Volume 6 Chapter 145
by Golden DragonVolume 6 + Chapter 145: The Adam Plains
The elite reconnaissance squad traveled toward the Adam Plains aboard a specialized vehicle.
Unlike conventional magical-beast vehicles, it had no wheels.
Instead, it hovered slightly above the ground, gliding across the plains at high speed.
It was known as a Hovercraft.
Although it was inferior to traditional modified beast vehicles in terms of durability, armament, and terrain adaptability, it possessed one unique advantage:
Silence.
Among all transportation methods, it generated the least noise while moving, making it exceptionally suitable for reconnaissance missions. It could travel without attracting the attention of nearby magical beasts.
This technology was a research achievement unique to Maginot Fortress.
Whenever elite reconnaissance teams ventured into the Adam Plains, these hovercrafts were their preferred vehicles.
“Everyone, this mission is extremely important. There is absolutely no room for mistakes. The future of Maginot Fortress may depend on it!”
The squad captain stood and addressed the team.
“Our objective is to investigate the condition of the super-colossal Calamity Beast within the Adam Plains and determine whether it has entered an awakened, active state.”
“That beast has remained dormant for as long as anyone can remember. No one knows what kind of catastrophe will occur if it becomes active. What we do know is that it would almost certainly trigger a massive beast tide.”
“Maginot Fortress must prepare for such a possibility in advance. That is why we have been sent to investigate.”
After hearing the captain’s explanation, every elite soldier aboard the hovercraft became visibly serious.
“Did everyone hear me?”
“Yes, Captain!” the team answered in unison.
“Good. Excellent.”
The captain nodded with satisfaction.
“Everyone is coming back alive. No one gets left behind.”
…
The elite reconnaissance squad arrived at the Adam Plains aboard their hovercraft.
The plains stretched endlessly before them, teeming with countless Calamity Beasts, a sight that inspired instinctive dread.
“Captain, we’ve reached the outer perimeter of the Adam Plains.”
“Deploy the decoys immediately!” the captain ordered.
“Yes, sir!”
Several alchemical creatures were released from the hovercraft and flew off in different directions.
The Calamity Beasts of the plains reacted instantly, like hunting hounds catching the scent of blood.
As soon as they detected the alchemical creatures, they surged after them.
The decoys worked exactly as intended.
Most of the Calamity Beasts around the outer region were lured away, creating an opening for the reconnaissance squad to advance deeper into the plains.
However, the decoys would not last long.
Once every decoy was destroyed, the beasts would regroup and converge once more.
The squad had to complete its mission before that happened.
Otherwise, they would be surrounded.
The hovercraft sped toward an area with relatively fewer beasts.
Gradually, a massive depression in the terrain came into view.
“Captain, we’re approaching the target zone!”
“Separate the hovercraft! The main vehicle will lure away the beasts within the target area. Old Ma and I will take the auxiliary craft and investigate the super-colossal Calamity Beast directly!”
“Understood!”
The elite soldiers immediately got to work.
The hovercraft split apart, revealing a smaller auxiliary craft capable of carrying two people.
The captain and a seasoned veteran named Master jumped aboard and departed.
Meanwhile, lights flashed across the main vehicle.
Its speakers activated, releasing magically amplified sound waves into the depression below.
The sound was specifically designed to attract Calamity Beasts.
To make absolutely certain the creatures noticed, they circled the area several times.
The moment the beasts heard the signal, they poured out in force and began pursuing the main vehicle.
Seizing the opportunity, the captain guided the auxiliary craft into the depression.
They descended along the slope and plunged deep beneath the surface.
When they reached a section of rugged terrain too complex for the hovercraft to navigate further, they stopped.
The two men disembarked, shouldered specialized backpacks, and continued forward on foot.
“This place is disgusting,” Master spat. “Even after coming here before, I still can’t stand it.”
They stood within a colossal underground cavern.
Contrary to expectations, it was not completely dark.
Transparent egg-like sacs embedded in the walls glowed like light bulbs, casting an unsettling dark-purple radiance across the surroundings.
Inside each egg was a developing Calamity Beast embryo.
A glance around revealed the horrifying truth:
The entire cavern was a gigantic Calamity Beast hatchery.
“I really want to destroy every single one of these things.”
“Easy, Old Ma. Endure it for now,” the captain replied. “With our current combat strength, we can’t wipe out these larvae. Let’s keep moving downward.”
“Right.”
Master nodded.
Weapons in hand, the two men continued deeper underground.
Their weapons were not powerful enough to kill Calamity Beasts in a single strike.
However, they contained a special substance known as Calamity-Repelling Fluid.
The liquid caused intense irritation to the beasts and could effectively disrupt and distract them.
This was their primary method of surviving if they were surrounded.
Large reserves of the fluid were stored aboard the vehicle.
Should anything go wrong, they could retreat to the craft, regroup with the main vehicle, and withdraw from the Adam Plains.
“Captain,” Master called out.
“What is it?”
“I’ve decided to propose to my girlfriend.”
“So you’ve finally worked up the courage to propose, wait, no. We’re in the middle of a mission. Stay focused and stop chatting. Take this seriously!” the captain scolded.
“Alright, alright. I’ll stop,” Master laughed. “But once we get back, I’m buying drinks for the entire squad. Captain, you’d better show up. We can all brainstorm the best way for me to propose.”
“Fine, fine. Once we’re back, I’ll go drinking with you,” the captain replied helplessly.
The two men were close as brothers.
They had fought and survived countless life-and-death situations together, forging an unshakable bond.
Knowing that his friend had finally decided to propose to the woman he had loved for so long genuinely made him happy.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Suddenly, a rhythmic sound echoed from deep beneath the earth.
Both men froze.
They exchanged a glance, and tension instantly filled the air.
“Captain… could that be…?”
“Let’s go check it out. Now!”
The captain broke into a run, with Master right behind him.
In previous investigations, the reconnaissance squad had never ventured this deep.
They had always limited themselves to relatively safe zones.
This mission was different.
They needed more precise intelligence.
Risking everything, the captain and Master descended beyond the deepest point ever reached by prior expeditions.
Then they saw it.
The moment the scene came into view, the captain fell silent.
His breathing quickened.
His heart pounded violently.
Master’s face was filled with disbelief.
His entire body trembled involuntarily.
“W-What… what is that thing?!” he cried out. “I’m not seeing things, am I?!”
[Translator’s Note: Please join the Gravity Tales’ Discord Server, if you want to hang out.]
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