Lu Mingyu pointed at the map on the screen and analyzed it for Li Xiaoniu.
"Look, the enemy has split into three groups, launching feint attacks from three directions on our fighter jet testing area."
"What does this mean?"
"It means they've gone all out this time, sending most of their capable men."
"Then isn't their old den in the Mandalay region of Myanmar very vulnerable right now?"
A glint flashed in Li Xiaoniu's eyes.
"Exactly! The most dangerous place is often the safest place, and vice versa."
"'Viper' thinks we'll be tied down by his feinting forces, focusing all our energy on defense."
"He'll never guess that our real target, from the very beginning, was his den!"
Lu Mingyu closed his tablet and issued orders.
"All units!"
"Maintain current tactical formation, keep a safe distance."
"Wu Tianlong, Li Xiaoniu, your two sniper teams."
"Immediately find advantageous terrain for camouflage and concealment."
"Be ready to provide fire support and battlefield observation at any time."
"Everyone else, follow me!"
"Our target, the Mandalay region, 'Viper's' den!"
"Proceed at full speed from here, estimated arrival at the target area in twenty-five minutes!"
"Move!"
The Megakaryocyte Special Operations Group seemed to vanish into the vast rainforest.
...
At the same time, outside Area A2.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Black Bear Special Operations Team was requesting instructions from Lu Mingyu via his individual radio.
"Deputy Commander-in-Chief, this is Black Bear.
We have already bitten the enemy's tail. Can we attack? Please instruct!"
Lu Mingyu's voice came through the earpiece.
"You may open fire!"
"Remember what I said before."
"Prioritize shooting targets that look like retired special forces and mercenaries."
"Those local rabble are not worth worrying about!"
"Understood!"
Upon receiving the order, a killing intent flashed in the Black Bear Commander-in-Chief's eyes.
"Brothers, let's go!"
The next second, muffled gunshots pierced through the rain.
Enemies fell in response.
Without exception, a precise bullet hole appeared in their foreheads or chests.
The sudden attack plunged the mercenary squad led by York into chaos.
"Enemy attack! Take cover!"
York roared as he searched for cover, grabbing his communicator to report to Viper, who was far behind.
"Boss! We've been ambushed! It's China's special forces! Their firepower is intense!"
In the command room.
Viper listened to the fierce gunshots and screams coming from the communicator, his face showing no tension.
Viper raised his wine glass, gently swirling the crimson liquid within, a calculating smirk forming at the corner of his mouth.
Letting his mercenaries attract firepower meant the more of them died, the less money would be split.
By the time the Chinese special forces' vitality was exhausted, they would be easy pickings.
"Fight, the livelier, the better."
He waved his hand at a trusted subordinate beside him.
"Order our men to continue advancing according to the original plan."
"Tell them our target is China's most elite unit, the Macrophages."
"If you encounter them, capture them alive at all costs!"
"Yes, Boss!"
The subordinate immediately turned to relay the order.
Viper raised his wine glass, gently swirling it, as if he could already see the victory.
In his opinion, Lu Mingyu's main force had been tied down by York's mercenaries.
Now, leading his true elite, he was like a sharp knife, ready to stab directly into the enemy's heart.
However, his beautiful fantasy didn't last long before a piercing alarm blared inside the command vehicle.
"Boss! We've been discovered!"
"Coordinates XXX, XXX, encountered China's border patrol unit!"
A subordinate responsible for reconnaissance reported in a panic.
Almost simultaneously, Zhou Pingcang's command center also received intelligence from the front line.
"Reporting, Commander-in-Chief! A Armed squad of about thirty people has been discovered, attempting to secretly infiltrate from Area C3!"
"The enemy is well-equipped and professional in their actions, suspected to be 'Viper's' main force!"
Zhou Pingcang's gaze was fixed on Area C3 on the map.
He almost didn't hesitate, directly picking up the communicator.
"Order the border patrol unit in that area to immediately intercept with firepower!"
"Authorize them to use mortars, and flatten that area for me!"
"They must not be allowed to advance another step!"
The order was issued.
The next second.
"Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—"
Mortar shells, trailing their fiery tails, accurately slammed into the area where Viper and his team were located.
"Boom! Rumble!"
Violent explosions rang out one after another, fire soared into the sky, and dirt and debris were tossed high.
Viper's team fell into chaos.
The blast wave directly threw several subordinates into the air, and screams and wails were incessant.
"Get down! Get down quickly!"
"It's shelling! We've been exposed!"
Viper's proud command vehicle was now a pile of scrap metal, billowing thick smoke.
A subordinate responsible for communications contacted Viper, his voice choked with tears.
"Boss! We... we've been ambushed!"
"The enemy's firepower is too intense! This isn't an ordinary border patrol unit, this is definitely China's elite!"
Viper thought of York's squad, which had been utterly defeated by the Black Bear Special Operations Team just moments ago.
A terrifying thought exploded in his mind.
Feinting to the east and attacking the west!
He thought he was feinting to the east and attacking the west, but he never expected that the other side was the true master of tactics!
"Damn it!"
Viper slammed his fist on the table, veins bulging on his face.
"It's the Macrophages! These bastards must be the Macrophages!"
He finally understood.
What feint, what containment, it was all a trap from beginning to end.
The other side didn't even care about York and his useless bunch; their true target had always been him!
"Boss, we've suffered heavy casualties, let's retreat quickly!"
His subordinate advised.
Viper immediately grabbed his satellite phone and dialed a number.
"Hans! I need support! I've been surrounded by the Chinese!"
On the other end of the line, Hans' calm voice came through.
"Boss, stay calm, tell me your situation."
Viper incoherently recounted his encounter.
Hans was silent for a few seconds, then gave the most professional advice.
"Boss, the enemy is clearly prepared; a head-on confrontation will not yield any advantage."
"I suggest you immediately disengage and withdraw across the border; we will formulate a new plan."
"Their purpose is only to drive you away; they will not risk crossing the border to pursue."
Viper gritted his teeth; although he was extremely unwilling, he knew Hans was right.
Where there's life, there's hope.
"Alright! I..."
Just as he was about to agree, another encrypted satellite phone rang frantically.
Viper looked at the number from Mandalay, Myanmar, and a bad premonition rose in his heart.
He trembled as he pressed the answer button.
On the other end of the line, he heard the hysterical cries of his trusted subordinate who had been left at the den.
"Boss! It's bad! The den has been taken!"
"It's China's special forces! It's the Macrophages!"
"They descended from the sky; we couldn't stop them at all!"
"Boom!"
This news was like a bolt from the blue, striking Viper's head fiercely.
He froze completely, his mind blank.
His den... was taken?
That comfortable nest he had operated for years, which he thought was impregnable, was just gone?
"Ah ah ah ah!"
Viper's eyes turned bloodshot.
"Lu Mingyu! I'll kill you!"
He hung up the phone and screamed at everyone with all his might.
"Retreat! All personnel retreat! Reinforce the den!"