An air force regiment typically consists of around fifty fighter aircraft. Though different corps may vary slightly in their composition, the general structure remains consistent.
Soul-guided aircraft are among the most expensive weapons in the Federation military. Even the Central Corps, with its most advanced arsenal, only possesses about five hundred fighter aircraft in total—a configuration considered top-tier.
While soul-guided fighter jets may lack the combat versatility of mechas, they far surpass them in terms of speed—except for the divine-grade black mechas, of course.
Within the military, standard equipment only extends up to purple-grade mechas. Any mechas beyond that level belong to high-ranking officers as personal property and thus fall outside standard evaluations.
At this moment, fifty soul-guided aircraft launched in formation. As they soared into the skies, the surveillance feeds immediately broadened, offering an expansive view of the terrain below. From this vantage, the snow-covered mountains stretched endlessly across the horizon.
The aircraft rapidly accelerated, all entering supersonic speeds shortly after takeoff.
Yu Guanzhi's expression was tense, his fists clenched tightly. The First Air Regiment of the Central Corps was his most elite force, comprised entirely of ace pilots. This unit represented the very core of his military strength. He only deployed them when the situation was most critical. And they had never once let him down.
As a commander-in-chief, Yu Guanzhi understood perfectly that to lead, one had to lead by example. If he couldn't take risks with his own people, how could he expect others to follow? By dispatching his strongest forces first, he hoped to pave the way with minimal casualties.
These fifty soul-guided planes, equipped with the Federation's most cutting-edge radar and anti-interference systems, dispersed after clearing the base. Each pair formed a small unit and flew in different directions at high speed.
In standard aerial operations, a two-ship formation consists of a lead plane and a wingman. The lead takes point and handles offensive maneuvers, while the wingman supports and monitors different angles, protecting the lead. When flown by seasoned pilots, this configuration offers tactical versatility in combat.
Such two-plane teams are the smallest and most elite unit compositions, highlighting the pilots' exceptional capabilities.
Now, as the First Air Regiment split into twenty-five such elite pairs, each navigating toward distinct coordinates, their tactical excellence became evident to all. Even Dong Zian, who often clashed with Yu Guanzhi, had to nod in approval.
The air force fanned out, granting surveillance units a massive range. From high above, snowfields and rugged terrain were plainly visible.
These supersonic jets traveled at speeds far beyond those of the earlier reconnaissance drones. Within moments, they approached the core zone of the extreme north.
Naturally, their arrival did not go unnoticed by the bat swarm.
At altitudes exceeding three thousand meters, the four-winged bats could not ascend high enough to intercept. Only six-winged bats managed to rise quickly, attempting to meet the approaching aircraft.
The First Squadron of the First Air Regiment was the first to encounter them—over a dozen massive six-winged bats surged from various angles.
A barrage of ultrasonic pulses immediately followed, aiming to disrupt the aircraft's electronic systems.
However, these soul-guided aircraft represented the Federation's finest technological achievements, and their anti-interference capabilities were formidable.
The two fighters in the lead pair showed no signs of evasion.
As the enemy closed in, the lead aircraft's underbelly flared with light—six pulses shot out in waves from its six cannons, targeting the incoming bats.
The largest of the six-winged bats clamped its wings together to shield itself, taking the brunt of the assault. Six piercing beams punched clean holes through its wings, forcing a bloodcurdling shriek from the creature.
Even so, the other bats closed in rapidly.
At that instant, the two planes executed a move that left all observers breathless.
The lead fighter abruptly decelerated from its supersonic speed, briefly hovering midair before pulling off a cobra maneuver—tilting its nose upward like a striking serpent, it shot vertically into the sky.
As this occurred, a pale green shield enveloped the aircraft, drawing its wingman into a synchronized orbit around it.
The wingman's nose flashed with a red glow—no visible beams fired, but a pulsing crimson light surged around the cockpit.
Just as the six-winged bats prepared to pounce, one by one, they froze midair, lost control, and plummeted like stones. Before hitting the ground, they exploded into gray-black mist.
The sight ignited cheers across the command room.
To be chosen as the First Squadron's pilots was to stand at the absolute pinnacle of the Federation's air forces. Their maneuver, especially under such tight encirclement, demonstrated astonishing coordination and precision.
After all targets were neutralized, the green shield on the lead plane faded. The wingman, now free of the gravitational pull, turned sharply and followed its partner into a high-speed ascent. In seconds, both aircraft pierced past seven thousand meters, far beyond any bat's reach.
Once airborne, they reversed course and dove straight down like twin meteors. The red glow intensified at their noses.
They darted in and out of clouds, zigzagging gently in midair while unleashing devastating precision strikes on the enemy.
Wherever they passed, six-winged bats burst apart mid-flight, vanishing in plumes of black mist.
"Heavy Ion Ray."
Someone in the command room confirmed the weapon being used.
It was indeed one of the Federation's most advanced aircraft-mounted weapon systems. This was no ordinary laser beam—it operated on a concentrated particle disruption system, designed to disintegrate targets on a molecular level.
Though still undergoing testing, the First Air Regiment had been authorized to use it in limited deployment. And now, for the first time, it had proven its worth in actual combat.
All across the sky, the remaining squadrons joined the fray.
Wherever the heavy ion rays swept across, six-winged bats exploded without resistance. Their soundless deaths littered the air with clouds of ash.
More and more jets pushed deeper toward the enemy's core zone.
At this moment, deep within the Federation's command center, Yu Guanzhi issued the next command: "Begin fire suppression coverage. All air-to-ground soul-guided missiles, prepare for launch!"
As the order relayed to all squadrons, hundreds of soul-guided aircraft lit up the sky with waves of cannon fire and missile trails. It was as if the heavens themselves were unleashing fury.
This was not just a reconnaissance mission anymore. This was the beginning of the real war.
And the Federation's answer was clear: all-out retaliation.
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Members on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.