### Chapter 15: The First Strike
The day of the attack dawned with a sense of grim determination. The alliance, now a formidable force of humans, elves, dwarves, orcs, and other races, had gathered near the criminals' base. Vikram stood at the center, coordinating the final preparations with his key allies.
Arjun, equipped with his enhanced bugs, explained the plan one last time. "We'll use the bugs as communicators to relay information and coordinate our attacks. We surround the base from all directions and strike simultaneously. Our goal is to weaken their numbers and morale before launching a full-scale assault."
Anaya, the leader of the human settlement, nodded. "We need to be smart about this. The criminals are strong and well-equipped. We can't afford to underestimate them."
Elandor, the elven leader, added, "We should use their own tactics against them. Ambushes, quick strikes, and strategic retreats. If we can isolate and take down smaller groups, we'll have a better chance when the main battle begins."
Vikram looked around at the gathered leaders and warriors. "Remember, our strength lies in our unity. Stay coordinated, stay focused, and look out for each other. Let's show these criminals what happens when they prey on the innocent."
The alliance dispersed, moving silently into their positions around the criminals' base. The enchanted bugs buzzed softly, their signals relaying real-time information to the leaders. Arjun and Elara worked together, monitoring the feeds and providing tactical support.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, the first opportunity presented itself. A small group of criminals left the base, likely on a scouting or hunting mission. Vikram relayed the information through the bugs, coordinating an ambush.
"Team Alpha, prepare to engage," Vikram ordered. "Strike quickly and retreat if necessary. We need to test their strength."
Team Alpha, consisting of humans and elves, moved into position. They launched their attack with precision, using arrows and quick strikes to catch the criminals off guard. However, the criminals fought back fiercely, their higher levels and superior equipment giving them a significant advantage.
Despite the element of surprise, Team Alpha struggled to bring down the criminals. Two of the enemies managed to escape, retreating back to their base and alerting the others.
As the day wore on, similar skirmishes played out. The alliance managed to take down a few criminals, but the losses were mounting. The criminals were cunning and ruthless, fighting with the ferocity of those who had nothing to lose.
The most devastating encounter came when a group of 25 orcs, known for their physical power, attempted to hunt a smaller group of seven criminals. The orcs attacked with brute force, their war cries echoing through the forest. But the criminals were ready.
The battle was fierce and bloody. The criminals used their superior speed and agility to outmaneuver the orcs, striking with deadly precision. Despite their strength, the orcs found themselves outmatched. One by one, they fell, their numbers dwindling rapidly.
By the end of the skirmish, only eight orcs remained, their bodies battered and bleeding. The criminals had lost only two of their own, a testament to their lethal efficiency. One of the surviving orcs, barely able to stand, managed to escape and report back to the alliance base.
"They... they were too strong," the orc gasped, collapsing to the ground. "We lost most of our group. They're better equipped and higher level than we thought."
Vikram's face was grim as he listened to the report. The reality of the situation was sinking in. The criminals were a formidable enemy, and the alliance would need to adapt quickly to survive.
Arjun, standing beside Vikram, spoke up. "We need to rethink our strategy. Direct attacks won't work if we keep taking heavy losses. We need to find a way to weaken them from within."
Vikram nodded. "You're right. We need to be smarter, more strategic. We'll use the bugs to gather more intel. We need to find their weaknesses, their supply lines, anything that can give us an advantage."
The alliance regrouping, their resolve tested but unbroken. The battle against the criminals had only just begun, and they would need to draw on all their strength and ingenuity to prevail.