Chapter 699 - 342: Three More Left

Sun Yang’s Pulse Gun opened fire first. Blue Energy Beams whistled out, accurately striking the two members of the Insect Race at the head of the charge.

They shrieked as the Energy Beams pierced their bodies, and they collapsed on the spot.

"Don’t stop! Keep up the suppressing fire!"

Li Chang’an kept his eyes fixed ahead, his Saw Chain Sword already activated and ready to engage any enemy that broke through their defensive line.

"These things are so annoying! How are they so fast?"

Han Ruoxi complained as she waved her hand, unleashing a powerful electric arc that instantly struck a member of the Insect Race trying to flank them.

The current exploded against the insect’s carapace, sending it flying sideways.

"Watch your left! Three more!"

Shen Qiuyue’s voice was calm and quick. Her sword flashed, instantly severing the head of one insect. She then spun around and pierced another through the chest.

"Qiuyue, nice one!"

Sun Yang couldn’t help but shout while firing, then followed up with a curse.

"These bugs have a death wish! Why do they keep charging like this!"

"Their goal is to pin us down and buy time for their reinforcements to arrive!"

Bai Lin said in a low voice, his eyes fixed on the terminal screen.

"We can’t get bogged down here. We have to fall back, now!"

"Hold on for one more minute!"

Li Chang’an’s Saw Chain Sword moved in a blur, cleaving a pouncing insect in two.

"Bai Lin, scan for the nearest safe route! Find the best direction for retreat!"

"Understood! Scanning now!"

Bai Lin’s fingers flew across the screen. A few seconds later, he looked up and said,

"There’s a natural canyon to the southwest! We can use it to evade the Insect Race’s pursuit!"

"Everyone, fall back! Head southwest!"

At Li Chang’an’s command, the squad quickly changed direction, gradually withdrawing from the battlefield under Sun Yang’s covering fire.

The shrieks of the Insect Race faded into the distance as the squad sprinted, finally reaching the canyon Bai Lin had mentioned.

The canyon’s terrain was complex and filled with jagged rocks, which greatly hindered the pursuit speed of the Insect Race.

"Captain, that was a close call!"

Sun Yang plopped down on a rock, panting heavily.

"I’ll never underestimate these bugs again. They’re a real pain to deal with!"

"Don’t let your guard down. Keep moving. The scout ship is just ahead!"

Li Chang’an didn’t pause for a moment. He scanned their surroundings, making sure there were no hidden dangers.

"We did well on this mission, but we still have to make it back with the intel alive!"

"Don’t worry, Captain. I’ll be on my best behavior this time. Let’s get a move on so we can get back and have a good meal!"

Sun Yang stood up, still catching his breath, and followed the team forward.

The scout ship’s hatch sealed shut as soon as the entire Insect Hunter Squad was aboard. With a hum from the engines, the vessel slowly ascended.

The whole team collapsed into the cabin seats, their gear clinking softly.

Although everyone was silent, a palpable sense of exhaustion filled the cabin.

"Captain, can we file a request when we get back? I think we deserve some extra hazard pay after a mission like this!"

Sun Yang took off his helmet and fanned himself with his hand, complaining without a care in the world.

"Look at us this time—pursuit, ambush, retreat. We did the whole nine yards! It’d be outrageous if command didn’t give us some kind of bonus, right?"

"Sun Yang, can you just be quiet for a minute?"

Shen Qiuyue looked up, her gaze sweeping coolly over him.

"The bonus is secondary. Shouldn’t you be more concerned with improving your combat skills? Back at the cliff face, you missed three shots!"

"So what if I missed three shots?"

Sun Yang retorted indignantly.

"That was tactical suppression! I was deliberately drawing the bugs’ fire, okay? Otherwise, do you think your fancy sword moves would have gone so smoothly?"

"Oh, then I suppose I should thank you!"

Shen Qiuyue’s tone was even, but her face showed no hint of gratitude.

"But next time you decide to use ’tactical suppression,’ remember to give me a heads-up so I don’t mistake it for you just missing!"

"You..."

Sun Yang was at a loss for words and turned to Li Chang’an.

"Captain, look at her attitude! Is this appropriate? This squad is supposed to be about teamwork and cooperation. How am I supposed to perform at my best when she’s always being so sarcastic!"

"The cooperation might go a lot smoother if you talked less nonsense!"

Li Chang’an took off his gloves and patted the safety belt next to his seat, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.

"The mission went quite well, but Sun Yang, there’s definitely room for improvement with your Pulse Gun. When we get back to base, hand it over to the logistics department and have it recalibrated!"

"Now you’re criticizing me too, Captain?"

Sun Yang spread his hands with a look of resignation.

"Fine, fine, I get it. I’ll get it fixed when we get back. But hey, even if I missed a few, I still took down a lot of bugs, right? At least it was more efficient than those few electric arcs from Ruo Xi!"

"Sun Yang! What’s that supposed to mean?"

Han Ruoxi immediately sat up straight, her face a mask of indignation.

"My arcs take out enemies in one hit! It takes you half the day to land a headshot with that gun of yours, and you have the nerve to criticize me?"

"Your arcs might be powerful, but their range is too small. If we’re hit with a swarm of bugs, can you really hold them off?"

A corner of Sun Yang’s mouth lifted as he retorted smugly.

"We’re all about comprehensive coverage here. Your damage output just doesn’t cut it!"

"Comprehensive coverage? Fine. Next time, why don’t you take on the Insect Race by yourself while I watch from the sidelines?"

Han Ruoxi raised an eyebrow, looking eager to see it happen.

"Aren’t you so ’comprehensive’? Let’s see how you handle it all alone!"

"That’s enough!"

Li Chang’an cut off their argument, glancing up at them.