The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 787: Heavy Stealth

After consuming a caloric intake sufficient for a small army, a surge of energy filled me, leaving me content and primed for action. Time seemed to warp, and before I fully registered its passage, Phoebe had summoned us, and we commenced our movement.

During our trek, Phoebe elucidated the mission plan to me, information that everyone else had already absorbed in full. She conjured a small, holographic display, holding it in her hand as she pointed to five illuminated dots. "These represent us. We are approximately two hours of walking away from our current position."

She then directed her attention to a specific location within the territory occupied by the Drakoshi.

"The Drakoshi are utilizing this area as an ammunition depot, leveraging the sloped terrain for effective cover against artillery. Our intelligence suggests they haven't yet discovered the entrance to the underground complex – our primary objective. However, should they have found it, we'll need to pivot our strategy from stealth to an intensified form of it."

"Intensified stealth?" I inquired, prompting a reply from Aeteos, who stood to my left.

"If there are no enemy combatants left alive to report our presence, it remains a stealth operation," he elucidated.

Phoebe continued, her voice firm. "The Drakoshi must remain oblivious to the existence of the crystals. A significant portion of the Spartari populace is unaware of Praedoxite; its very existence is a top-secret matter. Even the local commander of Spartari forces, Serena Hyllus, is uninformed. The sole reason for including you in this operation is the demonstrable proof of your genuine alliance with our people. Trust is forged through actions, and you have unequivocally earned ours."

Phoebe then dismissed the hologram and declared with resolute conviction, "Should the Drakoshi investigate that subterranean cave network, the entire zone must be cleansed. Their existence must not be revealed to anyone."

I acknowledged her words with a serious nod. "I understand. I trust my participation will prove useful to you all today."

"We have thoroughly reviewed the battle reports from your recent siege, Apollo. I am confident that you will be an invaluable asset during this mission... Although, if I may be so bold? Did you perhaps leave your ranged weapon and your shield behind at the fort as well?"

A smile touched my lips as I raised my arm. Phoebe watched, intrigued, as my armor began to materialize my minigun from seemingly nowhere. Concurrently, my shield materialized, already secured by a strap to my forearm.

During the two days following the siege, my inactivity allowed me ample opportunity to facilitate my minigun's adaptation to my armor. Its inherent Psionic qualities enabled a seamless integration process.

Furthermore, I had incorporated the shield into the power source of my armor. The Damatrium was now fully assimilated into my armor's structure, and I could repurpose the surplus material as a shield when necessary. When not deployed as a shield, it offered protection to my midriff – a strategic placement informed by the numerous gutshots I endured during the takedown of the 'boomstick,' making that area the most logical point of defense.

Moreover, with this integration, the efficiency far surpassed the inconvenience of carrying external equipment.

"Intriguing," Phoebe murmured, gently taking my arm for a closer examination. "Apollo, this armor is truly remarkable... I confess, a degree of envy arises. Despite its extra-galactic origin, its adaptability is astounding. I would have greatly desired the opportunity to meet its creators and acquire the knowledge needed for its replication."

"And it looks absolutely incredible!" Marnes chimed in from the side.

I let out a soft chuckle. "Indeed, it is quite impressive. It's unfortunate there was only one of them aboard that derelict vessel."

Anticipating further inquiries, I subtly shifted the conversation's focus.

"So, do we have any estimates regarding enemy numbers?"

Rhapso stepped forward, grasping my arm. "We do! In the wake of the recent events and the destruction of nearly all their northern stockpiles, the adversaries have made a shrewd decision: they are now deploying their elite forces to safeguard these remaining depots. We're anticipating at least twenty silver pauldrons, supplemented by a thousand or more regular troops. Additionally, we've received intel about an Emoth Silver pauldron who is on the cusp of achieving warlord status in this region. Should we encounter him, he will become a secondary objective. The longer we prevent a warlord from emerging on this planet, the greater our chances of expanding our territory without incurring significant casualties."

"Are Warlords truly that perilous? I only encountered one during my time at the academy. While he was undoubtedly powerful, he didn't seem insurmountable."

"Grimshank was severely weakened, Apollo," Nerissa interjected. "It required considerable effort to subdue him, and the specialized diet he receives helps maintain his diminished state. A warlord on the battlefield, however, is an entirely different entity. While the five of us combined should be capable of defeating a warlord, it certainly won't be a simple engagement."

"It's not solely the warlord himself that presents the challenge," Phoebe added. "It's the influence a Warlord exerts on the surrounding Drakoshi. Their mere presence enhances the resilience of their clone biology, rendering the other Drakoshi more resistant to damage, accelerating their healing factors thereby mitigating injuries sustained, and augmenting the cognitive capabilities of those in their vicinity.

On their own, Emoths are rather unintelligent, prone to reckless assaults. However, when a warlord appears, they transform into highly disciplined instruments of war, employing shock tactics and trench warfare. Even the inherently intelligent Drakoshi, such as the Dinnac, become a formidable threat under the command of one of their warlords. The transformation is theoretically fascinating, but it's precisely what we aim to prevent.

"That is, in fact, our secondary objective on this planet," Aeteos interjected. "If we detect any signs of a powerful Drakoshi, it becomes our duty to act as assassins."

"OH!" Rhapso exclaimed suddenly. "That reminds me. Pheebs, you'll need to arrange for reinforcements. I'll be joining Apollo with Nerissa following this mission."

The Praetorians paused briefly before turning their attention to Rhapso. A brief silence ensued before Phoebe finally spoke.

"Alright. I'll bring in Polymede. She should integrate well with the kill team's synergy in your absence." Phoebe stated, then turned her gaze towards me. I could feel her eyes probing through my armor. "Curious... Though I suppose a Sentinel accompanied by two Praetorians will indeed boost Phalanx morale. Apollo, exercise caution with her. She isn't quite as... reserved as Nerissa."

"Why do I have the distinct feeling you just insulted me?" Rhapso chimed in. "Phoebe?"

...

A couple of hours elapsed, and the six of us found ourselves hunkered down on a ridgeline. Below us lay the ammo depot, a miniature fortress. Fortunately, there were no walls, but imposing sentry towers equipped with heavy weaponry and a significant contingent of Drakoshi were present.

The facility appeared to be recently established. I surveyed the various entry points into the camp; it was clear that breaching it would not be a simple task. However, my attention was soon diverted.

"Observe the eastern edge of the camp. That marks the entrance to the subterranean cave system," Aeteos announced, and I followed the direction of his pointing finger.

Drakoshi were observed entering and exiting the cave, transporting crates filled with purple crystals. I heard Phoebe exhale a breath of relief.

"It appears they are extracting the more accessible resources first. The Praedoxite will be located several miles deeper underground. However, their presence within necessitates extreme stealth. Nothing survives such an operation."

I began to mentally prepare myself for the ensuing conflict. The most advantageous point of entry seemed to be the slope descending from our current position. This side currently had fewer weapon emplacements. Moreover, initiating a charge down the slope would provide us with valuable momentum as we closed in for melee combat.

'Hmm, I wonder how I'll manage to keep up-' Just then, a hand touched my shoulder. Looking up, I was suddenly handed a grenade launcher, complete with a belt-fed backpack. I then glanced at the rest of the group.

"For the mop-up operation after Nerissa unleashes the big one," Phoebe explained.

"The big one?" I inquired, slinging the backpack over my shoulder. My question turned rhetorical as I turned to face Nerissa. In her hand was a device that strongly resembled a colossal rocket launcher. Only the warhead of the rocket protruded from the weapon, and I had a very strong suspicion about its contents.

My astonishment must have been evident, as Nerissa turned to me. "No, I was unable to deploy this weapon the other day. We lack the authorization to utilize tactical nuclear devices in close proximity to Phalanx formations. In fact, we don't have permission at all. Extreme stealth has its advantages... Now, I advise you to take cover. It may only be a two-kiloton device, but the resulting blast is quite formidable."

Within moments of her speaking, Nerissa aimed and fired upwards. I instantly heard a high-pitched whistling sound in the air as the Tactical Nuke began its flight.

I wasted no time and scrambled behind the ridgeline, diving for cover more accurately. The other Praetorians followed suit. They then proceeded to activate buttons on their armor, and moments later, domed shields materialized around them. Just as I was preparing to deploy my own shield, Phoebe grasped my shoulder and pulled me close, proceeding to press the buttons on her armor to activate her shield as well.

The dome hastily enveloped us, and after a few moments of whistling, the sky above erupted with a blinding light. The ground trembled from the impact, and of course, all I could hear was:

*KABOOOOOOOM!*