Ling Cage: Enhanced Nanosteel Suit at the Start

Page 201

They were not wiped out, but disappeared on their own initiative.

The life-source signals that were once detectable from afar, as dense as stars, are now few and far between, and are rapidly shrinking towards the uninhabited deep sea, polar regions, underground depths, and areas with abnormal spatial structures, concealing themselves through the special energy of the Mana ecosystem.

They no longer gather together, no longer attack proactively, and sometimes even flee before the Mechanical War God gets close.

Those few individuals who were occasionally discovered were filled with fear and panic, a stark contrast to their previous fearless madness.

"Brother, it seems that Mana's ecology... has learned fear, that shouldn't be the case?"

Chen Xin analyzed the data transmitted back by global sensors and said, "It is actively avoiding us and preserving its strength. This is an instinctive choice based on collective consciousness. My sensors can only detect the global surface. There are active vines and special energy gases that shield the deep underground, which I cannot detect for the time being."

Standing before the panoramic view, Chen Yuan looked down at the rapidly clearing land below and raised an eyebrow: "It seems it's smarter than we thought. It knows that a head-on confrontation is a dead end, so it's playing hide-and-seek."

He brought up the energy monitoring interface to check the data.

The screen showed that after several days of intense fighting, the energy reserves of the Mechanical War God had decreased by about six percent from nearly full capacity.

The Mechanical War God has stored tens of thousands of trillions of energy, and its energy consumption is not high just for maintaining normal operation and basic movement.

However, once in combat, especially when using weapons of the level of the Demon-Slaying Electronic Siege Cannon, the consumption will increase dramatically.

“Brother, according to calculations, if we continue with high-intensity global cleanup operations, we cannot sustain this for long with our current energy reserves and the rate at which natural energy absorption replenishes itself. We have not yet discovered the core of the Mana ecosystem, nor whether it has any more powerful backup plans,” Chen Xin added calmly.

Chen Yuan nodded.

He understood that the current dormancy of the Mana ecosystem meant that the next counterattack would only be more dangerous.

Chen Yuan made a decision, "Let's leave it at that for now. The Mechanical War God will enter silent patrol mode, prioritizing energy conservation and absorbing solar and wind energy for replenishment. All combat personnel and research teams should use this time to digest existing technologies and improve their own strength, especially in the research on the life source substance and the ecological essence of Mana."

“We need to further enhance our own strength so that next time, when Mana Ecology thinks it can make a comeback, we will have enough strength to deal with it.”

In the days that followed, the Mechanical War God reduced its movement frequency, like a monarch entering a period of rest, but still majestically surveyed its territory, no longer easily displaying its thunderous rage.

Meanwhile, the various internal areas entered an even more intense phase of research, training, and integration.

Earth has temporarily fallen into an eerie calm.

But beneath this calm, both sides are gathering strength, awaiting the final battle.

The shadow of the Mechwarz looms over the land, while Mana's stingers lie buried deep in every corner of the planet.

The temporary calm is only a prelude to a more thorough eruption next time; no one can predict the true future.

After confirming that there were no further threats within hundreds of kilometers, Chen Yuan made a decision that made everyone cheer: everyone would take a break and hold a two-day banquet.

Life shouldn't be miserable all the time; everyone should take a break and relax.

Chen Yuan used his system points to generously exchange them for a vast amount of food, fine wine, and even various rare entertainment facilities found only in the old world.

When a mountain of food was laid out before them, everyone inside the Mechanical War God smiled.

The food area was bustling with people and filled with cheers.

The battle-hardened soldiers removed their mechs and exoskeletons, changed into clean clothes, and ate large chunks of meat and drank large bowls of wine, releasing all the pent-up repression and fear they had accumulated.

Some people drank too much and wept bitterly in the arms of their comrades, reminiscing about their fallen comrades; others danced excitedly, recounting their heroic deeds in battle.

Even the usually aloof Bai Yuekui, holding a cup of sake, stood on the covered bridge a little distance away, looking at the lively scene below, a faint, gentle smile on his lips.

Charles moved with elegance, swirling the wine in his glass and savoring it slowly.

The researchers gathered in a relatively quiet corner, enjoying their food while still discussing technical issues, but the atmosphere was much more relaxed, with bursts of hearty laughter erupting from time to time.

Lin Zhenguo, Elena, Master Jinghui, and other high-ranking officials also sat together for the first time, expressing their gratitude for this hard-won peace.

Chen Yuan didn't try to get special treatment. He mingled with the crowd, sitting with Mark, Ran Bing, and others, clinking glasses and exchanging toasts.

At that moment, he was just an ordinary young man celebrating victory with everyone else.

More than 2 people ate and drank their fill, then went straight to sleep without worrying about danger, and could fall into a deep sleep without any precautions.

After two days of revelry, order returned.

Everyone understands that the peace is temporary, and there will never be a peaceful life without completely eradicating the mana ecosystem.

On the third day, Chen Yuan summoned all core members to the highest-level Star Dome Command Room of the Mechanical War God for a Shadow Conference.

Mark, Ran Bing, Bai Yuekui, Xuanyuan Jing, Shi Potian, Ling Ye, Su Chan, and others took their seats one after another...

Although everyone comes from different backgrounds, after fighting side by side and celebrating together, the barriers between us have lessened considerably, and at least we all maintain restraint and respect on our faces.

Chapter 280 Future Development

Chen Yuan spoke first, pulling up a holographic star map that marked the Earth, the Moon, and the current location of the Mechanical War God.

"Gentlemen, although we have achieved a partial victory, we are far from being able to rest easy. You all know that without me saying it."

His gaze swept over everyone. "I want to tell you all clearly that, based on what I've investigated, the Emperor-level Devouring Beasts we've eliminated so far are probably just elite monsters in the power system behind the Mana ecosystem, not even mini-bosses."

These words were like a bucket of cold water poured over them, sending a chill down the spines of everyone who had just relaxed.

Are you kidding me?

Even Emperor-level monsters are just elite monsters?

How terrifying must the real enemy be?

"so……"

Chen Yuan continued, "We must make good use of this precious breathing space to clarify the next direction of development. The purpose of inviting everyone here today is to brainstorm ideas. Please feel free to share any thoughts you may have."

Lin Zhenguo thought for a moment and spoke first: "The most urgent task is to consolidate the existing achievements, establish a permanent defense base with the Mechanical War God as the absolute core, gradually clear the surrounding area to restore production, and accumulate strength. If we rush into action, there may be unforeseen consequences."

His views represent the thoughts of a considerable number of people who crave stability.

Xuanyuan Jing shook his head slightly. "While holding firm is certainly safe, passively taking a beating is by no means the best strategy. The Mana ecosystem is dormant and evolving. We must take the initiative to completely eradicate it, or at least find out about the enemy's intelligence."

"The Moon Palace contains some deep space exploration data. Perhaps we can combine it with the capabilities of the Mechanical War God to try to conduct cross-dimensional exploration. If that doesn't work, we can enter through a space teleporter and carry out a decapitation strike."

His proposal was bolder and more forward-thinking, but extremely risky.

Cangming nodded and said, "I agree to take the initiative to explore, but the scope can be narrowed. There are still many mysteries about the Earth itself, especially in the deep sea. The ocean area is vast, and the seabed may be another hiding place for the Devouring Beasts. I suggest that the next step should be to focus on exploring and clearing the deep sea, especially those areas where the life essence reacts abnormally."

Elena pushed up her glasses: "Whether it's defense or offense, technological advancement is fundamental. We are far from fully understanding the technology of the Mechanical War God. I suggest establishing a joint research team to concentrate all research resources and prioritize tackling a few key areas."

"First, the essence of life source matter and its higher-level applications; second, the optimization of the mechanical war god's energy system—could we use this to create a smaller war god? Third, what about individuals that might surpass the emperor level..."

Shi Potian interjected, "If you ask me, who cares about any BOSS? We have the Mechanical War God now, why don't we just sweep through them? We'll take them down one by one, until we reach their lair and see what kind of monster is behind this!"

His ideas were simple and direct, representing the hardline force faction: if you don't have brains, make up for it with fists.

At this moment, Bai Yuekui said calmly, "The idea is direct, but it is not entirely unreasonable. The Mana ecosystem depends on the life source, so we can take a two-pronged approach. On the one hand, we can use the Mechanical War God to carry out physical elimination, and on the other hand, we can strengthen our research on Scarlet. I have seen some signs that Scarlet may not only be destructive."

Her words were thought-provoking and led to another research direction.

Master Jinghui put his hands together and said, "Amitabha. While martial prowess and technology are important, one should not neglect one's moral character. After a series of battles, everyone's emotions are turbulent and their killing intent is too strong."

"Therefore, I suggest that we should focus on spiritual cultivation, unite people's hearts, and understand our true nature in order to cope with possible future crises."

Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, and the discussion became very lively.

There are debates, but they all revolve around how to better survive and develop, and the goal is the same.

Chen Yuan listened quietly, taking everyone's suggestions to heart.

He saw Mark and Ran Bing talking in hushed tones, Xu Tong and Mo Cheng sketching tactical diagrams on paper, Xia Dou listening attentively even though she didn't quite understand, and Chen Xin rapidly taking notes and analyzing the feasibility of various proposals.

Finally, Chen Yuan raised his hand, and the discussion gradually subsided.

"very good."

He finally made the decision: "Everyone's opinions are very valuable. Taking everything into consideration, our next course of action can be determined as follows: take the Mechanical War God as the absolute core, consolidate the base and prioritize technology, conduct proactive detection, focus on elimination, and take a comprehensive approach, both internally and externally."

"The rest... let Chen Xin handle it!"

Shifting the focus to Chen Xin, Bai Yuekui felt the most connection to this intelligent virtual being.

Because her brother, Bai Yuetian, with Chen Xin's help, had his consciousness transferred into a lifelike robot, for which Boss Bai was very grateful.

Chen Xin's specific plans:

1. Base Construction: A permanent base will be established centered on the Mechanical War God, with Lin Zhenguo in overall charge and Cangming providing assistance.

2. Technological Breakthroughs: A Supreme Technology Committee was established, jointly led by Dr. Elena and Su Chan, with Xuanyuan Mirror providing support from lunar data. The committee will fully digest existing technologies and conduct targeted research and development.

3. Active Exploration: Form a deep space and deep sea exploration team, with Xuanyuan Jing and Bai Yue Kui in charge of planning, and use the sensors of the Mechanical War God and lunar technology to conduct preliminary exploration.

4. Targeted Elimination: A reaction force composed of Mark, Shi Potian, Lan, and others will be deployed to conduct targeted elimination of identified high-risk areas on Earth, such as deep-sea trenches and under polar ice caps, using the Mechanical War God.

5. Spiritual Development: Master Jinghui is responsible for organizing related psychological counseling and spiritual and cultural development.

Chen Yuan looked at everyone and said, “You all just need to go ahead and do it. I will take care of everything. Our goal is not just to survive, but to completely eradicate the Mana ecosystem and eliminate any future troubles.”

After the meeting, everyone left with clear tasks and high spirits.

After the Shadow Meeting concluded, Chen Yuan considered everyone's suggestions and made the final decision.

A multi-pronged development strategy, encompassing the present and the future, and the Earth and the stars, is beginning to unfold in an orderly manner.

Half a month later...

Chen Yuan oversees all directions, while Chen Xin, as a super AI assistant, manages the overall situation.

On the huge holographic sand table, models of the Earth and the Moon slowly rotate, with countless light points and data streams flashing and intertwining on it, reflecting the progress of various fronts and projects in real time.

"Brother, Commander Lin Zhenguo just sent a report that the foundation of Forward Base No. 1 has been completed, and the energy network and defense matrix are being laid with the assistance of my branch."

"Elder Xuanyuan Jing requests the use of the nanoprinter in Industrial Zone No. 3 to manufacture the core components of the deep space probe."

"Dr. Elena and Chief Scientist Su Chan submitted the first phase of the research team's target list."

……

A massive amount of information converged here, and Chen Yuan and Chen Xin quickly processed it, organizing the Allied forces' affairs in an orderly manner.

Around the docking point selected by the Mechanical War God, a permanent base relying on the power of the War God is rising from the ground at a visible speed.

It was not a rudimentary shelter, but a large, scientifically planned, and fully functional military-style building.

Towering composite armored walls, automated factories hidden underground, fusion reactors connected to the power center of the Mechanical War God, etc...

Inside the Mechanical War God, the core research area was brightly lit, where Dr. Elena's research on life essence began to collide deeply with Su Chan's lunar quantum technology and ASH legacy data.

Scientists are having heated discussions about holographic projection, trying to unravel the mystery of the dark blue energy veins on the armor of the Mechanical War God, or to simulate the potential resonance between life essence and vacuum zero-point energy.

Even the smallest breakthrough can be inspiring.