The New Marine base remained as quiet as ever. Layers of clouds filled the night sky, and faint moonlight filtered through the gaps, spilling onto the base's protective walls.
Every corner was covered by an iron-clad security net. Soldiers moved along their patrol routes, their steps steady and their gazes sharp, not daring to relax in the slightest.
However, it was beneath these tight defenses that several figures silently approached the patrolling soldiers.
These individuals moved swiftly and silently, blending into their surroundings like shadows.
The lead agent at the front slightly crouched, lying in wait behind a large rock, his eyes fixed on the patrol route ahead through the gaps in the darkness.
He commanded in a low voice:
"Team One, prepare."
Two slender and agile agents, under the leader's command, silently slipped out of their hiding places and approached the target.
Their footsteps were light, their bodies almost gliding along the ground, their eyes focused, and their hands gripped specialized weapons, exuding precision and ruthlessness.
The soldiers were patrolling in neat steps, completely unaware of the unusual movements around them.
Suddenly, the agent on the left rushed forward, clamping a hand over a soldier's mouth.
The soldier's eyes widened in terror, but he only managed to let out a faint struggle before his hands and legs were bound with a thin rope, and he was dragged into the shadows.
The other soldier did not notice his comrade's disappearance and continued to patrol warily, his steps somewhat heavy.
At this moment, the other agent on the right quietly approached him.
He quickly raised the small crossbow in his hand, aiming it at the target almost instantly, and fired a tranquilizer dart.
The dart lightly embedded itself in the soldier's neck, and he didn't even have time to utter a warning cry before collapsing to the ground, unconscious.
The whole process seemed to freeze even the air, terrifyingly silent.
Meanwhile, the lead agent's eyes flickered slightly as he followed closely behind, his figure flitting through the base's corners like a phantom.
Each time he paused, his eyes would precisely scan the area ahead, catching any possible signs of disturbance.
He knew that although their mission was a stealth operation, it didn't mean they could forever avoid the New Marines' patrols.
Once discovered, they would face unimaginable consequences.
"Keep moving forward."
The leader commanded in a low voice, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.
In this silence, a lurking danger quietly approached, like a beast hidden in the mist, quietly waiting for the next opportunity to hunt.
......
The interior of the New Marine base still maintained an atmosphere of tension.
Every corner of the base was filled with tight defenses, and the alert system was operating silently.
Moonlight from the night sky shone through the high windows onto the long table in the conference room, casting several spots of light, but it did not bring much warmth to this room that should have been full of vitality.
A faint sense of anxiety permeated the air. The clock on the corner of the wall ticked away, and time seemed to be unconsciously weighing down on everyone's shoulders.
Several mid-level generals sat around the long table, each with a serious expression and furrowed brows.
Dense documents were spread out on the table, and maps and tactical planning charts were marked with red and blue lines, as if foreshadowing the coming bloody storm.
Different emotions were revealed in everyone's eyes—calm thought, hidden worries, and blunt anger.
"We can't let them run rampant on our territory anymore."
A middle-aged general slammed the table, a flash of anger in his eyes, clearly feeling deeply dissatisfied with the upcoming retaliatory action.
"If we continue to sit still and wait for their retaliation, wouldn't our efforts be in vain?"
His voice was low but powerful, like a burning flame, stirring up the emotions of others around him.
The general sitting opposite him frowned slightly and said in a calm voice:
"You're right, but we can't act blindly out of anger either.
We don't have enough resources at hand right now, especially in terms of manpower. The wounded from the front lines haven't fully recovered yet.
We need to deploy more cautiously."
He held out a finger and lightly tapped a key position on the tactical map. The map under his fingertip seemed to carry some heavy decision.
"Yes, according to the previous plan, we do have a few weaknesses that have not yet been filled."
Another general said with a hint of calm analysis in his tone,
"However, we can't delay any longer.
Now the enemy is already eager to move, and we can no longer allow ourselves to fall into a passive position."
His words were full of pressure, but he still maintained a rational balance.
The atmosphere gradually became oppressive, and several people exchanged glances.
Every general knew that the upcoming war was not a simple conflict, but a contest of life and death.
Those enemies hidden in the shadows had already quietly gathered. Behind them was the vast power of the entire World Government, and facing such an opponent, every decision of the New Marines needed to be carefully weighed.
Sengoku's injuries had not yet healed. Although he had extraordinary willpower, he could not personally appear in these discussions, which also made the psychological burden of many generals heavier.
The impact of each decision may determine the future of the New Marines.
"We must find a breakthrough."
Finally, Vice Admiral Staff Officer, Tsuru spoke in a low voice from the corner of the table. Her voice was not loud, but it seemed to carry an undeniable power.
"The enemy may have already begun to take action against us.
We can't delay any longer."
A deep light flashed in her eyes, and her words were full of deep combat experience.
Everyone could feel the unquestionable majesty behind Tsuru's words, but some people felt a slight tension in their hearts, because every word of Tsuru carried greater pressure behind it.
"We must strengthen our defenses as soon as possible, especially the sea routes."
Another general's voice was clear and calm. He tapped the table lightly with his fingers, his voice hoarse but powerful.
"At the same time, special forces teams must be arranged to go to possible movement areas of the World Government for reconnaissance.
We need to know every step of the enemy and not let ourselves fall into a passive position."
"I agree."
Another general nodded, a firm look flashing in his slightly tired eyes.
"But we can't ignore the risk of internal division either.
The last war has already dealt a major blow to our strength.
If we can't stabilize the internal situation, it will be very difficult just to deal with the external situation."
As soon as these words came out, the conference room fell silent for a few seconds.
Everyone knew that the wounds of internal division had not completely healed. Although the current situation seemed stable, they knew that in this situation, any small conflict or negligence could lead to disastrous consequences.
"We must be clear that we are not only facing the World Government, but also those unknown enemies, and even our own internal crisis."
Tsuru finally spoke again, her tone low and calm,
"We must make a choice for the future of the New Marines.
This is not only about our destiny, but also about the future of the entire world."
As these words fell, a sense of urgency surged in everyone's hearts involuntarily.
Everyone knew that this upcoming battle would determine the life and death of the New Marines, and would also determine their position in this turbulent world.
Several silent glances crossed each other, and the atmosphere around the long table became heavy again.
Everyone knew that this war could not be lost, and they had to be fully prepared.
...
