164: Chapter 164 Mining Area Conflict, Protoss Block the Way

3 hours and 17 minutes.

This was the time it took for the 1st team led by Chen Hao to arrive at the edge of Mine Area No. 1 from the Reception Station.

37 Chaos Mass-Produced Type I mechas spread out in a standard marching formation, three rows deep, with 47 meters between each unit.

470 guardian type iii mechas were deployed on both flanks, their energy cores maintained at 72% standby power, their foot magnetic anchors leaving 470,000 adsorption marks, each 3 millimeters deep, on the grey-brown mineral ground.

Chen Hao's chaos unit no. 1 walked at the very front.

Its right-arm particle rifle had been replaced—no longer the prototype rifle that exploded during the battle with the Blood Altar guardian, but a standard model provided by the Seventh Fleet of the Eternal Starfield. The barrel plating was done by Chen Hao himself; two test barrels were scrapped before the third one passed inspection.

The sun symbol engraved with "Hao - Heavenly Court's First Mecha" on the left shoulder armor gleamed with a cold, metallic luster under the unique daylight of the second checkpoint of the Eternal Star Domain, which had been filtered into a pale purple by the Star Ring City energy shield.

[chaos unit no. 1 - Current Status]

[Pilot: Chen Hao]

[Energy Core: 97%]

[Right Arm Weapon: Particle Rifle - Standard Model (Attack +5, 200-6,300)]

[Left Arm Weapon: High-Frequency Vibration Blade x2 (Mounted)]

[Missile Nest: 16 ready]

[External Armor: Intact]

[Foot Magnetic Anchor: 100%]

[Pilot HP: 100%]

[Neural Connection Synchronization Rate: 97%]

The horizon of Mine Area No. 1 slowly unfolded in his field of view.

It was a giant concave basin with a diameter of over 17 kilometers, its edges lined with abandoned mining equipment—crushers 47 stories high, rusted conveyor belt supports, and three semi-collapsed ore processing plants.

At the bottom of the basin, there were 37 energy shields still in operation.

Beneath each shield, there was a group of mining robots at work.

And between the shields, every 47 meters, stood a player wearing golden battle armor with translucent wings of light stretching out behind them.

[God Race - Angel Legion]

[Rank: 58-62]

[Quantity: About 70 people]

[Characteristics:]

[1. Wings of Light: Can fly briefly (duration 7 seconds, cooldown 30 seconds)]

[2. Light-type Spell Resistance: +50%]

[3. Healing Ability: Each God Race player has mastered at least 2 healing skills, team healing efficiency +30%]

[4. Holy Light Shield: Can absorb 10,000 damage, cooldown 60 seconds]

[5. Purification: Can remove negative status from friendly units, cooldown 15 seconds]

[Current Behavior: Occupying the mining area, setting up roadblocks to collect fees]

Chen Hao's pupils contracted slightly inside the cockpit.

God Race.

Angel Legion.

The number 1 on the Prodigy rankings of the myriad races, "Odin," was of the God Race.

[System Prompt: You have entered the edge of Mine Area No. 1]

[Player forces detected operating ahead]

[Opposing Force: Angel Legion (God Clan Council - Affiliate)]

[Opposing Number: About 70 people]

[Opposing Rank: 58-62]

[Opposing Current Behavior: Setting up roadblocks to collect fees]

[Fee Target: Any player force attempting to enter the mining area to collect star core energy]

[Fee Standard: 50,000 Spirit Stone/person]

[Payment Method: Spirit Stone/Technology Resource Voucher/Equivalent Supplies]

[Note: The Angel Legion claims "temporary mining rights" to Mine Area No. 1, citing that they repelled a wave of Star Beasts here three days ago and set up energy shields to protect the mining points.]

Chen Hao looked at the line "50,000 Spirit Stone/person".

10 people meant 500,000.

The batch of mechas he brought, plus his own chaos unit no. 1, totaled 508 units.

If calculated by head—do mechas count as "people"?

He didn't know.

But he knew that the Heavenly Court would not pay this money.

In the communication channel of the 37 Chaos Mass-Produced Type I mechas, his voice sounded simultaneously:

"All units, halt."

"Stand by."

"I'll go talk."

chaos unit no. 1 walked forward 47 meters.

It stopped 3 meters in front of the "toll line" formed by the 37 energy shields.

The foot magnetic anchor adhered to the ground, emitting a dull metallic echo.

Behind the shield, a God Race player wearing golden battle armor with the most brilliant wings of light behind him flew forward.

His wings of light flapped once every 1.7 seconds, and each flap scattered fine golden light particles.

He hovered 3 meters in front of chaos unit no. 1.

About 2 meters above the ground.

Looking down at the cockpit position.

[Angel Legion - Third Battle Group Deputy Commander]

[ID: Michael]

[Rank: 61]

[Affiliation: God Clan Council - Angel Legion]

[Physique: Light Spirit Body (Awakening degree 47%)]

[Current Status: Arrogant]

"Human Race?" Michael spoke.

His voice spread across the entire edge of the mining area through some kind of amplification Spell, every syllable carrying the condescending composure unique to the God Race.

"Which force are you from?"

The cockpit cover of chaos unit no. 1 did not open.

Chen Hao's voice came out through the mecha's loudspeaker:

"Heavenly Court."

Michael's wings of light paused for 0.3 seconds.

That was the instinctive reaction of the God Race when facing the two words "Heavenly Court".

The fifth seat of the Myriad Races Council.

72-hour bloody battle in Chaos Valley.

Destroying the Blood Altar.

Defeating the Blood Prince projection.

Top of the star rankings.

But 0.3 seconds later, his wings of light began to flap again.

The frequency was 0.1 seconds faster than before.

"Heavenly Court," he said.

"I've heard of it."

"But this is not the Big Dipper Star Field."

"This is the second checkpoint of the Eternal Star Domain."

"Our territory."

Chen Hao did not speak.

Michael continued to speak.

"The rules are simple."

"Enter the mining area, pay up."

"50,000 Spirit Stone per person."

"Mechas don't count as people, they count as equipment—10,000 Spirit Stone entry fee per mecha."

508 mechas.

37 mass-produced models, 10,000 each, that's 370,000.

470 guardian type iii mechas, 10,000 each, that's 4,700,000.

Plus 10 people, 500,000.

Total—

5,570,000 Spirit Stone.

Chen Hao was silent.

3 seconds.

His voice came out from the mecha's loudspeaker:

"We are only entering the mining area to collect star core energy."

"Not here to fight."

"Paying a toll fee is fine."

"But 5,570,000—we don't have it."

Michael smiled.

The smile was very light, very faint, like the usual tolerance of the God Race towards ants.

"Then you can leave."

"Wait until we finish mining."

"Probably in 7 days."

"You're welcome to come and pick up the scraps then."

Chen Hao did not speak.

The right arm of chaos unit no. 1—the muzzle of the particle rifle—raised slightly by 3 degrees.

Not aiming.

It was "preparing".

Michael saw this movement.

His smile faded for 0.7 seconds.

Then it reappeared.

"You want to make a move?"

His voice remained composed.

"Rank 61 mecha."

"508 units."

"Looks like a lot."

"But do you know—"

His wings of light suddenly fully unfurled, with a wingspan exceeding 4 meters.

Golden light particles spilled from his wingtips like a rainstorm, condensing into a circular curtain of light 7 meters in diameter in mid-air.

[God Race Secret Technique - Angel Descent - Projection]

[Rank: 61]

[Effect: Summon a combat projection from the Angel Legion headquarters, duration 30 seconds]

[Number of projections: 3]

[Projection Rank: 63]

In the center of the light curtain, three golden figures were condensing.

Each figure had three pairs of wings of light stretching out behind it.

Holding a light sword burning with golden flames in its hand.

[Angel Legion - Combat Projection]

[Rank: 63]

[HP: 47,000 / 47,000]

[Attack: 7,300-8,700]

[Special Effects:]

[1. Wings of Light Protection: All God Race friendly units within 30 meters recover 2% HP per second]

[2. Holy Flame Slash: Each attack deals 1,700 additional Light-type damage]

[3. Purification Aura: Removes 1 negative status from itself and surrounding allies every 3 seconds]

[Duration: 30 seconds]

Michael stood in the center of the three projections.

His wings of light flapped again at a frequency of 1.7 seconds/time.

"508 mechas."

"Is it enough to fight?"

Chen Hao did not answer.

He was calculating.

37 Chaos Mass-Produced Type I mechas, each with an attack power of about 5,200 and defense of about 7,100.

470 guardian type iii mechas, each with an attack power of about 4,100 and defense of about 6,200.

3 Rank 63 projections, each with 47,000 HP, recovering 2% per second, which is 940 points, so if they are not focused down within 30 seconds, they can recover 28,200—close to full health.

Plus 70 Rank 58-62 God Race players.

Each one mastered at least 2 healing skills.

Team healing efficiency +30%.

[System Prompt: Calculating battle win rate...]

[Based on current comparison of combat power]

[Our win rate: 37%]

[Enemy win rate: 63%]

[Predicted casualties:]

[Ours: Mecha destruction rate about 41%, personnel casualty probability 17%]

[Enemy: Total annihilation probability 23%, probability of retreating with heavy injuries 47%]

[Suggestion: Prioritize negotiation, avoid conflict]

Chen Hao closed that line of prompt.

He looked at Michael.

Looking at the three combat projections that were condensing.

Looking at the 70 God Race players standing behind the energy shields, chanting Spells simultaneously in a certain rhythm.

3 seconds.

The right arm of chaos unit no. 1—the muzzle of the particle rifle—slowly lowered back to a horizontal position.

"50,000 per person," Chen Hao said.

"10,000 per mecha."

"We only have 10 people, 508 mechas."

"Total price—5,570,000."

Michael nodded.

"Yes."

"We don't have that much cash," Chen Hao said.

"But we have other things."

Michael's wings of light paused for 0.3 seconds.

"What other things."

Chen Hao did not answer immediately.

He called up a list from the cockpit.

[Heavenly Court - Tradable Supplies List - Temporary]

[1. Star Brilliance Alloy Type II: 1,700 kg (Valued at about 340,000 vouchers)]

[2. Crystal-Armored Giant Rhinoceros Carapace: 47 sets (Valued at about 140,000 vouchers)]

[3. Berserk Blood Wolf Fangs: 2,300 pairs (Valued at about 110,000 vouchers)]

[4. Vampire Council Emblem (Loot): 47 pieces (Valued at about 230,000 vouchers)]

[5. guardian type iii mecha (Transferable): 100 units (Valued at about 800,000 vouchers)]

[part:gemini-3.0-flash]

【Mass-produced Type I Mecha (Transferable): 10 units (Valued at approx. 600,000 Credits)】

【7. Blood Altar core fragment (Quest Item): 1 piece (No valuation)】

【8. blood emperor essence blood (Fused): Non-tradable】

【Total Valuation: Approx. 2.22 million Credits】

———

He projected this list in front of the mecha.

Michael looked at that line, "Approx. 2.22 million Credits."

3 seconds.

He smiled.

That smile was even lighter and fainter than before.

"2.22 million."

"We want 5.7 million."

"3.48 million short."

"How will you make up for it?"

———

Chen Hao remained silent.

Michael continued.

"Or—"

He paused.

"You have all 508 mechas disarm."

"We take over."

"In 7 days, you come with 2.22 million in resources to redeem them."

"The mechas you redeem can still be used."

"As for those you can't—"

He pointed to the three combat projections that had already fully materialized.

"Consider it tuition."

———

Chen Hao's right hand tightened on the control sphere.

His knuckles turned white.

The neural link synchronization rate rose from 97% to 99%.

That was an instinctive reaction to anger.

———

But he didn't move.

He just looked at Michael.

Looked at those 70 God Race players.

Looked at those three Level 63 projections.

3 seconds.

He released his hand.

The synchronization rate dropped back to 97%.

———

"3.48 million," Chen Hao said.

"We don't have it."

"But we can write an IOU."

———

Michael was stunned for a moment.

Then he laughed.

This time, he really laughed.

"An IOU?"

"Do you think this is a village market in your Big Dipper Star Field?"

"This is the second trial of the Ancient Star Road."

"This is God Race territory."

"An IOU—"

He paused.

"We don't recognize it."

———

Chen Hao looked at him.

3 seconds.

The muzzle of chaos unit no. 1's right arm—that particle rifle—was raised again.

This time, it wasn't by 3 degrees.

It pointed directly at Michael's energy core in his chest.

———

"Then there's nothing more to talk about," Chen Hao said.

———

Michael's light wings flapped violently.

He drifted back 7 meters.

The three combat projections moved forward simultaneously, raising their light swords.

The chanting of the 70 God Race players suddenly accelerated, and golden light rose from them, weaving into a massive Holy Light Domain in mid-air that covered a 300-meter radius.

【God Race Battle Array: Holy Light Domain】

【Effect: Life recovery speed of all God Race units within the Domain +200%, healing effects received +50%】

【Duration: Infinite (Requires continuous chanting to maintain)】

———

508 mechas completed the switch from marching posture to combat posture in the same instant.

The magnetic anchors at their feet sank deep into the ground.

Particle rifles were charged to 100%.

Missile bay covers opened.

Energy shield generators operated at full power.

———

Chen Hao's voice rang out in the communication channel:

"Mass-produced mechas, Teams 1-17, flank from the left."

"Teams 18-37, suppress the right wing."

"guardian type iii, center line, fire coverage."

"Target—those 3 projections."

"Prioritize focusing fire, pick them off one by one."

———

【System Notification: Battle Start】

【Enemy: Angel Legion · 70 people + Combat Projection ×3】

【Ally: Heavenly Court Team 1 · 508 Mechas】

【Time: era calendar 1972 · Day 331 · 10:17:43】

———

1st second.

17 Chaos Mass Production Type I mechas on the left wing fired simultaneously.

17 blue-white particle beams pierced through 700 meters, accurately hitting the chest armor of the left-wing projection.

【Projection · Left Wing】

【HP: 47,000 → 39,700】

【Recovery per second: +940】

【Actual Loss: 6,360】

———

2nd second.

19 mass-produced mechas on the right wing fired simultaneously.

19 particle beams hit the right-wing projection.

【Projection · Right Wing】

【HP: 47,000 → 38,900】

【Recovery per second: +940】

【Actual Loss: 7,160】

———

3rd second.

470 guardian type iii mechas on the center line fired simultaneously.

470 particle beams poured onto the central projection like a rainstorm.

【Projection · Center】

【HP: 47,000 → 0】

【Kill】

———

Michael's light wings trembled violently.

He hadn't expected it.

The target of the first round of focused fire from the 508 mechas wasn't the 70 God Race players.

It was those 3 projections.

3 seconds.

1 projection was evaporated.

———

"Purification Spell! Quick!" Michael's roar exploded in the God Race channel.

17 golden lights fell on the remaining two projections simultaneously.

【Purification Spell · Removes negative status effects】

【But projections have no negative status effects, only HP loss】

———

4th second.

Second round of fire from the left-wing mass-produced mechas.

【Projection · Left Wing】

【HP: 39,700+940→40,640 → 33,280】

———

5th second.

Second round of fire from the right-wing mass-produced mechas.

【Projection · Right Wing】

【HP: 38,900+940→39,840 → 32,010】

———

6th second.

Second round of volley fire from 470 guardian type iii mechas, target—left-wing projection.

【Projection · Left Wing】

【HP: 33,280+940→34,220 → 0】

【Kill】

———

7 seconds.

Of the 3 projections, only 1 remained.

———

Michael's light wings contracted sharply.

He raised his right hand, and a golden pillar of light 3 meters in diameter shot out from his palm, piercing through 3 guardian type iii mechas charging at him.

【Holy Light Judgment】

【Damage: 7,300×3】

【Energy Shields of 3 guardian type iii: 6,200 → 0】

【Armor Damage: 17%】

———

But those three mechas didn't stop.

Their magnetic anchors still clung to the ground, their particle rifles were still firing, and their target was still that last projection.

———

8th second.

Third round of fire from the right-wing mass-produced mechas.

The last projection.

【Projection · Right Wing】

【HP: 32,010+940→32,950 → 25,130】

———

9th second.

Third round of volley fire from 470 guardian type iii mechas.

【Projection · Right Wing】

【HP: 25,130+940→26,070 → 0】

【Kill】

———

9 seconds.

Three Level 63 projections.

Completely wiped out.

———

Michael hovered in mid-air.

His light wings were still flapping, but the frequency had accelerated from once every 1.7 seconds to once every 0.7 seconds.

That was an instinctive reaction to fear.

———

The chanting of the 70 God Race players continued.

The Holy Light Domain was still being maintained.

But everyone knew—

Without the projections, the 70 of them would have to face 508 mechas.

———

"Heal!" Michael roared.

"Heal everyone!"

———

70 golden healing beams lit up simultaneously.

Who did they fall on?

No one was injured.

They were just—healing themselves for the injuries they "might" receive.

———

Chen Hao's voice came from chaos unit no. 1's loudspeaker:

"3.48 million."

"Can we write an IOU now?"

———

Michael's light wings came to a complete standstill.

He looked at the 508 mechas below.

Looked at the blue-white residual heat slowly cooling on the muzzles of those 37 Chaos Mass Production Type I mechas.

Looked at the energy cores pulsing at a frequency of 1.7 seconds per beat in the center of the chest cabins of those 470 guardian type iii mechas.

Looked at the sun symbol on the left shoulder armor of chaos unit no. 1—now reflecting the golden afterglow of the Holy Light Domain he had projected.

———

3 seconds.

His right hand—the one that had just been casting Holy Light Judgment—slowly lowered.

"...Write it," he said.

———

【System Notification: Battle End】

【Battle Duration: 9 seconds】

【Enemy Losses: 3 Level 63 Projections (Summoned creatures)】

【Enemy Personnel: 0 casualties】

【Ally Losses: 3 guardian type iii mechas (Energy shields pierced, slight armor damage)】

【Ally Kills: 0 people】

【Battle Result: Deterrence Victory】

【Negotiation Result: Angel Legion agrees to let Heavenly Court Team 1 enter Mining Area No. 1 to collect star core energy, waiving the passage fee】

【Additional Condition: Heavenly Court must pay a "Mining Area Maintenance Fee" of 300,000 Spirit Stones (symbolic) to the Angel Legion after collection is complete】

———

Michael descended from mid-air.

His light wings had been retracted.

He stood three meters in front of chaos unit no. 1.

His face was pale.

But he still maintained the final dignity befitting a member of the God Race.

"...You won," he said.

"Go in."

"Mining Area No. 1, 3-5 units of star core energy."

"Finish collecting within 3 days."

"300,000 Spirit Stones, pay after collecting."

———

Chen Hao didn't answer immediately.

The cockpit hatch of chaos unit no. 1 opened for the first time.

Chen Hao leaned half his body out of the cockpit.

He looked down at Michael.

3 seconds.

"300,000," he said.

"We'll pay."

"But not because of you."

———

Michael looked up.

"Because of who?"

———

Chen Hao didn't answer.

He retracted back into the cockpit.

The hatch closed.

chaos unit no. 1 turned around.

Walking toward the depths of Mining Area No. 1.

Behind him, 507 mechas stepped forward simultaneously.

———

Michael stood where he was.

He watched the backs of those 508 mechas.

Watched them spread out in a standard tactical formation and enter the mining area.

Watched the sun symbol on the left shoulder armor of chaos unit no. 1 grow more distant under the dim sky of the mining area.

He spoke.

His voice was very soft.

"...Heavenly Court."

———

【System Notification: You have established a "Deterrent Diplomatic Relationship" with the God Race faction "Angel Legion"】

【Current Relationship Status: Neutral (Deterred)】

【Special Effect: Within the next 7 days, the Angel Legion's hostility toward Heavenly Court units is -30%】

【Note: This effect applies only to this region and does not apply to other branches of the God Clan Council】

———

Chen Hao didn't look at that notification.

He looked ahead.

Into the depths of Mining Area No. 1.

Those 3-5 units of star core energy were waiting to be collected.

———

In the communication channel, the voice of the captain of the 7th mass-produced mecha squad rang out:

"Boss."

"Those 9 seconds just now were damn satisfying."

———

Chen Hao didn't answer.

He just looked ahead.

His right hand was on the control sphere.

His knuckles were still white.

———

【Chapter 164: End】