Chapter 222 The Backup Arrives
Echo 3-2, the only one left standing in his squad, quickly reloaded his M4 Carbine. His movements were methodical, driven by training and the urgent need to respond to the threat in front of him. He knew the odds were against him, but he didn't care. His focus was on doing whatever he could to stop Crimson, even if it seemed like a futile effort.
He began firing at Crimson, unloading magazine after magazine. Each shot was precise, aimed with the intention to incapacitate or at least slow her down. But Crimson simply stood there with her barrier in front of her. She even seemed bored by his attempts, yawning exaggeratedly and taunting him.
"Is that all you can do?" she mocked, her voice dripping with disdain. "You can keep trying, but it won't change your fate or the fate of those in the camp."
Echo 3-2 gritted his teeth. He was running out of options, and time was not on his side. He switched to the M203 grenade launcher attached to his rifle, a last-ditch effort to make a dent in her defenses. He fired, watching as the grenade flew towards Crimson, hoping against hope that this would at least force her to take him seriously.
But, just like before, Crimson stopped the grenade with her blood barrier, the explosion doing nothing to harm her. She laughed, a chilling sound that echoed in the empty street.
"You really are persistent," she said, still standing unharmed. "But it's useless. I won't kill you, not yet. You will witness everything. The destruction of your camp, the end of your resistance. You will see it all."
Echo 3-2 felt a cold chill run down his spine. He knew he was outmatched, but surrender was not in his nature. He pulled out his M9 Beretta pistol, and that also didn't work. He tried stabbing her with a tactical knife but the blade simply bent upon making contact with the barrier. He was rapidly running out of options.
"Look, if you can't kill me with your assault rifles and grenade launchers, of course, there is no way you can kill me with a measly pistol and knife. You are really disappointing and stupid…"
Panting heavily, Echo 3-2 reached for his radio. "This is Echo 3-2, where is the godddamn backup?"
"The backup should be in your location soon, Echo 3-2," replied the Oriental. And as if on cue, a whirring sound
filled the air, growing louder and more pronounced. Echo 3-2's eyes widened as he saw the AH-64 Apache helicopter descending from the sky, its powerful searchlight cutting through the darkness and focusing on the scene below - on him and Crimson.
Crimson looked up, her expression unchanging even in the face of the approaching military might. The helicopter hovered overhead, its rotor wash sending debris scattering and its powerful armaments trained on the target below.
"Finally, some real firepower," Echo 3-2 muttered under his breath, a glimmer of hope sparking within him. He took a few steps back, giving the Apache a clear line of sight to engage Crimson.
The radio crackled again. "Echo 3-2, this is Guardian 0-5. We are here to provide support. Stand clear of the target."
"Roger that," Echo 3-2 responded, moving to a safer position. He watched as the helicopter adjusted its angle, ready to unleash its payload.
Crimson, standing calmly in the spotlight, looked up at the Apache. She didn't seem intimidated or concerned. Instead, she smiled, as if welcoming the challenge.
The Apache's M230 chain gun came to life, unleashing a barrage of bullets towards Crimson. The 30mm rounds, designed for penetrating armor, were fired in rapid succession, creating a relentless stream of firepower aimed directly at Crimson. For a moment, it appeared as if her blood barrier would once again effortlessly deflect the attack.
However, as the onslaught continued, there was a noticeable change in Crimson's demeanor. Her confident smile began to falter, replaced by a look of concentration. The barrier, which had previously appeared impenetrable, started showing signs of strain under the Apache's heavy fire.
Echo 3-2 observed closely, his trained eye catching the subtle changes. The barrier's once smooth surface began to ripple and distort more violently with each hit. It was as if the sheer volume and power of the 30mm rounds were pushing it to its limits. A few rounds came perilously close to breaking through, their impact points nearly penetrating the blood shield before being deflected.
Crimson, realizing the increased threat, shifted her stance. She began to move more, no longer standing stationary as she had before. It was evident that the Apache's firepower was challenging her defensive capabilities.
In the helicopter, the pilot and gunner noticed the same. "Guardian 0-5 to Echo 3-2, we're observing fluctuations in the target's defense. Continuing the assault. Stand by."
Echo 3-2, while maintaining a safe distance, kept his focus on Crimson. This was the first sign that she wasn't entirely invulnerable. He knew that if they kept up the pressure, they might find a way to break through her defenses.
But Crimson's speed is starting to increase, like a blur from before. Thus, the effectiveness of the M230 chain gun was diminishing as it struggled to track her swift movements. The pilot of the Apache, recognizing the need for a different approach, made a tactical decision.
"Guardian 0-5 to Echo 3-2, switching to AGM-114 Hellfire missiles."
It's a simple decision, if the target is moving so fast, then they must hit it with something faster. AGM-114 Hellfire missiles have a speed of over 1,601 kilometers per hour.
The Hellfire, equipped with a laser guidance system, allows for more precise targeting, crucial in this high-stakes scenario.
"Target locked."
"Fire."
With a press of a button, the Hellfire missile was launched. The missile accelerated rapidly, its trajectory aimed directly at Crimson. The speed of the Hellfire gave it an edge over the slower chain gun rounds, offering a better chance of hitting the elusive target.
Crimson, sensing the incoming missile, tried to increase her speed even further, becoming a blur as she attempted to evade the attack. However, the Hellfire was relentless, its guidance system tracking her movements.
The missile closed in, and for a moment, it seemed as though it would hit its mark. But at the last possible second, Crimson managed to move just enough for the missile to miss her directly. The Hellfire exploded nearby, the force of the blast sending a shockwave through the area.
"Enough of this!" Crimson yelled and with a grunt, the blood that pooled beneath the corpses of Echo 3-2's squad suddenly erupted, forming solidified stakes that shot up toward the AH-64 Apache.
The Apache pilot, caught off guard by this unexpected attack, attempted evasive maneuvers. However, the stakes were too high and too many. Three of them pierced the helicopter in quick succession – one through the cockpit, another through the engine, and the third through the tail rotor.
The impact was catastrophic. The helicopter, now severely damaged, struggled to stay airborne for a few more seconds before it became clear that it was a losing battle. Flames began to engulf the aircraft as it started to spin out of control, its rotor system compromised.
The Apache hit the ground, sending a fireball and debris scattering in all directions.
"Echo 3-2 to Oriental Crown, Guardian 0-5 is down! I repeat, Guardian 0-5 is down."
"Copy that, Echo 3-2, don't worry, there's still more coming your way."
When Oriental Crown declared that, Echo 3-2 heard a jet engine screaming overhead and the earth beneath him rattling.
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