The Heat of the Counteroffensive

The operations room of the Aegis Sentinel Corps was alive with activity. Monitors displayed various feeds, from encrypted cyber links to satellite imagery. The hum of focused conversation filled the air as each division prepared for their part in the counteroffensive against Rezwan Holdings and its proxy, Phantom Coil.

Colonel Yusof stood at the centre of the room, his authoritative voice cutting through the noise. "Let's review the situation. Rezwan Holdings' covert operations are being funnelled through Phantom Coil, and we've identified multiple offshore accounts and shell companies they use. Our job is to dismantle their network piece by piece, leaving no room for them to recover."

Adrian Yong stepped forward, his presence calm yet commanding. "Rezwan Holdings underestimated us. Their digital footprint isn't as clean as they think. Thanks to Alina and Sophia's work, we've mapped out their primary nodes of operation. Now, it's time to disrupt them."

Dr Imran chimed in, gesturing at the cyber division's progress. "Our breach points are ready. With simultaneous attacks, we'll hit their financial systems and sever their communication lines. Marcus, Nik, and their team have been preparing to counter any surveillance retaliation."

Sergeant Marcus Tan nodded. "They'll realise they're being watched, but not until it's too late. We've positioned counter-surveillance measures to ensure no one tracks us back."

Jiang Han watched as the leaders discussed their strategies. He leaned toward Colonel Yusof. "What's our field team's readiness level?"

"Lieutenant Colonel Razif and Major Wan have completed final drills. The bodyguards and security guards are working seamlessly. They're ready to move at your command," Yusof replied.

Major Azlan approached, his voice carrying a mix of confidence and caution. "The recruits have performed well under simulation, but this will be a real test for them. We'll deploy veterans in key positions to ensure cohesion."

Jiang nodded. "Good. This isn't just about winning—it's about proving our strength. Let's make it count."

The operation began at dusk. Phantom Coil's network was vast, but its reliance on secrecy was its greatest vulnerability.

In the Cybersecurity Unit, Alina coordinated the attack. "Dr Imran, initiate the first wave of breaches. Sophia, monitor for countermeasures and deploy decoys as needed."

The screens lit up with cascading lines of code as the team worked in sync. "We've accessed their financial hub," Dr Imran announced. "Redirecting critical funds to neutral accounts."

Sophia grinned. "Their system is responding with automated firewalls. Too bad they're outdated." She typed furiously, bypassing the defences with ease.

Meanwhile, in the Counter-Surveillance Unit, Marcus and Nik kept a close watch on Phantom Coil's response. "They've deployed drones near their central hub," Marcus reported.

"Standard distraction tactic," Nik replied. "Our decoys are in place. Let them chase shadows while we finish the job."

At Phantom Coil's suspected facility, Lieutenant Colonel Razif led the field team. The bodyguards moved with precision, their movements fluid and silent.

"Major Wan, take your team to the perimeter. Ensure no one leaves," Razif instructed.

"Yes, sir," Wan replied, signalling his unit.

Inside the facility, Razif's team encountered light resistance—guards who were clearly unprepared for such a coordinated assault. Within minutes, the facility was secure.

"We've captured their communications hub," Razif reported through his earpiece.

"Excellent," Adrian replied from the operations room. "Send the data directly to us. Every detail could be crucial."

Just as victory seemed assured, alarms blared across the facility. Phantom Coil had activated a failsafe, locking down their central server.

"We've hit a snag," Alina informed the team. "The server has gone into lockdown mode. If we can't access it, they might still have a chance to recover."

Jiang's eyes narrowed. "What's the solution?"

"We need someone on-site to override the system manually," Dr Imran explained.

Razif volunteered. "I'll handle it."

"No," Jiang interjected. "We'll send Marcus and Nik. They have the expertise to handle this without compromising the mission."

Marcus and Nik arrived at the server room within minutes, their equipment ready. "This system is heavily encrypted," Marcus observed.

"Good thing we brought our tools," Nik replied, setting up a portable bypass device.

The process was tense, but their expertise prevailed. "Server overridden," Marcus confirmed.

As dawn broke, the operation was declared a success. Phantom Coil's network lay in shambles, their operations exposed and their funds drained.

In the debriefing room, Jiang addressed the team. "This was a victory, but it's only the beginning. Rezwan Holdings will retaliate, and we must be ready."

Colonel Yusof nodded. "They've underestimated us once. They won't make that mistake again."

Adrian stepped forward. "Let them come. We'll be waiting."

The operations room remained tense, despite the recent victory. Jiang Han stood at the helm, his eyes scanning the activity as each division finalised their reports. Adrian Yong had moved to a quieter corner, analysing the fragments of data retrieved during the mission. The faint glow of monitors cast a serious atmosphere, highlighting the importance of the next steps.

"Adrian, any initial findings?" Jiang asked, walking over to the Intelligence Division's workstation.

Adrian nodded grimly, his hands never leaving the keyboard. "Phantom Coil's operations were more extensive than we anticipated. Their offshore accounts are connected to subsidiaries in high-level industries—energy, pharmaceuticals, even education. It's a web, and Rezwan Holdings sits at the centre."

Colonel Yusof, listening from across the room, furrowed his brows. "This isn't just about financial sabotage anymore. They've embedded themselves in sectors that could disrupt the economy if they fall."

"Exactly," Adrian said. "And the data hints at something larger. There's a network within Rezwan Holdings that isn't entirely loyal to the company's CEO. Factions could mean internal power struggles—an opportunity for us, but also a potential wildcard."

Jiang's lips curled into a small smile. "Chaos within an enemy's ranks can be as dangerous as their unified strength. Let's exploit that."

Meanwhile, Major Azlan and Captain Faizal Malik had gathered their recruits for an immediate after-action review. Azlan's voice carried across the training field.

"Tonight's operation was a success, but there's always room for improvement. Analyse every move—your positioning, communication, and execution. Captain Faizal will run simulations tomorrow to address the weak points."

Captain Faizal nodded. "Your next training session won't just be a drill. It'll simulate real-time conditions based on what we face today. Adapt or fail—that's your only choice."

Azlan looked towards the recruits, his tone softening. "Remember, every mission we undertake carries lives on its shoulders. Let's ensure we're always prepared to shoulder that weight."

In the Support Division headquarters, Dr Imran and Sophia Liew debriefed their respective units.

"Phantom Coil tried to counter our breach with a malware injection," Sophia explained. "Fortunately, our firewalls held, but we need to refine them further. I want every team member familiar with our updated protocol by the end of the day tomorrow."

Dr Imran added, "We're not just playing defence. Alina Tan is drafting predictive models to anticipate their next moves. Sergeant Marcus Tan and Corporal Nik Suraya, coordinate with her to ensure the counter-surveillance grid remains airtight."

Marcus saluted. "Understood, sir. We'll also expand our physical monitoring zones near suspected Phantom Coil facilities."

By mid-morning, the leaders of all divisions convened in the main strategy room. Jiang stood at the centre, flanked by Colonel Yusof and Adrian Yong.

"Today, we'll determine our next steps," Jiang began. "Rezwan Holdings is likely already regrouping. What's our timeline for offensive capability?"

Major Wan Harith from the Bodyguard Division answered first. "Our teams are combat-ready within 48 hours. We've already started refining our field strategies based on last night's mission."

Captain Nizam Salleh of the Security Guard Division added, "Residential assignments remain secure. We've redistributed personnel to reinforce high-priority zones. If Rezwan Holdings attempts retaliation, we're ready."

Adrian leaned forward, his expression intense. "We should also anticipate indirect attacks—leaks, misinformation, even media manipulation. The Intelligence Division is working on countermeasures, but our public relations strategy needs bolstering."

Colonel Yusof interjected, "I'll liaise with Jiang Yu and the family's PR team to ensure consistency in messaging. We need the public on our side, or at least sceptical of our enemies' narratives."

Jiang nodded. "Good. Every angle is covered. Keep me updated on all fronts."

As the meeting concluded, Adrian lingered, motioning for Jiang to stay behind.

"There's something else," Adrian began, lowering his voice. "One of Phantom Coil's internal memos mentioned a codename—'Ebon Fang.' It's unclear whether it's a person, a project, or an operation, but it's significant. Whatever it is, they're heavily invested in keeping it hidden."

Jiang's gaze darkened. "Ebon Fang... it sounds like the key to unravelling this entire conspiracy."

"Exactly," Adrian agreed. "I'll dig deeper, but this won't be easy. We're up against professionals."

Jiang placed a hand on Adrian's shoulder. "If anyone can crack this, it's you. Keep me informed."

As the day progressed, the Aegis Sentinel Corps moved like a well-oiled machine. Each division focused on its respective tasks, preparing for the inevitable escalation.

Jiang found himself on the training field later that afternoon, observing Major Azlan's recruits. The rigorous drills reminded him of his journey—from a beggar to a leader commanding an elite force.

"You've built something remarkable," Colonel Yusof said, approaching him.

Jiang smiled faintly. "It's not just me. Everyone here has contributed their expertise, and their passion. I'm just making sure it all stays together."

Yusof nodded. "Still, it takes vision to unite people like this. Don't underestimate that."

Just as the day seemed to settle, an urgent alert rang through the operations room. Adrian's voice came over the intercom.

"We've intercepted an encrypted message from Rezwan Holdings. They're mobilising resources to launch a retaliatory strike within 72 hours. Details are sparse, but this is the real deal."

Jiang's expression hardened. "Prepare everyone. If they're bringing the fight to us, we'll make sure they regret it."

The room buzzed with renewed energy as the Aegis Sentinel Corps sprang into action. Jiang Han stood at the centre, a calm but determined figure amidst the chaos.