บท 44: The Chase
The horizon faded into a deep orange as the last remnants of sunlight disappeared behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the base. Task Force Phoenix and Hitman Squadron had pulled off another victory in Erusea, shutting down Zaitsev's AI project and neutralizing one of his last known strongholds. But even with the win, an uneasiness lingered. The Belkan facility, still hidden in the shadows, haunted every conversation. Zaitsev wasn't just planning to win the war—he was preparing to outlast it.
Inside the command center, the tension was palpable. Levi, Phantom Leader, and Monarch stood around the main console, their faces grim as they analyzed the latest intel. The data from the Erusean facility had provided clues—hints of a deeper, more sinister project hidden in the depths of Belkan Remnant territory. But it wasn't enough. We still didn't have a clear location.
Rook and Raven were nearby, their presence steady but silent. I could feel the weight they carried, a connection deeper than just the fight against Zaitsev. Whatever passed between them, it was unspoken but undeniable. I watched them for a moment, sensing the quiet strength they drew from each other. In a war like this, that strength was everything.
Levi tapped a few keys, his face illuminated by the glow of the screen. "We're close to cracking it. The Belkan facility is the last piece of Zaitsev's network, and we're finally getting some coordinates."
Phantom Leader stepped forward, his voice low and hard. "If Zaitsev's hiding in Belkan territory, we need to move fast. He's been operating under our radar, but once we flush him out, there's no telling what he'll do."
Monarch's eyes narrowed. "Hitman will be ready. We've taken down his AI projects one by one, but this time, it's different. Zaitsev knows we're coming."
I nodded, the weight of the coming mission already settling in. "This is it. If we hit this last site, we can cripple his entire network. But if we miss, he'll vanish. We can't afford to lose him now."
Rook leaned forward, her gaze intense. "What kind of defenses are we expecting? If this is his last stronghold, it'll be locked down tight."
Levi brought up a satellite image of the suspected location—a remote, mountainous area deep in Belkan Remnant-controlled territory. "Heavy defenses. Automated turrets, drones, and ground-based artillery. We've also picked up signs of advanced air defenses. Zaitsev's pulling out all the stops to protect this site."
Phantom Leader glanced at the map, his expression unreadable. "Belkan airspace isn't easy to navigate. If we're going in, we'll need to coordinate with ground teams and make sure we're not walking into a trap."
New Mission Objective: Infiltrate Zaitsev's Hidden Belkan Facility
Objective: Launch a coordinated strike on Zaitsev's final AI stronghold in Belkan Remnant territory and disable his network once and for all.
Threat Level: Maximum
Reward: XP: 70,000, Zaitsev's AI Network Crippled
Failure Penalty: Zaitsev's Escape and Reinforcement
The briefing was short, but the stakes couldn't have been higher. Zaitsev's Belkan facility wasn't just another lab—it was his final stronghold, the heart of everything he had been building. If we failed to take it out, he'd have time to reinforce and reestablish his operations. The war would drag on, and we might never catch him.
"Phoenix, we'll take point," I said, my voice steady as the team prepared for launch. "We'll disable the air defenses and create an opening for Hitman and the Belkan ground teams to breach the facility. Once we're inside, it's all or nothing."
Rook nodded, her eyes hard with determination. "We're ready. Let's finish this."
As we moved toward the hangar, the atmosphere shifted. This wasn't just another mission—this was the culmination of everything we had fought for. I could feel the weight of it pressing down on me, but I knew we couldn't hesitate. Zaitsev had been one step ahead for too long. It was time to end this.
New Feature Unlocked: Joint Operations with Ground Forces
You can now coordinate strikes with Belkan ground forces to assist in breaching heavily fortified enemy strongholds.
The engines roared to life as we lifted off into the cold night sky. The Belkan mountains stretched out before us, jagged and unforgiving, with the suspected facility nestled deep within the peaks. The radar was already lighting up with hostile contacts—drones, turrets, and anti-air defenses spread out across the mountain range, waiting for us.
"Phoenix, we've got heavy air defenses up ahead," I said over the comms, my voice tense. "Stay sharp. This place is a fortress."
Viper's calm, collected voice crackled through the comms. "I see them. Drones on radar, and I'm picking up SAM sites further up the ridge."
Echo chimed in, her tone focused but measured. "We need to neutralize those SAM sites before we can move in. If we don't, the drones will swarm us."
Rook was right beside me, her jet slicing through the sky as she locked onto the first target. "I've got the SAMs in my sights. Engaging now."
Missiles streaked through the night, lighting up the dark sky as they slammed into the SAM sites scattered across the mountain ridge. Explosions erupted along the peaks, sending debris and fire into the air as the first wave of defenses began to fall.
New Objective: Destroy Zaitsev's Air Defenses
Objective: Neutralize the SAM sites and drones guarding the Belkan facility to clear the way for the strike teams.
Reward: XP: 40,000, Air Defenses Disabled
Failure Penalty: Drone Swarm Activated
Viper and Echo moved like clockwork, their jets cutting through the sky as they took out the drones and missile sites with precision. Missiles trailed through the air, each shot landing with deadly accuracy as the defenses began to crumble under our assault.
"I've got lock," Viper muttered, firing off another volley. "SAM sites going down."
Echo followed up, her movements sharp and decisive. "We're thinning them out, but there are more coming up from the south."
Blaze and Raven swung into action, their jets weaving between the incoming fire as they engaged the next wave of drones. Blaze had come a long way since the start of this war, his flying more confident and aggressive, and Raven… well, she was as fierce as ever, her missile strikes hitting with pinpoint accuracy.
"We've got it," Blaze called out, his voice edged with excitement. "Air defenses are almost down."
As the last of the drones fell from the sky, the facility lay ahead, its defenses weakened but still dangerous. The Belkan ground forces were already moving into position, preparing to breach the facility once we cleared the remaining defenses.
"Ground teams are in position," Phantom Leader said over the comms. "We're ready to move as soon as you take out the last of the air defenses."
"We're on it," I replied, locking onto the facility's remaining turrets. "Phoenix, let's finish this."
New Objective: Breach the Facility
Objective: Clear the remaining defenses and breach the Belkan facility to disable Zaitsev's AI network.
Reward: XP: 50,000, Facility Breached
Failure Penalty: Zaitsev's Escape
Rook and I dove toward the facility, dodging the last of the anti-air fire as we lined up our shots. The turrets below erupted in flames as our missiles hit their marks, and the ground shook with the force of the explosions.
"Turrets are down," Rook said, her voice firm. "Ground teams, you're clear to move in."
As the Belkan forces stormed the facility, we circled back, watching as the final assault began. The facility was crumbling, its defenses collapsing under the combined firepower of Phoenix and Hitman, but even as we pulled away, I knew this wasn't over.
Zaitsev was still out there, and if he had one more trick up his sleeve, this was when he'd play it.
"Stay sharp," I muttered into the comms, my eyes scanning the horizon. "This isn't the end yet."
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