Chapter 243: A Shift in Tactics
The Swarm creatures in the pit, shielded by the bodies of their comrades, pressed forward relentlessly under heavy fire, inching closer to the pit’s edge.
“Deploy heavy firepower support! Deploy the flamethrowers!” ordered the field commander, calm despite the situation.
The gunboats, already primed, unleashed thicker, more intense red energy beams, bombarding the Swarm below. Along the pit’s edge, heavily armored flamethrower troops advanced, directing streams of fuel downward. With the help of accelerants, roaring flames erupted, incinerating the leading Swarm creatures. Some fell off the walls, while others burned as they clung to the dirt.
Combined with the aerial bombardment, the assault was repelled, driving the Swarm back into their tunnels.
The day passed in cycles of attack and defense. Though the Swarm launched several charges, they achieved no significant breakthroughs. In the end, they retreated to their burrows, signaling the battle’s conclusion.
This skirmish dealt a heavy blow to the Swarm, leaving tens of thousands of carcasses behind. Conversely, the Rikens suffered no fatalities, with only minor injuries, most caused by friendly fire. This victory marked an overwhelming success.
To celebrate, the Rikens held a small feast. Special forces hunted over a hundred Bull Demons, which were prepared for the event. Every participant in the construction and combat efforts had their fill—a rare treat of natural meat that many Rikens had never tasted in their lifetimes.
Time flew, and by the third night, the pit had deepened to 70 meters and expanded to nearly a square kilometer in area. That evening, the Swarm launched another suicidal charge. However, the seasoned and well-prepared Riken troops easily repelled the attack, incinerating and obliterating countless Swarm creatures. This time, there was no panic among the ranks, nor even accidental injuries.
“They seem to have exhausted their tactics,” a captain commented during a discussion, watching a live video feed.