Observing Combat Operations

"Do you have evidence?" Ethan's question left Bryce's face cycling through shades of anger and frustration. Of course, he had no evidence.

Marshal cleared his throat, signaling a student to inform the Exploration Corps to dispatch a search and rescue team for Ren Zhong. Then he turned to Ethan, "Did you ambush Bryce and Ren Zhong?"

Ethan immediately shook his head. Bryce, not willing to let it go, accused, "You're lying."

Marshal looked at him and asked, "Bryce, do you have evidence to prove it was Ethan?"

Bryce admitted, "I have no evidence, but who else would want to kill me?"

Marshal calmly responded, "Without evidence, you can't just accuse someone."

Fuming, Bryce was at a loss for words. "Let's disperse," Marshal commanded. "We have other tasks tomorrow. Everyone get some sleep."

As the crowd dispersed, Bryce shot Ethan a venomous look before leaving. Once alone, Ethan let out a quiet 'pity.' He had tracked Bryce and Ren Zhong in the morning, ground the Phoenix Tail Fern into powder, and successfully sprinkled it on them. He had hoped both would not escape their fate. Unfortunately, Bryce returned alive, but Ren Zhong's chances were slim, making Ethan's efforts not entirely in vain.

The next day, news came that Ren Zhong was dead, his death a gruesome one. Cedricl snorted, "Serves him right." Ethan remained silent, neither sad nor pleased. Death was too common in his three years of survival on the surface.

After breakfast, the students gathered. Marshal, hands behind his back, coughed before announcing, "There are no collection tasks today. Your main task is to observe the Exploration Corps on their mission. Pay close attention; it will be very beneficial for your future as mech pilots."

As he spoke, a multi-functional vehicle arrived, equipped with screens on both sides. The students split into two groups to watch the entire mission process of the Exploration Corps.

Soon, images appeared on the screens, showing a convoy in motion. A student asked, "Teacher, what is the Exploration Corps' mission today?"

"Retrieving 'Primordial Stone,'" Marshal replied leisurely. "They discovered it during the last exploration and today, they will fully recover it. But it's not an easy task. There are always Behemoths near the Primordial Stone, and today, there are three near the one they're recovering: two lower-tier 'Tanuki Power' and 'Si,' and one middle-tier level 1 'Spinning Turtle.'"

"Who can tell me the characteristics of the 'Spinning Turtle'?"

Before he finished speaking, Serena raised her hand, "Spinning Turtle, middle-tier level 1. Type: Carapace. Characteristics: thick shell, burrowing, water manipulation, toxic miasma!"

Marshal nodded slightly, "Correct, reward 10 credits. The other two Behemoths are manageable, but the 'Spinning Turtle' will be troublesome. Middle-tier Behemoths possess a certain level of intelligence and should not be treated as ordinary beasts. The 'Spinning Turtle' is one such creature. Now, watch the specific combat process for yourselves."

Marshal stepped aside, took out a tin box from his pocket, opened it, and swallowed two pills with water. Then he joined the students in watching the large screen.

Around the camp, He Hao and other third-year students piloted their mechs, keeping watch. Through the communicators in their cockpits, they too could see the mission unfold.

The Exploration Corps' convoy traveled through a forest, and when the path ended, they halted. The mech transport vehicles opened, and the pilots entered their cockpits. Moments later, the 'giants' came to life, leaving the transports and standing tall, towering over the trees. The dense forest was like a messy underbrush beneath these steel giants.

Seven 'Mystic Mechs,' led by a deep red one named 'Blaze,' advanced towards their target. Ethan knew that 'Blaze' was piloted by one of Victor's capable subordinates.

The mechs soon left the forest and entered a plain shrouded in a thin mist, making the rocks and sparse trees appear blurry. In the distance, a large lake with an islet in the center held a massive, dark crystal standing like a small mountain.

Primordial Stone!

Suddenly, the roar of Behemoths echoed across the plain, causing the students in the camp to tense up. On the screen, 'Blaze' signaled, and two Mystic Mechs fired into the depths of the plain.

Bang! Bang!

Two shots were fired, and something was launched, arching through the air and landing on the ground, releasing a pale yellow smoke.

Marshal explained, "That's a smoke grenade mixed with Primordial Stone powder. It attracts the attention of Behemoths, though it only works on lower-tier ones."

As he finished speaking, two dark figures emerged on the plain in the screen. Two lower-tier Behemoths, a wild boar-like 'Tanuki Power' and a dark-furred 'Si,' charged in response to the smoke. As they appeared, 'Blaze' led two other Mystic Mechs to flank them. The remaining four mechs, two in each group, aimed their Behemoth-specific Divine Might rifles at the front legs of 'Tanuki Power' and 'Si.'

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

The thunderous gunfire echoed from the screen, each shot like a clap of thunder. Streaks of fire cut through the air, striking the Behemoths' front legs, tearing flesh and splattering blood.

The Behemoths grew fierce. 'Tanuki Power' charged through the bullets towards one mech, while 'Si' raised its front legs and stomped down, causing shockwaves. They fought back against the four mechs in their own ways.

The camera switched views, showing 'Blaze' and two other mechs nearing the lake. They didn't wade through but instead, 'Blaze's' shoulder armor opened, revealing a small missile launcher.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

A series of small missiles shot out, flying over the lake towards the islet where the mountain-like 'Primordial Stone' stood.

Note: Carapace creatures are those with shells, such as turtles and insects.