Getting A System In A Modern World

312  Proxy Wars (II)

The world was unraveling as proxy conflicts erupted on every continent. While the Black Hand's influence remained hidden from public view, their fingerprints were all over the chaos.

They pulled strings from the shadows, using puppet governments and rogue factions to spread instability and consolidate their power.

But Silas was not blind to their moves. From his underground facility, he watched the world burn through holographic projections and live feeds, each crisis a piece of the Black Hand's larger plan. His grip on the armrest of his chair tightened as Luna's voice broke the silence.

{Master, multiple regions under your influence are being directly targeted. South America and Africa have become primary battlegrounds. Mercenary forces backed by Black Hand-controlled corporations are mobilizing to attack your allies and destabilize your operations.}

Silas's expression darkened, his mind racing through possibilities. "They want to make an example out of me," he murmured.

"They think they can drag me into their chaos and discredit me. But they've underestimated what I'm capable of."

He stood, his commanding presence filling the room. "Luna, give me a full breakdown of the situation. I want to know every move they've made, every force they've deployed, and every weakness we can exploit."

---

The holographic map zoomed in on South America, where mercenary groups had begun a coordinated assault on Silas' territories.

Their target was a series of advanced energy facilities that Silas had built to stabilize the region's power grid. If taken, it would not only cripple local economies but also tarnish Silas's reputation as a stabilizing force.

{The mercenaries are heavily armed with advanced weaponry, including drones and armored vehicles. Their supply lines run through several Black Hand-affiliated shipping companies. Local governments have been pressured to remain neutral or risk retaliation.}

Silas's eyes narrowed. "Neutrality won't save them. They'll be next if the Black Hand succeeds here." He gestured to the map.

"Deploy the Phoenix Fleet. I want the airspace locked down. Activate ground-level defensive drones and set up barriers around the facilities. Cut off their supply lines—if they can't resupply, they'll crumble."

Within hours, the Phoenix Fleet—a squadron of very advanced and high-tech stealth fighter—was in the skies, intercepting enemy reinforcements before they could reach their targets.

On the ground, Silas's advanced defensive drones, equipped with energy shields and non-lethal incapacitation rounds, held back the mercenary forces.

The tide quickly turned. The mercenaries, realizing they were outmatched, attempted to retreat, only to find their supply routes destroyed and their communications jammed by Luna's systems. The operation ended with minimal casualties and a decisive victory for Silas.

---

The holographic map shifted to Africa, where Black Hand-backed rebels were inciting violence in regions that had recently aligned with Silas.

The goal was clear: destabilize the region, make it ungovernable, and force local leaders to abandon their growing support for Silas.

{The rebels have been armed with surplus military equipment, likely funneled through Black Hand-controlled intermediaries. They've targeted key infrastructure projects funded by your organization. If they succeed, it will delay progress by months, if not years.}

Silas's expression hardened. He couldn't allow the Black Hand to undermine the progress he had made in the region.

"Deploy our tactical response teams. I want boots on the ground to secure those projects. Use the Cloak-Class Vehicles for mobility—they won't see us coming. And Luna, send a message to the local leaders: I stand with them, and I will protect their people."

The Cloak-Class Vehicles, cutting-edge armored transports equipped with advanced cloaking technology and military technology, allowed Silas' teams to move undetected.

Within hours, they had secured key infrastructure sites and provided aid to civilians caught in the crossfire.

Simultaneously, Luna leaked proof of the Black Hand's involvement to the local media, turning public opinion against the rebels and strengthening Silas's alliances.

---

As the battles in South America and Africa raged, the Black Hand escalated their efforts. A fleet of heavily armed ships, disguised as independent contractors, began disrupting global trade routes in the Atlantic Ocean.

Their goal was twofold: cripple economies reliant on trade and force neutral nations to side against Silas.

{Master, the fleet is composed of private military vessels outfitted with advanced weaponry. They've seized multiple cargo ships and are holding their crews hostage.}

Silas's lips curled into a cold smile. "They're trying to choke the world into submission. Let's show them what happens when they overreach."

12:34

He activated a secure communication line to his autonomous naval fleet, the Leviathan Armada, stationed in the Atlantic. Composed of AI and human controlled submarines and stealth ships, the Leviathan Armada was designed for precision and efficiency.

Silas issued his orders: intercept the Black Hand's fleet, disable their ships, and rescue the hostages.

The operation unfolded like clockwork. The submarines, equipped with cloaking technology, approached the enemy fleet undetected and deployed non-lethal EMP torpedoes, disabling the ships' systems. Meanwhile, the stealth ships launched rescue teams who extracted the hostages with surgical precision.

By the end of the engagement, the Black Hand's fleet was left stranded, their ships adrift and powerless. Luna disseminated footage of the operation, exposing the Black Hand's actions to the world and further isolating them.

---

The Black Hand's coordinated attacks had been thwarted on all fronts. Their mercenaries in South America were scattered, their rebels in Africa defeated, and their naval operations in the Atlantic crippled.

Silas' swift and overwhelming response sent a clear message: he was not a force to be trifled with.

Back in his facility, Silas reviewed the results with Luna. "What's the public sentiment?" he asked.

{Support for your efforts has grown significantly, master. Neutral nations are beginning to see you as a stabilizing force. However, the Black Hand's propaganda machine is still active.

They are framing your actions as an overreach of power, claiming you're destabilizing the world for your own gain. They say that you want to turn the world to your backyard.}

Silas smirked. "Let them talk. Every action they take only proves their desperation. We'll dismantle their propaganda soon enough. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

For now, focus on consolidating our victories. Strengthen alliances, rebuild what was damaged, and prepare for their next move."

---

As Silas turned his attention to the next phase of his strategy, Luna's voice interrupted. {Master, new intel suggests the Black Hand is planning a direct assault on your facility. They're mobilizing their elite forces.}

Silas's smirk faded, replaced by a cold determination. "So, they want to bring the fight to me? Let them come. It's time to show the world what happens when you try to take me on in my own territory."