"You're aware of the relationship between James Barnes and Steve, right?
I've heard Steve will be coming to the frontlines for a morale-boosting performance in a couple of days. Let's wait for him to arrive before informing him about this."
Wang Ye suddenly broke the silence while studying the battlefield map.
Colonel Phillips nodded, even though he wasn't privy to this information. Since Wang Ye said it, he simply agreed.
Rubbing his chin in thought, Wang Ye picked up a pointer and gestured at three HYDRA bases marked on the map.
"Based on the current battlefield situation you've presented, these three HYDRA camps recently mobilized most of their forces to the main battlefield to engage our troops.
This means their rear bases are now at their weakest. If we deploy a small, elite force to flank them and destroy their supply bases, we can cut off their logistics.
Without supplies, their frontline troops won't last long, and our forces will easily surround and annihilate them."
"We've considered that strategy before," Phillips replied, "but reconnaissance reports show that the HYDRA bases are heavily fortified with bunkers and heavy weaponry.
Launching a direct assault would result in heavy losses and alert the enemy, making future plans even harder to execute."
Phillips handed over the latest reconnaissance photos and intelligence reports from the scouts. Wang Ye reviewed them, finding that the HYDRA bases were indeed heavily defended, as Phillips had said. However, Wang Ye smiled and responded confidently:
"A surprise attack relies on precision, not numbers. A large force would only increase the risk of exposure.
I'll lead the operation myself, taking a ten-man special assault team to carry out a surprise attack on the base."
"You? On the battlefield? Absolutely not!
It's far too dangerous. HYDRA is using advanced weapons we've never seen before—powerful, unpredictable ones. Even my best troops have suffered heavy losses.
I can't let you, the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., risk your life!"
Phillips immediately rejected the idea. The strange and futuristic nature of HYDRA's weaponry made it unthinkable to let Wang Ye, a crucial figure, undertake such a perilous mission.
"You made this mistake, and it must be rectified. Now that I'm here, I'll see it through.
Do you expect an old man like you to lead the charge on the frontlines?
I've made my decision. Don't try to stop me."
Wang Ye's eyes narrowed as he stared directly at Phillips. The colonel, unable to meet his unyielding gaze, relented with a resigned nod.
The Soldiers
"Attention! Stand at ease! Right face! Eyes forward!"
Colonel Phillips and Wang Ye stood before ten battle-hardened elite soldiers.
"Captain Wang Ye, they're yours now," Phillips said.
Wang Ye stepped forward, his demeanor changing instantly. The soldiers felt an overwhelming chill, as though they had been plunged into an icy abyss. Their hairs stood on end as they stared in shock at this young officer they had underestimated.
"Well," Wang Ye began, "let me introduce myself. I'm Wang Ye—Captain Wang.
You may also call me Captain Wang Ye. I am now your commanding officer.
I don't care about your past achievements or failures. I don't even want to know your names right now."
He stepped closer, his presence becoming even more commanding.
"From now on, count off from left to right as numbers one through ten and remember your number.
You will accompany me on a mission with no backup, no resupply, and everything reliant on our own capabilities.
This mission is critical and will directly influence the outcome of the frontline battle.
If we succeed and return alive, you'll have the honor of being celebrated as heroes of the people, the finest warriors, and role models for the entire army.
But there's also a chance of failure and death.
If anyone wishes to withdraw, you may do so without penalty.
You have three seconds to decide. Those staying, move to the left. Those leaving, remain where you are."
The moment Wang Ye finished speaking, all ten soldiers stepped to the left in unison.
"Excellent!
You've made a smart choice.
Now, head to the logistics department to collect your gear. Regroup here in five minutes. Dismissed!"
Phillips, observing Wang Ye's speech and the soldiers' response, couldn't help but be astonished. In that instant, Wang Ye seemed like a different person—an imposing, cold, and commanding leader.
Enemy Rear Base
A massive HYDRA supply camp lay hidden within a dense forest, surrounded by towering walls with a single heavily guarded entrance.
Two bunkers flanked the gate, and four menacing tanks stood watch.
Suddenly, dozens of smoke grenades arced out from the forest, raining down on the camp entrance.
Thick smoke enveloped the area, blinding HYDRA's soldiers. In the confusion, they fired wildly in all directions, their shots aimless and ineffective.
Before the smoke cleared, a second wave of high-explosive grenades flew into the cloud, followed by deafening explosions.
The HYDRA soldiers caught in the chaos fell silent.
At that moment, Wang Ye, dressed in green camouflage and wielding an AK assault rifle, charged out of the forest. Alone, he launched a direct assault on the camp.
The few surviving HYDRA soldiers at the entrance barely had time to react before Wang Ye's precise gunfire ended their lives.
Reaching the gate, Wang Ye pulled two enhanced high-explosive grenades provided by Howard Stark from his belt and tossed them into the bunkers.
The tanks, which had yet to prove their worth, had already been reduced to smoldering wrecks in the earlier bombardment.
With a thunderous explosion, the bunkers collapsed under the power of the enhanced grenades.
As Wang Ye continued shooting at HYDRA reinforcements emerging from the camp, he fired a flare into the sky.
Seeing the signal, the ten soldiers waiting in the forest immediately charged out, weapons at the ready, shouting their battle cry:
"Take them down!"
(To be continued...)
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09