Chapter 599: They Are Moving
Renna begin next, with her tone that was blunt and matter-of-fact.
"We've been testing new siege weapon prototypes. It was an explosive-tipped ballista bolts and and harpoons imbued with Magic that designed to disable their machinery. The results are promising but production is slow. If we can get the resources, I can outfit the vanguard with gear that'll punch through even their heaviest armor."
Elena continue next with was soft but resolute voice.
"The wounded are reporting unusual burns and internal injuries consistent with energy-based weapons. It seems their projectiles do more than physical damage. They destabilize the body's natural Magical defenses and healing. I'm working on a countermeasure, but until then, avoid prolonged exposure to their firepower."
Darek spoke next, his voice sharp and analytical.
"Their command structure operates on a strict hierarchy as far as I know. The units we've faced so far are clearly lower-tier operatives, acting as a buffer for their elite forces. If we can break their command chain, their coordination will crumble. From intercepted communications, we've identified a central hub within their forward operating base. Taking it out could disrupt their entire network."
Tovan smirked faintly before speaking, his tone lighter but no less serious.
"In the field, their stealth operatives are a real pain. Yeah, they have that too, cause why the hell not, right? They've got cloaking Magic, but it's not perfect. Lira's scouts and I discovered that their cloaks leave a faint heat signature. We've been using modified heat-seeking arrows to great effect. If we can improve the accuracy, we'll turn their own tech against them."
Nerin leaned forward, his restless energy evident as he spoke quickly.
"After few hundred years, We're finally able to decrypting their comms faster than they can change their codes. They're sloppy, or they just underestimating us. I've already pinpointed two of their command frequencies, which means we can track their movements in real-time. But their strength are still better than us so we still keep failing.
"With a bit more time, I might be able to disrupt their signals entirely and cut them off from each other."
Kael's voice was barely above a whisper but the room fell silent as he spoke.
"Their leaders aren't just strategists they are fighters as well. I infiltrated their camp during the last battle and they have enhanced soldiers guarding their officers, and I know that those officers carry keycards that grant access to their inner sanctum. If we can retrieve one, I'm sure we'll gain entry to their high-security zones."
Eccar nodded, absorbing the flood of information. Each piece painted a clearer picture of the enemy. They are organized, powerful, but not invincible. They are still in the field of human realm.
"I think you all did and excellent work," he said. "We'll use every advantage we can get. Commander Varok, begin preparing the vanguard for a coordinated strike. Lira, increase surveillance on their forward base. Nerin, prioritize signal disruption. Everyone else, focus on your areas. Together, we'll turn the tide of this war."
The leaders exchanged determined glances, ready to enact their plans. Eccar stood alone for a moment, gazing at the map.
"We will need material to make your weapons, right?" Eccar said. "If we can't get the material here, then we should ask our friend for their cooperation."
The leaders exchanged glances. Commander Varok was the first to break the silence, nodding slowly.
"Stealing from the invaders… It's a bold move. Risky," he said. "But boldness may be exactly what we need."
Eccar's smile widened slightly. "Risk is inevitable, Commander. But so is reward. If we can pull this off, we'll gain the materials you need to build weapons strong enough to fight back and the morale boost of striking at their supply lines."
Varok rubbed his chin thoughtfully before nodding. "Alright. What's your plan, Lord Dragonborn?"
Eccar stepped closer to the map table. "I will create a distraction. Something they can't ignore. While their forces are focused on me, the rest of you will infiltrate their supply depots. Take what you need, destroy what you can't carry. Lira, I trust your scouts to guide the strike teams. Tovan, you'll lead the infiltration."
Lira gave a curt nod. "My scouts have already mapped out the depots. We can slip in and out before they even realize what's happening."
Tovan smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Sounds like my kind of mission."
Varok's brow furrowed. "What kind of distraction are we talking about?"
Eccar's grin turned sharper. "Something loud and destructive. I'll draw them out with enough force to make them think I'm their biggest threat."
Renna chuckled dryly. "You're not wrong there."
Despite the humor, Eccar's thoughts were somber. He could easily obliterate the invaders with his strength and fpower but he held back. These people needed to win this war themselves.
If they relied entirely on him, they would never build the resilience or resources necessary for long-term survival. His role was not to fight their battles for them but to give them a chance to fight their own.
He turned to Elena. "Be ready. If anyone is injured, they need to get back to you as quickly as possible."
"We'll be ready." She nodded.
"I can coordinate the teams during the operation, keep everyone in sync. If things go south, I'll find an opening for extraction," Nerin said.
Eccar clapped a hand on Nerin's shoulder. "Good. Communication will be key."
"We'll move at dawn. Lira, make sure your scouts are ready. Tovan, prepare your team for infiltration. Renna, if there's a chance to test one of those prototypes in the field, this might be it," Varok said.
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The next morning, as the sun crept over the horizon, the operation began.
Eccar stood atop a ridge overlooking the enemy encampment, he still using his black armor that glinting faintly in the early light.
Below, the invaders' metal camp was bustling with activity, soldiers moving in rigid formations while machinery hummed ominously.
He drew in a deep breath, the power of the Dragonborn surging within him. Earth power appeared on his hands as he prepared to unleash havoc.
"Showtime," he muttered.
"ROAR!"
With a deafening roar, Eccar leaped from the ridge, his form blazing with fiery energy. He slammed into the ground like a meteor and sending shockwaves rippling through the camp.
Soldiers shouted in alarm as he rose from the crater.
"Come and face me!" Eccar bellowed, his voice reverberating like thunder.
The invaders scrambled to respond, their energy weapons lighting up the battlefield. Eccar darted through their ranks with inhuman speed, his claws rending through machinery and scattering troops like leaves in the wind.
---
Meanwhile, after hearing the roar that was Eccar's signa, they moved under the cover of chaos, Lira's scouts guided Tovan's team into the enemy supply depots.
Tovan signaled for silence as they approached a heavily guarded entrance. Two enemy soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their enhanced armor glowing faintly with Magic.
Kael appeared like a shadow, slipping behind the guards and dispatching them with swift, silent precision. Tovan motioned for the team to move in.
Inside the depot, rows of crates and barrels lined the walls, filled with the very materials Renna needed to finish her siege weapons.
The team worked quickly, loading the most valuable items onto hover sleds while planting explosives on anything they couldn't take.
Nerin's voice crackled softly over their comms.
"You've got three minutes before reinforcements arrive. Move fast."
As the team exited the depot, Tovan glanced back at the charges they had planted with a grin.
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