Chapter 51: The Sabotage Mission

Chapter 51: The Sabotage Mission

Silvia's POV

The morning air was crisp and carried the scent of dry earth as Silvia led her team away from the Outland settlement. The warriors who had spent the night celebrating were now hardened soldiers again, their faces set with determination. This mission wasn't just about proving their worth anymore—it was about striking a decisive blow against Titan Industries.

She glanced at Garrik, who had insisted on accompanying them. "Your people have lived in the Outlands long enough to know these territories better than us. Anything we should be aware of on the approach?"

Garrik nodded. "The terrain is rough, but that's not the issue. Titan's supply station is built into an old industrial plant. It's fortified. They don't expect an attack, but they won't go down easy either."

Silvia took a deep breath, adjusting the strap of her gear. "Then we go in fast and quiet. Our priority is the generators. If we can take them out, we cripple their supply lines. If things go south… we improvise."

Dragon smirked, walking beside her. "Improvising is my specialty."

Silvia rolled her eyes but couldn't deny the comfort she found in his confidence. They had fought side by side long enough for her to trust him implicitly. And maybe, just maybe, trust him with more than just battle.

Approaching the Target

The journey to the supply station took several hours, their path winding through canyons and overgrown ruins. The closer they got, the more silent the team became, their senses sharpening as they neared enemy territory.

From their vantage point, Silvia could see the station nestled between jagged cliffs, smoke rising lazily from its chimneys. Titan soldiers patrolled the perimeter, unaware of the threat closing in on them.

Tarren crouched beside Silvia, scanning the facility through binoculars. "Looks like we've got two main guard posts, one here at the entrance and another on the far side. If we take them out quietly, we can slip in unnoticed."

Raleth adjusted her rifle. "I can cover the far post. Take the shot when you give the signal."

Silvia nodded, her grip tightening on the dagger at her hip. "No mistakes. We take them out clean, we get inside, and we destroy that power source."

Garrik exchanged glances with his warriors. "We'll watch the perimeter. If something goes wrong, we hold the exit open for you."

Dragon grinned. "Let's hope we don't need an exit strategy."

Silvia wasn't so sure about that.

Infiltration

The first guard went down without a sound. Silvia moved like a shadow, her dagger slicing through the air as she dragged the unconscious body into cover. Dragon took care of the next one, his claws flashing in the dim light.

With the entrance clear, they slipped inside, moving through the darkened halls of the facility. The air was thick with the scent of oil and machinery, the hum of power lines vibrating beneath their feet.

"This way," Tarren whispered, leading them deeper into the plant.

Silvia's pulse quickened as they reached the generator room. It was larger than she expected, towering machines filling the space with a dull mechanical roar. If they did this right, the entire facility would be crippled.

Dragon set his explosives along the structural supports while Raleth covered the door. "Five minutes, tops," Dragon muttered as he primed the detonators.

Silvia nodded. "Good. Let's—"

The alarm blared, red lights flashing along the walls.

Tarren cursed. "Damn it, someone tripped a sensor. We need to go—now!"

Gunfire erupted from the corridor as Titan soldiers poured in, weapons raised. Silvia ducked behind a crate, returning fire as Dragon shielded her flank.

"So much for subtle," he called over the noise.

Silvia gritted her teeth. "Change of plans—blow it now!"

Dragon hesitated for only a second before hitting the trigger.

The explosion ripped through the facility, fire and smoke filling the air as the power grid collapsed. The lights flickered once before plunging the entire base into darkness.

"Go!" Silvia shouted, leading her team into the chaos as the Titan soldiers scrambled in disarray.

Escape Under Fire

The exit was no longer as easy as they had planned. The explosion had drawn attention, and Titan reinforcements were already arriving. Silvia led the charge through the smoke-filled corridors, dodging debris and enemy fire.

Dragon knocked a soldier into the wall, disarming him with a swift movement. "Keep moving! We don't have time to get pinned down."

Raleth and Tarren provided cover fire, taking out approaching soldiers as they made their way toward the perimeter. Silvia's breath came fast, her mind racing through possibilities. If they didn't make it to Garrik and his men soon, they were done for.

"There!" Garrik's voice rang out from the far end of the yard, his warriors firing at the incoming Titan forces. "Get to us!"

Silvia ducked as a bullet grazed past her shoulder. The heat of the explosion still lingered in the air as they sprinted across the open ground. Dragon covered her, taking down another soldier with brutal efficiency.

Finally, they reached the Outlanders. Garrik pulled Silvia behind cover. "You made it."

She smirked, adrenaline still surging through her veins. "Oh, we made it."

Garrik turned to his men. "Fall back! We're done here!"

As they withdrew into the canyons, the sound of sirens and shouts from Titan's forces faded behind them. The facility was in ruins, its power grid shattered.

A Moment of Victory

They didn't stop until they were far enough from the wreckage. Silvia collapsed against a boulder, catching her breath. Around her, the team exchanged weary but triumphant looks.

Dragon sat beside her, brushing soot from his arm. "Well, that could have gone worse."

Silvia let out a breathless laugh. "We did what we came to do. Titan won't recover from this anytime soon."

Garrik nodded approvingly. "You've earned my respect, Earthstar. You and your people fight like warriors."

Silvia met his gaze. "Then it's time to take this fight to the next level."

Garrik grinned. "Now that's a plan I can get behind."

As they prepared to return to the Outlands, Silvia knew this was only the beginning. The real war was about to begin.