First Light of a New Age

Chapter 149: The Willow Tree

Earth, Asia, East Asia, People's State of Xinhua, Sichuan, Northern Canyon, 100 Kilometers from Chengdu City.

Year 2001, 15th Day, 3rd Week, Month of December.

In a dense ancient forest filled with mist, the vast and seemingly untouched wilderness of the North Canyon in Sichuan seemed peaceful. 

The deep green forest stretches endlessly with occasional bursts of unnatural light appearing between the trees, evidence of the growing presence of unknown power in the world.

A digital display appears, showing satellite images, troop movements, unit compositions, and the overall battle plan. 

A voice-over reads out the mission objectives as the screen transitions to a military command tent filled with high-ranking officers, analysts, and special operatives.

There was tension in the room, as this is not just another mission, it is an operation against an unknown force.

General Li stands at the front of the tent with a large digital map behind him displaying the North Mountain region. 

“On December 3, 2001, the city of Chengdu, home to over 16 million people, saw a colossal silhouette of a tree appear over the North Canyon. An hour later, one of our Satellites was destroyed, and after five days of investigating, we've discovered that the entire region where the anomaly was caused the surrounding animals to mutate into creatures with the same strength and power as the sea monsters we've fought for the past 2 years.” 

Markers indicate known enemy positions and planned troop advancements. The sound of electronic devices and the distant roar of aircraft preparing for deployment can be heard in the background.

“Now ladies and gentlemen, our objective is simple, which is to secure and contain the anomaly at all costs,” he sharply addressed the officers in an authoritative manner. “However, do not mistake simplicity for ease. This is an enemy unlike any we have faced before.”

He gestures toward the screen, where surveillance footage from drones shows glimpses of the massive pulsating tree at the heart of the forest. Tendrils of energy slither out from its base and strange creatures moved unnaturally in the underbrush.

“The operation will unfold in three coordinated phases. Our middle troops will serve as the primary attack force, engaging any hostile threats head-on. The left and right flanks will advance in an encirclement formation, preventing any potential escape or reinforcement. Artillery and airstrikes will pave the way for our advance, while the Dragon Vanguard Units will deliver the final suppression assault.”

“All combat soldiers must be equipped with these suit devices that will mask your body heat and scent to minimize detection by these mutant beasts. Without them, you are easy prey."

The screen briefly cuts to footage of a previous reconnaissance team, one moment, they are advancing cautiously through the underbrush, the next, something unseen rips through them at lightning speed, leaving nothing but silence. The footage abruptly ends.

“This operation has a strict 24-hour window. If we fail to secure the objective within that time frame, we retreat. No heroics and unnecessary risks. This is an unpredictable force, and we do not yet understand its full capabilities. Stay disciplined and execute the plan."

General Li scans the room with an unwavering gaze.

“Now, let this military operation begin!”

[Forces Mobilized:

• 50,000 Elite PLA Soldiers

• 100 Dragon Vanguard Units (Elite Cybernetic Supersoldiers)