Yuan Cong regarded Renyu with a grave expression as he elaborated, ‘The potency of magic in that realm fluctuates with environmental changes. According to Evolution Battlefield's assessment criteria, it has now reached the level of an intermediate-tier primary magical world.’ He paused before continuing with specific examples of magical power:

  ‘Take the most destructive fire-based magic as an example. A novice mage's Fireball spell has an effective range of approximately fifty metres. Beyond that, its potency diminishes to roughly seventy per cent. Within fifty metres, its effect is akin to dousing oneself with a cup of burning alcohol, with peak temperatures not exceeding four hundred degrees Celsius. Beyond one hundred metres, the spell's efficacy drops sharply. At distances exceeding one hundred and fifty metres, its effect is virtually negligible.’

  "Intermediate-level magic resembles a flamethrower. Where the wand points, the lethality peaks within thirty metres. A column of fire, scorching at over a thousand degrees, consumes everything in its path like a fiery hurricane, leaving nothing standing. If sustained for ten seconds, even the hardest iron sword would glow red-hot, as if freshly drawn from the forge. This spell's effective range extends to about one hundred metres, though its potency drops to sixty per cent. At its maximum range of roughly four hundred metres, it feels merely like a flickering flame."

  ‘As for advanced magic...’ Yuan Cong's voice grew hushed, ‘Those grand mages can invoke, through special rituals, a fiery tempest capable of engulfing up to two hundred square metres from a thousand metres away. Its force is sufficient to annihilate an entire thousand-strong army.’

  A bitter expression crossed Yuan Cong's face: "This plane experiences a natural phenomenon known as the 'Elemental Tides”. Forty years ago, when we first arrived in this world, it was during a period of low elemental concentration. Magicians were scarce then; an entry-level fire mage required an average of six seconds to conjure a single fireball. Yet now...‘ His voice grew heavier, ’According to observations made as we completed our mission and prepared to depart, their casting speed has increased to one fireball every two seconds.

  According to collected texts, the advancement path for the mage profession includes: Apprentice Mage, Junior Mage, Intermediate Mage, Senior Mage, Grand Mage, Archmage, Archmage Extraordinaire, and the legendary Demigod. Archmages Extraordinaire and Demigods typically emerge only when elemental concentration reaches its peak.

  Furthermore, only Grand Mages and above possess the qualification to construct mage towers. The Gemthorn Empire in the western continent has erected as many as three hundred and seventy-eight mage towers. Presently, the continent's most potent mages remain at the Archmage tier, though conservative estimates suggest over two thousand Archmages exist across the land. According to local historical records, this Elemental Tide... has only just begun."

  Renyu once again deeply appreciated the perverse task design of the Evolution Battlefield. Yun Chenhe, beside him, turned ashen-faced—such a magical world had utterly surpassed conventional mission difficulty assessments. For those lieutenants who delayed advancement yet initiated such a mission, Yun Chenhe had nothing left to say.

  Yuan Cong added another more unsettling piece of news: "As the concentration of magical elements continues to rise, those elemental creatures slumbering in forests, oceans, and deserts seem to be gradually awakening... According to ancient texts, the magical elements stored within their bodies are immense—some even surpassing the magical towers of Archmages." At this, the former Captain, who had previously looked down upon Renyu and Yun Chenhe, could not help but turn pale. In certain respects, the difficulty of this magical world had already surpassed that of a normal colonial era.

  ‘Do not assume magic will be readily available in this realm,’ Yuan Cong cautioned. ‘Combat Evolution Officers cannot draw upon magical power here. We must rely solely on our forces, bases, and knowledge to prevail.’

  Seeking to lighten the oppressive mood, Yuan Cong added, ‘The good news is that the chemical laws of that world align with ours; the periodic table remains valid. Moreover, as this is a pioneering mission, the Evolution Battlefield offers tenfold the standard purple gold rewards, with item rewards doubled.’

  But a lieutenant nearby promptly poured cold water on the idea: ‘That world's atmosphere contains less than 20% nitrogen, yet a staggering 25% oxygen. Natural saltpetre accumulation for gunpowder production is impossible. Worse still, there are no petroleum or coal deposits.’

  Renyu pressed in astonishment: ‘Then what fuel do they use for smelting metals?’

  The lieutenant replied, ‘They utilise a peculiar species of tree—one that reaches fifty metres in height within a decade. Due to the unique environment, these trees possess dense wood rich in oils, serving as the primary fuel source.’

  As Renyu and his team pondered countermeasures for this bizarre world, Xiao Long abruptly rose and introduced the man who had remained impassive: "This is Captain Xiao Feng. During our last mission, Major Sun Lin deliberately employed the Golden Shackles to subject himself to firsthand experience of warfare in the Age of Firepower. He now possesses a foundational understanding of related operations. We trust you will cooperate wholeheartedly with him."

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  This revealed the Canglong Society's arrangement: after triggering this mission, they had cultivated a formally commissioned captain through the ‘Golden Shackles’ to endure the Age of Firepower, ensuring the mission's continuity.

  Renyu extended his hand with a perfunctory smile: ‘This mission, I hope we can co-...’

  ‘Can you guarantee absolute obedience to orders during this mission?’ Xiao Feng interrupted in the tone of an instructor delivering a lecture. Renyu's hand hung awkwardly mid-air, the word ‘cooperation’ caught in his throat as his smile instantly froze.

  Xiao Feng appeared entirely oblivious to Renyu's suspended hand and frozen expression, continuing in his condescending tone: ‘Should your capabilities prove inadequate, it would constitute a grave waste of my military resources.’ He deliberately emphasised the word ‘waste’.

  (Within Evolution Battlefield's officer hierarchy, when reserve officers served alongside regular officers on missions, they occupied regular officer quotas within that mission world. These quotas were highly prized by regular officers, directly impacting their promotion prospects and resource allocation. Consequently, many regular lieutenants held reserve colleagues in low regard, viewing them as nothing but a drain on precious mission slots.)

  At that moment, Renyu desperately wanted to quit on the spot, but he understood the consequences: for security reasons, the Azure Dragon Society would reassign him to other mission worlds, and the promise to help Yun Chenhe dissolve all his contracts would vanish into thin air. Facing this arrogant regular officer, Renyu took a deep breath to steady his heartbeat before replying, " As reservists, we naturally obey the command of commissioned officers and will complete the mission to the best of our ability."

  Xiao Feng scrutinised Renyu with a probing gaze, speaking deliberately, ‘I hope your capabilities live up to my expectations.’

  A flicker of hesitation crossed Yun Chenhe's eyes, but he quickly responded with resolve: ‘We shall dedicate ourselves entirely to this mission.’ Xiao Long observed Renyu and Yun Chenhe standing side by side, a hint of doubt flickering in his eyes—doubt directed at Xiao Feng. This captain, who had completed his mission through the “Golden Shackles”, seemed unreliable, radiating an air of autocratic authority.

  Xiao Feng felt satisfied with having established his authority. Xiao Long interjected at the opportune moment: ‘Your mission is to hold your ground for one mission cycle, creating the conditions to trigger the next phase. Within the mission world, liaison personnel will assist you.’

  His gaze swept between Xiao Feng, Renyu, and Yun Chenhe, seemingly assessing this makeshift team's capabilities. The atmosphere in the conference room grew subtly tense.

  After leaving the Canglong Society headquarters, Yun Chenhe called Renyu aside and explained somewhat awkwardly, ‘Most commissioned officers in the Evolution Battlefield behave like that. He wasn't targeting you specifically.’

  Renyu gave a slight nod. ‘I understand. He wasn't targeting us personally, but my reserve status.’

  Yun Chenhe pursed his lips. ‘But the bloke radiates “total annihilation” vibes from every pore.’

  ‘I just hope he doesn't abuse his authority to issue compulsory orders.’

  Yun Chenhe patted his shoulder. ‘Relax. It's just one compulsory order, and he's unlikely to issue suicidal commands. Things aren't as bad as you think.’

  Renyu sighed. ‘Is there any way you could get him to communicate on equal terms? This rigid superior-subordinate hierarchy makes it impossible for me to remain neutral. I'll complete the mission, but achieving the same level of seamless coordination as last time with Zhao Weiguo? I doubt it.’

  Yun Chenhe suddenly grew serious. ‘Renyu, I have a request.’

  ‘What is it?’

  ‘Hold back your full capabilities for now.’ Yun Chenhe lowered his voice. ‘Demonstrate only the skill required to craft muzzle-loading smoothbore muskets.’

  Seeing Renyu's puzzled expression, Yun Chenhe explained, ‘Xiao Long has undoubtedly prepared a comprehensive plan for Xiao Feng. We should adopt a low profile and observe his approach first. Though your technology is advanced, it may not suit that magical world. Should anything go wrong, the blame would fall squarely on you. So for the first year, just watch, just listen, and say nothing.’

  Renyu pondered for a moment. ‘You're right. The mission requires unified command. Even if mistakes are made, as long as the organisation's cohesion is maintained, we can grit our teeth and endure. But refraining from offering any suggestions for an entire year—won't that seem overly detached?’

  ‘Trust me on this,’ Yun Chenhe stated firmly. ‘Devote this year solely to observation. Gauge the extent to which he requires our assistance. Only when he actively signals his need should we offer full support.’

  ‘What signal?’

  ‘You know about Zhao Weiguo's talent, don't you?’

  Renyu nodded. ‘I know, but I'm bound by confidentiality agreements.’

  ‘I know that too. I can't speak of it either. But my talent can tell you.’ Yun Chenhe leaned closer. ‘It's “Life Judgement”—the ability to sense the presence and vitality of life within a specific range.’

  Before Renyu could speak, Yun Chenhe waved him off. ‘No need to mention yours. You haven't concealed anything from anyone; I can guess. It's a processing talent, I suppose. During our last mission, Zhao Weiguo voluntarily disclosed his talent to us and signed confidentiality agreements with everyone. Our collaboration with him has been quite smooth. We can also roughly guess the talents of the others, though Li Ziming keeps his well hidden.’

  ‘A commissioned officer proactively inviting reservists to disclose their talents and sign confidentiality agreements—that's the signal. Xiao Feng couldn't possibly be unaware of this ritual. Yet his expression towards us was utterly indifferent, suggesting he has no intention whatsoever of signing such an agreement.’

  ‘I see,’ Renyu realised with a flash of understanding. ‘We must wait for Xiao Feng to...’

  Yun Chenhe smiled. " You wouldn't actually reveal your talent to him, would you?"

  Renyu's lips curved slightly. ‘Rest assured, I'm not that naive.’

  ‘One should never harbour malicious intent, yet remain ever vigilant,’ Yun Chenhe advised earnestly.

  ‘Alright, alright. Spare me the lectures,’ Renyu chuckled. ‘Let's focus on how to tackle the mission. I have a feeling cold weapons will be essential this time.’

  Yun Chenhe nodded. ‘You could check out the crossbows in the lower-tier area. Ten kilograms of purple gold should buy you a complete cold weapon fabrication kit.’

  After thoroughly investigating the cold weapon section, Renyu departed with satisfaction. Once Renyu was gone, a peculiar gleam flashed in Yun Chenhe's eyes before he hurried off by himself, seemingly eager to verify something.