Chapter 165 The Overwhelmed "Core"

The post about attacking a Calamity grade powerhouse quickly gained traction on the forums. As their strength continued to grow, players had gradually developed ideas about the Calamity grade, and now that someone had taken the lead in proposing it, it immediately stirred up the impulses buried in the hearts of many players.

The last time they killed a Calamity grade figure was in Version 3.0, a collective action organized by the legion. Since then, the legion hadn't organized similar actions, so the forums were immediately filled with respondents.

But now that public stargates in various places were collectively closed to Beyond Grade A forces, most players expressed their inability to help due to the distance. After all, most people still had to take care of their own black markets, and this was just a suggestion from a player, not a large-scale mission, so the rewards were limited, and most people were only willing to offer support on the forums.

However, there were still some people who had a strong interest in this matter.

In the base, Jupiter closed the private chat channel on his panel and turned to look at the core elite members of the God's Domain guild, nodding steadily.

"I've already spoken with that player. Our guild will be responsible for this operation. The Boss's area of activity is the Didora Star System in the Endless Star Cluster, not far from us… It just so happens that many of our guild members are operating black markets nearby, making it convenient to mobilize."

Guild executive Poseidon hesitated, asking, "This will affect the progress of many guild members' black market missions, right? And this is just a voluntary, non-mission action. Is it worth it for us to make such a big fuss?"

Jupiter nodded emphatically. "Of course it's worth it! This is a great opportunity to make a name for ourselves. The club hasn't been doing well in the leagues for several sessions. If we can achieve some results here and increase the club's popularity, everyone will get bonuses!"

God's Domain guild was a professional guild under the Pantheon Club. Due to the team's poor performance, the guild had also had a rough time in the last few versions, and its reputation had been stolen by Dynasty, Skyward, Jiangcheng, and others.

But now, as the versions changed, the foundations of each guild were becoming stronger and stronger. Things they wouldn't have dared to imagine before were now within reach. If they could kill a Calamity grade powerhouse, they could support the club in return.

"Are you sure it'll work? Calamity grades have died at the hands of players in Version 3.0. Another time shouldn't be that sensational, right?" Poseidon hesitated.

"Idiot! How did that Atimoss die in Version 3.0? That was a legion-organized faction event. Too many people participated, and no one could stand out. But if our guild independently kills a Calamity grade, can the nature of it be the same? This is the guild's first kill! How much hype will that generate!" Jupiter poked Poseidon's head hard with his finger, his tone full of disappointment.

Hearing this, the guild executives present thought it made perfect sense.

Although the legion had long ago allowed players to use human wave tactics to kill a Calamity grade, the significance of the guild's independent first kill was different and would definitely be sensational.

For further glory, there would only be an individual first kill, but everyone present knew that there couldn't be such a fierce person in the current player group.

"Guild leader, isn't it a bit risky? Can we handle a Calamity grade with just our guild?" Poseidon scratched his head.

"We can only try. I feel like there's still hope. After all, this is no longer Version 3.0."

Jupiter said in a deep voice.

Back then, to kill Atimoss, the legion created a deathmatch environment, where hundreds of thousands of people constantly died and were resurrected, and finally solved the opponent with human wave tactics. After all, the gap between Grade B and Calamity grade was far less than the gap between Beyond Grade A and Calamity grade. Human wave tactics that were one grade lower were still effective against Calamity grades.

Their guild naturally couldn't take out so many people as casually as the legion, but the average strength of the players was not what it used to be. The average level was more than 30 levels higher than back then, and the guild elites were basically all above level 150, so they were all considered Grade B veterans.

Moreover, the Black Star Army had been updating equipment technology, and the weapons and equipment used by players now were much stronger than in Version 3.0. There were even a series of special trump cards such as Evolution Badges, and their combat power was considerable.

With so many improvements, Jupiter felt that the guild should be able to independently kill a Calamity grade. It was worth the gamble.

Hearing his explanation, many guild executives were convinced, replaced by excitement, all eager to give it a try.

Although this wasn't a mission, their subjective initiative didn't care about that.

Jupiter swept his gaze over everyone and said loudly:

"Since everyone has no objections, let's go fight the Boss now, let's go!"

…

Endless Star Cluster, Didora Star System, main base of the Armored Iron Guard.

This was a huge space fortress, its appearance like a block-shaped base pieced together from countless large and small rectangular blocks, with a very neat structure, layered on top of each other, with clear edges and corners.

On the front armor of the space fortress was engraved a huge carved pattern, like an armored mech helmet. This was the faction emblem of the Armored Iron Guard.

The Armored Iron Guard was a well-known private armed organization in the Didora Star System. Most of the organization members were Mech Fighters. On the surface, it was a private armed force, but it was said to have an unusual background, with unclear connections to the Feynmann civilization that ruled this star system.

The leader of this organization was Daffes, nicknamed "Core", rumored to be a minion raised by the Feynmann civilization to complete some shady work for them.

At this moment, in the leader's office of the main base, Daffes was receiving a distinguished guest, chatting happily, and laughter could be heard from the room from time to time.

“…Haha, it’s really troublesome for you to personally escort this batch of goods. I’ve already had someone check it, and the quality is very good.”

Daffes had a smile on his face, his tone appearing very satisfied.

Opposite him was a man wearing an ocher-colored robe, also resembling a pangolin that had become a spirit. Like Daffes, he was a Feynmann, but his body had undergone a large area of mechanical augmentation. A pair of electronic eyes were constantly shining red light, and his body was deeply sunken into the sofa, his weight was very impressive. His organs and limbs had basically been replaced with mechanical prosthetics, and his whole body was a metal creation.

“Of course, when have we ever transported bad quality goods to you? This batch of mechanical equipment is all newly produced military weapons from the official, specially approved by the military. Others can’t buy it even if they want to.”

The augmentation person spoke through his throat voice device, simulating an enthusiastic tone.

He was the envoy of the Feynmann civilization, and had always been the person in charge of contacting the Armored Iron Guard on behalf of the higher-ups. There was indeed a cooperative relationship between the two sides, exchanging resources for Daffes's services.

The Feynmann civilization had a soft spot for mechanical augmentation, considering augmentation to be beautiful. It had always been a hot-selling place for mechanical prosthetics. Almost everyone had accepted the modification, and there were even many civilians who only retained their biological brains and replaced their bodies with different types of mechanical equipment. The Espers within the civilization were also mostly of the Mechanical class, of which Mech Fighters were the main trend within the civilization.

"Rest assured, I know your intentions. I will naturally complete the task well after taking your things." Daffes grinned and said, "I have almost completed the things you told me to do before. According to the information you provided, I have removed the nails planted by the Beyond Grade A Association in the black markets of several nearby star clusters. Only the last few planets are left."

"Oh? Many of these people are Undying Ones from the Black Star Army. They can't be killed. Are you sure you've cleaned them up?"

The envoy asked casually, picked up the cup on the table and took a sip. The cup contained a dark, viscous liquid. This was a heavy metal exceeding standard drink specially made for augmentation people, which was decomposed into different elements through special digestive organs, which was very nutritious for the augmentation body.

"What about the Undying Ones? As long as their black market channels are destroyed, they will either have to start all over again or roll away."

Daffes didn't care.

The envoy put down his cup and asked curiously, "I heard from your subordinates that some of the Undying Ones you killed threatened to take revenge on you. Aren't you afraid?"

"Do they have the ability? These people are vulnerable. They only dare to talk big because they are immortal. Otherwise, they would have been scared shitless by me. If they dare to come for revenge, I will kill one if they come, and kill a pair if they come two."

Daffes snorted coldly, and while expressing his disdain, his tone also vaguely carried a hint of sourness.

He relied on his martial strength. Unless they were of the same level or Beyond Grade A, he wouldn't care about them. But all Espers would envy and be jealous of the player's undying characteristics. He was no exception. He would get jealous when he saw it, so he was especially ruthless.

Because he couldn't get it, he would have a different kind of resentment and contempt, making him unable to resist holding a sour mentality of "what's so great about it".

"Then I'm relieved." The envoy nodded and instructed, "In short, this is a task ordered by the three major civilizations. It's better to be as cautious as possible. Moreover, the black market was originally under our control, providing us with a lot of profits. The Beyond Grade A Association naively thinks that with the support of the black market managers, they can just send a few people to take over our black market. It's really wishful thinking."

Some higher-ups in the Feynmann civilization were the umbrella for most of the black markets in this star system, continuously obtaining profits from them and lining their own pockets, while the Beyond Grade A Association wanted to integrate the black markets, blocking their path to wealth.

And at this juncture, the three major civilizations held talks with multiple star system civilizations, hoping that the various civilizations would cooperate with them in attacking the Association's people in the black market. The Feynmann civilization was also one of the objects of the talks.

The Endless Star Cluster and the Shattered Star Ring were very far apart. No matter how powerful the Black Star Army was, they couldn't reach it, and they were a star system civilization protected by the *Peace Treaty*. Holding onto the thighs of the three major civilizations had far more benefits than pleasing the Beyond Grade A Association, so the Feynmann civilization simply supported the three major civilizations, allowing Daffes to wipe out the teams sent by the Association to take over the black market, killing two birds with one stone.

"With me here, they won't succeed."

Daffes waved his hand carelessly, then suddenly narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice:

"Don't forget the benefits you promised me after it's done…"

The envoy laughed twice. "Don't worry, we've been cooperating for so long. The higher-ups didn't want to go back on their word. As long as you can properly complete this matter, the higher-ups will not only support you to continue expanding, but also be willing to let you become one of the behind-the-scenes controllers of this black market. The black market profit share promised to you will not be less."

"Of course I believe you."

Daffes smiled with satisfaction.

He risked offending the Black Star Army to do dirty work for the civilization, naturally for his own benefit. If the benefits weren't big enough, he wouldn't risk his life.

Due to the Feynmann civilization's preference for augmentation, the profit from smuggling mechanical products in this area's black market in a year was an astronomical figure. Daffes had been coveting it for a long time. Now, as long as he cleared out the nails planted by outsiders, he could share a piece of this big cake. In his opinion, it was an excellent opportunity.

The thought of the vast profit prospects in the future, enough to let him swim in money, made Daffes extremely happy, feeling that his nerve cells were becoming more active.

However, at this moment, something unexpected happened!

*Rumble!!*

A loud explosion suddenly rang out in the base, and the two of them felt a clear sense of vibration at the same time. The cup on the table shook and fell to the ground, and the heavy metal drink spilled all over the floor, like a pool of black engine oil.

Immediately afterwards, an ear-piercing alarm sounded, and the warning lights suddenly lit up, dyeing the room red.

"What's going on?!"

Daffes stood up abruptly, summoned his adjutant, and asked loudly.

"Boss, the base has just been bombed. The enemy's ship-borne cannons are too powerful. The protective shield has been chiseled out with several cracks. Someone has already broken into the base. The intelligent central processing unit is mobilizing the guard troops to meet the enemy!" The adjutant quickly replied.

"Someone dares to attack my headquarters? What is the origin of the enemy? Are there any Calamity grades?" Daffes was shocked and angry.

"I-I don't know. The enemy's spaceship has wiped out the faction mark, but no Calamity grade individual energy source has been detected…"

"Dare to attack my headquarters without a Calamity grade?!"

Daffes was furious, pushed the adjutant away, and made to leave the room.

At this time, the envoy was a little worried and couldn't help but say, "Should I avoid it first?"

"What are you afraid of? I can solve the problem in a while, I'll be right back."

Daffes walked out without looking back.

The adjutant was about to follow when his arm suddenly tightened and was pulled by the envoy.

He looked back, only to hear the envoy say awkwardly:

"That… I'd better hide. Do you have a safe house here?"

…

At the same time, a dozen black warships were suspended outside the base, constantly pouring out firepower.

*Rumble!!*

Dark red ship-borne cannon beams bombarded the Armored Iron Guard's space base protective shield, blasting out pieces of cracks.

The ship's belly constantly shot out assault pods and airdrop pods. One end was a thruster and the other end was a high-speed rotating drill. The whole body was covered with shields. They smashed into the base surface along the cracks in the protective shield. Some were smashed by the base's close-range guns in mid-air, while others successfully withstood the barrage and slammed into the base armor, drilling in and leaving holes.

"Keep dropping people! All the guys who landed in the enemy's headquarters, remember to bind the resurrection flag as soon as possible!"

In the main ship's command room, Jupiter shouted loudly, his emotions were agitated, and his saliva was flying everywhere.

The members of this fleet were all players from the God's Domain guild. It took a lot of time to complete the secret assembly. After finding out the information, they marched towards Daffes's headquarters in a mighty manner.

In order to kill a Calamity grade, the God's Domain guild had spent a lot of money. These warships were all property purchased by the guild, equipped with a large number of war weapons. Although the number of warships was smaller, the ship-borne technology was very high, all Black Star Army boutique products, which could be said to be a dimensional strike against a private armed organization, in order to quickly land on the enemy base.

At this moment, the guild channel was extremely lively, and messages were frantically swiping the screen.

"Comfortable, I'm in!"

"The people behind, hurry up and airdrop, the enemy's reinforcements are coming."

"Magicians and Psychicists control the field, and give Mech Pilots the opportunity to spread the field!"

"Don't waste your energy on small monsters, force the Boss out first!"

Inside the base, the players who had landed were killing wantonly. Everyone was a veteran Grade B Esper, cutting down a large number of guard troops like cutting melons and vegetables.

At this moment, a powerful aura was quickly approaching.

There was a loud noise, and the metal wall on one side was opened, and Daffes, holding a heavy axe, rushed in.

Daffes looked at the enemies in the field, and his eyes suddenly locked on the Mech Pilot of Corps Commander, and he had an impression of this guy who had died in his hands ten times in a row, and he was immediately furious.

"It's you?!"

Corps Commander's Mech Pilot blasted a Grade C Mech Fighter with one shot, and turned his head when he heard the words, grinning.

"Surprise? When you’re out there, you do what you say!" (a crude phrase meaning: You reap what you sow)

Before Daffes could reply, Corps Commander's Mech Pilot pointed his gun at him and shouted:

"Brothers, it's him, kill him!"

In the next moment, everyone's eyes fell on Daffes, and their eyes lit up with the excitement of seeing prey.

Even Daffes, who had experienced many battles, was stared at by a bunch of Grade B Espers at the same time, and instinctively felt a chill.

But then, his anger swelled up, he raised his mechanical heavy axe, charged into the battle group, and with a powerful axe, he split two players in front of him.

"You are… seeking your own death!"

And the players here said almost in unison: