On the display, three arrows representing the rockets streaked across the dividing line between the eastern and western hemispheres. At a velocity of 7.9 kilometers per second, they entered low-Earth orbit above the northern hemisphere. Although now within the Annie satellite's strike range, the rockets were still moving too fast to lock onto. "They're likely reconnaissance satellites," Zack speculated as the rockets began decelerating.
The separation stages occurred smoothly, with the satellite modules detaching from their boosters and deploying into orbit. "Why do they still dare to launch satellites under my watch?" Zack wondered aloud. His previous actions should have been enough to deter any attempts at overt satellite launches.
Moments later, the satellite modules fully unfolded. But as Zack observed their positions on the holographic map, the arrows suddenly blinked out of existence. "Sir, the three satellites have disappeared," Ego reported. "It appears they are equipped with radar and spectral stealth technology."
Zack narrowed his eyes. This type of stealth technology existed in Ego's database, but it had always been deemed impractical due to its complexity and limited applications. Clearly, Zack's dominance had pressured his adversaries into deploying such experimental assets. "Ingenious, but impractical," Zack said, shaking his head. "Let's see if it actually works."
"Ego, calculate their orbital paths, motion periods, and velocities. Simulate their positions and prepare to strike," Zack ordered.
"Yes, Sir," Ego replied, instantly beginning calculations. For Ego, processing such vast amounts of data was effortless.
The holographic map shifted, displaying the projected orbital paths of the three satellites. While they were no longer visible due to their stealth capabilities, their positions could still be inferred through advanced simulations. "It seems my initial lesson wasn't harsh enough," Zack muttered. "They think invisibility will save them."
"Sir, the target positions have been simulated. The first strike is in progress," Ego reported. High above the Earth, the Annie space-based satellite prepared to unleash its power. Stationed more than 30,000 kilometers above the surface, it activated its electromagnetic railgun, which roared to life. A flash of light signaled the launch of three tungsten alloy kinetic warheads.
These warheads, though small at just over a dozen kilograms each, were designed for precision. Their speed and force, reaching several times the speed of sound, made them ideal for disabling spaceborne targets. While they lacked the mass to cause widespread ground destruction, their purpose was singular: obliterate satellites. "Approaching simulated strike points..."
The tungsten projectiles streaked through the atmosphere, losing about 70% of their mass during reentry. Despite this, their impact was more than enough to destroy fragile spacecraft. "Impact imminent," Ego announced.
Moments later, the Annie satellite's feed lit up with a small red dot marking the first successful strike. "Target one destroyed," Ego confirmed. "Two misses. Recalculating for secondary strikes."
The electromagnetic railgun adjusted its aim for the two remaining targets, preparing to fire again. At Dragon Base in the eastern hemisphere, a tense silence filled the air. Moments earlier, the team monitoring their newly launched stealth satellite had been celebrating its successful deployment. Then, the screen went blank. "Wait a second," Chaslik, one of the base's leaders, said, his voice rising in disbelief. "Where's our satellite? It was there just now!"
"It's gone, sir," a trembling researcher replied. "It… it appears to have been shot down."
"Shot down? Impossible!" Chaslik roared. "These were stealth satellites! The Vanguard Organization assured us they were invisible! How could they be detected, let alone destroyed?"
His protests were futile. The reality of the situation was undeniable. At the Glory Queen Base, the mood was equally grim. The launch team had been caught off guard by a flash of light in their satellite's feed. "Was that… an attack?" one of the engineers stammered, his face pale.
"It can't be," another replied. "Our satellites are invisible! The ASR technology isn't a scam, is it?"
The room fell into uneasy silence. While no one voiced it outright, their confidence in the invisibility technology was clearly shaken. "Do you think there will be a second attack?" asked Annas, the base's leader. Her question hung in the air as the second wave of strikes began. Two more tungsten descended from the Annie satellite, targeting the remaining stealth satellites. Traveling at Mach speeds, they closed the gap in seconds.
Boom! Boom!
Both projectiles hit their marks. The stealth satellites, once hailed as technological marvels, were obliterated, reduced to burning debris falling back to Earth. "No!" A desperate scream echoed through the command room.
Everyone at the Glory Queen Base knew the cost of building and launching these satellites. The resources, manpower, and sacrifices required had been monumental. Yet, in mere moments, all that effort was rendered meaningless by Zack's precision strikes. Annas stared at the darkened screen, her expression frozen. "Our satellites… destroyed?" she murmured, barely able to process the words.
No one dared answer. After a moment of stunned silence, the room erupted into chaos. Senior officials scrambled to shift blame, pointing fingers at other nations. "This is all the fault of Dragon base!" one shouted. "We should've launched from the Western Hemisphere and changed orbit later!"
"Exactly!" another agreed. "Instead, we listened to their idiotic plan to launch directly from the Northern Hemisphere!"
"Idiots, all of them!" The bickering continued until Annas, seething with frustration, shouted, "Enough! Get out!"
The room fell silent before the officials slinked away, leaving Annas alone with her thoughts. "Is he really this strong?" she muttered, her gaze fixed on the blank screen.
Meanwhile, at the Eden Base, the destruction of the stealth satellites was met with mocking laughter. "Are these people idiots?" scoffed the base's leader, a blonde woman with an air of cold calculation. She leaned back in her chair, her lips curling into a smirk. "They should've coordinated the launches better. Change orbits after entering space—how hard is that?" Her amusement grew as she thought about the effort wasted by the other factions. "Good thing they were only bait. If I'd partnered with them seriously, I'd have died of frustration by now."
Shaking her head, she rose from her desk and adjusted her suit, her movements precise and deliberate. Her figure exuded authority, and the subordinates outside her office straightened the moment she appeared. Lady Kara!" they greeted in unison, their voices filled with deference.
Every man in the corridor who caught sight of the blonde woman paused, their faces plastered with feigned respect as they shouted greetings. But their eyes betrayed them—hungry, greedy, and shameless. "Well, don't let me keep you. Back to work," the blonde woman said with a tone of detached politeness, walking toward the elevator. She ignored their stares, stepping into the lift without so much as pressing a button. The elevator moved automatically, descending past the listed floors on the panel until it reached an unmarked 11th level.
Ding.
As the elevator doors slid open, two guards dressed in sleek black uniforms stood waiting. Their weapons, a fusion of biotechnology and cutting-edge tech, caught the eye. While the weapons had a traditional barrel and trigger, their design was unusual—almost alive, resembling a crustacean's shell. Instead of bullets, the chamber glistened with a dark, viscous liquid, like black oil. "Lady Immortal Fox!" The guards saluted and stepped aside immediately.