Aethercross-Real Game，The Borderland of Reality and Fantasy

Chapter 18: The Ambush

Within the Gene Warrior Base's armory, a torrent of ants swarmed in, encircling the remaining humans without launching an immediate attack. They strategically sealed off every escape route.

Colonel Reynolds took his position at the vanguard, his hands firmly clasped around his battle axe. Behind him stood the remnants of gene warriors and the armory's technical crew. Despite their disheveled state, a fierce determination to fight shone in their eyes. Each person, be it a technician or a maintenance worker, stood armed, ready to face off against the monstrous horde.

Organized into small tactical squads, the gene warriors assumed defensive formations, shielding the civilians behind them.

Squad five had suffered significant losses. Other than Max, Hank, Emily, and Luca – Sky's familiar faces – only three others remained. All were wounded, except Emily and Luca, who tirelessly shielded Sky.

Now, the seven of them formed a protective arc, slightly retracted to guard Sky at their rear. Their mission was clear: ensure the safety of Sky, a vital research subject.

Sky, fully kitted in his combat armor, was more focused on Arachne behind him. It was evident this was the latter part of his system's mission – a test of protecting Arachne, not merely for mission's sake but out of a newfound desire to shield her from any further harm.

Colonel Reynolds had alerted Colonel Kent and two other mutant colonels about the situation through a special communication channel. Reinforcements from the city's defense force were en route to the base. If they could just hold the line a bit longer, help from within and outside would arrive to shift the currently dire situation.

Colonel Alison Jones, a wind-elemental awakener, was at the city gates, conjuring fierce winds to stall the enemy's advance. Upon receiving the message, she swiftly departed, heading towards the base through the skies.

Colonel James Harold, managing the entire city defense system, coordinated efforts with the defense troops. Their current strategy effectively managed the onslaught without overwhelming pressure.

Colonel Reynolds couldn't fathom why the mutant ants had halted their assault but welcomed this respite. Playing for time was in their favor.

Suddenly, the ants parted, clearing a path for a colossal mutant beetle to approach. The creature made its way to the Colonel's front.

Then, the base of the 5-meter shell spear on the beetle's back began to stir. The shell plates wriggled open like petals of a dark, eerie blossom, revealing the upper body of a man at its heart.

His lower body merged with the beetle, displaying more pronounced mutant features, akin to an insect, his skin armored with beetle-like scales.

"So, you're the mutant awakener commanding these creatures," Colonel Reynolds stated, his voice heavy with resolve as he faced the half-man, half-insect entity.

"You've hit the nail on the head," the Mutated Awakener's voice, unnaturally hoarse, let out a grating laugh, "Call me the Swarm Lord. I'm sure you've already witnessed the power of my precious creatures tonight. Just wait, this is only the beginning. More are rapidly emerging from the depths. By tomorrow's dawn, my darlings will saturate every corner of this city."