Chapter 59: STRATEGY
As the cheering gradually subsided, General Maddox raised a hand, signaling for silence. The air grew tense with focus as the soldiers leaned in, eager to absorb his every word. His commanding presence shifted slightly—now less about inspiration and more about calculated precision.
"Now that we've fueled our spirits," Maddox began, his voice sharp and deliberate, "it's time to sharpen our minds. Victory in battle isn't just about courage—it's about strategy. Listen closely, because this plan will determine whether Kirkia rises victorious or falls into the hands of the enemy."
He turned to a large map spread across a tactical display table nearby. Soldiers adjusted their positions to see better as Maddox began pointing at key locations with a gloved finger.
"We're dividing our forces into eight units. Each unit will have a specific role in this assault, and it is critical that every soldier follows their orders to the letter. Timing and precision will be everything."
He gestured to the northernmost section of the map. "Unit One and Unit Two will approach from the north. Their mission is to serve as a diversion. They'll initiate the attack with heavy artillery fire and sustained bombardment. The Winko forces will expect this—they'll assume this is our main assault. Let them think that. Engage their attention and force them to concentrate their defenses on this front."
Moving his hand to the southern section of the map, he continued. "Meanwhile, Units Three and Four will move through the southern pass, where the terrain is rough and heavily forested. This area is less defended but notoriously difficult to traverse, which is why we're assigning our most agile and experienced soldiers to this route. Their objective is to flank the enemy's rear base camp, cut off their supply lines, and destroy their communication hubs. Without those, the Winko forces will crumble into chaos."
His finger traced a line to the eastern edge of the map, near a winding river. "Units Five and Six will advance along the riverbank, utilizing the natural cover provided by the terrain. This team will have our long-range sharpshooters and specialists in amphibious tactics. Your job is to eliminate enemy watchtowers, snipe high-value targets, and provide ranged support for the northern and southern units."
Finally, his finger landed on the western side of the map, where the Winko base was most heavily fortified. "Unit Seven and Unit Eight will make the direct assault on the Winko base from the west. This will be the most dangerous and critical phase of the operation. Your task is to breach their fortifications, storm their central command, and take control of the base itself. Expect heavy resistance and prepare for close-quarters combat. Your success here depends on the other units keeping the enemy spread thin. If we execute this correctly, you'll face a disorganized, weakened force instead of their full might."
Maddox straightened, his gaze sweeping across the assembled soldiers. "Remember: coordination is key. Communication lines between units must remain open at all times. If one unit falters, the entire operation could collapse. Trust your commanders, trust your training, and trust each other."
He leaned forward slightly, his voice growing quieter but no less intense. "Heaven's Garden is vast, but the Winko forces are centralized around their base. If we can take that base, the battle is ours. If we fail, we lose not only Heaven's Garden but the future of our nation. There is no room for hesitation, no room for doubt. Tonight, Kirkia's history will be written in blood and fire. Let it be our enemies' blood and their flames."
Maddox straightened once more, folding his arms across his chest. "To your positions. Assemble with your assigned units. We move at dawn."
The soldiers saluted in unison, their faces steeled with determination as the general's words echoed in their minds. The energy in the air was electric, fueled by the gravity of the mission and the razor-sharp strategy laid before them. Even Taizen and Mionara, outsiders to Kirkia's cause, felt the weight of the coming battle and the brilliance of the plan.
The soldiers began dispersing, each group retreating to their respective units to prepare for the looming battle. Taizen and Mionara followed Officer Carran, their boots crunching against the gravel as they returned to the Unit 8 staging area. The tension was palpable as they approached a group of hardened soldiers already checking their weapons and gear, the flickering light of lanterns casting shadows over the determined faces.
Carran stood tall before his squad, his authoritative voice cutting through the still night. "Listen up, Unit 8," he began, his tone commanding but measured. "We've got one of the most dangerous tasks of this entire operation. While the other units work to breach the Winko defenses and spread their forces thin, our mission is to strike at the heart of their command. We'll storm the western fortifications, hit them hard and fast, and pave the way for the rest of the army to move in. This will be brutal, but we're the best. This is why we're Unit 8."
The squad nodded in unison, murmurs of acknowledgment rippling through the group as they turned their focus back to their preparations.
Carran's eyes shifted to Taizen and Mionara, his expression growing more serious. "You two, with me," he said, gesturing for them to follow. He led them a short distance away from the others, his voice dropping to a near-whisper once they were alone.
"Taizen, Mionara," Carran began, fixing them with a steady gaze, "I've saved the most critical part of this mission for you two. The success of this battle—no, the survival of Kirkia—depends on what you're about to do."
Both Taizen and Mionara straightened, the gravity of his words sinking in.
"You're not just here to fight alongside the unit," Carran continued. "Your designated task is to assassinate the Winko general. He's the backbone of their entire operation—the one keeping their forces organized and driven. Without him, the Winko army will crumble into chaos and retreat. They'll have no choice but to withdraw from Heaven's Garden."
Carran paused, letting the weight of the assignment settle over them. "This unit was specifically chosen to assist you in reaching the general. Every move we make, every risk we take, is to clear a path for you to reach him. Once inside their command center, it's all on you. Take him out, and this battle is ours. Fail…" He didn't finish the sentence, but the implications were clear.
Taizen exchanged a glance with Mionara, their expressions steely with resolve.
Carran leaned closer, his voice low and urgent. "This is no ordinary mission. You'll be facing heavily armed guards, fortified defenses, and, if rumors are true, the general himself is no pushover. But I've seen your files. You're not ordinary fighters. That's why this job belongs to you."
He straightened, his tone softening slightly. "The fate of this battle—of Kirkia—rests in your hands. Do you understand?"
"Understood," Mionara replied firmly, her tone unwavering.
Taizen nodded, his jaw set. "We won't fail."
Carran allowed himself a faint smile, clapping them both on the shoulders. "Good. Now, gear up and get ready. We move at dawn."
The two Sicarii returned to the staging area with Carran, their focus sharper than ever as they began preparing for what could be the most crucial mission of their lives.