Emergency Evacuation

As the small missiles neared the islet in the lake, suddenly, a whirlpool formed in the water with a massive shadow lurking within. The next moment, several spiraling water columns rose like dragons made of lake water, intercepting the missiles and igniting them into fiery orbs. Then, the lake surged with waves over ten meters high crashing onto the shore, creating turbulent flows that rushed past the feet of the 'Blaze' and the other two mechs before receding back into the lake.

From the lake, a huge dark silhouette broke the surface, appearing on the screen. The creature had a thick shell like a sea turtle, covered with clumps of seaweed, and streams of water cascaded down its body like dozens of waterfalls. With a bird-like head and a serpent-like tail, it roared at the unwelcome guests on the shore, its call resembling the sound of chopping wood. This was the Spinning Turtle, a middle-tier level 1 Behemoth!

The "Classic of Mountains and Seas" speaks of it: In the mountains of Muoyang, strange waters flow, abundant with mysterious turtles. They have the shape of turtles with bird heads and serpent tails, called Spinning Turtles. Their sound is like chopping wood, and wearing them prevents deafness and can be used as a base.

"Behemoths above the middle-tier, though intelligent, can be exploited because of it," Marshal's voice rang out, drawing the students' attention. "These intelligent Behemoths know the importance of 'Primordial Stone.' They understand that this stone can help them evolve and even break through their current tiers. Thus, when 'Primordial Stone' is in danger, they often appear to protect it. We can use this to lure Behemoths out and pull them away from their home ground to gain a more favorable combat environment."

As Marshal explained, on the screen, the three mechs led by 'Blaze' quickly formed hand seals and pointed towards the Spinning Turtle in the lake. Three black ropes shot out, entangling the Behemoth's body. The mechs pulled together, dragging the creature from the lake to the shore.

Ethan was astonished. So, 'Mystical Techniques' could be used like this, and when amplified by a 'Mystic Mech,' even the same 'Black Rope' was magnitudes thicker than when he used it.

In an instant, the Spinning Turtle was dragged onto the shore. The three mechs released their hand seals, took up their rifles, and began to shoot. But the Behemoth quickly retracted its head, limbs, and tail into its shell. The bullets, like a sudden downpour, struck the thick shell, sparking off without leaving a scratch.

Soon, the mechs emptied their magazines. The Spinning Turtle took the opportunity to extend its head and limbs and began to burrow into the ground, vanishing as if into an illusion—its 'burrowing' ability in action.

'Blaze' immediately signaled, and the three mechs huddled back-to-back, their guns aimed at the ground. Bang! Bang! Bang! The newly loaded rifles fired again, blasting the earth and sending dirt and stones flying. Suddenly, the Spinning Turtle emerged from the ground nearby, spewing a column of dark green smoke—its 'toxic miasma.'

The mechs scattered, then unleashed their full firepower. Rifles and missiles fired, and 'Blaze's' back armor opened to reveal a large-caliber cannon mounted on its right shoulder, designed specifically for Behemoths.

The screen was obscured by the barrage, the flames soaring, earth scattering, and the camera shaking uncontrollably. The clear image was lost.

Outside the student camp, He Hao watched the battle unfold on the screen from within his black mech with elongated arms. His eyes sparkled, his fists clenched slightly, as if eager to show his prowess on the battlefield.

Suddenly, the sensor beeped. At first, He Hao didn't pay much attention, but it beeped again, prompting him to look. His face changed color as he saw a blue spectral signal captured by the sensor—a lower-tier Behemoth reaction.

He Hao immediately grabbed the communicator, "Attention, 7 o'clock direction from the camp. A blue spectral signal has been detected."

"It matches with the database... It's a 'Tanuki Power.'"

As he finished, the voice of his deputy, Su Jiu, came through, "12 o'clock direction, a 'Si' has appeared."

"Wait, there's another at 2 o'clock."

Behemoth alerts began to emerge one after another. On the radar, He Hao saw six lower-tier Behemoths converging on the camp.

The camp's alarm blared, "Everyone, be aware. Six lower-tier Behemoths are attacking the camp."

He Hao's voice echoed overhead, "We will try to intercept. Teacher Wei, please evacuate immediately."

The sudden alarm threw the students into chaos. Cedricl shouted, "How can there be six Behemoths? Wasn't this supposed to be a safe area on the edge?"

Ethan remained silent. Then Marshal called out, "Split up! If we stay together, we're an obvious target for Behemoths."

"Divide into the groups you were assigned before, each group takes an off-road vehicle and leaves. Regroup at the entrance to the gorge. Move out now!"

Ethan rushed out immediately, with Cedricl following close behind. They dashed towards the nearest off-road vehicle, but someone else had the same idea—Bryce. He noticed Ethan and Cedricl and, giving Ethan a glare, sped up instead of slowing down. Ethan did the same.

The two met head-on. Bryce launched a kick aimed at Ethan's head, which Ethan blocked with his arm while delivering a punch charged with Yuan Force. Bryce managed to block it but was still pushed back several steps by Ethan's powerful blow.

Cedricl took the opportunity to jump into the driver's seat, start the vehicle, and swerve towards Bryce. Bryce had to roll out of the way to avoid being hit. Ethan didn't tangle further with Bryce and jumped into the off-road vehicle. Cedricl turned the vehicle around and headed for the camp exit.

Bryce snorted and jumped into a passing vehicle, not caring whether the group inside agreed or not.

Just as they left the camp, Ethan heard a roar. Looking ahead, trees were falling in the forest, and a 'Tanuki Power' charged straight towards them. At that moment, a shadow loomed overhead. Ethan looked up to see a mech striding over their vehicle. From below, he could see the mech's scratched armor, blinking signal lights, and the gas venting from the body.

Boom.

'Black Thunder' stomped heavily on the nearby ground, causing the earth to cave in and making Ethan's off-road vehicle leap into the air. Then 'Black Thunder' charged at the Behemoth, its massive arms grabbing the boar-like head of the 'Tanuki Power' and forcefully flipping it over.

Bang!

The Behemoth tumbled to the ground, and Ethan's vehicle sped past the flailing legs of the 'Tanuki Power.'