The eighteenth cycle begins.
Maine stood inside the landing craft, the optical lenses streaming data that had been optimized through sixteen iterations.
"Objective for this cycle: Test the stealth penetration strategy." His synthesized voice rang out in the encrypted channel, "All personnel switch to silent mode, prioritize avoiding combat."
The squad, equipped with silenced weapons and optical camouflage, advanced along the underground pipe network under Rita's guidance.
Lucy's quadrupedal machine, acting as the vanguard, has specially tuned sensors that can detect the mimics energy signals hundreds of meters ahead.
They moved like shadows through the ruins, silently eliminating lone mimics only when absolutely necessary, using melee weapons.
This attempt successfully got them to the outskirts of Paris, but they were eventually exposed outside the Louvre due to the high density of patrols.
Before the reset, they recorded the locations of 27 new sentry posts.
The tactics were completely opposite in the nineteenth cycle.
"Test the limits of firepower," Maine ordered.
The two Iron Guards were equipped with additional armor and ammunition provided by the UDF, and Rebecca's plasma bombardment was overloaded.
They forced their way along the main road, destroying all obstacles with overwhelming firepower.
This time they successfully stormed into the Louvre Square, but the Iron Guards were severely damaged due to continuous high-intensity combat and were eventually overwhelmed by the endless stream of mimics at the entrance.
Data records show that the mimics will undergo tactical reorganization after suffering 40% of its battle losses.
The twentieth cycle focuses on trap tactics.
Pilar and Kiwi used UDF explosives and homemade electromagnetic interference devices to set up multiple ambush zones along their advance route.
Sasha successfully lured three batches of mimics into the trap zone through reverse analysis of the mimics communication pattern.
This attempt significantly reduced the frequency of squad engagements, but the traps took too long to set up, preventing the team from breaking through the core area before large-scale reinforcements arrived.
In the twenty-first cycle, David's experimental plan was tested.
He used the mimics pheromone samples collected in previous cycles to create a biological agent that simulates alpha signals.
When the squad releases these pheromones, ordinary mimics are observed to enter a confused state for about 1.7 seconds, but this has no effect on Alpha.
This discovery provides a new tactical approach for breaking through densely defended areas.
Lucy's quadrupedal Titans undertook the riskiest missions in these cycles.
It "died" seventeen times during reconnaissance missions, but transmitted back valuable structural data: the layout of the underground reservoir's ventilation ducts, the patrol patterns of Alpha individuals, and the periodic characteristics of Omega energy pulses.
Each "death" makes the next infiltration route more precise.
Cage and Rita honed their near-perfect teamwork through countless battles side by side.
Cage's exoskeleton manipulation has reached a high level, enabling him to perform seamless tactical evasion and precision shooting in complex environments.
Rita perfectly combined the technical advantages of Maine's squad with her own combat experience. Once, when they were ambushed, she completed a flanking maneuver with just a gesture from Dorio.
The capture device has undergone nine major improvements.
Pilar's team optimized the coolant injection mode, reducing the effective time to 0.3 seconds; Lucy improved the aiming system, increasing the accuracy of the capture net deployment to 95%; Sasha and Kiwi added an anti-jamming module to the device, effectively resisting Alpha's energy pulse interference.
In the 25th cycle test, the device successfully imprisoned an Alpha for five seconds in a real combat environment. Although it was eventually rescued by other Alphas, it proved the feasibility of the solution.
After systematic testing and data analysis, Maine announced before the start of the 27th cycle: "'Final Plan' has been determined. We will adopt a hybrid tactic: in the early stage, we will infiltrate to the core area; in the middle stage, we will use pheromone interference to create a breakthrough; and in the later stage, we will use an enhanced capture device to carry out the capture."
All personnel were equipped according to the B-7 tactical manual.
Rebecca inspected the plasma cannon mounting system, which had undergone twenty-seven optimizations: "Finally, we don't have to keep trying things out anymore."
Dorio adjusted the frequency of the explosive generator on her boxing gloves: "These data were earned with our lives."
Cage and Rita exchanged a glance, seeing the same determination in each other's eyes.
——
Maine stood in the makeshift command center, where all the squad members were in position and everyone's equipment had undergone a final check.
The capture device was mounted on a modified transport platform, where Sasha and Lucy conducted the final system debugging.
"Final plan confirmed." Maine's synthesized voice echoed in the room. "Mission objective: Infiltrate the Louvre's underground reservoir, locate and control the target."
He pulled up the tactical hologram and began assigning specific tasks:
"Valerie, Jackie, and Iron Guard will act as the assault vanguard, responsible for frontal breakthroughs and fire suppression."
"Rebecca, take the high ground and provide long-range heavy firepower support. Focus on eliminating Alpha individuals."
"Dorio and Rita, form a close-combat assault team, clear the passageway, and protect the technical team."
"Cage, you will work with Dorio and Rita to protect the flanks."
"Sasha, Lucy, operate the capture device. The launch must be completed at the optimal moment."
"Sasha and Kiwi, monitor the mimics communication throughout and implement electronic interference."
"Falco, coordinate battlefield information and provide real-time tactical advice."
"David, monitor changes in biosignals and confirm the location of Omega."
Just as the team members were preparing to set off, the cross-dimensional communication terminal suddenly lit up.
Osiris' synthesized voice came through the encrypted channel, his tone more urgent than ever: "Based on the data you sent back, the analysis results confirm that the Alpha individual is merely an execution node for time reset; the true core of the control system is Omega."
A new data model was uploaded to the encrypted channel, showcasing the energy connection pattern between Alpha and Omega.
"The final instruction has been revised: the priority objective has been changed to capturing Omega. If conditions permit, Alpha samples should also be captured simultaneously. The Omega control system has irreplaceable research value for understanding the nature of spacetime."
Osiris paused for a moment, then added, "Omega likely possesses advanced self-protection mechanisms. It is expected to activate extreme response measures in the event of a direct threat. It is prepared to deal with any unforeseen circumstances."
After the communication ended, the members of Maine's team exchanged knowing glances.
Maine's optical lens swept across each player.
"The instructions have been updated. Our primary target is now Omega." His voice remained calm and steady. "This means we need to penetrate deep into the core area of the reservoir and capture it before a global reset is triggered."
Dorio checked the energy readings on her gauntlets: "The defenses in the core area will be even tighter."
Rebecca sneered, "Perfect for testing my newly modified plasma munitions."
Sasha and Lucy quickly adjusted the parameters of the capture device: "Recalibrate the energy output; a stronger binding field is needed to control Omega."
Maine looked at his ready team members and asked one last time, "Does everyone understand their mission?"
"Iron Guards in position."
"Long-range firepower ready."
"Melee team ready."
"The technical team has completed debugging."
"Electronic warfare system online."
"Battlefield monitoring system is operational."
"Begin the operation," Maine ordered. "Remember, we may only have one chance."