Chapter 25: The Irnetia Crisis Part 6

Night Sky Above Kilcrus, Irnetia Kingdom

In the dark skies above the city of Kilcrus, the capital of Irnetia, the Z-20 helicopters of the Assault Helicopter Flight 'Night Raven' flew low, their rotors whispering through the night air. Inside, three Special Assault Teams under the command of Captain Rong Wei performed checks on their equipment.

"Approaching drop zone in one minute," the pilot's voice crackled through the headset.

"Copy that," Captain Rong Wei replied. "Final checks, everyone."

QBZ-191 assault rifles, QJY-201 medium machine guns, QJZ-171 ultra-lightweight heavy machine guns, QLU-11 grenade launchers, QSZ-92 pistols, magnetorheological fluid-based body armors, QGF-12 combat helmets with BBG015 night-vision devices, and TBR-140 transceivers, all readied for what lay ahead. Captain Wei's men, seasoned and disciplined, steeled themselves for the mission.

"This is it, men," Wei's voice crackled through the comms. "We have fifteen minutes to capture King Irtis XIII and exfiltrate. Remember your training. No hesitation. We hit them hard and fast."

"Yes, Sir!"

Below, Kilcrus was a city of stone and magic, its medieval architecture stark against the night sky. The diversionary attack outside the city had drawn much of the enemy's attention, but the castle still loomed heavily guarded. The Z-20 helicopters, flying in tight formation, approached the royal castle's plaza. Major Liu Yang, commanding the Assault Helicopter Flight 'Night Raven,' coordinated the aerial assault capabilities and troop transport. His voice crackled over the intercom.

"Special Assault Teams, this is Night Raven Leader. Prepare for deployment. All Night Raven, searchlights on my mark."

As the helicopters neared the courtyard of the royal palace, they turned on their searchlights, illuminating the area below. The 7th and 8th King Guards, stationed in the courtyard, looked up in confusion and alarm. The unfamiliar flying objects, casting an overpowering presence and gale from the downwash, sent shudders of intimidation through them.

"Engage!" Major Liu Yang commanded.

The gunners on the helicopter's side doors began to fire their 20 mm machine guns at the surface below. The rounds, mixed with bright tracer rounds, rained down on the King Guards, who scrambled for cover. The initial barrage was devastating, cutting down several guards and creating chaos in the courtyard.

"Ropes down!" Major Liu Yang ordered.

"Drop! Drop! Drop!" shouted Captain Rong Wei, leading the first team out of the helicopters.

Ropes unfurled, and the Special Assault Teams rappelled down, hitting the ground in rapid succession. The sound of gunfire and the clattering of boots on stone echoed through the courtyard as the teams moved into position. Within moments, they had secured a circular defensive perimeter, the courtyard now under Chinese control. Captain Wei's voice was firm as he directed the teams.

"Team Alpha, secure the main hall. Team Bravo, sweep the west wing. Team Charlie, you're with me."

Following the layout of the royal palace that they had memorized, they sprinted toward the locations where King Irtis XIII was likely to be. Team Alpha, led by Lieutenant Cheng Wei, moved toward the main hall. Corporal Li Jun took point, scanning for any threats with his QBZ-191 at the ready. Team Bravo, under Sergeant Zhang Ming, headed for the west wing. Private Yang Lei, with a QLU-11 grenade launcher, kept a watchful eye for any ambushes. Captain Rong Wei led Team Charlie directly toward the king's chambers, accompanied by Sergeant Han Tao and Private Zhao Chen, each carrying QJY-201 medium machine guns.

The teams moved with precision, their actions a testament to rigorous training and coordination. As they advanced, they encountered the first wave of King Guards, armed with two-handed greatswords glowing with a strange green energy. These were no ordinary soldiers; their enhanced strength and speed made them formidable adversaries.

General Nizuel, witnessing the enemy's arrival from a hallway next to the operations command room, sprinted inside and barked orders to the 0th to 2nd King Guards via the comms officer. He knew the courtyard was likely secured by now but believed the attackers were few in number due to the diversion at the city's outer walls. He immediately requested extra troops from the north gate to return to the royal palace.

Type-075 Amphibious Assault Ship Anhui

The night sky over Kilcrus was intermittently illuminated by the fiery arcs of artillery fire. Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang stood in the operations room aboard the Type-075 Amphibious Assault Ship Anhui, monitoring the progress of the mission. Reports streamed in, and his focus remained unbroken.

"Thunderstorm, this is Command," Cheng's voice cut through the air. "Confirmed: Milishial reinforcements are inbound and moving fast. Prepare to engage."

Captain Sun Tao responded immediately. "Copy that, Command. Thunderstorm is ready."

Major Li Wei's voice followed, resolute and steady. "We'll hold them off as long as we can. You have our word."

20km Outside Kilcrus

"Adjust fire to grid 35-24. We're targeting their forward elements. Major Li, ensure all units are ready to relocate," Sun Tao ordered, his voice calm but authoritative.

The PCL-181s of 'Thunderstorm' roared to life, their barrels adjusting automatically as the fire-control systems calculated the optimal trajectories. With a deafening blast, the first salvo was launched, the shells arcing gracefully through the sky. The PHL-03 launchers followed suit, their twelve tubes belching fire as they sent their deadly payloads toward the Milishial forces. The ground shook with the force of the launch, a reminder of the devastating power they wielded.

Sixty kilometers away, the 1001st Special Operations Battalion of the Milishial Empire, under Colonel Akito Markto, moved swiftly. The Alexanders, their medium-sized mechas, navigated the rough terrain with ease, leaping over obstacles and maintaining a rapid pace. Enhanced synchronization through their Brain Linked System (BLS) ensured seamless communication and coordination.

"Incoming fire!" one of the Milishial pilots shouted over the comms as they detected the approaching artillery shells on their sensors.

The ground around the Milishial battalion was pummeled by the Chinese artillery. Each explosion sent shockwaves through the area, the force enough to rattle even the heavily armored Alexanders. Several more mechas took hits, their armor dented and scorched. One unit's arm was blown clean off, the magical circuits inside sparking wildly as it fell to the ground.

Colonel Markto reacted instantly. "Counterfire with the 300mm mortars. Now!"

The Alexander mechas came to a halt, their movements precise and synchronized. The mechas spread out into a defensive formation, each unit quickly setting up its 300mm heavy mortars. Hydraulic stabilizers anchored into the ground, ensuring maximum stability. The mecha pilots, connected via BLS, worked as a single entity, their thoughts and movements harmonized.

Magical glyphs and intricate runes began to glow a deep blue on the surface of the mechas' arms as they activated their targeting systems. Arcane circles materialized around the mortars, pulsating with a soft, ethereal light. The targeting systems calculated the precise coordinates of the 'Thunderstorm' artillery positions, adjusting for wind speed, trajectory, and the magical energies in the atmosphere.

As the calculations finalized, the barrels of the 300mm mortars adjusted their angles with mechanical precision. The air hummed with energy, the blue light intensifying. The mechas' pilots felt a surge of power through their BLS, a shared sensation of focus and determination.

"Fire!" Colonel Markto commanded.

With a thunderous roar, the 300mm mortars fired in rapid succession. The sky lit up as the magical rounds soared with extreme speed, leaving trails of blue light in their wake. Each round was imbued with powerful enchantments, making them far more devastating than conventional ordnance.

In just over a minute, the shells slammed into the positions previously occupied by 'Thunderstorm.' The resulting explosions were cataclysmic, each blast equivalent to a 4500kg bomb. The shockwaves tore through the landscape, creating massive craters and sending debris flying in all directions. The ground heaved and buckled under the force, a testament to the sheer destructive power wielded by the Milishial forces.

"Move! Move!" Captain Sun Tao shouted as the Chinese forces scrambled to relocate. "What the fuck was that?"

"We're dealing with magic-enhanced firepower," Major Li Wei yelled back, his face grim. "We have to keep moving or we're all going to die."

"Thunderstorm, report!" Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang demanded, the urgency clear in his voice.

"Command, this is Thunderstorm. We've relocated. The enemy's counterfire is ridiculously powerful. Like nothing we've ever seen," Sun Tao reported, his voice edged with tension.

"Stay mobile and keep engaging. We need every second you can buy us," General Cheng replied.

The Chinese artillery units repositioned quickly, the soldiers' movements a flurry of precision and urgency. The PCL-181s and PHL-03 launchers belched fire once more, continuing their relentless barrage against the advancing Milishial mechas.

As the Chinese artillery continued to rain down, the Milishial battalion found themselves in a dire situation. The constant barrage turned the battlefield into a nightmarish landscape of fire and shrapnel. The once orderly formation of the Alexanders was now a desperate scramble to find cover and return fire.

"Colonel, we've lost two more units!" Major Elise Kain's voice crackled over the comms, strained with effort. "Their fire is too accurate!"

Markto clenched his fists, feeling the pressure mounting. "We can't stay here. Fall back to secondary positions and prepare for another counterfire. We need to buy ourselves some breathing room."

The retreat was chaotic. The Alexanders leapt and dodged through the relentless artillery fire, their movements a testament to the skill and training of their pilots. One mecha, attempting to cover the retreat of its comrades, took an indirect hit to its torso. The explosion tore through its armor, igniting its internal systems in a burst of flames. The pilot's agonized scream echoed over the comms before being abruptly cut off.

"Dammit!" Markto cursed, his heart pounding. "Keep moving! We can't afford to lose more units!"

The secondary positions offered some respite, but not much. The Milishial forces quickly set up their 300mm mortars again, the magical glyphs and runes glowing even brighter in the darkness. The air was thick with tension and the acrid smell of smoke and burning metal.

"Prepare to fire!" Markto ordered, his voice resolute. "We hit them hard and fast. No mercy."

The mortars fired once more, the sky lighting up with the blue glow of the enchanted rounds. The shells streaked towards the Chinese positions, their impacts creating another series of massive explosions. The ground heaved under the assault, sending debris and bodies flying.

In the Chinese lines, chaos reigned. The counterfire was brutal, the enchanted rounds tearing through vehicles and personnel alike. The PCL-181s and PHL-03 launchers, despite their advanced targeting systems, struggled to keep up with the relentless barrage.

"Thunderstorm, relocate now!" Captain Sun Tao barked, his voice cutting through the din. "We can't stay here!"

The Chinese artillery units scrambled to move, their precision movements a dance of survival. Each second counted as they sought to avoid the deadly accuracy of the Milishial counterfire. The ground where they had been moments before was turned into a hellscape of craters and twisted metal.

"Command, this is Thunderstorm," Sun Tao reported, his voice tight with strain. "We've relocated but their fire is relentless. We're taking heavy casualties."

"Understood, Thunderstorm," General Cheng replied, his tone grim. "Do what you can. Every second you buy us is crucial."

Back in the Milishial lines, the situation was no less dire. The constant movement and fire had taken its toll on the Alexanders. Many were damaged, their armor scorched and pitted from the relentless artillery strikes. Yet the pilots remained resolute, their determination unwavering.

Castle Lampall

Team Alpha encountered the first resistance as they entered the main hall. Veteran King Guards, wielding greatswords infused with green energy, charged at them. Cheng Wei's men opened fire, their 5.8×42mm DBP-191 bullets slamming into the enemy. But the magical energy surrounding the King Guards made them more resilient than expected. One guard, wielding his greatsword, charged through the hail of bullets, his weapon cutting through the air with a green glow.

"Focus fire on the head and heart!" Wei shouted.

Corporal Li Jun fired controlled bursts of 3 rounds, aiming for the head and heart. The King Guard fell, but another swung his sword, slicing through Private Wang Yi's arm. Blood sprayed as Private Wang Yi screamed in pain.

"Medic!" Lieutenant Cheng Wei shouted, firing his QSZ-92 pistol into the guard's face, dropping him instantly.

Private Chen took aim with his QLU-11 grenade launcher, launching five 40×53mm BGH1 high-explosive incendiary grenades at the two King Guards. The explosion sent the enemy sprawling, allowing Wei's team to finish them off.

As the firefight raged, the King Guards began to utilize their magical longbows. These weapons, capable of launching blue arrows at transonic speeds and red explosive arrows, added a new layer of danger to the battle. One guard, standing atop a balcony, drew his bow and loosed a blue arrow.

"Incoming!" Private Zhang shouted, diving for cover.

The arrow struck the ground, shattering stone and sending shrapnel flying. Several Chinese soldiers were hit, their armor unable to withstand the blunt impact. Lieutenant Cheng Wei reacted quickly, coordinating a counter-assault.

"Take out the archers!" Wei ordered. "Grenadiers, suppressing fire!"

Private Chen fired at the balcony. The explosion sent the archer tumbling, but more took his place, their red arrows now adding to the chaos with explosive impacts.

Team Bravo faced similar challenges in the west wing. They moved quickly but cautiously, aware of the potential for ambushes. In the dimly lit corridors, they encountered more King Guards. Ming's men used flashbangs to disorient the enemy before engaging.

As they advanced, magical arrows whizzed past them, leaving trails of blue and red energy. Private Yang Lei fired two BGJ5 high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) sniper grenades from his QLU-11, the explosions taking down two archers. But the fight was far from over.

Sergeant Zhang Ming moved forward, his rifle blazing. "Keep moving! We can't get bogged down here!"

"On your left!" shouted Private Shang as a King Guard lunged at them.

Zhang Ming reacted instantly, firing a burst from his QBZ-191. The bullets struck the guard in the chest and head, dropping him. King Guards with greatswords and archers positioned themselves strategically, using the narrow passageways to their advantage. The Chinese soldiers, trained for urban combat, moved cautiously but quickly.

"Flashbangs out!" Zhang Ming ordered.

The deafening bangs disoriented the King Guards, allowing Team Bravo to move in. Private Shang, armed with his QBZ-191, led the charge, his rifle spitting fire. The King Guards, though stunned, fought back fiercely, their magical enhancements making them formidable foes, especially in close quarters.

"Push forward! Secure the flanks!" Zhang Ming shouted.

The 1001st Special Operations Battalion

A direct hit on one of the Milishial mechas caused its armor to crumple like paper, the internal structure collapsing as the shell detonated within. The pilot's scream echoed over the comms before being abruptly cut off. Another mecha, attempting to dodge the incoming fire, was caught by a secondary explosion, its legs blown out from under it. The pilot struggled to maintain control as the mecha toppled over, crushing trees and debris beneath its massive weight.

Colonel Akito Markto watched the incoming artillery with calculated calm. "Maintain formation. Keep pushing forward. Return fire and keep them off balance."

The Alexanders moved with uncanny agility, their quadrupedal mode allowing them to maneuver through the chaotic battlefield with ease. The 300mm mortars continued to fire, each shell a deadly promise of destruction. The ground trembled as the magical ordnance exploded, sending shockwaves through the air.

"We're taking heavy fire, but we're holding our ground," Major Elise Kain's voice came through the comms. "Our mortars are effective, but the Chinese are relentless."

"Stay focused," Markto replied. "We have to reach Kilcrus. The fate of the mission depends on it."

As the battle raged, the Chinese forces fought with every ounce of their strength. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of gunpowder, the night sky punctuated by the fiery trails of artillery shells. Soldiers shouted orders and moved with disciplined urgency, their determination unwavering despite the overwhelming odds.

"Keep firing!" Captain Sun Tao urged his men. "We have to hold them back!"

The PCL-181s and PHL-03 launchers continued their relentless barrage, each explosion a testament to their resolve. The Milishial mechas, formidable and unyielding, pressed on, their advanced technology and magic-enhanced firepower a terrifying force to behold.

The battlefield roared with the clamor of combat, a testament to the fierce struggle for dominance. Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang watched the battle unfold on the screens, his heart pounding. "All units, this is General Cheng. Hold the line. The fate of the mission and Irnetia rests on our shoulders. Do not falter. Cheng out."

Castle Lampall

Captain Rong Wei, leading Team Charlie, pushed towards the king's chambers where King Irtis XIII was believed to be. As they advanced, General Nizuel and his elite King Guards confronted them. These soldiers were unlike the others, their magical enhancements even more pronounced.

"Stand your ground!" Wei ordered. "Use cover and suppressing fire!"

The two sides clashed in a brutal firefight. The Chinese troops utilized their superior firepower, while the King Guards relied on their enhanced abilities and melee weapons. Sergeant Han Tao, a veteran of numerous battles, led the charge with his QJY-201 machine gun, laying down a relentless barrage of bullets.

"Suppressive fire!" Rong Wei barked. "Move up!"

Sergeant Zhang Wei, carrying a QJZ-171 ultra-lightweight heavy machine gun, set up a defensive position at a corridor junction. He opened fire, his 12.7mm bullets tearing through the ranks of the King Guards. The magical enhancements of the guards allowed them to withstand several shots, but the sheer volume of fire overwhelmed them. Corporal Li Tang, armed with a QLU-11 grenade launcher, provided suppressive fire, launching grenades into the advancing guards. Explosions rocked the corridors, causing further chaos and confusion among the defenders.

"Keep moving!" Captain Rong Wei urged his men forward. As they approached a large, ornate door, Rong Wei signaled his men to halt.

"Stack up. On my mark, we breach," he ordered.

The squad formed up around the door, weapons at the ready. Rong Wei counted down with his fingers. "Three... two... one... breach!"

The door was kicked open, and the squad stormed into the room. Inside, they found King Irtis XIII, surrounded by his personal guards and General Nizuel. The King, a tall and imposing figure, wore an ornate robe and a look of defiance. General Nizuel stood tall beside King Irtis XIII, his presence dominating the room. His eyes glowed with a green energy, and his greatsword seemed to hum with an otherworldly power. The remaining King Guards flanked him, their expressions grim and determined.

"Secure the King!" Rong Wei shouted.

"Hold your ground!" Nizuel commanded. "Do not let them take the King!"

The King Guards, their weapons glowing with magical energy, charged the Chinese forces. The clash was brutal and intense. Captain Rong Wei, realizing the danger, called for support.

"Night Raven, this is Alpha. We need immediate fire support at our location!"

Major Liu Yang responded promptly. "Roger that, Alpha. Support incoming."

The Z-10 attack helicopters, hovering above the courtyard, unleashed a barrage of rockets and machine gun fire into the castle, targeting the King Guards. The explosions and gunfire created a momentary reprieve for the Chinese soldiers.

"Move, now!" Captain Rong Wei ordered.

General Nizuel, a towering figure with a longsword crackling with green energy, charged at them. Sergeant Han Tao fired his QJY-201, but the bullets seemed to glance off the general's magically enhanced armor.

"Focus fire!" Captain Rong Wei commanded.

The combined fire of the team finally slowed General Nizuel, but not before he slashed Sergeant Han Tao across the chest, sending him crashing into the wall.

"Wind Step!"

Nizuel moved with supernatural speed, closing the distance between himself and the intruders in a blink.

Lieutenant Zhao Feng and Sergeant Lin Ming led the charge from the left, their assault rifles spitting fire. General Nizuel deflected the bullets with a flick of his greatsword, the green energy around it creating an impenetrable shield. With a swift motion, he grabbed a nearby soldier, lifting him effortlessly before tearing him in half with his bare hands, the man's scream cut short as blood sprayed across the ornate tapestries.

Captain Rong Wei and Corporal Chen Hao attacked from the right, their movements coordinated and precise. But General Nizuel was like a shadow, his form shifting and flickering as he dodged their strikes. With a roar, he unleashed a torrent of fire from his mouth, the flames roaring towards his enemies.

"Take cover!" Captain Rong Wei shouted, diving behind a marble pillar as the fire scorched the air around them. Corporal Chen Hao rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the inferno.

General Nizuel pressed his advantage, his greatsword cleaving through the air with lethal precision. Lieutenant Zhao Feng fired his QLU-11 grenade launcher, but the explosion barely slowed the general. Nizuel's sword struck the ground, sending a shockwave of green energy that knocked the soldiers off their feet.

Sergeant Lin Ming, recovering quickly, opened fire with his QJY-201 medium machine gun, the bullets forming a relentless stream. Nizuel moved like a shadow, weaving through the hail of gunfire. His eyes locked onto Lin Ming, and with a guttural growl, he unleashed a bolt of lightning from his hand. The lightning struck the sergeant, sending him crashing into a wall, his body convulsing from the electric shock.

Captain Rong Wei saw an opening. "Now, Hao!" he shouted. Corporal Chen Hao, despite his wounds, fired a burst from his QJZ-171 ultra-lightweight heavy machine gun, aiming for Nizuel's head. The 12.7mm armor-piercing incendiary rounds struck true, momentarily dazing the general.

Seizing the moment, Captain Rong Wei lunged forward, his knife aimed for Nizuel's exposed side. But the general recovered quickly, parrying the attack and countering with a powerful backhand that sent Rong Wei sprawling.

General Nizuel roared, his voice echoing through the throne room. He swung his greatsword in a wide arc, the green energy slicing through anything in its path. Private Wang Bo, attempting to flank the general, was caught in the swing, the blade cutting through his armor and flesh with ease.

Lieutenant Zhao Feng, seeing his comrades fall, summoned every ounce of his strength. He aimed his grenade launcher at the floor beneath Nizuel's feet and fired. The explosion sent the general stumbling, his balance disrupted.

Captain Rong Wei, battered but not beaten, rose to his feet. He charged at the disoriented general, driving his knife into the gap in Nizuel's armor. The blade sank deep, and Nizuel howled in pain, his green energy flickering and dimming.

Corporal Chen Hao, using the last of his strength, fired a final burst from his machine gun, the bullets tearing into Nizuel. The formidable general, once an unstoppable force, fell to his knees, his greatsword clattering to the ground.

With a final, defiant roar, General Nizuel collapsed, his body lifeless. The room fell silent, the air heavy with the scent of blood and smoke. The battle was over, but the cost had been high. Captain Rong Wei looked at his fallen comrades, their sacrifice etched into his memory. They had faced a monster and emerged victorious, but the scars of this battle would remain with them forever.

As the last of the king's personal guards fell, Captain Rong Wei approached King Irtis XIII, who stood defiantly in the center of the room.

"It's over," Captain Rong Wei said. "You're coming with us."

King Irtis XIII's face was a mask of rage and resignation. "You may have won this battle, but the war is far from over."

"We'll see about that," Captain Rong Wei replied.

"We need to move, now!" Rong Wei ordered, knowing that reinforcements could arrive at any moment.

As the teams regrouped and prepared to exfiltrate, they faced one final challenge. The extra troops from the north gate, responding to Nizuel's call, were closing in on the palace. The sound of marching boots and the clanging of armor grew louder.

"Brace for impact! Set up defensive positions!" Rong Wei commanded.

The courtyard erupted into chaos as the Chinese forces clashed with the incoming reinforcements. The Z-10 attack helicopters provided covering fire, their missiles and machine guns raining destruction on the advancing troops. The paratroopers fought valiantly, using every piece of cover available to hold their ground.

Sergeant Zhang Ming, positioned behind a stone pillar, provided sniper support with his QJY-201 machine gun, picking off enemy soldiers with precision. Corporal Han Jian, reloading his QLU-11, lobbed grenades to create temporary barriers of destruction.

Lieutenant Cheng Wei, despite a shrapnel wound in his leg, continued to lead his team with unwavering determination. "We hold this line! No one gets through!"

The courtyard became a maelstrom of fire and fury. The Chinese forces, though outnumbered, fought with tenacity and discipline. The magical abilities of the enemy soldiers added an unpredictable element to the battle. Green energy swords clashed with steel, and blue arrows streaked through the air, exploding on impact.

Sergeant Liu Chen, wielding his QJZ-171 heavy machine gun, held the center of the line. "Keep pushing forward! We can't let them breach our defenses!"

The battle was brutal and relentless. Casualties mounted on both sides. Private Wang Lei fell to a magic-enhanced arrow, and Private Chen Hu was struck down by a King Guard's sword. Despite the heavy losses, the Chinese forces maintained their resolve.

"Z-20s are en route for extraction! Hold your positions!" Rong Wei shouted over the din of battle.

The sight of the approaching helicopters brought a glimmer of hope. The Z-20s swooped down, their rotors kicking up dust and debris. The surviving members of the assault teams began to fall back, providing covering fire for their comrades.

"Go! Go! Go!" Rong Wei urged, helping the wounded onto the helicopters.

The extraction was a race against time. The King Guards, refusing to give up, launched a final, desperate assault. General Nizuel's death had only fueled their determination to protect their King.

As the last of the Chinese forces boarded the helicopters, Rong Wei took a final look at the battlefield. The courtyard, once a symbol of royal power, was now a scene of devastation.

"All teams accounted for?" Rong Wei asked, his voice weary.

"Yes, Captain," Lieutenant Cheng Wei confirmed, his leg bandaged hastily.

"Let's get out of here," Rong Wei ordered.

The 1001st Special Operations Battalion

Captain Hu Jun's Attack Helicopter Flight 'Steel Talon' was prepared to intercept the Milishial 1001st Special Operations Battalion. Twenty Z-10 attack helicopters, bristling with weaponry, hovered in formation. Each Z-10 was equipped with 30mm autocannons, HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles, and TY-90 air-to-air missiles, their deadly arsenal ready to challenge the Milishial mechas.

"Steel Talon, this is Hu Jun. We engage from high altitude and maintain distance. Launch the HJ-10s and take those mechas down," Captain Hu Jun commanded over the radio.

The Z-10s ascended to 4000 meters, positioning themselves for optimal engagement. From their elevated position, they unleashed a volley of HJ-10 missiles. Each missile, with its tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, was designed to penetrate 1,400 mm of conventional steel armor protected by explosive reactive armor. The maximum range of 10 km allowed them to strike from a safe distance from counterattacks, or so they hoped.

"Missiles away!" shouted Lieutenant Wang Bo, the weapons officer in Hu Jun's helicopter, as he watched the missiles streak towards their targets.

However, the Alexander Golem Frames were no ordinary targets. Inside one of the Golem Frames, Colonel Akito Markto watched the incoming projectiles with a detached calm. "Incoming missile barrage," reported Major Elise Kain, his second-in-command. "Initiate evasive maneuvers."

The mechas, with their superior mobility and agility, moved like grasshoppers across the battlefield. They leaped, twisted, and darted, making direct hits exceedingly rare. Explosions erupted all around them as the HJ-10s impacted the ground, sending up plumes of dirt and debris, but few struck their mark.

"Damn it, they're too fast!" Lieutenant Wang exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

"Colonel, we're ready for a counterattack," Major Kain's voice crackled over the communication line.

"Engage with Type-09 rifles," Akito ordered, his voice steady.

The Alexander Golem Frames halted their evasive maneuvers and positioned themselves strategically on the battlefield. They spread out to avoid becoming easy targets and began to set up their 30mm Type-09 Mana-Compressed Assault Rifles. These rifles were unlike any conventional weaponry, their sleek, dark barrels adorned with intricate magical runes that glowed faintly with a blue light.

The pilots activated the rifles, and the runes brightened, forming complex magical circles around the weapons. These circles pulsed with energy, synchronizing with the mechas' power sources. The Type-09 rifles channeled this energy into their rounds, transforming them into devastating projectiles imbued with magical power.

Each Alexander mecha took a knee or crouched low, stabilizing their firing positions. The pilots adjusted their targeting systems, aligning the rifles with the Z-10 helicopters hovering above. The advanced targeting interfaces displayed detailed information, including distance, wind speed, and trajectory adjustments, ensuring pinpoint accuracy.

With the preparations complete, the pilots took aim. "Ready to fire on your command, Colonel," Major Kain reported, her voice steady.

"Fire at will," Colonel Markto ordered, his eyes fixed on the distant helicopters.

The mechas opened fire, their Type-09 rifles discharging bursts of 30mm rounds. The projectiles, glowing with vibrant blue light, streaked through the sky like miniature comets. As they traveled, the magical circles surrounding them spun and pulsed, enhancing their speed and accuracy.

"Incoming! Evasive maneuvers!" Captain Hu Jun yelled as he saw the deadly projectiles streaking towards them.

The Z-10s began to weave and bob, attempting to evade the incoming fire. Despite their best efforts, several helicopters were struck. The explosions tore through the aircraft, sending them spiraling out of control before crashing to the ground in fiery wrecks. The sky was alight with the vibrant hues of the magical explosions, reds, blues, and greens illuminating the chaos.

"Steel Talon 3 and 7 are down! We can't stay here, Captain!" Lieutenant Wang's voice crackled through the headset, urgent and panicked.

"Roger that. All units, pull back! We'll regroup and hit them from another angle," Captain Hu Jun ordered, his voice steady despite the chaos.

The remaining Z-10s began their retreat, but the Alexanders were relentless. More Type-09 rounds chased after them, exploding in the air around the helicopters. The sky was a chaotic dance of fire and shrapnel, the noise of the explosions deafening.

"Steel Talon 5, engines hit! We're going down!" another pilot's voice came through, filled with despair.

Captain Hu Jun gritted his teeth. "All units, increase speed and break contact. We'll find another way to slow them down."

As the Z-10s made their hasty retreat, the Alexanders ceased their pursuit, regrouping under Colonel Akito Markto's orders. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and burning wreckage, a grim reminder of the ferocity of the Milishial response.

"Colonel, the enemy helicopters are retreating," Major Kain reported, her voice calm and composed.

"Good. Maintain our advance. We can't let them delay us any further. Prepare to engage any additional threats," Colonel Akito Markto replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the Chinese forces were regrouping.

Back at the new Chinese artillery position, Captain Sun Tao and Major Li Wei received the grim news of the helicopter flight's retreat.

"Captain, Steel Talon has taken heavy losses and is pulling back. We need another plan," Major Li Wei said, his face grim.

"We'll have to rely on our ground units and the artillery. Keep our positions flexible and mobile. We can't afford to be static targets for those mechas," Captain Sun Tao responded, determination etched on his face.

Back aboard the Anhui, Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang received the news of Steel Talon's retreat with a heavy heart. "Captain Hu Jun did his best," he said to his officers. "But these mechas are unlike anything we've faced before. We need to rethink our strategy."

Meanwhile, on the ground, the Alexander Golem Frames continued their advance. The pilots remained vigilant, their sensors scanning for any signs of additional threats. The magical runes on their rifles dimmed slightly as the weapons cooled down, but the mechas were ready to fire again at a moment's notice.

"Major Kain, status report," Colonel Markto requested.

"All units are operational, and we have sustained minimal damage. We're maintaining our current pace and heading toward the primary objective," Major Kain replied.

"Good. Keep me updated on any changes," Markto said, his tone resolute.

The Alexanders moved forward, their movements fluid and precise. The pilots remained connected through the BLS, their thoughts and actions synchronized perfectly. Each step brought them closer to their objective, and they were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the Milishial forces continued their march, the Chinese artillery units repositioned, setting up new firing points. The PCL-181s and PHL-03 launchers adjusted their barrels, ready to unleash another barrage. Captain Sun Tao coordinated the movements, ensuring that their positions remained flexible and difficult to target.

"Check coordinates, maintain firing solutions, and be ready to adjust trajectories on my command," Sun Tao instructed his team. "We need to be ready for their next move."

The battle for control over King Irtis XIII and the fate of the Irnetia was far from over. Both sides were preparing for the next clash, knowing that every moment counted in this high-stakes conflict. The Chinese forces, despite their setbacks, were resolute in their mission, ready to adapt and overcome the magical might of the Holy Milishial Empire.

As the sun began to set, the battlefield was illuminated by the glow of fires and magical energy. The air was thick with tension, each side waiting for the next move. The Alexanders stood ready, their glowing blue runes a stark reminder of the fusion of magic and technology that defined their might. The Chinese forces, undeterred, were prepared to face the challenges ahead with determination and ingenuity.

The stage was set for the next phase of the battle, a clash of might and magic that would determine the future of Irnetian Kingdom. Both sides knew that the coming hours would be critical, and they steeled themselves for the struggle that lay ahead.