Angel Yan, despite her disoriented state and faltering engines, could still recognize the enormous claw as Moni's weapon. At this moment, Angel Yan was in no condition to dodge the attack. The coordination between Xue Yi and Moni was too perfect.
Xue Yi's initial assault concealed her true intentions, and at the moment Angel Yan blocked the attack, a data surge was launched towards her. This was supported by the computational power of the Demon No. 1 and her third-generation god body. Even with the support of Holy Kesha's knowledge treasury, Angel Yan experienced a brief moment of mental disorientation and engine shutdown.
To outsiders, it was only a fleeting instant, but for a primary god like Moni, that moment was enough. In the blink of an eye, Moni's attack was already upon Angel Yan, who was still in a dual negative state of mental disorientation and engine shutdown, making evasion impossible.
The devil's claw moved swiftly, and Angel Yan felt as though she would be caught in the next second. However, a sudden flash appeared in her peripheral vision, arriving just in time.
"Boom!"
A loud collision sound accompanied by an explosion echoed from the impact.
### Command Center on the Ground
Mikhail, William Eaton, Zachary Thompson, and Leonard Smith were anxiously monitoring the ongoing battle.
Shortly after Ethan authorized the four of them to jointly command the entire operation, the troops stationed around the globe detected a massive number of demons and swiftly relayed the information back to the command center.
"All units have begun engaging, and full fire suppression orders have been issued. However, the situation is not looking good. According to reports, while the lower demons are numerous, they lack intelligence, and our firepower can effectively kill them," Mikhail reported.
"Some of these demons, though, possess intelligence on par with ours and exhibit extraordinary combat abilities. Conventional firepower is mostly ineffective against them. Some of our soldiers, even those equipped with exoskeletons and heavy armor, struggle to withstand their attacks. These must be the super soldiers the leader mentioned," Mikhail continued.
Staring at the battlefield on the screen, where dozens of first, second, and even a few third-generation demons directed the lower demons' assault, Mikhail's expression was grim and serious.
"Aside from powerful missiles, most of our weapons are practically useless against these high-level demons. Even the newly issued electromagnetic sniper rifles aren't much help. It's infuriating," William Eaton said angrily. As a seasoned warrior, the current situation left him feeling helpless and enraged.
"We can't continue fighting like this. We need to adjust our strategy immediately. I suggest we each oversee different battle zones, evenly distribute the warriors equipped with the new Nova Armor, and form four elite special forces units with heavy weaponry to specifically target these high-level demons. If necessary, authorize the use of nuclear weapons!" Mikhail proposed after some thought.
After a moment of silence, William, Zachary, and Leonard nodded in agreement.
"And, I just received a message from the leader. He's ordered Nicholas to lead a hundred elite guards to support us. They'll act as an assault team to tackle the high-level demons," Mikhail added.
"Does that mean the leader is alone? Mikhail, have you lost your mind? How can you let the leader take such a risk alone?" William and the others reacted strongly, their faces changing drastically as they questioned Mikhail's decision.
Faced with their questions, Mikhail remained expressionless and silent for a long time. Once they calmed down, he spoke slowly.
"Don't you understand? Once the leader makes a decision, no one can change it. Our only option now is to follow orders!"
"Sigh," the three sighed in unison, rendered speechless.
"Alright, it's time to go. Remember the leader's words: don't hesitate when hesitation is not an option. Issue commands decisively, even if it means bearing the weight of sin!" Mikhail said before leaving the command center, heading to his assigned battle zone.
### Eastern Nova Battle Zone Command Center
Mikhail had just arrived. Decades of overseeing Nova's development hadn't dulled his combat command skills. He quickly got into action as soon as he arrived.
The Eastern battle zone was fiercely contested. The detected number of lower demons exceeded billions, and the sight of them swarming towards the warriors caused a flicker of fear among the Nova soldiers. Fortunately, thanks to the full-scale production of weapons and ammunition before the war, continuous firepower barely held the line.
However, the tens of thousands of first, second, and third-generation high-level demons were inflicting significant casualties on the Nova troops.
Though the Nova humans' physiques surpassed ordinary Shenhe life forms, their average comprehensive quality was close to that of first-generation super soldiers. Still, they were slightly inferior in defense and speed compared to demons. Moreover, like angel genes, the demon genes allowed first-generation demons to harness dark energy, making them formidable opponents.
Unlike the Shenhe genetic system, the Shenhe genes only enhanced the body and added some special abilities, like the super long-range vision of the Shenhe snipers, in the first generation. Only upon reaching the second generation could they begin to use dark energy.
In this regard, the angel and demon super gene systems were ahead of the Shenhe genetic system. Facing first and second-generation demons who could use dark energy, the Nova soldiers had to wear new heavy armor to barely hold their ground. As for third-generation demons, soldiers without Nova Armor were practically sent to their deaths.
Even elite soldiers and members of the leader's guard equipped with Nova Armor struggled to kill third-generation demons, despite the armor's defense.
As Mikhail watched the screen showing various command posts being targeted by demon wormhole snipers and assault teams led by third-generation demons, with heavy casualties, he felt a deep sadness.
After a long silence, Mikhail made a decision.
"Aiden, order all units to retreat to designated locations immediately. In three minutes, we will launch tactical nuclear strikes on the lower demon swarms. Also, if high-level demons are detected attacking camps, lock onto their positions and fire high-energy electromagnetic railguns. After the strike, the Nova Armor special forces will enter the battlefield to eliminate the demons at all costs. Authorize the use of micro-nukes if necessary."
"First-level directive confirmed, executing immediately," Aiden's nearly emotionless voice echoed in the command center without any visual projection.
Everyone in the command center looked grave and remained silent...