Chapter 661: Chapter 323: Insect Race Reconnaissance Units

Sun Yang was still buckling his boots, but he paused at the words.

"This early? What’s the mission? It’s not another simulation, is it?"

"Not a simulation!"

Li Chang’an shot him a glance.

"This time, it’s the real deal. A few Insect Race scout units—possibly a forward patrol—have appeared near the base. We need to clean them out quickly.

The mission isn’t difficult, but don’t let your guard down!"

"Insect Race scout units?"

Han Ruoxi frowned.

"Is it just our squad going? Or will other teams be joining us?"

"For now, just us!"

Li Chang’an snapped the briefing folder shut.

"Liu Na said this is a training opportunity. She wants to see how we perform!"

"So, this is a test, then?"

Shen Qiuyue walked over, clipping her Dueling Sword to her waist.

"Alright then. The sooner we finish, the sooner we’re back. No dragging our feet!"

Sun Yang scratched his head, looking troubled.

"The Insect Race again... During my assessment yesterday, those models were plenty realistic. Now that we’re facing the real thing, I’m feeling the pressure!"

"You feel pressured?"

Han Ruoxi sneered.

"What about the rest of us? We have to protect a liability like you!"

"Alright, alright! Just watch me today. I’ll absolutely blow you away!"

Sun Yang puffed out his chest, his expression brimming with confidence.

"Enough chatter. Get a move on. We leave in five!"

With that, Li Chang’an turned and left the barracks.

A few minutes later, the Insect Hunter Squad assembled on the base’s landing pad, where a small, armed transport ship was waiting.

"Captain Li, do we have detailed intel on this operation?"

Bai Lin asked, adjusting the device in his hands.

"We do. The target area is an abandoned factory fifty kilometers southeast of the base."

Li Chang’an nodded.

"Insect Race scout units usually aren’t that strong, but their numbers can be a problem. Remember to coordinate!"

"An abandoned factory?"

Han Ruoxi frowned.

"Hasn’t that place always been quiet? Why would the Insect Race suddenly appear there?"

"That’s just how the Insect Race operates. They exploit any weakness they find."

Li Chang’an replied.

"This isn’t the first time. We find them about once a month within a thirty-kilometer radius of the base."

"In other words, this is a routine cleanup mission for the base?"

Shen Qiuyue asked.

"Correct. But Liu Na wants us to treat this mission as a small-scale combat assessment."

Li Chang’an glanced at her.

"She’s testing our teamwork!"

"To put it bluntly, we can’t drop the ball,"

Sun Yang shrugged.

"Fine by me. I’ll follow orders. Whatever you say, Captain Li, I’ll do it. I absolutely won’t be a liability!"

Han Ruoxi couldn’t resist rolling her eyes.

"You say that, but you never follow through!"

"I swear I will this time!"

Sun Yang thumped his chest.

"Let’s make a bet. If I screw up today, I’ll buy everyone a late-night meal!"

"Deal. Get ready to go broke!"

Han Ruoxi sneered.

The transport ship quickly ascended. Inside the cabin, the members of the Insect Hunter Squad checked their gear, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Bai Lin looked down at the screen in his hands, quickly pulling up satellite imagery.

"The factory layout is complex, mainly a few old warehouses and production lines.

The scout units are probably hiding inside. The tight spaces will be a problem!"

"Tight spaces?"

Sun Yang clutched his Pulse Gun, his brow furrowing.

"That’s not ideal for me. Can’t we pick a different spot to fight?"

"Pick a different spot? You think the Insect Race is going to follow your schedule?"

Han Ruoxi retorted bluntly.

"Fine, fine, I’ll shut up!"

Sun Yang waved his hands in surrender.

"I’ll say no more. I’ll follow orders!"

Li Chang’an looked at them, his tone even.

"Bai Lin, what are the thermal readings for the target area?"

Bai Lin tapped a few keys on his keyboard.

"There are fluctuations, but they’re not strong. It’s likely a small swarm that hasn’t formed into combat units yet."

"Understood."

Li Chang’an nodded.

"When we move out, we’ll split into two groups. Shen Qiuyue and I will take point. Han Ruoxi and Sun Yang, you’re on cover. Bai Lin, you’ll handle surveillance and support from the rear."

"Understood!"

The team replied in unison.

The transport ship slowly landed on an open patch of ground outside the abandoned factory. The moment the ramp opened, a faint, cold breeze blew in, carrying the scent of rot and dampness.

"Definitely an abandoned factory. The smell is potent!"

Sun Yang muttered, pinching his nose.

"If I’d known, I would’ve brought a mask. This place smells worse than the pickle jars in the base mess hall!"

"Can you cut the crap?"

Han Ruoxi shot him a glare, her voice low as she fastened her Superpower Bracelet.

"A place like this is a paradise for the Insect Race. All your whining won’t change that fact."

"Alright, alright, I’ll shut up! Can’t a guy try to lighten the mood a little? We can’t be this tense from the get-go!"

Sun Yang shrugged helplessly but still moved quickly to keep up with the team.

Li Chang’an stood at the front of the formation, his gaze sweeping over the factory entrance.

He gripped the hilt of his Saw Chain Sword with one hand and made a signal with the other.

"Splitting into two groups.

Shen Qiuyue and I are going in the main entrance. Han Ruoxi, Sun Yang, circle around to the left flank. Bai Lin, you stay out here. Keep comms open and give us constant updates."

"Understood!"

Bai Lin nodded and began working his portable terminal.

Shen Qiuyue silently drew her Dueling Sword and moved to Li Chang’an’s side.

"Ready? It’s cramped in there, and the Insect Race loves to set ambushes. Stay sharp."

Li Chang’an gave a slight nod.

"We’ll manage.

If there’s trouble, notify the other team. Don’t try to tough it out alone."

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