Chapter 76: Mouren's Counterattack
The burning wreckage of Mouren's shipment smoldered in the distance, casting an eerie glow over the barren landscape. The convoy was theirs, and Mouren's hand had been forced. Now, the retaliation was imminent.
The system pulsed.
[Mission Update: Prepare for House Mouren's Retaliation]
[Objective: Strengthen defenses and predict enemy movements]
Liana's fingers danced across her tablet, analyzing intercepted transmissions. "They're mobilizing fast. Mouren doesn't play around. Their forces are better equipped and better trained than Valen's."
Joran grinned. "That just means they'll put up a better fight."
Kain exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. "We need intel before they hit us. If they throw a full strike force at our stronghold, it's going to be ugly."
Raizen folded his arms, his golden eyes narrowing as he studied the holomap. "Then we don't sit back and wait. We send a message of our own."
The system pulsed again.
[New Mission: Strike Mouren's Advance Forces]
[Objective: Destroy their scout teams before they pinpoint your location]
Raizen and his team moved swiftly under the cover of darkness, positioning themselves at an abandoned industrial complex Mouren's scouts were expected to pass through. Their targets were highly trained, but Raizen had no intention of letting them regroup.
Liana whispered through the comms. "Two hovercrafts inbound. Five men in each. Light armor, advanced optics."
Kain steadied his rifle. "I'll take the snipers. You take the close combat."
The system pulsed.
[Engagement Window: Tactical Ambush]
As the first hovercraft passed, Raizen launched from the shadows, landing on the roof of the vehicle. His fist crushed the windshield, sending the driver spiraling. Before the others could react, he ripped the door off and dragged one of the soldiers out, tossing him into the dirt.
Joran and Kain struck next, gunfire echoing as they eliminated the second vehicle's guards. Within minutes, the scout team was eliminated, their equipment left intact for analysis.
The system pulsed.
[Mission Complete: Mouren's Scouts Eliminated]
[Bonus: Mouren's Attack Delayed]
Raizen stepped over the bodies, picking up a recovered communication device. Now, they had insight into Mouren's next move.
This war was far from over, but for the first time, Raizen wasn't just reacting.
He was dictating the pace.