Chapter 595

Chapter 595: Deadly Traps

“What does this have to do with you? What do you really mean?”

The visitor’s intentions were not good, and Lin Mo’s tone turned cold. He neither admitted nor denied anything, but both sides understood clearly.

Anyone who knew this information must have connections to certain specialized circles. The U.S. military had never disclosed such matters, keeping quiet about it in tandem with China.

“I am the squadron leader of the 1st Combat Group of the 1st Flight Wing, and ‘Dark Hawk’ is the team leader of my 27th Squadron. So, tell me, how is it not related to me?”

David de Hitt paid no attention to the sudden chill emanating from Lin Mo; it was a murderous aura. However, he was confident that Lin Mo wouldn’t dare to strike here.

If anyone were to make a move against a special guest, it would be his own people who would be the first to take action.

Indeed, Lin Mo had no reason to attack.

In another situation, he likely would have already twisted David’s neck.

No one could threaten the Dragon Knight.

“Does your 1st Flight Wing want to seek revenge for him?”

Lin Mo’s eyes shone with a terrifying light, causing David de Hitt’s pupils to constrict slightly. The newly risen ace pilot from China was not just a title; it was the gaze of someone familiar with life and death—something rarely seen even in an ace pilot.

This guy had killed before, many people—far too many people.

When someone has experienced bloodshed and life-and-death situations, their gaze, demeanor, tone, and posture subtly change. The muscles in their face may lean towards a more intimidating presence, which is the source of their killing intent—an exclusive feature of a battlefield reaper and the natural law of survival of the fittest.

Colonel David de Hitt couldn’t fathom what kind of battles or wars this man had faced to accumulate such a potent aura of intimidation.

This contradicted the information provided by the CIA.

“I’m curious how you managed to shoot down the best stealth pilot from our 1st Wing? He specializes in super-low altitude dogfights and ambush tactics; few can hit him with a surprise attack.”

David de Hitt understood that aside from the pilot known as Larry Henry Vincent, Lockheed Martin also had agents within the military to bolster military-enterprise relations, aiming for more contracts.

“That’s how I shot him down.”

Lin Mo spread his hands and shrugged. He wouldn’t reveal the truth. Then he fixed his gaze on the U.S. Colonel and said, “So, do you want a one-on-one fight, or shall we make it a group brawl?”

Lin Mo glanced around at the numerous armed helicopters. He wouldn’t mind using helicopters to bully jet fighter pilots. It was like comparing a swimming champion to a chess player or a Go champion to a marksman—ridiculous.

As a member of the Special Forces’ aircrew group, Lin Mo had the advantage due to his familiarity with operations involving armed helicopters. In the sky, whether facing fighter jets or giant dragons, he had never feared enemies.

“As the squad leader of the 1st Flight Wing, if my subordinate is taken out and I do nothing, it’ll be hard for me to remain in this position for long. After all, every aerial knight has their pride.”

Colonel David de Hitt held his ground and stared back at Lin Mo, pulling out his wallet and producing a piece of paper that Lin Mo recognized.

This paper had a unique material, far more special than regular currency.

It was a ticket to the "Abyss Nirvana" international pilot death match.

Unexpectedly, Lin Mo had not anticipated that the other party could present such a thing; it was not something just anyone could access.

“If you are willing to accept the challenge as a true knight…” David de Hitt extended the special paper toward Lin Mo, his words trailing off, his expression filled with expectation.

The meaning was clear: it was a duel invitation from the aerial knights, akin to medieval knights throwing down their gauntlets at their opponent.

“Abyss Nirvana” was the ultimate arena for dueling.

If Lin Mo refused, David de Hitt would not hesitate to express his disdain and would broadcast it widely.

This guy had indeed come prepared, though it likely had nothing to do with Lockheed; otherwise, he wouldn’t have produced a ticket. Lin Mo also had the same ticket in his possession, a scheme devised by Lockheed.

This is the grudge between the U.S. Air Force’s 1st Flight Wing and Lin Mo.

Protectiveness for their own is a unique phenomenon in the military. As the most elite air wing of the U.S. Air Force, the 1st Flight Wing is equipped with two squadrons of F-22 Raptors and one squadron of F-15 Eagles, supported by the 1st Maintenance Squadron, the 1st Ground Support Squadron, and the 1st Medical Squadron, representing the face of the U.S. Air Force.

Lin Mo shot down an ace pilot from the 1st Flight Wing in India, which meant that he unintentionally slapped not only the 1st Flight Wing in the face but also the U.S. Air Force.

To qualify as an ace pilot, one must prove their worth by the number of enemy aircraft shot down. Decades have passed since the end of World War II, and warfare is no longer characterized by large-scale operations over expansive areas; instead, it involves small regional conflicts with high intensity.

The number of air combat incidents, along with the difference in technological capabilities between the two sides, has led to fewer confirmed ace pilots in America.

During the Vietnam War, only three ace pilots emerged by the end of the conflict. However, as time passed, those original ace pilots have aged, creating a gap in the next generation of aces. Today, fewer than ten ace pilots remain in the U.S., far less than during World War II. Losing even one pilot is a significant blow.

Becoming an ace pilot requires surviving through bloodshed and fire; playing with simulators and practicing daily training will not produce true aces. Once they enter a real battle, they can quickly turn into a turkey in front of genuine aces.

The number of aces directly represents the strength of a nation’s air force. Even a novice piloting an F-22 may not stand a chance against an ace flying a J-8.

How could the U.S. Air Force swallow the fact that a Chinese pilot took one of their own down? Naturally, Lockheed also played a role in stirring the pot.

Ever since Lockheed secured a major arms contract with the U.S. Department of Defense, they smartly linked themselves with the Air Force, Army, Navy, and even the legendary Space Force and the Pentagon. They continually sent in their own personnel for deep collaborations, officially labeled as accessing the voices of the soldiers, yet their true aim was to infiltrate the officer ranks. If they could turn the upper echelons of the military into their own people, it would be even better. Spending American taxpayers’ money while placing orders for themselves is the easiest way to make money.

“I already have one!”

Lin Mo looked at the “Abyss Nirvana” ticket in David de Hitt’s hand, giving him another reason to compete.

He was more than happy to challenge the world’s top aerial knights.

The confidence with which the other party issued the challenge likely meant that he, too, was a highly experienced ace pilot. Lin Mo wondered who was stronger: Colonel David de Hitt or Colonel Jiang of Team 7759.

“That’s fantastic! I’ll look forward to your participation!”

David de Hitt smiled and took back the special paper. Although Lin Mo hadn’t responded definitively, as a fellow ace pilot, he knew Lin Mo wouldn’t refuse.

As he expected, Lin Mo found another reason to join the international pilot death match.

In the face of a challenge, the Dragon Knight felt no fear. Even if the entire 1st Flight Wing showed up with their massive fleet of fighter jets, Lin Mo would charge forward without hesitation.

“My plane is broken and needs parts!”

Lin Mo said lightly.

Bringing one’s own fighter jet was an unspoken rule to participate in the “Abyss Nirvana.”

“What parts are you missing?” Colonel David de Hitt raised an eyebrow, sensing that Lin Mo wasn’t making excuses.

Without a plane, there was no way to enter the competition; however, as a proud aerial knight, Colonel David de Hitt despised taking revenge through underhanded means. He wanted to reclaim the 1st Flight Wing’s honor through straightforward air combat techniques, wiping away their shame.

The conflict was born in the sky, and it had to be resolved in the sky.

“Only Lockheed can help me out!”

Lin Mo suddenly had a mischievous sparkle in his eyes, genuinely wanting to drag Lockheed Martin company into this.

Sure enough, Colonel David de Hitt’s expression turned dramatic. Since he was not flying an F-22, what right did he have to ask Lockheed for parts?

“You…” David de Hitt thought Lin Mo was joking, and a very ill-timed joke at that.

This was a sacred duel between aerial knights, not a children’s brawl.

“If you ask Lockheed, you’ll see I’m not joking,” Lin Mo said earnestly, as if he were piloting an F-22 himself.

This was beyond anything regarding the misalignment of fighter jet models between the U.S. Air Force and the Chinese Air Force.

To Colonel David de Hitt’s knowledge, Lockheed had yet to have the audacity to sell the F-22 to the Chinese. If that ever happened, it would indeed be a disastrous decision. However, seeing Lin Mo’s serious expression made him think there could be some truth to it, prompting him to report back to the Pentagon for a thorough investigation.

“Really! You need to believe me,” Lin Mo emphasized, adding, “If you’re not satisfied, we can settle it here. Guns, grenades, machine guns, tanks, trench warfare, guerrilla warfare—choose your pick. You can gather a team; I’ll come alone. If I die, I promise my people won’t trouble you.”

And he was being completely serious, boldly laying a trap for the other side.

Attempting to grapple with the Dragon Knight without relying on high-tech military equipment would lead to only one outcome.

The Dragon Knight’s deadly traps come without a refund.