778 Chapter 778 Begin Siege
Aldred stood at the head of the war chamber, his gaze sweeping over the assembled faces of his top admirals, Salamander, and Shinari. The tension in the room was palpable, each person fully aware of the gravity of the situation they were about to address.
With a nod to Salamander, the room dimmed as a projection of the star map illuminated the space. The map detailed enemy territory, with the Shadow Forge and its surrounding strongholds highlighted. The strategic points glowed ominously, marking the heart of the demonic threat.
"Our objective is clear," Aldred began, his voice resonating with authority. "We must siege and destroy the Shadow Forge. It's the source of a new weapon that threatens not just our forces but the very essence of humanity."
Murmurs of concern rippled through the chamber as the enormity of the task dawned on the assembled officers. Admiral Varek, a seasoned strategist known for his caution, was the first to voice the challenges.
"Sir, the Shadow Forge is deep in enemy territory. Our recon data shows significant armada patrols in the vicinity. Penetrating their defenses would be a formidable task."
Another admiral, known for her tactical prowess, chimed in, "And pushing a massive armada through that territory… the casualties would be immense. Are we prepared to pay that price?"
The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of their words hanging in the air. Salamander, ever the innovator, broke the quiet, "What if we don't use a massive armada? What if we use the same stealth technology we've been developing? A smaller, more agile force could slip through unnoticed."
"Is it possible?" Aldred asked.
Shinari leaned forward. "A surgical strike. It minimizes our exposure and focuses our efforts directly on the target. But it would require precision and a level of stealth we've never attempted."
Aldred listened intently, considering each point. "The risks are high, yes. But the alternative—allowing the enemy to continue developing and possibly deploying this weapon—is not an option. We need a solution that balances risk with necessity."
The discussion that followed was intense, with each officer contributing their expertise to formulate a plan.
They debated routes, timing, the composition of the strike force, and the integration of the new stealth technology.
All the admirals nodded.
"This plan will give us stealth, however, our firepower and defense will be greatly reduced."
One of the admirals manipulated the projection of the star map, tapping it a bunch of times to create some black dots.
"In order to increase the chance of successful operation, we need to consider that these stronghold will reinforce the Shadow Forge. So, we need to create chaos around this area. Do not let them know that our true goal is to destroy the Shadow Forge."
"Smart," Aldred said. "We can use small numbers of stealth units to create hit and run while playing hide and seek."
"We should make it look like we are targeting something else."
Aldred caressed his chin. "But this Shadow Forge seems to be very important as they use significant effort to make it hard to detect. If it is attacked, I believe the enemy will prioritize its safety."
"Indeed, that is why the chaos units only give us time. The siege team must quickly destroy the Shadow Forge before the enemy can come."
Aldred nodded. "Salamander, prepare everything we need for this operation."
As the meeting adjourned, Salamander and the admirals set to work, orchestrating the preparation for an operation of unprecedented stealth and precision. The halls of the command center buzzed with activity, a hive of strategic planning and logistical coordination.
Salamander, with his unmatched expertise in Celestial Platoon's technology, took the lead in assembling the fleet. "We'll need every stealth ship we have, akin to the Quantum Shadow. They'll be our swords in the shadows," he declared, scrutinizing the specs and capabilities of each vessel.
The admirals, seasoned veterans of countless battles, focused on the soldiers who would carry out the mission. "Only our best," Admiral Varek insisted, poring over the personnel files. "This operation demands skills that go beyond conventional warfare. We need individuals who can move like phantoms and strike with the precision of surgeons."
In the armory, elite soldiers were handpicked for the task, each one a master of stealth and combat. They gathered, aware of the monumental task ahead, yet undaunted by the challenge. "This is what we've trained for," one soldier said to another."
In a secluded hangar, the stealth ships stood ready, their hulls absorbing light, making them nearly invisible even to the naked eye. Pilots and crews made their final checks, the atmosphere tense but focused.
Salamander, standing before the assembled force, addressed them with solemnity. "You are about to embark on a mission that will change the tide of this war. The Shadow Forge must be destroyed, not just for our victory, but for the future of all humanity. Your courage will be the beacon that guides us through this darkness."
Aldred joined Salamander, his presence bolstering the morale of the troops. "Your bravery today will be remembered," he said, his voice echoing in the hangar. "The Quantum Shadow uncovered the threat, and now you, the chosen few, will end it. For the Platoon, for humanity."
"In fact, it won't only be you. I will personally join this operation."
Salamander, Shinari, and all the admirals were shocked by his statement.
"Aldred, are you sure?"
"I am. Vortimer told me that Zelthrax might be the mastermind of this Shadow Forge. If she is there, then I must confront her."
As the stealth ships powered up, slipping silently into the void, the operation commenced.
Captain Ilsa sent them a route that will prevent them from being seen.
Slowly, an entire armada of stealth ships entered deep into demon territory.
"The chaos units will initiate their strikes at 0400 hours. Use the asteroid belt for cover and keep your emissions to a minimum," Admiral Varek instructed, his gaze locked on the holographic display that showed their forces moving into position.
"Siege team, you know your targets. We hit fast, hit hard, and then vanish before they know what hit them," another admiral added, her voice laced with steely resolve. The siege team, among them Aldred, nodded, their expressions a mask of focused determination.
The stealth ships, now a silent shadow against the backdrop of space, began their cautious advance toward the Shadow Forge. The pilots maneuvered with a grace that belied the deadly nature of their mission, slipping through the cosmic shadows undetected.
Meanwhile, the chaos units launched their diversionary attacks, striking at enemy outposts and supply lines with surgical precision. Explosions lit up the dark expanse of space, drawing the attention of demonic patrols and scattering their forces in a desperate attempt to counter the sudden onslaught.
Back in the command center, Salamander monitored the progress of the operation, his hands moving over the controls with practiced ease. "All units are in position. The Shadow Forge is within reach," he reported, his voice calm but carrying an undercurrent of anticipation.
Shinari stood beside him, her eyes scanning the live feeds from the battlefield. "The diversion is working. Enemy forces are being pulled away from the Shadow Forge. This is our moment," she said, a hint of excitement breaking through her composed exterior.
Aldred floated in space and stared at the strange celestial body.
His godly eyes lit up. "I see."
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