Kapitel 31: The Next Move
The base was quiet in the aftermath of the battle, but it was the kind of quiet that carried the weight of an impending storm. We had repelled Zaitsev's drone assault, thanks in no small part to the Belkan Remnant Forces, but the uneasy alliance we had formed with them was fragile. Zaitsev wouldn't stop with just one attack—his next move would be more calculated, more devastating.
I stood in the command center, staring at the map of Usea projected onto the screen. The red zones marking Zaitsev's influence were spreading like bloodstains across the continent. His reach extended far beyond just AI drones. He had mercenary groups, rogue military factions, and covert facilities hidden in every corner of the world. Taking him down would require more than just firepower. It would take strategy, alliances, and precision strikes.
Rook leaned against the table next to me, her eyes scanning the map as well. "Zaitsev's going to come back harder. We need to take the fight to him before he can regroup."
I nodded, my mind racing through possible targets. "We need to disrupt his supply chains, hit his research facilities, and dismantle his drone production network. If we can cut off his resources, we can slow him down."
Levi stepped into the room, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a sense of urgency. "I've got some intel that might give us an opening. Zaitsev's got a critical research lab near the Erusean border. They're developing new AI algorithms to control a larger fleet of drones—faster, smarter, and more lethal than anything we've seen so far. If we can hit that lab, we can set his drone program back months."
Rook raised an eyebrow. "What's the catch?"
Levi gave a wry smile. "It's heavily fortified. Zaitsev knows how important this lab is. We'll be flying into a hornet's nest."
I glanced at the map, my mind already working through the logistics. "We'll need the Belkans for this one. Their stealth and precision could be the key to getting in and out without getting overwhelmed."
Rook nodded. "I'll get in touch with Phantom Leader. We'll need them to handle the ground defenses while we focus on the lab."
New Mission Objective: Disrupt Zaitsev's AI Research Lab
Objective: Infiltrate and destroy Zaitsev's research facility near the Erusean border.
Threat Level: Maximum
Reward: XP: 35,000, Zaitsev's Drone Program Set Back
Failure Penalty: Zaitsev's Drone Fleet Strengthened
The mission briefing came together quickly. We would hit the facility at dawn, using the Belkan Remnant's stealth expertise to slip past the outer defenses while the squadron handled the air support. Our objective was simple: destroy the AI lab and cripple Zaitsev's ability to develop his next wave of drones.
The squadron gathered in the hangar, each pilot preparing for the mission in their own way. Viper, always composed, was going over tactical data. Blaze, still eager to prove himself, was double-checking his jet's systems. Echo, ever the quiet professional, sat in a corner, her eyes closed as she mentally prepared for what lay ahead. And Raven—Raven was her usual calm, confident self, her helmet tucked under her arm as she watched the others with a half-smile.
Phantom Leader and his Belkan team arrived just before dawn, their jets sleek and ominous in the dim light. He didn't waste time with pleasantries, but his presence alone was enough to reassure me that we had the right allies for this mission.
"This lab is Zaitsev's nerve center," Phantom Leader said, his voice cold and precise. "If we hit it hard enough, we'll send him a message. But don't expect it to be easy."
"It never is," I replied, strapping on my helmet. "Let's move."
The pre-dawn light crept across the horizon as we took off, the squadron forming up behind me in the F-22. The Belkan Remnant's jets flew silently alongside us, their stealth systems already activated. The plan was simple: hit fast, hit hard, and get out before Zaitsev could react.
The system's interface flashed as we neared the facility, providing real-time data on the enemy's defenses. The radar was littered with drones, anti-aircraft batteries, and SAM sites, all primed and ready to defend the lab. But we had the element of surprise—at least for now.
"Phantom, you're up," I said over the comms, my voice steady. "We'll cover you from the air."
Phantom Leader's voice crackled through the radio. "Understood. Moving into position."
The Belkans broke formation, their jets disappearing into the early morning mist as they descended toward the facility. Our job was to keep the skies clear while they infiltrated the lab.
The first wave of drones appeared on the radar, moving to intercept. I tightened my grip on the controls, feeling the familiar surge of adrenaline as I locked onto the nearest target.
"Viper, Echo, you've got the left flank," I ordered. "Blaze, Raven, take the right. Rook and I will handle the center."
Skill Activated: Aerial Tactician
Squadron coordination improved. Increased effectiveness in air combat.
The sky lit up with missile trails and explosions as the squadron engaged the drones. Viper's jet streaked through the chaos, his missiles hitting their targets with pinpoint accuracy. Echo moved with eerie precision, taking out key drones without drawing too much attention. Blaze, still learning, showed improvement—his movements were more controlled, his targeting more accurate.
Raven, as always, was a force of nature. Her jet weaved through the enemy formations, her missiles tearing through the drones like they were paper. She never missed, and she never hesitated.
The battle raged as the Belkans made their move, slipping past the outer defenses and into the heart of the facility. Phantom Leader's voice came through the comms, calm despite the intensity of the mission. "We've breached the lab. Proceeding with the objective."
I took out another wave of drones, my heart pounding as the radar continued to light up with new threats. "How much longer?"
"Five minutes," Phantom Leader replied. "Hold them off until we're clear."
New Objective: Hold Off Zaitsev's Drone Swarm
Objective: Protect the Belkan team as they destroy the AI lab.
Reward: XP: 20,000, Zaitsev's Drone Program Crippled
Failure Penalty: Mission Failure
"Here they come," Rook muttered, her jet pulling into formation beside mine. "Looks like Zaitsev's sending everything he's got."
The radar lit up with a fresh wave of drones—this time, they were faster, more agile, and more heavily armed. These weren't just patrol drones. These were Zaitsev's elite units.
"Stay focused," I ordered, my voice firm. "We can't let them reach the Belkans."
The drones closed in fast, and the sky erupted into chaos. Missiles streaked through the air, flares popping as we dodged incoming fire. The squadron moved like a well-oiled machine, each pilot playing their part as we engaged the swarm.
Viper's voice crackled over the comms. "These drones are tougher than the last batch."
"I know," I replied, locking onto a pair of drones and firing off a missile. "Just keep them off the Belkans."
The minutes dragged on, each second feeling like an eternity as we fought to hold the line. The drones were relentless, but we held firm, our coordination and experience keeping us one step ahead.
Finally, Phantom Leader's voice came through the comms, sharp and triumphant. "Objective complete. The lab is down. We're pulling out."
Objective Complete: Zaitsev's AI Lab Destroyed
Reward: XP: 35,000, Zaitsev's Drone Program Set Back
"Good work," I said, exhaling as I took out one final drone. "Let's get out of here before Zaitsev sends reinforcements."
The squadron formed up, the Belkan team slipping back into formation as we made our escape. The sky was clear, and the mission was a success—but I knew this wouldn't be the end. Zaitsev's empire was too vast, his influence too deep, for one mission to bring him down.
As we flew back toward base, the horizon glowing with the aftermath of the battle, I couldn't shake the feeling that Zaitsev was already planning his next move. We had bought ourselves some time, but how much?
Rook's voice cut through my thoughts. "We hit him hard today. That should keep him off-balance for a while."
"For a while," I muttered. "But Zaitsev's not going to stop. He'll come back stronger."
"Then we'll be ready," she replied, her tone unwavering.
I hoped she was right. The war was far from over, and Zaitsev wasn't the type to lose gracefully.
New Objective: Prepare for Zaitsev's Counterattack
Objective: Strengthen base defenses and gather intel on Zaitsev's next move.
Reward: XP: 25,000, ???
Failure Penalty: Zaitsev's Forces Strike First
As we touched down back at base, I knew the next phase of the war was coming. We had struck a blow today, but Zaitsev would retaliate. And when he did, we had to be ready.
Whatever came next, we weren't backing down.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein