Chapter 67: Familiarity and Intervention

Ruins Base. 

Inside the command center, Samuel Young stood by the central control console, using the holographic screen to observe the situation on the other side of the space gate alongside his two sons. They could clearly see the battle between the two unidentified forces.

The visuals from the reconnaissance team's helmet cams were shared on the holographic screen. As the view zoomed in, the soldiers guarding the supermarket became more distinct in appearance and size. The language they used indicated a high probability that they were also human.

However, the weapons and equipment used by the opposing side were evidently more advanced than those of the mainstream military in the primary universe. Their firearms were equipped with counters, and some soldiers' helmets had monocular displays, likely HUDs with assisted aiming.

As for their combat uniforms and bulletproof vests, they weren't significantly superior to those of the mainstream military in the primary universe.

Then there were the grotesquely mutated "humans" attacking the soldiers.

Most of these creatures were of average human height, but their ashen skin, twisted facial features, and bloodstained, filthy clothing made them resemble "zombies."

The difference was that these creatures could skillfully use firearms, even executing tactical maneuvers and cooperation, indicating they still retained some degree of self-awareness.

Among these mutated beings, a smaller portion exhibited significant internal "expansion," growing close to three meters tall, with shriveled, rough, dark gray skin.

The most distorted parts of their bodies were their powerful, hoofed legs, resembling those of goats.

These large creatures also had self-awareness, with faster reaction times, greater strength, and heavy armor combined with large-caliber firearms, posing a significant threat to the soldiers defending the supermarket.

Observing these details, Samuel Young frowned slightly.

The mimics from *Edge of Tomorrow* and the planet Pandora from *Avatar* were easy for him to identify, but the situation in Universe 03 looked strikingly familiar, likely related to an old movie adaptation of a video game he had seen.

"Boss." At this moment, a female communications officer on the first floor of the command center raised her voice to report, "Captain Price reports that the conflict area is still within the space gate's interference range and requests permission to intervene."

"Approved." Samuel did not reject the request and further ordered, "Inform Major Krauser immediately to lead the AECS in providing support to the reconnaissance team and attempt to capture the suspected human soldiers for more intelligence."

"Understood."

The communications officer, having received clear instructions, immediately relayed the orders.

The AECS, responsible for supporting the reconnaissance team, was the Atlas Emergency Countermeasure Squad, originally based on the RDA mercenaries, expanded to a battalion-sized unit with over a thousand members.

Many of the officers in the platoons, companies, or combat squads were former ARS members, but Samuel had placed Jack Krauser in overall command.

This former U.S. military officer was already considered a core member of the company, trusted not only for his character and extensive combat experience but also because he was not part of the ARS units.

With Krauser and other former U.S. special forces joining the company, the internal structure of the AECS became relatively stable, allowing the original RDA members to operate more freely.

This combat unit was temporarily stationed at the underground base in the Akra District, with two annual vacations in Universe 02 for leisure.

With the advent of 3D printing technology and Hextech robots, it was expected that by the end of next year (1996), the Atlas maglev railway, built deep underground to connect the ruins base with the Akra District, would be officially operational, greatly facilitating the transport of materials and personnel.

Loyalty?

Samuel hadn't given much thought to the loyalty of the AECS; they only needed to be paid to do the job. The ARS's meticulous selection process was no longer keeping pace with the company's development.

Moreover, some people would gradually adapt to the company's "human supremacy" ideology and culture.

"Father," suddenly, Saint-Gilles volunteered, "If you send me, I can reach the firefight before Major Krauser and provide assistance to Captain Price."

"Go ahead." Samuel readily agreed, adding a word of caution, "If you detect any anomalous energy waves, be cautious. If not, you can be more forceful with your methods. This will intimidate those human soldiers, aiding our subsequent operations."

"Understood." With approval, Saint-Gilles quickly left the command center.

Then Samuel turned to his youngest son, saying, "You will also have opportunities to gain experience later, Leon. Don't be impatient, and don't compare yourself to others. These emotions will only cloud your judgment and decrease your chances of success."

"I understand, Father." Leon nodded in agreement.

Ever since passing through his childhood, Leon's expressions had grown increasingly serious, making it impossible for outsiders to gauge his emotions.

"As long as you understand."

Satisfied that his son was not troubled, Samuel refocused his attention on the holographic screen, continuing to monitor the real-time developments on Earth in Universe 03.

...

"Everyone, stay alert." Price's voice came through the internal comms. "Command has approved our operation. Find the best firing positions. Archers, you'll fire the first shots. The rest will follow with standard alternating fire."

"Roger that."

Hearing the orders, Xiao Qiang stood up and, along with Soap, quickly moved forward, stopping at the next intersection, keeping about 150 meters from the supermarket.

Using the hood of an abandoned police car as cover, Xiao Qiang slightly raised his rifle, placing his left index finger near the grenade launcher trigger, while marking his intended target area on the screen.

Beep-beep.

Soon, the screen indicated that his teammates had also completed their marks.

Bang! Thud!

The head of a large mutated creature exploded on impact.

Then came the rapid burst of 6.2mm and .30 caliber gunfire.

Xiao Qiang pulled the trigger, launching a 40mm grenade in a curved trajectory towards the area where the mutated creatures had gathered.

Boom!

The grenade exploded mid-air, scattering countless tiny steel balls downward.

Boom! Boom!

Before the creatures could react, the steel balls landed among them and exploded in succession, sending high-speed shrapnel in all directions.

Sss! Ssshh!

Many of the creatures near the explosion points were torn apart, shredded into pieces.

?!

The sudden assault stunned the hundreds of mutated creatures reveling in their bloodlust, and the soldiers defending the supermarket were equally surprised.

"Roar!!"

However, a particularly large mutated creature, with horns growing from its forehead, let out a furious roar. Despite its size, it charged at Xiao Qiang and the others with incredible speed and agility.

At the same time, it raised a 14.5mm heavy machine gun, seemingly intending to fire on the hidden reconnaissance team while sprinting.

But before the archers or Scarecrow could finish their precision shots at its head, the creature saw a flash of silver light rushing straight toward its chest.

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