Is this really a Game?!

As the simulated battle within the base intensified, the Irason forward base commander, leading the Irason forces, continued to play his part with conviction. The clashes echoed through the corridors, creating a convincing illusion of a fierce confrontation between the two factions.

Reign, adopting the persona of the Elais commander, moved strategically through the chaos. He issued orders, directed troops, and engaged in combat with the simulated Irason forces. The infiltrators, fully committed to the act, fought with precision, making the staged battle appear as authentic as possible.

Outside the base, the approaching Elais reinforcements, unaware of the deception, closed in on the scene. The Irason commander, playing the role of, well, himself, gestured for his troops to maintain the pressure. The incoming Elais forces, seeing the apparent struggle, accelerated their advance, eager to join the battle and reclaim the base.

The infiltrators inside the base maintained their positions, waiting for the precise moment to reveal their true allegiance. Theron, having completed his task of extracting crucial information, observed the unfolding drama with a keen eye. He relayed information to Reign through a secure communication channel, ensuring that the plan unfolded seamlessly.

As the simulated battle reached its peak, with magical explosions and clashes echoing throughout the base, Reign received the signal from Theron. The Elais reinforcements were nearing the entrance. The infiltrators, hidden in strategic locations, prepared for the final act of the grand deception.

The leader of the reinforcements that were coming to them, a total of 25 Tier V combatants, still leading his men with fervor, charged forward as they all hurried to get to the base in time.

Reign, seeing them coming, and still playing the part of the new commander of the Elais forces, shouted with great authority "Hold the line! Reinforcements are almost here! We'll crush these infiltrators and reclaim the base!"

The approaching Elais reinforcements, filled with determination, reached the entrance of the base. The Irason commander, maintaining the act, turned to Reign. "It's time."

Reign, with a confident smile, nodded in agreement. "Let's welcome them properly."

At that moment, the infiltrators within the base dropped the facade. The soldiers who had been posing as Elais forces revealed their true allegiance, turning their weapons against the newly arrived Elais troops. The element of surprise worked in their favor as confusion spread among the enemy ranks.

The leader of the reinforcements, understanding the shift in dynamics, quickly adapted. "Traitors! Dammit, retreat, we've been tricked!"

Unfortunately, they would not get the chance to retreat easily as they were suddenly attacked from 3 sides and many traps and barriers activated themselves behind them.

The chaos intensified as the infiltrators fought alongside the Irason forces against the Elais reinforcements. Theron, Gideon, Seraphina, Siabas, Lumi, and Elara unleashed their unique abilities, turning the tide in their favor.

The leader of the Elais reinforcements, realizing the dire situation, attempted to rally his troops. "Hold your ground! We can't let them control the narrative!"

However, the combination of surprise attacks, magical onslaughts, and strategic coordination overwhelmed the unsuspecting Elais forces.

Of course, things were not going to be that easy, the reinforcements were all elite Tier V combatants and they were not some weaklings.

Despite their initial confusion, the leader of the Elais reinforcements rallied his troops. "Stand firm! We can't let them control the narrative! Push forward!"

The Irason commander, walking forward with a calm expression, confronted the enemy leader. "Your efforts are futile. Surrender now, and we might spare your lives."

The enemy leader, refusing to yield, fought with renewed vigor. The infiltrators and Irason forces, however, continued their relentless assault, gradually gaining the upper hand. The central command's defenses, still weakened from the earlier conflict, worked in favor of the infiltrators.

As the battle within the base raged on, the Elais reinforcements soon found themselves being overwhelmed, not by numbers, but by the sheer power that Reign and the others possessed.

Reign, still posing as the Elais commander, approached the Irason forward base commander with a grin. "Looks like we got them right where we want them."

The Irason commander acknowledged with a nod. "They never saw it coming. Let's finish this."

The united force of infiltrators and Irason troops pushed back the simulated Elais reinforcements. The staged battle, once a convincing act, turned into a display of skill and coordination as the true allies fought side by side.

As the last remnants of the simulated Elais forces were defeated, the infiltrators regrouped. The Irason forward base commander approached Reign with a respectful nod. "Well done. Your strategy worked flawlessly."

Reign, dropping the act, grinned. "It's all about keeping them on their toes. Now, let's secure this base for real."

The combined forces of the infiltrators and Irason troops now stood united within the base. 

Theron, having observed the entire scenario, approached the central command. "We've gained control over the base's defenses. We can now resume our original plan."

"Are we certain that the reinforcements have not sent a message outside?" Reign asked Theron who shook his head.

"Although we have done all that we can to stop that from happening, there is no saying whether or not they had any item that allowed them to break through the disruption and send a message."

"Our act was almost flawless and the last thing they should have sent was the fact that the Elais forces were still holding on against the Irason forces and that they were going to help them."

"If they don't send a message out in the next hour or so, the Elais kingdom will definitely suspect that they have fallen, which is when they will send some people to scout and check what has happened."

"There is a high chance that they will then send the team of otherworlders to come here as well, or perhaps to go and defend a base that is placed after this one."

Everybody nodded at Theron before looking at the base.

The Irason forward base commander, his trust in the infiltrators solidified by their successful execution of the deception, addressed the group. "We'll initiate a thorough search of the base to ensure there are no remaining enemies or hidden threats. Once that's confirmed, we can proceed with our original plan."

Reign nodded in agreement. "Let's not waste any time. Theron, keep an eye on any possible communications. We don't want any surprises."

Theron acknowledged and set up a magical monitoring system to detect any outgoing messages from the base. The rest of the team, along with the Irason forces, began sweeping through the corridors and rooms to clear out any lingering enemies.

As they progressed deeper into the base, signs of the earlier conflict were evident. Scorch marks from magical battles, fallen soldiers, and remnants of defensive barriers attested to the intensity of the struggle. The Irason troops, under the command of their forward base leader, moved with precision, ensuring every corner was secure.

In the central command chamber, Theron continued his work. His magical prowess allowed him to detect any residual traces of communication magic. After thorough analysis, he reported to Reign, "No outgoing messages detected. It seems our act held up, and the enemy reinforcements are in the dark for now."

Reign nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Let's proceed with the next phase of our plan."

The Irason forward base commander approached Reign. "Our scouts have reported that the Elais forces are mobilizing. It won't be long before they send a team to investigate."

Reign glanced at the central database, now under their control. "Then, we need to make use of the time we have. Theron, gather all the intel you can from this database. We need to know the enemy's plans, troop movements, and any hidden resources."

Theron delved into the vast repository of information, extracting details that would prove invaluable in the upcoming battles. The central database revealed strategic locations, supply routes, and potential weaknesses in the Elais forces' defenses.

As the team reviewed the gathered intelligence, Gideon spoke up. "We should prioritize disrupting their supply lines. It will weaken their forces and buy us more time to fortify this base."

Seraphina agreed, "If we can cut off their reinforcements and isolate their remaining bases, we'll have a significant advantage."

Reign nodded, acknowledging the importance of strategic maneuvers. "Theron, find us the locations of their major supply depots. We'll hit them hard and fast, catching them off guard."

Theron, engrossed in his magical analysis, responded, "I've got the coordinates. There are three primary supply depots spread across the region. Striking them simultaneously will maximize the impact."

Reign turned to the Irason forward base commander. "Coordinate with your scouts. We need accurate and up-to-date information on enemy movements. Once we confirm the Elais forces are in disarray after our strikes, we can fortify this base further."

The Irason commander saluted. "You can count on us. We'll provide the intel you need."

With the plan in motion, the team prepared for the next phase of their mission. Theron, Gideon, Seraphina, Siabas, Lumi, and Elara gathered around the central database, studying the maps and data. Reign, ever the strategist, outlined the details of their coordinated strikes.

"We'll split into two teams. Theron, Lumi, and Elara will target the southern supply depot. Gideon, Seraphina, and Siabas, you'll handle the northern one. I'll take the central depot with a team of Irason troops. Timing is crucial, so let's synchronize our attacks for maximum impact."

As the teams prepared to embark on their respective missions, the Irason forward base commander addressed Reign. "We've reinforced the base's defenses and stationed additional troops. Once we secure the region and disrupt their supplies, we can push forward and gain a strategic advantage."

"That way, we will also cause chaos to the Elais forces, and that group will definitely be forced to move."

"I wonder just who they are and how powerful they are as well."