Chapter 68: Counterstrike

Chapter 68: Counterstrike

Silvia's POV

The wind carried the scent of damp earth and steel as Silvia stood on the ridge overlooking Titan's nearest outpost. From this vantage point, she could see everything—enemy supply convoys snaking through the valley below, armored transports unloading munitions, and dozens of Titan soldiers moving in a strict formation. Their movements were methodical, precise, a testament to Titan's discipline. Every soldier was a cog in the machine, a piece of their war engine designed to crush opposition with sheer efficiency.

"They're reinforcing faster than we expected," Tarren muttered beside her, peering through the scope of her sniper rifle. "If we don't hit them now, we're going to be overrun in two days."

Silvia's jaw clenched. The outpost had been recently reinforced—guard towers bristling with automatic turrets, energy shield pylons covering key logistical points, and Titan banners hung across every structure. They weren't just preparing for battle; they were fortifying for a long campaign.

Dragon crouched beside her, his golden eyes flickering in the dim light. "I assume the usual—break everything, set something on fire, and send Titan screaming?"

Silvia smirked. "Something like that."

Garrik spread out a rough map of the area. "We have two main options. We either take out their supply chain and cripple them from the inside, or we hit their command structure and throw them into chaos."

Dragon cracked his knuckles. "Why not both?"

Tarren rolled her eyes. "Because unlike you, some of us don't have death wishes."

Silvia traced a path along the map. "We split into two teams. Garrik, you lead the demolition squad. Hit the supply lines hard—once those are gone, Titan won't be able to maintain their forces here. Tarren, take your snipers and keep their command center under pressure. No one gets in or out without being pinned down."

Dragon tilted his head. "And us?"

Silvia's smirk deepened. "We're going right into the lion's den. We take out their top brass."

Dragon grinned. "Now that sounds like a date."

The Infiltration

Under the cover of night, the teams moved into position. The distant boom of Garrik's explosives signaled the start of their operation. Flames erupted along the valley as Titan's convoys were ripped apart. The sky burned with the reflection of fire, casting a violent glow over the battlefield.

Silvia and Dragon moved quickly, weaving between shadows as they neared the command center. Guards rushed past them, running toward the chaos Garrik's team had created. The scent of burning oil and scorched metal filled the air.

Dragon leaned in close, whispering, "You think they'll roll out the red carpet for us?"

Silvia smirked. "I brought my own fireworks."

With a flick of her wrist, a stream of fire erupted from her palm, sending two approaching guards sprawling as their weapons melted in their hands. Their screams barely registered over the roaring blaze that spread along the wall behind them.

Dragon chuckled. "See, this is why I like you."

They pressed forward, scaling the command building's outer wall. Tarren's snipers provided cover fire, picking off any soldiers that got too close. Silvia felt the familiar adrenaline rush as they reached the rooftop access. The wind howled around them, rattling loose sheets of metal and sending dust spiraling into the air.

"Ready?" Dragon asked, gripping the door handle.

She met his gaze. "Always."

The Assassination

The interior of the command center was quiet—too quiet. Silvia's senses were on high alert as they moved through the dimly lit corridors, the harsh white glow of emergency lights casting eerie shadows along the walls.

Then, the lights flickered, and an automated voice echoed through the facility. "Intruders detected. Lockdown initiated."

Dragon groaned. "I hate when they do that."

Silvia sighed. "Let's move fast."

They kicked open the doors to the war room, where Titan's officers scrambled for weapons. One of them—a man in a high-ranking uniform—froze, his face pale as he recognized Silvia.

"Y-you…" he stammered. "You're supposed to be dead!"

Silvia smirked. "Surprise."

Before he could react, Dragon was already moving. In a blur of motion, he slammed the officer against the wall, claws pressed against his throat.

"Shall we negotiate, or do I just skip to the part where I make you regret ever getting up this morning?" Dragon asked, grinning.

The officer trembled. "P-please, wait! Titan has other plans! Bigger plans! Killing me won't stop them!"

Silvia leaned in. "Then tell me something useful."

The officer's breath hitched. "Titan isn't just reinforcing this outpost. They're gathering everything for an all-out attack. On your people. On your city."

Silvia's blood ran cold. "When?"

"Two days. They'll wipe you all out."

Dragon growled. "Guess we'd better ruin their plans, then."

Silvia's expression hardened. "Dragon, take care of him. We need to move. Now."

Dragon grinned. "With pleasure."

Retreat and Regroup

They escaped just as Garrik's team triggered their final set of explosions. Titan's forces were in complete disarray, scrambling to regain control of the outpost.

Silvia and Dragon sprinted back to their rendezvous point, where the rest of their team was already waiting. Garrik grinned as they arrived. "Took you long enough."

Tarren slung her rifle over her shoulder. "So? Mission success?"

Silvia's face was grim. "More than that. Titan is planning a full-scale attack. We have less than two days to stop them."

Dragon stretched his arms. "Well, looks like we'll have to speed up our plans."

Silvia nodded. "We don't wait for them to come to us. We strike first."

The war wasn't over. But now, they had the upper hand.