The Deadly Assassin Robin novel Chapter 1292

The Watertown House was eerily silent, the quiet almost oppressive.

After a tense pause, the Director of the National Security Agency, Stiles, hesitated, "This is a perilous course of action, potentially cataclysmic."

Lucentia slammed his hand on the table, his voice laced with fury, "Divine Drakebane has breached the HexaPoint Tower, using his violent tactics to take Autreynia hostage!

"If we don't respond with maximum force, what will become of Autreynia's pride?

"Stiles, you're being a coward! Can't you see that your hesitation could disgrace Autreynia?"

Stiles shook his head, resigned, "Lucentia, sometimes we must yield to the stronger force.

"We can't afford to risk everything on a battle we're not sure to win.

"The strength of Autreynia comes from its people and stakeholders; we can't jeopardize their future with our limited political maneuvers!

"Our leaders need to grow up!

"For the sake of Autreynia's people, for the established rules of engagement with more powerful entities, we need to negotiate with Divine Drakebane.

"After all, we were the ones who first provoked him with our aggressive actions and underhanded tactics.

"Just like 80 years ago, when Sakurania struck at our Stone Harbor, and we retaliated by declaring war ... "

"Enough!" Lucentia interrupted sharply, "You're suggesting we retreat?! You're making us look foolish!

"If we back down now, we risk losing our standing in the world!

"Mr. President, Generals!" Lucentia cried out in frustration, "Launch the targeted nuclear strike now! Destroy the light-speed warship, eliminate Divine Drakebane, and carry out Joanna's execution!

"Even if it means reducing HexaPoint Tower to rubble and sacrificing some of Autreynia's citizens, we must uphold the unassailable dignity of our country on this planet!" Lucentia declared with fiery resolve.

"Mr. Lucentia, here is the authorization letter from the Supreme Alliance Council, along with the nuclear operation passcode box.

"The Alliance Council has ordered the execution of Joanna as a hostage to force Divine Drakebane into compliance. He must surrender in the designated area, relinquishing the light-speed warship and the super weapon system!

"However, the Council has also stipulated that if Divine Drakebane cannot be neutralized, we should consider a more peaceful resolution."

Lucentia paused, taken aback.

As he accepted the passcode box and the authorization letter from the Alliance Council, a sudden wave of panic washed over him.

He felt his hand tremble uncontrollably.

...

In the command center of HexaPoint Tower, as Robin took Shepherd's life, a warning from Autreynia's highest security conference center flashed across the live broadcast.

"Divine Drakebane, immediately surrender the super weapon system and the light-speed warship and cease all actions that jeopardize Autreynian interests.

"Otherwise, in three minutes, the Autreynian Supreme Court will commence wartime trial procedures and will execute Joanna and Eira on the spot!"

Subsequently, a squad of heavily armed Autreynian special forces led Joanna and Eira to a secured room.

The world watched in suspense.

As Robin observed the forceful maneuvers of the Autreynian forces, he began to address the live broadcast camera, "Joanna! Eira!"

Before Robin could continue, Joanna interjected, "Robin, although I am not one for conflict and fear death, I cannot bear to see you, a Ramsey man, submit to such disgraceful tyranny!

"Our grandfather and father were heroes in their day; stand tall and follow your heart!

"I always remember the saying passed down from our grandfather: in this life, the significance of life and death pales in comparison to dying with dignity!

"Release Joanna and Eira immediately!

"Or else, all the forces of Draconia reserve the right to retaliate against the aggressors."

Autreynia, however, did not respond to these ultimatums.

Instead, they issued an order for Robin's assassination.

The chilling spectacle of Autreynia mobilizing its military might then unfolded across global network screens.

The deployment of the first superpower's armed forces was terrifyingly extensive.

The mere display of this military strength seemed capable of subjugating the entire world.

Autreynia's military bases, upon receiving top orders, activated the navy, army, air force, special forces, marines, and airborne forces ...

These formidable forces swiftly arranged themselves into a lethal formation across Autreynia's territory.

New super missiles equipped with nuclear warheads targeted the HexaPoint Tower and the Auripacea region.

Seven thousand fighter jets were launched from various bases, all converging toward the HexaPoint Tower and Auripacea.

Eight aircraft carrier fleets were stationed along the coast. Twenty thousand fighter jets, thirty thousand tanks, hundreds of thousands of missiles, and countless military surveillance satellites, alongside thirty thousand drones, spread across Autreynia and the vast Panacea Ocean.

As the world witnessed this overwhelming show of force, a heavy silence descended.

With such an overwhelming arsenal at their disposal, what could Robin possibly do, even with a super weapon system?

Even if he wished to go down with this titan, it seemed unlikely he could make a dent.

Nearly a billion people globally watched Robin standing solitary atop HexaPoint Tower, their eyes filled with pity, and for some, derision.