Chapter 27 - Twenty-Seven: The Pursuers
Watching an [Iron Eagle] armored battle aircraft of the Imperial Army screaming past overhead, Tian Xingjian breathed a sigh of relief. The reconnaissance system of such a battle aircraft could not identify [Antenna]'s camouflage, and the biological radar capable of distinguishing between humans and animals could only be loaded on medium-sized ships. Furthermore, high-speed aircraft faced numerous limitations when flying in mountainous terrains, making ultra-low altitude flights very difficult. As long as this aircraft didn't land on the treetops, it would be impossible for it to detect the team hidden in this mountainous forest.
Sure enough, the [Iron Eagle] circled back and forth in the air, conducting a clockwise search centered on a tunnel. Although it flew over the team several times, it ultimately found nothing and left.
After regrouping, the team moved even faster. Once the [Iron Eagle] left, the Imperial Army would undoubtedly use other reconnaissance methods and send mechas to search this area. The team needed to reach the designated attack point and acquire the necessary weapons and equipment before the enemy discovered them. Otherwise, they would be trapped in the mountains, and food shortages alone could render this team completely combat ineffective.
However, the Imperial Army seemed determined to eliminate this team. Their aerial reconnaissance continued incessantly. Dozens of aircraft conducted carpet searches. Perhaps satellite detection found the tunnel, and the Imperial Army's attention was finally diverted. [Logic]'s holographic radar showed that the Imperial Army was searching in the opposite direction along the tunnel.
Without a sound, the team followed silently behind [Anger]. The mountainous roads were winding and difficult. Although mechas cleared the way, the steep cliffs, protruding rocks, and slippery moss and mud continually created problems. Moreover, human stamina was ultimately limited. Those with weaker constitutions, who really couldn't keep up, were carried by the mechas. After a short rest, they immediately jumped down to give others the opportunity to rest.
Despite the arduous journey ahead filled with countless unknown dangers, everyone gritted their teeth and persevered, advancing step by step toward their goal.
As dusk fell, Tian Xingjian had already led the team around the mountains and deep into the mountainous area. They just needed to cross one more mountain range to the northeast to reach the Imperial Logistics Base. The Federation's air power could roughly provide support there. Although relatively safe, Fatty didn't feel any relief. On the contrary, an uneasy feeling grew stronger over time, and his sixth sense signaled danger.
[Antenna] stopped, its detection radar on its head continuously rotating and emitting a beeping warning sound. In the sky, an Imperial Army's small transport ship with a peculiar emblem was flying west towards the mid-slope where the team had just passed. Everyone watched the Imperial Transport Ship intently, not knowing why it appeared here. Could they have already been discovered by the Imperial Army?
Tian Xingjian's heart sank. The real pursuers had arrived. The mid-slope of that small mountain was the only path centered on the tunnel to the Federation-controlled area. Though the towering mountains on both sides appeared flat, the geological issues made mecha operations impossible. This information was obtained through [Logic]'s geological analysis. Therefore, this small transport ship flying directly to the critical spot indicated it had brought truly keen-sensed Fierce Beasts. And that strange fierce Heavenly God's emblem was unmistakably the Mythical Army's insignia.