Chapter 501: A Direct Confrontation with Noah's Ark

The warehouse lights turned on, making it look even more spectacular. This wasn't EMP; these were proper Mobile Suits, and new models at that. Just looking at the luster, the texture, and the visual impact, Zuo Xiaotang wanted to rush up and lick them a couple of times.

"The great artist Athena, the Thunderfire Tyrant Zeus, the Endless Abyss Apollo, the Solar Leader Oceanus—these are the next-generation replacement products for mecha. Space stations, naval warfare, aerial combat, all-weather; they can fully unleash the power of the Golden Zone!" Anlita introduced them proudly. Every Mobile Suit was a work of art. "These are the products of the perfect combination of our human technology and the Nimeier Civilization."

The three of them touched the Mobile Suits, which could be called works of art, and were somewhat amazed. "They're worth a fortune."

"That goes without saying. Not to mention the use of the best titanium alloy materials, the Meraphis K23 Superhuman System requires a considerable amount of K23 Element. EMP only needs data parameters; if you really want to build them, heh, it's all trash." Anlita's eyes shimmered with light. She had long since mastered them; there was still a difference between reality and virtuality.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's try them out." Cheng Konghai and Zuo Xiaotang were both itching to go. No matter how good virtual technology was, for humans, reality itself still held a very strong definition, not to mention that both of them could feel the impact brought by these mecha.

Zuo Xiaotang chose his Endless Abyss fighter. He opened the cockpit and jumped straight in. It was truly worthy of being the top-tier standard of Meraphis Military Industry. As soon as he entered, he could feel the comfort and fit. These were sensory details. The main changes to the Endless Abyss were the integration of the K23 Superhuman System, the equipment of more powerful heavy sniper firepower, and the strengthening of stealth and mobility. For a veteran like Zuo Xiaotang, what he felt was freedom.

Ma Long chose the Solar Leader. He still preferred heavy armor. The weapon deployment was completely different; the Golden Zone immediately linked up with the entire mecha. In the past, it would take a considerable amount of time and enough talent to become familiar with a Mobile Suit and master the "mecha sense," but piloting this kind of superhuman mecha felt like an extension of one's body. Every part was very clear, and the perception of the surroundings was also very convenient. The mecha and the pilot merged into one.

This was a qualitative leap for combat effectiveness.

Just feeling every detail and then thinking about the old, broken, and outdated ones at Tianjing Martial Arts, a huge gap had already formed. In the past, at least the mecha performance was on the same level, but this time, it had completely pulled away. It seemed that all the major federations had realized this, which was why Earth, Mars, and TAS had joined forces to toss Meraphis Military Industry around. It was only because of the Moon Federation's protection that they hadn't caused even more trouble.

The two mecha entered the underground training ground via the elevator. Chao Qinglong, Maxis, and the others were already in the huge cavern training ground. Kevin and Anlita had arrived at the Command Room. Reconnaissance of the target area had already begun. The Apocalypse members were all Elite Warriors, and the Meraphis Family had its own private armed forces.

On the big screen was the situation at the Mariana Trench. It was pitch black, and in the detector, there was only a wailing sound like an abyss.

Anlita looked at Kevin. "Do you see anything?"

Kevin carefully examined the energy fluctuation map of the surroundings. "The energy reaction in this area is completely different from the surroundings. Is it an entrance?"

"It should be. There are several points with the same energy fluctuations. We don't know where it will appear this time. According to Venus's data, this time the fluctuations will last longer than previous relic openings, so we can go deeper."

"Where is Jeris?" Kevin asked. Jeris had arrived earlier. This kind of science fanatic was even crazier than Kevin; he was an expert in this field.

"They are at the Outpost Base. Li Mo is a bit cowardly. Such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he actually didn't come."

Kevin waved his hand and teased, "It's no fun saying that to my face. Next time, point at his nose and scold him."

"Heh, do you think I don't dare?"

Kevin chuckled. Ever since he found out that Zuo Xiaotang had fallen for Anlita, Kevin had been pondering how to stir things up; maybe they could really become a family.

"Small scenes don't need the Second Brother. If you really encounter any difficulties, with Zuo Xiaotang here, are you still afraid the Second Brother won't make a move?"

"Who are you saying these cryptic things to? Let Zuo Xiaotang give up on this idea."

"Don't be so absolute. Everything in the world has its own cause and effect; anything is possible... Hey, don't walk away, let's chat for another fifty cents' worth..."

Life at the base training camp wasn't easy. At the beginning, some people still held a relaxed attitude, but after seeing some of the records of Noah's Ark, they were no longer relaxed. If the opponent wasn't too strong, how could Xilian have shared such a large piece of the pie with his personality?

Of course, there were always exceptions, such as Zuo Xiaotang. He was truly lazy. He had no choice for the S Tournament, but this matter wasn't his own business. His purpose for coming was Anlita, so he spent all day following behind Anlita's butt. In terms of looks and wealth, he was hopeless, but Ma Laoshi said that without Hao Ge's protagonist halo, one had to use the final move: "pestering and clinging." Even a good woman fears a persistent stalker. So, whenever Anlita was free, Zuo Xiaotang would trot after her, serving tea and water, asking after her well-being, making everyone in Apocalypse know he was pursuing Anlita. If it were in the past, someone might have solved the trouble for Anlita, but who was this? Sniper God Zuo Xiaotang, S-Tournament Champion Sniper, Li Mo's brother. Who was so blind?

Moreover, if they really fought, they might not necessarily win. Zuo Xiaotang's mutant-like terrifying power in the finals was still deeply impressed upon everyone, so everyone started to joke about it. Anlita coldly refused him several times, but Zuo Xiaotang was not only thick-skinned but also had a good mentality. After all, he had been dumped many times and tempered; this was nothing. Besides, Ma Laoshi said that one couldn't be too soft at critical moments. After all, this operation really needed Zuo Xiaotang's combat power, and perhaps even Li Hao's combat power in the future.

Zuo Xiaotang felt it was a bit wrong, but Ma Laoshi said that brothers were meant to be used at times like this. Zuoge felt it made sense; Li Hao would always be willing to sacrifice a little for his happiness.

This kind of fuss really blocked Anlita's mouth. Although Li Hao didn't come, it didn't mean he wouldn't be needed later. Driving Zuo Xiaotang away was equivalent to completely offending Li Mo. Li Mo was stingy and lazy, but he was truly good to the people around him, especially Zuo Xiaotang.

There was no other way; the excuse Anlita used most was being busy and training, so she could have a moment of peace.

But little did she know, Zuo Xiaotang felt like a bee that had fallen into a honey pot coming here. He didn't have to participate in so many troublesome activities in Tianjing, nor did he have to attend meetings where he wanted to sleep just by sitting down. He could train a bit if he wanted to, and whenever he had free time, he could look at his beloved Anlita. Not to mention there was Venus, who wanted to compete with him at every moment. Here, food and lodging were provided, and there was endless delicious food. If this wasn't a fairy's life, what was?

As for the relics, the Ancient Civilization, or the aliens, it had nothing to do with him. His brain was relatively simple; he left complex matters to smart people.

This was the vacation Zuo Xiaotang had dreamed of. Besides, Luo Bi and the others were very enthusiastic; how lively it was! It was a pity that Hao Ge wouldn't come for such a good thing... Well, with Arths around, everything else was just a passing cloud.

Thinking of this, Zuo Xiaotang was happy. If one day Hao Ge brought Arths, and he brought Anlita, and they took the children from the orphanage to see the sea together, how wonderful that would be.

"Fool, fool, what are you giggling about!" Venus appeared out of nowhere, giving Zuo Xiaotang a fright.

"Venus, when will Anlita be free?"

"Idiot, she doesn't like you."

"It's okay, I like her. I will make her like me slowly. I also like you." Zuo Xiaotang laughed.

"Scumbag!"

"No, I really like you. Not that kind of like; we are good friends. I never dreamed that such a magical existence as you really existed in the world!" Zuo Xiaotang praised from the bottom of his heart. Wasn't this a dream elf?

For a moment, Venus's ears twitched happily. "Hmph, you only know how to coax girls to be happy, scumbag!"

Zuo Xiaotang was truly wronged; in this life, it was impossible for him to have anything to do with that.

Zuo Xiaotang was on vacation, but the others were really not idle. The performance of the new mecha and their all-weather combat capability were terrifying. However, pilots had to fully coordinate the Golden Zone and physical fitness when operating them. If they were careless and used too much force, they would collapse from exhaustion. With their proficiency in the mecha, everyone's desire to fight was also growing stronger.

In fact, both sides had already had several skirmishes on the seabed, destroying a few submarines, all still at the probing stage. But as the energy fluctuations of the relics stabilized, both sides began to fight for the entrance, and there was no room for maneuver. They dared not use large-scale weapons; once the overload energy interfered with the opening of the relic, it would be completely over. Neither side could afford to gamble, so the Mecha Warriors began to move out.

Noah's Ark dispatched naval torpedo boats and naval mecha, about several hundred in total. Xilian had a similar number. Both sides fought in a stalemate, but soon Noah's Ark dispatched a big killer: the Giant Mechanical Octopus, a type of large Mimicry mecha controlled by five pilots simultaneously. Its combat power was astonishing. As soon as the five mechanical octopuses entered the field, they slaughtered everyone. It was estimated that their tonnage was in the thousands, their firepower was astonishing, and they were flexible on the seabed. For a time, the Meraphis Family's Warriors were defeated like a mountain collapsing.

At this time, Xilian, who was in the Deep Sea Aircraft Carrier, had been watching the situation. The Deep Sea Aircraft Carrier was also the largest aircraft carrier for naval warfare of the Meraphis Family. "Klein, Maxis, this wave is up to you."

The exit opened, and the mecha that had long been impatient set off one after another. The Shadow Sentinels moved out first. As new mecha, the more than twenty members of the Shadow Sentinels were collectively thrown into the battle. They did not have the advantage in quantity or size, but as soon as they entered the battle, the situation changed immediately.

Over the years, Noah's Ark had of course cultivated and unearthed many experts, but they could not compete with the entire Solar System Alliance. These were the strongest Warriors, and the Meraphis Family's own private armed forces had also poached many experts.

The Giant Mechanical Octopuses, which had been invincible, suddenly found that they were not so easy to use anymore. The whip-like mechanical claws could not hit this batch of flexible Mobile Suits. Naval warfare was not the main combat environment for everyone, but it was a part of it. Occasionally, naval battles would appear in the S Tournament, but there just hadn't been one this time. A little familiarity made them immediate combat power.

(End of chapter)