"As long as Nihilister takes things seriously, from the horizon on this side to the horizon on that side, everything will turn into ash. Even Noah's shield got a hole burned in it."
Noah seemed to still be haunted by the attack from Nihilister.
Mo Chen smiled.
"Then I'll have to give it a proper try."
Though he said that, he didn't let his guard down.
From the previous battle, it was clear that not only the Raptures but also the Heretics were undergoing some sort of evolution, possibly related to that mysterious virus.
Once this mission was over, he would find an opportunity to give the virus sample to Cecil for her to analyze.
Arriving at the designated position, Eden's forces began their operation. The first task was to clear all the Raptures in the vicinity.
Although Nihilister had already devoured some, the number of Raptures was staggering, and it wouldn't be long before more would gather. Mo Chen suspected that Nihilister was deliberately doing this.
Originally, the operation was supposed to be commanded by Commander Johan.
However, Johan didn't command as usual and instead handed over the command to Mo Chen. He had heard that Mo Chen was a genius commander, skilled in tactics and combat, and wanted to see Mo Chen's command abilities in action.
"Huh?" Noah was surprised and confused. "Isn't this a bit much? The commander just got here, and it's only been a few days. He's not familiar with the area, and now we're putting him in charge? It's a bit unfair."
Since Mo Chen arrived at Eden, the title of commander had been practically seized by him, and Johan seemed to have become nameless overnight.
Isabel also spoke up for Mo Chen.
"The terrain around here is complex. It took us a long time to survey it. Commander, this dirty work should be left to Johan."
Dirty work?
Johan's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot.
Now, not only had his title as commander been taken, but Mo Chen was also being called by name directly.
Mo Chen smiled and said, "The troops up front will follow orders, risking their lives to fight. The commander in the rear doesn't need to do anything but talk."
"Commander..."
Isabel was moved.
Unlike the others, this Nikke genuinely cared about the battle.
"Sure enough, the Commander's very kind."
Johan's mouth twitched, and Isabel noticed.
"Johan, what's wrong? Did your mouth cramp?"
Johan: "..."
In the end, the command was given to Mo Chen, who didn't decline and immediately took over. After reviewing the battle data and information sent by Cecil, he thought for a moment and came up with a plan.
The terrain was originally flat, but the ongoing battles had turned it into a desolate, uneven wasteland with many pits, which could be used to set up traps.
Quickly, Mo Chen made his battle deployment.
"…Noah, activate the shield at the designated location!"
"Yes!"
"Isabel, stand by in the air. Launch all missiles in ten minutes!"
"Yes!"
"High-explosive shells, wait until the Raptures reach the designated location before triggering them!"
"Yes!"
In the distance, the Rapture forces appeared, drawn in by the bait that had been set up in advance. The number was quite large.
Just as Mo Chen had guessed, Nihilister was certainly summoning more Raptures to this location in order to evolve.
Mo Chen made a swift decision as soon as he saw the Raptures entering the trap.
"Now, Dorothy!"
"Bang—!"
A muffled gunshot rang out.
The Raptures, attracted by Dorothy's gunfire, grew denser under Noah's large protective shield. More Raptures rushed toward them, and Mo Chen took the opportunity to signal Noah to lower the shield and allow the Raptures to enter.
At the same time, Dorothy continuously moved around, drawing the Raptures in like luring monsters, leading them to the center of the trap.
Eventually, all the nearby Raptures were lured in.
At that moment, under Mo Chen's command, Johan decisively detonated the high-explosive bombs previously planted.
"Boom—!"
A massive shockwave exploded instantly, accompanied by a deafening roar that made the ground tremble!
Next, as the Raptures were left disoriented and scattered, Isabel's guided weapon from above also shot down vertically!
"Boom—!"
A devastating force was instantly released, as if the very air was being torn apart by the power. The thunderous explosion echoed like a rolling thunder, shaking every inch of land, making hearts race and blood feel like it had frozen.
After a long pause.
"...All Raptures have been confirmed with no signs of activity. Confirmed as dead."
Cecil's voice came through the communicator.
Mo Chen knew without needing her to say it.
The system notification bar was already filled with new messages.
In just one battle, he had earned thousands of points.
"Good job."
Johan walked over and patted Mo Chen on the shoulder, showing recognition and admiration.
He never felt jealous of others.
The stronger Mo Chen became, the happier he was, because it meant humanity had a better chance of winning.
Though his face remained indifferent.
Noah was the first to notice.
"Huh, what's Johan doing over there?"
Isabel said worriedly, "Is he going to fight?"
"That can't be."
"Hehe, who knows, maybe he's just not happy about it."
"Ah, I should go help the commander."
"It's fine, Johan can't beat the commander."
"Oh, then it's fine."
Hearing their whispers, Johan felt a vein pop on his forehead.
At that moment, Cecil's voice came through the communicator again.
"Commander, Nihilister has started moving again. If the distance continues to increase, we won't be able to track it with wide-area scanning."
"Catch up."
Mo Chen immediately headed toward the coordinates Cecil had sent.
Everyone quickly followed. Before long, Mo Chen had become the core of this team.
Mo Chen's speed was astounding, moving like a gust of wind. The others, especially Johan, were secretly impressed.
Seeing that Mo Chen was running faster than any Nikke, without the help of any exoskeleton or thrusters, Johan was surprised, but his gaze grew even more intense.
Soon enough, Mo Chen and the others arrived at the previous coordinates.
The scorched earth, now silent and desolate.
What was once a land full of life was now covered in thick volcanic ash, casting a grayish hue over the area. The distant mountains had lost their former grandeur, leaving only bare rocks and black lava flows, as though the earth itself had been wounded, silently telling the tale of past violence.
"It's the traces of Nihilister."
Johan checked the ground for a moment, then tossed the dirt in his hand aside. He stood up and gazed into the distance.