tonight. He looked at the crowd with a puzzled expression: "Does this still need to be discussed?"

"Didn't you hear the explanation from the scientific research team just now? Carrying a Level 5 mark, going out is certain death!" Zhang Tianfang said at this time.

"Then what else can we do? Kill the S-level?" Qin Xueming asked loudly in confusion: "Or kill that guy who is even more powerful than the S-level, just by relying on us?"

Han Jun of the Arctic Wind Alliance was the calmest at this time. He turned to look at Lin Xian: "Lin Dui, your Infinite Vehicle Team has the most experience with the Dark Mark. Can we reduce our mark concentration by killing a large number of those Snow Demons and Snow Monsters, so as to be safer or enter a silent state?"

He Zhen nodded upon hearing this: "That's right, I think so too. It's not like this mark cannot be cleared. Since there is such a method, we don't have to kill the S-level strange entity."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone showed approving gazes.

Instead, Zhao Yu did not express his stance, but looked at Yu Yuheng, Ding Junyi, and Lin Xian from the scientific research team.

"Scientific research team, Infinite Vehicle Team, what are your opinions?"

Yu Yuheng said at this time: "I... I just feel that things are not that simple."

Ding Junyi nodded: "Have you ever thought about why those monster tides retreated as soon as we were marked?"

"Uh..."

Qin Xueming looked astonished: "Damn, this is too insidious."

Han Jun also had a solemn expression. This sounded like the monster watching Xilan City in the dark possessed a certain level of intelligence, and this attack was also a premeditated arrangement...

Clear the marks, let more and more survivors in Xilan City gather, and when everyone has a bit more sense of security, suddenly attack the city, trigger fear, and apply marks to the whole city, trying to drive the whole city away!

If they evacuate at this time, those with Level 5 marks would not survive to Quancheng, and staying here is also a dead end. Everyone will face the terrifying loud-noise creature above the clouds and... that even more terrifying unknown existence!

At this very moment, what is placed in front of everyone seems to be...

A dead end for the whole city!

At this moment, everyone suddenly felt a chill down their spines.

"Brother Lin." Shi Diyuan whispered to Lin Xian beside him with a frown: "What should we do? Aren't we being cornered?"

Lin Xian's gaze was complex at this time. He also had a strong sense of unease in his heart. At this moment, he had a feeling of fear of being dominated by dark creatures for the first time.

"Oh my~ It seems these monsters are really treating us humans like dumplings to be eaten." Qian Dele sighed longly and lowered his head to touch the fur on his body: "Forget it, forget it, might as well go back and have two drinks, and then give it a shot."

Lin Xian looked at Qian Dele upon hearing this, and his expression changed slightly.

"You're right, giving it a shot might still have a chance."

Just when everyone was at a loss, Lin Xian suddenly blurted out loudly, instantly causing everyone's eyes to fall on him.

"If we give it a shot, there might still be a turning point!"

Qian Dele to the side had a puzzled expression and immediately leaned over to whisper: "Hey, the 'give it a shot' I said was just rushing out, there is no turning point."

He Zhen, Wen Zhuo, Han Jun, and others all looked at Lin Xian.

Zhao Yu said: "Lin Dui, tell us your thoughts."

At this time, a crazy idea kept growing in his heart, making Lin Xian unable to help but breathe rapidly. His eyes flickered constantly, and then he gritted his teeth and said: "What if... we don't evacuate tomorrow?"

"Don't evacuate and wait for death?"

"Exactly..."

Chen Xiao and others spoke immediately upon hearing this, but were interrupted by Zhao Yu raising his hand. He looked at Lin Xian seriously: "Continue."

"If we don't evacuate tomorrow, the most we will wait for is the polar night. But is the polar night definitely terrifying? If we don't have marks on us and enter a silent state, we might not be able to pass through the edge of Star Abyss No. 5 safely!!!" Lin Xian looked up at Zhao Yu and said urgently: "We have tried before. If there are no marks on the body, there is a high probability of encountering nothing in the dark, unless you are extremely unlucky and break directly into a monster's territory."

Zhao Yu frowned: "Are you trying to say using one day to solve the mark? But the problem is, that monster won't give us this chance, and it is still guiding another one that is even more..."

"Then what if we kill it!!"

Before Zhao Yu could finish speaking, Lin Xian suddenly said loudly: "Since this monster wants to mark us and treat us as a meal, then we might as well just slaughter this beast directly, completely eliminating the Level 5 mark on our bodies. And the time for the polar night to gather is the day after tomorrow afternoon. That larger one is also very likely to come through the tide during the polar night or the extreme cold vortex. This time difference is exactly the opportunity left for us!!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's gazes began to change.

"You mean, we kill an S-level strange entity?" Han Jun frowned.

"But that monster is hiding on purpose. Didn't you say it's a scout?" Qin Xueming also spoke.

"That's right, even if we want to kill it, if it doesn't come out, we have no way," Zhang said.

Yu Yuheng to the side nodded at this time: "That thing has been hiding above the clouds, it's very difficult to find its position. It's just hiding and monitoring us..."

"That's not necessarily true!"

!

Lin Xian said coldly: "First of all, if it really is a scout, applying Level 5 marks to the whole city is its goal. Then we have only marked 64% of the city now, and this task has not been completed. So it is very likely that if we don't evacuate tomorrow night, there will be another attack, and that sea urchin will repeat its old trick."

"You mean, take action when it releases marks again?" Spark Team Leader Wen Zhuo asked with a frown.

"But if it's in the air, what we can do is indeed limited," He Zhen said: "The aviation combat formation has no experience in encircling and suppressing S-level strange entities. Besides, Team Leader Yu just said that missiles are ineffective against it. If it cannot be solved in a short time, then everyone in the city will not be able to run."

He Zhen's analysis hit the thoughts in most people's hearts. If they flee with all their might now, there might still be a glimmer of life. But if they really wait until tomorrow night to attack the city, whether everyone can withstand the monster tide is still a question, let alone solving an S-level strange entity with some kind of protective shield?

This possibility sounds minimal. Once it fails, the whole city will be marked with Level 5 marks, facing the arrival of the polar night and the extreme cold vortex, then it will really be total annihilation.

"There is a way to make it come down," just at this moment, Lin Xian suddenly said.

"What way?" Zhao Yu looked at him and said.

"Rely on this." At this time, Ding Junyi, who had been silent, slapped the cultivation cabin of the Hell Black Chrysanthemum: "Have you ever thought about how an S-level strange entity could fail because of two small aircraft?"

"That's right."

Lin Xian said coldly: "This thing can attract A-level abyss worms in a short time, and it must also be able to attract that monster!"

Yu Yuheng stood up immediately upon hearing this: "Yes! Yes! At that time, the guy turned red all over. It was definitely not as simple as our two aircraft attacking it. Now that I think about it, it must have sensed the existence of the disaster plant on Professor Wei's aircraft!"

Zhao Yu's expression changed constantly upon hearing this, and He Zhen also fell into thought.

Lin Xian looked at He Zhen and said:

"Commander He, if we start full-city defense from now on, using Xilan City's steel plant, weapons factory, radar station, and orbital station to set up defensive facilities, and all vehicle teams don't flee in chaos but set up traps and defensive strongholds in advance, and carry out reasonable war deployment, turning the encounter battle into a defensive battle or blocking battle, will the situation be better than tonight?"

He Zhen's gaze sharpened, and he said: "Of course. The city is thick and high, the trenches are deep and wide, the weapons are sharp and good, and the soldiers are selected and full. Last night our preparations were very hasty, and we didn't consider the factor of the inner city falling. If we strengthen the city and sharpen the weapons, we can definitely reduce a large number of casualties."

"There is one more point, which is what Professor Ding just said."

Wen Zhuo also spoke at this time: "Xilan City possesses a large number of heavy city defense works and base weapons. If we evacuate, these things cannot be taken away at all. If the monster really wants to drive us away, perhaps it also has concerns about this aspect."

"Well said!" Shi Diyuan nodded in agreement upon hearing this: "Vehicle-mounted weapons are certainly not as powerful as base weapons. If we evacuate like this, wouldn't we become soft persimmons? I agree with Brother Lin's plan!"

"I agree too," Qian Dele said with his arms crossed: "Defending the city with sharp cannons is better than fighting a fleeing battle in a blizzard, especially when running with Level 5 marks. Wouldn't that turn the road into a mobile hunting ground for monsters?"

The words of several people made Qin Xueming and others waver. He looked at Han Jun to the side.

"Hey, General Han, what do you think?"

Han Jun had a solemn expression: "Burning the boats and shedding the cicada's shell might not be a good strategy. However..." After he finished speaking, he looked at Zhao Yu.

"Supervisor Zhao, our Arctic Wind Alliance will follow your arrangements."

On this side, the eyes of Zhao Yu and He Zhen met.

"Old Zhao." He Zhen looked at Zhao Yu's expression and said: "You said good news and bad news just now, you were referring to this, right?"

Zhao Yu sighed and nodded.

64% means that 30% of the people actually have no marks and can live. If he chooses not to evacuate, he cannot force this part of the people to stay, which means there are 30% fewer people defending the city, and the pressure on defending the city is undoubtedly greater.

But if this part of the people chooses to stay, they are betting their entire lives on him, Zhao Yu.

Once it fails, the whole city loses.

He dare not bet, and he has no right to let those who can live go to die.

After pondering for a moment, Zhao Yu looked at the crowd and said:

"Strategically, I approve of the plan of Lin Dui and Professor Ding. Refusing the city to defend and eliminating the marks, although very difficult, is indeed more certain than evacuating the city with Level 5 marks. Whether it is weapons, city walls, or psychological aspects, we are more active than passive. From a military point of view, He Zhen, you also agree with this, right?"

He Zhen nodded upon hearing this: "That's right, turning passive into active, turning danger into opportunity, it can indeed be considered a top-tier strategy."

"Then let's do it!"

Zhao Yu said firmly: "In the name of the Phoenix Society Xilan City Supervisor, I agree to refuse the city to defend!"

"In addition, I need to listen to the opinions of the other thousand-plus vehicle teams first, let everyone know the actual situation of the danger, determine which vehicle teams will stay or leave, and for the rest, immediately execute the casting defense plan!"

Swish, swish, swish.

05:00

Michel Church square, figures like torches, more than a thousand vehicle team captains, leaders, and some deputies and key personnel gathered around. Thousands of people stood in the square.

The cold wind was howling. General Supervisor Zhao Yu stood on the high platform and solemnly synchronized the Dark Mark, the changes currently encountered by the whole city, and the city defense plan with changed strategies by the Phoenix Society via broadcast.

For a time, there was constant wailing in the square, filled with the taste of despair and suffocation.

"What... we have all been marked with Level 5 marks? Does this mean certain death?"

"I heard that a patrol squad was like this yesterday, they didn't even have a chance to run away..."

"Oh my god, I thought we could evacuate immediately tomorrow!"

"When we tested just now, it seems we didn't have marks..."

"Staying to defend the city and evacuating during the polar night, this... is this really feasible?"

"If it's really like this, we would rather stay here. At least there are bunkers and cannons here. If we were on the road, our vehicles would definitely not be able to withstand that level of monster tide."

"Exactly, anyway, we are already marked, what else can we do but give it a shot?"

"Yes, listen to the Phoenix Society, fight them, maybe there is still a glimmer of life!"

"Defend the city? I think it's okay. I like playing tower defense the most. I have a lot of experience. Can you let me command?"

"Forget it, Commander He has been leading troops in battle for many years, does he need your little game experience?"

"..."

The crowd discussed, full of heaviness.

Zhao Yu scanned the square: "The situation is like this. Time is of the essence. Now, vehicle teams can express their stance. Whether marked or not, you can choose to evacuate. I have asked the support points to prepare some of the supplies and ammunition needed for emergency evacuation. The evacuation time is before 6 o'clock. Apart from that, I will share all remaining ammunition and supplies with the whole city, and formulate a detailed defense plan. Using vehicle carriers, weapon ratios, and ability user capabilities to form tactical squads and establish a temporary city-casting command center, completing all combat preparations before dark."

As soon as the voice fell, the crowd below became much quieter.

"Um..." a vehicle team captain in the crowd raised his hand at this time: "For those of us without marks, can we really evacuate? Does it mean there is no danger?"

His words also attracted the attention of other vehicle teams without marks, all looking at Zhao Yu.

"That's right, those without marks can evacuate. As for whether there is no danger, I believe in the judgment of our scientific research team. At least, the danger will be reduced to a minimum. I believe this will also be the common judgment method for the whole world to deal with dark creatures in the future," Zhao Yu responded coldly.

"Then... then we choose to evacuate." The captain who asked the question gritted his teeth. His vehicle team had already suffered heavy losses last night and had basically lost the will to resist.

"We also evacuate."

"It seems our vehicle team doesn't have marks either... then it has nothing to do with us." The one speaking at this time was Long Dahei of the Blackie Vehicle Team. He scanned the Phoenix Society members on the stage with a complex expression: "I don't know what to say, um... thank you for your support, I hope you can succeed."

After speaking, he sighed and turned to leave with a few subordinates.

At the same time, other vehicle teams left one after another, and the square was silent.

"We believe in the decision of the Phoenix Society and will coexist and die with everyone!" At this time, a tough female voice broke the silence first.

"That's right, fight to the death to defend the city, give it a shot!!" Her voice seemed to ignite some kind of emotion.

Those who suffered heavy losses, those whose families were separated because of the monster tide, those who were angry because they knew they were in a dead end—more and more people's emotions were ignited!

"Damn it, dare to treat us like piglets and apply marks, then let's fuck them!" a big man who was swearing roared at this time.

"I haven't killed an S-level yet. Maybe if we kill an S-level, our whole city will evolve. Everyone, tell me, is that right?" At this time, someone said with a strange line of thought.

"Eh, that's right!!"

"Afraid of what, fight them. We didn't have enough fun last night. This time we are fully prepared, let's kill these beasts and leave none behind."

"Exactly, don't think we humans are easy to bully. I am at the top of the food chain!!"

"Let's do it!"

"We don't have marks, but we will advance and retreat with the Phoenix Society!"

"Kill, kill, kill, our Dingli Vehicle Team signs up first!"

Swish, swish, swish, the sound in the square suddenly began to boil, and the atmosphere of fighting became more intense.

"Xiao He, count the final number of people and check the weapons." Seeing this scene, He Zhen's gaze was determined, and he immediately arranged for his adjutant Xiao He.

"Yes."

Soon, the counting ended. Inside the command center hall, everyone began to discuss the city-casting plan.

"Report, there are 1,236 vehicle teams surviving in the whole city. 1,072 vehicle teams chose to stay to defend the city, and 164 vehicle teams evacuated. All of them are vehicle teams without marks. We are currently counting the total number of people and weapons," Xiao He reported.

"The Nightwalkers are also summarizing the ability data collected from previous tests. If we deploy in groups, it will still take some time," Wen Zhuo also said at this time.

"Okay."

"Then let's determine the city-casting plan immediately. He Zhen, talk about the defense layout first."

A holographic sand table tactical table was placed in the center of the hall. Zhao Yu stood at the forefront, surrounded by leaders of the Investigation Corps, the Nightwalker organization, and various representative vehicle teams. At this moment, everyone looked at the holographic city map of Xilan City on the tactical table with serious expressions.

"Okay."

He Zhen took a command baton and pointed to the north and east walls of Xilan City.

"The north, east, and south city defense walls are permanent fortifications. Now the city cannot stop the monster tide from pouring in. If we still focus on the defense direction outside the city, we will be attacked from behind."

"So my plan is to abandon the urban defense, let the north city defense line and the rear passenger rail station and Xilan Airport form a triangular strategic position; the east city defense line and the steel industrial zone and weapons manufacturing factory form a triangular strategic position; the south city defense line relies on the mountains and the Dujia radar array station for defense. Because the west side of the city has no defensive strongholds, Mount Fenglan and the mining area do not form a defensive posture, so abandon it. Finally, deploy high-mobility and high-ability combat attack groups at Michel Square and Central Avenue, carry disaster plants to attract and flexibly deal with A-level abyss worms and S-level black thorns in the clouds. They can be closely linked in the three key areas, and in this way, when necessary, they can form a pincer offensive to concentrate attacks on the crisis in the city."

Hearing He Zhen's explanation, everyone looked approvingly. Concentrating core forces in the city defense system area instead of dispersing them in the city is indeed the most ideal plan.

In this way, the city walls are not just facing outward, but can also link with the city to form island-style defense.

"Commander He's consideration is very comprehensive. Once a defense system is established in places like the passenger station, airport, steel plant, and radar array station, it is indeed easy to defend and difficult to attack," Zhao Yu looked at the holographic sand table and nodded.

The strength of these special buildings in Xilan City is not comparable to ordinary residential buildings, and they had strategic considerations when they were built in the past. In order to deal with war crises, the average wall thickness of Xilan City residential buildings exceeded 80 cm, and these special building works even exceeded 100 cm. Coupled with the steel torrent defense of each vehicle team, it can indeed greatly ensure the solidity.

"Now is the second question, how to kill the S-level black thorns in the clouds before the dawn of September?!" Zhao Yu looked at Wen Zhuo.

Wen Zhuo said in a deep voice: "Currently, there are 112 people at the Rampage level and 1,201 people at the Diamond level in the whole city. According to Commander He's arrangement, I suggest selecting a portion of elites suitable for mobile combat from them to form a large hunting attack group in the form of 5-person squads, commanded by me. First, try to kill that abyss worm. If that S-level black thorn in the clouds appears, first conduct contact attacks to understand and judge its weaknesses, and then use the high mobility of the hunting group to attract and transfer in the three defensive strongholds, and try to eliminate it with the help of strongholds and air firepower."

"It sounds okay, but it's also a bit too optimistic," Qin Xueming said at this time: "If that S-level strange entity chooses to attack a stronghold defense area directly, and the other two places cannot help, wouldn't we fall into the awkward situation of being defeated one by one?"

"That makes sense, but we can't have everyone in the city defend in one place, right?" Shi Diyuan said coldly: "Tens of thousands of people's firepower cannot be deployed. It would be troublesome if we fall into chaos internally first."

Wen Zhuo said at this time: "My idea is to use the strong attack power of high-level abilities to attract, such as fire, laser, telekinesis, Han Jun's water system, and my magnetic system..."

"Then in this case, it is equivalent to the main pressure being concentrated on this ability hunting group," Han Jun frowned: "We must transfer throughout the city, and physical exertion is also a big problem. Xilan is not a small city, and the three strongholds in the east, south, and north are dozens of kilometers apart. Not everyone can fly."

"If all troops and vehicle teams are concentrated in the three defensive strongholds, the city will be very empty. Even if it is an ability hunting group, without strong firepower support, it should be difficult to face that level of monster," Zhang Tianfang said with a heavy face.

"I can arrange for the Fearless level to provide air support in the city," He Zhen said at this time: "However, the situations that air support can deal with are limited after all."

"Eh, that's right..." Qian Dele nodded upon hearing this: "After all, they are A-level and S-level monsters. No matter how powerful our ability users are, maybe it's just a matter of one bite."

"Are there any other plans?"

He Zhen frowned slightly: "We can concentrate some heavy weapons and missiles, maybe it can improve."

"It is not yet certain what the monster's ability to defend against missiles is like. If, according to Team Leader Yu, it is some kind of ability shield, then it means that conventional weapons may not necessarily be effective against it," Han Jun said.

"That's right, I agree with this point. In case it is some extremely special defense mechanism, then our preparations might all fall through," Qin Xueming also said with a worried face.

Lin Xian stood at the farthest end of the crowd with a heavy face. Hearing the words of Han Jun and the two, he immediately thought of his AT field shield.

If that monster possesses such a defense mechanism, it would indeed be very difficult to deal with.

"Eh." At this time, a quiet voice leaned over to Lin Xian. Lin Xian looked sideways and found it was Zhou Wuer.

"I've seen in the mission log that you once used the ability to create sunlight outside Xilan City. Maybe it can have a miraculous effect."

"That's because there was sunlight during the day," Lin Xian responded in a low voice. At this time, he didn't know whether his gravitational lens could exert the same effect as when dealing with the red-lamp head before.

"It's okay, I think the plan you proposed is very bold. Maybe we can really reverse this dead end. Not bad, very insightful."

Lin Xian sighed slightly upon hearing this. In his view, relying on Xilan City's city defense plus everyone's joint efforts to solve the scout and then evacuate is the best plan, but it does not mean that this plan will definitely succeed. Dealing with an S-level strange entity, even the Phoenix Society has no certainty, and there are no successful cases reported in various parts of the world.

Lin Xian looked at the crowd. At this time, the discussion reached this point and fell into a silent deadlock. It is not difficult to arrange the city defense strategy, but the core problem is how to solve the S-level strange entity. If it cannot be solved, all city defense is meaningless.

But the problem is, the three defensive lines cannot be concentrated to deal with the S-level strange entity, and the tens of thousands of people in this city cannot be concentrated together. This is equivalent to abandoning the advantages of the three city wall defense works and base weapons.

And Wen Zhuo's plan to concentrate powerful ability users to carry out containment attacks in the city seems to be the best plan, but everyone knows that even with more than 100 Rampage levels, wanting to deal with an S-level strange entity is as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Even many people have never encountered an S-level strange entity, let alone how to deal with it.

Just when everyone was in a stalemate,

Clang.

At this time, the door of the Gospel Hall was suddenly pushed open. A man in a military overcoat with a tall figure walked in quickly and said loudly:

"If there is a war weapon that can suppress the monster tide in the city and deal with S-level strange entities, this problem would be much simpler."

Lin Xian was no stranger to the person who came; it was Chen Wei from the Terrakama Ice Valley camp before!

"Chen Wei, why are you here? Your injuries..." Yu Yuheng spoke immediately upon seeing this.

But Chen Wei did not respond at this time, but said to the crowd while walking.

"Emperor Project Pangu No. 1 machine, height 125 meters, total weight 8,665 tons, dual-core fusion reactor turbine processor, dual-person neural telepathic piloting, using super-carbon acetylene alloy composite armor, compound multi-aperture array wave light radar, leg equipped with hydraulic power distributor, 500kt gyro stabilizer, KKG-level high-agility torque drive, 4,238 muscle units in the whole machine, each muscle unit equipped with 2 magnetic control engine groups, weapon system includes right arm I-19 plasma cannon, folding high-frequency blade chain sword, dual-arm ultra-high pressure pulse electric hammer, left arm orbital incineration cannon, chest 4x8 missile vertical launch system, elbow equipped with rocket propulsion device..."

"In addition, that worm in the north of the city was killed by me and my brother with a chain sword. If we can restart the No. 1 machine in the Ice Valley, we can use it as a strategic fulcrum in the central city area. I can also demonstrate once again how to kill worms!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Han Jun and others all showed shocked expressions.

"What? There is such a terrifying mecha?"

Zhao Yu's expression changed slightly. As the chief official of Xilan City, he naturally knew about the Emperor Project. Not only him, but Shi Diyuan and Qian Dele present had seen that war giant in the Ice Valley with their own eyes.

"But, the operation cabin and common-state drive of the No. 1 machine, and the left arm..." Yu Yuheng immediately understood Chen Wei's intention and responded immediately.

"I can fix it!"

At this time, Lin Xian, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, his eyes carrying a bit of madness: "Although it cannot be fully repaired, this time is enough for me to solve several core problems. In addition, I remember the monument core you brought back is itself a set of spare intelligent control cores, right?"

Chen Wei's appearance suddenly made Lin Xian react. His mechanical manufacturing had reached Level 5. As long as he could return before dawn tomorrow, he would have more than 24 hours to repair it. And that mecha itself was manufactured to deal with S-level strange entities. If he could have that mecha, the success rate would be greatly improved.

Yu Yuheng had a complex expression: "But, even if it is repaired, it requires at least two pilots with Level 5 common-state coefficients, and..."

"I am a pilot with a Level 5 common-state coefficient," Lin Xian said directly before Chen Wei could speak.

This time, not only Yu Yuheng, but even Chen Wei and He Zhen of the Investigation Corps looked at him with surprise.

"Are you serious?" Chen Wei's gaze was suspicious and sharp as he said to Lin Xian.

"Yes, I am a mechanical ability user myself. You shouldn't have any doubts about my control over machinery, right?" Lin Xian said.

"Good!" Chen Wei's expression shook, and a smile appeared on his face: "Although I don't like ability users very much, it's not impossible to cooperate with an ability user with a Level 5 common-state coefficient."

Lin Xian looked at him: "Although your temper isn't very good, I also appreciate you being able to stand up at this time. This plan is good."

Chen Wei smiled, turned to look at the crowd, his expression became solemn, and he gave a military salute solemnly: "Supervisor Zhao, Commander He, Team Leader Yu, fellow leaders, Chen Wei formally requests to go to battle!"

Zhao Yu looked at Yu Yuheng: "Team Leader Yu?"

And Yu Yuheng's expression changed constantly at this time, becoming more and more urgent and excited.

"Well said, well said! If Lin Dui can repair the operation cabin, common-state drive, and the left arm, with the help of the monument core's intelligent control core, it can indeed restart the No. 1 machine!"

"Then let's decide it!" Zhao Yu's expression shook, and he said to Lin Xian:

"Lin Dui, then you lead the team to bring back the ultimate weapon of the Emperor Project!"

"I couldn't ask for more!"

Lin Xian's eyes ignited with raging war fire. He looked through the stained glass of the Gospel Church toward the southeast of Xilan City. Far away in the depths of the Terrakama Ice Valley, 700 kilometers away, a super-giant war mecha was sleeping at the peak of the ice peak.

The dual-core fusion reactor turbine that had already extinguished in its chest seemed to be waiting to be ignited by heat again!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 285 =====