Chapter 19 The Current Tactical Situation
While Ceid peacefully cultivated within the confines of the Azure Building, simultaneously, in an undisclosed military installation several kilometers from Asma City, a group of officers convened.
Within the confines of the underground conference room, an atmosphere thick with tension and gravity pervaded. Dozens of individuals clad in military uniforms occupied seats encircling the conference table, their expressions solemn and resolute.
Above, the fluorescent lights emitted an ominous buzz, casting stark shadows across the holographic maps scattered across the table's surface.
Crimson markers depicted the relentless advance of the beast tide in real-time, while blue markers delineated the defensive positions of various army units across multiple defense lines.
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Amidst the hushed anticipation, a grizzled veteran, his weathered visage a testament to countless battlefields, made his entrance.
Dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and a matching tie, the newcomer exuded an air of authority.
The man was garbed in the standard military white coat, indigo accents adorning the collar, cuffs, and sides.
However, what truly captured everyone's attention was the striking addition of a golden stripe encircling the cuff and golden embellishments adorning the lower portion of the collar—a design reserved exclusively for generals.
And the gold and orange stripe badge on his front left chest.
The highest-ranked officer rank in the army besides the General.
He was Lieutenant General Kael from the Eastern Military Region of Meza Republic.
With more than 150,000 soldiers under his military region, he guards the Eastern Border of the Meza Republic.
Seeing the person who walked in, everyone in the conference room immediately rose to attention, offering a salute. Yet, beneath their disciplined façades, questions and confusion flickered in their eyes.
Neither of them had anticipated that a Lieutenant General would assume command of the deployment of defense lines in Asma City.
Behind him, several other entourage accompanied him. Several Brigadier and Major Generals also took their seats at the conference table.
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After a brief introduction, a Colonel stepped ahead to give the latest report.
Soon, various reports from different scouts sent in the past few days were shown on the hologram projection and display monitors.
The Colonel elaborated that, following verification, the anticipated path of the beast horde had been established.
"Currently, the beast horde is located approximately 200 kilometers away from Asma City. We anticipate them to reach the first line of defense by tomorrow evening."
"Unfortunately, the reports paint a grim picture," he concluded, his voice gravelly. "The initial scouts underestimated the size and ferocity of this tide. We may be facing a juggernaut unlike any we've encountered before."
A tense silence descended, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the holographic projectors.
At this point, the deputy chief of the Eastern Military Region, Major General Jones, broke the stillness.
"What is the situation with our evacuation?"
In response to the query, a female Lieutenant Colonel overseeing the residents' evacuation and relocation provided an update, stating, "At present, 91% of the evacuation process has been successfully carried out."
"The remaining evacuees are en route to the city. However, due to distance and terrain challenges, progress has been slower than anticipated."
"The shelters established within the city are currently occupied at 84%, accounting for 913,414 individuals."
"With the existing shelters and provisions such as food and beverages in place, we anticipate being able to accommodate all evacuees."
Upon hearing this, the generals expressed satisfaction, nodding in agreement.
With these preparations, they could avoid needless civilian casualties during the beast tide onslaught.
Over the past 11 years of facing such crises, adequate evacuation measures have only recently been implemented. Previously, many individuals failed to reach the city walls before the beast tide breached the defense lines.
After contemplating the report's details, Lieutenant General Kael asked, "What is the status of the various frontlines?"
"The first defense line, positioned 60 kilometers from the city wall, will be tasked with defending the northeastern flank," responded a man with glasses. He was a Colonel responsible for devising tactical plans for the defense line.
As he operated the hologram projection, images of the first defense line were soon shown.
"At present, the projected path indicated that the beast horde will be advancing from the northeastern direction."
"In that direction, their progress is hindered by a narrow gorge nestled between two mountains."
"As a result, we have completed the fortification of the existing outposts on these mountains and reinforced the northeastern wall. They will bear the brunt of the initial onslaught of the beast tide."
"Recently, the battalion stationed there has been occupied with chasing away and relocating the beasts residing within a 10-kilometer radius of the northeastern outpost."
"Currently, two other battalions have been assigned to the second and third lines of defense. Dozens of detached platoons from the engineering brigade have been deployed to repair the trenches and elevated walls along the defense line.
"Temporary mobile bases have also been constructed near various military outposts.
"The completion rate for the second and third defense lines stands at 86% and 79%, respectively. It is estimated that fortification will be completed either today or tomorrow."
"According to the latest data, the relocation of beasts within a 60-kilometer radius from Asma City has been completed."
As the Colonel concluded his report, the room fell silent once more. Those present either mulled over the report, contemplating suitable tactics to confront the beast tide, while others awaited further orders.
Lieutenant General Kael silently tapped his finger rhythmically on the table, a habit that manifested whenever his mind was preoccupied.
"What about the composition of the beast horde and our army?" This time, Major General Chen, seated on the side, spoke up.
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"The tactical plan devised by the command was to initiate bombardment along the 70-kilometer line, thereby slowing the momentum that the first defense line would face at the 60-kilometer mark."
As the Colonel presented the plan, murmurs of assent rippled through the room, easing the nervous energy.
"A mere bombardment would not suffice," Major General Chen interjected, shaking his head.
Across from him, Major General Jones looked to Lieutenant General Kael for confirmation.
Receiving a nod from Lieutenant General Kael, Major General Jones directed his attention to Captain Zhang. "Captain Zhang," he called out, his gaze steady.
"Your rangers will be deployed along the first line of defense, engaging in Blitzkrieg warfare."
Amidst the assembled captains, Captain Zhang stood out with his towering presence. Nearly 2 meters tall, he exuded a sturdy and tenacious demeanor, eyes as sharp as flint.
Promptly snapping to attention upon hearing his name, Captain Zhang delivered a sharp salute. "Understood, General. My rangers are ready. We can harass their flanks, sow confusion, and hinder their progress."
"We will ensure they do not breach our perimeter."
Major General Chen, a robust officer with a rugged demeanor, scoffed. "Foolish! We don't expect you to throw your soldiers into the fray. It's akin to feeding meat to wolves. With our robust defense and comprehensive armament, we don't need you risking your life unnecessarily."
Hearing Major General Chen's admonition, Captain Zhang displayed a mix of confusion and frustration, though he maintained his determination and composure. Glancing at General Kael for support, he straightened his back, unwavering.
"Sir," he asserted firmly, "If I may defend myself, should my rangers be assigned to the front line, employing both Blitzkrieg and guerrilla tactics would be the optimal approach to impede the advancing horde."
"I understand the risks, but my rangers are versatile. We can adapt and execute our mission with precision. Please have faith in our capabilities."
His words conveyed confidence in his team, seeking trust in their abilities. It was evident that Zhang believed in his soldiers and their bond.
Lieutenant General Kael listened intently, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Many pondered why Major General Jones suggested the Blitzkrieg tactic for such a frontal confrontation.
"Major General Chen is correct," General Kael affirmed, his voice cutting through the clamor. "Defense is paramount."
"And it appears you had misunderstood our intentions. We are not assigning you to the first line of defense to engage in guerrilla tactics to delay the marching horde."
"Instead, your task is to execute the Blitzkrieg tactic and eliminate specific targets."
"What we require is agility in navigating the treacherous jungle terrain, a strength your company excels at."
Captain Zhang appeared perplexed by this revelation.
Observing his reaction, Lieutenant General Kael smiled. "Major General Jones, please clarify."
Nodding, Major General Jones continued his earlier explanation.
"When we say you will be assigned to the first defense line and conducting Blitzkrieg tactics, it does not mean you will join the defense line to resist the beast tide."
"Rather, you will remain hidden and establish an ambush point on the first defense line."
"The objective of your Blitzkrieg tactic is to target and eliminate the various leaders of the beast horde. It's a Decapitation Operation."
"We have identified several beast kings among the horde that lead the beast tide. Though their presence remains elusive, they have been exacerbating the situation."
"Given the nature of your task, I trust you understand why your team has been selected for this operation."
Captain Zhang was surprised by the details of their assignment.
Yet, he grasped the significance of their assignment amidst the precarious circumstances. And most important of all, he understood why his team was assigned to such a dangerous operation.
"Your mission is to exploit the chaos during the beast tide attack, locate these beast kings, and neutralize them."
"Of course, we do not expect you to eliminate all the beast kings during the initial confrontation at the first defense line. Be prepared for a protracted battle."
"There's always the possibility that you may track and hunt the beast kings amidst the raging horde or even find yourself trapped within it should our defenses fail."
"In such scenarios, your team's ability to swiftly navigate the jungle terrain is critical, providing the best cover for your operations."