Chapter 16: Unknown Iron Fortress

As Xaden and the rest of the team moved forward, they gradually approached the vicinity of the enigmatic Iron Fortress. Major Shy, a native of Lost Enclave herself, couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. Despite her emotional preparation, witnessing the place of her origin left her visibly shaken. In front of them, a solitary signboard indicated the path to Lost Enclave, standing as the only marker amidst the desolation. Behind that very sign, a massive moving wall, like an insatiable beast, expanded relentlessly.

Xaden gestured for everyone to halt approximately 1 kilometer away from the devouring wall. The mayor had already overseen the evacuation of all residents within a 10-kilometer radius of Lost Enclave, leaving behind only a few buildings that now stood eerily vacant. Members of the army dispersed, making their way to the rooftops of these empty structures to gain a strategic vantage point.

Xaden attempted to use his Hicuff, a sophisticated AI-based device developed by Venturian scientists. However, as he neared the 900-meter mark from the encroaching Iron Fortress, the Hicuff abruptly ceased to function. He removed the device from his wrist, noticing that Cris was experiencing the same issue.

Xaden frowned, contemplating the situation. "Hey, this tech doesn't work near the wall. So, it's true... high-tech devices cease to function near the devouring wall. Or, umm, what should we call it?"

Xaden paused, thinking it over for a moment. "Higher-ups have dubbed this place the 'Unknown Iron Fortress' due to its fortress-like appearance. But it's clearly devouring everything."

Major Shy nodded in agreement with Xaden's assessment. "For now, let's refer to it as the 'Iron Fortress.' We'll have to be cautious and rely on our wits and basic equipment from this point onward."

As the team contemplated their next steps, the imposing presence of the Iron Fortress loomed ever closer, casting a daunting shadow over their mission.

Major Shy approached Major Xaden, her expression filled with concern. "Major, what should we do now?"

Xaden turned to her, his brow furrowing as he contemplated their next moves. "First, let's set up old-fashioned video cameras and start recording. We need visual documentation of our surroundings. Order the engineering division to retrofit a military truck with cameras and a sound system. Make sure it has manual remote control capabilities as well. We need to observe and understand what's happening with this Iron Fortress."

Major Shy nodded, taking in Xaden's instructions. "Understood, Major. I'll get on that right away. Additionally, Professor Roman and his group have requested some samples from the area."

Xaden's expression grew more complex as he considered the challenge of collecting samples in a place where high-tech equipment ceased to function. Cris interjected, his tone confident. "Xaden, why are you worrying about sample collection methods? Let those eggheads figure it out. They're the brains; they can find a way. Our focus should be on the mission at hand."

Xaden let out a sigh, realizing that Cris had a point. "Major Shy, relay Cris's message to the scientists. Have them work on finding a method for sample collection. In the meantime, we'll stay focused on our mission."

Turning to Cris, Xaden issued his next set of orders. "Major Cris, please organize the artillery and small arms. Once we've conducted the unmanned truck experiment and gathered the necessary data, we'll transition to an offensive attack to test our weaponry. Our superiors want to know if our weapons can affect the Iron Fortress in any way, especially for potential aerial bombardment from space."

Cris saluted and went to work, setting up the artillery and preparing the troops for any potential offensive maneuvers. Meanwhile, Major Shy headed back to the scientists' camp situated at the rear of their operation, tasked with relaying the message about sample collection.

Xaden took command in a makeshift command room, housed within an empty cafeteria, where he would coordinate the efforts of his team in their mission to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Iron Fortress.

As Major Xaden continued to coordinate the operation from the makeshift command room, soldiers from various departments carried out their respective tasks in the vicinity of the Iron Fortress. The atmosphere was a mix of tension, curiosity, and a sense of duty.

Sergeant Ramirez, from the engineering division, was working on retrofitting a military truck with cameras and sound equipment. Nearby, Private Rodriguez, a young recruit, couldn't help but express his amazement. "Can you believe this, Sergeant? We're dealing with something right out of a sci-fi movie. Never thought I'd see the day."

Sergeant Ramirez chuckled while focusing on his task. "It's like nothing I've ever seen, Private. But we've got a job to do, so let's get these cameras installed. The brass wants to see what's going on."

Meanwhile, in the artillery division, Corporal Davis was preparing the artillery pieces for potential use against the Iron Fortress. Private Chang, a sharpshooter, commented, "This thing gives me the creeps, Corporal. I've heard stories about it absorbing everything in its path. What if it comes for us?"

Corporal Davis maintained a calm demeanor. "We're here to make sure it doesn't come near us, Private. Keep your eye on the horizon and stay vigilant. We've got the firepower to handle whatever comes our way."

Back at the scientist's camp, where Major Shy was discussing sample collection methods, Professor Roman was deep in conversation with his fellow scientists. "We need to think outside the box, people. High-tech gadgets won't work here. We're going old-school. Any ideas?"

Dr. Martinez, an expert in environmental analysis, suggested, "What if we use drones, Professor? Simple, manually controlled drones could gather samples and bring them back to us."

Professor Roman nodded in agreement. "That's a good start, Dr. Martinez. Let's work on designing those drones right away."

As these conversations buzzed around the operation site, the soldiers and scientists were acutely aware that they were dealing with something unprecedented and potentially dangerous. Their determination to unravel the mysteries of the Iron Fortress and the missing people was matched only by the extraordinary circumstances they found themselves in.

As the sun began its descent beyond the horizon, casting long shadows over the area surrounding the Iron Fortress, the soldiers and scientists could feel the temperature drop. The evacuation of the 10-kilometer radius around the fortress had left the immediate vicinity eerily empty, with only the remnants of abandoned buildings and empty streets.

On the rooftops of some of these structures, sharpshooters positioned themselves as snipers, their trained eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement or potential threats. Corporal Martinez, one of the seasoned marksmen, spoke into his radio headset. "Keep your eyes peeled, everyone. We've got a mission to accomplish, and this place gives me the creeps."

Private Reynolds, positioned on another rooftop, replied, "You said it, Corporal. This is like a ghost town. I hope we're not the next ones to disappear."

Corporal Martinez adjusted his scope and continued scanning. "We'll be fine, Private. Just remember your training and stay focused. We're here to protect our team and gather information."

Back in the command room, Major Xaden was reviewing the status reports from various divisions. He knew that operating in the darkness added an extra layer of complexity to their mission. "Alright, people, it's getting dark. Let's make sure all the equipment is ready for the unmanned truck experiment. We need those cameras to give us a clear picture of what we're dealing with."

Sergeant Ramirez, who had been working on the military truck, responded, "Cameras are installed and functional, Major. We're ready to roll when you give the word."

Major Shy, who had returned from her discussions with the scientists, chimed in, "The scientists are making progress on the drone design for sample collection. We should have a prototype ready by tomorrow."

Major Cris, who had been overseeing the artillery division, added, "Our artillery pieces are primed and ready, Major. If we need to use them, we won't hesitate."

Major Xaden nodded, acknowledging the readiness of his team. "Good work, everyone. Let's keep our guard up as we move forward. This place is full of mysteries, and we're here to solve them."

As the night settled in around the Iron Fortress, the soldiers prepared for a long and uncertain journey into the unknown. The eerie silence of the evacuated town and the imposing presence of the Iron Fortress created an atmosphere of anticipation and apprehension, setting the stage for the challenges that lay ahead.