Chapter 214: Bombing Campaign

Chapter 214: Bombing Campaign

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The map room hummed with subdued energy as Vincent stood before an expansive table, an array of maps and reconnaissance images spread out across its surface. Brandt and the assembled intelligence officers surrounded him, their eyes trained on the markings that had been scrawled across the map in red and blue ink. The recent scan over the continent had revealed demon camps scattered across strategic areas, their positions vulnerable but defensible. Now was the time to strike.

Vincent's eyes narrowed as he studied the intelligence, his gaze flicking over each camp marked with an "X." He traced a line with his finger across the landscape, following the demon supply lines and identifying the weak points in their fragmented forces.

He looked up at the gathered officers, his voice calm yet brimming with intent. "We've spotted multiple demon encampments across these zones," he began, his finger tapping a particularly dense cluster marked in red. "This area holds their supply caches and command nodes. It's time we hit them hard-take out their resources, sever their lines, and scatter their forces."

A murmur of agreement passed among the officers. Brandt nodded, glancing over the map with an expression of steely determination. "Commander, with the B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, we can stage a coordinated assault. The stealth capabilities of the B-2 will allow it to get close without detection. Once the initial strikes weaken their defenses, the B-1 and B- 52 can come in and clear the ground."

"Precisely," Vincent replied, nodding. He pointed to a series of camps along the edge of a demon-held forest. "The B-2 will handle this primary target-a fortified demon command outpost. It's heavily guarded, but if we take out their defenses with precision strikes, their forces will be disoriented."

He turned to another section marked further back, a series of supply camps sheltered by dense trees. "Once the B-2 opens the path, the B-1 can come in and handle these locations. The B-52 will provide sustained bombardment on the camps surrounding the command post. This will force them to retreat into the open."

The officers exchanged glances, already envisioning the impact of the assault. Brandt gave a satisfied nod, understanding the layered strategy. "Understood, Commander. Shall we brief the pilots?"

"Yes," Vincent replied, his tone resolute. "Make sure they're fully aware of the layout and their objectives. Timing is crucial. We'll launch the B-2 first, allow for five minutes of air support, then the B-1 and B-52 will follow in formation. Get the crews ready for departure in thirty."

The room cleared as officers and aides moved to prepare.

The airfield buzzed with activity as ground crews ran last-minute checks on the bombers. Mechanics tightened bolts, adjusted flaps, and fueled the planes as pilots made their final preparations. The anticipation was thick, a palpable tension hanging in the cool morning air.

The pilots of the B-2 Spirit, nicknamed "Phantom," climbed into the cockpit, their faces calm and focused as they ran through their checklists. One of the ground crewmen saluted as the canopy lowered, and the engines hummed to life, emitting a faint but powerful thrum.

"Phantom, this is Command. You are clear for takeoff. Proceed to coordinates and engage primary target as directed," came the voice of the air traffic controller through the radio.

"Roger that, Command," the pilot replied, his voice steady.

The B-2 began to roll forward, its sleek form gliding down the runway with a near-silent grace. In moments, it ascended into the sky, disappearing into the early morning mist as it set course for the demon encampment.

High above the continent, the B-2 Spirit soared, its black silhouette blending seamlessly with the sky. The pilot scanned the instruments, noting the radar display that marked the location of the demon command outpost below. A series of coordinates appeared on the heads-up display, marking each intended target.

landscape below.

Meanwhile, the B-52 Stratofortress, circling at high altitude, prepared for its role in the

operation. This was the heavy hitter, loaded with enough ordnance to level an entire district if needed. Vincent's voice came through once again, firm and authoritative.

"Fortress, your target is the command structures at the center of the encampment. We want

full saturation. Leave no stronghold standing."

"Roger that, Command," the B-52 pilot responded.

The B-52's bomb bay doors swung open, revealing rows of bombs poised for deployment. With a low rumble, the bombs began to drop in rapid succession, falling in a steady stream toward the demon encampment below. The ground trembled as the bombardment began, a relentless barrage of explosions consuming the camp. Each blast sent shockwaves through the area, scattering demons, tearing through hastily-erected defenses, and reducing structures

to flaming rubble.

From the B-2 Spirit above, the pilot and copilot watched as the encampment was systematically obliterated. Their screens displayed the destruction, fires raging across the landscape, thick smoke curling into the sky.

"Command, this is Phantom. Visual confirmation of widespread target destruction. Requesting permission to circle for cleanup operations," the B-2 pilot transmitted. "Permission granted, Phantom," Vincent's voice came through, steady but carrying a tone of grim satisfaction. "Let's ensure nothing remains. No loose ends."

The B-2 completed another pass, releasing a final series of munitions to clear out any remaining resistance pockets. In the distance, a few demon stragglers attempted to flee the devastation, but they were swiftly met by the B-1's strafing runs, the aircraft's precision ordnance eliminating the last remnants of organized resistance.

"Command, this is Lancer. All enemy positions confirmed neutralized. Returning to base," the B-1 pilot radioed, his voice carrying a note of finality.

The B-52 followed suit, its engines roaring as it turned back toward the airfield. The bombing

run was complete, the demon encampment left as little more than smoking ruins and

scattered embers.

Back at base, Vincent and Brandt stood side by side, watching the live feed display the

wreckage and the clouds of smoke spiraling into the sky. The operation had been a success- and surely, this would gain the attention of the demon lord.