Chapter 901: Mouth of Darkness (1)

Meanwhile, at the main entrance of the mine, the Shu had already assembled a combat force.

Heavy machinery had been converted into combat platforms, mounted with Energy Weapons obtained from the Fengqi Star Alliance.

Thousands of Shu warriors, holding thermal guns and arc weapons, arranged themselves into a defensive formation.

The engineer Bulake stood on a makeshift command platform, shouting to the troops through a loudspeaker.

"Brothers! The darkness beneath the earth has awakened once again! But this time, we are no longer helpless miners! We have the weapons and technology bestowed upon us by the Star Alliance! We will resolve this threat once and for all!"

"Resolve it completely!!!"

The Shu soldiers assembled below shouted in unison.

At this moment, a Shu technician reported to Bulake.

"Energy Barrier set up! Level three intensity, enough to withstand any biological attack!"

Bulake nodded with satisfaction and said.

"Let that darkness witness the power of the Shu!"

When the first wave of Symbiotes surged from the depths of the mine, the Shu troops fired confidently.

The Energy Weapons provided by the Star Alliance instantly vaporized the vanguard of the Symbiotes.

The Shu soldiers let out cheers of victory.

"Did you see that?! They are fragile!"

More Symbiotes surged forward, and on the surface of these newly appeared Symbiotes, halos of Energy Barriers began to emerge.

"They... they are adapting to our weapons!"

A Shu technician discovered in horror.

The second wave of Symbiotes advanced while enduring the fire of the Energy Weapons; although there were still losses, they were far fewer than the first wave.

Some Symbiotes even began to deform structures similar to Energy Weapons from their arms, firing crude but effective Energy Beams.

Seeing this, Bulake said in disbelief.

"Impossible! How could they adapt so quickly?"

"What is that?!"

A Shu warrior pointed at the three Anya Shouwei charging out and shouted.

"More intruders? Coming from underground? Attention everyone! Eliminate everything coming out of the mine! No matter what it looks like!"

The Shu defensive line opened fire on both the Anya Shouwei and the Symbiotes.

"Foolish Alien!"

Hete roared, raising his Boarding Shield to block the Energy Beams.

Wasi immediately gave the order.

"Break through to the right flank! There is mechanical equipment there that can serve as cover!"

The three changed direction, charging toward the heavy machinery area on the right side of the defensive line.

The Shu's firepower was drawn to follow them, providing an opportunity for the Symbiotes to advance.

The wave of Symbiotes seized the chance to break through the fire net, crashing into the Shu's Energy Barrier.

The Symbiotes began to cover and infiltrate the barrier generator itself!

The Shu technician watched the changes in the generator and reported hurriedly.

"They are absorbing the barrier energy! The barrier intensity is dropping sharply!"

Bulake realized the situation was wrong and changed his order.

"All firepower focus on attacking that black substance! Do not let it touch the barrier generator!"

But the Symbiotes had already learned how to utilize the barrier energy, and even began to convert the absorbed energy into their own means of attack.

Several Symbiotes fused together, forming a massive turret-like structure, firing Energy Beams similar to the Shu weapons but more powerful.

"They are using our weapons against us!"

A Shu warrior screamed before being vaporized by an Energy Beam.

The defensive line began to collapse. The Shu warriors found the enemy's attacks becoming increasingly powerful.

Those Shu warriors who were killed were quickly Devoured and absorbed by the black substance, providing more mass for the enemy.

Wasi's squad seized the opportunity to break through to a relatively safe position in the machinery area.

Shadow Star. Shu "Shuorencheng"

At the entrance of the Shu mine, more Shu guards surged out from the main city, setting up heavy weapons and protective barriers.

Workers fled from various exits, some still carrying unidentified black slime on their bodies.

Corax observed all of this while receiving a report from Wudisi.

"The Symbiote claims that some kind of 'Mouth of Darkness' has been awakened underground; according to the description, it is an entity that devours light and life. The Shu Alien seem to have dug up something they shouldn't have."

Just then, Wasi's squad transmitted an emergency signal.

"Father, we have discovered... some kind of biological contamination in the side tunnel. It is not any known species. It is spreading rapidly."

"Everyone rendezvous at the entrance of the side tunnel. Wudisi, bring your squad to support. If there is a biological hazard, we need samples and analysis."

"Father!"

Wasi shouted loudly, and the squad accelerated toward Corax's direction.

Corax turned around and asked in a serious tone.

"Report the situation, Sergeant Wasi."

Wasi reported quickly.

"A type of unknown biological matter, possessing extremely fast learning and adaptation capabilities.

It can Devour biological matter and convert it into its own mass, imitating the form and abilities of its victims."

It has already demonstrated rapid adaptation to bolters and Energy Weapons.

Most importantly, the energy in its core region is chaotic."

Corax remained in Silence for a moment, observing the battlefield situation.

The Shu defensive line has completely collapsed, and the splitters are Devouring the wounded and corpses, their volume and numbers growing at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Some splitters have begun to imitate the Shu's heavy weapons, forming makeshift Bio-Cannons.

"It is acquiring the Shu's technological knowledge; if it comes into contact with more advanced technology..."

Just then, the characteristic engine roar of a Thunderhawk Gunship came from the sky.

Three Thunderhawk Gunships broke through the low-altitude clouds of Shadow Star and descended onto the battlefield.

After confirming via communication, Corax spoke.

"Wudisi Squad and Sarafu Company have arrived. All units, establish a defensive line and prevent the biomass from spreading further; the minerals on this planet are useful to us."

"Understood, Father!"

Before the Thunderhawk Gunships had even landed, the hatch doors were already open.

Fully armed Raven Guard warriors leaped out of the hatches and formed combat formations upon landing.

Wudisi led his squad toward Corax's position, while Sarafu Company began establishing a wider defensive line.

Wudisi Squad also brought along that elderly Symbiote Priest.

The fluorescent mushroom clusters on the Priest's back flickered in fear; he could not imagine that the Shu would dare to face the Maw of Darkness alone.

After saluting Corax, Wudisi said.

"Father! Per your orders, we have brought the Symbiote Priest. He believes he may be able to provide intelligence regarding this creature."

Corax looked at the trembling Symbiote Priest.

"Do you know what this is, Alien?"

The Symbiote Priest's mushroom light flickered.

"D-Darkness of Maw... more terrifying than in the legends... it has already grown too much..."

Corax directly interrupted the Symbiote Priest's subsequent information and said bluntly.

"Stop with the useless talk! Get to the point!"

"Yes..."