Chapter 667: Capturing the Black Monsters, Mist, and Cutting Off the Tail to Survive

Fifteen arcs of electromagnetic energy crackled as they shot out from the launchers on the magnetic explosion combat vehicles.

In an instant, they reached the two monsters.

Seven arcs locked onto the crocodile-ape, while eight arcs locked onto the giant wolf.

The electromagnetic arcs transformed into chains, wrapping around the necks, limbs, and tails of the two monsters.

A foul stench began to permeate the air.

Black mist continuously billowed out from the areas bound by the electromagnetic arcs.

The two monsters struggled desperately, but the electromagnetic arcs released by the magnetic explosion vehicles began linking together.

Electricity jumped and connected between the arcs.

A massive net formed by electromagnetic arcs gradually took shape in the air.

Enveloping both monsters completely.

"We got them!"

Ladiz watched the two monsters trapped by the capture net and punched the air in excitement.

The trace of black energy in his eyes grew even denser under the surge of emotion.

"Drag these two monsters out of here. We're leaving this area to conduct the capture."

Ladiz was well aware that these two monsters were far more valuable alive than dead.

He had never seen creatures like this before—seemingly liquid, yet capable of changing shape, melting, and refusing to die.

Prey like this would surely be eagerly sought after by those biological civilizations for research.

"These creatures have to be sold to some big shot at Silver Rank. Only Silver Rank players can handle dangerous things like this."

Ladiz began filtering through the list of players he would need to contact later.

The magnetic explosion combat vehicles received Ladiz's orders and began steadily backing away.

Using the electromagnetic capture net, they dragged the two monsters away from the area where the black liquid resided.

The two monsters tried to bite at the electromagnetic arcs.

But their necks, limbs, and tails were all wrapped in electromagnetic chains, making effective movement impossible.

Massive amounts of black energy rose from the bound areas, gathering in the sky above.

The dissipating energy turned into thin mist, spreading outward in all directions.

Part of it hid within the light radiating from the electromagnetic arcs, creeping toward the magnetic explosion combat vehicles.

None of this drew anyone's attention. Everyone's focus remained on the two captured monsters.

Finally, when the two monsters were dragged to the edge of the black liquid's area.

An unexpected problem arose.

"What's going on?"

"Leader, these two monsters can't be separated from the black liquid. They seem to be one with it, possessing powerful mutual attraction. The magnetic explosion vehicles' power can't overcome this force."

Ladiz saw it on the screen.

The bodies of the two monsters were intimately connected to the black liquid.

No matter how hard the electromagnetic capture net pulled, they couldn't budge an inch.

All fifteen magnetic explosion combat vehicles were running at full power, their tires already spinning in place.

Yet they couldn't move a single step further.

"No. I'm taking these two monsters with me, no matter what."

Ladiz's resolve had never been stronger.

"Laser tank units, aim at the connection points between the monsters and the black liquid, and blast them..."

The laser tanks began charging. Blue beams of light slammed into the ground where it connected with the monsters.

Roar—

Shrieks tore from the mouths of both monsters.

Just as Ladiz had predicted, under the laser tanks' assault, cracks were torn open in the connections between the black liquid and the monsters.

Then, under sustained bombardment.

The connections between the monsters and the black liquid finally snapped.

Now, the magnetic explosion vehicles had no more restraint holding them back. They reversed at full speed.

The two monsters, which had been thrashing wildly, went limp the instant their connection to the black liquid was severed—like toys whose power had been cut off.

"Haha, I knew it!" Ladiz watched the two monsters being dragged away, overflowing with excitement.

But Ladiz's excitement didn't last long.

"Leader, something's happening with the two monsters."

A subordinate's slightly panicked voice rang out.

Ladiz hurriedly looked.

He saw the two monsters inside the electromagnetic capture net begin to disintegrate inch by inch.

Their previously vibrant bodies started crumbling away like stone walls weathered for a billion years.

Soon after hitting the ground, they transformed into black mist, rising back into the air and merging with the mass of black fog above that was already pressing down like a gathering storm cloud.

"When... when did this happen?"

Ladiz stared at the churning, rolling black mist.

His gaze shifted to the [Inert Storage Box] before him.

Looking at the black energy inside—which, even under the inert effect, still maintained powerful activity and aggressive tendencies.

A foreboding feeling finally took shape.

"Damn it!" Ladiz realized what was happening.

He gave orders in the team channel.

"Everyone, get out of here immediately! Move, move, move!"

Three rapid "move" commands were enough to convey Ladiz's current state of mind.

Over a hundred mechanical combat vehicles responded instantly.

In truth, by this point, the soldiers had already sensed something was wrong.

But...

"Damn, my vehicle won't move."

"Mine too. The vehicle isn't responding."

"Same here..."

The soldiers discovered that thirty or forty combat vehicles were all frozen in place, completely uncontrollable.

These were all vehicles that had been in close proximity to the two monsters during the earlier fight.

Thick black liquid had surfaced between the wheels and mechanical components of these vehicles.

The liquid crept and spread slowly, crippling both the drivetrain and control systems entirely.

Bang—

Ladiz slammed his fist hard against the desk as he watched the situation on screen.

He had no time to think about when or how the black liquid had entered the vehicles' drive systems.

The only thing on his mind now was this.

How to get out of here with minimal losses.

"Soldiers in the disabled vehicles, evacuate immediately. Teams Three and Four, move in to provide support. Teams Five and Six, cover them."

"Sir, yes sir!"

Soldiers threw open their doors and scrambled out of their vehicles, fleeing for their lives.

Over thirty combat vehicles raced in from the distance to pick them up.

Everyone knew this was an emergency. Each person ran with everything they had, desperate to get away from the vehicles.

Their ecological armor's performance output was maxed out.

But just as the soldiers leaped from their doors and made it five or six meters out.

The black liquid lurking in the wheels and drive mechanisms—like a predator that had spotted its prey.

Completely abandoned its previous sluggish demeanor.

Black tentacles shot out like lightning, wrapping around the soldiers.

Amidst their screams, they were dragged back.

"No, save me..."

The soldiers let out despairing wails.

Zap, zap—

Some soldiers refused to give up. They raised their laser rifles and pulled the triggers at the black tentacles coiled around them.

The laser beams struck the black tentacles but had no effect whatsoever, simply refracting away.

Others were decisively ruthless.

They pressed their rifles against their own thighs and fired repeatedly, hoping to cut off the tail to survive.

But the ecological armor they wore was incredibly protective and sealed tight—it had to be, to withstand temperatures of minus eighty-something degrees Celsius.

Before the laser beams could even penetrate the armor, the black liquid had completely engulfed the soldiers.

Amidst voices full of terror and despair, it swallowed them whole.

Screech—

The support vehicles slammed on their brakes in a panic, then quickly reversed.

Seeing this, Ladiz had no intention of lingering either.

"Everyone, retreat now!"

The convoy immediately pulled out.

And just as they backed away, the mass of black mist in the sky underwent a new change...