"Using the mountain range as a reference point for the base, establish a triangular coordinate system, and calculate the distance from the axis..."
"The coordinates are XXX, XXX, elevation XXX! Comprehensive interference error level two!"
"Princess, transmit the information!"
The colossal fusion monster rampaged through the city center. In one corner, atop a tall building, a black-haired girl clad in gray-green military attire clutched a telescope and shouted instructions to another silver-haired Valkyrie standing on a nearby skyscraper.
Valkyrie Fina nodded, jotting down the data, nocked an arrow, and fired it carrying the vital information far away.
With that, Fina leaped to another skyscraper and swiftly hoisted the petite officer, barely reaching her chest, onto her back before sprinting out of the city without looking back.
"Whew—"
Amidst the howling gale, Colonel Feng Xi had no choice but to press one hand firmly against her cap as she shouted,
"Princess, slow down! From my troops completing manual data entry with received coordinates, to satellite transmission, until the deployment of the sky-based weapon, we have ample time to get clear of the attack zone!"
"Colonel, every second counts on the battlefield; it's crucial for survival. Also, I've told you already, I'm not some princess—it's just a nickname my friends gave me."
As Fina raced across the ground carrying the girl on her back, a hint of exasperation showed on her flawless face, reminiscent of an animated CG character.
Feng Xi chuckled, tightening her grip around Fina's waist. Leaning close to whisper in her ear, she said,
"But to me, you're definitely a princess, Your Highness!"
"...Colonel, no matter how much you flatter me, I won't agree to go on a date with you. I'm five years older than you, and besides, we're both girls!"
"Tsk! So fussy, acting like a real prude."
"Colonel, we indeed are both women."
"Ah! I get it now, let's not dwell on that. First things first—let's take out that damn thing that wrecked our entire base!"
"The Colonel's Spatial Sense talent and command calculation abilities are renowned. Schicksal Europa Branch Seven stands ready to follow your orders at any time!"
During their exchange, Fina, relying on her exceptional physical prowess as an A-rank Valkyrie, had already sprinted far ahead.
Meanwhile, across the vast expanse of the new continent, within Anti-Entropy Headquarters' Inner City, Bronya sat on a floating cushion surrounded by numerous data windows rapidly changing before her eyes. Her fingers barely paused as they clicked incessantly across different screens.
In a fleeting moment, she spotted the massive coordinate diagram drawn by Feng Xi's team.
"Brilliant! The mechanical infection hasn't yet reached the satellites high above, ensuring no issues with remote ground imaging capture. These data... seem to be for calibrating a sky-based weapon? Alright, Bronya has a Christmas gift for you all!"
Bronya's lips curved upwards while her hands continued uninterrupted, swiftly inputting commands.
Back to Feng Xi and Fina, shortly after they rushed into the underground shelter, intense vibrations shook the area.
Fianna tightly embraced Feng Xi, using her relatively larger frame to provide an extra layer of protection for Feng Xi, whose physical strength was inferior.
Feng Xi didn't hesitate or feign modesty. Nestled comfortably within Fianna's soft embrace, she counted her breaths while planning their next move.
After a while, as the external tremors subsided, Feng Xi gently patted Fianna's arm, signaling it was time to venture out and assess the situation.
Fianna nodded, setting Feng Xi down before dashing aboveground.
A few minutes later, Fianna returned with a mixed force comprising Valkyries and Anti-Entropy soldiers.
"Glug glug!"
Emerging onto the surface, Feng Xi grabbed a water flask and took a sip. Facing the hopeful faces around her, she smiled and announced:
"Congratulations, that monster has been taken care of! However, our troubles aren't over yet. With all our technological weapons destroyed, we're trapped in this area. The shelter's numerous civilians require sufficient supplies to sustain their lives. Our next step is to organize teams to return to the city and gather... Wait, look over there!"
Feng Xi pointed towards the distant sky, where streaks of fiery light, akin to shooting stars, flew across and crashed onto the ground far away.
Feng Xi's eyes lit up, and a smile blossomed on his dusty face.
"It's reinforcements! Let's go! We need to coordinate with them!" Feng Xi pointed towards the distance and hopped onto Fianna's back.
With a resigned smile, Fianna carried Feng Xi as they swiftly led the charge ahead.
After half a day, the unarmed Anti-Entropy forces were once again equipped with numerous mechanical devices. Tall robots stood proudly on the earth, instilling a familiar sense of security.
Perched on the broad shoulder of a Titan, Feng Xi rapidly scanned various projection screens, his grin growing wider.
"Did you find anything? Any orders from higher-ups?" Fianna materialized beside Feng Xi, asking.
"The situation is better than anticipated. Valkyrie Fianna, here is the joint command document signed by Schicksal and Anti-Entropy. From this moment on, I assume supreme command authority over all personnel from both sides. Do you have any objections?"
"No objections, Fianna acknowledges the order!"
"Excellent! The first step: we must repair the Selene Throne apparatus located thirty kilometers north!"
"Yes, sir!"
The troops swiftly assembled and marched rapidly in the designated direction.
Meanwhile, through the public communication channel, Feng Xi continued explaining to everyone:
"The mechanism behind mechanical infection is not yet fully understood, but regardless of its medium, its foundation relies on Honkai Energy. Dr. Einstein was the first to discover this. Subsequently, with combined efforts from both sides' research teams, we developed blueprints for a design based on the Selene apparatus—a Honkai Energy deconstruction radiation force field. Our goal is to modify the Selene according to these plans, creating a weak Honkai Energy deconstruction force field. Once accomplished, machines within hundreds of kilometers will no longer be silently infected."
"After establishing the safe zone, larger-scale support can be safely deployed, aiding us in rebuilding cities, restoring production, and rearming."
"We're fortunate; there's already a Selene base at the city outskirts. However, many other locations lack such infrastructure. Protecting ourselves is just the first step. Once our capabilities recover, the next task will be to assist comrades trapped in areas without existing Selene bases. Everyone, upon our shoulders rest the hopes of all individuals here and in the three neighboring cities. In the coming time, there will be no room for rest. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" came multiple resolute replies through the communicators.
Feng Xi smiled faintly.
Mechanical infection was indeed a peculiar phenomenon. However, Anti-Entropy and Schicksal's speculative research, rehearsals, and simulation training on Honkai were even more deranged. Frankly, they responded to this crisis following textbook guidelines.
Moreover, years of societal transformation by Anti-Entropy led to exceptionally well-planned and efficient refuge facilities. The majority of people maintained their composure and cooperated effectively with organizational efforts.
With swift scientific response combined with coordinated teamwork, although cities were devastated, the actual casualties remained relatively low. Feng Xi believed that most regions worldwide would have faced similar situations—perhaps not better off but certainly not much worse either.
The leadership, as always, proved dependable, swiftly presenting solutions within less than 24 hours.
After this catastrophe, many thriving cities would likely be unrecognizable, but humans would undoubtedly persevere. Feng Xi held this belief firmly.
"Using each Selene as a central point, gradually expand the deconstruction force fields outward until all mechanical infections are suppressed... In a way, it's like the saying: 'A spark can ignite a prairie fire,' isn't it?"
Feng Xi gazed at the setting sun on the horizon, letting out a soft chuckle.
"Dr. Ein, we're swiftly reclaiming lost territories. Based on current statistics, 67% of global landmasses have been retaken and brought under effective control. However, the Selene Throne in the Far East needs to improve its efficiency."
"I understand, Bronya. Mei and Wendy, with their highest mobility, are already en route to assist me. They can provide ample driving energy, and combined with our latest artillery system, we should achieve a 145% increase in attack rate—estimated to be attainable within 132 minutes, accelerating the liberation of the eastern hemisphere."
"Received, adjusting the overall plan immediately. Additionally, how is the research progressing on infection patterns and sources?"
"It's challenging. My priority remains eliminating aggregates and restoring global control. The composite deconstruction force fields across the Far East Islands are exceptionally strong; there's no time for adjustments in the short term. We cannot obtain nearby samples nor spare resources for deeper investigation at this moment. However, Otto's team is making efforts, and I believe results will soon follow."
In the midst of her hectic work, Bronya momentarily freed one hand to flash an "OK" gesture towards Einstein's equally busy holographic projection before cutting off the communication.
In the following moment, Welt, Durandal, Yae Sakura, Seele, Sin, Rita, Cioara, and other top-tier combatants appeared one by one on the screens.
Bronya's fingers continued to dance swiftly across her keyboard, leaving countless afterimages. Without looking up, she said firmly,
"The plan has undergone slight adjustments; new routes have been mapped out for you. Based on our initial analysis, the Herrscher of Corruption may still be evolving. We must act quickly, decisively suppressing it globally to limit its room for survival. Accelerate your operations."
"Yes!" came multiple affirmations.
After issuing these concise instructions, Bronya dimmed all communication screens except Sin's.
On the display, the slender girl held two golden spears, her specially designed durable armor battered and covered in dust.
"Bronya?" Sin tilted her head, confusion etched on her slightly dirty face that hadn't been fully cleaned.
Bronya sighed, maintaining her serious expression as she replied,
"Don't directly confront enemy fire! The hastily crafted armor has limited defensive capabilities. You can't use black armor right now, and the Key of Domination cannot overcome your inherent physical frailty... In short, be cautious. Bronya doesn't want to see you get seriously injured, and Zeke wouldn't be happy either."
"Yes, Bronya! Sin will do her best!"
"Good, stay safe."
Bronya's faint smile softened her cold demeanor.
Sin's overall combat capabilities were comparable to an S-rank Valkyrie. With the aid of her Divine Key, she ranked among the top-tier forces and boasted destructive power rivaling that of Herrschers—yet this girl was incredibly stubborn and driven! Seeing the efficiency of Herrscher-level combatants only fueled her determination to match or surpass them, leading her to appear more exhausted and worn out than anyone else on the battlefield.
If Bronya didn't intervene, she genuinely feared Sin might push herself to the point of severe injury.
While such wounds could be healed, it still tugged at her heartstrings to witness.
"You promised Bronya, so you mustn't go back on your word. Stick to the plan; don't disrupt my strategy."
"But... alright, I'll listen to Bronya." Reluctantly, Sin pouted and nodded in agreement.
With a sigh of relief, Bronya ended the communication.
Next, she pulled up a world map, observing as new regions continuously turned green, indicating safety. Only then did her busy fingers pause momentarily, satisfaction gradually spreading across her eyes.
After a brief rest, Bronya's expression turned serious as more projection screens popped up around the room. Everyone was fighting hard at their respective stations—even Kiana, confined indoors, was supplying vast amounts of energy. Now, this spacious command center became Bronya's battlefield!