Chapter 766: Elemental Extraction Park

Vulkan pushed the main force forward.

After Sanguinius left, Vulkan temporarily took over the Blood Angels Legion, and the three Titans that Yingzhou had deployed for support were already standing by in the rear.

When the lead Tallarn reconnaissance unit transmitted the first images back, a flash of surprise crossed Vulkan's eyes.

The images showed: a vast area enclosed by tall metal fences.

Inside the fences, metal conveyor belts connected several massive, translucent dome structures.

Through high-magnification imaging, one could only vaguely see that on the conveyor belts, countless three-meter-tall transparent cylindrical containers were being orderly grabbed and transported by robotic arms.

Inside each canister, a different form of life was curled up—some had liquid fire flowing over their bodies, some had bodies composed of whirlwinds, and others flickered with electric light.

Behind the isolation window of one of the dome structures, one could faintly see a massive robotic arm thrusting an energy probe into the core of a wind Elemental creature; its translucent body twitched violently as it rapidly became thin and dim, finally turning into a wisp of pure cyan airflow that was sucked into a pipe.

In another area, at the end of the conveyor belt, robotic arms were sorting and stacking crystalline, translucent cubic energy blocks that emitted a faint Elemental Huguang into massive metal storage crates.

Around the perimeter and inside the park, Cyberk infantry squads were patrolling, and several smaller engineering machines were maintaining equipment.

The pale blue energy ripples characteristic of an Anti-elemental field generator shrouded the entire area, suppressing all energy fluctuations not recognized by the Cyberk.

"Good god, are these other Aliens enslaved by the Cyberk Alien?"

Vulkan's deep voice rang out in the command cabin.

He pulled up more reconnaissance data, confirming the scale and operational mode of the park.

This was not a battle; this was a systematic, industrialized slaughterhouse for life.

The members of this Alien race were being drained alive and refined, turned into cold war fuel.

He immediately opened a communication channel with Horus.

The connection was established, and Horus's calm face appeared on the screen, with the busy scene of the Luna Wolves Legion headquarters in the background.

"Horus."

Vulkan's voice was heavy, getting straight to the point without pleasantries.

"We discovered a large Cyberk facility at our advance coordinates. It is not a barracks, nor is it a military factory."

He paused, sending over the reconnaissance images and preliminary analysis data packets.

"It is an Elemental Energy Block extraction park. They are... systematically 'processing' the life forms of the Elemental race. It should be about the same as we previously speculated; this is a park providing energy for those Cyberk Alien."

Horus's gaze swept over the transmitted images and data, rapidly assessing the information.

"Scale?"

Horus's voice was steady as he asked.

"Huge. Preliminary assessment is that it is one of the main energy sources for the Cyberk in this region. The production capacity is astonishing."

Vulkan replied.

"Defensive strength?"

"Standard Cyberk infantry squad patrols, medium numbers. Some engineering machines. There are Psionic Force Field and Energy Shield covering the core area, but the intensity is lower than a large fortress. Our Titans can easily tear through it."

Vulkan added; the firepower of a Warlord Titan would have no problem shredding this park.

"The 'materials' inside... how many are still alive?"

Horus asked the key question.

"Reconnaissance shows that there are still a large number of live Elemental Alien on the conveyor belts and in the pre-processing area. The conversion process is underway inside the core extraction chambers."

Vulkan's tone was steady as he added.

"The conversion efficiency is very high."

The communication channel fell into a brief Silence, both Primarchs weighing the pros and cons at high speed.

"Vulkan,"

Horus spoke again, saying to Vulkan.

"Two choices: First, total destruction. Use Titan firepower to raze the entire park to the ground, erasing it along with the facilities and Elemental Alien within. Swift and thorough, cutting off the Cyberk's energy supply point."

"Second, attempt to occupy. The goal is to control the entire park while keeping its facilities relatively intact. Its core value lies in two points: first, the inventory of completed energy blocks within the park is highly concentrated, ready-made strategic energy that can be immediately used for our army's subsequent operations or to supply the rear.

Second, and more importantly, the technology contained within this refining facility itself.

Its energy extraction efficiency and the way it utilizes Alien biomass have immeasurable research value for the Mechanicum and even for the future energy strategy of Human Civilization.

The risk is: the assault process might trigger the Cyberk's self-destruct sequence or lead to severe damage to the facilities; after occupation, we would need to split forces to garrison and defend against counterattacks; and it would require professional technicians to safely take over."

Horus's gaze pierced through the screen, looking straight at Vulkan, and said.

"As the highest-ranking commander on the scene, your judgment is crucial, brother. Destroy, or occupy? I need your opinion and your reasons."

Vulkan stared at the efficiently operating machines on the screen, the Alien waiting to be converted on the conveyor belts, and the mountains of energy blocks.

His massive fingers tapped lightly on the tactical table.

Sympathy? Those were Alien, they were enemies; before being enslaved by the Cyberk Alien, their hands were also stained with Human blood, and their fate was not worth shaking the strategic interests of Human Civilization. The true value lay in this "Furnace" built by the Cyberk.

A few seconds later, Vulkan raised his head, a glimmer flashing in his reddish eyes, and said in a steady voice.

"Brother, I choose... to occupy."

Horus nodded, waiting for Vulkan's reasons.

Vulkan began to state his reasons clearly and logically.

"First, maximization of strategic resource value. Destroying the park merely deprives the enemy of one supply point. But by occupying it, we not only capture its inventory of energy blocks—which is an immediate replenishment for our logistics—more importantly, we can obtain the complete blueprints for the energy refining technology.

The Tech-priests of the Mechanicum will go crazy for this. If this efficient Alien energy conversion technology can be used by Humans, it will bring unimaginable strategic advantages to Human Civilization, far exceeding the short-term gains of destroying a supply point."

"Second, feasibility analysis. The defensive strength is weak, and we have overwhelming firepower and elite ground troops. Through rapid, precise strikes to paralyze the Command Node, the Anti-elemental field generator, and any potential self-destruct devices, we have a high probability of controlling it before the enemy can completely destroy the core facilities or data. The risk exists, but the gains are huge and worth the investment."

"Third, weakening the enemy and strengthening ourselves. Destroy it, and the enemy might rebuild or find a substitute. Occupy and master its technology, and we not only permanently deprive the enemy of this important Energy Node, but we also turn the enemy's weapon into our own strength. This has more strategic depth than simple destruction.

As for the garrison issue, the Salamanders Legion and the Blood Angels Legion can stabilize the front line initially, and then hand it over to the Mechanicum Skitarii and subsequent reinforcement troops to take over.

The technical risks will be borne by the Mechanicum; this is precisely their duty."

"Those Elemental Alien are enemies, they are raw materials. Their end is part of the war. But this 'Furnace' built by the Cyberk is a potential tool that serves Humanity. For the future energy needs of Humanity, and for Humanity to gain an advantage in its subsequent survival, we must take this risk and seize it!"