Apocalypse Gachapon

Chapter 2283: Let us

Regarding battle, Cloud Peak's people were not afraid.

Regarding sacrifice, they never shrank back.

But when too many familiar faces and comrades died around you, that feeling—only those who had truly experienced it knew how painful it was.

If after a battle, half or even most of your familiar comrades and companions were dead, how would you face that sorrow from the depths of your heart?

Facing the Naga Legion? Many had been eager to try for a long time. They were strong, sure, but was Cloud Peak weak? In truth, if this war were fought on land, Cloud Peak might have already slaughtered these mutated lifeforms long ago.

The reason they were still rampant and troublesome for Cloud Peak was not only the Demon Whale's overwhelming strength, but also the ocean at their backs.

That was their home turf, giving them an endless supply of reinforcements, a place to rest and recover, and vast strategic depth.

But now, Le Dayuan's meaning was clear: with their total numbers inferior to the sea beasts, the unit carrying the bronze masks—the unit with one extra piece of equipment—would have to fight desperately, holding the enemy's strongest legion to create the best offensive conditions for the other battalions.

That often meant heavy casualties, even... total annihilation.

A legion with four level-nine beings, even with help from their own top-tier lifeforms, was not something easy to deal with.

"Let's do it!" Tong Hu stepped forward at this moment. "What's there to fear? I've been wanting to meet those half-human, half-snake bastards for a long time. Last time, my wife's battalion suffered losses at their hands—hundreds dead before they could pull back. I have to settle that score!"

Xiao Li and Tong Hu now each commanded their own battalions. Within Cloud Peak, there were only a few other couples in similar positions—Liu Zhenghong and Le Dayuan, Little Tiger and Tang Guo.

These were all people most loyal to Cloud Peak, which was why there was no concern about them holding such roles.

Xiao Li had always been the one in charge at home, keeping Tong Hu firmly under her thumb, and now that she was leading her own unit, she was no less formidable. Hearing Tong Hu speak up, she shoved her husband aside: "I'll settle my own score. Master Le, Sister Lei, let me do it. Although we suffered a bit in our last encounter with the Naga Legion, it was because we didn't want to fight to the death—the engagement lasted less than twenty minutes, so it wasn't long, but we still gained some understanding. If we face them again, I think we can hold more steadily."

But this time, Tong Hu was not convinced by his wife. He even somewhat roughly pushed Xiao Li aside and scolded lightly: "You're pregnant—do you know that? Get back."

Xia Lei also chimed in: "Xiao Li, this time your battalion will serve as the reserve, responsible for reinforcements when needed. You cannot personally take the field—you'll stay with Master Le."

Xiao Li looked down at her belly, somewhat dissatisfied: "It's only two months, it's not—"

Before she could finish, she saw Tong Hu's eyes widening—a sign her husband was about to lose his temper—so she quickly fell silent.

The others watched with smiles, then unceremoniously continued vying for the opportunity.

Even more fiercely than before.

Tong Hu fumed on the sidelines, yet was silently moved, so he could only watch with complicated emotions.

Cloud Peak was indeed warlike, but every commander was no fool—they had a clear understanding of their battalion's capabilities.

Once Le Dayuan made it clear that they were to face the Naga Battle Mage Legion, many battalion commanders whose units were weaker or less suited had already bowed out mentally.

Knowing you were outmatched or disadvantaged in style and still charging in was not bravery—it was recklessness.

But they were all fighting for this, and Tong Hu knew why.

Because he was about to become a father, these commanders—who had just been mocking and nitpicking his battalion—did not want anything to happen to him.

Xia Lei clapped her hands, and everyone quieted down.

But before she could speak, a gentle voice interjected.

"I think we are more suitable."

Everyone turned their heads collectively toward Deacon Tong, who usually did not voice opinions at Cloud Peak.

The scene fell silent.

"Deacon Water is also a nine-star now, so we have two top-tier evolved. Our numbers are comparable to the Naga Battle Mage Legion, and our battalion's combat structure is more balanced. We are more suitable."

After the Five Ring Money was integrated into Cloud Peak, they had initially enjoyed many privileges—after all, they had brought assets with them, and their leader was exceptionally powerful.

But later, as their understanding of Cloud Peak deepened, Deacon Tong contributed all the commercial aspects.

All of it, without holding anything back. Even the Five Ring Money's private funds, after securing a nine-star evolution potion for Deacon Water, had all been handed over to the public.

Many considered this the landmark event of their true integration into Cloud Peak, and their opinion of Deacon Tong rose significantly, beginning to truly accept them.

"I'm not confident of winning, even with these masks. But I am confident that my battalion alone can hold the Naga Battle Mage Legion in place, buying time for everyone. Apart from the Nagas, there should only be two other types of sea life that can truly threaten us. The overall pressure would thus be much reduced."

Everyone knew what Deacon Tong meant—she was willing to sacrifice her own battalion to gain strategic advantage for Cloud Peak.

Beyond the battalion level, just the audacity to pit two top-tier lifeforms against four was admirable.

This would free up two Cloud Peak top-tier lifeforms to play a role on other fronts, potentially allowing them to tie down or even try to kill the Demon Whale.

However, how many of Deacon Tong and Deacon Water’s battalion would remain by the end was hard to say.

No one fought for it anymore; the decision was settled.

"Tell us about the extra ability of the high-grade bronze mask." Le Dayuan looked at Deacon Tong with evident appreciation, handing her a mask that was slightly brighter in color than the regular bronze ones.

"Chongfo."

Le Dayuan said with a solemn expression: "Unlike the previous two charge-up abilities, this one is instant-cast, but it also has a condition—the wearer must infuse over ninety percent of their mental energy into it."

"Yes, that means after using this ability, you won't be able to use any other skills." Le Dayuan's voice echoed in everyone's ears.

"The power is great, and the more mental energy, the better the effect. We've tested it, so rest assured—it won't disappoint."

"In other words, this ability requires ninety percent of the wearer's current mental energy. The best time to use it, I think, is after all other abilities have been used and are on cooldown, as a final resort."