-1441- Worse then I imagined

The battle between humanity and the Armored Beetles began with the survival of Mistgun at stake.

"Bang bang bang bang bang—!"

High above Mistgun, a line of Sky Wizards formed a defensive barrier, as if defending a fortress. Mid-range and rear shooters and bombardiers unleashed relentless gunfire, causing countless magic bullets, magic cannon shots, and magic arrows to rain down like a meteor shower on the black wave of Armored Beetles surging ahead.

"Boom boom boom boom boom—!"

A series of explosions echoed through the sky like thunder on a clear day, sending shockwaves toward the massive swarm of Armored Beetles.

Hit by the Sky Wizards' barrage, numerous Arachnell-class beetles were instantly killed, some even exploding into ash and fragments without a chance to react.

Due to their overwhelming numbers, the Sky Wizards didn't need to aim precisely; just pulling the trigger could take down a vast swath of Arachnell-class beetles. Explosions filled the sky, spreading across it like a sudden burst of clouds.

Despite this, the Armored Beetles continued to surge forward, undeterred.

The Arachnell-class beetles charged like a suicide squad, unfazed by the barrage, relentlessly pushing toward Mistgun's defense line.

Even though countless beetles had been wiped out, the black wave of Arachnell-class beetles showed no signs of shrinking, instilling fear.

As a result, the defense line of the Sky Wizards began to falter, with many beetles slipping through the cracks.

"I won't let you get through!"

"This is not a place for you!"

"Prepare to die!"

Seeing this, the waiting vanguard finally sprang into action. Without hesitation, they darted forward, wielding various close-combat weapons like magic swords and spears, charging at the beetles that had slipped through.

In an instant, bursts of magical light from the Sky Wizards filled the sky.

However, the sheer numbers of the Arachnell-class beetles forced the defense line to gradually retreat.

At the same time, the s128 Special Forces Squad, tasked with the most crucial mission, fought their way through the dense swarm of beetles.

"Let's go, Yuri!"

"Yes!"

Kanata and Yuri deployed their magical barriers, pressing forward into the beetle swarm like two unyielding stones.

"Now then..."

Chloe, the rear guard, didn't charge forward but instead raised her magic cannon staff. The crystal orb at the tip glowed brightly like the sun.

A surge of powerful magic rose around Chloe, seemingly compressing into the crystal orb at the tip of her staff.

In no time, a massive sphere of magical energy formed at the tip, shaking the atmosphere.

"Magic Cannon Battle Skill—'Blazing Cannon'!"

Chloe unleashed the concentrated magical energy from her staff.

In the next moment, a beam of light, as if condensed from flames, shot out at an incredible speed, piercing through the clouds. It streaked past Kanata and Yuri, striking the advancing beetle swarm.

"Boom—!"

The explosion echoed across the sky, forming a storm of blazing light that spread in all directions.

In the face of this devastating cannon blast, millions of Arachnell-class beetles were incinerated, leaving nothing behind—not even ashes.

Thanks to this, a massive gap was torn in the black wave of Armored Beetles.

"Amazing...! Chloe-senpai...!"

Yuri couldn't help but exclaim.

"Truly the 'Nirvana,' the greatest firepower in Mistgun. In terms of raw destructive power, I can't even come close...!"

Kanata also smiled.

The two front-line members of the Special Forces Squad weaved through the gap Chloe had torn open, charging into the beetle swarm.

Numerous Arachnell-class beetles noticed this and swarmed toward them.

In response...

"Cannon Sword Battle Skill—'Absolute Air Slash'!"

Kanata channeled a massive amount of magic into the pitch-black magic cannon sword in his hand. The runes engraved on the sword glowed, generating a gust of wind that transformed into a typhoon as Kanata swung the sword.

The scene resembled a powerful typhoon, easily exceeding a force of ten.

As a result, countless Alucnera-class beetles were first blown away by the wind, then sliced to pieces by invisible blades, exploding on the spot.

This strike, while not as devastating as Chloe's, still annihilated tens of thousands of Alucnera-class beetles.

"Now it's my turn!"

At this moment, Yuri also raised her magical alchemical weapon.

As a vanguard, Yuri wielded a magic spear with a sleek, crimson design, looking very modern and stylish.

When Yuri aimed the spear, the sides of the spearhead unfolded like glider wings.

It looked similar to the design of the "Mechanical Demon Purging Assault Spear Mark 7," but these wings were not for attacking.

"Boom!"

As Yuri infused magic into the spear, a powerful jet of air blasted out from the wings.

Yes, the true purpose of these wings was to serve as a propulsion system for acceleration.

"Magic Spear Battle Skill—'Gale Thrust'!"

Yuri's entire body, assisted by the propulsion system, shot forward like a whirlwind.

The thrust resembled a tornado, and wherever she passed, countless Alucnera-class beetles were shredded, leaving only a rain of blood and flesh in the air.

The three members of the s128 Special Forces Squad continued to decimate the Armored Beetles at incredible speed, streaking through the swarm like shooting stars. Their devastating slashes, thrusts, and cannon blasts tore through the sky.

"Amazing...!"

"They're so strong...!"

"This is the Special Forces Squad?"

"No wonder they're Mistgun's strongest ace squad!"

In the command center, everyone watching the scene on the projection screens couldn't help but shout with amazement and joy.

"..."

Only Freon looked at the situation with a heavy expression.

After a moment...

"It seems the situation is far worse than I imagined."

An untimely, leisurely voice suddenly echoed in the command center.

Everyone present was startled, quickly turning to look toward the door.

There...

"Your expression also seems worse than I imagined."

Rozen looked at the astonished Freon, speaking with a faint smile.

Behind him...

"This... This is the Sky Wizard Division's command center...!?"

"Wow... We've come to a big place...!"

"Hmph, to think you built such a facility here without informing me. You sure are bold."

Misora, Lecty, and Rico spoke, either in panic or with rebellious arrogance.

"You all..."

Freon's expression grew even more troubled.