Um, appears I can publish, huh.
Anyway, please revisit chapter 89, as to why, there's an added content there, titled 'Consequences of Arrogance'. Because Wattpad for some unknown reason won't allow me to add that content to new chapters, even in my other fics in past days. So, to not confused with the new chapter, please reread it. That would be all.
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Two weeks ago
Hildegard Army Base
At the headquarters of the Muish Ardent Front, a former garrison of the frontier army, now greatly expanded due to the ongoing war in the second civilization, the sky reveals a large concentration of armored fighting vehicles, trucks, and even Toyota trucks and other Land Cruisers imported from ASEAN. These vehicles are armed with machine guns and small-caliber artillery. There are currently 8,000 men on the ground, and they are at least 900 kilometers away from the nearest battlefield. Most of their duties revolve around hunting down Gra Valkan stragglers or survivors who blend in with the local population.
Additionally, as one of the few countries in the new world with a heavy emphasis on air superiority, multiple latest versions of their Supermarin combat aircraft are flying in large formations in tandem with AA cannons to intercept any high-flying aircraft from Annonrial or Gra Valkan Empire. Though in reality, neither of these nations is sending aircraft here, except for occasional ground skirmishes and missile strikes by Annonrial near the Hildegard army base.
There, multiple men in rather not so soldier like uniform in Muish standards walks on the pavement as they looks at the ground assets of the base.
"Finally, to think we would be able to see our armored fighting vehicles in such large numbers, enough to face off against the Gra Valkan army," one of them exclaimed. "And the factories are churning out hundreds per month."
"In exchange for the high rate of production, they are underpowered and relatively lightly armored," the other one said. "I really hope ASEAN proceeds to export engines for our armored vehicles," he added, expressing dissatisfaction with ASEAN's reluctance.
"We don't really need to rely on them any longer; their intelligence is enough, and we will do all the lifting," said a person, laughing enthusiastically. "The Annonrials are faltering, and according to information passed by ASEAN, Gra Valkan is unstable. They will likely collapse internally due to how they are managing this war," he said with optimism.
"That would be the case. Then I have nothing to argue. But if Gra Valkans manage to bounce back and don't collapse, and if Annonrials choose to send another fleet and stop playing around in Leifor this time, our country's future is in danger," the man said with caution and disgust.
Then, they entered a hall where several members of the Muish Ardent Front high ranking officials were present. "Lt. Col. Myrus," said the person holding the rank of brigadier general. "Welcome to the Forest of the Damned," he greeted.
"General Pamier," responded Myrus, who was presently wearing an unusual uniform for a newly promoted Lt. Col. in the Muish Royal Army, it's a aristocratic uniform. "A great pleasure," he replied to the general.
"I heard the things you brought up in the reports earlier. Man, that's quite a lot of surprises from Otaheight," he said in a curious and informal tone. "Is that possible?" He asked directly, not beating around the bush.
"Do you not believe us?"
"No, it's not that I don't believe you, but reading the report, it's almost too unbelievable," he said to Myrus. "After all, that weapon mentioned in the report sounds like a fantasy to me," he remarked.
"It's being used by our enemies on a daily basis. It's not fantastical in any form," Myrus replied. "We'll brief you on Operation Pedestal," Myrus said in a tone similar to Pamier's, getting straight to the point.
"A man from Otaheight should do the work just fine," Pamiers said to Myrus. "Grunts are following orders," he added.
"Okay, then, shall we begin?" Myrus said to the general and his staff, who nodded in response. "Operation Pedestal will commence alongside the ground operation called Blitzkrieg. Four thousand armored fighting vehicles and technicals will spearhead the assault against Annonrial forces and stragglers from the Gra Valkas Empire. We'll have 60,000 men, 2,000 artillery pieces, and 800 aircraft participating in the assault. Additionally, 50 special super heavy artillery pieces from Operation Pedestal will help to break Annonrial defenses in northern Leifor. Our job is to ensure these special super heavy artillery pieces hit their targets with precision and decisiveness."
Myrus spoke with a firm tone, which the Ardent Front officials acknowledged. Then, one of Pamiers' officials asked, "Lt. Col., I believe that our small troop attacks against Annonrial are courting disaster. I don't want to question the capability of these special super heavy artillery pieces, but the deployment of a small number of advanced weapons won't significantly tip the scale of the war. Even with the deployment of tanks..."
"It's not a tank, Lt. It's an armored fighting vehicle. It's underpowered, underarmored, and bulky, not remotely a tank," Myrus corrected him.
"My apologies. As you said, it's one of our trump cards that should boost our power, nevertheless, we've barely gained any ground in the past months despite the attrition and deployment of our armored fighting vehicles," the official said to Myrus.
"I concur with my men's words, Lt. Col. Myrus. While we will carry out our orders and march into the flames of war, sending our resources and manpower into a needless slaughter will only worsen our situation here. The central front in Malmumd is being reinforced and blessed with ample conscripts, while Ardent, on the other hand, has barely five divisions of troops defending here due to the intensive military campaign. Additionally, I have nearly 7,000 men in the hospital, amputated, wounded, and crippled, among other things. I don't want them to become casualties for the sake of boosting morale, only to result in demoralizing defeat without any gains," he expressed his concerns and insights to Myrus.
"I understand. However, Operation Blitzkrieg won't commence until we've successfully achieved our priority targets in northern Leifor," Myrus reassured them.
"Hmm," Pamier nodded in satisfaction at Myrus's words.
"Now then, General Pamier, do you want to witness how we will deal with the Annonrials?" Myrus asked him. "I'll give you a glimpse of modern warfare," Myrus teased Pamier, who was tempted but shook his head.
"I'm an old soldier, Lt. Col. I can't possibly comprehend how technology has advanced so much. I remember the days when we lined up in the Civil War and exchanged volleys of fire like fools, with our faulty, inaccurate muskets, as we were born in Ardent and viewed with suspicion for the secessionist tendencies in our region, so we only got some old outdated guns in the war. Time sure has flown fast. We now have rifles so accurate they can fire 10 times a minute, machine guns that can fire hundreds of bullets per minute, and cannons that can reach beyond the artillery of old. Now, you have another almost supernatural weapon at hand. I want to see it, but I can't fully grasp how awesome it is, other than being awed by the destruction it can bring," he confessed to Myrus, offering a glimpse into the perspective of an old general.
"Well, nothing has truly changed in war," Myrus remarked. "There's still destruction, death, and suffering; it has only evolved in terms of how efficiently we can eliminate each other—whether by the blade of a sword, a gunshot, or the mangle of cannon fire. It's all essentially the same," he reflected. "In honor of our old generation, we've evolved. In order to reduce the deaths, we had to become more advanced and destructive. It might be seen as a good perspective on our side and a grim one for the other side, but it's a necessity for our survival and our people," he explained to the general.
Pamier's and his old men, as well as the young ones, nodded in agreement with Myrus's words. "Tooth by tooth, fire by fire, we will deliver destruction against the enemy of Mu and its people, be it against all odds, we shall march on the anvil of war,"
_______________
"Lt. Col., didn't you sound cool earlier? 'We shall march on the anvil of war,'" said his partner, dissing Myrus for his rather overly poetic words.
"Bale, for your information, our job is to deploy and supervise the use of our special weapon. I'm just stating facts," Myrus said to him, entirely serious.
"Yeah, true," said Bale, a Captain from their newest experimental battle group, with most of Mu's state-of-the-art weapons being tested here.
They walked into the garage of the Ardent Front headquarters, where large armored fighting vehicles of Mu stood like behemoths, imposing and dangerous-looking, despite their lackluster combat records. "We've produced something close to 900 by now, and lost half of them in a month. Sure, it's painful," Myrus said in a low voice.
"The factories appear unable to cope with the loss-to-production ratio. I think the average loss for the army is about 30 to 40 every week, either due to military operations against the frontline or non-combat operations. Twenty percent of the losses are due to accidents and training where our vehicles seem to malfunction and have defects," said Bale. The Gigants of Mu are quite fearsome; their 100mm naval guns modified into tank guns have pretty decent velocity, penetration, and firepower. However, their engines, structural integrity, and armor are questionable compared to ASEAN, Gra Valkan, or Annonrial equivalents.
"Guess so," said Myrus as they walked into the restricted area of the base. Two large 18-wheeler trucks, definitely not of Muish origin, stood out. They were semi-trailer trucks bought from ASEAN, and their freight was rather distinguishable, each one holding a longitudinal object with wings.
"Finally, we've got our hands on missiles from ASEAN, Milishial, and Annonrials. We're one step closer to reaching their heights," Myrus said. This was Mu's most expensive weapon, each one costing enough fortune to procure two squadrons of Supermarin combat aircraft.
However, these missiles weren't like conventional missiles. They were essentially old Milishial pulse-jet-engined aircraft, with no pilots, filled with explosives to the brim, and equipped with Mu's Air-Induction Engine. This engine was almost identical to the propulsion method of their torpedoes. Unlike torpedoes, which sucked in water and expelled it as a water jet for propulsion, Mu's engine, developed with technology exchange and input from Magicareich, was based on ideas and approximate designs from old Milishial engines. Which greatly aided Magicareich as it was already being integrated into their indigenous aircraft designs, using air-breathing engines and imported propeller engines from ASEAN in a hybrid aircraft configuration, the only country in UDEA to get in the lead of procuring and producing their own indigenous custom made aircrafts.
"By collecting the air in front of it as it flies through the sky using the Mana-powered Air-Induction Engine, that air will be expelled at high speed from its exhaust. In addition, liquid magic fuel will be injected to further accelerate it as it explodes into momentum. To protect the exhaust, we've used some of the most expensive refined orichalcum, which acts as a heatsink for the entire fuselage. It carries a 500-pound high-performance explosive warhead and can strike targets up to 300 kilometers away," Myrus explained in a low monotone, grinning as he outlined the basic workings of the weapon.
But soon his face became solemn, "the guidance is, unfortunately, out of our hands." Myrus said in a defeated tone. "We need the ASEAN satellites to strike the enemies. It's deplorable; we can't launch an attack unless they accepted it."
Mu, with the help of ASEAN and UDEA member states like Central Law and Magicareich, managed to recreate something akin to an old-generation Milishial jet, transforming it into an unmanned flying bomb. However, being a civilization from the interwar period, they lacked the ability to create a remote control system, either by radio or Mana, which hampered their missile production. This is where ASEAN came into the picture. Mu asked them to create a guidance system for the missiles, exploring options such as inertial guidance or gyroscopes. Unfortunately, none of these solutions could be developed in time for Mu to use in the ongoing war of the Second Civilization. Therefore, ASEAN offered to create a SATCOM-based control system that could be directed from orbit using satellites to strike their foes. This indirectly involved ASEAN in the war, but it also meant that Mu's missiles would be useless unless ASEAN approved their suggestions for launching attacks, giving a foreign power control over when and where they would be fired.
"Lt. Col. Sir!" One of the technicians saluted Myrus.
Myrus asked, "Any updates?"
The technician replied, "The orbiter has given a green light. They'll be ready in 2 hours. However, if we fail to meet that timeline, the orbiter said they would postpone the attack for the next 4 hours."
Myrus responded, "I don't want to postpone it. Make sure we're ready to begin in 2 hours. We'll test-fire them against Annonrial. I won't allow any blunders on our first launch, so don't mess it up. Double-check everything diligently and relay the instructions to the launchers. Be alert at all times and ready to take action."
The technician saluted again and replied, "Yes, sir!" before leaving.
"Orbiter, huh?" said Bale to Myrus.
"A fancy name for ASEAN satellites," replied Myrus as he mused on it. "Let's get it to work. It's time for us to strike them at range. Let's have them taste their own medicine," Myrus said daringly.
____________
Two hours later
As the sun began its descent beyond the horizon, casting a warm, golden sky across the expansive plains of Mu, a small convoy of camouflaged semi-trailers sat hidden amidst the tall grass and rolling hills. These unassuming vehicles held within them a deadly payload, a weapon that could change the course of the war against the war against Gra Valkas Empire and Annonrial Empire in Second Civilization. The crimson and orange sky painted a breathtaking scene, an ironic contrast to the grim preparations taking place.
Within the lead semi-trailer, Major Lexis stood surrounded by a handful of dedicated technicians and soldiers. They huddled around a complex console, illuminated only by the soft glow of the control screens. Lexis himself wore a determined expression, his eyes fixed on the countdown timer displayed before him. The air inside was tense, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety permeated.
"Are all systems go?" Lexis asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The chief technician, his face bathed in the eerie light of the screens, nodded in response. "All systems are green, Major. We're ready to initiate the launch sequence at your command."
Lexis turned to the radio operator, who was hunched over another set of controls. "Begin the encrypted low-frequency communication relay. We need to ensure our electromagnetic signature remains masked."
The operator nodded, his fingers dancing over the dials and buttons as he initiated the sequence. Messages bounced from one hidden station to another, relayed through a complex web of underground communication networks. Muish and ASEAN engineers had collaborated tirelessly to develop this system, determined to stay one step ahead of any Annonrial radio-detection technology.
Outside, the convoy remained hidden beneath carefully crafted camouflage netting, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Only a trained eye would discern the subtle outlines of the formidable missiles within. Each semi-trailer contained a weapon that could strike fear into the hearts of their enemies.
The sun's descent continued, painting the sky with deeper shades of orange. The countdown timer on Lexis's console neared its final moments. He couldn't help but think about this mission could be the turning point war. If successful, they would deliver a powerful blow to the Annonrial, a taste of the devastation they had wrought upon Mu.
"Prepare for launch," Lexis commanded, his voice steady. "We have only one chance to get this right."
The technicians moved with precision, finalizing their preparations. The missiles, once dormant, now hummed with potential energy, their guidance systems locked onto their intended targets. The entire convoy seemed to hold its breath.
"Ten...nine...eight," Lexis counted down, his hand poised over the final launch button.
As the countdown reached its climax, the last sliver of the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a sky ablaze with crimson scene.
"Go to hell, you pigs," Lexis exclaimed. In that very moment, the air was rapidly drawn in, then violently expelled through the exhaust. The force of the explosion followed suit as liquid mana fuel was injected and ignited, creating a pulsing explosion comparable to 50 explosion per second. Their rocket assist system, imported from ASEAN and based on former JATO designs, immediately burst forth, propelling them with momentum as they soared into the sky. Four Muish missiles ascended on the horizon.
"3,000..."
"4,000..."
"4,500 feet stable!,"
Shouted the technicians as the Muish-made missiles finally achieved stable flight.
Soon after, more and more missiles from other scattered launchers were fired at their designated targets. Twenty-two missiles took to the skies, hurtling toward their prey at speeds exceeding 600 kilometers per hour.
Niverm Airstrip, Northern Leifor
At one of the makeshift airstrips deep within Annonrial held territory, dozens of Galleria VTOL attack aircraft and several delta-winged Phantom air superiority variants were stationed in hangars and on the airstrips. They were protected by a wide array of defensive systems, ranging from short-range missiles to medium-range anti-aircraft batteries. These formidable defenses, along with the natural distance of 230 kilometers from the Muish border, provided a sense of safety.
However, the relative peace had bred boredom among the pilots and soldiers stationed here. They longed for action, but Muish forces remained largely within the forest, making it difficult for the Annonrials to engage in meaningful combat. Mu had set numerous ambushes and traps, deterring Annonrial forces from venturing too far into the forest. Muish aircraft also rarely ventured out, resulting in a lack of dogfights or aerial combat opportunities for the Annonrial pilots. The situation was becoming increasingly tedious and boring for those stationed at this distant airstrip
Amidst the rows of idle aircraft, Annonrial officials gathered in a makeshift command center, a collection of tents and prefabricated structures that served as their headquarters. The low hum of chatter filled the air as officers discussed the monotonous situation.
General Lucian, a seasoned veteran with a reputation for his keen tactical mind, stood at the center of the impromptu meeting. He glanced at the large map of the region sprawled across a table, dotted with markers representing their forces and potential enemy positions.
"Damn it all," he muttered under his breath. "We're sitting here like caged birds while the real action is unfolding in the central front."
A chorus of agreement followed from the gathered officers. Major Erin, a young and ambitious officer, spoke up. "General Lucian, it's been weeks since we've seen any significant engagement. Our pilots are itching for a dogfight, and our soldiers are growing restless."
General Lucian nodded, his expression grim. "I know, Major. I know. But we can't simply charge into the forest after them. Mu's guerrilla tactics have been always been an headache, and we've suffered enough casualties already."
Colonel Reynard, the head of their intelligence division, chimed in. "The reports from our scouts suggest that Muish forces are building up, but they remain hidden deep within the forest. We've also received word of these... New large vehicles they're deploying, we don't know their utility and why such thing is in their hands."
General Lucian drummed his fingers on the map, deep in thought. "Our priority is to hold this position. But I agree that we can't keep our forces cooped up here indefinitely. We need more information on Mu's movements."
Major Erin, always eager to take the initiative, suggested, "What if we sent a small reconnaissance team deeper into the forest? They could gather intel on Mu's activities and perhaps find a way to draw them out."
The idea intrigued General Lucian. "That could work. We'll need volunteers. It won't be an easy task, and they'll be operating deep behind enemy lines."
Colonel Reynard leaned in, his expression serious. "I have a few trusted scouts who might be up for the challenge, sir. They know the forest well and can move quietly."
General Lucian nodded. "Very well, Colonel. Assemble your team and give them a mission brief. We need to learn more about Mu's intentions, and if possible... Draw them out"
As Colonel Reynard left to prepare the reconnaissance team, the general turned his attention to another matter that had been nagging at him. "I've also been informed that central command is considering redeploying some of our forces to the central front. They believe our presence there is urgently needed."
A murmur of excitement swept through the room. The officers had grown tired of waiting on the sidelines.
General Lucian raised his hand for silence. "Before you get too excited, remember that we can't just abandon our post here. As ordered, we'll need to secure it properly, and that means leaving behind enough forces to hold this position."
Major Erin frowned. "But if we do get the green light to join the central front, it could mean some real action. We've been watching from the shadows for too long."
General Lucian's gaze was steady as he addressed his officers. "I understand your frustrations, but we must remain vigilant."
As the officers continued their discussions, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the airstrip. But it would be the day, the beginning of Annonrial's horrifying experience, that would leave tens of thousands in traumatic experiences of the horrors of war. And at the same time, 22 reapers of Mu closing in at every minute.
__________
In the heart of Annonrial's aerial command center, two operators, Srah and Ohn, monitored the vast airspace stretching out before them. Their eyes were fixed on the array of magical detection equipment, each emitting soft, pulsating glows. This was their daily duty – scanning the skies for any signs of aerial threats.
Srah, a seasoned operator with years of experience, leaned forward, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Ohn, take a look at this," she said, gesturing to one of the screens displaying a map of the region. "I'm picking up something unusual here."
Ohn, the younger of the two, peered at the screen and frowned. "That's strange. It looks like a group of low-output magical signatures moving at an incredible speed. They're over 600 kilometers per hour. Could it be a malfunction?"
Srah shook her head, her fingers flying across the keyboard as she adjusted the sensors. "No, it's not a malfunction. These readings are normal, and they're coming from multiple direction. I've never seen anything like this before."
As they continued to observe the data, the realization dawned on them. "Could it be an enemy attack?" Ohn asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Srah's eyes widened, and she tapped her earpiece, connecting to their superior officer. "Captain Kars, this is Srah in Air Search Tower. We're detecting multiple unidentified magical signatures traveling at high speeds. Requesting further instructions."
Captain Kars' voice crackled over the communication line. "Copy that, Air Search Tower. Maintain surveillance and keep me updated. I'll notify command immediately."
The two operators watched as the magical signatures continued to move across the screen. The tension in the room grew as they waited for further orders.
Minutes turned into what felt like hours as they tracked the mysterious signatures. "Do you think it's some sort of aerial exercise?" Ohn mused aloud, trying to make sense of the situation.
Srah shook her head, her gaze never leaving the screen. "I doubt it. The speed and formation don't match any known training exercises. Besides, we've never seen Mu launch an attack in this region. It's too abnormal."
Their bewilderment only deepened as the minutes ticked by. They couldn't shake the feeling that something was happening in the skies above them.
Finally, Captain Kars' voice came through again. "Air Search Tower, this is command. We've consulted with higher-ups, and we can't identify the source or intent of these signatures. Maintain a high state of alert, but do not engage unless we receive further orders. We're also notifying our central front forces in case this is a diversion."
Srah and Ohn exchanged worried glances. This was uncharted territory for them, and the tension in the room was heavy. They watched as the mysterious magical signatures continued their rapid journey through the sky.
As they continued to monitor the mysterious magical signatures, an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of their stomachs. The approaching signatures were moving too fast and too straightforward to be mere anomalies.
Srah keyed the microphone to Captain Kars' again. "Command, this is Air Search Tower. We're getting a strange feeling about these signatures. Request permission to scramble a pair of Phantoms for visual confirmation."
There was a brief pause before Captain Kars responded, "Air Search Tower, permission granted. Proceed with caution, I'm coming also."
Without wasting any time, Srah and Ohn alerted the nearest squadron of Phantom air superiority fighters. "Phantom Squadron, this is Air Search Tower. We have unidentified flying signatures approaching rapidly. We need you to investigate and provide visual confirmation. Be on high alert."
Two sleek Phantom aircraft immediately launched from their hangars, their engines roaring to life. The pilots, adrenaline pumping, were eager to get into the action.
As the Phantoms closed in on the rapidly approaching signatures, the tension in the cockpit was heavy. The pilots squinted through their canopies.
Then, as they closed in, one of the pilots, Captain Relds, exclaimed, "Wait a minute! That's not an aircraft! It's... it's a missile!"
His wingman, Lieutenant Nez, quickly confirmed, "You're right, Captain! No cockpit, no pilot! It's a missile, heading straight for us!"
Fear and alarm coursed through their veins as they realized the situation.
Captain Relds keyed his radio urgently. "Air Search Tower, this is Phantom One. We have visual confirmation. Multiple inbound missiles! I repeat, multiple inbound missiles!"
Back in Air Search Tower, Srah and Ohn exchanged horrified glances. The approaching danger was no longer a mystery – it was a full-blown threat. They had unwittingly allowed enemy missiles to approach dangerously close to their airstrip.
Captain Kars' voice crackled over the communication line, his urgency evident. "All units, scramble! Launch interceptors! Shoot down those missiles! We have incoming threats!"
The airfield erupted into chaos as klaxons blared and ground crews hurried to launch interceptors. Fighter jets roared to life and streaked into the sky, racing against time to intercept the approaching missiles.
In the tense moments that followed, the skies became a battleground. Annonrial fighter aircrafts engaged the enemy missiles in a desperate bid to protect their airstrip. Explosions filled the air as anti-aircraft fire and interceptors sought to neutralize the deadly threat.
Srah and Ohn could only watch in horror as the situation escalated. The once peaceful skies had become a battlefield, as the deadly clash between missiles and interceptors played out overhead.
They clenched their fists in worry as they watched the screen. Kars, their commanding officer, barked orders to the interceptor pilots. "Relocate and engage! We need those missiles down!"
Nez and Relds, the Phantom pilots, pushed their aircraft to the limit. "Missile one, locked on! Firing!" Nez's voice came over the radio as he launched a missile at one of the incoming threats. A fiery explosion followed as the enemy projectile was obliterated.
"Good hit, Nez!" Relds exclaimed. "Missile two, locked on!" He fired his own missile, taking down another enemy weapon.
The comms were alive with calls as Annonrial pilots and anti-aircraft systems unleashed a barrage of fire, desperately trying to shoot down the missiles. The sky became an anarchy of smoke and flames as the defenders fought fiercely.
"Missiles three and four, eliminated!" Srah reported, her voice firm. "Target five, acquired. Firing!"
Boom!
Another enemy missile was reduced to fiery debris.
The AA defenses were relentless in their efforts. "Anti-aircraft battery two, direct hit! Missile six, neutralized!" came the voice of an operator.
But as the seconds ticked by, the missiles closed in. There were still too many of them, and the airfield's defenses were stretched to their limits. The enemy's weapon had taken them by surprise, and they were paying the price.
Thirteen kilometers away, the missiles changed their trajectory, angling toward the airfield. Panic set in as the defenders realized that the incoming attacks were now heading straight for them.
"Oh, no," Kars muttered in disbelief. "Everyone, brace for impact! Brace for impact!"
Srah and Ohn exchanged grim glances. The situation had gone from bad to worse. The missiles were diving toward the airfield, and there was no evasive maneuvers for a stationary airstrips.
The seconds stretched into an eternity as the defenders awaited the inevitable. The once-clear sky was now filled with streaking missiles, and the world seemed to hold its breath.
As the missiles found their marks, devastation rippled through the airfield. The explosions echoes throughout the airstrip, sending shockwaves through the ground and tearing apart everything in their path. Buildings crumbled like paper, the once-sturdy structures reduced to heaps of rubble. Aircraft that had stood proudly moments ago were now mangled wrecks, their frames twisted and shattered by the force of the impacts.
The control tower, once a symbol of authority and order, was now engulfed in a torrent of fiery destruction. The roaring flames and choking smoke left no corner untouched as they consumed the structure and everything within it. It was as if the very heart of the airfield had been pierced, and the consequences were catastrophic.
Amidst the deafening explosions and the raging inferno that engulfed the tower, panic and chaos reigned. Smoke and dust filled the air, making it nearly impossible to see. Those who had survived the initial impact scrambled for cover, their ears ringing from the sheer force of the blasts.
Inside the tower, Srah and Ohn were thrown to the ground by the force of the explosion. The world spun around them as they desperately tried to get hold of what had just happened. Flames roared nearby, threatening to consume everything in their path.
Kars, their commanding officer, lay sprawled on the ground, unconscious. His commanding voice, now silenced. Srah crawled towards him, shaking him desperately, trying to rouse him from his unconscious state.
"Kars! Kars, wake up!" she shouted, her voice barely audible over the chaos.
Ohn, his vision blurred from the shockwave, managed to pull himself to his feet. His face was smeared with dirt and blood from a gash on his forehead. He staggered towards the shattered windows of the tower, peering out at the devastation below.
The airstrip was a scene of hellish destruction. Flames and smoke billowed from the wreckage of aircraft and buildings. The once-organized airstrip was now a chaotic inferno of twisted metal and burning fuel.
Outside, Annonrial soldiers and technicians who had survived the initial onslaught rushed to help their injured comrades. The air was filled with the screams of the wounded and the shouts of those trying to provide aid.
In the midst of devastation, the remnants of the AA defenses continued to fire desperately at the remaining missiles in the sky. Their efforts were heroic, but the damage had been done.
As Srah continued to shake Kars, he groggily opened his eyes. His face was smeared with soot and blood, but he was alive. He looked at Srah, his eyes filled with pain and determination.
"We need to get out of here," he rasped. "The tower won't hold much longer."
Ohn, still staring at the destruction outside, realized the truth in Kars' words. The tower had been badly damaged, and with more missiles in the air, there was no guarantee of safety.
With Kars supported by Srah, the three of them stumbled towards the stairwell, their path lit by flickering emergency lights. The tower groaned ominously as they descended, each step bringing them closer to the unknown horrors that awaited them below.
__________
Biak Spaceport, Southeast Asia
In the dimly lit control room of one of Southeast Asia's leading spaceports, a multitude of screens flickered with lights. This space, once dedicated to peaceful space exploration and mapping, had been transformed into a military nerve center. The transition was a testament to the tumultuous times and the pressing need for security and strategic advantage.
The screens, arranged in a semi-circular array, displayed a mesmerizing amount of data. Satellite imagery, telemetry readings, and topographical maps painted a vivid picture of the new world below. This control room had become the focal point for keeping a vigilant eye on the ever-changing landscape of this untamed world.
Uniformed personnel, military officers and technicians, moved with purpose among the consoles, their eyes fixed on the screens before them. They were tasked with a responsibility, ensuring that the information streaming in from the orbiting satellites was not only accurate but also carefully analyzed.
For ASEAN, staying ahead in the information game was paramount. With a new world ripe for a world war, they could ill afford to be caught off guard. The military takeover of the spaceport was a testament to their commitment to securing their position as a major player on this world.
In the midst of the control room's intense atmosphere, a moment of triumph broke through the tension. One operator, fixated on the screen displaying the aftermath of the Muish missile strikes, couldn't contain his excitement.
"Bullseye!" he exclaimed with a grin, his voice filled with exhilaration. "Chicken dinner, everybody!" he added, referencing an odd phrase that had somehow found its way into this room.
The enthusiasm was infectious, and soon, others joined in, celebrating the successful strike on the Annonrial airstrip.
"One airstrip down!" someone proclaimed, their voice echoing the sentiment of victory.
"It seems those Muish loitering munitions actually work," another chimed in.
"Kamikaze drones might be a more suitable name for them," someone suggested, drawing nods of agreement from those nearby.
The control room, which had been a hub of focused analysis just moments ago, erupted into chatter and camaraderie. The operators watched as the Muish "missiles," which ASEAN had played a significant role in developing and perfecting, struck their intended targets.
To ASEAN, these were more than just missiles; they were just unmanned aircraft loaded with explosives, acting as kamikaze planes directed at their targets. Despite their relatively slow speed, the Muish missiles had proven their worth with their substantial payload and reasonable range—impressive achievements for a civilization still yet to introduce jet engine aircraft.
In this room filled with screens and data, amidst the tension of military operations and strategic planning. The operators knew that their collaboration with Mu had yielded results, and these "missiles" had hit their mark.
"We've got 14 missiles to fire at 1300 hours, which is about midnight in Mu, so buckle up, lads. We're busting Annonrial ass for the second time," said the officers, as the respective proxy war between ASEAN and Annonrials began to ravage every corner of the world. One group remained behind screens, thousands of kilometers away, using unthinkable and unconventional means for the common sense of people of New World, while the other group stayed in a more conventional setup, relying on their common sense.
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