The Tycoon's Odyssey

Aurora shrugged playfully in response to Suri's words. [I just thought that Sir should use this chance to indulge the chunniboy inside him.]

Evan chuckled and rolled his eyes. "What do you think I am? A protagonist from one of those novels who screams poetic monologues every time they're cornered? No need for theatrics, Aurora. Just deliver the message as it is."

Aurora sighed in mock disappointment. [Sometimes, you're no fun at all.]

"Just send it," Evan said flatly.

The holographic display shifted as Aurora relayed the message—the succinct and unapologetic refusal sent directly to the naval fleet. Evan leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he watched the ripple effects of his decision unfold on the tactical screen.

Moments later, Aurora spoke again, her tone more serious this time. [Message sent. And… I believe the naval fleet has received it. They're likely deciding their next move.]

Evan smirked, his cold demeanor unwavering. "Good. Let them make their move. Let's see how committed they are to their so-called peaceful resolution."

_____

Back in the fleet…

The naval command room fell silent again, the weight of the confrontation looming heavily as the naval forces positioned themselves for what could be a decisive moment.

The naval base was buzzing with anticipation as officers and strategists alike huddled around glowing screens, awaiting Evan's reply. When the message finally arrived, the room fell into a heavy silence. All eyes fixed on the words flashing on the main screen:

[I refuse your offer. Let's proceed without wasting time.] Enjoy new tales from empire

For a moment, no one spoke, and then came the murmurs.

"Is he being serious?" an officer muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"The fool doesn't even know the fire he's playing with," another said, shaking his head.

"This monkey is jumping around, thinking that he can challenge the might of Indra's navy." a third barked, slamming his fist on the desk. "He doesn't even know his place!"

The comments grew harsher as frustration and anger rippled through the room.

"This isn't just arrogance—it's madness!" one officer spat. "He's going to get himself killed, and he's dragging innocent lives along with himself!"

"Enough!" Admiral Trivedi's voice boomed across the room, silencing the growing cacophony. His sharp gaze burned with authority as he glared at the gathered officers. "We don't have time for your whining. Save your curses for later. Right now, focus on completing the mission!"

The room grew still as everyone snapped back to discipline, their faces hardening with renewed determination.

Trivedi turned to his communications officer. "Prepare the Sukhoi Su-30MKIs for immediate deployment," he ordered. "Target the area and bomb it to the ground. I want nothing but rubble left behind."

"Yes, sir!" the officer saluted before hurrying to relay the command.

_____

Moments later…

The deafening roar of jet engines echoed across the tarmac as two Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets prepared for takeoff, their sleek, aerodynamic and metallic frames gleaming under the harsh glare of floodlights. Pilots climbed into the cockpits, fastening their helmets and going through their final checks.

"This is Beta One. The systems are green," the lead pilot reported.

"Beta Two ready for takeoff," came the response from the second jet.

"Proceed," the air traffic controller commanded.

The jets roared to life, hurtling down the runway and lifting gracefully into the night sky. Their afterburners left streaks of fiery light in their wake as they climbed higher, cutting through the clouds like predatory birds on the hunt.

Inside the naval base, officers monitored the jets' progress on large radar screens, tension mounting as the jets neared their target area with every passing second.

Then, amidst the steady hum of machinery and chatter, a sudden, bone-chilling frantic cry erupted from the communication system:

"Intercept! Intercept!"

The word reverberated through the room, freezing everyone in place. Admiral Trivedi's head snapped sharply toward the radar operator, who was frantically typing commands into his console.

"What's happening?" Trivedi demanded.

"Sir, unidentified aerial objects are closing in on the Sukhois!" the operator stammered. "Multiple bogeys—moving fast!"

The base fell into utter chaos as officers scrambled to make sense of the situation. The radar screen showed blips converging on the fighter jets with alarming speed.

"Patch me through to the pilots!" Trivedi barked.

"Beta One, this is the base command. Do you copy?"

"This is Beta One!" the lead pilot's voice came through, strained but steady. "We've got visuals on the bogeys—there's… there's more than one! They're moving too fast to be conventional aircraft!"

"Evade!" Trivedi shouted. "Focus on defense until we identify the threat!"

The jets began evasive maneuvering, but the mysterious objects closed in with terrifying speed and precision. A new battle was unfolding, and it was clear that Evan had prepared for this moment far better than anyone at the base had anticipated.

_____

Back in Evan's command center…

Evan stood in the underground hangar of the command center, his sharp gaze fixed on the sprawling display of real-time data. Around him, the air buzzed with energy, the hum of machinery blending with the hurried footsteps of engineers and pilots.

Nearby, Suri sat wide-eyed, her curiosity and excitement barely contained as she watched the unfolding scene.

Aurora's voice echoed, calm yet commanding, her projection flickering faintly as she relayed the situation. [Two Sukhoi Su-30MKIs have taken off, armed with precision-guided munitions. Naval vessels are circling, and reconnaissance satellites are focused on this area. This is a calculated strike.]

Evan leaned against the console, a faint smile playing on the corner of his lips. "At last. Let's see what they've got up their sleeves." He straightened himself and glanced at the hangar doors before gesturing. "Prepare the jets. Show them what they're up against."

After saying this Evan couldn't help as a low chuckle escaped his lips as he added, "I wish I could see their faces now. I am sure that what they are about to witness is enough to blow their ass."

Suri perked up, her curiosity intensifying as she leaned closer, barely trying to contain her curious heart. "What are you planning."

Evan didn't reply, his grin only widened as the chaos above unfolded exactly as he had foreseen.