281: Chapter 281 Weyland!

A massive convoy of wheeled armored vehicles transporting two hundred thousand soldiers rumbled toward their destination; such a spectacular scene was usually only seen during large-scale combat exercises.

But today was no exercise.

"I didn't expect to run into this so soon."

Buck watched the wasteland blur past the window, his heart racing. The scale was immense, far exceeding a typical operation to wipe out bandits or suppress a riot. The rapid deployment of two hundred thousand men meant they were going to war.

Thirty people, all from Buck's own Company, sat in the vehicle. The atmosphere wasn't heavy; most were filled with the excitement of achieving great things.

Since they were all acquaintances, the discussion was lively, permeated with a mix of tension, excitement, and eagerness.

"Damn, look at this setup! This is the real deal! I was about to rust away in the barracks, finally some action!"

A bearded man slapped his thigh and said, "I wonder who we're fighting. I really can't figure out who would dare oppose our Verland..."

"Haha, Charlie's right. Once the Company's space fleet moves out, who can compete!"

"No, I hope they don't show up. If they do, there'll be nothing left for us to do."

"I actually know a bit of news..."

The burly man who spoke last had a mysterious expression. His name was Daniel, and he was usually the best-informed.

Someone asked impatiently, "Don't keep it to yourself, tell us."

"Yeah, hurry up. I'll buy you a drink when we get back."

Daniel straightened his expression. "Then I'll say it, but don't blame me if it's wrong. Yesterday, about 300 kilometers from our corps base, a Mist-covered area with a diameter of over 4,000 kilometers suddenly appeared. My God, it spans the entire Australia beneath our feet."

Daniel's expression became more exaggerated as he spoke, finally lowering his voice. "I also heard that a reconnaissance team went in and all died there, but they captured a few prisoners."

"What's inside?"

Bearded Charlie couldn't help but ask.

"That, I don't know," Daniel shook his head, his eyes flickering. "But I heard that yesterday, our Company even deployed the Xenomorph units."

*Hiss—*

Everyone in the vehicle gasped. They knew those monsters called Xenomorphs very well; they were utterly terrifying.

"And the result? They must have won, right?"

"I don't know!" Daniel rolled his eyes.

The atmosphere in the vehicle grew a bit somber. It seemed this mission was extraordinary. Buck couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

The convoy traveled for nearly half a day. As they neared the destination, everyone was shocked by the scene outside the windows, leaning out to look.

To their right was a Mist Wall as majestic as the Himalayas—no, even taller—stretching into the distance with no end in sight.

What Daniel said was actually true!

"This appeared in a single day?" someone in Buck's vehicle shouted in disbelief.

No one answered his question.

Next, the armored vehicles drove into a large forward base. It was clearly built in a hurry. Buck also saw the wreckage of burning planes nearby, of a design he had never seen before.

Buck's Company was assembled. Their Company Commander roared through a megaphone.

"What you just saw is an anomaly designated as 'The Veil.' It appeared without warning yesterday at 14:32 GMT, covering the core area of the original Australian continent with a diameter of about 4,200 kilometers. The internal situation is complex, and all electronic signals have failed. The only certainty is that on the other side of The Veil, there are enemies of our Verland Company. They..."

The Company Commander spoke in great detail. Everyone listened intently, including Buck. He finally learned who the enemy was this time: another Company called Third-Party Technology.

Buck wasn't impressed by the name; it sounded like the entrance to a supermarket.

He also learned that there was a new world on the other side of The Veil. This poorly-named evil Company was trying to oppose Verland and occupy this world that originally belonged to Verland.

"I can also tell you that the Company's Southern Hemisphere forces have arrived; they are at other camps."

The Company Commander continued loudly, "Two hundred thousand armored troops, three heavy divisions, plus the Company's direct million-strong Xenomorph combat cluster will all be pushed to The Veil's frontline today! Our goal is to cross this four-thousand-kilometer Veil, enter the new world, and uproot all those arrogant bastards who dare oppose our Verland from this new continent!"

The excitement within the Company was completely ignited. Even the most composed veterans had a burning light in their eyes.

It wasn't until they were dismissed that the collective frenzy cooled slightly. The operation was scheduled for the evening, so they still had some time to prepare.

While Buck was busy, he was suddenly told someone was looking for him. He went to a temporary communication station in the camp. Once the connection was established, Buck realized it was his wife.

"Buck," her voice was soft, coming through the static with a hint of cheerful sweetness, yet clear as if she were whispering in his ear.

"I'll tell you a secret: I'm pregnant."

"What did you say?" Buck's voice was extremely hoarse.

"I said, we're having a baby."

His wife laughed. "I just found out. The doctor said it's twins. I'm sorry, I just couldn't wait to share the news with you."

"That's the best news I've ever heard!"

Buck was ecstatic. It took a lot of effort for him to calm down even after returning to the Company.

Calm down, Buck.

Buck told himself inwardly, throwing himself seriously into the combat preparations. Only by maintaining his best state could he earn more military merits in the war.

Night fell.

After Buck and his squad members donned their exoskeleton armor, they arrived at the starting point with excitement. Rumor had it that the legendary man would appear tonight.

The K11 Exoskeleton Armor Buck wore was entirely black, encasing his whole body. The matte alloy layers looked fierce and majestic, while the power pack on the back hummed quietly, providing a continuous flow of power.

Wearing it, a person became a walking steel beast.

For his primary weapon to go with the armor, Buck chose a 120mm caliber Gauss Rifle. It was nearly as tall as the armor itself, weighed 20 kilograms, and had an effective range of ten thousand meters.

This could kill a Tyrannosaurus Rex in one shot. Buck believed no one would want to stand in front of a muzzle as large as a main battle tank's cannon.