The Tal'darim Protoss were extremely hostile—a fact that became immediately obvious from Jim's tense reaction.
Several Kryptonians also detected the unusual energy radiating from these alien warriors.
"Is that red energy the so-called psionic power?" one Kryptonian wondered aloud.
Multiple Tal'darim Protoss standing within the breached wall activated sharp energy blades extending from their forearms. The power emanating from those weapons shocked all the Kryptonians present.
"That red energy weapon definitely poses genuine danger," another Kryptonian said, his voice carrying unusual gravity.
His perceptive abilities exceeded his companions'. He could sense something distinctly threatening about those crimson blades—a special quality that set them apart from conventional weapons.
That power gave him a faint sense of threat, and his body reacted unconsciously with defensive tension.
"It seems Captain Locke was correct. Psionic energy truly is an extremely unusual phenomenon," the Kryptonian concluded.
They didn't fully understand psionic mechanics, but they could clearly recognize from these red energy weapons that such armaments posed legitimate threats to them—even if those threats weren't overwhelmingly powerful.
However, they didn't relax their vigilance despite these relatively weak threat levels. They understood this resulted from the Tal'darim warriors' limited individual power. If these Protoss could unleash greater psionic potential, the danger they represented would increase dramatically.
"We need to inform General Zod that psionic energy can harm us," one Kryptonian noted.
Although they said this, the group of Kryptonians didn't immediately withdraw. They also wanted to directly witness Tal'darim Protoss combat capabilities and properly evaluate their strength.
After emerging from the breached wall, the Protoss warriors released a sweeping red energy pulse before charging directly toward the reconnaissance team.
The red energy wave functioned as a detection method, allowing Tal'darim Protoss to easily identify enemies concealed in shadows or using stealth technology. Their position was now completely exposed.
"Engage the enemy!" Jim roared.
Everyone raised weapons simultaneously and opened fire on the charging Tal'darim Zealots.
Their bullet density was impressive, but those Tal'darim fanatics rushing forward displayed light blue energy ripples across their bodies—personal shields that deflected every projectile that struck them.
This spectacle was naturally observed by the Kryptonians. They carefully recorded this discovery to report to General Zod.
Of course, energy shielding wasn't particularly advanced technology for these Kryptonian survivors. They naturally possessed similar defensive systems.
However, such technology had been phased out long ago and replaced with simpler, more efficient alternatives.
Under their observation, the zealots charged forward relentlessly. The speed of these Tal'darim Protoss wielding crimson psi-blades began increasing sharply. Behind them appeared faint red energy afterimages—visual echoes left by their accelerated movement.
"They can dramatically increase movement velocity during short periods. This must also be documented," one Kryptonian noted.
As they spoke, they witnessed a zealot rushing directly toward Jim's forward position.
However, the closer enemies approached Jim's team, the more concentrated firepower they endured. After all, everyone carried powerful weapons—especially Tychus, who wielded a heavy rotary cannon that poured torrents of metal at the Tal'darim Protoss.
"Hahaha, die you alien bastards!" Tychus laughed maniacally.
The heavy machine gun's rounds instantly tore several Tal'darim zealots to pieces, their shields overwhelmed by sustained fire.
But the Tal'darim fanatics showed absolutely no consideration for retreat. They continued charging forward without hesitation. At the cost of more than a dozen zealot casualties, the Tal'darim finally closed distance with Jim's team.
A crimson psi-blade slashed downward toward a marine. Just before impact, the Protoss warrior was suddenly pierced through the skull by an unexpected red thermal beam.
Ding, ding, ding...
After the Tal'darim Protoss were killed, their physical forms transformed into pure energy and dissipated completely, while their weapons and equipment clattered to the scorched ground.
"No wonder they lack visible mouths. These so-called Protoss are fundamentally energy-based entities," one Kryptonian observed with sudden understanding.
After witnessing Tal'darim bodies dissipating upon death, several Kryptonians finally comprehended why these beings appeared so anatomically strange yet clearly survived without conventional biological functions.
When they'd initially seen Protoss being killed, they'd felt somewhat surprised about fallen warriors disappearing completely. Now it became clear—all Protoss dissipated at the moment of death, their essence returning to pure energy.
After this initial exchange, several Kryptonians prepared to fully join combat. They required more comprehensive intelligence to better understand this so-called psionic energy.
Multiple Kryptonians released heat vision from their eyes. As those thermal beams attacked distant targets, the Kryptonians themselves rushed toward the Tal'darim forces.
One Kryptonian threw a devastating punch at a charging zealot. The strike's velocity was so extreme it connected almost instantaneously.
BOOM!
Air pressure around the impact point shook violently. The fanatic exploded from the tremendous force, immediately dissipating into energy particles.
"That weak?" the Kryptonian who'd destroyed the zealot asked, staring at his fist with genuine confusion.
Although he'd employed full strength in that strike, he felt thoroughly puzzled by the opponent's fragile performance.
Obviously, these Tal'darim Protoss possessed power capable of threatening Kryptonians. Yet this warrior hadn't lasted even one second against him. Even if their capabilities were extremely weak relative to Kryptonian strength, surely they wouldn't be literally blown apart by a single punch?
Just as he was processing this, the Kryptonian sensed an attack coming from his flank. He turned reflexively to evade.
Slash~
The razor-sharp red psi-blade definitely posed legitimate threat. The energy weapon struck his arm directly, actually cutting through his skin.
This development made the Kryptonian's pupils contract sharply. Since acquiring superhuman abilities, aside from Marcus himself, he hadn't encountered anyone capable of injuring him—not even superficial scratches.
Although these Tal'darim couldn't withstand his punches, they'd successfully cut his invulnerable skin.
While the scratch healed almost instantly, it made the Kryptonian feel genuinely threatened for the first time.
These were merely garrison troops—basic warriors. Yet they could break his skin. If they encountered more powerful Protoss combatants, might the Kryptonians actually face serious danger?
Considering this sobering possibility, his gaze toward the Tal'darim became considerably more serious and calculating.
Just as he prepared to resume combat, he heard Jim shouting urgently.
"Retreat! Everyone fall back now!"
Although the Kryptonians' performance genuinely surprised Jim, he didn't believe his team could successfully defeat these Tal'darim forces.
This was the Tal'darim Protoss encampment—they had continuous reinforcement streams available. But Jim's team was different. They'd come purely for reconnaissance. Although they hadn't discovered particularly useful intelligence yet, continuing this engagement would result in complete annihilation. Jim bore responsibility for everyone's survival.
The reconnaissance team fought while retreating systematically. They rapidly distanced themselves from the Tal'darim camp, pursued by zealots for considerable distance.
Eventually, the Tal'darim fanatics abandoned pursuit and returned to defend their position. Otherwise, Jim's team might have been chased even farther.
But now that enemies had been alerted, Jim understood the Tal'darim Protoss would definitely prepare appropriate countermeasures and await their assault.
They absolutely had to exploit this brief window to launch a surprise attack—breach the Tal'darim camp and seize the Xel'Naga artifact before defenses could fully organize.
When they returned to the mobile base, the situation had transformed dramatically. Fleet support vehicles and various weapons systems had arrived. All supplies they'd been producing were now fully stocked.
Seeing the assembled military assets, Jim breathed with relief.
"Everyone, we need to raid the Protoss encampment immediately. This represents our best—our only—opportunity to secure the Xel'Naga artifact," Jim announced.
"Orders received, sir!" all soldiers responded in unison.
They understood perfectly what Jim meant. They were about to engage in an extremely fierce battle. Anyone present could potentially die.
"Prepare to move out!" Jim commanded, waving his arm after all supplies had been distributed.
General Zod, who'd been standing aside listening to his subordinates explain Tal'darim capabilities and the threats they posed, fell into contemplative silence.
Although Zod didn't understand much about so-called psionic energy, he felt genuinely surprised these warriors could actually injure Kryptonians. Despite being merely superficial scratches that healed instantly, the fact remained—they'd been hurt.
"In other words, the Tal'darim Protoss themselves aren't particularly exceptional, but their weapons—or more accurately, their psionic energy—can affect us. Correct?" Zod confirmed.
"Affirmative. Although the threat to us remains minimal, I've only encountered basic warrior types. I believe significantly more powerful Protoss exist among the Tal'darim," his subordinate reported.
General Zod tacitly accepted the assessment about stronger units. He absolutely didn't believe such an important encampment would be defended solely by warriors with ordinary combat capabilities.
That wouldn't align with any functional military doctrine—especially for a species that mastered psionic energy they'd never encountered before. Stronger Protoss forces were inevitable.
"Follow them and observe," Zod commanded. "Assist them in eliminating some Protoss and properly test these warriors' threat level against us."
"Yes, General!"
The assembled Kryptonians responded immediately. But Faora, standing beside Zod, frowned slightly and whispered in his ear.
"Aren't we waiting for Marcus?"
"Him?" Zod replied, his expression unchanged. "I suspect he's already waiting for us somewhere ahead."
Since Marcus had vanished, they'd received absolutely no communication from him. They had no idea where he currently was.
However, considering the overwhelming power Marcus had consistently demonstrated, Zod didn't believe Marcus would be oblivious to Tal'darim Protoss presence. Perhaps Marcus had already infiltrated the encampment.
"Let's move!" Zod commanded.
With that order, human warriors advanced in impressive formation. Zod and his Kryptonians flew overhead, moving slowly above the ground forces.
In the sea of flames outside the Tal'darim encampment, Marcus observed the distant facility with analytical interest. These Protoss who worshipped Amon were clearly preparing evacuation. Obviously, the approaching supernova represented tremendous threat even to them.
"Preparing to abandon position? Unfortunately, you won't escape. And the Xel'Naga artifact isn't going anywhere," Marcus murmured.
Tal'darim Protoss within the camp continued assembling. They awaited transport vessels that would evacuate the Xel'Naga artifact from the center of their facility.
This was an artifact left by the gods they fanatically worshipped. As zealous believers, how could they possibly abandon such a sacred treasure?
Just as they prepared to initiate evacuation protocols, they detected an assault force attacking from another direction.
"Is that Zod's team? They're launching the surprise attack?" Marcus stood within the sea of flames, watching with obvious interest.
The vortex of fire surrounding him continuously devoured ambient heat, transforming him into a miniature star that melted ground into bubbling magma.
Within the advancing force, Zod was flying when he suddenly sensed someone observing them. His body stiffened involuntarily.
This abnormality was immediately noticed by Faora flying alongside. She asked with concern:
"General, is something wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. It's Marcus. He's watching us," Zod replied, returning to normal composure.
He glanced around calmly but couldn't spot Marcus anywhere nearby. Zod concluded Marcus must be positioned within the flames.
They continued advancing and rapidly assaulted the Tal'darim encampment.
The moment they arrived before the facility, several Siege Tanks immediately transitioned to siege mode. Devastating artillery fire erupted, shells continuously exploding throughout the Tal'darim camp.
The Tal'darim Protoss conducting evacuation operations were startled by sudden bombardment. They quickly recovered and rushed from the camp, preparing for battle.
The earlier reconnaissance had made them aware that humans remained on this dying planet. They'd already prepared countermeasures, but they hadn't expected the second attack to come so rapidly.
Tal'darim Zealots and Stalkers deployed sequentially, forming a black-armored army to counter the attacking human forces.
When they rushed beyond defensive walls, they were greeted by concentrated weapons fire. Several Stalkers were destroyed by fierce artillery before they could even initiate blink teleportation protocols.
After observing the black Tal'darim Protoss radiating red psionic energy, General Zod understood completely.
This was the energy that posed threats to Kryptonians. If nothing unexpected occurred, this should be the psionic power they'd heard about.
However, the threat level from this energy felt disappointingly weak—genuinely underwhelming.
"Assist them. That Xel'Naga artifact is what Marcus wants," Zod commanded.
With his order, all Kryptonians rushed toward the Tal'darim Protoss, moving through sustained weapons fire to engage those warriors directly.
The Tal'darim Zealots proved utterly vulnerable before Kryptonian assault. Only those Stalkers—spider-like mechanical walkers—generated any interest.
These mechanical constructs behaved very strangely. They constantly teleported to different positions whenever attacked. Unfortunately, although their teleportation executed rapidly, the displacement distance wasn't particularly substantial.
After one engagement cycle, many Kryptonians had become familiar with Stalker movement patterns and quickly eliminated these mechanical units.
After clearing Tal'darim forces blocking the entrance, everyone advanced into the encampment proper.
The camp's interior was nothing like the perimeter. Warriors here were obviously significantly more powerful.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
Behind formations of Zealots and Stalkers, several Dragoons—far more spider-like than Stalkers—activated their systems.
Phase disruptor cannons mounted on Dragoons fired continuously. Lightning composed of charged antiparticle streams erupted toward the assault force.
These were serious threats—at least for human forces. After spotting the Dragoons, Jim frantically coordinated responses to neutralize them.
But Zod's people moved faster. Although the matter-disintegrating lightning was powerful, it didn't represent overwhelming danger to Kryptonians. Several concentrated heat vision beams shot toward the electrical discharges.