Han Ruoxi continuously unleashed her Electric Energy to suppress the Alien Martial Artists’ movements, while Shen Qiuyue’s Swordsmanship was like a storm, felling enemies one by one as they approached.
Bai Lin provided precise battlefield intel from the side, constantly scouting the enemy’s movements to support each of the squad’s attacks.
Although the Alien Martial Artists were incredibly powerful, the Insect Hunter Squad’s coordination was even better, and they gradually gained the upper hand.
The enemies began to panic and retreat, seemingly unwilling to continue the head-on confrontation.
"They’re retreating!" Sun Yang shouted excitedly. "Captain Li, should we chase them and finish them off?"
"Don’t give chase!" Li Chang’an stopped him at once. "They might have an ambush set up. Secure our position first!"
Sure enough, just as Li Chang’an had predicted, the Alien Martial Artists didn’t retreat immediately. Instead, they attempted to organize another counterattack.
However, the Insect Hunter Squad’s suppressive fire left them no opening, and they ultimately had no choice but to fall back.
Li Chang’an watched the enemies gradually disappear into the darkness and breathed a small sigh of relief. "Everyone, stay alert. We won’t move until they’re completely gone!"
A few minutes later, after confirming that no more enemies were approaching, Li Chang’an gestured for the squad to relax. "We’ve won for now, but we can’t let our guard down!"
"These enemies are stronger than I imagined!" Han Ruoxi said, wiping the sweat from her brow. Her voice was tinged with exhaustion. "Good thing we were well-prepared, or that would have been a tough fight!"
"Indeed. They’re very strong, clearly not your average Rebel Army soldiers," Li Chang’an agreed with a nod. "But this is just the beginning. There will likely be even greater challenges ahead!"
"Then let them come!" Sun Yang tightened his grip on his Pulse Gun, an excited smile still on his face. "You think the Insect Hunter Squad is afraid of them?"
"Don’t get cocky. The enemy won’t give up so easily," Shen Qiuyue said coolly. She still held her sword in a tight grip, clearly not relaxing her vigilance.
"Everyone did great," Li Chang’an said, scanning his surroundings with a satisfied smile. "But this was just the first wave. We need to prepare for an even tougher fight."
After the Insect Hunter Squad established thorough defensive positions around the energy station, Li Chang’an meticulously inspected each sector to ensure there were no vulnerabilities.
He knew that the last battle was just the beginning. The enemy obviously wouldn’t give up so easily, and a more ferocious attack was likely to follow.
"Captain Li, are we pretty much set up?" Sun Yang asked, leaning against a defensive barrier with a relaxed expression. "We can handle however many more enemies they throw at us!"
"You’re always so optimistic," Li Chang’an shot him a glance. "Optimism is one thing, but the enemy will definitely be more trouble than you think. Don’t get careless!"
"Hey, Captain Li, I’m just trying to lighten the mood!" Sun Yang said with a grin. "But don’t you worry, I definitely won’t slack off!"
Han Ruoxi sat off to the side, still adjusting her Electric Energy Equipment.
She looked up at Li Chang’an and asked, "Do you think they’ll be back soon? That last attack felt like just a probe."
"It won’t be long," Li Chang’an said after a moment of thought. "The Alien Martial Artists’ combat style is all about swift, decisive battles. They won’t give us much time to prepare."
Shen Qiuyue gave a curt nod. Standing beside Li Chang’an, she lightly tapped the ground with her sword. "Their withdrawal wasn’t a rout. It was more like they’re waiting for an opening."
"Exactly!" Li Chang’an agreed. "We have to maintain a state of high alert and not give them any opportunities.
Everyone, rest up, but stay combat-ready!"
"Captain Li, I’ll go on patrol," Bai Lin said, setting down his terminal and getting to his feet. "I’m going to check the situation on the east side."
"Go on. Stay in contact," Li Chang’an nodded.
Bai Lin headed for the east side while the others rested where they were, trying to use the brief moment of calm to recover.
Before long, Bai Lin’s voice came over the comms. "Captain Li, I’m detecting more Energy fluctuations on the east side. They’re much stronger than before. It could be the enemy’s main force!"
Li Chang’an shot to his feet. "All hands, listen up! The enemy’s main force may be approaching. Prepare to engage!"
Sun Yang leaped to his feet, instantly tightening his grip on his Pulse Gun. "Heh, so this is the main event, huh? I’ve been itching for this!"
Han Ruoxi also rose quickly, checking her Electric Energy Equipment. Once she confirmed all systems were nominal, her gaze sharpened. "This isn’t going to be as simple as last time."
"Shen Qiuyue, go to the east side and support Bai Lin. Han Ruoxi and Sun Yang, hold the west!" Li Chang’an gave his orders decisively. "I’ll handle the frontal defense. Remember, the enemy is strong. Maintain contact at all times!"
"Understood!" The squad members moved out quickly, each heading to their assigned position.
A moment later, a low hum filled the air to the east, followed by several blinding lights streaking across the night sky, aimed straight for the energy station’s defenses.
"Their weapons are stronger now!" Han Ruoxi cried out, instantly activating her Electric Shield to block the fierce attack.
The Electric Shield deployed instantly, but the enemy’s attack was too powerful. Although Han Ruoxi’s Shield blocked most of the assault, a portion of the energy wave still broke through her defense and slammed into the western defensive wall with a massive BOOM.
"They’re playing for keeps this time!" Sun Yang yelled, his excitement laced with a hint of nervousness. He immediately returned fire, unleashing a barrage of Pulse Beams to suppress the enemy’s assault.
"Hold the line!" Li Chang’an’s voice was calm and firm. "Han Ruoxi, if the Electric Shield can’t hold, fall back immediately! Protect yourself!"