47: When the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman benefits.

In the dim command center, only the star maps and various monitoring data streams flowed and flickered silently. In the distance, that desecrated battle—the bloody gnawing between the Chaos warship "scarlet regret" and an unknown demonic creation—erupted in turbulent energy and spatial tremors. Even across the vast distance and the layers of attenuation from the "Wide-Area Intelligent Shield Array," it still felt like a dull drumbeat, vaguely pounding on Han Zhe's tense nerves.

That was not a battle he could interfere with. It was a mad struggle between the filth of the Warp and the betrayers of the material universe. Either side possessed the power to easily crush his fledgling base. To expose himself prematurely would be no different from seeking his own destruction.

But that did not mean he could only sit and wait for death, watching the external environment become more chaotic and dangerous because of this battle, or waiting for one side to emerge victorious and turn its attention to this debris field.

Crisis often comes with fleeting windows of opportunity. Chaos can sometimes mask many actions.

The attention of the "scarlet regret" was completely absorbed by the suddenly appearing demonic creation; all sensors and weapon systems were inevitably focused on the life-and-death struggle before them. The energy storm and psionic pollution, intense enough to Warp local spatial rules, were themselves a massive "information noise source" that could greatly interfere with conventional and even unconventional detection methods.

Now was perhaps the best, and possibly the only, window of opportunity for the base to break its "silent hibernation" and launch the next phase of the plan—not cautious development, but "pumping out troops" at the fastest speed!

"keystone!" Han Zhe's voice was very low, yet it carried a decisive finality, "Terminate the 'Silent Hibernation' protocol immediately! Activate the 'Emergency Expansion' contingency, codename: 'Sword Forging'!"

"Warning: External threat level is extremely high. The risk of exposure from large-scale activities is increasing sharply." keystone's electronic voice remained steady, but its speaking rate quickened.

"Risk is controllable! Use the energy storm from the distant battle as cover! They have no time to deal with our little 'commotion' right now!" Han Zhe's eyes shone brightly. "Execute the following commands, highest priority:

One, Resources and Energy: The Taotie protocol, full power on! All SCV units, deploy immediately! Conduct indiscriminate, high-speed material collection within a ten-kilometer radius centered on the base! No more concerns about energy consumption or noise; I want to see resource points skyrocketing at an unprecedented rate! 'Blaze' Reactor, lift power limits, run at full load to guarantee energy supply!"

"Two, Population and Cradle: 'hive-ii' center, activate incubator overload mode! While ensuring the safety of the gamma batch (nearing maturity), use optimized parameters and newly synthesized nutrient solutions to compress the delta batch's cultivation cycle to the limit! Goal: Mature within sixty days—no, fifty-five days! Simultaneously, start pre-fabricating new incubator modules, aiming to expand the 'hive-ii' capacity by another fifty slots within thirty standard days, reaching a total of one hundred and ten! Unlimited supply of resource points!"

"Three, Equipment and Armament:

1. Immediately use the 'Simulated Taosteel' theoretical plan to start small-scale validation synthesis. Once successful, establish a production line immediately and produce 'Simulated Taosteel' ingots regardless of cost!

2. The CMC-2 prototype has completed final testing and is designated as the CMC-2A type. Establish a CMC-2A armor production line at the fastest speed! Initial production goal: thirty units! Resource points prioritized!

3. The 'long nail' heavy Gauss sniper rifle and 'downpour' Gauss machine gun have completed final theoretical validation; start trial-producing prototypes immediately and conduct live-fire tests (within the shield field, strictly controlling energy leakage)!

4. Accelerate the efficiency of the 'can opener' anti-armor missile production line to increase output.

5. Start manufacturing the 'hound' light reconnaissance hover platform prototype, equipped with basic sensors and light weaponry, to serve as the eyes of the future battlefield."

"Four, Defense and Concealment: Maintain the 'Wide-Area Intelligent Shield Array' at maximum power, focusing on shielding all information leakage from the base toward the combat zone. Simultaneously, activate the 'Active Interference' module contingency; when necessary, simulate background energy fluctuations of the debris field to confuse any scanning detection waves."

A series of commands were issued like a rapid-fire barrage, each pointing toward the most aggressive and rapid expansion of power.

"Commands confirmed. Risk assessment: High. Executing 'Sword Forging' emergency expansion contingency." keystone gave no further warnings and faithfully began mobilizing all base resources.

The deathly silent platform, as if a berserk switch had been flipped, suddenly "came alive" and began operating at an almost frenzied rhythm!

The low hum of the "Blaze" Reactor surged, and a surging torrent of energy flooded into every pipeline. The refining core's deep purple input port glowed brilliantly, and the "chewing" sound of the Taotie protocol turned into a nearly ravenous roar, devouring and transforming the indiscriminate material fragments frantically hauled back by the SCVs! The growth curve of resource points instantly turned from a gentle slope into a nearly vertical climb!

Three SCVs, like three unshackled steel beasts, spewed brilliant tail flames from their thrusters as they charged into the debris field. They no longer made any attempt at concealment; their massive suction ports were fully open, creating gravitational vortices that even tore apart and sucked in smaller debris directly! The roar of the compression chambers was deafening, crushing all matter into high-density "trash bricks" before hauling them back at top speed.

Resource points began to skyrocket at a terrifying speed of nearly five thousand points per hour!

Inside the "hive-ii" center, the soft cultivation lights grew bright, and the sound of the nutrient solution circulation pumps became as dense as drumbeats. The life sign monitoring data for the gamma batch clones refreshed rapidly, and the maturation process was forcibly accelerated. In the adjacent vacant area, new incubator frames were quickly assembled, and more pipelines were connected.

The refining core branched off a dedicated production line to begin synthesis attempts based on the "Simulated Taosteel" theoretical plan. Precious rare elements were poured in, and the energy field was finely tuned. The first attempt... failed; the alloy structure was unstable. Parameters were adjusted immediately, more resources were invested, and the second attempt... In the Barracks' heavy production workshop, the assembly line for CMC-2A armor was running at full speed. Precision servos, reinforced power skeletons, and reserved weapon interface modules were quickly pieced together. Compared to the simplicity of the CMC-1 series, the 2A type appeared heavier, with sharper lines and the Glimmer of a new energy buffer layer flowing at the armor joints.

In the weapons lab, the extra-long barrel of the "long nail" with its three-stage acceleration coils was machined, and the rotating barrel components of the "downpour" whirled on the lathes. The core of the Gauss Weaponry—the superconducting energy storage and release units—underwent the most precise assembly in a specially made dust-free environment.

The entire base was permeated with a mixture of metal smelting, energy surges, mechanical roars, and an indescribable, extreme excitement born of the struggle for survival. Everyone—the soldiers of Alpha Squad and Beta Squad, as well as all auxiliary units—was like a wound-up spring, operating efficiently at their posts. In their eyes, besides the vigilance toward the distant threat, there was more of a focus and fanaticism from participating in this "Sword Forging" race against time.

Han Zhe sat in the command center, like the eye of a storm—relatively calm, yet bearing the greatest pressure. He kept a close eye on the progress bars, coordinated resource allocation, and handled the endless stream of technical problems and emergencies (one "Simulated Taosteel" synthesis almost triggered a small-scale energy overload but was urgently suppressed). His gaze occasionally swept across the distant star map, where the light clusters representing the battle between Chaos and demons still flickered and entangled crazily, with energy readings terrifyingly high.

The longer and more intensely they fought, the more beneficial it was for the base!

The first day passed. The resource pool surged by forty thousand points! The maturity of the gamma batch increased by 2.1%! The third synthesis attempt for "Simulated Taosteel" achieved a breakthrough, producing the first alloy ingot with performance reaching 75% of true tao steel! The first CMC-2A prototype was 30% assembled!

The third day. The resource pool broke two hundred thousand points! The SCVs had almost plowed through the nearby debris field and began expanding further out. The estimated maturation time for the gamma batch was moved up to sixty-two days later. The first CMC-2A prototype came off the line and began adaptation testing with the "long nail" trial model. The "downpour" prototype gun was completed.

The fifth day. The resource pool reached three hundred thousand points, and the growth rate began to slow down (the density of nearby debris decreased). The "Simulated Taosteel" production line finished debugging and began small-batch production. The CMC-2A production line officially went into operation, with a daily output of up to two units. The "long nail" sniper rifle's live-fire test was successful, penetrating a simulated heavy armor plate within the shield field, with the recoil effectively absorbed by the CMC-2A's reinforced skeleton. The "hound" reconnaissance platform prototype frame was completed.

The seventh day. The energy fluctuations of the distant battlefield showed their first significant decay. One side of the Chaos warship "scarlet regret" showed large areas of damage and traces of burning, and one giant claw of the demonic creation was blown off entirely, yet it still gnawed at the warship frantically. Both sides seemed to be at the end of their ropes.

The base's "Sword Forging" operation also entered its most critical phase of production ramp-up and integration.

"We can't wait any longer." Han Zhe looked at the energy signals on the star map, which were beginning to weaken but were still dangerous. "The 'scarlet regret' is in poor condition, but it might still have the strength for one last scan, or... to call for reinforcements. We must make the 'sword' in our hands sharper before they completely end the battle or make other decisions."

"keystone, adjust the plan. Maintain the current peak cultivation speed for the gamma batch. Start the delta batch immediately according to the optimized template, with fifty new slots going online simultaneously. Increase the daily output of CMC-2A to three units. Finalize the designs for the 'long nail' and 'downpour' and begin preparing for mass production. Speed up progress on the 'hound' platform. All produced equipment is to be issued immediately to Alpha Squad and Beta Squad for emergency adaptation training! I want them to form a preliminary combat capability within ten days!"

"Resource point reserves are sufficient; the command is feasible. However, high-intensity training may generate energy fluctuations..."

"Conduct it within the shield field! Use the background noise of the battle as cover! Additionally, start preliminary testing of the 'Active Interference' module, simulating common energy turbulence in the debris field to cover the fluctuations generated by training."

"Command confirmed."

The brand-new CMC-2A armor, fresh off the production line, was quickly sprayed with deep gray camouflage coating and issued to the soldiers of Alpha Squad and Beta Squad. Compared to the 1B/C type, the 2A type brought a comprehensive improvement in power, protection, and system integration. The soldiers needed time to familiarize themselves with the new operating system, stronger power feedback, and the devastatingly powerful "long nail" and "downpour."

In the training ground, simulated explosion and shooting sounds were strictly controlled in energy levels, becoming almost imperceptible within the background "noise" generated by the "Active Interference" module. Wearing their new armor, the soldiers conducted high-speed maneuvers, tactical coordination, and rapid aiming and shooting drills with the new weapons. Although rushed, everyone knew time was precious, and the training was exceptionally focused and hard.

The tenth day.

In the distant starry sky, that desecrated battle, which had lasted for half a month, finally reached a conclusion, or rather... mutual destruction.

A massive rift burning with fel-fire was torn into the hull of the "scarlet regret" cruiser; its propulsion system seemed to have failed completely as it drifted slowly and uncontrollably toward the dark red fragment. Meanwhile, the demonic creation was blown to pieces by the warship's final volley, its mangled remains tumbling and disintegrating in the void, emitting a final foul psionic light before gradually turning into drifting ash and twisted metal fragments.

Both sides suffered heavy losses. The warship wreckage drifted toward the dangerous fragments, its final fate uncertain. But at least, in the short term, this direct threat seemed to have been lifted.

However, Han Zhe did not relax in the slightest. The Chaos warship's appearance here must have a purpose and background. Its destruction might attract investigation or the attention of other Chaos forces. That dark red fragment, after this great battle and Chaos's crude "research," had become even more eerie and unpredictable.

More importantly, after these ten days of frenzied "Sword Forging," the base was already completely different from before.

Resource Pool: 450,000 points (growth rate slowing, but reserves are substantial).

Population: gamma batch (20 people) nearing maturity (estimated 53 days later), delta batch (40 people) has entered the rapid growth phase, "hive-ii" total slots 110, running at full load.

Equipment: 25 units of CMC-2A armor produced, 8 "long nail" heavy sniper rifles, 12 "downpour" Gauss machine guns, 200 "can opener" missiles in stock, 1 "hound" reconnaissance platform prototype (under testing).

Military: Alpha Squad (3 people) fully equipped with 2A type, Beta Squad (20 people) 70% equipped, undergoing emergency training with new weapons.

A well-equipped, well-trained (relatively speaking) heavy infantry force of nearly thirty people had preliminarily taken shape. They were no longer just upgraded "sentinel" versions with basic laser rifles, but a comprehensive combat unit truly equipped with Gauss sniping, suppression fire, and anti-armor capabilities.

Han Zhe stood in the command center, watching the soldiers performing tactical drills on the platform below. The grayish-blue CMC-2A armor reflected a cold, hard luster under the lights, the long barrel of the "long nail" was intimidating, and the rotating muzzles of the "downpour" carried an aura of slaughter.

In his hands, he finally held a decent "sword."

But it was not enough.

The wreckage of the Chaos warship, that even more dangerous dark red fragment, and other secrets that might be hidden in this star sector... all required greater strength to deal with, to explore, and even... to seize.

"keystone, Phase One of the 'Sword Forging' operation is complete. Initiate Phase Two planning, codename: 'Edge Sharpening'."

Han Zhe's gaze was as sharp as a blade, sweeping across the various targets on the star map.

"Target One: Use the 'hound' platform and the 'Diting' network to conduct cautious, long-distance continuous monitoring and assessment of the 'scarlet regret' wreckage and the dark red fragment area. Look for the possibility of safely approaching or acquiring samples (technology, materials)."

"Target Two: Based on the CMC-2A and Gauss weapon platforms, design and manufacture the 'Sledgehammer' heavy support platform concept—a mobile fire point or light self-propelled artillery capable of carrying a 'long nail' sniper turret or 'downpour' machine gun turret."

"Target Three: Accelerate the pre-research for the mobilization of the 'ark,' especially the high-efficiency thruster plan. We need mobility; we cannot be trapped here forever."

"Target Four: Continue to deepen the 'Simulated Taosteel' process, aiming for stable performance reaching 85% of true tao steel. Simultaneously, begin conceptual pre-research for the next-generation CMC-3 type, integrating stronger power, smarter fire control, and possible energy shield technology (derived from STC shield principles)."

The crisis has eased, but it is far from over.