Chapter 854: The Price of Blood!

“Observe the enemies closely. Our regiment commander said the people with the golden plates on their shoulders are our opponent.” The team 01’s leader, Yang Mingzhi, looked towards the Hailiya mecha operators who were getting closer and closer towards them. He calmly informed all the mecha operators of 250 Ace Mecha Clan.

“Understood, leader.” His team member replied.

“Understood, Leader Yang.” replied the members of other teams.

“Understood Leader Yang… but can I ask why?” It was Yan Three’s question. They were able to use the same commlink channel as the mecha operator from 250 due to them being temporarily incorporated into the teams, so he heard Leader Yang’s reminder. Although Yan Three said that he understood the command just like everyone else in 250 Ace Mecha Clan, he still spoke out the question he had in his mind.

Those who received Ling Lan’s intel were only the 10 team leaders of 250 Ace Mecha Clan and their deputies. Yan Three’s Evil Wind Mecha Team and other team leaders however, who were not part of Ling Lan’s posse, weren’t able to get any intel about the mecha operators with golden plates.

“Our regiment commander had said that those with golden plate are either elite ace mecha master or top-level ace mecha masters…” Yang Mingzhi stopped himself from continuing to prevent the Evil Wind mecha operators from becoming more terrified. Ling Lan’s information, or rather guess, was that the golden plated battle team’s leaders level mecha operators could possibility be at the imperial mecha operator levels of capabilities.

“Elite ace? Top-level ace?” As expected, Yan Three shuddered at the thought of it. Ever since he entered ace level, he learned that there were actually three levels differentiating ace mecha masters. It was standard, elite and top-level. Standard ace operators were ace operators like him, and this level had the most number of people. One level higher than standard was elite. Yan Three was close to being an elite. However, he was only close to elite, so it didn’t mean much. Plus, there was still the top-level that he had to reach. That stage was considered to be halfway towards becoming imperial mecha operators. In terms of ace operators, top-level operators were considered to be invincible.

Hearing Yang Mingzhi’s explanation, the mecha operators from Evil Wind all shuddered just like their team leader. They immediately began to look for mechas with a golden plate on their right shoulders. Finally, they found one sector among the Hailiyan army where there was a group of mechas with a golden plate on their shoulders. They numbered around 500 or even more.

“We only have 200 people, how can we fight them?” One member from Evil Wind couldn’t help but shout out.

“Our regiment commander is already coming with reinforcements, but before he arrives, we must hold the fort and stop them from getting past us.” Yang Mingzhi took a deep breath. Using 200 to go against 500 or 600 people was without a doubt a battle with the greatest disparity that he would fight in since joining the military. It was also the hardest battle. However, he knew that if they couldn’t stop them here, more of their comrades would die at their hands.

“That’s not possible…” Mecha operators from Evil Wind were not confident that they could do such a thing.

“Stop!” Yan Three suddenly shouted. “Has everyone forgotten how we all became mecha operators?”

Yan Three’s question shut up all of the mecha operators from Evil Wind. Every mission for them in the past were considered to be suicide missions. They managed to get past hardships after falling into despair each and every time. The current scenario was just a bit more difficult than the ones they had experienced in the past, so why should they be afraid? Was it because when they had advanced to ace level, they had lost their willpower from the past?

“Our leader is right. We are all ace mecha operators who rose up from the very bottom. We fight against stronger enemies in every battle, and we managed to stay alive after every battle. Why does it matter that this time our enemies are elites or top-levels ace mecha masters? We just need to fight through it again.” One mecha operator from Evil Wind Mecha Team suddenly shouted.

“Yeah, let us fight once again.” The other mecha operators from Evil Wind also shouted.

This scene made the mecha operators from 250 Ace Mecha Clan look at those from Evil Wind in a new light. After being so used to the formality in their academies and the standard operating techniques from there, those from 250 Ace Mecha Clan could easily notice the flaws in the mecha operation of mechas by Evil Wind. Those from 250 Ace Mecha Clan had high regards in their operating techniques, so they even looked down on them somewhat. They always felt that Evil Wind’s operating techniques shamed the word ‘mecha piloting’ in their hearts. However, Evil Wind’s willingness to sacrifice their lives was the same as those from 250 Ace Mecha Clan. Even though they came from academies, they were still the same as Evil Wind in this aspect. Ever since they became soldiers and operated mechas, they had already given up their lives to do what they love most in their lives which was mecha piloting.

Seeing that those from Evil Wind Mecha Team was no longer afraid, Yang Mingzhi had a hint of approval in his expression. With the mecha operators from Evil Wind Mecha Team, they could probably stop one to two hundred mecha operators. This would no doubt decrease the amount of pressure on 250 Ace Mecha Clan.

“Ah, leader, our regiment commander is here.” Right at that moment, the JMCs and the logisticians opened the doors for Ling Lan’s group of mecha operators. In the most crucial moment, they arrived on the front-line right on time. Now, the original 200 or so mecha operators had another 200 added on top it.

“Regiment Commander, you’re right on time.” Yang Mingzhi instantly regained focus. Suddenly he realized that he was not sure when, this 23 year-old regiment commander became the pillar of hope that he relied on and trusted with all his heart.

“Alright everyone, don’t be soft. Let’s take care of this ace mecha clan from Hailiya.” Ling Lan’s cold voice rang through the commlink channel of 250 Ace Mecha Clan and Evil Wind Mecha Team. Her orderly and calm demeanor made the mecha operators who were anxious instantly feel more relaxed.

“Yes Sir!” 250 Ace Mecha Clan’s mecha operators were after all veterans who came out on top from bloody battle in the past. Ling Lan’s words instantly rose their willpower, causing them to immediately shout out in unison.

With the voices of mecha operators from 250, Evil Wind also screamed out wildly. Those screams made them shed some of their fears.

Before they know it, the Hailiyan army finally entered at their beam gun’s range. In unplanned unison, both sides fired their beam guns…

Countless mechas fell to the ground and exploded due to their beam shields depleting from the overwhelming beam attacks. Both Hailiya and the Federation’s side had mechas fall then explode. However, because of the advantageous positions held by the Federation’s mecha operators, their losses were fewer compared to their opponent in this attack.

He’er Li put down his binoculars, revealing stern expression on his face.

Ni Duola continuously had sweat running down his forehead even after he continuously wiped it off.

“Tell me, why has their base already made preparations for our attack?” He’er Li asked softly.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s because when their satellites suddenly stopped working, they decided to make sure everything was fine by sending out mecha operators to defend against any potential attacks,” Ni Duola replied in a confused tone.

“When did the satellites stop working? No matter how fast they are, they still wouldn’t be able to have this many mecha operators get into position and wait for us. They probably already began preparations when we left our base.” He’er Li was quite sure that such a large army of mecha operators was definitely not possible to be arranged in such a short amount of time. ‘Is there a spy in their base?’

He’er Li was somewhat dumbfounded by the situation. However, after seeing the Huaxia Federation suddenly revealed a group of 200 mecha operators who just ignored Hailiya’s other mecha groups, and instead, they went straight for Hela Ace Mecha Clan. This made He’er Li instantly surprised.

Mecha operators from the Hela Ace Mecha Clan laughed coldly as they saw that there were 200 or so mecha operators rushing towards them without a care for their own lives. They raised their weapons and began their battle with the first wave of enemies.

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It should be said that Hela’s mecha operators were arrogant. To add on to their already arrogant nature, their arrogance was also bolstered by the fact that they had intel on Base 013. They knew that Base 013 didn’t have any titled ace mecha operators stationed in this base. There were only standard ace mecha operators in Base 013. Thus, when they began their battle, they didn’t think much of 250 Ace Mecha Clan.

Looking down on 250 Ace Mecha Clan made them pay in blood in the next second. One side used all their might while the other side only half-heartedly defended. After clashing once, Hela had already lost 30 or so mechas. Of course, 250 Ace Mecha Clan was able to do this because they had 30 or so top-level ace operators returned to their peak. Even if it was Hela’s elite mecha operators, who only used half of their power with some not even using half of their power, they were easily killed in one hit by top-level ace mecha operators who gave it their all.

Of course, it was luck and Hela’s mentality that let 250 Ace Mecha Clan to have such an opportunity. If Hela’s mecha operators were careful at the beginning of the clash, there would only have been five or six that would be killed instantly, not as many as thirty.

“No, that’s not possible!” He’er Li who was watching calmly, stood up in shock. He had an expression of disbelief. ‘How can a base with no peak-level ace operators take out more than 30 of his mecha operators in one clash?’ He’er Li felt his own heart bleeding. The elite ace mecha operators in his mecha clan were nurtured by him using a lot of resources. He couldn’t accept the fact that he had lost so many of his men in an instant.

Ni Duola saw this scene, and his jaw just dropped wide open as he was stunned. ‘Was I hallucinating just now? Shouldn’t it have been them instantly killing the mecha operators from the Huaxia Federation? Why is it mecha operators from Hailiya? Plus, these mecha operators were from Hailiya’s strongest ace mecha clan, Hela.’

He’er Li, who was still in disbelief, brought up his binoculars once again. He locked-on to one mecha that instantly killed one of Hela’s mechas. He saw it move and fly with great agility, with mecha movements that were natural and well-rounded. It was as though it wasn’t a mecha, but rather a human dancing in the sky. When it clashed with a mecha from Hela, it was clear that Hela’s mecha couldn’t follow its opponent’s movements and was less agile by a degree. After flying around like that for a short while, the small flaw that would appear on Hela’s mecha piloting, which was extremely difficult to discover, and it would accurately be used by the opponent. The opponent would then destroy that Hela’s mecha in one hit.

“Those are top-level ace mecha operators.” Now, He’er Li finally understood why he had suffered such a huge loss. Their opponent’s capabilities was stronger than their own mecha operators by a large mile. He continued to watch as a few more mecha operators from the Federation killed a few of Hela’s mecha operators, and instantly made such a conclusion.

“Ni Duola, didn’t our intel tell us that Base 013 didn’t have a single peak-level ace mecha operators? Why do they have them, and it is not just one of them?” He’er Li was livid and looked at Ni Duola angrily. It was because of the wrong intel that led to him to lose so many mecha operators.

“Senior Colonel He’er Li, I also didn’t know.” Ni Duola took out another handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his ever-wet forehead. He didn’t know why the originally weak Base 013 would suddenly have so many strong mecha operators appearing among their force.

“What are those people doing down at the intelligence bureau?” He’er Li tossed the binoculars with great force and jumped out of his car.

“Senior Colonel He’er Li, where are you going?” Ni Duola saw that He’er Li had suddenly leaving, so he quickly put his head out the window and shouted.

“I’m going up to take down those bastards!” He’er Li’s angry voice rang from afar. He was not going to allow someone to show him up in front of his face. Plus, those mecha operators had destroyed many mechas from his Hela Ace Mecha Clan. He would not consider himself a man if he did not take revenge.

“Ugh, be careful!” Ni Duola could only wave his right hand as an okay sign to He’er Li. He sat back down into the car and picked up the binoculars He’er Li had tossed away. He looked towards the mechas that were fighting with Hela Ace Mecha Clan, and he couldn’t help but think where those strong mecha operators had come from.

“Those who are top-level aces try your best to kill off more enemy mechas. For the others, if you can kill then kill them, if not then keep them busy for as long as you can.” Ling Lan sneaked up on a top-level mecha operator who was busy fighting with Li Lanfeng. Then, she notified all the other members who were fighting. She was afraid her mecha operators would get too into the fight. One impulsive move would cause harm to both sides and could even cause suicide explosions. She allowed the mecha operators from 250 Ace Mecha Clan into the battlefield with the intention of them reacquiring the blood-pumping feeling of a battle and returning to their glory days. She didn’t lead them here to give up their lives needlessly.

Although the enemy had more top-level ace mecha operators, Ling Lan and 30 to 40 other top-level mecha operators hard work made the difference between their numbers shrink significantly. In other words, as long as they continue to hold on, victory would belong to them and not Hailiya.

What they hoped for was a happy ending, but a battlefield was a cruel and unforgiving place. As time went on, there were injuries and death from 250 Ace Mecha Clan. One mecha after another were shot down, but Evil Wind Mecha Team had it even worse with almost a quarter of their mecha operators being shot down. After all, they were overall less capable than 250’s mecha operators. However, these mecha operators who were born in the battlefield were still strong-willed. Even if they were shot down, they still held onto their opponent’s mecha and brought them down with them.

In this brutal battlefield where countless mechas were shot every second and every minute, two mechas from the Federation silently crept to the ground level. They slowly moved towards one of the Federation’s mechas that were shot down.

“Look out, Luo Chao!” Their movement had been discovered by one of the Hailiya’s mecha flying above them, and a beam of light shot straight towards them. Li Shiyu didn’t even think for a movement and kicked Luo Chao’s mecha away from the shot.

“Boom!” Luo Chao’s original location was instantly struck by a beam of light, causing rubble to be sent flying, which blocked the Hailiya’s mecha view.

Right as he was wanted to wait for the dust to settle to regain his vision, he suddenly saw two beams shooting towards him from two different directions. These two beams instantly locked up the position he could dodge towards.

The special-class mecha operator from Hailiya quickly turned on his beam shield, preparing to take the shots head-on. In theory, the beam shield should be able to take three beam attacks.

“Bang!” One beam instantly depleted his beam shield. In the next instant, the other beam instantly exploded his cockpit. The mecha began to have black smoke come out of his cockpit as his mecha fell towards the ground. It smashed into the ground, creating a dust cloud.

“Nice shot, Elder Brother Shiyu!” Luo Chao’s voice of admiration rang through the commlink channel.

Li Shiyu looked at the seemingly standard beam gun in his mecha hand. His expression showed a hint of admiration, “I didn’t think that the beam gun Chang Xinyuan had invented would be this powerful. Its power has nearly tripled.” Beam shields could only endure one attack from this beam gun. For any mecha operators, this beam gun would be considered a nightmare.

“Elder Brother Xinyuan’s invention are always good to use. Our mecha’s beam shields have also been increased in power. Without at least 8 or 10 shots from the Federation’s standard beam guns, its energy wouldn’t be depleted at all.” Luo Chao also admired Chang Xinyuan. “If it wasn’t for the fact that Elder Brother Xinyuan hadn’t discovered material that could automatically absorb energy, the beam shields wouldn’t have become our strongest defensive equipment.”

“He’s always too eccentric,” Li Shiyu smirked. It was only people like him who could invent things that could bring about awe in people one after the other.

“Why talk about others when you’re like this as well, Elder Brother Shiyu?” Luo Chao smiled. Li Shiyu actually had the audacity to mock Chang Xinyuan. In 250 Ace Mecha Clan, he and Chang Xinyuan were the only crazy inventors, and Li Shiyu’s name was even more feared than Chang Xinyuan… Of course, Luo Chao didn’t understand why was that though as her Elder Brother Shiyu was so nice and caring.

‘Yes, although those medicinal agents are terrifying, they are still for everyone’s benefit aren’t they?’ Luo Chao was this type of person. If she believed someone to be good, she would not comprehend why people would think otherwise. Li Shiyu was like this and so was Ling Lan. In Luo Chao’s mind, although Boss Ling Lan was cold and was ruthless to his friends, he was also doing it for the benefit of everyone. ‘Why is everyone afraid Boss Lan?’

Luo Chao clearly knew that she wasn’t afraid of Ling Lan. However, every time she sees Ling Lan, she would become timid, shy and not know what to say… Every time after Ling Lan leaves her vicinity, Luo Chao would be saddened at her own behavior. ‘Isn’t she perfectly normal at other times? Why must she be like that when Boss is around? This is so annoying!’

Although the two of them were talking, they didn’t stop moving. They arrived beside a Federation’s mecha that had its chest area completely destroyed. Li Shiyu checked it and said, “Not bad. Although the mecha cockpit was hit hard, there wasn’t any significant damage. The mecha operator inside should still have signs of life.”

Hearing this, Luo Chao piloted her mecha and took out the cockpit of the mecha on the ground. She lightly held it in her mecha’s hand. This truly tested Luo Chao’s mecha operating abilities. She couldn’t use too much force because the pressure the cockpit could take was very low. If she used too much force, it would damage the cockpit even more. However, she couldn’t she too little strength either, otherwise she wouldn’t be able to hold onto the cockpit, causing the mecha to fall out of her hand which might potentially damage it even more. This level of force must be kept constant while she flew around her mecha or did other movements. In other words, although this type of action seemed to be easy, it actually tested the accuracy of a mecha operator.

However, Luo Chao’s finger movement speed probably couldn’t reach the level of an ace operator. Her accuracy however was similar to a standard ace operator’s. This was why Li Shiyu was not worried in letting Luo Chao be responsible for the recovery of the cockpit.

Just like that, Li Shiyu and Luo Chao didn’t participate in the battle. Instead, they looked for mecha operators from the Federation who could still be saved on the ground. They knew very well what their responsibilities were. Killing their enemies was indeed important and meant earning merits, but saving the lives of a comrade was also equally as important. Especially in the eyes of a doctor, this was even more important than merits that could be gained from a battle.