LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Infiltration at Dusk 2
The faint echoes of approaching Syndicate reinforcements reverberated through the metallic corridors of the auxiliary base. Ethan crouched near the central loading dock, his plasma pistol in hand, while Thalor stood beside him, his stoic demeanor unshaken by the tension. Above them, Zyrix's voice came through the comms with a cold precision that matched the Velkarn mercenary's calm.
"We've got hostiles incoming, heavily armed. Five on the western flank, four more sweeping in from the south," Zyrix reported.
Ethan adjusted his grip on the pistol and glanced at Thalor, who gave a single nod. No words were exchanged; they didn't need them. The mission wasn't over yet, and the escape route was looking increasingly precarious.
"Zyrix, take the western flank. We'll hold the south," Ethan instructed, his tone steady despite the gravity of the situation.
"On it," Zyrix replied. The sharp crack of his plasma rifle echoed shortly after, signaling that the fight had begun.
Ethan and Thalor moved quickly into position, ducking behind the reinforced crates stacked around the loading area. The sound of Syndicate boots pounding against the metallic floor drew closer, accompanied by shouted orders and the telltale hum of energy weapons.
The first wave of reinforcements emerged from the southern corridor. Ethan's enhanced reflexes kicked in, allowing him to fire precise shots that dropped two soldiers before they could raise their weapons.
Thalor charged forward, his Velkarn blade gleaming in the dim light. His movements were calculated and deadly, each swing of his blade slicing through Syndicate armor as if it were paper. The soldiers barely had time to react before he cut them down, his towering figure a blur of power and precision.
A Syndicate officer barked orders from the rear, sending in a squad of combat drones to flank Ethan and Thalor. The drones skittered along the walls, their energy cannons glowing with an ominous blue light.
"Drones again," Ethan muttered, his HUD lighting up with warnings.
"Let me handle them," Thalor rumbled. Without waiting for a response, he lunged at the nearest drone, slamming it to the ground with his immense strength. Sparks erupted as his blade pierced its core.
Ethan fired at another drone, his laser pistol's shots ricocheting off its armor. He switched to his plasma dagger, closing the distance and driving the blade into a weak point near its central processor. The drone sputtered and collapsed.
Above the chaos, Zyrix was a model of efficiency. His plasma sniper rifle hummed with energy as he fired at the Syndicate soldiers attempting to breach the western flank. Each shot was precise, taking down targets with lethal accuracy.
"Western flank is clear," Zyrix reported over the comms. "Moving to provide support on your end."
Ethan felt a surge of relief. Zyrix's overwatch was crucial in keeping the odds manageable.
As another wave of Syndicate soldiers stormed the southern corridor, Zyrix's shots rang out, thinning their ranks before they could reach Ethan and Thalor.
The reinforcements kept coming, but the team refused to be overwhelmed. Ethan's training and enhanced reflexes were on full display as he alternated between his pistol and dagger, adapting to the ebb and flow of combat.
Thalor, ever the stoic warrior, held the line with unyielding determination. His blade moved with an almost rhythmic precision, each strike a testament to his Velkarn discipline and strength.
"Reinforcements are thinning out," Ethan said between breaths. "We're almost through this."
A final wave of Syndicate soldiers charged into the room, led by a heavily armored officer wielding a high-powered energy rifle. The officer fired a devastating volley, forcing Ethan and Thalor to take cover.
"I'll handle him," Zyrix said.
From his elevated position, Zyrix fired a single shot that pierced the officer's helmet, dropping him instantly. With their leader gone, the remaining soldiers hesitated, giving Ethan and Thalor the opening they needed to finish them off.
As the last Syndicate soldier fell, the loading area fell silent save for the hum of machinery. Ethan activated his comms. "All hostiles neutralized. Status on the explosives?"
"They're in place," Thalor replied, gesturing to the charges he had planted earlier. "We can detonate remotely once we're clear."
Ethan nodded and motioned for the team to regroup. Zyrix descended from his perch, his sniper rifle slung over his shoulder.
"Good work," Ethan said, his voice laced with fatigue.
"Don't thank me yet," Zyrix replied. "We're not out of this place."
The team moved quickly toward the exit, but their path was far from clear. Alarms blared throughout the base, signaling that additional Syndicate forces were likely on the way.
As they neared the outer gate, another squad of drones appeared, blocking their path. Ethan cursed under his breath and signaled for the team to take cover.
"Zyrix, take the lead," Ethan ordered. "Thalor and I will handle the drones."
Zyrix nodded, sprinting ahead to secure the exit.
Ethan and Thalor engaged the drones with a mix of precision and brute force. Ethan's plasma dagger found its mark again and again, while Thalor smashed through the machines with relentless efficiency.
Once the drones were down, Ethan activated the remote detonator. A series of explosions rocked the base, sending plumes of fire and debris into the night sky.
The team emerged from the base just as the flames began to consume it. They climbed into the rented hover truck parked nearby, exhaustion evident on their faces.
As they sped away, Ethan glanced back at the burning compound. "We did what we came to do," he said, though his tone was heavy. "But this won't stop them. Vela will rebuild."
"Then we'll tear it down again," Zyrix said matter-of-factly, his tone as cold as ever.
Thalor remained silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
Ethan leaned back in his seat, his thoughts already turning to the next mission. The Syndicate was adapting, but so was he. This war was far from over, and he intended to see it through to the end.