Cosmic Demon

Chapter 303 The Western Front's Top Combat Force Kills the Mother of All Knowledge!
Qin Shi stepped into the C-3 logistics warehouse. The huge alloy gate was open, and the interior space was as spacious as a factory.

Rows of towering alloy shelves resembled a steel forest, piled high with ammunition boxes, energy battery packs, and sealed supply crates of various sizes.

Automated robotic arms glide silently along tracks, precisely grabbing and moving goods.

"As expected of a fortified city that concentrates 70% of the high-level resources on the western front."

Qin Shi stood upright at the entrance, looking towards the collection window where a short queue of officers and technical sergeants had formed.

"Boss, I can handle the queuing."

"Others would think I'm some pampered soldier who's just here to get some experience."

Qin Shi and Long Qiuyuan walked to the end of the line.

He sensed that not everyone recognized him as a first-class combat hero.

It might be due to his young age and low rank.

Many senior officers in Ironthorn Fortress held a skeptical and scrutinizing attitude.

Qin Shi, through his powerful mind, vaguely sensed this subtle emotional fluctuation.

"Please, boss, you've defeated Blood River Typhon, a fourth-level disaster! Isn't that enough to convince everyone?"

Long Qiuyuan muttered to himself.

"It was a repulsion, but not a killing; it still falls short."

Qin Shi shrugged, saying that the army was a melting pot, not an assembly line.

It can forge a rough blank into steel, but it cannot change the nature of another person.

Those who enter the realm of the extraordinary at the professional level are all strong individuals with unwavering will and a steadfast commitment to their chosen path.

They never easily change their views and beliefs because of external influences.

Unless Qin Shi proves himself with concrete actions!
Moreover, Li Hang's reminder also fully illustrates that the internal ecology of Ironthorn Fortress City is very complex.

It's like a small society, full of problems such as resource scarcity, a multitude of experts, and high pressure on the front lines.

Therefore, friction and conflict are inevitable.

"The three teams just withdrew from the maze, and I heard that the casualties were very heavy."

"That place is really weird. Not only are the fighting forces scattered, but there are also all sorts of strange monsters!"

While we were completely clueless, those dependent creatures had the home-field advantage, sigh…

The two lieutenants at the front of the line were clearly acquainted and were talking in hushed tones, their voices heavy.

One was a fifth-dan early stage cultivator, with his arms wrapped in bandages, and was slightly older:
"Anyway, we've filled in quite a few people so far, but we haven't gotten much intelligence."

The other one, around level four, was younger, but had sunken eyes and a pale complexion.

"Only the first and second teams are strong enough to withstand the pressure and have managed to uncover some information."

It is said that the most terrifying opponent in the fourth match is the 'Dark Blood Hunter', which is elusive, good at hiding, and impossible to detect.

"Of the five stages, the most troublesome are the 'Shadow Beasts.' They can continuously split into offspring, and you can't kill them all..."

The older lieutenant smiled wryly:

"I heard that Team Seven was unlucky and was matched into the Shadow Beast's Nest. They suffered heavy losses, and few of them came back alive."

Qin Shi heard all these discussions and realized that the Maze had indeed brought great trouble to the western front.

If it weren't for the repeated setbacks and defeats, the command would not have launched Operation Breaking Army.

This move is tantamount to going all in, betting everything on Ironthorn Fortress.

The team moved forward, and Long Qiuyuan came to the window and negotiated with a logistics officer.

The latter, referring to the entries on the data panel, said:

"Given your rank, you can only be issued according to the standard for junior officers."

Clearly, the logistics officer recognized Qin Shi and knew that he was a first-class combat hero on the western front.

But in Ironthorn Fortress, rank is more important than honor.

It's impossible to make an exception for Qin Shi alone, as that would provoke dissatisfaction from other high-ranking officers.

"The standard rations for a second lieutenant are too meager. They should at least be upgraded to captain's rank."

Long Qiuyuan frowned slightly, noting that even the rank of a lieutenant was not fixed.

According to the regulations, the boss could only receive the lowest level of military supplies.

The logistics officer was in a dilemma. Although Lieutenant Qin was the idol of all the new recruits on the western front, he did not have the ability to change the regulations.

"It's alright. The supplies for a captain and a second lieutenant are not much different to me."

Qin Shi walked over, and his appearance made the logistics officer subconsciously straighten his back.

The latter's gaze swept over the young face and the lieutenant's epaulets, slightly softening the formality and revealing a hint of passion:
"Lieutenant Qin."

He raised his hand in salute.

"Ah."

Qin Shi nodded, his gaze sweeping over the supplies and landing deep inside the warehouse.

He could sense that it contained something with even stronger energy fluctuations, but it was clearly out of his reach.

Ironthorn Fortress's resource allocation rules are ruthless and direct, and no one can openly challenge them.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Qin Shi returned the salute and instructed Long Qiuyuan to pack up the meager supplies for a second lieutenant and take them with him.

Just then, heavy footsteps came from the other side of the warehouse.

A squad of soldiers wearing dark green heavy combat exoskeletons walked in, led by an exceptionally burly, bald man with the rank of major clearly visible on his shoulder insignia.

His eyes, sharp as an eagle's, swept across the warehouse with a scrutinizing and self-righteous sense of dominance.

The team members behind them exuded a fierce aura, with the lowest being a professional-level fifth dan, clearly forming an elite squad with top-notch combat power.

The bald major scanned the warehouse, glancing over Qin Shi and Long Qiuyuan, only pausing briefly at Qin Shi's rank of lieutenant before moving on.

He walked straight into the depths of the warehouse, casually showing his identification to the logistics officer, and said in a loud voice, "Sixth Squad, code 'Rock Solid'. I need three Lava Essences and a set of 'Heavenly Soldier' ​​Type III heavy power armor to collect the corps-level combat supplies!"

The logistics officer confirmed that everything was correct.

"Major, please wait a moment, we'll prepare it for you shortly."

He skillfully operated the terminal and accessed permissions.

The automated shelving deep inside the warehouse began to move, grabbing silver-white metal boxes and power armor components.

The bald major casually glanced at Qin Shi's group again, and a slight smile appeared on his lips as he looked at the pitiful standard rations of the second lieutenants.

After receiving his combat supplies, he took out a Lava Marrow and threw it to the team members behind him.

"You guys are lucky to be following me. No junior officer gets to enjoy such high-level military supplies!"

Long Qiuyuan pursed his lips, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

As the boss, there's no reason for him to tolerate this kind of treatment.

Qin Shi ignored the bald major's provocative actions and said to Long Qiuyuan:
"Pack your things and head to the dormitory area to meet up."

……

……

The officers' quarters in Sector D-7 are located in the rear part of Fortified City. The passageways are narrow and dimly lit.

The number 742 on the door gleamed faintly on the cold metal door.

Ye Xiaotang swiped her card to open the door and looked around at the furnishings inside. They weren't much better than those at the Anvil Outpost.

The space isn't spacious, but it's very clean.

The alloy bed is fixed to the wall, with simple tables and chairs placed there, and storage cabinets embedded in the wall to store various equipment.

“Boss, I heard that all officers at the rank of colonel live in detached villas…” Ye Xiaotang pouted and turned to look at Qin Shi and Long Qiuyuan, who had joined her.

"If you want to live in a big house, you can find a cadet and join his team."

Qin Shi said jokingly.

"I just feel it's not fair. Boss, you've done a great service on the Western Front..."

Ye Xiaotang grumbled and complained.

“I can’t rest on my laurels forever. Don’t worry, I’ll upgrade my single room in the dormitory to a detached villa in a week at most.”

Qin Shi was full of confidence. He was waiting for an opportunity to make a name for himself. The Maze stretched across the front line, with countless creatures as his followers, which would help him increase his "achievements".

"You should be able to get dorm rooms too. The briefing is about to start, I'll head over first."

Qin Shi glanced at his personal terminal. There were still twenty minutes left before the operational briefing meeting in Hall 7 of Area A.

"Boss, we..."

Long Qiuyuan was helpless, as they were not qualified to attend such core meetings as non-full-time attendants.

"Stand by, organize supplies, silence communications, and wait for my return."

Qin Shi gave the order.

He straightened his uniform collar, turned around, and went out.

Area A is the core functional area. The passageways are wider, the floors are as smooth as mirrors, and the walls are fitted with illuminated indicator panels.

The interior was heavily guarded, with soldiers in well-equipped power armor standing like statues, and patrols at every key entrance.

Qin Shi walked at a leisurely pace, his journey unimpeded.

The heavy alloy door to the A-7 briefing room was tightly closed, and there were no signs on the door.

Qin Shi walked to the door, and a red light shot out from the inconspicuous scanning hole on the side, quickly scanning my identity card.

"Identity confirmed: Lieutenant Qin Shi."

Permissions: Participant in Operation Breaking Army.

Entry is permitted.

A cold, electronic synthesized sound rang out.

Even in the most polluted deep areas, electronic instruments can be used, consuming enormous amounts of energy.

This fortified city of ironthorns probably consumed most of the resources of the western front.

The heavy alloy door slid open silently, and Qin Shi walked inside.

The conference room wasn't particularly large, but its ceiling was surprisingly high.

A large holographic sand table occupied the wall directly opposite the door, clearly projecting the specific situation on the western front.

Qin Shi spotted it immediately; that area, resembling a dark red sore, must be the labyrinth that was giving the command headquarters such a headache.

At the core of the sand table, a huge, constantly pulsating pink dot of light is highlighted, with countless fine energy lines extending outwards from it, resembling a neural network.

They covered the entire dark red area.

Qin Shi stepped into the conference hall for the combat briefing right on time.

The room was already full of people, and a stagnant, heavy, mercury-like pressure swept over us.

The light on the model was the only source of light in the room, and the dozen or so figures below looked like statues standing in the shadows.

Standing in front of the sand table was an elderly man with the rank of lieutenant general on his shoulder. His posture was as straight as a pine tree, and his face was as resolute as if it had been carved by a knife and axe. Every wrinkle seemed to be engraved with iron blood and gunpowder smoke.

His eyes were sharp as knives, creating a tangible pressure; just being swept by his gaze made one feel a tightness in their skin and a slight stinging sensation.

The other party was none other than Lieutenant General Luo Zhenjiang, the overall commander of this "Operation Breaking the Army" and one of the pillars of the western front.

Standing beside the lieutenant general were three officers with particularly powerful auras, like three solitary peaks.

The man on the left is nearly two meters tall, extremely burly, and his muscles are bursting with explosive power.

His presence was as imposing as a mountain, making the surrounding air feel thick and viscous.

The man in the middle is tall and slender, wearing a well-tailored, matte dark blue combat uniform without any extra markings.

His face was cold and stern, his features were like marble sculptures, but his aura was like a bottomless abyss, seemingly absorbing some of the surrounding light.

On the right is a female officer with a lithe and graceful figure, wearing a close-fitting silver-gray combat uniform. She has very short silver-gray hair, clear facial features, and a neutral, heroic air.

She seemed to blend into her surroundings, and even when she was just standing there, she was easily overlooked.

These three are the highest-level combat force in this offensive operation, renowned pillars of the western front, and core forces capable of truly shaking the existence of the fourth level of disaster.

Their auras intertwined, forming an invisible force field that made the entire conference room feel as if it were thousands of meters underwater, faintly exuding an intense pressure like an impenetrable fortress.

"Shi Zhanlin, Yuan Jiu, Gu Xiaomeng."

The names of these three people flashed through Qin Shi's mind. Long Qiuyuan had done his homework beforehand; he had specifically looked into it before coming.

They are all top-tier combatants at the second stage of the professional level!

The arrival of the Qin Dynasty was like a pebble thrown into a deep pool, creating tiny ripples.

More than a dozen pairs of eyes instantly focused on them.

"Wow, these are all formidable fighters. The elite forces of the western front have gathered here!"

Qin Shi suddenly felt a heavy pressure on his shoulders, which then quickly dissipated.

The most terrifying storm came from Lieutenant General Luo Zhenjiang.

That sharp gaze swept over Qin Shi's officer rank on his shoulder and his young face.

Then he paused at the center of his forehead for a fraction of a second, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Young people who can access both pathways? Interesting."

"Everyone's here. Next up is the core intelligence update."

Lieutenant General Luo Zhenjiang's deep and powerful voice broke the silence, striking everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

He pointed to the pulsating pink dot at the center of the sand table:

"Based on the information sent back by the seventh team, which has already sacrificed two-thirds of its members, it has been preliminarily confirmed that the core of the Maze has given birth to an entity codenamed 'Mother of All Knowledge'."

It is deeply entangled with the consciousness of the Corrupted Sea, possesses the ability to divide space, and can instantly assess the energy characteristics and individual potential of intruders.

Then it will 'match' you and select an 'enemy' of the corresponding strength!

Luo Zhenjiang raised his head, his back straight, his hands behind his back.

He surveyed the entire room and said decisively:
"From this moment forward, the sole objective of Operation Breaking Army is the Mother of All Consciousness at the core of the Maze!"

All teams were incorporated into elite squads, led by Colonel Shi, Lieutenant Colonel Lin, and Lieutenant Colonel Su respectively!

After these days of 'exploration' and 'experimentation', we have roughly found three of the most stable nesting sites.

The next step is to utilize the special mechanism of the Mother of All Knowledge to allow the three teams to separately infiltrate the nest point.

Then, after completing the kill, they launched a surprise attack on the core of the labyrinth to pinpoint the location of the Mother of All Senses…

Everyone in the conference hall was solemn.

Luo Zhenjiang gazed at these elite combatants on the western front and saluted them solemnly:
"There were no backup plans, no evacuation plans, and no rescue measures for this mission!"

Either kill the Mother of All Senses, or fall into the labyrinth!

Gentlemen... you are all elites in the military. On behalf of all the people of Hengzhou, I, Luo, would like to express my gratitude to you!

May the Eastern Xia dynasty endure forever, and may civilization reign supreme!

"May the Eastern Xia Dynasty endure forever!"

"Civilization is paramount!"

The responses from the crowd echoed in the conference room, uniform and without the slightest hesitation.

(End of this chapter)