Chapter 128 Minutes Earlier

Chapter 128 Minutes Earlier

A few minutes earlier, at the Blackwatch Oriental Military Camp.

"Sir, the unknown has been transferred to our lab," Graves reported, his voice firm, as he stood behind Richard, who was overlooking the runway of the camp.

"Good," Richard responded and continued. "There must be a pill inside of their bodies that somehow controls those girls. Extract it, and see if we can turn them to our side. If not, then we will eliminate them. We can't afford to have someone of their caliber near us."

Graves nodded. "That's a wise decision, sir. Oh... sir, is it okay if I ask you a question?"

"You don't have to ask for my permission," Richard said with a slight smile, his attention still focused on the runway. "Just ask."

"I apologize, sir..."

"And you don't have to apologize," Richard softly replied. "Just talk to me as if we are friends, talking about casual things without the formalities."

"Very well...it's just a simple question. What are you doing here on the runway?"

"Ahh that? Well, I'm planning on acquiring a new aircraft," Richard said, his gaze flickering at the parked AC-130. "During the fight earlier with the unknowns, their defenses were so powerful that they could block a direct hit from a missile. We are going to need more firepower. I'm thinking of adding an A-10 Warthog."

After hearing Richard's explanation, Graves nodded in understanding. "The A-10 Warthog, renowned for its resilience and firepower. That's a significant upgrade."

Richard turned to face Graves, his expression serious. "We're facing threats we never imagined. The A-10's GAU-8 Avenger, a 30mm hydraulically driven seven-barrel Gatling-style autocannon, will give us an edge against someone a mutated zombie that is heavily armored, even magic shields."

"How much would that be if you purchased one?" Graves curiously asked.

"It's cheap, about one million and three hundred thousand gold coins," Richard revealed. "I'm planning on buying two. We can use that A-10 in the upcoming wave at the twentieth," Richard said.

"I see...it would be best if we continue to increase our air assets. Increase the number of the Apaches for ground support. We don't need much transport helicopters because it's useless when there's nothing defending it. Just a suggestion sir."

"That suggestion is valid," Richard waved his hand dismissively as if reassuring him that his input was welcome. "Increasing our Apache fleet makes sense. Especially when there is a wave...speaking of a wave, I wonder why it's not yet being removed..."

"What do you mean by that?" Graves leaned forward, his interest piqued.

"The reason why there is a wave is because of those two unknowns. Now that we have them in captivity, it's still there."

"Maybe they are not the ones responsible for starting a wave, there must be something. Could be a god or alien," Graves shared.

"Or maybe, it's the master of the unknowns," Richard mused, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Think of this for a moment. When we captured Andrea, a notification popped up. Sure it's not that instant like the new unknowns but it is a coincidence we cannot ignore," Richard continued, deep in thought. "That master, I can't wait to punch him in the face for causing this apocalypse."

"When that time happens, I want you to give me the chance to punch him in the face as well, sir," Graves added with a chuckle.

Richard let out a short laugh, appreciating Graves' sentiment. "We'll make sure to line up for that. But for now, let's focus on what we can do. We need every advantage we can get so I'm buying the A-10 now."

Richard opened his system and bought two A-10 Warthogs. It cost 1,300,000 gold coins each, so a total of 2,600,000 gold coins. Sure he could use his discount capsule to get a discount, but since there are still four days away from the wave, it would be a waste.

He planned on consuming his experience, gold, and discount capsule an hour before the wave started. That way, he could reap a lot of experience and gold coins, and after the wave, he could buy himself another whole army bigger than the Philippine Armed Forces, or possibly the military in Southeast Asia.

He confirmed the purchases, and on the runway, two magic circles appeared on the ground. They shimmered with a bluish hue, pulsating as if alive with energy. Slowly, the outlines of two A-10 Warthogs began to emerge from the circles, materializing from seemingly thin air.

As the aircraft fully materialized, the magic circles dissipated, leaving behind the two formidable war machines. Their gray exteriors gleamed under the sun. Two people made their appearance by walking around the A-10. They were probably the pilots, saluting to Richard in a respectful manner.

Richard returned the gesture and approached the pilots. "These are your new birds," he said, gesturing towards the A-10s. "I expect them to be in the air once you are called in. Is that understood?"

"Understood, sir," the pilots intoned.

"Okay, now for the—"

A radio crackled in his chest, interrupting Richard's flow of words.

"Blackwatch to Eagle Actual, do you read?"

Richard grabbed the radio and responded promptly, "This is Eagle Actual, I read you loud and clear. Go ahead."

"Eagle Actual, you have to go to the command center immediately! Your sister is in danger..."

Richard's eyes widened upon hearing that. "What do you mean she's in danger?"

"She called in for support. I already dispatched the strike package but I think it may be too late as they are facing a mutated zombie!"

"Shit!" Richard cursed.

"What happened, sir?" Graves asked concernedly.

"My sister, they are in a scavenging operation with her classmates. They are in danger, I need to get back to the command center immediately."

"I'll give you a ride sir," Graves said with a determined expression, already moving towards a nearby vehicle.

Richard nodded briskly, his mind racing with concern for his sister. "Let's go," he said, following Graves. He flickered his gaze with the A-10 pilots and spoke. "You, we might need you, so be prepared for a possible sortie!"

***

At the command center, Ayala North Exchange Tower 1. noVe-1b.In

"How come there is a mutated zombie near the area of operation for the Volunteer Forces?" Richard demanded an answer. They had been thorough with their scan in preparation for the field day of the Volunteer Corps. "What kind of mutated zombie are they dealing with?"

"They said it was big and had lava in its body. I don't know, possibly a new kind of mutated zombie," Sara reported. "We are preparing our drones for a sortie, give us a clear visual."

"Where is my sister? Why am I not hearing her voice?"

"They have gone dark. We tried reaching them but there was no answer. Possibly their radios are compromised."

"SON OF A BITCH!" Richard kicked one of the chairs in frustration. "Oh my god...oh my god...my little sister...shit...shit. I promised I would protect her...that's why I sent her to a less dangerous area...but...but...argh! Where is the strike package?"

"They are going to be forty-five seconds."

"Send in the A-10, I just purchased them. Send them as support. Who knows, the mutated zombie they are facing could be stronger than what we know."

"Understood, sir," Mark acknowledged.