The battlefield trembled as the Germanican 3rd Armored Division advanced, their massive tanks kicking up clouds of dust as they rolled forward. Brigadier General Friedrich Volenbaum, the traditionalist commander of the division, was the key to the operation. Caius knew that Volenbaum was not a skilled KPA pilot, but he was heavily protected by his elite guard of Germanican Knight Power Armors. Volenbaum's command KPA, an upgraded Jaeger-class called the Jagdaufseher, stood at the center of the division.
Caius's gaze locked onto the Jagdaufseher. If they could eliminate Volenbaum, the division would fall into disarray. Part of the force would likely rout, while the rest might try to push forward and complete their mission, but the loss of their commander would be a significant blow.
"Volenbaum's the target," Caius said through the comms to the 299th. "We take him out, and the rest will crumble."
The Commonwealth forces were operating without a central command unit, each lieutenant leading their squad independently. Caius knew this gave them flexibility, but it also meant that precise coordination was critical. He opened the shared channel to the other lieutenants.
"Lieutenants, focus on Volenbaum. If we eliminate him, the division will be vulnerable," Caius said. "We can't let him hold the line."
Lieutenant Varik of the 166th responded first. "Understood, Rest. We'll push toward his position, but those tanks will make it hard to reach him."
"We don't need to take out the whole division," Caius replied, his eyes narrowing as the tactical display lit up. "Just Volenbaum. Once he's down, they'll fall apart."
The 299th moved into position, flanking the advancing Germanican tanks. The other squads followed suit, their KPAs darting between cover, avoiding the powerful rounds fired by the armored units. As the tanks rumbled forward, Caius spotted the Jagdaufseher standing further back, surrounded by its defensive KPA squad.
"They're not moving yet," Victor remarked. His Sun Chaser was already weaving through the battlefield, firing at the tanks' weak points with precise shots. "They're waiting for Volenbaum to give the order."
"They won't charge until Volenbaum does," Caius muttered. The Germanican KPA squad was stationed to protect their commander. As long as he stayed back, they wouldn't engage. That was the flaw in Volenbaum's old-fashioned thinking—he was too cautious, unwilling to put himself at risk.
"299th, we'll draw their fire," Caius ordered, pushing the Death Knight forward. "Linik, take up a sniper position. I want eyes on Volenbaum at all times. Victor, get ready to flank."
"Copy that, Commander," Linik's voice came through the comms. His Retina class KPA shifted into position, setting up for long-range support.
The Commonwealth KPAs began their assault, their heavy firepower slamming into the Germanican tanks. The tanks were faster than the KPAs, but the Commonwealth squads were far more agile, weaving through their lines and taking down key units with pinpoint accuracy.
Caius's rifle fired, the ESB tearing through the armor of a Germanican tank. It exploded in a burst of flame, but there were still many more pushing forward.
"Volenbaum's not moving," Linik reported. "He's staying behind the main line."
Caius cursed under his breath. They had to force Volenbaum to move, to break his defensive stance. His KPA might have heavy armor, but the Jagdaufseher wasn't built for speed. If they could separate him from his guard and the division, they could take him down with much less effort.
"Victor, we need to force them out," Caius said, his eyes scanning the battlefield for an opening. "Hit the tanks near his position. Make it look like we're going for him."
Victor's voice crackled through the comms. "On it, Commander."
The Sun Chaser darted forward, its golden armor gleaming as it sped toward the tanks protecting Volenbaum. Victor unleashed a barrage of fire, his precision shots slamming into the tanks and causing chaos in the ranks. The Germanican tanks shifted, trying to protect their commander, but the maneuver caused a gap in their formation.
"Linik, fire!" Caius shouted.
Linik's Retina class KPA fired a single, precise shot. The round hit the Jagdaufseher's shoulder, staggering Volenbaum's KPA but not doing any significant damage. It was enough, though—the Germanican commander reacted.
The Jagdaufseher moved forward, its heavy frame lumbering into motion. The Germanican KPA squad followed closely behind, forming a protective wall around Volenbaum.
"He's coming out," Linik reported. "They're moving."
"Good," Caius muttered, his heart racing. "299th, get ready. We're taking him down."
The Death Knight surged forward, its rifle powering up. The other Commonwealth squads followed suit, their KPAs moving to intercept Volenbaum's unit. The air crackled with energy as the battle escalated, explosions rocking the battlefield as both sides exchanged fire.
Caius kept his eyes locked on the Jagdaufseher. This was it—the moment that would decide the outcome of the battle. If they could take out Volenbaum, the division would collapse.
"Victor, flank left. Linik, cover us," Caius ordered.
The Sun Chaser darted to the left, its weapons firing at the Germanican KPAs protecting Volenbaum. Linik's sniper fire provided cover, keeping the enemy units off balance as the 299th closed in.
Caius pushed the Death Knight into range. His rifle fired again, the round slamming into one of the Germanican KPAs. The unit, a light-KPA, crumpled under the impact, but Volenbaum's Jagdaufseher kept moving, its heavy armor absorbing the incoming fire.
"Go for the joints!" Caius shouted. "We need to disable him!"
The Commonwealth KPAs focused their fire, targeting the Jagdaufseher's weak points. Volenbaum's KPA staggered as one of its legs buckled under the assault.
"Almost there," Victor called out. His Sun Chaser moved in, launching a final barrage of shots at the Jagdaufseher's exposed side.
The round hit its mark. Volenbaum's KPA lurched forward, its systems failing as smoke billowed from its damaged frame.
"He's down!" Caius shouted over the comms. "Volenbaum's down!"
The battlefield went quiet for a brief moment as the Germanican forces realized their commander had fallen. Chaos erupted as part of the division began to rout, while others attempted to regroup and push forward.
"299th, regroup and prepare for the clean-up," Caius ordered. "This battle's not over yet."
The Commonwealth forces had dealt a heavy blow, but the fight wasn't over. With Volenbaum gone, the Germanican forces were disorganized, but some of them were still pressing forward, determined to complete their mission.
Caius knew they had gained the upper hand, but they would need to press their advantage to secure victory.