The War Escalates

The corporate battlefield was shifting rapidly. For Jiang Han and the Aegis Sentinel Corps, the stakes had never been higher. The enemy had grown bolder, orchestrating a series of calculated strikes against Jiang's businesses, stretching resources and testing the Corps' resilience.

Inside the Command Room of the Aegis Sentinel Corps headquarters, a palpable tension hung in the air. Multiple screens displayed live feeds of financial data, ongoing cyber-responses, and reports from field teams. Adrian Yong stood at the centre, issuing commands with precision, his SSS-level credentials unlocking deeper insights into enemy operations.

"Update on the subsidiary?" Jiang Han's voice cut through the buzz of activity, sharp and commanding.

Sophia Liew swivelled her chair towards him. "We've repelled the cyber-attack on Gateway Freight Logistics, but they left behind corrupted data packets. It's an obvious diversion. The real target is the HQ's financial servers." Her fingers tapped rapidly on her keyboard as she isolated suspicious activities.

Dr Imran Rahman nodded in agreement. "Their strategy is layered. While we're cleaning up one mess, they're attempting backdoor entries elsewhere. Typical corporate warfare—hit where it hurts the most."

"Not if we hurt them first," Jiang replied, his gaze unwavering. "Marcus, Suraya—are you in position?"

On another screen, Sergeant Marcus Tan and Corporal Nik Suraya were stationed near a high-rise office building in Seladang City. The location was linked to a shell company the enemy had been using as a cover.

"Confirmed, Jiang," Marcus said, his voice calm yet alert. "We've identified two individuals entering the premises who match profiles from the surveillance sweep. We're ready to move."

"Wait for Adrian's signal," Jiang instructed. "No unnecessary risks."

The tension in the Command Room escalated as Adrian coordinated with Marcus and Suraya. Meanwhile, Colonel Yusof and Lieutenant Colonel Razif Syahmi reviewed the latest intelligence reports.

"They're upping their game," Razif remarked, crossing his arms. "The attacks are coordinated across multiple fronts—financial, digital, and even logistical sabotage."

"That's a sign they're desperate," Yusof replied. "We've rattled them enough to make them come out of the shadows. But we need to ensure every move we make is precise."

Jiang Han's phone buzzed, interrupting their conversation. It was Mikhail Darmawan.

"Jiang," Mikhail's tone was a mix of urgency and frustration. "We've just received a court order freezing the assets of three key subsidiaries. It's an obvious ploy by our opponents to cripple our liquidity."

Jiang clenched his fist. "Send me the details. I'll have Adrian look into the source."

"I already suspect who's behind this," Mikhail continued. "But proving it will take time. Until then, our operational cash flow is at risk."

"Noted," Jiang replied, his mind already racing through contingency plans. "Stay focused, Mikhail. I trust you to manage this."

"You've got it," Mikhail said, his voice firm.

As the day wore on, the Aegis Sentinel Corps executed their countermeasures with seamless coordination. The Training Division, under Major Azlan and Captain Faizal Malik, initiated a readiness drill for reserve teams, preparing them for potential field deployment.

"Ge," Jiang Yu's voice interrupted Jiang Han's thoughts as he reviewed a new set of reports. "You haven't eaten all day. You need to take care of yourself."

Jiang glanced at his younger brother, whose concern was evident. "Yu, there's no time to rest. If we falter now, we'll lose everything."

"That's exactly why you need to stay sharp," Jiang Yu countered, placing a meal tray beside him. "Even you can't fight on an empty stomach."

Jiang sighed but relented, knowing his brother was right. He took a bite while his mind continued working through the intricate chessboard of the battle.

By nightfall, the Aegis Sentinel Corps achieved their first major breakthrough. Adrian Yong's team uncovered a critical flaw in the enemy's coordination. The shell company funding their attacks had ties to a high-ranking official whose influence stretched across financial and political sectors.

"Jiang," Adrian called, his tone carrying a note of triumph. "We've got them. Their entire operation hinges on this one individual. If we expose him, their entire network collapses."

Jiang's eyes narrowed. "Then let's make it happen."

"Agreed," Adrian replied. "But we'll need to move carefully. They won't go down without a fight."

Jiang nodded. "Alert all divisions. This ends on our terms."

The Aegis Sentinel Corps moved like a finely tuned machine, each division executing its tasks with precision. In the field, Sergeant Marcus Tan and Corporal Nik Suraya waited for Adrian Yong's signal to proceed. Tension crackled in the air as they maintained their surveillance of the office building in Seladang City.

"This feels too easy," Marcus muttered under his breath, scanning the area with his binoculars. "No guards, no obvious security. It's almost like they want us to walk into a trap."

"Then we tread carefully," Nik replied, her tone measured. "But we don't stop. If Adrian's intel is right, this is our best chance to shut them down."

In the Command Room, Adrian's fingers flew across his keyboard. "I've intercepted their internal communication. They're aware of our surveillance but are overconfident in their countermeasures. We're on a timer now—move in before they pull the plug."

"Marcus, Suraya," Jiang's voice came through the comms. "Proceed with caution, but proceed. Keep us updated."

The duo exchanged a nod before slipping into the shadows, their movements silent and calculated.

Meanwhile, back at HQ, Sophia Liew and Dr Imran Rahman worked tirelessly to fend off renewed cyberattacks targeting the Aegis Sentinel Corps' financial servers.

"They're trying harder to bypass our firewalls," Sophia reported, her eyes glued to the cascading lines of code. "It's almost like they've brought in reinforcements."

Dr Imran smirked. "Let them try. They're not the only ones who can adapt."

He typed in a series of commands, deploying a countermeasure that traced the origin of the attacks. Within moments, a map appeared on the central screen, highlighting multiple locations across Seladang City.

"There," Imran pointed. "Three locations coordinating the attacks. If we take down even one, it'll disrupt their entire operation."

Jiang glanced at Colonel Yusof. "Razif's Bodyguard Division is on standby. Coordinate with them to hit those locations."

Yusof nodded, already barking orders into his headset. "We'll neutralise the threat and secure any intelligence we can find."

In the field, Marcus and Suraya infiltrated the office building, moving swiftly through the dimly lit hallways. Their target was a secure server room located on the top floor.

"Clear so far," Marcus whispered, his eyes scanning for potential threats.

"Too clear," Suraya replied, her instincts on high alert.

As they approached the server room, a faint hum of machinery grew louder. They stopped outside the door, Suraya examining the lock mechanism.

"It's encrypted," she said. "Give me thirty seconds."

Suddenly, footsteps echoed down the hall. Marcus signalled for silence, drawing his weapon as the sound grew closer. Two guards appeared, chatting casually, their weapons slung carelessly over their shoulders.

Marcus moved swiftly, taking out the first guard with a precise chokehold. Suraya neutralised the second with a well-placed strike. The guards crumpled silently to the ground.

"Door's open," Suraya whispered.

Inside the server room, rows of blinking servers filled the space. Suraya plugged in a device provided by Adrian, designed to copy and wipe the enemy's critical data.

"Copying now," she said, watching the progress bar inch forward. "We're at 50%."

Outside, Marcus kept watch, his grip tightening on his weapon. "Make it quick. We've got movement on the lower floors."

Back at HQ, the Command Room was a hive of activity. Adrian monitored Marcus and Suraya's progress while coordinating with Razif's team.

"Bodyguards are en route to the cyberattack locations," Adrian informed Jiang. "Once Marcus and Suraya secure the data, we'll have enough leverage to turn this fight in our favour."

Jiang nodded, his mind already calculating the next steps. "Good. Make sure no loose ends are left behind."