Chapter 54: The Space Opens

Looking at the number in the win rate column on the data table, Su Xiao Zi turned off the display without a word.

She was almost unable to speak, and her breathing grew increasingly rapid, as if she were about to suffocate.

It was like the God of Death was constantly chasing her from behind, closing in step by step, and she had no choice but to run to buy time, to fight for even the slimmest glimmer of hope with all her might.

Headquarters required them to hold out for five hours.
If the battle within the Imaginary Space could last for five hours, then the Human Exterminator Army and the Research Society’s reinforcements would all arrive.

As long as they could hold on for five hours, the tide would turn, and victory would belong to humanity.

All the combat forces within Tantan City had received the same information; they had to delay the enemy as much as possible and resist their assault.

Until the very last person fell, it could not be considered the Bloodkin’s victory.

Fortunately, when the Imaginary Space opened, the battlefield within it would be disconnected from the real world and would not cause any direct destruction.

This was one thing that allowed Su Xiao Zi to feel temporarily at ease.
No matter how fierce the battle became, her brother, who was now sleeping soundly at home, would not be affected in any way.

As long as they won the battle, the Imaginary Space would close.

For ordinary people, it would be as if nothing had ever happened.
That would surely be the best ending.

Unless the human side was completely wiped out and the Imaginary Space was destroyed, only then would the Bloodkin arrive in the real Tantan City, and at that point, all combat would have tangible, destructive consequences.

Five hours…

Su Xiao Zi repeated this number in her mind, clenched her fists, and activated her communicator, speaking to Tina, who was rushing over at full speed:
“Little Tina, the coordinates for our mission’s target location have been sent to you.”

“We will rendezvous there.”
“There may be strong fluctuations.”
“When the large Otherworldly Beast appears, please be ready to engage.”

“Yes, Tina has received the directive and is currently navigating a route.”

“Also, Little Tina, there is something I need to tell you.”

“Big Sister Xiao Zi, please speak.”

“Promise me, in the 5 hours after the Imaginary Space opens, we both have to survive.”

There was a plea in Su Xiao Zi’s voice, but such a plea seemed so humble and empty when faced with reality.

On the other end, Tina fell silent for a moment.
She looked at the combat data table that had been transmitted, running calculations and comparisons over and over in her mind.

No matter how many times she did it, the hopelessly slim number for their chances did not change.

“Vice-Instructor, please be advised.”
“Tina does not possess life, and therefore cannot die.”
“Therefore, Tina will do her utmost to protect the Vice-Instructor’s life—at any cost.”

The time was now 11:58.

All Exterminators within Tantan City had assembled and spread out to every corner of the city.

Some were on guard in dark alleyways, some were on standby in deserted suburban parks, and some stood on a bridge spanning a surging river, the cool river breeze on their faces as they looked out at the prosperous city they were about to defend.

The night was deep and quiet, with pedestrians and vehicles on the streets gradually dwindling.

A group of people dressed in military-green uniforms, draped in black cloaks, and wearing black military caps appeared.

Each had a sheathed sword hanging at their waist, a white-gloved hand resting on it, ready for battle.
Their black leather boots moved at a brisk pace.

They were, the Exterminator Army.
The guardians behind humanity.

In a dark alley, a tall man who looked like a captain rolled up the sleeves of his uniform.
He struck a flame in the darkness, lit a cigarette in his hand, took a deep drag, and then exhaled a long plume of smoke before tossing it to the ground and crushing it with his leather boot.

He then immediately turned around, clasped his hands behind his back, and stood with his legs apart, looking at the squad members behind him with a resolute and sharp gaze.

As if making an oath, he said loudly:

“One last minute.”
“Tonight will be a monumental chapter in human history.”
“For the first time, a central city within human territory is being attacked by a Bloodkin legion.”
“All of you will be recorded in the annals of history for your glorious names, earned by fighting in blood.”

“So, do not have any fear.”
“Lift your heads, stand tall, and fight.”

“The enemy is the Bloodkin, and we are the Exterminators, possessing the ability to counter and completely kill them.”
“They are the prey; we are the hidden and powerful hunters.”

“Five hours.”
“We only need to hold on for five hours.”
“Our reinforcements will arrive and utterly crush the Bloodkin.”
“I hope that no one will retreat, hide, or cower from battle.”
“We have no cowards in our Exterminator Army!”

“I will lead all of you back alive.”
“If you ask why we fight, there is only one answer.”

“—Because we are humanity’s Exterminator Army.”

“—Humanity will be victorious!”

[Alert, Alert]

[Coordinates: Eastern Region Province, Tantan City.]
[Charging device is ready.]
[Target area is the entire city.]
[Imaginary Space will open in ten seconds]

[All combat personnel, please prepare for engagement.]
[Non-combat personnel, immediately remove combat equipment to prevent accidental involvement in the battlefield.]
[The battlefield is about to open.]
[Please take note.]
[Repeating, the battlefield is about to open]

[Three…]

[Two…]

[One…]

[Imaginary Space opening.]
[Spatial dimensions beginning to distort]

[We wish you all a triumphant return]