inside the state-of-the-art Blackwatch Command Center located in the heart of New Clark, Richard meticulously analyzed the data unfurling across the multitude of screens before him. A vivid green hue, indicative of the spreading influence, was overtaking the digital map of Hong Kong, marking a significant shift in regional control.

Turning to address the President, who was attentively monitoring the situation from his vantage point, Richard reported.

"Mr. President, we’ve successfully neutralized one of the primary threats. Our focus now shifts to the remaining adversaries, who are currently..." His voice trailed off as he redirected his attention towards a particular feed. On this screen, a chaotic scene unfolded as his forces engaged a formidable opponent—a woman with the uncanny ability to manipulate shadows, her powers creating a dance of darkness against the assault. "... being effectively contained," Richard concluded, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the evolving confrontation.

"The plan is going smoothly as planned," Richard continued. "We’ve allocated additional units to reinforce the effort against the shadow manipulator and the ice manipulator. Graves is heading towards Vega’s position." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Thank you for the report, Richard, we appreciate it. It’s good to know that our operation is going very well in the early stages," the President responded, a note of satisfaction in his voice. "Keep me informed on Graves’ progress towards Vega. The abilities of these manipulators pose a significant risk, and we must handle them before we set Hong Kong as our staging point."

"No problem, Mr. President, we’ll handle it," Richard assured and then turned his attention once more to the display screen. "All stations, this is Eagle Actual, press the attack on those two manipulators. I want them...well you know my preferences."

"Yes sir!" the teams on the ground in Hong Kong responded in unison.

***

mAIDEN found herself the focus of an intense military onslaught. The Blackwatch forces, under direct orders from Richard at the Command Center, had escalated their attack, employing a formidable array of military hardware against her. Maiden, known for her remarkable ability to manipulate ice, created barriers and defenses, but the relentless assault from Blackwatch tested her powers to their limits.

The first wave of the attack came from the Abrams tanks that had been strategically positioned around her last known location. The tanks’ main armament, a 120mm smoothbore M256 gun, roared to life, launching armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. These rounds, designed to penetrate the toughest armor, now sought to breach Maiden’s ice constructs. Each impact caused a thunderous explosion, sending shards of ice scattering like glass under a hammer’s blow.

Above, an AC-130 gunship, circling like a predatory bird, had locked onto Maiden’s position. The gunship’s crew unleashed a barrage of 105mm shells. These high-explosive rounds, designed for bunker-busting and softening enemy fortifications, now rained down upon Maiden. The concussive force of the blasts tore through the air, the sound deafening, as plumes of smoke and debris rose into the night sky.

On the ground, Blackwatch infantry moved in, their assault rifles and machine guns at the ready. The soldiers, equipped with the latest in small arms technology, carried M4A1 carbines, a weapon favored for its reliability and adaptability. The M4A1’s 5.56×45mm NATO rounds were complemented by the heavier M240 machine guns, firing 7.62×51mm NATO rounds. The air was filled with the cacophony of gunfire, the rapid staccato of the M4A1s blending with the deeper, more rhythmic pounding of the M240s. The bullets, some tipped with tungsten for enhanced penetration, were designed to defeat personal armor, and now they hammered against Maiden’s ice shields, seeking weaknesses, attempting to find or create a breach.

As the battle raged on, Maiden, caught in the crossfire, exerted her abilities to the brink. The relentless barrage from Blackwatch was a clear demonstration of their commitment to neutralize what they deemed a high-value target. She wouldn’t last a minute or two here. She wanted to retaliate but should she lower her defenses, she would be obliterated immediately by the overwhelming firepower. With each passing second, the situation became more dire. Maiden knew she needed to find an escape route or a way to turn the tide in her favor. However, the encirclement by Blackwatch forces was tight, their coordination flawless, leaving little room for error or escape.

As she concentrated, weaving her icy barriers thicker in response to the intensifying assault, Maiden searched desperately for any lapse in the enemy’s strategy. The Abrams tanks, with their relentless shelling, and the AC-130 overhead, dropping its payload with ruthless efficiency, presented a near-impenetrable ring of steel and fire. The infantry, with their disciplined volleys of gunfire, acted as the net, ready to catch any attempt she made to break free.

But due to overthinking, Maiden’s defenses crumbled and the rounds got through her defenses. The relentless firepower from the Blackwatch forces overwhelmed her protective ice barriers, which shattered under the combined might of the assault. As the barriers fell, Maiden was exposed directly to the incoming fire.

The final moments were swift. The M240 machine guns’ rounds found their mark, causing immediate and incapacitating injuries. The Blackwatch forces pressed on, exhausting all their mags to the point Maiden’s body was riddled with holes.

Moments later, Maiden went on her knees and collapsed, her form no longer able to sustain the barrage it had endured. In the eerie silence that followed, the only sound was the crackling of ice melting into pools of water, steaming from the residual heat of the battle.

Richard, observing the outcome from the command center, gave a nod of approval. "Give her a double tap, don’t let her regenerate."

The Blackwatch team on the ground moved in cautiously, rifles still at the ready, their eyes scanning for any sign of movement. But Maiden was still; her body seemed almost peaceful in defeat.

When they got close to her body, the Blackwatch forces exhausted their mags again, making sure that they tore her body to pieces so regeneration wouldn’t be possible.

After the task was completed, the area was secured, and the Blackwatch forces resumed their task of clearing out Hong Kong district by district. With Maiden down, there’s one to go.

Vega.

Graves arrived at the sector where Vega was. And unlike his previous encounter with the Blackwatch forces where the recent battle was Blackwatch victory, this sector was Vega overwhelming the Blackwatch. She is the only remaining primary threat in Hong Kong, defeating her would mean Blackwatch gaining a staging ground for their invasion of China.