Chapter 290: Hungry Bite

It didn’t take long for the bravest, or perhaps the dumbest, soldiers to collide with the upcoming swarm.

Up close they were able to see the General tier minions of the Titan queen in full detail.

About the same size as a human, with large, bee-like wings that produced a constant buzzing sound. They didn’t have eyes, nor did they need them. Their queen guided them, and any sense of individuality or sight would only slow them down.

Although the sight of so many Generals was undeniably terrifying, the troops quickly cast aside their hesitation. The promise of earning the Emperor’s approval was enough to fuel their resolve.

Innately, their plan worked. Their combat mechas, powered by their spiritual energy, tore through the alien ranks, forcing them back while carving a path forward.

However, behind the first wall of monsters, there was a second, third, fourth, and so on…

The momentum that had carried the troops into the swarm inevitably began to dissipate.

Stationary, they found themselves surrounded on all sides, the swarm threatening to swallow them whole. No matter where they looked, only hostility met their gaze, leaving them unable to tell which way was up or down in the chaos.

Assaulted from every direction, the veils of their mechas inevitably gave in to the hungry maws of the Ro’trah as the aliens began to ravage human meat.

BZZZZZ

The soldiers’ pleas of help were drowned out by the endless buzzing.

From the perspective of those who had remained on the ship’s hull, all they could see were the silhouettes of their comrades charging into the alien tide… Only to vanish, never to return.

“Thank the Boss we didn’t charge in…” Richard muttered, realizing just how screwed he would have been.

Enzo laughed. “Let me guess, if it weren’t for Michael, you would’ve attacked without thinking, only to get yourself killed!”

Richard gritted his teeth but remained silent. After all, Enzo was right. He did have a habit of acting first and thinking second.

Witnessing the pointless loss of life, Michael simply shook his head. He knew he couldn’t save those who weren’t willing to save themselves.

Fortunately, once those who had led the charge were swallowed up by the swarm, the rest of the troops hesitated. The sight of their comrades’ fate was enough to make them rethink their actions and avoid plunging into the same doom.

As for the Emperor and the faction leaders by his side, they had long since dashed into the swarm. Their objective was clear: find the hidden Titan queen and eliminate her.

Being the strongest fighters of mankind, they could afford to enter the swarm, but even they exercised caution, careful not to venture too deep and risk being overwhelmed.

In support, the rest of the forces acted. The warship’s massive cannons shifted their aim toward the approaching hive, unleashing every shell on board.

The soldiers who possessed ranged methods of attack, whether it be techniques or weapons, didn’t hesitate to fire everything they had in an attempt to slow the swarm’s overwhelming advance.

If there was a positive side to fighting a dark swarm of aliens, it was that aiming wasn’t necessary. Firing in the general direction of the hive proved sufficient.

The combined power of their projectiles was devastating, tearing thousands of aliens apart every second. However, even that proved insufficient. Despite the massive casualties, the Ro’trah paid no heed to the death of their brethren, pushing forward.

In response, the faction leaders, alongside the Emperor, were forced to retreat, drawing closer to the warship.

“Things aren’t looking good.” Bryce muttered grimly across the comms channel.

“I advise you to retreat. At this rate, the warship will soon be reduced to rubble… It’s not right for youngsters such as yourself to die so young.”

There was merit to his words. It wouldn’t take much for them to meet their end if the swarm collided with the warship and encircled them.

“No, hold the line.”

However, Michael had other plans.

“Right now, the swarm is focused on a single point. But if we let the warship fall, the aliens will spread out. We won’t be able to outrun the hive, and it will eventually catch up to us. We can’t just place our faith in the higher-ups blindly… Since we’re going to fight either way, it’s better to do it on solid ground, with other soldiers by our side.”

There was a pause. The crew absorbed every one of his words.

“Honestly, if it was before, I would have found a way to ensure your survival, even at the cost of everyone here. But you’ve all earned my trust. I place my faith in your ability to emerge alive from this encounter. We are soldiers of humanity, after all. If we were to retreat, what would happen to the powerless civilians who rely on us?”

“I have yet to see my grandfather run away from battle.” Victoria exclaimed, her eyes sharpening akin to a dragon as she gazed at the approaching swarm where Arthur fought.

“I intend to follow his example!”

Claire nodded. “Bryce, you should know by now. I’d rather die than leave you alone!”

“I have to be strong for my kind!” Ruby’s eyes narrowed to the size of needles.

“No one will catch me!” Ava roared.

“Bring them on!” Richard laughed.

“Just watch me kill more than Michael!” Enzo proclaimed.

“Cybefang, stay close to me!” Amelia commanded.

“I won’t let anyone slip by!” Leo declared.

Inevitably, the swarm collided with the ship’s energy shield. Although the vessel was constantly pushing backward, the hive advancement proved faster than its retreat.

Cracks spread through the protective veil, giving in under the alien’s assault.

“Group up.” Michael ordered calmly.

Obeying his command, the crew gathered shoulder to shoulder, forming a protective circle. Following the example of their group, the other soldiers quickly followed suit.

As they solidified their formation, a familiar voice called out to them.

“Do you mind if we join your side?”

It was Cayson, the Transcendent Lord, with Iris, the Radiant Lord, standing next to him.

“What gives?” Michael raised an eyebrow.

Cayson chuckled. “Our chances of surviving alone are null. You’ve proven to be the most capable of everyone here. Plus, who wouldn’t want the support of two Lords?”

Just like the man claimed, any support was appreciated.

“So be it.” Michael accepted.

No sooner had they formed their protective circle than the swarm assaulted them with full force.

Fortunately, with their feet planted firmly on the warship’s hull, they didn’t need to worry about being attacked from below. And since everyone was an effective mecha pilot, they were able to hold their ground, stopping the swarm from overwhelming them.

As the crew fought, vibrant explosions erupted far above them. Forced so far back, the Emperor and the faction leaders had long abandoned any sense of restraint, going all out in their fierce search for the forsaken Titan.

“Goddamn coward! A Titan yet still hides like a rat!” Richard cursed, sweat dripping from his forehead as his mecha slowly began to falter under the pressure.

“I swear once it shows itself, I will deal with the fucker myself!” He declared.

As if responding to the provocation, an unfathomable presence descended upon the warriors’ bodies, drawing every gaze toward the front of the ship.

There, a colossal maw threatened wide open as it crept closer to the ship.

Instantly it became apparent what was happening. The Titan had shown itself with the intent of swallowing the warship!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep