Timely Arrival

The missiles unleashed by the dozen or so fighter jets streaked directly toward Xiao Feng, leaving him momentarily at a loss.

Yet from behind him, Tugou calmly said, "Don't worry…"

Amid Tugou's barrage of miniature missiles, some targeted the incoming air-to-ground rockets. Moments later, a series of explosions erupted across the sky. Not only were all the incoming missiles intercepted by Tugou's countermeasures, but nearly a quarter of the enemy fighters were also obliterated in the concentrated assault.

Xiao Feng's mouth fell open in astonishment. "Damn, Tugou, you're incredible! You actually pulled it off!"

Tugou grinned proudly. "It's nothing but a small feat."

As more enemy fighters began plummeting from the sky—some pilots ejecting to safety while others were trapped in their cabins—smoke and flames trailed from the crashing aircraft as they fell relentlessly.

While Xiao Feng basked in satisfaction, Zeus furrowed his brow in frustration. "How could this be?"

Apollo replied grimly, "That mechanical beast's firepower is overwhelming. It looks like we'll have to unleash everything these planes have to force them down. They won't surrender Black Dragon otherwise."

Zeus nodded. "So be it. Order all fighters to open fire."

Turning away, Zeus and Apollo moved toward their own aircraft, wary that such a large-scale attack could risk friendly fire if they remained grounded.

Suddenly, a figure appeared before them—Pandora, smiling slyly. "You two think you can leave without my permission?"

Both Zeus and Apollo halted, fully aware of Pandora's formidable combat prowess.

Pandora swung her long blade at Apollo's radiant energy shield. With a sharp clang, she was surprised to find the shield withstood the blow, its strength evidently enhanced since before.

Before Pandora could react further, Zeus and Apollo attempted to bypass her, but suddenly their luminous shields froze—immobilizing them.

Rush extended his hands in a commanding gesture, deftly restraining the two gods.

Above, the fighter jets dropped all their shields and unleashed a furious barrage toward Xiao Feng's position—countless missiles flooding the skies like a relentless storm.

Within Tugou's vision, innumerable red targeting reticles locked onto those incoming missiles. One by one, his miniature rockets fired, intercepting the threat in a dazzling display reminiscent of grand fireworks.

However, Tugou's ammunition was finite. After a single salvo, he exhausted his entire stockpile. Glancing at the Trident aircraft, he rose, determined to return for a reload.

Seeing this, Xiao Feng's heart sank with dread—time was running out.

Almost immediately, the enemy fighters unleashed a second volley—missiles blazing with fury, hurtling toward the ground.

Xiao Feng's heart plunged into icy despair. If those missiles hit their mark, survival would be impossible.

In the direst moment, an overwhelming barrage surged from another direction, forming an impenetrable shield that completely intercepted the assault.

Explosions erupted in a ferocious symphony, setting the heavens ablaze.

Xiao Feng turned toward the source of the interception to find a massive squadron swiftly approaching.

He raised Black Angel, peered through its scope, and smiled wryly. "Damn, they couldn't have arrived at a better time…"

The insignia emblazoned on the aircraft bore the emblem of the X Legion—the same twin-dragon X tattoo adorning Rice's chest.

This squadron hailed from Black Whale City, their planes retrofitted by engineers from Victoria Corporation. Their combat prowess surpassed the Alliance's fighters by more than double, boasting advanced radar and fire control systems, along with missiles of superior power and precision.

It was their timely arrival that halted the deadly missile storm.

The X Legion's fighters surged forward, unleashing a merciless assault on the Alliance squadrons.

Pilots of the Alliance fighters, aware of the overwhelming disparity—akin to rifles versus pistols—quickly lost morale and began to retreat en masse.

Yet it was not so simple; the X Legion pressed their advantage, initiating a ruthless encirclement. One by one, Alliance fighters were struck down from the sky.

Xiao Feng exhaled in relief as he observed the aerial carnage.

His gaze then shifted to Zeus and Apollo, who were struggling under Rush's psychic control. But both gods possessed powers surpassing Rush's; gradually, his grip weakened as they began to move toward their aircraft.

Seeing this, Xiao Feng approached Rush, extending his own psychic force to aid in restraining Zeus and Apollo.

Frowning, Xiao Feng whispered to Rush, "Together, let's try to tear through that energy shield."

Rush glanced at him in surprise. "Can it be torn?"

"We won't know unless we try…"

With that, the two men unleashed their combined psychic might upon the radiant barrier. Their powers intertwined, amplifying beyond mere addition—like two hands pulling apart a stubborn, glowing shield.

Under their immense mental strain, the once-impervious barrier began to deform, its central section thinning noticeably.

Pandora watched in astonishment as the shield's transformation unfolded. A newfound respect gleamed in her eyes as she smiled faintly, her blade shimmering with a cold glint. She struck fiercely at the weakening barrier.

With a sharp crack, Pandora's blade cleaved through the radiant shield, sending a wave of terror through Zeus and Apollo, who stood defenseless within.