Chapter 1553 - 1260: Curses Are Futile

"Song Heping! You despicable bastard destined for hell!!!"

With that thought, Sanders could no longer suppress the raging fury surging within his chest. He let out a muffled roar, pounding his fist furiously against the cold, rough concrete wall beside him, the skin breaking open and leaving a clear bloodstain, yet he felt no pain at all.

The soldiers around him were also gradually coming to terms with the initial panic and relief.

Now, they were no longer afraid.

After all, those shells didn't seem to want their lives.

Watching the equipment in the yard being destroyed one by one, and looking at the still fierce but deliberately "off-target" artillery fire outside, everyone's faces turned extremely grim. A sense of being mocked like a monkey, combined with a deep helplessness, surged within them all.

Are they saved?

Temporarily, it seems, the attack by the 1515 terrorists was blocked by the artillery fire.

But are they really saved?

Their mobility was crippled, their supplies destroyed. Even if they survive tonight, how are they supposed to evacuate from this precarious area far from the base?

How do they continue the mission?

The frustration of knowing they'd been screwed over yet being powerless to retaliate drove these self-assured American mercenaries crazy!

Reks opened his mouth, wanting to join Sanders in cursing, but in the end, all the swear words turned into a helpless sigh. He clutched his machine gun, his eyes vacant.

Hansen silently glanced at the burning vehicle wreckage outside the window, then at the groaning wounded beside him, his eyes filled with complex worry.

The artillery continued, but the shells landing in the yard seemed to exploit this "lack of skill" in "accuracy" to the fullest.

They practically plowed every inch of non-structural land in the yard, ensuring that no equipment belonging to Thunder Defense miraculously survived.

Sanders closed his eyes weakly, listening to the relentless, seemingly endless roars of artillery, feeling the continuous tremors beneath his feet. The muscles on his face violently twitched, filled with hatred for Song Heping and a deep sense of helplessness.

This opponent, damn it, is truly too devious!

Inside the Hulmatu Command Headquarters.

While Checkpoint No. 4 was engulfed in fire, fury, and despair, this place had a calmness of strategic planning.

Samir put down the binoculars—

Though he couldn't see the details of Checkpoint No. 4 from this distance, the gesture was more symbolic.

He enjoyed watching the occasional red flashes on the horizon, then imagining what was happening there.

Eventually, he returned to Song Heping, who was still standing by the map, with a barely suppressed smile on his face. In a low voice, he reported:

"Boss, the effect of the artillery...hmm, seems very significant and quite 'targeted'. Based on sporadic feedback from scouts, although our artillerymen are 'inexperienced', they're full of energy. The outer 1515 forces should have suffered heavily. However... the 'accuracy' seems off a bit, 'accidentally' hitting vehicles and much equipment belonging to Thunder Defense stationed in the yard during the confusion."

He stressed the word "accidentally" with unusual clarity.

Song Heping didn't even lift his eyelids, still expressionless as he looked at the old map on the table, gently tapping the red mark representing Checkpoint No. 4 with his finger, as if merely flicking away some insignificant dust.

"Hmm, as expected."

His tone bore a smug self-mockery as he said:

"After all, militiamen have short training periods and limited funds, so encountering unexpected situations is understandable. As long as... most of the shells still landed where they 'should' land, effectively alleviating the urgent crisis for our 'allies', then this artillery support operation is tactically successful and commendable."

Samir absorbed the meaning, nodding promptly in agreement: "Yes, Boss. Targeting the main threat is the primary objective, and some inevitable 'collateral damage' is unavoidable on any battlefield."

He paused, then requested: "Additionally, the infantry battalion we prepared earlier is fully assembled, and the vehicle engines are preheated, ready to depart at any moment. Shall we proceed according to the original plan and have them move out now?"

Only then did Song Heping raise his wrist and look at his watch again. The glowing hands on the dial showed the shelling had lasted about nine minutes.

"No, wait a bit longer."

His voice remained calm, "Let the artillery fire continue a while longer to ensure they deplete as much of 1515's strength as possible and throw their command system into complete chaos. Meanwhile, make sure Captain Sanders and his men have... sufficient time to 'experience' and 'digest' our 'friendship'."

Finishing, he turned to Samir:

"Inform the battalion commander leading the team that their mission is 'rescue' and 'support', not 'final battle'! Upon reaching the vicinity of Checkpoint No. 4, securing the defense and searching for surviving personnel should be the primary goal. If encountering small enemy harassment or obstruction, disperse them with firepower, no need to pursue, and definitely no engagement! Our goal is to 'preserve' Sanders and his men, not to annihilate the enemy for them, understood?"

"Absolutely understood, Boss!"

Samir stood at attention, with a knowing smile on his face, "I will clearly communicate your intention: safety first, 'rescue' prioritized."

Watching Samir's back as he turned and left, Song Heping slowly paced to the window of the command center.

Outside the Hulmatu night remained calm.

Only the faint red glow on the distant horizon, illuminated by the artillery, hinted at the bloodshed and brutality towards the direction of the checkpoint.

Checkpoint No. 4, a 'juicy piece of meat' originally seized by Thunder Defense through power and backing, after tonight's baptism, particularly after this round of 'precise error' artillery 'support', has likely become a hot potato.

Meanwhile, in this complex game of intertwined forces, both Song Heping and the Liberation Forces' militia forces not only cleverly used 1515 to significantly strike a blow to the arrogance of the competition, consuming potential threats, but they also conveniently used the guise of 'allies' to render their adversaries helplessly toothless and clawless in the Hulmatu Region, further consolidating and expanding their control and influence in the region.

Killing three birds with one stone, as they say.

As for Sanders and his mercenaries' subsequent anger or potential complaints?

Who cares?

In the command center's radio, the rumble of the shelling gradually became sparse, eventually falling completely silent.

Song Heping picked up the internal communicator on the table, pressing the call button:

"Samir, the rescue troops can set off now. Remember, emphasize repeatedly, prioritize 'safety'."