Chapter 306: Queen Mantis, Move Out!
The Guild didn’t think the unknown creation would simply walk past the fortress without incident.
Just as Jié Jié didn’t think the Guild would let him pass without interference.
Below Dongduoluma, scholars of the Dragon History Academy flipped through countless documents, searching for any records of the mysterious creature’s possible existence in the past.
There are so many monsters in this world. Aside from the thousand-blade dragon not disclosed by the Guild, there are many other creatures like the recent black giant dragon that left only fleeting sightings.
Untraceable tracks, unidentified attackers, failed pursuits…
The unknown structure appeared in the north, and they were investigating northern records, including disaster situations in human settlements up there.
“Collect materials from the ruins, look at this file—unknown target attacked a town. Besides the deaths of residents, numerous buildings were reduced to rubble and carried away.”
“This one, this one, this one.”
These files shared a commonality: besides residents falling into monster bellies, the destroyed ruins all vanished, leaving behind massive footprints.
Monsters retreat quickly, witnesses are often terrified, and follow-up investigations become difficult due to time constraints, leading to unresolved cases.
After all, in this world, there’s no communication equipment or high-speed trains. By the time news spreads about dangerous monster attacks in many places, the monsters have already disappeared.
Most people are just ordinary folks with varying levels of education, unable to provide accurate intelligence.
Monsters that enter the wilderness after an attack with unclear information are like dragons returning to the sea or tigers retreating to the forest—hard to track.
The truly strong defensive forces belong only to the major Guild headquarters and the main cities of the kingdom.
“Collecting ruins is too similar. Now it’s right under our noses—it’s the best opportunity to uncover its true identity!”
“Could it be a Dragon Mech?”
A young human scholar asked curiously, always fascinated by the legendary technology.
“The Dragon Mech doesn’t exist!”
This decisive statement came from the mouth of the Dean of the Dragon History Academy.
…
The fortress speculated to face the Ruin City was now bustling with activity.
Other fortresses had been stripped of some hunters, who brought supplies to reinforce this fortress.
The fortress resembled a dam, but while dams hold back water, this fortress held back monsters trying to pass through.
Platforms were built on both sides of the mountain path, equipped with smoothbore cannons and crossbow artillery. A long railway ran through, where a mobile artillery platform stood ready to chase the monster along the mountain path.
Two platforms were connected by a towering, thick city wall, which housed artillery placements. There were also two Strike Dragon Guns mounted centrally, ready for firing.
These guns were currently being dismantled from the walls for maintenance and filling with medulla oblongata.
This work didn’t necessarily require removing the guns; the real reason was that the direction of the Strike Dragon Gun was reversed.
Previously, old encounters involved the Old Mountain Dragon and Fort Crab migrating from west to east, but the newly emerged “unknown creation” approached from the east, forcing the west-facing Strike Dragon Guns to be reinstalled facing eastward.
In addition to reloading the Strike Dragon Guns, the hunters were digging trenches with shovels, specifically measuring the strides of the unknown creation, placing explosive barrels and wooden spikes inside.
If they can make that big guy trip, their mission will be half successful!
“Kempe, the airborne observation post from the Ancient Dragon Institute has restocked materials from the nearest armory and will drop supplies for us later.”
“That’s great news.”
At the highest point of the fortress, the Chief Hunter of Dongduoluma nodded.
“The frontline investigation team has brought new intelligence—an insect driver on the unknown creation, likely classified as a beetle-type by the Guild.”
A sketch was unfurled, revealing a giant beetle crawling on the unknown creation, its silk threads entwining around the structure.
“It looks like a mantis, no sign of elytra wings, preliminarily judged as non-flying but capable of spitting silk.”
The unknown gradually became known. What they faced wasn’t the rumored “Dragon Mech,” but rather a beetle-type monster. Hunters might feel somewhat relieved.
After all, the Guild’s announcement labeled it as a threat level equivalent to an ancient dragon, and the unknown creation was indeed thought-provoking.
“Is it really monster-controlled? How does it control the creation?”
“Not just control—it’s very likely the builder of the unknown creation. It was witnessed using silk to reinforce the structure.”
“Amazing wisdom.”
“Yes, amazing wisdom.”
As Kempe watched the bustling construction of the fortress, an inexplicable sense of worry arose within him.
…
The Guild’s fortress could now be seen, meaning the people on the fortress could see Ruin City as well.
Monster attacks sounded alarms.
“Of course.”
As Ruin City approached, the fortress bristled with readiness, every cannon and ballista likely loaded, waiting for it to enter range.
Jié Jié also looked forward to how much quality material he could acquire from this fortress during the counterattack.
This time, it wouldn’t be broken bricks, rusted metal, or moldy bones.
“A1 and A2 positions fire!”
Seeing the unknown construct advancing towards the fortress and entering range, Kempe on the command platform gave the order without hesitation.
The two cannons closest to Ruin City adjusted their angles, their muzzles glowing red as iron balls scattered across Ruin City’s area, exploding.
Ruin City shook, causing Jié Jié to halt his control, checking the damage with concern.
Six shots from two cannons, three per gun.
Two missed, one ricocheted, the rest exploded on Ruin City.
Though the spread wasn’t precise, the explosive power of the shells was formidable, showing obvious damage on the hit areas since he lacked proper steel plates for armor.
And this was just the first round of fire…
No worries, now you dismantle my house, soon I’ll dismantle your fortress to repair mine!
Ruin City, advance!
Despite the pain, he needed to study what could be improved regarding Ruin City’s resistance to strikes!
“The shots are effective! The bombardment works!”
The hunters operating the cannons cried out in surprise. After all, when facing the Old Mountain Dragon and Fort Crab, these cannons were only good for clearing dust!
“Maintain the artillery suppression! Both AB teams help move the cannons and cooling water! Hurry!”
“Boom! Boom! Boom!”
Shell after shell exploded on Ruin City, shockwaves shaking its fragile internal structure.
Jié Jié examined the resistance of various materials inside Ruin City.
Bones won’t do, especially old and dry ones—they break easily.
Soil worked surprisingly well for shock absorption, and more should be added later.
Given Ruin City’s current state of damage, even withstanding the firepower to enter the fortress seemed impossible.
It’ll fall apart if they keep bombing.
Time for him to step in personally.
Jié Jié never expected Ruin City, which was essentially a toy and his home, to have much combat capability. It needed protection!
Queen Mantis, move out!
Chapter 307…
