Chapter 158: We Leave at Once

Chapter 158: We Leave at Once



Vincent Stryder sat inside the cavernous cargo bay of the C-17 Globemaster as it descended toward the Fortress of Ferm, the forward operating base of his forces in the continent. The low hum of the aircraft's engines filled the space, mingling with the clinks and clanks of weapons and ammunition being secured for offloading. He watched as the pallets of supplies were carefully strapped down, each one representing their best chance of standing against the coming storm.

Outside the windows, the landscape below slowly came into view, revealing the sprawling fortress.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

As the plane began its final approach, Vincent leaned back slightly in his seat, reviewing the intel Princess Elara had sent. The demons had stolen human weapons with a specific purpose in mind. If they learned how to fuse their magic with modern technology, it would alter the balance of power drastically. He knew there wasn't much time before they saw the fruits of the demons' plan. This was more than a theft; it was an attempt to close the technological gap that had given humanity an edge.

The wheels of the C-17 touched down smoothly on the base's airstrip. Vincent felt the familiar jolt of landing as the engines roared, slowing the aircraft's speed. Outside, teams of soldiers waited for orders, ready to unload the precious cargo that had arrived with him. As soon as the plane stopped, the back ramp began to lower with a hydraulic hiss, and Vincent stood, adjusting his tactical vest and helmet.

Colonel Brandt, who had been sitting nearby, rose as well. "Ready, sir?"

Vincent nodded once, grabbing his rifle from a nearby rack. "Let's get to work."

As they walked down the ramp, the smell of the earth mixed with fuel filled the air. The C-17's cargo bay loomed behind them as soldiers began to tow out pallets of weapons and

ammunition. Trucks lined up, engines rumbling softly, waiting to transport the supplies to the various stockpiles across the base.

"Get these weapons into the storage bunkers and make sure they're inventoried," Vincent ordered, his voice carrying across the airfield. "We don't have time to waste."

Several soldiers saluted and hurried to relay his instructions. Forklifts began to move, lifting the pallets with precision as they were loaded onto trucks.

Colonel Brandt approached them, having overseen the offloading of the supplies. "Sir, everything is being transferred to the storage bunkers now. We should be fully stocked within the next few hours. What's our next move?"

Vincent turned to Brandt. "We're heading out to the Dwarven Kingdom. I want you to hold the fort here. If there's any sign of the demons making a move, I want to know about it immediately. And make sure the defenses are on full alert. We can't afford any surprises." Brandt gave a crisp nod. "Understood, sir. I'll keep you updated on any developments." Satisfied, Vincent turned to Eamon. "Eamon, I have some questions for you. Do you think demons are capable of adaptation? Like stealing human technologies, make it better?"

Eamon hesitated for a moment, then answered, "Yes, Sir Vincent. Demons are adaptable, more than most people realize. They are opportunistic, and if they see a way to improve their abilities or gain an advantage, they'll take it without hesitation. Their natural abilities, especially in magic, make them particularly dangerous. Combine that with human technology, and we're facing an unprecedented threat."

Vincent's face grew darker, but he remained composed. "That's what I was afraid of. They aren't just stealing for the sake of destruction. They're learning, reverse-engineering, and figuring out how to bridge the gap between their world and ours. That's why getting to the dwarves is so important."

Eamon gave a nod, his expression more somber now. "The dwarves have knowledge that no one else possesses. Their ability to blend magic and engineering is something we need if we're going to keep up with the demons. But they are proud, and they won't be easily persuaded."

Vincent leaned against the nearby vehicle, arms crossed. "I'm not here to convince them out of pride or ego. I'm here to ensure our survival, all of us. The demons are learning at a rapid pace, and if we don't stay ahead of them, we'll all fall. I'll make the dwarves see that. They might be stubborn, but they aren't foolish."

Eamon took a deep breath and replied, "True, but it'll be a delicate negotiation. The dwarves are traditionalists, and they value their independence. We have to present this not as a favor to us, but as mutual survival."

Vincent smirked slightly. "Mutual survival. That's exactly what this is. We aren't asking for charity—we're offering them a chance to survive and thrive in a world that's quickly changing. We'll give them the facts, and they'll understand the gravity of the situation."

He straightened up and started walking toward the command center, motioning for Eamon to follow. "Let's get things moving. The sooner we meet with the dwarves, the sooner we can adapt our strategy."

As they walked, Eamon continued, "It's not just the dwarves who need to adapt. The demons have always been known for their overwhelming magic, but now they're looking to add human weapons to their arsenal. If they manage to combine their magic with the kind of firearms and technology you have, it could shift the entire balance of power."

Vincent's expression hardened. "That's exactly why we need the dwarves on our side. Their ability to integrate technology with magical constructs could give us the edge we need. But we can't wait too long. Time isn't on our side."