Chapter 16 [Gabriel]

　"You really don't let me rest... I just got out of trouble and I have to rush to a new battlefield."

　　A soldier sighed helplessly while checking his equipment.

　　"That's it... Stop complaining. Check the ammunition reserves and the newly issued equipment. According to the news from the front, conventional weapons do not affect [Gabriel]. Only the newly developed Honkai weapons can cause effective damage. Check them carefully, don't let your weapons kill you."

　　Hen urged from the side.

　　"I know, I know... Captain, why do you keep nagging so much after having a child? And I remember that this weapon hasn't passed all the tests yet. Is it really okay for us to take it to the battlefield directly?"

　　The soldier waved his hands, disdaining Hen's increasingly long-winded words, and raised questions - this was also the reason why he was slow and hesitant. The weapons had not fully passed the safety test, and they still used the same [Honkai Energy] as those monsters. This made people feel uneasy.

　　"Instead of thinking about this, why not think about how to survive later."

　　A colleague who was getting used to the new weapon spoke up.

　　"I heard that there are so many Honkai beasts over there that they are like a tide. A few teams can't deal with them. If it weren't for this, the superiors wouldn't have asked us to rush over immediately."

　　"Hasn't the Herrscher been dealt with? Why are there still so many Honkai beasts?"

　　"Maybe it's the aftermath of the Fourth Herrscher? After all, this time the Herrscher appeared in the sea, and the number of Honkai Beasts we encountered on the island was not as many as in the previous times. Maybe the Honkai Beasts that appeared along with the Fourth Herrscher were hiding in the sea and are now crawling onto the shore."

　　"What you said makes sense."

　　The two chatted casually, and their attention was diverted from their worries about the weapons in their hands.

　　Seeing this, Hen, who was standing by, breathed a sigh of relief.

　　In fact, there was one thing he didn't say, which was that this batch of weapons was really "experimental products". Even the people in charge didn't know whether they were useful or not. They only found that conventional weapons could no longer cause effective damage to [Gabriel], and their effects on other Honkai beasts also became low, so they had to use these weapons that were still in the testing phase. After all, there was one thing they knew, which was that the damage caused by Honkai weapons was much more ferocious than that of conventional weapons.

　　In other words, these three teams, and even the several teams that were going to provide support later, were all "experimental products."

　　It's not that the people above deliberately wanted to "sell" them, or wanted to let them die on purpose, it's just that... they were forced into a corner and had no other choice.

　　After all, according to the information we had received previously, the battle against the [Fourth Herrscher] was won with great difficulty. Ordinary weapons could not even break through the large storm circle outside the opponent, so after several days of effort, the storm still swept the coastal areas and even allowed the [Fourth Herrscher] to set foot on land.

　　In the end, if the [Fourth Herrscher] had not been angered by some means, causing her to stop expanding the range of the storm and instead use smaller wind groups with more terrifying strength and more concentrated energy to target targets, the final outcome of the [Fourth Herrscher] crusade would probably still be an unknown.

　　Of course, even so, their victory was very difficult. Several teams became the targets of the [Fourth Herrscher] and attracted the opponent's attention by sacrificing themselves. In the end, Kevin bought time to break through the opponent's surrounding storm circle and the opportunity to kill the opponent.

　　It took the sacrifice of countless pieces of equipment and several teams to win a [Hershers Crusade]. In the end, if it weren't for Kevin's bravery and strength, the [Fourth Herrsher] would have caused even greater damage and losses. This horrific loss ratio made the top leaders of the Fire Moth feel a sense of urgency, and they were eager to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Fire Moth (it may also be because the [Fourth Herrsher] set foot on Mu Continent, which was closer to their location, causing them to have a sense of crisis).

　　At the same time, the [Research Department] also made some progress. In addition, they happened to encounter a powerful Honkai beast, [Gabriel], which might be caused by the appearance of the [Fourth Herrscher]. They also had to deal with the tide of Honkai beasts that continued to step onto the land from the sea... For various reasons, the people above put down these weapons that had not been fully tested, hoping to see the effect through this battle.

　　We've gone a bit off-topic, let's pull the focus back... Feeling a little relieved, Hen turned to look at Xiwang and Sakura's team.

　　He thought that their teammates would be like his teammates and would be worried about the new weapons in their hands, but he found that they were not at all, and were even a little excited.

　　They were still muttering strange things like "Great! New equipment!" or "Finally... finally! Only at this time can I feel that I am not in the rescue or medical team..." It was obvious that Xiwang and Sakura's behavior of abandoning the team members and clearing the area alone left them with a big "shadow".

　　Of course, what Hen cares most about here are Xiwang and Sakura. After all, the weapons they received were different from those of others - not guns, but knives.

　　Taking into account the weapons commonly used by the two, the sword itself was designed to look like a katana, with a white back and black handle and blade. At the junction of black and white, a clear glow of energy flow can be seen.

　　"How is it, are you still adapting?"

　　Hen asked with concern. After all, the two of them did not take any other weapons except the knife, which meant that they still planned to engage in close combat with the Honkai beast in the next battle.

　　"It's OK. Although it's heavier than it looks, it's not a big deal for me."

　　Sakura smiled and nodded in response.

　　"I don't mind."

　　You responded casually, poured a candy from the candy box and put it in your mouth, then put it back into the inner pocket of your clothes - there was not much candy left, and you would have to replenish it immediately after returning.

　　"Although I have great confidence in your skills, your position will be very dangerous in the upcoming battle... I don't mean to criticize your fighting style, but if special circumstances arise or you feel danger, remember to retreat immediately and we will pick you up."

Hen said seriously.

　　"Thank you for your concern. And you too, Captain Hen. You have a family, so please don't put yourself in too much danger."

　　"Hey, that kind of thing is hard to say."

　　sakura responded politely, but Hen just smiled, obviously not intending to pursue the topic further.

　　"Griseo will miss you."

　　Xi Wang suddenly reminded him.

　　"…Let's wait and see."

　　Hen paused and did not continue the topic.

　　After all... who can say for sure what happens on the battlefield?

　　"Everyone, please note that we have arrived at our destination."

　　"Okay, enough small talk, it's time to go support our companions!"

　　The pilot's notice has been received, and you immediately dropped the topic and quickly gripped your equipment. As the hatch opened, the originally hazy sound of artillery fire suddenly became clear, and countless wailing, shouting, and roaring sounds mixed together, and then were quickly covered up by more intense gunfire. After that, there was the sound of sea waves, and the trembling sounds of countless monsters and countless Honkai beasts running and attacking.

　　Ah... the disgusting, terrifying and hateful smell of gunpowder that is unique to war lifted everyone's spirits, and then they acted silently and quickly.

　　Each other's tasks had already been assigned. Hen and other teams would go to the front battlefield to replace the teams fighting there, while Xiwang and sakura would conduct highly mobile operations, and when necessary, contain or eliminate threatening targets. At the same time, the teams led by the two would conduct mobile operations with them, assisting in the defense of the front line while ensuring subsequent support.

　　To be honest, when seeing this battlefield, many veteran soldiers and generals felt that it looked very familiar, except that the two sides in the war had changed from [people and people] to [people and Honkai beasts].

　　At the same time, should we say that this is worthy of being called a "war"? Xiwang and sakura felt constrained not long after they started to act. The way you two fight is not suitable for this kind of battlefield. The overly open terrain makes your mobility not as agile as in the city, and there is nothing to block your sight, which reduces your threat a little.

　　But...it's just "some".

　　"sakura, 300 meters ahead, in the ten o'clock direction, help."

　　Stepping lightly on the beach, Xiwang gave instructions while drawing out his sword.

　　"Um."

　　After a simple response, the cherry-colored figure rushed out with Xi Wang. The speed was so fast that it was unbelievable. Some people even subconsciously moved their weapons, thinking that they had encountered some new type of Honkai beast.

　　After that, there was a flash of knife light as if in a trance, and the Honkai beast that was about to attack froze in an instant, and then its body was split into two pieces.

　　Xiwang was a little surprised. He didn't feel how sharp the blade was when he checked it, but when it hit the Honkai beast, it felt like cutting tender tofu. Although there was a sense of blockage, it was very slight.

　　Maybe this is [Honkai Energy].

　　Xi Wang didn't care too much, but just quickly cleared out the surrounding Honkai beasts. Although some of your strength could not be fully utilized due to the venue, the updated weapons were enough to make up for this slight deficiency.

　　While signaling the defending team at the back to drag the people back, Sakura turned around and joined the battle. Soon the pressure in this area was reduced, and the defense line that was about to break was quickly stabilized.

　　"Walk."

　　"Um."

　　After confirming that the situation here had been alleviated and the defense line had been basically re-established, Xiwang and sakura immediately moved to another battlefield - there were many such critical places in the entire defense line, and they could not wait here until the defense line was completely stabilized, so they could only help them relieve the high-pressure state.

　　Relying on their super high mobility, the two quickly rushed to support nearly one-third of the defense line, reducing the defensive pressure a lot.

　　However, although it sounds like a lot, it all seems like a drop in the bucket in front of the Honkai beasts that continuously emerge from the seabed.

　　The two knew that everything was because of Gabriel.

　　It was a large Honkai beast flying in the air with six broken wings shaped like a horn. It was also the culprit that caused this Honkai beast tide.

　　Although Xiwang and Sakura are not clear about the specialness of this Honkai beast, they will know it soon.

　　"Captain, the captain of the first team hopes you can go over to discuss countermeasures."

　　The adjutant's voice came over the squad's communications.

　　"Location."

　　"Just head two areas in the current direction. Someone will pick you up there. As for us, we will continue with our mobile mission."

　　"good."

　　After the brief and powerful conversation, Xiwang and sakura set off quickly, clearing out the Honkai beasts along the way while rushing towards the target point.

　　When you came here, you also met Hen and a beautiful figure with long fiery red hair—Himeko, the captain of the fifth team.

　　Apparently, the two of them were also called over to discuss countermeasures. You nodded to each other and then quickly exchanged information, which was about some matters concerning [Gabriel].

　　"So the Honkai beast tide here was actually brought about by Gabriel?"

　　"Yes, every time the Horned Honkai Beast makes a sound, Honkai Beasts will run out of the sea, and their number will definitely be greater than the last time the horn sounded, maybe even double."

　　Himeko rubbed her brows and spoke with some distress.

　　"At the beginning, there were very few Honkai beasts. When we first observed Gabriel, we thought it was just a powerful Honkai beast that appeared with the Fourth Herrscher, so we only sent a small team to encircle and suppress it. But in the end, we didn't expect Gabriel's ability to be a legion. As a result, the team was trapped by many Honkai beasts, and finally... they were all wiped out before our support arrived."

　　"..."

　　"Then, as Gabriel blew the horn more and more often, the Fire Moths had to send more people to build a defense line. In the end, the original crusade turned into a situation similar to a small battle... By the way, from the beginning to now, Gabriel's horn has only sounded five times."

　　Himeko seemed somewhat helpless. This incident could be said to be the result of negligence or an accident. After all, if the top leaders of the Fire Moth had been a little more cautious and sent one or two more teams over, they might have been able to directly defeat Gabriel when the number of Honkai beasts was still small. But at this stage... it was a bit troublesome.

　　There were too many and too diverse flying Honkai beasts surrounding Gabriel, the battlefield on the ground was too intense, and the effectiveness of conventional weapons began to weaken. Now they were basically relying on the lives of the soldiers to build up the defense line.

　　"So there's only one choice now, right?"

　　Xiwang fed himself a candy and said softly.

　　"Yes."

　　A calm and slightly tired voice sounded not far away, and soon, a white-haired young man lifted the door curtain and walked into the simple meeting room.

　　He looked a little disheveled, with a lot of dust on his uniform and face, and even some fine sand in his striking white hair. There was also a smell of gunpowder around him, and it was obvious that he had just retreated from the battlefield.

　　"We must defeat Gabriel first before we can hope for victory."

　　He pulled himself together and saluted you in greeting.

　　"I'm sorry, everyone, I'm late."

　　"Kevin, the temporary captain of the Fire Moth First Squad, sends his greetings to you, all the seniors."