The Strike Team's transport jet descended silently under the cover of night, casting faint shadows over the sprawling, fortified city below [https://img.wattpad.com/467282c0567f98f020456a7a9f9826cca204670a/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f35326852544a51416652583764673d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830616239336433336363636639633231303037333136373934322e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
The Strike Team's transport jet descended silently under the cover of night, casting faint shadows over the sprawling, fortified city below. The once-bustling town had been transformed into a warzone, with military checkpoints on every major street, armored vehicles stationed at key intersections, and soldiers patrolling in organized patterns. It was clear that N.E.M.E.S.I.S. had turned this place into a fortress, and breaking through was going to be anything but easy.
Balor peered out of the jet's narrow window, letting out a low whistle. "Well, damn. Looks like N.E.M.E.S.I.S. isn't playing around. This place is locked down tighter than Fort Knox."
Ironjaw crossed his arms, eyes narrowed as he studied the defenses. "They're treating this like a full-scale occupation. They're not just expanding—they're taking over. If they keep this up, half the country will be under their thumb before we know it."
Jasper, suited up as Solaris, looked down at the city below, the sprawling network of soldiers and fortifications stretching as far as he could see. "They're pushing hard... H.O.P.E. might be struggling to keep up with them at this rate."
Balor smirked, rolling his shoulders in anticipation. "Well, good thing we're not H.O.P.E., are we? We're here to show these guys what happens when they bite off more than they can chew."
Ironjaw cracked his knuckles, his reinforced jaw gleaming under the dim lights inside the jet. "Let's stick to the plan. We hit them where it hurts. Cause enough chaos that they're too distracted to notice the Evac Team slipping through."
Solaris nodded, still feeling the weight of the mission. "We'll have to keep moving. We're outnumbered, and if we get bogged down, it'll be game over."
Balor grinned, clearly relishing the prospect of the fight ahead. "Kid's got it right. We hit hard, keep them guessing, and give the civilians a fighting chance to get out. Ironjaw, you focus on the armored units; I'll handle any superhumans in the area. Solaris, you're with me. We'll sweep the perimeters and make sure they're focused on us instead of anything else."
Solaris clenched his fists, feeling the familiar surge of energy pulsing beneath his skin. "Let's make some noise, then."
As the transport hovered above the outskirts, the Strike Team prepared to drop. Balor patted Solaris on the back, smirking. "Time to see what you're really made of, kid."
With a shared nod, each of them leaped from the jet, landing with a thud in a dark alley just outside the main defensive line. The ground shook slightly from the impact, and they quickly moved into the shadows, assessing their surroundings.
A cluster of armored vehicles was stationed nearby, soldiers milling about, none the wiser to the danger that had just landed in their midst.
Balor held up a hand, signaling them to stay low as he whispered, "Alright, we're starting here. We'll move in, take out these units, and head for the main checkpoint. Let's make sure they know exactly who's come to ruin their night."
Ironjaw grinned, his metallic teeth glinting in the low light. "Time to introduce ourselves properly."
With that, the Strike Team launched their attack.
Balor charged first, his massive frame barreling into the soldiers like a battering ram [https://img.wattpad.com/07e0969f152283dd963f3bef6c09b1fa5822b9b0/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f47373548444e6a5165655a5476673d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830623137306538303038636131363338373336353037323936362e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Balor charged first, his massive frame barreling into the soldiers like a battering ram. Gunfire erupted as he stormed forward, his fists swinging like wrecking balls, sending soldiers flying with each hit.
Ironjaw followed, tackling an armored vehicle and lifting it off the ground with a grunt, flipping it over and sending soldiers scrambling in panic. The crash echoed through the streets, the first hint of chaos rippling through the fortified city.
Solaris moved with precision, his hands glowing red as he aimed blasts of energy at clusters of soldiers, taking down their defenses while they scrambled to retaliate. The distraction worked like a charm—within moments, alarms blared throughout the city as N.E.M.E.S.I.S. forces scrambled to respond.
Balor tore through the soldiers with brutal efficiency, his hands balled into deadly fists that left a trail of carnage in his wake. He showed no mercy, each swing of his arms breaking bones, snapping necks, and sending bodies flying into walls and vehicles with sickening thuds. Blood splattered across his face and uniform, but he paid it no mind, his eyes focused and cold. To him, these soldiers were nothing more than obstacles, and he was more than happy to clear them out with ruthless abandon.
"Come on!" Balor bellowed, grabbing one soldier by the helmet and slamming his head into the ground with enough force to leave a red smear across the pavement. He turned to the next wave of soldiers, his face a twisted grin. "Is this all you've got, N.E.M.E.S.I.S.?! Pathetic."
Ironjaw was right beside him, though his approach was more calculated, almost restrained in comparison to Balor's brutality. He moved with deliberate precision, his metal-enhanced fists crashing into soldiers' faces, chests, and limbs. The crunch of bones echoed through the night as he broke arms and ribs, only occasionally dealing a killing blow when absolutely necessary. One soldier attempted to ambush him from behind, and Ironjaw spun, delivering a powerful backhand that sent the soldier's head cracking against a wall, his body going limp.
One soldier attempted to ambush him from behind, and Ironjaw spun, delivering a powerful backhand that sent the soldier's head cracking against a wall, his body going limp [https://img.wattpad.com/5934fee9787d3a41ed6b3e8b1e28b77ab7aac5db/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f647265587871633266512d4574773d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830616261323866363239613330643838343737313031333230342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Not much of a fight here," Ironjaw muttered as he caught another soldier's fist mid-air and twisted, the bone snapping under his iron grip. He shoved the man to the ground, stepping over him as he advanced with cold determination.
Behind them, Solaris was moving through the chaos with his own approach, his glowing hands sending beams of heated energy at the soldiers, careful to aim for non-lethal spots. Each blast hit soldiers in the legs, shoulders, and arms, sending them reeling back with pained cries. He knew that Balor and Ironjaw had little qualms about killing, but it didn't sit right with him. He wasn't there to slaughter—just to complete the mission.
"Stay down!" Solaris shouted at a soldier as he struck him with a controlled blast to the chest, knocking him into a nearby fence [https://img.wattpad.com/8b9839b7db2c1d9c576864501981d86840e64c39/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f3365626d42784c596537423843513d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830616261366432383662336566303339373835353033393139312e676966?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
"Stay down!" Solaris shouted at a soldier as he struck him with a controlled blast to the chest, knocking him into a nearby fence. The soldier fell, groaning but alive, his rifle clattering to the ground.
As Solaris fought, he couldn't help but notice the brutality around him. Balor was mowing through soldiers without a second thought, relishing in the destruction. It made Solaris's stomach churn, but he forced himself to stay focused. Now wasn't the time to second-guess; he had a job to do.
One soldier lunged at Solaris with a knife, the blade glinting in the dim streetlight. Instinctively, Solaris grabbed the soldier's wrist, feeling the surge of his own energy rising within him. The heat radiated through his hands, and the knife began to glow red-hot in the soldier's grip. The man screamed as the blade seared his skin, dropping the weapon in agony. Solaris gave him a hard shove, sending him sprawling onto the ground.
"Get out of here before it's too late," Solaris warned, watching the soldier scramble away, his hand blistered and red.
Nearby, Balor had just finished with another group of soldiers, their bodies strewn across the ground. He looked over his shoulder at Solaris, catching sight of him sparing a soldier. Balor scoffed, a twisted smile on his face as he called out, "What's the matter, Solaris? Too soft for the real work? These guys are the enemy—no point leaving them breathing."
Solaris gritted his teeth, trying to ignore Balor's taunt. "We're here to stop them, not slaughter them. There's a difference."
Balor laughed, a cold, humorless sound. "You're either in this fight or you're not, kid. You start showing mercy, and they'll be the ones putting you in the ground." He turned his attention back to another wave of soldiers, his fists swinging with unrestrained ferocity.
As the Strike Team pushed deeper into the fortified zone, more soldiers emerged from buildings and alleyways, desperate to hold back the onslaught. Solaris moved between the clusters of enemies, dodging bullets and deflecting what he could, trying to stay one step ahead. He blasted a nearby soldier in the shoulder, watching him fall to the ground, clutching his arm.
"Just stay down," he muttered under his breath, forcing himself to keep moving.
Ironjaw, nearby, tackled a soldier who had tried to sneak up on Solaris, slamming him into the ground with a bone-crunching force. He glanced at Solaris with a look of understanding but said nothing, focusing on keeping the rest of the soldiers at bay.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Balor, however, showed no signs of slowing down. He was an unstoppable force, plowing through the troops with a savage joy that bordered on madness. Blood coated his knuckles as he punched his way through the defenses, his brutal style leaving no survivors in his path.
The street was now a scene of utter devastation, bodies sprawled across the ground, the scent of burnt flesh and gunpowder hanging thick in the air. Solaris swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the carnage around him. This wasn't what he had expected when he joined the Syndicate. He had thought they were different, that they would fight for something better. But tonight, as he watched Balor revel in the destruction, doubt crept into his mind.
For now, he pushed those thoughts aside. They had a job to do, and he couldn't afford to let his uncertainty get in the way.
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Within the fortress walls of the occupied city, Titanstone paced, his enormous frame casting an imposing shadow over the room. At nearly eight feet tall and with skin as dense as rock, he was a titan in both name and form.
A soldier approached, his voice trembling as he delivered the message. "Sir... a group of—of heroes, it seems—they're attacking our forces on the west side."
Titanstone's eyes narrowed [https://img.wattpad.com/3832c40ac97b6eaf4c1b3cb5d7ddc591a7831608/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f73734d3243504f6a5f78326242413d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830616437353363373965326535303337373435313033333938312e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Titanstone's eyes narrowed. "Heroes?" he repeated, his tone dripping with disdain. "H.O.P.E., I assume."
The soldier shook his head quickly. "Not... exactly, sir. They're killing most of our soldiers.."
At this, Titanstone's lips curled into a dark smile. "Oh? It sounds like The Syndicate then.. How bold of them to think they can step foot in my territory." He turned to a small group of soldiers standing nearby. "You three, follow me. Let's see what these fuckers want!"
The soldiers nodded, falling into formation behind him. Titanstone's heavy footsteps echoed through the dim hallways, his presence sending shivers through those enslaved nearby who dared to look up as he passed. While many of them had grown accustomed to his terrifying figure, there was something even more menacing about him tonight.
As they approached the sounds of fighting, Titanstone paused, his piercing eyes catching sight of some of the enslaved laborers observing the distant ruckus with hidden hope in their eyes. A woman quickly averted her gaze, but Titanstone had already seen the glint of hope flicker across her face. He sneered, making a mental note to remind them all of the consequences of disobedience later.
"Stay quiet and remember your place," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. He let his gaze linger on the woman before shifting his attention back to the sounds of battle. "There are no heroes coming to save you."
With that, he continued toward the western edge of the city, the soldiers trailing closely. As they got closer, the sounds of fighting grew louder—gunfire, blasts, and the unmistakable sound of metal clashing against metal. Titanstone could already see the flashes of red energy, the smoldering remains of overturned vehicles, and the unmistakable figure of Balor crushing soldiers underfoot.
Titanstone clenched his fists, the grey rocky texture of his skin seeming to harden even further as he prepared himself. He would make an example of these so-called heroes. The Syndicate might have arrived with their distractions, but they were about to learn what it meant to cross into N.E.M.E.S.I.S. territory.
He turned to his soldiers, his voice a rumbling growl. "Engage them. Do not let a single one of them slip away." He stepped forward, his eyes locked on the group, a cruel smile spreading across his face as he approached.
" He stepped forward, his eyes locked on the group, a cruel smile spreading across his face as he approached [https://img.wattpad.com/f91a77235126fa2363407236c40c8aca659cac2b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f75786935694443505054534a70413d3d2d313438363634333736362e3138306163623535313061333562343335343337393139383830382e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
As his soldiers charged into the fray, Titanstone focused on the figures of Balor, Ironjaw, and Solaris. His gaze lingered on Balor, sizing him up as a worthy opponent. He could feel his pulse quicken with excitement, his thirst for violence surging within him.
"Well, well," Titanstone called out, his booming voice slicing through the cacophony of battle. "To what do I owe the pleasure of meeting the Syndicate in my territory?" His words dripped with contempt, his hulking frame casting an intimidating shadow across the battlefield.
Balor, blood-spattered and grinning, locked eyes with the massive villain. "Just out for a little evening stroll. Figured we'd stop by to see how your little empire's holding up". Balor paused, his blood-streaked face twisting into a smirk as he caught sight of Titanstone. "And you must be N.E.M.E.S.I.S.'s latest pet rock. I was hoping for something a little tougher."
Titanstone's smile faded, his eyes narrowing as He cracked his knuckles, each pop echoing like a gunshot. "I'll make sure that smug mouth of yours never opens again." He motioned to the soldiers to fall back, wanting to face Balor himself.
Balor gave a brief glance to Solaris and Ironjaw, signaling them to keep pushing forward with the mission. "Handle the others. I've got rock boy here."
The two nodded, continuing to dismantle the remaining forces, as Titanstone and Balor squared off. The air was thick with tension as they circled each other, the weight of their impending clash looming like a thunderstorm.
With a furious roar, Titanstone charged at Balor, the ground trembling beneath each of his massive steps. The two titans collided with a thunderous crash, their strength clashing like tectonic plates. Balor absorbed the brunt of Titanstone's blow, deflecting it to the side as he countered with a swift punch to the gut. Titanstone barely flinched, twisting to bring a rocky elbow down toward Balor's head.
Balor dodged, rolling out of the way just as Titanstone's elbow cracked into the pavement, shattering it on impact. The strike sent chunks of asphalt flying, one of which grazed Balor's cheek, drawing blood. But Balor's grin only widened as he wiped the smear from his face.
Their brutal brawl escalated, each punch and counter like a clash of boulders, while Ironjaw and Solaris continued their assault on the N.E.M.E.S.I.S. soldiers. Solaris, using precision blasts of energy, kept the soldiers at bay, disarming them and taking them down with controlled strikes, determined to avoid unnecessary casualties.
Ironjaw, meanwhile, was a force of nature, plowing through enemies, occasionally tossing one aside when he felt it necessary but sparing those who surrendered. Even he was in awe at the destruction Balor and Titanstone were leaving in their wake.
"This is one hell of a distraction," Ironjaw muttered to Solaris as he caught his breath for a moment. "Let's hope Vis and the evac team make the most of it."
Solaris nodded, his gaze focused on the chaos around them. "They'd better. We're giving them one hell of an opening."
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Meanwhile the evac team moved swiftly through the shadows, blending into the crumbling infrastructure and alleyways of the city. With most of the military forces rushing to the area where the Strike Team was creating chaos, Vis led her team deeper into the city's core, where the enslaved civilians were held.
Sky Rider floated just above the ground on his hoverboard, keeping an eye out for any patrolling guards. Nox moved silently, his stealth skills honed from years of training. Every step was calculated, each of them well aware that one wrong move could give away their position.
"Looks like Balor and the others are really putting on a show," Sky Rider whispered, smirking as he glanced over his shoulder at the distant explosions and sounds of gunfire echoing through the streets.
"Let's hope they can keep it up long enough for us to get everyone out," Vis replied, her tone focused and calm. She scanned the buildings around them, searching for signs of movement.
They reached an abandoned warehouse where some civilians were rumored to be held [https://img.wattpad.com/05aa2ee5e18fa377bacfd619a37eaccb052e6864/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f6164357a456977556470684777673d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830616530663831626337633339383334333233343835313133342e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
They reached an abandoned warehouse where some civilians were rumored to be held. The building loomed ominously in the darkness, surrounded by debris and broken machinery. Vis motioned for the team to halt, peering through a cracked window. Inside, she spotted groups of people—men, women, and even children—huddled together, guarded by a few N.E.M.E.S.I.S. soldiers standing near the entrance.
Vis turned to Nox and Sky Rider. "Alright, here's the plan. Sky Rider, I need you to create a diversion. Nothing too flashy, just enough to draw their attention. Nox, once they're distracted, you and I will take down the guards quietly. The last thing we need is an alarm going off."
Sky Rider gave a confident nod, grinning. "A distraction? My specialty."
He hovered forward, moving out of the shadows and activating a small flare from his wrist gadget. He tossed it into an empty alley nearby, the bright flash and loud pop immediately catching the guards' attention. They stiffened, their focus shifting to the direction of the sound as Sky Rider ducked back into the shadows, moving quickly out of sight.
In the moment of confusion, Nox and Vis slipped inside. Nox moved like a shadow, silently taking down one of the guards with a precise strike to the neck, rendering him unconscious. Vis approached the second guard, swiftly disabling him with a well-placed hold, her hand over his mouth as he struggled before going limp.
With the guards neutralized, Vis signaled to the civilians. "We're here to help. Stay quiet and follow our lead. We'll get you out of here."
The civilians looked hesitant, their faces etched with fear and exhaustion. But as Vis extended her hand, a sense of hope flickered in their eyes, and one by one, they began to stand, gathering their belongings.
"Is it safe?" one woman whispered, clutching her young son tightly.
"We'll make sure it is," Vis reassured her, casting a quick glance at Nox, who had already taken position by the door, keeping watch. "We have a route out of the city. Just stay close and stay silent."
Sky Rider reappeared, giving Vis a thumbs-up. "The coast is clear. We should move fast; I don't know how long Balor and the others can keep the big guns busy."
Vis nodded, motioning for the group to follow her. They slipped out of the warehouse, moving cautiously through the city. The civilians clung to one another, their faces pale as they glanced around at the ruined city, clearly shaken by the devastation surrounding them.
As they made their way through the narrow back alleys, Sky Rider's hoverboard buzzed softly, and he whispered into his comm, "Looks like more patrols are being pulled toward the Strike Team's location. We're in the clear for now, but we should keep moving."
Vis quickened her pace, guiding the group toward the extraction point. "We're almost there. Just a little further."
As the evac team neared the extraction point, an eerie creaking noise echoed through the narrow alleyway. Vis froze, her hand instinctively raising to signal a stop. The civilians huddled closer together, their faces etched with fear, as a figure emerged from the shadows.
The civilians huddled closer together, their faces etched with fear, as a figure emerged from the shadows [https://img.wattpad.com/171c57ac7e87c7240f96f818cc67cb1d830a54d4/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f3664546e644f454c344d574f62513d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830623137353263336366313233363936313432363538353836362e6a7067?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]
Rust Reaver stepped into view, an evil grin on her face. She wore a patchwork suit of armor that looked like it was salvaged from various scraps, each piece corroded and twisted in her unique, menacing style. Her fingertips glinted with a strange, rust-colored energy, and the metal around her seemed to pulse in response, as if alive.
"What do we have here?" she sneered, her voice grating and low. "Looks like I've caught a few stragglers!"
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Thank you so much for checking out "Syndicate"! I hope you're enjoying the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Your thoughts and opinions mean a lot to me, so feel free to share your feedback. Whether it's a comment, critique, or just a quick note to say hi, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks again for your support and happy reading!
Whether it's a comment, critique, or just a quick note to say hi, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks again for your support and happy reading! [https://img.wattpad.com/f6a7f7827bfe134594e546b3ce5b14e9bd5e9b2b/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4e7446343155716d7065753736513d3d2d313438363634333736362e313830616430306464616430613261363138313730383234333233382e706e67?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]