In the crevice, the Hunter expressionlessly pulled the bolt, ejected the scorching shell, gently caught it, and put it in his pocket.
After doing all this, he slid back into the hiding spot like a snake.
He was not greedy.
Greed could kill.
Just like the most patient of hunters, he only occasionally pulled the trigger, maintaining the chaos of the battlefield, ensuring that this blood feast wouldn't end too soon.
An hour passed amidst the deafening sounds of gunfire and the symphony of death.
On the eastern horizon, a faint, almost imperceptible grayish-white tinge began to show.
The darkest hour of the dawn was about to pass.
Song Heping glanced at his watch and then listened carefully to the sounds outside.
The attack frequency of the A-10 seemed to be decreasing, but the gunfire on the ground was still fierce, albeit more sparse and strained. Both sides had clearly paid a great price and were exhausted.
He turned to Major Petrovsky, speaking in a low and clear voice: "Major, the time is almost right. They've been fighting for over an hour. No matter who it is, they're now spent, and their attention is completely focused on each other."
Petrovsky asked quickly: "What's your opinion?"
"Break through. Now is the best time."
Song Heping pointed to the east.
"We are situated on the flank and rear of the direction of the 1515 Armed's attack. Omar, in order to consume the Americans, has pressed the main force to the west and north. The east is his flank and rear, which must be lightly defended, and their attention is on the battle ahead. Breaking out now is probably our best chance."
He paused, continuing to analyze: "Having fought for so long, the US Army and local armed forces in the Kurdish Control Zone must be in madness. They'll undoubtedly do their utmost to rescue the 'Razor' squad or deploy troops in large numbers along the defense line within their control zone, guarding vigilantly to prevent the 1515 Armed from expanding their gains. Meanwhile, the entire Northeast Syria's 1515 Armed, attention must have been drawn to the Mannier Valley, this huge meat grinder."
Finally, he threw out the key judgment: "I judge, Latamira's defense is at an unprecedented moment of emptiness. If we attack Latamira before the Kurd people, Americans, and 1515 understand what really happened, the probability of success is much higher than your previous estimate."
Petrovsky listened quietly, his eyes reflecting infinite agreement.
The invitation plan for Mannier Valley tonight is truly a two-for-one!
"I agree with your opinion."
Petrovsky slowly stood up, stretching his body that had grown stiff from holding the same posture for a long time.
"Brothers, check your gear immediately, take all personal items, and leave no traces. In five minutes, follow the second evacuation plan, heading east, target the predetermined gathering point on the outskirts of Kubai Town. Maintain absolute silence, no engagement unless absolutely necessary."
SSO squad members began their final check of weapons, ammunition, night vision batteries, and water sources.
They moved quickly and orderly, without the slightest panic.
Five minutes later, this special squad of just over ten men, who had stirred the entire battlefield situation, silently slid from a more concealed exit behind the crevice, disappearing into the denser darkness and complex terrain on the basin's east side.
The clamor and firelight of Mannier Valley quickly vanished behind the mountains, as Song Heping, Major Petrovsky, and the entire SSO squad plunged into the darkness east of the basin.
The route east was equally tough. No longer was it a hilly area filled with jagged rocks, dried riverbeds, and low shrubs.
The terrain rose and fell dramatically, providing excellent cover for stealth but also greatly consuming physical strength.
"Maintain formation, ten-meter intervals, 'Iron Hammer' fifty meters forward reconnaissance, 'Shadow' as rear guard, responsible for clearing tracks."
Petrovsky skillfully began arranging the marching formation.
Song Heping was in the middle front of the team, walking alongside Petrovsky.
He heightened his senses to the extreme, ears filtering the wind and faintly audible gunfire from afar, striving to catch any close anomalies.
His eyes scanned every corner within view; any subtle unnatural reflection or movement could mean danger.
They chose a route not directly east but based on previous reconnaissance and map reading, proceeded along a relatively concealed valley edge.
This allowed them to use the riverside drop to obscure their shapes while avoiding exposure on the ridge line.
After advancing about a kilometer, Volkov's voice came through the channel: "Boss, two o'clock direction ahead, slope edge, two armed sentries, suspected 1515 outer perimeter guard. Unable to bypass, suggest clearing."
The team instantaneously halted; everyone took advantage of the terrain to crouch or lie down, guns naturally aimed towards the threat direction.
Petrovsky and Song Heping exchanged a glance.
Song Heping nodded slightly, allowing him to command the battle.
"Confirm target number, position, surrounding environment," Petrovsky said quietly.
"Only two, about five meters apart, using a large rock to set up a simple observation point, facing the valley direction, back towards our approach route. Relaxed state, talking quietly," Volkov quickly reported.
"Volkov, Sergei, you two approach from the left. Dmitry, you handle one of them, all to be settled silently, without causing too much commotion."
Petrovsky issued the clearing order.
The two named SSO team members immediately broke away from the team, using the riverbank and shrubs for cover, silently heading towards the left side.
As Deputy Captain and sniper, Detmi Li immediately went to find a large rock, where he found the best shooting view and set up his VSS silenced sniper rifle.
Only a faint electric sound remained in the communication channel.
A few seconds later, Hunter's voice sounded again: "'Iron Hammer' in position..."
"'Frost' in position..."
"Three, two, one... engage!"
Thud—