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."
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."