The purge operation had dealt a significant blow to the Shadow Alliance, and traitors within their ranks were being exposed one by one. However, Chen Rui did not let his guard down. He understood that the Shadow Alliance's ability to remain hidden within the Special Zone for an extended period indicated a more complex organizational structure behind it, possibly supported by even more powerful forces from the outside. This struggle was far from over.
While Erin was still recovering in the hospital, Chen Rui spent day and night analyzing intercepted documents, striving to uncover more clues. The decryption of these files was progressing at an exceptionally slow pace; the Shadow Alliance's encryption methods were extremely complex, with nearly every layer of information concealing traps. Yet, this only heightened Chen Rui's vigilance toward the organization behind them.
At that moment, an urgent command came from the Special Zone Command Center, instructing Chen Rui to investigate an abandoned base on the outskirts of the Special Zone. The base's systems had suddenly been activated, suggesting that someone was using it to transmit encrypted signals. The higher-ups suspected that remnants of the Shadow Alliance might be utilizing this abandoned base to re-establish contact with the outside world and possibly plan a counterattack.
Upon receiving the mission, Chen Rui immediately led a squad to the abandoned base. Their task was to determine the source of the signals and ensure that no new hostile forces could establish connections. The entire squad remained on high alert; after all, they had already experienced the brutal tactics of the Shadow Alliance during previous months of purging operations.
Upon arriving at the base, Chen Rui and his squad quickly dispersed to search for clues. The abandoned facility was located in a desolate canyon, surrounded by thick rock layers that severely hampered communication signals, complicating their operations significantly. Inside, it was dark and damp; moss covered the walls, and a decaying odor filled the air. The silence around them was eerie, with each step causing stones underfoot to echo sharply.
As the squad gradually moved deeper into the core area of the base, Chen Rui suddenly sensed something unusual—a faint sound of low electrical currents emanating from somewhere ahead. He led his squad stealthily toward the source of the sound and arrived at a concealed control room door. Pushing it open, he found a large computer still running, its screen displaying a stream of encrypted data. To his shock, several corpses lay nearby, seemingly discarded after being hastily executed.
Chen Rui immediately realized that these individuals were likely operatives of the Shadow Alliance within the base who had been discovered and silenced. He instructed his squad members to spread out and maintain vigilance while he quickly examined the data on the computer. What he saw on the screen left him stunned: not only was the Shadow Alliance planning to re-establish connections, but they also intended to launch an unprecedented attack on the Special Zone in the near future!
"We don't have time; the enemy is already on the move," Chen Rui whispered as he swiftly copied crucial intelligence onto his device. He knew he had to get this information back to command as soon as possible; otherwise, the Special Zone would face an unprecedented crisis.
Just as they prepared to evacuate, intense gunfire erupted outside the control room. Chen Rui realized their position had been compromised—the enemy had set up an ambush and was waiting for them to walk into a trap. He quickly issued orders: "All units retreat! Find cover and prepare for counterattack!"
The squad members swiftly took cover as they engaged in fierce gunfire with their sudden attackers. The two sides clashed violently in narrow corridors, flashes of gunfire illuminating the dimly lit base as smoke filled every corner. The enemy's firepower was overwhelming, continuously suppressing their movements; it was clear they were fully prepared to trap Chen Rui and his team within the base.
In the heat of battle, Chen Rui calmly observed enemy movements and noticed they seemed intent on driving his squad deeper into the facility. He quickly realized that they might be planning to use the base's self-destruct system to destroy both his squad and themselves.
"The enemy wants to blow up the base! We must find an exit immediately!" Chen Rui shouted as he led his squad toward their entry point in a rapid retreat. However, due to the complex structure of the base, their routes were continuously blocked by enemy forces; several attempts to break through proved unsuccessful.
At that moment, a strange voice suddenly came through Chen Rui's communicator: "Chen Rui, I'm your old friend. It seems you’ve found yourselves trapped."
The voice was deep and cold, laced with mockery. Chen Rui froze for a moment before recognizing it—this was You Lang, a senior commander of the Shadow Alliance whose specific identity had eluded capture within the Special Zone.
"You Lang, what do you want?" Chen Rui demanded sternly.
You Lang chuckled lightly: "It's simple; your existence in the Special Zone hinders our plans, so I intend to make you disappear completely. This base will be your grave; I hope you enjoy this gift."
With that, there was a screeching noise on the communicator as You Lang abruptly cut off contact. Alarms blared throughout the base as a self-destruct countdown appeared on the control room screen—less than a minute remained.
"Everyone retreat!" Chen Rui shouted as he led his squad toward the exit with all their might.
They sprinted through corridors while explosions echoed behind them—the base began collapsing around them. Just as they neared zero on the countdown clock, they burst through the main doors of the facility and leaped into cover at the bottom of the canyon.
A tremendous explosion followed; the entire base was obliterated in flames and debris scattered everywhere. Chen Rui and his squad sheltered themselves from flying shrapnel as best they could. Once things settled down after what felt like an eternity of chaos, Chen Rui slowly emerged from cover to check on his team’s safety. Thankfully everyone was unharmed; though exhausted, they were safe.
Although You Lang’s plan had failed this time, Chen Rui knew deep down that this battle was just beginning. The Shadow Alliance still lurked in shadows, poised for another strike against the Special Zone at any moment. You Lang’s voice echoed in Chen Rui’s mind—he understood that a confrontation with You Lang was now inevitable.
"We need to formulate a new defense plan," Chen Rui said solemnly as he gazed at smoke rising from what remained of their surroundings—the Special Zone would no longer tolerate such shadows lurking within its borders.
The squad members nodded silently in agreement; determination shone in their eyes. They knew that tougher days lay ahead and were prepared for anything necessary to ensure safety for their home—the Special Zone.
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