A massive explosion sounded as the thermobaric rockets detonated within the tunnel.
The searing flames instantly consumed much of the air in the tunnel, and the intense negative pressure surged inward, creating a fierce airflow.
Drone No. 1 has already been destroyed, leaving Chen Jian without means to observe the situation inside the tunnel.
However, it was evident that the rocket explosions also slowed the enemy’s advance inside the tunnel, buying them new suppression time.
Chen Jian shouted, issuing the order to Li Shi, almost simultaneously with the heavy machine gun in his opponent’s hands going off.
"Bang bang bang bang----"
The tracer bullets flew into the tunnel like swarms of dancing fireflies.
Immediately after, the projectiles struck the tunnel walls, erupting in brilliant sparks one after another.
"Detonate the other two explosive entries!"
At this moment, Guo Xu seemed still in shock, having just seen shadows from the drone’s perspective, utterly different from his imagined "Divine Country Saints."
The clay idol hadn’t shattered yet, but clearly, the heavy hammer had already fallen.
His resolve began to waver, but fortunately, his years of combat experience allowed him to maintain basic composure.
Receiving Chen Jian’s orders, he quickly located the detonation buttons for two explosive points.
Two more massive explosions erupted, dust devouring the rear as collapsed concrete quickly covered the entries.
"Demolition complete!"
Guo Xu shouted to report.
"Stay vigilant, ready to detonate the third point at any moment!"
Guo Xu grasped the explosive gun in his hand, cautiously aiming deep into the tunnel.
His fingers trembled slightly on the trigger, creating an extremely faint tapping sound.
In the chaotic noise of gunfire, explosions, and shouts, this small sound should have been negligible.
But somehow, it felt as if the sound tapped directly on his heart, causing it to beat violently.
A nauseating, stomach-churning sensation rose, almost making him vomit.
"Something’s wrong... something’s wrong!"
Up ahead, Chen Jian suddenly shouted:
"Ji Xing! Throw the thermobaric grenades!"
"Damn it, it’s infrasound!"
Ji Xing replied with difficulty.
Her keen hearing and complex internal organs caused her great pain under the infrasound attack, making her feel as though she couldn’t stand.
Yet, even so, she quickly pulled the pins on the two grenades at her waist, tossing them into the tunnel.
With the sound of explosions, the pressure on everyone immediately lightened.
"Get off the tunnel’s centerline!"
"This place is the damn sound lens focus!"
"Liu Hao, Zhang Chao!"
The order was given, and gunfire from two perched on distant buildings rang out.
"Bang bang bang bang bang----"
With the support of the Smart Fire Control System, grenade launcher rounds and 12.7mm caliber bullets accurately made their way into the tunnel.
Utilizing their cover, Chen Jian and the four others swiftly repositioned to the side of the tunnel.
They moved out of the core range of the sound wave attack, but this also presented a new problem.
Neither direct-fire weapons nor indirect-fire weapons could reach deep inside the tunnel anymore.
The buffer zone between them and the Mountain City People was only a scant, less than 30 meters!
Could they really not cross this mere 30 meters?
Just as this unsettling thought flitted through Chen Jian’s mind.
A square object attached with cables suddenly emerged quickly from the depths of the tunnel, exposed to everyone.
Chen Jian had already aimed at the object, his finger even slightly pulling the trigger of the explosive gun.
But the next second, his instinct had him making the opposite move.
Chen Jian shouted, rolling to the side.
At the same moment, the mini missile mounted to the weapon rack fired.
Not even 20 meters in flight, the missile suddenly exploded mid-air.
And behind Chen Jian, a low wall began to emit blue smoke.
In less than a second, the concrete surface had a bowl-sized, startling red-hot mark, showcasing the weapon’s fearsome power.
It was a high-power pump source.
Or more bluntly put, it was a multi-emission laser weapon!
Li Shi, who was slower to react, could no longer evade; he only slightly tilted his body, allowing the invisible laser to graze past him.
Simultaneously, while his left shoulder was severely scorched, the 12.7mm heavy machine gun bullets he fired destroyed the laser turret!
Another huge explosion resounded from the tunnel’s depths, smoke billowing. Chen Jian did not issue a retreat command; instead, he re-aimed at the tunnel and squeezed the trigger again.
"Bang bang bang bang----"
Small-caliber grenades shot from the explosive gun detonated at the tunnel bend, sparks flying, fragments scattering wildly, temporarily suppressing the enemy hidden in the shadows.
Yet Chen Jian knew, such suppression wouldn’t last long.
If they allowed the enemy to burst out of the tunnel, his squad’s situation would be hundreds of times more perilous than now.
The reason was simple.
The drone equipment those Mountain City People controlled was certainly no less than that of the 011 base!
If they reached the surface, if they established terrain advantage...
Then there would be no need to fight at all.
"Prepare for nuclear weapon deployment!"
"First, get me the bomber!"
Chen Jian shouted over the radio, and soon, Lei Jie’s response came.
"The bomber is 46 kilometers away from you and can deliver in approximately 6 minutes."
"If confirmed for delivery, you need to start withdrawing now!"
Chen Jian replied through gritted teeth.
The four bombers on standby were his strongest backing; as long as the nukes were available, he always had a trump card against the Mountain City People.
But this was only the final measure.
Once a nuclear bomb exploded, this reconnaissance mission would have to cease.
Because he couldn’t organize another nuclear suppression in a short time.
During the suppression gap, the entire squad’s situation would become incredibly dangerous!
"Guo Xu, detonate in 15 seconds!"
"Everyone else, prepare to retreat!"
"Return to the starting position and regroup with the others immediately after the explosion!"
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Responses came, and Chen Jian maintained suppression.
"Thermobaric grenades!"
Upon hearing this, Ji Xing stood up and threw all four remaining grenades.
And just as the grenades were tossed.
Guo Xu pressed the detonation button.
The explosion resounded, causing the tunnel to collapse in an instant.
Yet, only half of it collapsed.
Even if it only blocked them for a few seconds, it would be enough time for the squad to retreat.
Chen Jian ordered again.
The squad dashed backward to retreat, and at that moment, from the collapsed tunnel behind them, the pervasive noise of a mechanical device advancing in excavation echoed...