At this point, Ning Yu paused deliberately, his gaze falling on Mu Xue in the crowd. Mu Xue received his signal, stood up, and told everyone present the news brought back by the scout, as well as the speculations about the giant cocoon and the "Dominator."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire conference hall erupted in chaos, with discussions and exclamations rising and falling.

"What? The Overlord? What is that?"

"Oh my god, are we really doomed?"

"What should we do? Are we just going to sit here and wait to die?"

...

Fear spread like a plague among the crowd; even the bravest soldiers trembled uncontrollably. Ning Yu looked at the chaotic scene before him, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that fear was contagious, and if it wasn't controlled in time, the entire base would be paralyzed.

"Enough!" Ning Yu roared, silencing all other voices. He surveyed the surroundings, his gaze sharp, and said in a deep voice, "I know everyone is terrified right now, but fear solves nothing! We survived the nuclear war and built our own home not because of luck, but because of courage and wisdom!"

He took a deep breath and continued, "Now, what we need is to unite and work together to find a solution! Mu Xue, tell everyone your previous ideas."

Mu Xue nodded, walked to Ning Yu's side, and said with a firm gaze, "We can't sit idly by and wait to die; we must take the initiative! I suggest we immediately organize an elite team to infiltrate the monster's habitat, find out the true situation of the Overlord, and..."

"No! This is too dangerous!" A gruff voice interrupted Mu Xue. It was the captain of the base's defense team, a burly, middle-aged man with a full beard. "Nobody knows how strong that so-called Overlord is. Acting rashly is tantamount to suicide!"

"Yes, yes, we can't risk everyone's lives!"

"That's right, the most urgent task is to strengthen our defenses and prepare for the worst!"

Dissenting voices rose and fell, and before Mu Xue could finish speaking, she was drowned out by the murmurs of the crowd. She looked at Ning Yu with a hint of helplessness, only to find that his face showed no sign of panic, but rather a resolute expression.

“I know this journey…” Ning Yu paused, his sharp gaze sweeping over the anxious faces of the crowd, his tone resolute, “is extremely dangerous, with a slim chance of survival. But we cannot back down, much less sit and wait to die! Rather than passively awaiting destruction, we must take the initiative. Even if there is only a sliver of hope, we must fight with all our might to seize it!”

His words were like a flash of lightning in the darkness, illuminating the confusion and fear in everyone's hearts. The conference hall was silent; all eyes were fixed on Ning Yu, awaiting his final decision.

"I have decided to personally lead an elite squad to the monster's habitat to uncover the truth about the Overlord and find a way to stop it!" Ning Yu's voice was firm and resolute, revealing a determination to die for it.

"No! It's too dangerous! You can't go!" Mu Xue was the first to rush to Ning Yu, anxiously grabbing his arm, her beautiful eyes filled with worry.

"Yes, Chief, you are our backbone, you cannot risk your life!"

"Chief, please think it over!"

Others also spoke up to dissuade him, saying they would rather take the risk themselves than see Ning Yu in danger.

Ning Yu gently patted Mu Xue's hand to reassure her, then turned to face the crowd and said firmly, "I know you are all worried about my safety, but my mind is made up, there's no need to persuade me anymore!"

He looked around, his gaze settling on a few core members, and said in a deep voice, "For this operation, I need an elite squad. I will select the personnel, and the rest of you will stay behind to guard the base and prepare for defense, just in case!"

Despite their deep worry and reluctance, everyone understood that no one could change Ning Yu's decision. They could only obey orders, do their jobs well, and silently pray for Ning Yu's safe return.

Three days later, a ten-man elite squad, personally led by Ning Yu, was fully prepared to depart for the monster's lair. Each of them was one of the base's best warriors, possessing formidable strength and extensive combat experience.

"Set off!"

With Ning Yu's command, the team members took one last look at the base behind them, resolutely turned around, and walked towards the desolate distance. They were about to embark on a path full of unknowns and dangers, and what awaited them...

As the group marched on, the sky in the distance suddenly darkened, and a gust of wind swept in, carrying yellow sand.