Chapter 107: The Decision to Launch or Retreat! Tiger Bugs Approach

Staring at the marked potential points from other departments, Ding Chenghai's pupils contracted, his expression tense. As a participant in the "Decapitation Operation," he knew Lin Feng was stationed at the outpost.

Though unclear why Tiger Bugs gathered there, Ding Chenghai understood the impending danger. The power of the upcoming cloudburst bombs could easily level an outpost.

Even a detonation within a kilometer would cause significant secondary damage.

The collapse of the Queen's hive would generate tremors akin to an earthquake, with the resulting pit destroying the entire outpost.

Thus, the garrison must evacuate in advance.

Otherwise, they'd suffer the bomb's aftermath.

However, Ding Chenghai was merely a small cog in the logistics and weapons department, lacking the authority to partake in the high-level meeting deciding the launch.

Moreover, for confidentiality, all personnel involved in the "Decapitation Operation" had surrendered their phones, barred from external contact.

With furrowed brows, Ding Chenghai's round face creased in layers.

Suddenly, he remembered the signal receiver he'd given Lin Feng, capable of receiving radio waves, transmitting messages via a simple radio...

Luckily, the logistics warehouse had obsolete radios.

Excusing himself to the restroom, Ding Chenghai slipped into the cluttered warehouse, retrieving a dusty old radio.

Connecting the power, he typed a series of numbers on the device.

"Damn it, hope you'll notice the signal receiver's flashing light," he silently cursed, sending the intelligence.

At the high-level meeting, the Federation authorized the Thirteenth Division to launch the cloudburst bombs.

Meanwhile, a thousand kilometers away, in a military base, gray-black strategic bombers were loaded with heavy guided missiles. Once linked to the beacons on the Tiger Bugs, they'd enable precision tracking and targeting.

As three strategic bombers took off, the Federation's inaugural "Decapitation Operation" entered its final phase.

In Wu City, within the third defense line's command center, a heated debate ensued.

Despite the authorization, the fierce frontline battle left the Thirteenth Division's senior officers in a dilemma.

Two days into the battle, the insects should have breached the second defense line by now...

Hence, the Queen's hive was likely nearing the first defense line.

The Queen might be at the Tiger Bugs' underground gathering spot.

The daytime presence of numerous Tiger Bugs corroborated the research institute's insect behavior data.

All signs indicated...

The Queen was approaching the defense line.

The headquarters had two choices: order over ten thousand troops to retreat beyond the cloudburst bomb's reach or launch the missiles, killing both humans and insects.

Canceling the "Decapitation Operation" due to timing was the least likely option.

With so much invested and humanity's sole chance to defeat the alien insects, they'd wager ten thousand lives without hesitation.

The issue was whether to have frontline troops retreat from the collapsing forts or hold their ground.

Most leaders favored the former, consolidating forces at the second defense line.

But Colonel Cheng objected:

"No, retreating now will lead to encirclement by insect swarms from behind. Without defense and transport, the troops will suffer heavy losses."

"Remember our retreat from Haicheng, losing nearly 40% overnight."

"Those were trained soldiers, and our current recruits lack joint combat experience, risking even greater losses!"

"Order them to retreat to forts outside the blast radius. Even if we launch the missiles, only six or seven forts will be destroyed, and the rest can still be used!"

"If the decapitation succeeds, the troops can clean up leaderless insect swarms. If it fails, we can't easily surrender the crucial first defense line!"

Cheng's passionate argument, while his rank was lower than most present, was influential as the awakener camp leader, commanding significant power.

His sway over the awakener veterans bolstered his position.

He swayed some hesitant officers, especially mid-level commanders with troops on the line. If they withdrew and the operation succeeded...

They'd miss out on accolades.

Better to stay and gamble.

The final decision was made:

Three target locations, including two on the southern line and the outpost outside the service area fortress, were to be evacuated.

Those within the defense line could retreat through corridors to other forts, but the outpost had no such connection...

Leaving only a breakout route.

"Execute immediately. The missiles launch in twenty minutes, hitting in three."

"Dismissed, prepare!"

As the commander decided, the communication officer relayed orders. Leaving the meeting room, Cheng headed to the radio room.

Observing the busy communicators, he approached the radio operator about to send orders:

"Just send to the defense line. Captain Li Ran at the outpost is my subordinate. I've already informed him; the target is still some distance from the fortress, and they wish to continue the fight..."

"A breakout now would cause heavy losses. Better to wait for the launch result."

The radio operator, a mere technician with a sergeant rank, couldn't refuse a colonel.

Moreover, the outpost troops were Cheng's own...

No reason to "cut off his own limbs."

Deciding against seeking higher approval, the operator shut off transmission to the outpost.

Cheng nodded, leaving with a sly smile.

Having coordinated with the Queen, everything proceeded as planned.

What Cheng didn't anticipate was Lin Feng ambushing the Tiger Bugs sent to probe the awakener.

He wasn't part of the beacon plan!

This enraged both Cheng and the Queen!

Their scheme backfired, losing more than they gained!

So now, using the humans to dismantle the heavily fortified outpost!

Inside the fortress, Lin Feng frowned at the relentless Black Spinal Bug assault.

He hadn't acted yet.

In other areas, Li Ran, Shen Jie, and others wielded Hammer Shotgun Cannons, mowing down late-stage Tier 1 Black Spinal Bugs.

Over two hours since nightfall, yet no sign of Tiger Bugs.

Then, Chen Yanyan's alarmed voice crackled over the radio:

"Lin Feng!"

"Something's wrong!"

"Several Tier 2 Tiger Bugs are in the underground tunnels beneath the outpost!"

"They seem to be preparing to..."

"Launch a subterranean attack!"

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