Chapter 34: Monsters of Man and Beast

The Special Operations Division had already drawn up a map of the Great Wilderness Mountain Underground City based on the information relayed by the Special Investigation Team. Although not entirely precise, it was detailed enough. Several alternative entry points had also been selected.

With everything prepared, the allied forces wasted no time and set out directly for the underground city. They even had a guide, a young man known as "Crew Cut." The enemy was not someone to be relied upon or manipulated, but this time, under Crew Cut’s guidance, the allied forces quickly reached the eastern district of the Great Wilderness Mountain where the underground city was located.

"Pass down the order—halt the advance!" The Supreme Commander of the allied forces gave the order as they approached a narrow canyon about two hours from their destination. For the sake of safety, the army was to pause and rest while unmanned reconnaissance drones scouted ahead. At that moment, Crew Cut, trailing at the very rear of the column, swiftly and secretly contacted the underground city's reconnaissance squad.

The scouts’ drones quickly relayed their findings: no enemy ambush detected. However, two kilometers ahead, they observed unusual biological activity along the only accessible route. To detour around it would take too long and risk alerting the enemy.

After weighing the options, the commander decided to push straight through. Though it would cost some supplies, it would save precious time. Abruptly altering battle plans is anathema to any strategist. Besides, these were just monsters; the army had plenty of experience dealing with them. With overwhelming force, any resistance would be futile.

To avoid alerting the underground city, the allied forces opted for individual combat units. The latest individual combat systems were equipped with ultra-hard alloy armor, able to withstand the charge of a giant ape and protect the wearer’s organs. The weapons had been specially developed for monster eradication, incorporating lessons learned from recent campaigns: powerful adhesive devices allowed soldiers to quickly gain the high ground using surrounding structures; razor-sharp weapons with built-in voice-activated controls could pierce the monsters’ steel-like hides; the communication system operated on a private frequency, supporting real-time information exchange with multiple teammates and tailored for group engagements; a personal computer aided in tracking enemy positions, predicting likely attack patterns, and suggesting evasive maneuvers to increase combat efficiency and reduce casualties. This new feature was still under development.

Upon receiving orders, the "Vanguard" troops, outfitted with the individual combat system, set out at once to clear the obstacles two kilometers ahead, forging a path for the main force.

Though the enemy had lain in wait for some time, hoping to lure the army into their trap, the element of surprise was lost since the allied forces already knew of the ambush. Still, the defenders held some advantage due to their familiarity with the terrain. The allied forces faced a tough fight.

The underground city’s reconnaissance squad was quickly neutralized. With their sniper rifles, the Vanguard could pick them off from afar. After a few casualties, the rest scattered like frightened birds—a rabble, just as the city’s governing committee had described them.

The monsters, however, posed a greater challenge. According to the combat system’s analysis, these were new creatures, likely the latest biological weapons developed by the Dark Organization. They were not physically imposing but bore both human and beast traits, possessing human intelligence—capable of thought, learning, and analysis—while surpassing humans in speed and strength. Even with computational support, the Vanguard soldiers could barely keep up with them. It took two or three soldiers working in concert to bring down a single beast-man.

The battle was shared in real time. The commander had expected a simple mission to clear the path, but instead, the troops took a beating right out of the gate. Any delay would risk lowering morale, so the commander ordered the Vanguard to withdraw and the rocketeers to prepare.

At the withdrawal order, the Vanguard began a disciplined retreat, but the creatures were relentless, refusing to let go. At least the soldiers managed to corral the monsters into one area and then called for an airstrike.

Once the Vanguard had cleared out, rockets rained down on their position. The once-arrogant monsters were instantly torn apart, their shrieks echoing throughout the canyon, as if calling for an even larger horde.

With the support of the rocketeers, the monsters in the canyon were quickly wiped out. Once the last few were eliminated by the Vanguard, reconnaissance confirmed the area was secure. The commander ordered the army to advance at top speed through the canyon to avoid any new dangers.

The recent rocket barrage had shaken the entire underground city. The rebels knew that reinforcements had arrived. They quickly rallied their forces, preparing for battle. This time, Tao Ran led from the front as the acting commander, his prestige from the July Incident still intact.

He knew this was the final battle—and his last chance for vengeance. Though still not fully healed, Tao Ran set out without hesitation. Before leaving, he poured out a treasured bottle of wine in tribute:

“May the spirits of my two brothers above bless the rebel army with victory!”

Everyone was fired up; the operation on Singles’ Night had reignited their passion, or perhaps the recent standoff had awakened their stubborn spirit.

Of course, not everyone chose to go out. It wasn’t out of fear—victory was now within sight, and they had no need to take unnecessary risks. For instance, Ah Hao and Ah Yong.

“Will we come back alive this time?” Ah Yong’s tone was flat. Though he was only recently recovered from his injuries, he showed no hesitation toward the coming fight.

“Let’s wait and see,” Ah Hao replied, still reluctant. Last time, he’d only joined in because he saw this fool nearly get himself killed.

“Are we really just going to hide like cowards?” Ah Yong asked, frustrated.

“Do you really want to go?” Ah Hao asked.

Ah Yong nodded without hesitation.

“Come with me!” Ah Hao grabbed Ah Yong and set off. With a motorized prosthetic leg, Ah Hao moved quickly, but he slowed his pace for Ah Yong’s sake.

“This isn’t the way to join up!” Ah Yong exclaimed in surprise.

“Don’t you want revenge? Follow me!” With that, Ah Hao led Ah Yong to the research center.

On the Falcon Squad’s side, Da Min, Xiao Feng, and Brother Long moved with the other Special Operations agents. Their main task was to receive the allied army and assist in the takeover. As for Ping An and Zhao Nana, they had gone to the Medical Institute to ensure the safety of the infant.

The Underground City Committee, aware that the great battle was imminent, did not intend to fight to the death. After urgent discussions, they made two plans: if the allied forces successfully entered the city, the core members would escape through emergency tunnels; if the allied forces failed to enter, all the better—they believed they could suppress the revolt themselves.

There was a third possibility, of course—the city could be destroyed from the outside. Even then, they could escape, though the odds were slim. If the military had wanted to do that, they would have done so long ago.

Now, at the designated location, the allied army faced a dilemma. After all the effort, they had only managed to open a small entrance—far too narrow for the main force. Sending in individuals alone would not threaten the enemy.

The commander summoned Crew Cut for questioning.

“You—this is where you escaped from?” the commander demanded angrily.

“Yes, sir!” Crew Cut nodded and bowed, eager to please.

“Speak! Where are the other entrances?” The commander drew his pistol, aiming it at Crew Cut. The aides also leveled their weapons.

“Sir! I really came out this way!” Crew Cut feigned terror.

“Hmph! Aren’t you acquainted with the Falcon Squad? Want to hear what they have to say?”

“Sir! Don’t shoot! I’ll talk! I’ll take you there!” Crew Cut would do anything to save his skin.

The army changed direction and headed to another entrance. As a member of the reconnaissance squad, Crew Cut had authorized access—not through the main gate, of course. As soon as they reached the gate, Crew Cut slipped inside through a side door.

“General! He’s gone!” a young aide reported.

“It doesn’t matter—we’re already here. Find a way to open the door!” the general ordered.

The Special Operations agents immediately began hacking the locks, but the software froze at ninety-nine percent completion.