Chapter 176: The Distribution of Monsters in the Industrial District
All eyes were riveted on the detailed map of the industrial district that Howard had produced.
This map was densely annotated with all the monsters in the industrial district that were above level 50. Additionally, next to each monster's annotation, there was a brief introduction to these creatures.
"As you can see, the number of monsters above level 50 in the industrial district is exceedingly high. Given our current strength, it is virtually impossible for us to contend with these level 50 and above monsters."
So, we must strategically isolate the monsters above level 50 into different sectors. Once we have exterminated all the monsters below level 50, we might then possess the capability to eliminate those above level 50."
Howard quickly pointed to the symbols representing level 50 monsters on the map as he spoke.
While Howard was talking, Jeremy swiftly scanned the entire map. He discovered several pieces of information on this map that he had never noticed before.
On Howard's map, apart from the numerous level 40 monsters at the entrance of the industrial district, there were also some concealed level 30 monsters.
However, during Jeremy and his team's careful observations earlier, they had not detected any monsters below level 40 at the entrance of the industrial district.
There are two possible explanations. The first explanation, of course, is that Jeremy and his team did not observe meticulously enough. They failed to notice the concealed level 30 monsters.
The second explanation is that Howard's map is somewhat outdated. The originally level 30 monsters may have already advanced to above level 40.
Jeremy was deeply concerned that the second explanation might be the actual one.
Thus, Jeremy directly asked Howard, "Why are there level 30 monsters at the entrance of the industrial district on the map you provided? We have just carefully observed the monsters at the entrance of the industrial district.
We did not see any level 30 monsters, all we observed were those above level 40. Does this imply that your map might be somewhat outdated?"
Howard smiled and shook his head.
"I understand what you're worried about, but I can assure you with absolute certainty that my map is not outdated. My subordinates use reconnaissance satellites and helicopters to meticulously observe the monster situation in the industrial district on a daily basis."
"The reason you didn't spot those level 30 monsters is simply that they are hiding in extremely concealed locations. Without precise satellite surveillance, it's impossible to detect them."
Upon hearing Howard's response, Jeremy finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"That puts my mind at ease. You may proceed with explaining the information marked on this map."
After explaining the information about monsters above level 50, Howard began to elaborate directly on the partitioning plan for the industrial district.
"As I mentioned earlier, besides separating monsters above level 50 from each other, we must also be careful not to isolate too many monsters above level 40 in one area."
"So, after meticulous consideration, my subordinates and I ultimately devised this perfect partitioning plan. The blue lines on this map indicate the predetermined locations for the partition walls in the industrial district."
Under Howard's prompting, Jeremy and his team focused all their attention on the blue lines marked on the map.
Jeremy couldn't help but marvel at how diligent Howard and his subordinates were.
The locations they had chosen for the partition walls not only cleverly made use of the ruins within the industrial district but were also situated in areas where the number and strength of monsters were relatively low.
After scrutinizing the entire map, Jeremy nodded and said.
"I believe your plan is flawless. If there's nothing else to discuss, let's proceed with executing your plan immediately. I feel we can't afford to waste even a single moment longer."
Jeremy was incredibly eager to take action right away.
He had a nagging feeling that during the time they delayed, some monsters in the industrial district might have already leveled up.
Howard nodded in agreement: "You're absolutely right. Let's start setting up the partition walls now. In the initial phase of setting up these walls, we must deploy sentry towers at the predetermined locations."
"My subordinates will soon use helicopters to deploy a sentry tower at this location on the map. Your task is to defend this sentry tower until my subordinates complete the construction of the partition walls on either side of it."
Howard pointed to a factory ruin on the map as he spoke.
Jeremy hadn't expected that the first location Howard chose to deploy the sentry tower would be so close to the entrance of The Iron Lair instance.
Upon seeing this location, Jeremy suddenly recalled what The Mechanical Duke had said within The Iron Lair instance.
"What's the matter? Do you think there's an issue with my plan?"
Seeing the thoughtful frown on Jeremy's face, Howard directly asked him.
Jeremy shook his head.
"I'm just thinking it's quite a coincidence. I didn't expect the first location you chose to deploy the sentry tower would be so close to the entrance of The Iron Lair instance."
Howard chuckled upon hearing this.
"In fact, choosing this location indeed has something to do with The Iron Lair instance."
Howard's words piqued the interest of both Jeremy and Bonnie.
"You successfully cleared The Iron Lair instance, and after it closed, the number of monsters around here decreased significantly compared to before. This allowed us to calmly begin constructing the partition walls here."
"If we were to build the partition walls in other areas, we would encounter far more monsters. Therefore, I must extend my gratitude to both of you."
"If you hadn't successfully cleared The Iron Lair instance, our current operations would be much more challenging."
Jeremy and Bonnie didn't show any signs of amusement upon hearing these words. Both felt that this seemed like more than just a mere coincidence.
It seemed as though everything they were experiencing now had been deliberately arranged by some unknown, powerful force.
Realizing this, Jeremy's expression grew even more serious than before.
Bonnie, although better at managing her expressions than Jeremy, also displayed a contemplative look on her face.
Ritchie, standing beside them, appeared much more relaxed. He was simply listening intently to Howard and Jeremy's conversation. Ritchie knew far less than the others.
However, at this stage, the less information one knew, the more at ease they seemed to be.
Howard did not inquire about the increasingly grim look on Jeremy's face. He merely waited in silence for Jeremy to speak.
After a while, Jeremy finally pushed aside all the useless doubts swirling in his mind.
"I have no more questions. We can proceed with the action immediately." he said, then turned his gaze to Bonnie and Ritchie.
Ritchie quickly nodded, and after a brief pause, Bonnie did the same.
"Since you are all ready, I will now notify my subordinates to commence the operation."
Howard opened his communicator directly: "Preparations are complete. Begin the operation immediately! A1 squad, deploy at once!"
As soon as Howard issued the command, the roar of helicopter engines quickly reached Jeremy and the others.
A massive transport helicopter, carrying a sentry tower, flew towards the industrial district.
"Another helicopter will be here shortly. The three of you will board it to fly to the designated location." Howard said.
After Howard finished speaking, he intended to leave with his subordinates.
At this moment, Jeremy directly asked Howard.
"Aren't you planning to come with us?"
Howard smiled. "I can't join you. I need to command my own team."
After saying this, Howard boarded the helicopter and flew away.
Watching the helicopter carrying Howard depart, Jeremy had some new thoughts in his mind.
"Howard is our ally, he is absolutely trustworthy. He would never do anything to harm us." Bonnie said softly from not far behind Jeremy.
Bonnie had already noticed that Jeremy seemed somewhat suspicious of Howard.
Jeremy nodded.
"Of course, I believe he is absolutely reliable. But I can't shake off the feeling that our current actions are being manipulated by some unknown force. For all we know, our enemies could have already set an inescapable trap for us somewhere out of our sight."
Jeremy's words cast a shadow of dejection over Bonnie and Ritchie.
After all, both Ritchie and Bonnie had previously fallen into traps set intentionally by their enemies.
As the three remained silent, the helicopter dispatched by Howard gradually descended in front of them.
"Alright, there's no need to dwell on this any longer. Since the helicopter is here, let's quickly board it and head to the designated location in the industrial district.
Regardless of the circumstances, we must carry out our current plan. Only by doing so can we reduce the threat posed by the monsters in the industrial district to the safety of Moonlight City.
Moreover, it will provide us with a trial ground to rapidly increase our levels. It's possible that for the foreseeable future, we will rely on the monsters in the industrial district to swiftly boost our levels."