Chapter 149: The Battle Commences

Within the conference room, Xiao Feng addressed all present, "With Commander Rice absent, I shall assign the tasks myself."

In truth, everyone understood that even if Rice were here, he would still defer to Xiao Feng's directives.

Xiao Feng continued, "Mark has just informed me that the armies from five surrounding cities have simultaneously dispatched forces toward us, numbering over two thousand. Though they outnumber us, we hold a crucial advantage: our troops are concentrated, whereas theirs are scattered. We must seize this advantage decisively."

"Firstly, Dr. Mark, your priority is to jam the reconnaissance satellites and all other surveillance methods employed by the Alliance forces."

The middle-aged Mark nodded solemnly, "Understood. That will be straightforward."

"Very well. Next, Brada…"

In just over ten minutes, Xiao Feng had meticulously assigned missions to all battalion-level units. Then, he and Rush climbed into a jeep and departed Godo City.

Thanks to the advanced communications system provided by Victoria Corporation, Xiao Feng could command the battlefield even from outside the city. With an earpiece transmitting constant reports from his team, he skillfully coordinated while driving.

Peering into the rearview mirror, he suddenly noticed a vehicle trailing them. He slammed on the brakes, stepped out, and pointed at the driver: "Step out of the car, now!"

The driver was none other than Ivy, who smiled as she gracefully alighted. "What's the matter?"

Xiao Feng frowned, glancing at the passenger—Alice—who greeted him with a teasing smile.

Fury welled within him. "Why did you bring Alice along?"

Ivy looked mildly aggrieved. "Not just Alice—Xiao Bai is here too…"

Xiao Bai obediently poked his head out the window and whimpered twice.

Xiao Feng rebuked Ivy sharply, "Do you realize how dangerous this is? Do you even understand what mission we're undertaking?"

Shrugging, Ivy replied, "No, I thought you were just heading out on some errand. I wanted to come along for a bit of fun—staying cooped up in the camp is driving us crazy!"

Despite his irritation, Xiao Feng couldn't stay angry looking at Ivy's earnest face. "This isn't a game. You all need to return immediately."

"No way. We're coming with you. We're not going back," Ivy insisted firmly, leaving no room for persuasion.

Rush spoke up, "Xiao Feng, it's fine to take them along. I'm here, don't worry."

Xiao Feng glared at Ivy, "Don't think I won't be angry with you later. When we get back, we'll settle this."

Ivy chuckled, "Fine, I'll be waiting."

She knew well that Xiao Feng's strictness was for their own safety—after all, the camp was a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

Returning to the jeep, Xiao Feng slammed the door shut. "Women are such trouble. If you don't keep an eye on them, something bad is bound to happen."

Starting the engine, he resumed their westward journey.

After an hour, Xiao Feng pulled over to the roadside and climbed onto the jeep's roof, situated atop a steep hillside overlooking a long, abandoned highway stretching straight westward.

There, he assembled the Black Angel rifle. Among today's new gear, he discovered a large crate of pristine Black Angel bullets, freshly manufactured and gleaming—enough ammunition to last him some time.

Ivy parked her car beside Xiao Feng's, stepping out with a stylish pair of sunglasses. "What are you doing, Xiao Feng?"

"Seriously?" Xiao Feng replied, chambering a round and peering through the sniper scope. Suddenly, a voice crackled in his earpiece: "Targets are 4.5 kilometers out."

He zoomed in, spotting a convoy slowly materializing on the road ahead.

Ivy, noticing his concentration, retrieved her own sniper rifle—the Blood Demon—from her trunk. She clambered onto the roof, deployed the bipod, and took aim.

Though the Blood Demon's effective range was shorter than Xiao Feng's Black Angel, it still reached an impressive 4,000 meters. Ivy lay prone on the roof, her ample chest pressed into a deep cleavage, enhancing her alluring silhouette. She smiled coyly, "Xiao Feng, shall we have a little contest?"

Xiao Feng smirked, "What contest? Why would I compete with a woman?"

Ivy's eyes narrowed playfully, "Let's see who can hit more Alliance soldiers. Fair, isn't it?"

Rush, smoking a cigarette, chuckled, "Alright, I'll be the judge. Let's see who racks up the most kills."

Alice leapt down, binoculars in hand, handing a pair to Rush. Together they scanned the western horizon. Xiao Bai, now grown much larger, sat beside Alice, nearly her height.

Xiao Feng laughed, "Very well, let's begin."

"But wait," Ivy protested, "If you lose, what will you forfeit?"

"I won't lose," he replied confidently.

"Is that so? If you do, you must agree to one condition. That's fair, right?"

Rush nodded, "Fair enough."

Xiao Feng focused through his scope—the Alliance troops were closing in, nearing 4,000 meters. The vast plain offered them no cover; though not an ideal sniper position, it was a perfect killing ground.

"Fine," Xiao Feng said nonchalantly, "Do as you will. But I'm starting now, or we'll miss our chance."

A sharp crack split the air—the Blood Demon fired.

The sleek bullet whirled at supersonic speed across four kilometers, tracing an arcing trajectory before shattering the windshield of the first truck and striking the driver.

Thanks to the Blood Demon's design, even a heavy machine sniper rifle couldn't achieve such range.

Xiao Feng, witnessing Ivy's first shot, shouted, "If you're cheating, at least tell me where you're aiming!"