Aethercross-Real Game，The Borderland of Reality and Fantasy

Chapter 17: The Siege

In a surprising turn, the mutant sandworm, blatantly disregarding the giant ants as its allies, unleashed a stream of acidic saliva. This deadly assault corroded both the ants and the armored warrior, causing severe injuries. Colonel Reynolds, arriving amidst the chaos, was enraged at the sight of his armored warrior in agony and sprang into action.

With a decisive swing of his right hand, his high-density alloy axe — its blade over a meter wide — effortlessly sliced through the mutant ants, charging straight at the sandworm.

Sensing the imminent danger, the sandworm spat out acid, but it only felled more ants, missing the elusive dark silver armor.

As the mutant sandworm reeled in bewilderment, a streak of silver flashed overhead. With a thunderous roar, Colonel Reynolds, axe in hand, plummeted down like a comet crashing to earth.

The sandworm, drenched in its fluids and emitting a final cry, collapsed to the ground as the 20-meter behemoth met its end. Fueled by adrenaline, the genetic warriors charged into the battlefield, unleashing a torrent of destruction upon the insect tide.

Meanwhile, in the command center of Satellite City 14, Colonel James Harold, of medium stature, was encased in a light blue, flexible metallic suit, teeming with data cables and topped with an oversized helmet, resembling the mythical Medusa with its multitude of tubes and lines.

Connected to the city's main defense computer, he was the linchpin of Satellite City 14's defense system. As a Controller Awakener, Harold could manipulate every weapon and surveillance device in the defense system, turning them into extensions of his own consciousness.

In that moment, the steel fortress became an extension of himself: his eyes, his limbs, a part of his very being. Fully integrated with the system, he stood as the unchallenged God of War.

In the special communications channel, Colonel Kent and three Awakeners continued their strategic discourse.

"Be aware, the enemy's siege forces are massing at the edge of our weapon range, bombarding our gates with heavy artillery. Should I try to dismantle their artillery positions?" Alison Jones inquired through the channel, her sleek combat armor allowing her to gracefully hover over the battlefield. On this planet, afflicted with geomagnetic storms, she was among the rare few who could still take to the skies.

"Disregard the artillery; their current firepower is not a threat to our gates," countered Colonel Kent, "Most shells can be intercepted by our defenses. They're likely baiting you. Remember the ambush two days ago during our raid on their artillery? Their siege troops, under such heavy fire, are merely practice targets for James."

Colonel Reynolds' voice burst through with urgency: "James, I need you to quickly take out these accursed mutant ants. I've already eliminated the massive sandworm, but these ants are a real headache to kill. If they spill into the civilian areas from the base, the loss of life will be horrendous."

"Got it, I'm actively commandeering the firepower system at your base," Colonel Harold responded promptly.

Colonel Jones, hovering in the sky, expressed his alarm: "What's going on? The siege forces are advancing? This is madness! They're accelerating their charge towards the city gates!"