Ratta-tatta...
Boom-boom-boom...
Gunfire, bombs, rockets... The Scientific Guild launched an airstrike against the giant lizard tribe below, using their ship as cover. It was a one-sided battle. But there was a problem: the adult lizards had thick, bulletproof skin; high-explosive bombs could only blast away stones and trees, accidentally killing smaller lizards, but posed limited threats to the adults.
"Lilith, let's fire!"
"Alright, let's try two rounds."
The Scientific Guild's ship was a medium-sized F399 multipurpose transport vessel, equipped with guns and standard laser cannons on both wings. As orders were given, the two laser cannons quickly charged and fired at the two most aggressive lizards below. Flashes of light exploded, roaring loudly, as the lizards were blown to pieces, and the ground beneath them was torn into craters.
"Holy shit, so brutal! Lilith, should we try the main cannon?"
The ship's main cannon was an electromagnetic dragon gun mounted on the head, far surpassing regular laser cannons in power. However, the medium-sized ship could only fire it twice due to rental configurations. To increase the number of shots, they'd need to buy and replace expensive war-grade energy modules.
Lilith shook her head: "The main cannon only has two shots. We can't use it casually. How many times can the laser cannons shoot?"
Jasper replied: "Theoretically, they can fire continuously without overheating, but it drains the ship's energy. We need to be cautious." The ship had no backup power, and there were no recharging stations on the planet. Running out of energy would be disastrous.
"Then fire a few more rounds, mainly targeting the adults."
The lizards were fairly intelligent. After sensing the threat from above, they scrambled underground toward their burrows. *Boom-boom-boom...* After four consecutive laser blasts, the ship issued a warning: the barrels were overheating and required half an hour to cool down.
"That's it for now. Prepare to land." There was a landing site nearby. Lilith ordered everyone to wear armor. "The data mentioned that the lizards' weak points are their necks and joints. Aim for those if you shoot. If not, hack at them in close combat. Remember, these aren't mindless beasts—they're smart. Be careful."
Everyone's expression turned grave. Fully armed, they followed Lilith off the ship.
On the other side, the leader of the lizard tribe saw the ceasefire above and roared, gathering its kin: "Kill the invaders! Dry them out and make them food!" The lizards emerged from the ground, saw the shattered remains of their kin, and their eyes burned red—they were furious beyond measure.
The war was about to erupt, but Damian felt the tightest tension: "Those lizards look terrifying. Can the Scientific Guild win this?"
[System Analysis: All weaknesses of the lizards have been identified. The Scientific Guild's combat strength can defeat them, with estimated casualties around twenty.]
"Twenty here, twenty there... What if we run out of people?"
[If the owner is interested in high-IQ civilizations, they can be recruited as passengers. If the lizards are uncommunicative, some can be collected.]
"I see."
As they spoke, Lilith leaped into the lizard pack like a valkyrie, clad in deep-purple armor. Even the massive lizards struggled against her heavy slashes. Inspired, the others charged forward, overwhelming the lizards with absolute superiority.
"Yang Lu is such a coward—hiding and picking on small lizards," Damian muttered, confirming the Scientific Guild's control over the battle. Suddenly, a notification flashed: "A guild just lost thirty members instantly."
"Thirty? Switch the feed!"
The screen shifted to a night scene in the South Hemisphere: flames erupted, guns blazed, and laser cannons lit the jungle like daytime—aimed at a 20-meter super lizard that had just slain thirty.
"Which guild? Wasting lives like this!" Damian fumed; all passengers were his labor force.
[Dominion Guild, targeting Tribe Seven.]
"I knew it was Cedric's useless crew! He spends freely recruiting but skimps on gear—most members don't even have armor, so they die!"
"The worst part? He picked Tribe Seven to court death!"
Since the guild system launched, Dominion recruited the most members but also suffered the highest casualties. Damian detested Cedric: "After this war, if he's alive, find a reason to strip him of leadership. He can't stay as chairman!"
On the battlefield, Cedric roared like a manic tiger: "MOVE YOUR ASSIS! I DIDN'T SPEND ON WEAPONS TO WATCH YOU ALL SITTING AROUND!"
Over a thousand members ringed the area. After emptying clips, it turned to melee—but against the frenzied lizards, attackers died instantly. Vice Chairman Phoenix clenched his bleeding right arm, slashed by lizard claws: "Chairman, I suggest using the main cannon. No more pointless deaths!"
Cedric's eyes bulged withrage: "What do you know?" He muttered under his breath: "The guild's drowning in debt. More deaths mean less payout. Good riddance—no pensions needed."
Phoenix froze, stunned by Cedric's cruel calculus—exploiting loopholes to trade lives for profit. Unbearable, he locked eyes with his comrades, signaling silently. They surrounded Cedric.
As Cedric screamed in rage, Phoenix lunged, pulling a pistol—*BOOM! The shot blew Cedric's forehead apart. He collapsed, gurgling: "You..." before falling silent.
Others near the chaos heard the gunshot but couldn't discern details. Phoenix stood tall, raising his arm: "Cedric's dead by accident—I'm acting chairman! Everyone, retreat to safe zones! Prepare to launch the main cannon!"
Many sensed a coup but, resentful of Cedric, accepted the new order, scrambling to save themselves.