The fortress

Surya sat in the dimly lit safehouse, his fingers drumming against the table as he watched the system's real-time data feed. His squad remained on high alert, knowing that every second counted in this deadly game.

He turned to the system. "Pull up city-wide CCTV feeds. Track any movements linked to Alaric's biometric data or known associates."

The system complied instantly, flashing images of busy Geneva streets, high-security financial districts, and blurred figures moving through the city.

 system notified "A security camera outside a Zurich banking district caught an individual matching Alaric's build entering a restricted facility two hours ago. Facial recognition confirms an 87% probability match."

Surya's eyes gleamed. "That's our lead."

He turned to his squad. "We move now. Gear up."

Hunting

Surya and his team moved swiftly through the Geneva streets under the cover of darkness. Their destination was a secure building—Alaric's last known location before he erased his financial footprint. The system had pinpointed it as a high-security facility, one that required careful infiltration.

**"System, analyze the building's security layout,"** Surya commanded as they approached from a vantage point across the street.

**"The facility has multi-layered security,"** the system responded. **"Biometric access control, thermal sensors, and armed guards patrolling every entrance. Internal security is tight—encrypted communications suggest an underground level as well.Total 30 guards present ."**

Chameleon adjusted his gear. **"This is going to be tricky. We can't just walk in."**

Viper checked his rifle, scanning the guards below. **"We take them out silently, move in through a blind spot."**

Surya's eyes narrowed. **"No. If Alaric is inside, he'll know the moment a single guard goes missing. We need a different entry point."**

The system chimed in. **"There's a service tunnel leading to the underground level, likely used for deliveries. Minimal security but reinforced electronically."**

Surya smirked. **"Then we go in quietly. Chameleon, disable the external sensors. Viper, cover our entry. We're getting inside without setting off any alarms."**

The squad moved with precision, each step bringing them closer to uncovering Alaric's secrets. As they reached the tunnel entrance, Surya asked, **"System, where does this tunnel lead?"**

**"Mapping in progress. The tunnel extends beneath the facility and connects to a sub-level storage area. Potential emergency exit detected at the far end."**

Surya's mind worked quickly. **"Good. Block any outgoing communication in this area. Divert law enforcement if necessary. We don't want any interference."**

**"Affirmative. Communications in a fifty-block radius are now jammed. Police dispatch rerouted with false alerts."**

Surya nodded in approval. **"One last thing. Use the Aether Space Weapon to collapse the underground tunnel. I want no escape routes."**

**"Executing now."** The system confirmed as a silent but powerful energy pulse was released, causing the tunnel exit to cave in. Dust and debris settled, sealing exit path.

Surya turned to his team. **"No turning back. We find Alaric before he vanishes again."**

With the tunnel ahead of them, the team advanced into the unknown, ready to face whatever lay beyond. The hunt for Alaric had truly begun.

Surya and his squad moved with lethal precision through the underground tunnel. The moment they stepped inside, the air grew heavy with anticipation. The walls were lined with security cameras, but the system had already looped the footage, rendering them blind to the incoming storm.

**"System, confirm enemy presence inside,"** Surya ordered in a low voice.

**"Multiple heat signatures detected. Twenty hostiles patrolling near the underground facility. Ten more stationed near what appears to be Alaric's last known position."**

Surya smirked. **"Perfect."**

Raising his hand, he signaled for sniper execution. From their concealed positions, the designated shooters locked onto targets. The first silenced shot cut through the dimly lit corridor, a guard dropping lifelessly before he could react. Another followed almost instantly, two more bodies collapsing as their killers remained unseen.

Viper and Chameleon advanced, swiftly neutralizing anyone left standing. The execution was methodical—silent, efficient, terrifying.

As they reached a reinforced blast door, the system spoke. **"This is the main control room. Beyond this door is Alaric's secure chamber."**

Surya tapped into the facility's security grid, overriding the door locks in seconds. As the heavy steel door slid open, the remaining mercenaries inside barely had time to react. Before they could raise their weapons, orion and squad eliminated them with pinpoint precision—one shot, one kill.

The silence that followed was deafening. Blood pooled on the floor, and the overwhelming presence of death loomed over the chamber. At the far end of the room, a reinforced panic door was sealed tight.

Surya approached, his steps calm and deliberate. **"Alaric, it's over."** His voice echoed through the silence.

Inside, Alaric knew there was no escape.

The execution had been swift. But just as Surya reached for the door, the system issued an urgent alert.

**"Warning: New heat signatures detected. Reinforcements incoming."**

Surya turned to the system. "How many reinforcements are on their way?"

"Four squads inbound. Estimated time of arrival: seven minutes."

Surya's smirked and approves "System, deploy Aether strike on the envoy."

A silent burst of energy rippled through the air. The incoming reinforcements—vehicles, soldiers, and all—vanished into nothingness, their bodies vaporized in an instant. The battlefield was silent once more, leaving only Surya, his squad, and the trembling man locked behind the last door.

The execution had been swift.