Chapter 250: Nuclear Explosion Sonar

Chapter 250: Nuclear Blast Sonar

Facility 011, inside the battle command room.

Chen Jian, Lei Jie and a few others furrowed their brows at the screen, while Fuxi’s voice echoed through the somewhat cavernous command hall.

“Comrade Shen Yue’s three squads have been encircled; the exact situation remains unclear.”

“What we can ascertain is that they are now surrounded by a swarm of small monsters, numbering in the thousands.”

“This is clearly a premeditated ambush; we have never before encountered such a sudden development.”

“The enemy has gained insight into our tactical system, even evading all of our reconnaissance methods.”

“I suspect these monsters have used underground passages to mass outside our defensive zone, and only launched their attack once they confirmed our forces had entered the kill‑zone.”

“That horde must be under the command of some force, yet we have yet to locate its command hub.”

“According to the War‑Cranium analysis, the engagement may conclude within one to two hours.”

“If we cannot reinforce in time, once the three squads exhaust their ammunition they may be annihilated.”

“Understood.”

Chen Jian nodded slowly, then issued orders:

“Then there’s no need to deliberate—dispatch every available unit to the front immediately.”

“Lei Jie, take the tank out, load it with supplies and support vehicles, and follow the route plotted by the War‑Cranium.”

“The distance is under twenty‑five kilometers, with a good portion of paved road; I don’t care how you get there—if the tracks break, you still haul it across for me!”

“Fuxi, launch the armed drones and conduct an aerial strike on the target area.”

“Huang Yu, lead your team to set up a firing position; use the 155‑mm howitzers to provide long‑range fire support around the combat zone’s perimeter.”

“Move!”

“Copy.”

Lei Jie and Huang Yu rose, saluted, and hurried out of the command room, tallying personnel before heading to the armory for deployment.

The rally was swift; with the aid of ant‑swarm robots, within two minutes the 30A tank was already rolling out of Facility 011’s gate.

Simultaneously, the artillery battery perched on the eastern high ground of Facility 011 completed its preparations.

As the first shell was loaded and the gun roared, Chen Jian had already finished a deeper intelligence analysis with Fuxi and confirmed an additional operational plan.

“No anomalous electromagnetic signatures detected nearby, nor any intercepted enemy communications.”

“But it is certain that for those monsters to break through our reconnaissance sight and strike quickly, there is only one route—underground.”

“Their gathering point must be near the combat area, so our task is to reach the outskirts of the battlefield as fast as possible and locate that potential subterranean passage.”

“The monsters’ command hub may still be intact; if we can find its location through the underground tunnel, we stand a good chance—”

“Sir, the risk is too great.”

For the first time, Fuxi interrupted Chen Jian’s briefing, then continued:

“We have no unmanned assets capable of long‑range remote exploration in a complex underground environment, and entering without prior scouting could trap us beneath the earth with no escape.”

“I advise against such a gamble; on the surface we still have means to organize a rescue, but underground we would be utterly powerless.”

“I understand.”

Chen Jian nodded slowly, then said:

“Nevertheless, we must find a way to lay bare the entire underground tunnel network.”

“My plan isn’t to go down the tunnel, but to detonate a low‑yield nuclear device at its entrance.”

“Sonar?”

As soon as Chen Jian’s words fell, Fuxi grasped his intent.

Within a second, Fuxi produced a feasibility report.

“By analyzing the strength of the blast wave, ground vibration, and surface terrain changes, we have over a 70% chance of reconstructing the full tunnel network.”

“Even if we cannot map it completely, the ripple patterns should allow us to infer the main conduit and primary entry‑exit points.”

“Sir, the plan is viable. Shall I issue a detailed operation brief?”

“Issue it!”

Chen Jian gave the order decisively; moments later the operation brief streamed to his smart visor.

After a quick skim, Chen Jian confirmed everything was in order.

He then rose and addressed the waiting Ji Xing:

“Come with me. We need to shoulder a two‑kiloton nuclear warhead, and you’ll be the one to carry it.”

“Stay right on my heels; we must avoid any unnecessary combat. Our sole objective is to transport the warhead and detonate it in the underground chamber!”

“Understood!”

Ji Xing bowed his head solemnly, then unsheathed the long blade strapped to his back without hesitation.

The Sanctified Blood warriors always bear a blade in battle; it is a hallmark of their unyielding combat doctrine.

Their extreme agility grants them the “hard‑to‑hit” reputation, yet it also hampers their efficiency with precision‑aimed hot weapons.

Consequently, before joining the Huaxia army, Ji Xing rarely ever used a long rifle.

Even after countless battles that forced her to adapt to new tactics, she never laid down the blade at her back.

It had become a personal habit.

This time, however, she resolved not to carry the sword.

A nuclear warhead is already immensely heavy; any superfluous load would only slow her down.

She took only a short‑barreled Type‑191 rifle and two magazines; when she strapped the lead‑lined box containing the warhead to her back, she entrusted her very life to Chen Jian’s hands.

“Move out!”

At Chen Jian’s command, the two of them stepped out of Facility 011, and just as they were about to mount the cat‑track vehicle, a figure suddenly blocked their path.

“Senior Commander!”

The newcomer was Jiang Yu.

She stared at Chen Jian with tension and asked:

“Commander, has fighting broken out outside?”

“What do we need to do? Can we help?”

“No need.”

Chen Jian shook his head decisively, then said:

“It’s merely a skirmish; our comrades are trapped out there, and we must rush to assist.”

“It’s none of your concern—do what you must.”

“Do what must be done!”

As his words faded, Jiang Yu finally let out a sigh of relief.

In fact, it wasn't just him; all the refugees who had just arrived at Base 011 were frozen in terror by the colossal spectacle before them.

Raging artillery, the roar of massive drones streaking overhead, and steel leviathans that crushed everything in their path.

They had no idea what was happening, yet even the most foolish among them could plainly sense that something monumental was afoot.

What should they do?

Flee, or stay?

The harrowing choice fell upon Jiang Yu's shoulders, and she was forced to approach Chen Jian for answers.

Fortunately, the reply she received was optimistic.

If the commanders of the Huaxia army say all is well, then it must truly be.

Besides, those currently on the move are only the combat troops; the women, children, and elders of the Huaxia army remain dutifully at their posts.

Jiang Yu immediately flashed a reassuring gesture toward the distant kin who watched anxiously, then hurried after Chen Jian, who had already mounted the cat‑car, asking as she ran:

“Commander, is there anything you need me to do?”

“I’ve already surveyed the surrounding terrain on my way here; I know it like the back of my hand!”

“Where are you headed? Perhaps I can be of assistance!”

“You can’t help!”

Chen Jian curtly declined, then said:

“If you truly wish to help, take a team and find Huang Yu!”

“He may need someone to haul artillery shells.”

“Beyond that, do nothing else; we won’t ask you for anything more.”

“Very well!” Jiang Yu ceased her protests, but after a brief pause she spoke again:

“Commander, I just heard your men mention those monsters.”

“Those creatures resemble the small ones we encountered on the road earlier; I think I recall where they linger, perhaps I can be of use.”

“Fuxi, give her the map so she can confirm the location!”

“Understood.”

The order issued, Chen Jian slammed the throttle and sped away without looking back.

The cat‑car surged onto the G42 highway, roaring eastward along the freshly cleared pavement.

On Chen Jian’s tactical visor, several suspicious coordinates blinked, all within a five‑kilometre radius of the combat zone.

But the instant he saw them, his brows knit tightly.

Too close.

The sites lay perilously near the monsters’ ultimate emergence point; even if a passage could be found, it would likely be at the very end of the subterranean network.

Detonating a nuclear warhead there would jeopardize our own forces, and the “nuclear sonar” effect might fall short of expectations.

Now, however, he had no other options.

He could only press forward and see.

Chen Jian gripped the cat‑car’s steering wheel and asked:

“What’s the situation ahead of us?”

“The defenses hold for now, but the monsters have formed a complete encirclement.”

Fuxi’s voice crackled through the headset:

“The first wave of aerial strikes achieved limited effect; long‑range artillery failed to inflict sufficient damage.”

“Breakout conditions are not yet met; the battle command has issued a hold‑and‑await‑reinforcement order.”

“The support unit is expected to arrive in twenty‑five minutes.”

“Copy that.”

Firepower remained insufficient.

Chen Jian clenched his teeth.

If only the artillery seized in Huadu could arrive sooner.

Even if the guns never make it, perhaps we could delay Shen Yue’s operation by a few days—

No, that would be wrong.

A postponement might allow the monsters to march straight toward Base 011, and their sudden assault would surely inflict grave damage.

Both sides are maneuvering, yet each plan has already been preemptively shattered.

For the first time, Chen Jian felt that his opponent was not a mindless beast but an adversary of equal standing.

He drew a deep breath, eyes fixed on the map projected in his smart visor.

At that moment, two fresh red dots flickered onto the display.

“Commander, Comrade Jiang Yu’s updated monster activity zone is now marked; reconnaissance confirms underground caverns within the area.”

“It lies seven kilometres from your current position.”

“Understood!”

Revived, Chen Jian swiftly swung the cat‑car onto a road that branched off the G42 at a right angle, heading southwest.

This must be the true subterranean passage they seek.

It is not directly east of the 011 installations, but to the west‑leaning south side!

The mantis‑like monsters chiefly roam the Chuansha region; if they are coming, they will arrive from that direction!

The distance makes sense, the logic holds.

Reach the marked spot, and we can bypass the inevitably lengthy search and drop the nuclear payload directly!

Chen Jian’s pulse quickened.

He floored the throttle, the weapon rack behind him unfolding.

Five kilometres out, Ji Xing had already extracted the nuclear warhead from its lead case, wrapped it in a makeshift carrier, and slung it over his shoulder.

Three kilometres later, the road ended.

“Get out!”

Chen Jian slammed the brakes, halted the cat‑car, switched his exoskeleton to full‑power mode, and plunged into the forest with Ji Xing.

“We’ve been in this area before.”

Ji Xing shouted:

“When we were scouting the first defensive layer we passed right through here, yet we saw no sign of the monsters!”

“I know!”

Chen Jian kept moving, replying:

Either the passage has only just been opened now, or those monsters are hidden well enough.

That's why we have to carve out a true vacuum strip—damn, this kind of forest gives the monsters such a massive advantage!

Especially these mantises; they possess infrared vision, and the woods are practically their home arena!

Infrared vision?

At that moment, even Ji Xing sensed that the Huaxia troops seemed to be singled out.

Not by people, but by monsters.

When that judgment flashed through her mind, a bone‑deep chill seized her instantly.

A familiar feeling rose in her heart, and in a daze she recalled her experiences in the mountain city.

Back then, she did not understand why the monster perched over the mountain city had pressed upon her with such overwhelming oppression and terror.

But now, she vaguely grasped the answer.

The difference between that monster and the others could be summed up in a single sentence.

Purpose.

Most of its actions were driven by a clear purpose.

And now these monsters are no different.

Ji Xing's hair stood on end, yet she knew that, with the battle this far, she could not, nor was she entitled to, retreat.

She kept pace without faltering beside Chen Jian, who darted through the jungle, and after two kilometers of advance, a massive, collapsed opening loomed before them.

This is the place.

The mouth of the chasm bore obvious signs of monster activity; Ji Xing instinctively lifted her barrel, and at that very moment, Chen Jian's grenade launcher roared to life.

Bang—bang—bang—bang——

A cascade of explosions erupted, and two monsters concealed among the canopy fell with the blasts.

Immediately after, two rockets streaked straight toward the opening.

Boom!

Dust and smoke rose in clouds as Chen Jian planted himself firmly on the spot.

He became a human artillery turret, firing in all directions, and the monsters lurking at the mouth were each knocked down in turn.

Ji Xing! Move!

With a sharp shout, Ji Xing sprang into action.

She leapt forward in a swift stride, then unfastened the gear on her back and hurled the nuclear charge she held with fierce force toward the opening.

Retreat!

Accompanied by the thud of the heavy payload striking the ground, the two withdrew swiftly.

At that instant, Fuxi's voice crackled through their headsets.

Signal is strong.

Estimated safe distance: 1.8 kilometers.

Detonation countdown: three minutes!

(End of Chapter)