He scanned the circle of warriors who were visibly shaken by fear, his tone as steady as someone ordering from a fine-dining menu. "Don't let a 'Red Label' scare the soul out of you. Although the mission is graded C+, don't forget our current loadout— {Tiger Soul} and {Moon Swift} are both high-tier pieces with overflowing stats. And then—" He patted Victor's shoulder, "We have Victor's freshly forged {Shadow Wolf}. When the fighting actually starts, you newbies might just have to stand back and cheer."
Lawson's finger finally rested on the last item of the reward list, a flicker of absolute ambition flashing in his eyes.
"Look closely at this final item: [B-Rank Custom Armor Box Set]. This is a rarity among rarities. You don't need to grind for materials or blueprints; it's a pre-packaged, complete set. Once we get our hands on this, our team will officially step into the realm of B-Rank Armor. That is the true ticket to deciding the outcome of the battlefield."
He let out a cold snort.
"Since the System wants to play this 'One-Life-Clearance' drama, we'll give it the most magnificent counterattack possible!"
Standing to the side, Katie and Dodge stared at Lawson with eyes that felt almost like they were looking at a stranger.
The feeling was jarring, even sending a chill down their spines. In their memories, Lawson was occasionally reliable, but most of the time, he was just an idle, easy-going drifter.
But the Lawson standing before them now—the way he spoke, and that smirk of undisguised mockery toward the rules—he looked like a completely different person.
"Lawson... what has happened to you?"
Dodge and Katie rushed forward, lowering their voices, their tone thick with uncontrollable anxiety. "That expression on your face right now... it's like you're a 'Demon King' who wants to tear the entire system apart and crown yourself as the new ruler!"
Hearing this, Lawson's gaze, which had been fixed on the screen, shifted slightly, but he didn't turn his head.
"A Demon King? Call me whatever you want. In a perfect run, there is no room for sentiment."
He simply let out a cold laugh, his eyes revealing a shuddering clarity and resolve. It was the look of someone who had witnessed the ultimate collapse and had seen through the cruel essence of this game.
"This is the real me. Or rather... this is what a 'Game Finisher' is supposed to look like."
Lawson's voice was as flat as a stagnant pool, yet it carried an indisputable authority.
"The time for reminiscing and sentimentality is over. Since the System wants to play big, we have to play even more ruthlessly. Now—everyone, combat stations! Let's tear that 'Fortress' into scrap metal first!"
At that moment, a low rumble erupted from the depths of the base. The entire structure vibrated violently; the sound of mechanical gears grinding into place echoed throughout the halls. Then, the system's broadcast blared through the speakers:
"—Defense System Activated! All units, battle stations immediately!"
"It's here! The system's command!" Lawson braced himself and growled, "Prepare for the defense battle! Hold your ground, everyone!"
The central floor of the hall rose steadily like a massive elevator platform, while the ceiling above slid open to the sides. The team rode this colossal "War Elevator" straight to the highest point of the base.
The view opened up instantly. A massive Alloy Ion Cannon was welded into the center of the roof, its gargantuan barrel pointing toward the sky like the eye of a reaper, locked onto its target. Along the edges of the high ground, five auxiliary launchers marked [Water], [Fire], [Earth], [Wood], and [Thunder] were arranged in a star pattern, shimmering with distinct hues. This was the base's ultimate line of defense—and their only hope for survival.
"Because of its sheer size, we cannot launch an effective direct attack." Lawson explained. "Offensive strikes will be handled by the base's defense weapons..."
"Great Master Lawson, what about us?" Emma raised her hand timidly. "Are we supposed to charge under that monster's feet and act as meat shields?"
"Emma, have you developed a professional habit of getting hit?" Katie glared at her apprentice. "A monster that size would turn you into a metal pancake with one step. You want to be a decoy?"
"Master... I just wanted to help," Emma pouted, her eyes reddening as she looked at her toes. Seeing this, Katie's heart softened, and her tone mellowed.
"I'm harsh because I want you to remember. If something happens to you, everyone will be devastated."
"Master... I understand!" Emma's mood flipped instantly, her face lighting up with a bright smile.
Lawson didn't join the sentimentality. His gaze swept over the crowd, his voice deep and authoritative as he continued: "If you've read war history, you should know the term 'Scorched Earth'."
The crowd looked back blankly. Lawson sighed and switched to a more direct explanation.
"Simply put, this is a resource skirmish. We need to fight the enemy for 'Energy Cores' scattered across the battlefield and transport them back to the cannon's energy slots. Whichever side fills their gauge first holds the key to victory."
"But Mr. Lawson," Valerie looked toward the empty ruins below. "That plain looks like there's nothing there."
"Once the mission officially begins, it will become a gruesome meat grinder," Lawson interrupted her, quickly issuing orders. "Tactical grouping starts now. We divide into three echelons:
Group One is the [Vanguard], responsible for frontline seizure and suppression.
Group Two is the [Relay Team], responsible for transporting cores back to the base.
Group Three is the [Artillery Team], in charge of the defense systems."
Since Lawson couldn't participate in direct combat, the masters claimed their respective apprentices. George and Victor were personally assigned by Lawson.
"George, your clearing capability is the strongest. You take point for the [Vanguard]! Victor, your {Shadow Wolf} has top-tier movement speed. The burden of transport for the [Relay Team] falls on you."
Meanwhile, Dodge was loudly boasting about Luther's "Super-Vision," which naturally secured Luther's spot in the [Artillery Team]. The others listened to the stories of his miraculous feats, their jaws nearly hitting the floor.
Only Lawson remained chillingly calm. He looked directly at Luther. "I'm not worried about your marksmanship, but do you understand elemental counters?"
"Uh... Water beats Fire, Earth beats Thunder... and..." Luther scratched his head; Dodge hadn't had time to teach him the basics yet.
"This is the core of the defense battle." Lawson's expression was grave as he "served" the complex elemental logic directly to Luther. "Listen well. I'm only saying this once."
Luther displayed a startling talent for memory, memorizing the counters instantly and even reciting them backward. Lawson nodded in satisfaction and pointed to the console.
"The Fortress Raider will intermittently fire elemental shells at the base. Your job is to fire the corresponding 'Countering Element' to neutralize the beam before it hits. Remember, you are the base's final shield. When the main cannon reaches 100% energy, you will be the one to pull the trigger for the final blow."
"Understood! Leave it to me!" With deep resolve, Luther walked toward the console with steady steps.
At the same time, Katie completed the assignments: Valerie and Phyllis were assigned to the [Vanguard], while she and Emma acted as support for the [Relay Team]. Dodge also loudly announced he was joining the [Vanguard].
"Everyone, get in position! The operation begins in thirty minutes!" Lawson stood at the edge of the high platform, overlooking the iron behemoth advancing like a mountain range on the horizon.
Thirty minutes later, Lawson's voice was as cold as ice:
"Defense Battle—Begin!"