They knew all too well how abnormally fast Heretics could regenerate. And a move like the one Mo Chen just unleashed had to come at a tremendous cost to his own stamina.
The Heretic, on the other hand, could just keep regenerating, dragging him into a war of attrition.
And if it really came down to attrition, Mo Chen, as a human, would definitely lose.
Even worse, there was another possibility—Nihilister might be so powerful that Mo Chen had no choice but to go all out from the start.
Sure enough, just after the blinding flash faded, a pillar of roaring flames erupted about twelve kilometers away, reaching toward the heavens like a massive flaming tornado. Even from such a distance, they could feel the intense heat in the air.
The Nikkes in Eden stared dumbfounded at the distant inferno. The sky had been dyed red, more intense than any sunset clouds, like molten charcoal. Even the clouds above seemed to boil and warp in the heat.
Johan and the others were equally stunned.
This energy... was terrifying!
"Nihilister's energy density is continuing to rise. Core output has increased significantly," Cecil's voice came through the comms, tinged with a rare trace of tension. "Compared to earlier readings, it's more than doubled!"
"A wave of superheated wind is moving toward Eden at 40 meters per second. I repeat—take shelter in the defensive installations immediately! Respond if you hear this! Evacuate now!"
The sky burned crimson like a gaping wound spilling molten blood. Flames twisted and roared like furious dragons rampaging across the air. Their tails lashed across the earth, instantly turning grass to ash and scorching the soil black.
They leapt and writhed, like starving beasts with gaping maws, devouring everything in sight. The firelight painted the world in blood-red hues, warping reality into something surreal and sinister.
"Boom—!"
The searing wave of fire roared in.
Under the fury of that scorching wind, the very air seemed to ignite. Everything became blisteringly hot and dry. Leaves curled and withered under the heat, flowers wilted, and grasslands turned a sickly yellow.
Even the pebbles on the ground sizzled, releasing soft, cracking noises from the heat. Eden's plant life wasn't spared either.
After some time, the burning wind finally died down.
Everyone emerged from the bunkers. What they saw was no longer the same world.
It was like stepping into a furnace. The once-vibrant scenery had been reduced to a lifeless, scorched wasteland. Everything had withered, died, and lost its vitality—life had been stripped away.
Glass lay shattered. Walls had cracked. Fountain water had evaporated. Even the metal frameworks of buildings radiated searing heat.
This was the work of Nihilister's flames.
"All units, listen up."
Johan stepped out from the bunker and, after quickly assessing the situation, issued new orders.
"Effective immediately—except for the MF units remaining on guard duty—our mission changes to supporting the Commander. Switch to F.F. formation. Advance along the shortest path!"
As the commander, Johan understood better than anyone just how dire the situation was.
Nihilister's core energy had far exceeded their expectations.
There are two possibilities: one, that Nihilister self-destructed; the other, that Nihilister was hiding her strength.
Based on Cecil's intel, Nihilister's core energy fluctuations were still active. That meant only one possibility remained.
This level of destruction far surpassed anything recorded from any Heretic before.
Mo Chen was in danger!
Even though Cecil's continuous scans confirmed that Mo Chen was still alive, Johan didn't believe he was a match for Nihilister.
"Damn it!"
Usually indifferent, Johan clenched his fist tightly, showing a rare flash of frustration.
Mo Chen wasn't just humanity's hope—he was also the key to unlocking the potential for humans to stand alongside Nikkes and even Heretics. If something happened to him, humanity might never see another like him.
"...Wait, Commander."
Just then, Dorothy's voice came from behind Johan.
Unlike the anxious Johan, Dorothy remained calm and composed. Her face was elegant and refined, always adorned with a faint smile—one that radiated confidence and grace.
"Is it really necessary to rush? Let's wait a little longer."
"What?"
Johan was taken aback at first. Then his brow furrowed as if he'd realized something. His hawk-like gaze sharpened as he stared at Dorothy.
Dorothy smiled sweetly and spoke, "Nihilister doesn't have infinite energy. The way she charges around so recklessly, using brute force without restraint, her firepower is bound to drop."
Johan replied coldly, "Do you even realize what you're saying?"
"The more intense the fight, the faster Nihilister burns through her power. Right now, her core energy is at its peak—but she won't be able to maintain that state for long," Dorothy said, lifting her gaze toward the horizon dyed blood-red by the flames.
"When her energy is depleted, that's when we make our move."
It was clear—Dorothy wanted Mo Chen and Nihilister to weaken each other, then swoop in and clean up.
But who she planned to 'clean up'... that was unclear.
The atmosphere immediately turned heavy.
Johan naturally saw through Dorothy's intent. His expression turned even colder. Then, suddenly, he turned and asked Isabel.
"...Isabel, what do you think?"
After being knocked unconscious and brought to the hospital for quick repairs, Isabel had woken up and rushed over immediately, not even bothering to replace her damaged defensive shielding.
Without hesitation, Isabel said, "We must support the Commander immediately. If none of you are going, I'll go alone."
Just moments ago, if she hadn't been physically stopped, she would've already rushed to the front.
Johan then turned to look at Noah standing nearby.
"...Noah."
Noah jumped slightly in surprise.
"You're asking for my opinion? Well, I mean, I respect Dorothy's judgment..."
She glanced cautiously at Dorothy.
"But I think... turning your back on someone after crossing the bridge together is kind of disgraceful. If word got out, people would definitely look down on us."
"Harran, your opinion."
Johan suddenly turned his head, looking toward Harran, who was leaning quietly against the corner wall in the distance.
To avoid revealing her identity, Harran had been intentionally keeping her distance ever since Mo Chen arrived. She didn't hold much fondness for him—after all, he had nearly killed her and taken her sniper rifle.