Chapter 30: The Mad Stones, Section 6

Under the cover of darkness, the massive Black City remained bustling. Countless Stone Warrior figures emerged from the utter blackness and swiftly rose into the sky. They were extremely busy, pouring every ounce of their strength into this war that determined the fate of their race. They all knew that if they failed to repel the warships lurking in outer space, extinction awaited them.

Yet none backed down, nor did anyone feel fear. For these stone beings, there seemed to be no difference between life and death—just as it had been countless years ago, and so it would be in the years to come. The huge stone axes reflected a cold glow in the dim light, their broad palms clenched tightly. Beneath their heavy stone helmets, each warrior’s gaze was unwavering. They believed in their own strength, as if it could break through anything. Their hurried footsteps shook the entire ground, like a violent tide…

Yet none of them imagined that, while they struggled to confront their attackers, above them, a group of equally massive figures were flying silently. Their eyes were just as cold, and their weapons just as icy. But unlike the Stone Warriors, these massive figures maintained absolute composure, like gods watching over the busy, ignorant creatures below—without pity or remorse. Everything was calm and merciless.

“Three hundred meters away… Coordinates reached. Target locked. Preliminary scan shows it’s a thousand meters underground. Success rate for a straight assault is 3%. We don’t have large-scale drilling weapons and need more accurate information,” reported the pirate in charge of reconnaissance, his voice as calm as a machine.

“Abandon the straight assault. Look for an entrance. Also, is the detailed scan report ready?” Blackhair replied coldly, his tone devoid of any emotional fluctuation. Beside him, Graysand widened his eyes in surprise. It was the first time he had seen such peculiar warriors—having two completely different appearances, one in battle and one at rest. The style of Blackhair and the others once again shook this little creature’s heart.

“The detailed report is ready. But due to the lack of accurate information, further evaluation is still needed. Now, three more energy fluctuation points have appeared. Besides the one in the northeast initially, there are similar fluctuating energy points in the southwest, northwest, and southeast of the city, though their frequency and power are much lower. They are likely backup energy sources or defense field generators. But most probably, they are amplification devices for that northeast energy point.” As the pirate reported, he swiftly manipulated the control panel in front of him. From Hei Fa’s perspective, he could even clearly see the sweat drops on his forehead.

“Nervous? Maybe? Such a blind raid is indeed a major weakness in any operation. Without intelligence, we’re like blind people. If it weren’t for the advanced scanning system, we probably still wouldn’t have any clue by now.”

Hei Fa pondered for a moment before suddenly turning to Hui Tu beside him.

“If my subordinates need to go to the energy point in the northeast, can you maintain their camouflage?”

“I can do it for fifteen minutes. After that, my abilities won’t be enough,” Hui Tu replied, drenched in sweat, his little heart pounding violently in his chest. His voice was distorted from nervousness.

“Fifteen minutes…” Hei Fa estimated the direction of the northeast in the city and roughly assessed the defensive capabilities of the Rock Warriors. He couldn’t help but shake his head.

Because he knew his plan was likely to fail again.

Fifteen minutes—if Xue Tong led a few subordinates to raid the energy point in the northeast to create chaos, it might be possible with their powerful firepower, but it would definitely not be enough time to return. Given the number and defensive capabilities of the Rock Warriors, even with Xue Tong’s strong firepower, by the time they destroyed that energy point, his camouflage would likely have worn off. And if they suddenly appeared, their only fate would be to be torn to pieces by the chaotic axes.

Thinking of this, Hei Fa sighed deeply and was about to give up on the plan. But unexpectedly, Xue Tong spoke up.

“I’ll go.”

“What?” Hei Fa was stunned. He looked in Xue Tong’s direction. At that moment, against the dark sky, the blood-red mech resembled a dark red demon god, silently floating beside him. Its heavy equipment made it appear bulky, yet it exuded an extremely fierce aura, as if it had just crawled out of a sea of blood.

“I’ll go to the energy point in the northeast. As long as it can be destroyed there, things should go more smoothly for you, right? Fifteen minutes is enough. I just need ten brothers to accompany me.”

“I’ll go with Blood-Pupil Boss!” a loud-mouthed pirate spoke up. It was none other than the mighty pirate who had shown great strength at the Dragon Gate Inn. Behind him, several other pirates also raised their hands to volunteer.

Seeing this, Black Hair fell silent. He knew very well that Blood-Pupil and these pirates must understand the significance of their mission and the great risks involved. Yet, to ensure this infiltration wasn’t in vain, for that Light and Dark Stone whose location was still unknown, they voluntarily made such a dangerous decision. Black Hair really didn’t know how to respond.

In a sense, wasn’t their behavior nothing short of seeking death? The fifteen minutes Blood-Pupil mentioned were enough—probably that’s what he meant.

Just to achieve their goal, without any intention of retreating? Those fifteen minutes were indeed sufficient.

Silently, he unstrapped the subspace backpack from his back and took out the equipment one by one. Black Hair said nothing, but his actions spoke louder than words. He attached each piece of spare equipment to Blood-Pupil and the ten pirates’ mechs, then personally connected them to the power supply. Watching the energy crystals flow through the conduits, he slowly patted Blood-Pupil and the others on the shoulder.

Blood-Pupil and the rest remained silent. They stood there quietly in midair, allowing Black Hair to finish all the preparations. They let the best defense systems of the Black Prison gang, those that could only be used at the last moment, be attached to their mechs. Until the Hand of the Killing Emperor landed on their shoulders. Everyone’s eyes grew moist.

They were a group of pirates—pirates whom no one pitied, yet almost everyone hated. Perhaps there was a bounty of hundreds of thousands, even millions of crystals on each of their heads.

They were a bunch of thugs, thugs who made all the nobles furious. Maybe somewhere in the distant starfields, on a noble planet, some noble lord was still cursing them.

But at this moment, they were willing to fight to the death for humanity’s right to survive.

No one knew about their sacrifices, nor did anyone understand the meaning of their existence. All they had was Black Hair’s warm hands and absolute trust.

Was it worth it?

Nonsense. Who would even think about such a question?

Watching Blood-Pupil and the others disappear rapidly from sight, Black Hair stood there in silence. After a long while, he turned to look at the gray dust beside him.

“We must ensure their disguise, no matter what the cost. Even if all the negative energy crystals are used up, you must make sure they return.”

“I’ll do my best…” Ashen Soil’s small face turned completely pale. After what had just happened, it fully understood what kind of people these were. Yet, for some reason, a desire surged within it—a fierce desire to integrate into this group.

Fifteen minutes passed in an instant. As Black Hair silently counted the time, just as the third batch of Rock Warriors appeared in the Black City beneath their feet, a deafening explosion suddenly rang out in the northeast corner of the city. A visible stream of fiery red energy shot upward like a fire dragon, rushing straight toward the top of the cave. At the same time, the entire Black City seemed to shake; countless buildings were lifted off the ground and sent flying into the air. The orderly Rock Warriors immediately fell into chaos, with countless figures rushing from all directions toward the northeast!

“It’s time,” Black Hair snapped coldly, pressing the red button in front of him. The Standing Emperor in mid-air immediately turned upside down. Meanwhile, the engine exhaust cover behind him swung open, and a bucket-sized stream of blue energy gushed out!!

Like a group of demons descending from the sky, Black Hair and the others instantly crossed 500 meters and appeared at their target location. There, a tower just as tall as the Dead City stood before them. Near the tower’s entrance, there were dozens of Rock Guards on duty!!

Without hesitation or mercy, almost the moment they landed, dozens of blade lights cutting through the darkness struck those Rock Guards fiercely. The Blood Wolf Mech’s unique long blades once again demonstrated their invincible power. Those poor Rock Warriors didn’t even have time to see who was attacking them before they were torn into pieces. A broken stone axe spun through the air in a perfect parabola before landing at the feet of the Standing Emperor. But Black Hair didn’t even bother to look at it. With a gesture of his finger, the Blood Wolf Pirates rushed madly into the dark tower entrance!!

Everything seemed to be repeating itself—just like in the Dead City. Behind the tower entrance was still that downward corridor. But this time, there were no terrifying mirages to hide behind. Aside from a few Rock Guards, Black Hair and the others encountered no resistance at all. Under Ashen Soil’s cover, those poor guards didn’t even get a chance to see them. A blade flash suddenly appearing in the empty corridor would instantly sever their heads!!

Speed, speed, and more speed!!

The scenery before him was rapidly receding. The mighty Killing Emperor was now as agile as a clever monkey. Just 40 seconds after entering the tower, he dashed down the nearly thousand-meter-long passage at lightning speed, wiping out all the guards along the way with devastating force. Even before the tower’s alarm sounded, he had already reached the largest gate at the deepest part. He thrust his hands forward and pressed them firmly against it!!
“Boom!!” Countless pellets were ejected……