Global Awakening: Infinite Gift Pack System-Chapter 62: Operation Blackout ( Part 1 )

The team crouched among the rocks overlooking the compound or the base of the A.I. Army.

From their position, they could already hear the faint movement of machinery, but they all focused on the generator at the eastern side of the compound.

Kai took a deep breath as he turned to Ralph. "That’s our target. Once it’s gone, the Sentinels won’t last long without power."

Ralph adjusted the plasma rifle in his hands...

Currently, this was the only weapon they had that could seriously damage a Sentinel and the power generator.

"Three shots each. That’s all we’ve got. We’ll have to make them count." Ralph muttered.

Since he had Sharpshooter’s Focus Talent, there was no one else who could handle this task.

Kai nodded. "Exactly."

They were not here to fight two hundred Sentinels. They’re here to cripple them. Once the generator was destroyed, they simply had to vanish, hide, and wait. Their batteries will drain, and then they’ll be nothing but scrap.

The problem was the fact that the Sentinels, Swarmers, and Hounds wouldn’t do anything about it.

They would surely try to track them. Those mechanical wolves were the most dangerous part of this mission.

Their detectors seemed as if they could pick up energy signatures and even faint traces of movement.

That was why they’ve also prepared escape routes. They would have to use smoke grenades, fire traps, and others for diversions...

If it comes to it, they might even have to abandon the plasma rifles, since their energy emissions could give away their location.

Claire also recalled their plan as she checked the pack of grenades strapped to her belt.

"We’ll have to move fast. Once the shots are fired, the Sentinels will swarm us." She muttered.

This time, Althea and Sera, who were only here to set up the fire traps on their escape route and guide them, nodded.

They were also equipped with revolvers and a couple of smoke grenades for cover, but they would be the first ones to move away and escape.

"Remember," Kai said firmly... "our mission is sabotage, no detours or rescuing those captured. We cut their power and get out. That’s all." He reminded them once again.

They were humans after all. They were prone to mistakes. Kai was worried that if they saw the ’meatshield’ used by the A.I., they would hesitate.

That should not happen, or they’ll get into trouble.

"Roger that..." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

The team nodded as they readied themselves.

Kai liked their expression, so he turned his gaze back to the generator building at the far end of the compound, to the traps they laid out to ensure they wouldn’t get followed before he whispered...

"Operation Blackout begins now..."

***

Kai had spent two days refining their approach...

The first plan was ’Direct Strike.’

Ralph and Wallace would use the plasma rifles to target the generator directly. The rest of the team would deploy smoke grenades and fire traps to create chaos, drawing patrols away from the strike zone. Once the generator was destroyed, everyone would retreat along the northern escape path, disappearing into the rocky terrain.

The second plan was the ’Diversion Sabotage.’

If the Hounds detected them too early, before they could get in range to hit the generator, Claire and Terrence would ignite the fire traps first, creating a wall of smoke and flame to mask their movements.

After all, the Plasma Rifle had a limited range, and that was the reason why they even won against the Sentinels during the Mech Siege.

Still, Kai had to open lots of Survivor Gift Packs to get more fire starter kits for this second plan.

Once the diversion was made, Ralph and Wallace would fire all the plasma shots if needed to cripple the generator, then retreat immediately.

As for the third plan, it was the ’Emergency Retreat...’

If both rifles failed or the generator proved too resilient, they would abandon the strike entirely. The team would scatter along pre-planned escape routes, leaving behind decoys and burning equipment to confuse the Sentinels. The mission would be considered a failure, but survival would take priority.

’I hope this is enough preparation...’ Kai thought to himself.

Well, it wouldn’t be surprising if he missed something. However, he was hoping that it wouldn’t be too much, and they could still escape with all the plans he prepared.

Soon, the group moved into position as they slipped across the barren ground.

Smoke grenades were readied, escape paths memorized, and the plasma rifles primed for their single, devastating purpose.

Thankfully, this base was old, and the Mechanical Army was not using any surveillance network unless they released their Swarmers. This place was a perfect target for Kai’s team!

Whom~

The hum of the generator grew louder as they crept closer.

Every step brought them nearer to the heart of the enemy...

Kai’s pulse quickened. ’There’s no turning back now...’

He could see the patrols. They looked stiff with methodical movements of the D-Grade Sentinels.

Well, it also wouldn’t be surprising if they were even E-Grade Sentinels, seeing how dirty and rusty those limbs were.

Kai then raised his hand, signaling silence.

Thud...

The team froze and crouched low behind the rusting remains of an old mining cart.

At this distance, the cables leading to the generator were already close. It was carrying the current that sustained the machines, but cutting that off was useless... Their only target was the generator.

They soon moved closer, and this time, they were even quieter...

"This is it," Kai whispered. "Ralph, Wallace... you’ll fire when I give the signal. Claire, Terrence, grenades ready. Althea, Sera... cover our retreat."

They already knew, but Kai had to repeat their plans.

The team nodded.

Seeing that they’re ready, Kai finally smiled.

"Let’s cut their lifeline."

With the signal, Ralph and Wallace raised their rifles, aiming at the generator building.

Because of the nature of the rifles, it hummed as it gathered energy...

Indeed, its energy cores or batteries were straining against their limits. Thankfully, this was not a long process. Even if they were detected, it would be too late for the complacent Sentinels!

Wallace squeezed the trigger first...

A blinding bolt of plasma shot across the compound, striking the generator’s outer wall!

Boom!

The impact exploded and tore through steel and concrete!

Ralph fired immediately after.

This time, his shot pierced deeper into the structure!