Chapter 27: The Irnetia Crisis Part 8
Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang's Tactical Meeting Room
Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang sat in the advanced command room aboard the Type-075 Amphibious Assault Ship Anhui. He took a deep breath, then turned to his officers gathered on the screen before him. They were the best of the best, each responsible for a crucial component of the operation. Despite the retreat of Captain Hu Jun's Attack Helicopter Flight 'Steel Talon,' Cheng was determined to turn the tide against the Milishial mechas.
"Thank you all for joining on such short notice," Cheng began. "Captain Hu Jun, I commend you and your pilots for your bravery. These mechas are formidable, but we must find a way to counter them."
Captain Hu Jun, his face hardened but resolute, nodded. "Thank you, General. We underestimated their mobility and firepower. We need a new approach."
Cheng looked at the screen, showing the faces of his key officers. Major Li Wei of Armored Company 'Steel Fang,' Captain Sun Tao of Artillery Battery 'Thunderstorm,' Lieutenant Zhang Hong of Engineer Platoon 'Iron Fist,' Major Liu Xue of Intelligence Unit 'Ghost Eye,' Lieutenant Wang Xin of UAS Flight 'Shadow Wing,' Lieutenant Colonel Wang Lei of Logistics Support 'Iron Horse,' Captain Hu Jun of the Attack Helicopter Flight 'Steel Talon, and Major Wang Mei of Medical Detachment 'Lifeblood.' Each of them was integral to the success of the next phase.
"Suggestions?" Cheng asked.
Major Li Wei spoke first. "General, our tanks can't match their speed or maneuverability. We need to create a situation where they come to us on our terms."
Captain Sun Tao added, "Our artillery can provide suppressive fire, but they move too quickly for us to lock onto effectively. We need to slow them down or pin them in one location."
Major Liu Xue of 'Ghost Eye' chimed in. "Our intelligence indicates that the mechas have incredible sensors, but they might not expect a large-scale ambush. We need to think outside the box."
"We could use smoke screens to obscure their vision," suggested Captain Hu Jun. "But they likely have advanced sensors that can see through smoke."
"Agreed," Major Wang Mei said. "Smoke might only hinder our own visibility."
Cheng stared at the map displayed on the screen, noting the cave and the river. "There's a low land before this cave here," he said. "And two rivers, Rivière Petite and Rivière Grande. If we could lure the mechas into the low land and then destroy the dam holding back Rivière Grande, the flood would flow into Rivière Petite, potentially immobilizing them. While they are stuck, we can use suicide drones loaded with explosives to slow them down further. Finally, we'll call in H-18 heavy bombers of the 24th Regiment, 8th Bomber Division to drop 3000kg precision guided-glide bombs on their position."
"An interesting idea," Major Liu Xue commented. "But how do we ensure they take the bait?"
"We'll hide our forces in the cave," Cheng explained. "Make it seem like we're making a last stand in favorable terrain. We'll bring King Irtis XIII with us to ensure they don't simply collapse the cave on us. They'll think we're trying to force them to attack from the front where we can concentrate our firepower."
Major Wang Mei spoke up. "We'd need to ensure the king's safety. But it's a risky plan. If they suspect a trap, they could adapt quickly."
Cheng looked around the virtual room. "We'll need everyone's cooperation for this to work. Captain Sun Tao, your artillery will provide cover. Major Li Wei, your tanks will be hidden but ready to spring into action. Lieutenant Zhang Hong, you and your engineers will rig the dam for detonation."
Lieutenant Zhang Hong raised a hand. "General, the dam's destruction will be tricky. We'll need precise timing and coordination with the H-18 bombers."
Cheng nodded. "Lieutenant Wang Xin, your UAVs will monitor the mechas' approach and provide real-time updates. Captain Hu Jun, your helicopters will be on standby to provide aerial support once the flood begins."
Major Liu Xue suggested, "We should also prepare for the possibility that they don't take the bait. We need a contingency plan."
Cheng agreed. "Major Liu Xue, 'Ghost Eye' will monitor their communications and movements. If they don't fall for the decoy, we'll adapt our strategy on the fly."
Lieutenant Colonel Wang Lei added, "We'll need logistics support to ensure everyone has what they need, especially the engineers working on the dam."
Cheng took a deep breath. "It's a complex plan, but it's our best shot. We need to execute flawlessly. Let's go over the details."
Over the next few hours, the team discussed and refined the plan. They considered various scenarios, abandoning several ideas in favor of the final strategy.
Captain Sun Tao and Major Li Wei worked together to coordinate their units. "We'll position the artillery around the cave's entrance," Sun Tao explained. "When the mechas approach, we'll create a barrage to funnel them into a narrow corridor."
Major Li Wei added, "Our tanks will be hidden in the nearby forest. Once the mechas are funneled in, we'll strike from the sides."
Lieutenant Zhang Hong detailed the engineering plan. "We'll place explosives at key points along the dam. The timing is crucial. We need to detonate the charges just as the mechas are in the kill zone."
Major Liu Xue and Lieutenant Wang Xin coordinated the intelligence and UAV surveillance. "Our UAVs will provide live feeds of the mechas' movements," Wang Xin explained. "We'll have eyes on them at all times."
Major Liu Xue added, "We'll intercept their communications to anticipate their actions. If they change tactics, we'll know immediately."
Captain Hu Jun detailed the helicopter support. "Once the flood begins, we'll launch a second wave of attacks to pick off any mechas that survive the initial onslaught."
Lieutenant Wang Xin added. "We will deploy suicide drones equipped with explosives to target the mechas directly. These drones can be launched from hidden positions around the cave and river. If they're disabled or slowed by the flood, the drones and H-18 bombers can finish the job."
Lieutenant Colonel Wang Lei and Major Wang Mei ensured logistical and medical support. "We'll have supplies and medical teams ready," Wang Lei said. "If anything goes wrong, we need to be prepared to support our troops."
Cheng looked at his officers, feeling a sense of pride and determination. "This is our plan," he said. "We're going to lure the Milishial mechas into a trap they won't see coming. We'll use the terrain, the dam, and our combined firepower to immobilize and destroy them. Are we ready?"
The officers nodded, their faces resolute.
"Then let's make it happen," Cheng said. "For China, and for our mission. Dismissed."
The officers dispersed, each returning to their respective units to relay the plan and prepare their teams. Cheng remained in the command room, reviewing the details once more. The success of the operation depended on precise coordination and timing. He knew they were up against a formidable enemy, but he also knew that they had the element of surprise.
7th Marine Brigade 'Flood Dragons.'
In the rugged terrain near the strategic lowland area, a cave nestled within the hills became the focal point of the Chinese forces' intricate plan. Engineers, under the meticulous leadership of Lieutenant Zhang Hong, transformed the once-quiet cave into a bustling hub of military activity. The sound of drilling and the occasional spark from welding tools echoed within the rocky walls. The dim light of portable lamps cast long shadows, creating an almost surreal atmosphere as soldiers worked tirelessly.
The engineers rigged the dam with explosives, a task requiring the utmost precision. Each charge was placed with careful calculations to ensure that when detonated, the resulting flood would flow into Rivière Petite, creating a powerful surge aimed at immobilizing the Milishial mechas. Zhang Hong, with his years of experience, supervised the operation personally, double-checking every connection and charge. "Every detail matters," he reminded his team. "We can't afford a single mistake."
Outside, camouflage netting and makeshift barricades were meticulously set up to conceal the artillery positions and tanks. The terrain offered natural cover, but additional measures were taken to ensure complete concealment. Branches and leaves were woven into the netting, and mud was smeared over any reflective surfaces to avoid detection by enemy surveillance.
Captain Sun Tao and Major Li Wei coordinated their units with military precision, ensuring that every soldier knew their role in the ambush. Sun Tao's artillery was strategically positioned around the cave's entrance, ready to unleash a barrage of suppressive fire to funnel the mechas into the kill zone. Each gunner was briefed on their target zones and firing sequences. "We'll give them nowhere to run," Sun Tao stated confidently, reviewing the positions one last time.
Hidden in the nearby forest, Major Li Wei's tanks waited in silence, their engines off to avoid detection. The crews stayed close to their vehicles, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. The tank commanders used binoculars to keep a watchful eye on the surrounding area, ensuring they were ready for any sudden changes in the battlefield.
Inside the cave, Captain Rong Wei and his team worked to secure the interior, preparing it for the arrival of King Irtis XIII. The cave's narrow passages and natural rock formations provided an ideal defensive position, offering both cover and concealment. Supplies were stockpiled in hidden alcoves, and defensive positions were established with sandbags and reinforced steel barriers to repel any surprise attacks.
Rong Wei, known for his strict discipline and tactical acumen, oversaw every detail. "We need to be ready for anything," he reminded his team. "This is our last stand if it comes to that." Guards were posted at key points, and a rotation schedule was set to ensure vigilance at all times.
Tension hung in the air as the final preparations were made. The soldiers were on edge, knowing that the success of the plan depended on every detail falling perfectly into place. Amidst this tension, an unexpected and chaotic event unfolded. King Irtis XIII, desperate and sensing an opportunity to escape, cast a blinding spell. The cave was suddenly bathed in a dazzling light, causing the guards to shield their eyes and momentarily lose their bearings.
Seizing the moment, the king made a dash for the cave's entrance. However, his attempt was quickly thwarted. Captain Rong Wei, who had been observing the king closely, sprang into action. His patience worn thin by the king's repeated defiance, Rong Wei's face hardened with determination.
"You think you can just escape while we're risking everything for you?" Rong Wei shouted, his voice echoing off the cave walls. He pulled his sidearm with practiced ease, his eyes locked onto the fleeing monarch. The guards, recovering from the blinding light, scrambled to regain control, but Rong Wei was already in motion.
Before the king could reach the entrance, Rong Wei fired a shot, hitting King Irtis XIII in the legs. The king crumpled to the ground, a cry of pain escaping his lips. Rong Wei advanced, his expression a mixture of anger and resolve. "You're not going anywhere!" he growled, standing over the wounded monarch. "If you try to escape again, I'll make sure you don't get up next time."
King Irtis XIII, writhing in pain, looked up at Rong Wei with a mix of fear and defiance. "You can't do this! I am the ruler of Irnetia!"
Rong Wei's eyes narrowed, his tone icy. "In this cave, you're a prisoner, not a king. If you ever try to undermine this operation again, I'll ensure that you won't be alive to face any further consequences."
The harsh reality of his predicament hit the king hard. The desperation in his eyes was replaced by a grim acceptance. He nodded weakly, the defiance in his gaze dimming as the pain and the seriousness of the situation sank in. As the king was restrained and moved to a more secure location within the cave, the preparations continued around him. The soldiers, though tense, remained focused. The incident with the king served as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved. Captain Rong Wei's swift and decisive action ensured that discipline and order were maintained, reinforcing the gravity of their mission.
Outside, the engineers completed their work on the dam, double-checking the charges and synchronization. Lieutenant Zhang Hong supervised the final connections, ensuring that the detonation sequence would be flawless. "It's ready," he reported, "We just need the signal."
Meanwhile, UAVs operated by Lieutenant Wang Xin's unit provided real-time surveillance of the Milishial mechas' movements, transmitting data back to the command center. The UAVs, equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging, flew in silent orbits, relaying every detail of the enemy's advance.
Major Liu Xue, monitoring enemy communications, confirmed that the mechas were advancing towards the cave as anticipated. The stage was set, and all that remained was to execute the plan with precision. Liu Xue's team intercepted transmissions, analyzing patterns and movements to predict the enemy's approach.
Captain Sun Tao's artillery crew loaded their shells, and Major Li Wei's tank crews prepared for their surprise attack. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Each crew member went through their final checks, ensuring that everything was in order. The artillery gunners adjusted their sights, calculating trajectories with exact precision, while the tank crews readied their cannons and machine guns.
In the depths of the cave, Captain Rong Wei stood watch over King Irtis XIII, his presence a constant reminder of the operation's importance. His team remained alert, weapons at the ready, their eyes scanning the dimly lit interior for any signs of trouble.
Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang's voice crackled over the communication network. "All units, prepare to engage. Execute the plan on my command. For China, and for our mission. Stand by."
The soldiers braced for the impending battle, their nerves steeled by the gravity of their task. The cave, once a silent observer of nature's passage, now stood as the crucible where the fate of nations would be decided.
The 1001st Special Operations Battalion - 3 hours ago
Fifteen kilometers away, in a dense forest, the 1001st Special Operations Battalion of the Holy Milishial Empire had set up a temporary command post. The officers, rough and rugged elves with hardened expressions and battle-worn attire, gathered around a holographic display table. Their pointed ears, sharp features, and scars told tales of countless battles. Colonel Akito Markto, their stern and seasoned commander, was in deep discussion with his second-in-command, Major Elise Kain.
The Chinese forces had retreated into a cave, taking King Irtis XIII with them. The situation was precarious; a frontal assault could endanger the king's life.
Colonel Markto tapped the display, highlighting the cave's entrance and surrounding terrain. His eyes, a piercing blue, scanned the details meticulously. "The Chinese are well-entrenched," he said, his voice low but commanding. "A direct assault would be risky, especially with the king inside."
Major Elise Kain, known for her strategic acumen and decisiveness, nodded thoughtfully. Her short-cropped silver hair framed her angular face, her eyes a steely gray. "Indeed. If we storm the cave, there's a high chance the king could be caught in the crossfire or used as a human shield."
Captain Tiberius Valco, a seasoned officer with a keen tactical mind, spoke up. His rugged features and deep-set eyes reflected his years on the battlefield. "We need to consider all options. The Chinese have shown they're willing to take drastic measures. We need to be smarter, not just forceful."
Major Kain leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the holographic display. "Maybe we should send a small team to rescue him. A stealth insertion could minimize the risk to the king and allow us to gain the upper hand."
Lieutenant Aurelius Tenebris, an expert in reconnaissance and infiltration, considered her suggestion. His dark hair was tied back, revealing a scar that ran down the side of his face. "A small team could bypass their defenses and extract the king without triggering a larger confrontation. But we'd need to gather more intel on their exact positions and any traps they might have set."
Colonel Markto stroked his chin, deep in thought. "It's a high-risk, high-reward scenario. We'd need our best operatives for this mission. The insertion point would be critical, and timing would be everything."
Major Kain continued, her voice steady and persuasive. "We could use our Alexander Golem Frames to create a diversion. Their superior mobility and firepower would draw the Chinese forces away from the cave entrance, allowing the extraction team to move in."
Captain Valco nodded, his rugged face showing a hint of a smile. "Agreed. The Golem Frames can simulate a frontal assault, making it look like we're preparing for a full-scale attack. Meanwhile, the extraction team slips in under the cover of chaos."
Lieutenant Tenebris added, "We'd also need electronic warfare support to jam their communications and prevent them from coordinating a response. Our intelligence unit can handle that."
Colonel Markto looked around at his officers, gauging their readiness. "Alright, let's formulate a detailed plan. Major Kain, you'll lead the extraction team. Lieutenant Tenebris, you'll provide recon support and secure the infiltration route. Captain Valco, coordinate the diversion with our Golem Frames."
Major Kain nodded, determination in her eyes. "Understood, Colonel. We'll need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more entrenched they'll become."
The officers spent the next hour meticulously planning the operation. Lieutenant Tenebris outlined the infiltration route, identifying weak points in the Chinese defenses. "We'll approach from the north, using the natural cover of the terrain. The cave has several small entrances that aren't heavily guarded. We can exploit these."
Major Kain added, "Once inside, we'll split into two teams. Team A will secure the king, while Team B provides cover and deals with any immediate threats."
Captain Valco discussed the diversion tactics. "Our Golem Frames will launch a simulated frontal attack, using heavy firepower to draw the Chinese out. We'll also deploy smoke screens and decoys to confuse their sensors."
Colonel Markto approved the plan, his expression resolute. "We move at dawn. Timing and coordination are crucial. This mission is our best chance to rescue King Irtis XIII and turn the tide in our favor."
As the officers dispersed to prepare their units, the tension in the camp was palpable. The success of this mission could change the course of the conflict. Each officer knew their role and the stakes involved. Major Elise Kain, in particular, felt the weight of responsibility as she readied her team for the high-risk operation.
XXXXXX
The dense forest was alive with tension as dawn broke, signaling the start of Operation Phantom Strike. The 1001st Special Operations Battalion of the Holy Milishial Empire, clad in their MGZ Magic-Powered Armors, moved with silent precision. Major Elise Kain led the extraction team, her silver hair glinting under the canopy's filtered light, her armor's magical engine humming softly.
"Team A, on me," Major Kain commanded, her voice steady. "Team B, secure our flanks. Lieutenant Tenebris, recon ahead."
Lieutenant Aurelius Tenebris nodded, his dark hair pulled back, revealing the scar that marked his face. "Understood, Major. Moving out."
The holographic display had revealed the cave's layout, and the team navigated the natural cover provided by the terrain. The suits' enhanced abilities allowed them to move swiftly and quietly, their footsteps barely making a sound on the forest floor.
"Colonel Markto, this is Kain. We're approaching the cave entrance. No signs of the enemy yet," she reported through the comm link.
"Copy that, Major. Valco, begin the diversion," Colonel Markto's voice crackled back.
Captain Tiberius Valco's Alexander Golem Frames, towering humanoid mechas, began their assault. The forest shook with the thunderous roar of heavy firepower. Explosions ripped through the air, creating the illusion of a full-scale attack.
The Alexander Golem Frames moved with surprising agility for their size, their heavy cannons roaring to life. The forest around the cave entrance exploded in a maelstrom of fire and shrapnel as the Golems laid down suppressing fire. The Chinese soldiers, well-prepared, had entrenched themselves in defensive positions, ready to counter the Milishial assault.
Amid the chaos, the Chinese forces began deploying their Hongjian-15 ('Red Arrow-15') fifth-generation anti-tank missiles. The soldiers moved swiftly, their actions precise and coordinated.
"Captain, enemy anti-golem missiles incoming!" one of Valco's operators warned.
The Hongjian-15 was a formidable weapon, featuring a dual-band seeker in both IR and visible low-light video, allowing it to engage targets in all visibility conditions. The IR sensor was not cooled, which restricted some performance for an anti-aircraft missile but was a major simplification for an infantry missile. In particular, it avoided relying on a pressurized gas supply that would need to be replenished at depot level. Unlike some missiles, such as the Stinger, with gas-cooled IR sensors or one-shot thermal batteries, the HJ-15 could be locked onto potential targets repeatedly without consuming resources. These two sensors were mounted on a reversible axis in the dome, with the operator selecting which sensor mode to deploy before launch. In comparison with the classic side-by-side dual sensors, this arrangement provided a much wider field of view, allowing the seeker to keep targets, especially fast-moving ones, within the missile's field of view, greatly easing after-launch lock-on.
"Brace for impact! Defensive maneuvers!" Valco shouted, his voice echoing in the cockpit of his Golem Frame.
"Team A, move in," Major Kain ordered, leading her team towards the cave entrance.
Inside, the air was damp and cool. The narrow passages were dimly lit, casting long shadows that danced with each flicker of the flame. The team advanced cautiously, their senses heightened by the magical enhancements of their armor.
As they approached the first chamber, they encountered minimal resistance. Chinese soldiers, caught off guard, were quickly neutralized by the Milishial operatives' liquid metal weapons. These weapons, a marvel of Milishial technology, transformed fluidly from one form to another—a sword slicing through the air, a whip lashing out, an axe cleaving through obstacles.
"Keep it tight, eyes open," Major Kain whispered, her liquid metal weapon morphing into a long spear.
Meanwhile, outside, the diversion was in full swing. The Golem Frames' heavy firepower kept the Chinese defenders occupied, but Captain Valco knew it wouldn't last forever.
The first wave of Hongjian-15 missiles streaked through the air, their infrared homing systems locking onto the Golem Frames. The Milishial mechas attempted evasive maneuvers, but the missiles were relentless. The missiles' inertial measurement units (IMU) and fiber optic data links provided mid-flight targeting adjustments, ensuring that they stayed on course even as the Golems tried to dodge.
A missile struck one of the Golem Frames, its tandem charge warhead detonating on impact. The explosion rocked the mecha, tearing through its armor. Despite the advanced magical enhancements, the sheer power of the Hongjian-15's warhead was devastating.
"Frame 0203 is hit! Severe damage!" an operator reported, his voice strained.
"Hold your ground! Return fire!" Valco commanded.
The Golem Frames unleashed a barrage of retaliatory fire, their 30mm cannons targeting the Chinese positions. Trees splintered and ground erupted as the powerful weaponry sought to suppress the enemy.
The Chinese soldiers, undeterred, continued their assault. The Hongjian-15's high-resolution infrared sensors and daylight TV cameras provided unparalleled accuracy, even in the dense forest environment. The fiber optic data link allowed the operators to adjust their aim mid-flight, ensuring the missiles hit their marks with deadly precision.
Another Golem Frame was struck, the missile's top-attack trajectory exploiting a weak point in the mecha's head. The explosion sent debris flying, and the Golem staggered before collapsing in a heap of twisted metal.
"Frame 0107 is down! We need to fall back!" an operator yelled, panic creeping into his voice.
"No retreat! We hold this position! All units, concentrate fire on the missile teams!" Valco ordered, his resolve unwavering.
The battle raged on, the forest around the cave entrance becoming a war-torn landscape. The Golem Frames, despite their superior technology, were struggling against the relentless onslaught of the Hongjian-15 missiles. The Chinese soldiers, using their netcentricity capabilities, coordinated their attacks with precision, targeting the Golems' vulnerabilities.
"Captain, we're taking heavy losses. We can't maintain this position much longer!" one of Valco's lieutenants reported.
"Colonel, the Chinese are starting to see through the diversion. They're regrouping," Valco reported.
Colonel Markto's response was immediate and resolute. "Understood, Captain. Keep them occupied as long as you can. Major Kain, how's your progress?"
"Entering the main chamber now, Colonel," Major Kain replied. Her team moved through the cave, encountering pockets of resistance that were quickly dispatched. The liquid metal weapons proved invaluable in the confined spaces, morphing from long-range weapons to close-quarters combat tools as needed.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by gunfire. Team B had encountered a Chinese patrol. The air filled with the staccato of QBZ-191 assault rifles and QJY-201 medium machine guns. Bullets ricocheted off the Milishial armor harmlessly.
"Engage, but keep moving!" Major Kain commanded.
The team pressed forward, the sound of battle echoing through the tunnels. They reached the heavily guarded chamber where King Irtis XIII was held. Chinese soldiers were positioned defensively, ready to protect their asset at all costs.
"Team A, on my mark. We take them down fast and secure the king," Major Kain directed.
The operatives moved in sync, their liquid metal weapons transforming seamlessly. A sword became a whip, then a hammer, smashing through the enemy ranks. The Chinese defenders, realizing their small arms were ineffective, fell back, but not without a fight.
"These weapons are incredible! Watch out for their range and versatility!" Lieutenant Zhang Yi warned his men.
Amidst the chaos, the Chinese soldiers hurriedly set up their Hongjian-12 (Red Arrow-12) man-portable anti-tank missiles. These third-generation fire-and-forget infrared homing missiles were their best chance against the impenetrable Milishial magic armors.
"Launcher one ready!" "Launcher two ready!" "Launcher three ready!" came the confirmations.
"Fire!" Captain Rong Wei commanded.
The Hongjian-12 missiles streaked through the air, their infrared homing systems locking onto the Milishial soldiers. The dual-mode seeker, capable of operating in day and night conditions, ensured precise targeting.
The first missile struck a Milishial soldier square in the chest. The tandem shaped charge warhead penetrated the magical armor, causing a massive explosion. The soldier was thrown back, his armor shattered, and he lay motionless on the ground.
"Direct hit! Keep firing!" Captain Rong Wei urged.
The remaining Hongjian-12 missiles found their marks, each explosion lighting up the battlefield. Several Milishial soldiers fell, their advanced armors unable to withstand the concentrated firepower of the Chinese missiles. However, for every Milishial soldier taken down, more seemed to emerge from the shadows, their liquid metal weapons wreaking havoc on the Chinese ranks.
One Milishial warrior wielded a spear that morphed into a hammer mid-swing, crushing a Chinese soldier's chest armor with a sickening crunch. Another transformed his sword into a long spear, impaling two soldiers in quick succession before the weapon reverted back to a sword.
"Fall back! Regroup!" Captain Rong Wei shouted as the Milishial soldiers pressed their advantage.
As the Chinese forces retreated, setting up defensive positions, the air was filled with the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and the clash of metal. The Milishial soldiers, relentless and seemingly invulnerable to small arms fire, continued their assault.
"Major Kain, they're throwing everything they've got at us!" shouted Lieutenant Tenebris, deflecting a grenade with his shield.
"Hold the line! Secure the king!" Major Kain yelled back, her spear impaling an enemy soldier before morphing into a sword.
Despite their superior technology, the Milishial operatives began to feel the pressure. The Chinese, well-prepared, had set up defensive traps throughout the cave. Explosives hidden in the walls detonated, taking several operatives down.
"Major Kain, we've got multiple casualties! We need to extract now!" one of her team members shouted over the comms.
"We're not leaving without the king!" Major Kain insisted, her determination unwavering.
As they fought their way deeper, the situation became dire. The Chinese defenders were relentless, and the confined space of the cave hindered the Milishial operatives' movements.
"Lieutenant Tenebris, status!" Major Kain called out.
"We're pinned down! Heavy resistance ahead!" Tenebris replied, his liquid metal weapon forming a shield against the onslaught.
Outside, the Golem Frames continued their diversion, but the Chinese forces were beginning to redirect their focus. Captain Valco knew time was running out.
"Colonel, the diversion's losing effectiveness. We need to support the extraction team," Valco said urgently.
"Roger that. Kain, if you can't secure the king in the next five minutes, abort the mission," Colonel Markto ordered.
Major Kain clenched her jaw. They were so close. "Team A, push forward! We don't have much time!"
The operatives surged ahead, but the resistance was fierce. The Chinese defenders, realizing the gravity of the situation, were throwing everything they had. The Milishial operatives, despite their advanced armor, began to falter under the relentless assault.
"Major Kain, we're taking heavy fire! We can't hold much longer!" Lieutenant Tenebris shouted, his voice strained.
"Team B, cover our retreat! We're falling back!" Elise Kain commanded, the weight of the decision heavy on her shoulders.
As they began their retreat, the Chinese forces intensified their attacks. The confined space of the cave turned into a brutal battleground. The Milishial operatives used their liquid metal weapons to clear a path, but the Chinese were relentless.
"Major, behind you!" an operative shouted.
Major Kain spun around, her sword morphing into a whip, lashing out at the attacker. The Chinese soldier fell, but more were coming. The team's retreat was chaotic, the air filled with the deafening sounds of gunfire and explosions.
Outside, Captain Valco's Golem Frames provided covering fire, their heavy cannons blasting away at the cave entrance. The Chinese, realizing the Milishial operatives were retreating, pursued with renewed vigor.
"Colonel, this is Kain. We're retreating with heavy casualties. We couldn't secure the king," Major Kain reported, her voice filled with frustration and exhaustion.
"Understood. Fall back to the extraction point. We'll regroup and reassess," Colonel Markto replied.
The extraction team emerged from the cave, battered and bruised. The Golem Frames continued to cover their retreat, but the cost had been high. As they made their way back to the command post, the reality of their failure weighed heavily on them.
Colonel Markto addressed his officers. "Today was a hard-fought battle. We lost many good soldiers, but we must learn from this. The Chinese defenses were stronger than anticipated. We need to regroup and rethink our strategy."
Major Elise Kain nodded, her expression grim but determined. "We'll come back stronger and smarter."
The Chinese forces, meanwhile, fortified their position within the cave. The use of Hongjian-12 missiles had proven effective against the Milishial armor, and they prepared for the possibility of another assault.
