Even though the task had already clarified the upcoming battle, Yang Yu still couldn't refuse Dongmu's gracious invitation and attended the emergency combat meeting held by Ajiket as a military advisor.
All the generals gathered together, with Carlo from the Winged Hand Clan also in attendance.
The meeting about how to strategize the attack on Benliang City began unexpectedly and quickly reached a conclusion.
"The specific method is to utilize the capabilities of the Winged Hand Clan, select the elite, and launch a surprise aerial attack on Benliang City.
Avoid strong opponents or engage them to distract, and go all out against weaker opponents, creating chaos in the process.
We will lead the main troops to attack from the front, apply pressure, and keep them occupied.
Finally, break into the city."
Ajiket provided a concise summary of the discussion and looked around the tent,
"Does anyone have any objections?"
At the moment, Yang Yu couldn't think of a better way either.
The aerial surprise attack was a brilliant idea, as long as there were enough magicians, there was no need to worry about the humans detecting the Winged Hand Clan and launching a widespread attack.
In Wansheng Country, there were many clever beastmen whose support had enabled Wansheng Country to maintain a battle against the Luoze Empire for eight years.
Though their strategies might not always be feasible, they held certain referential value.
Many had analyzed the pros and cons of airborne warfare this time.
In the end, the surprise attack strategy was approved because they couldn't think of a better solution.
After a long wait, no one raised any objections, and the operation was decided as such.
Considering the various risks of urban warfare, this airborne operation needed real elites.
Ajiket ordered all units to rest for one day to prepare thoroughly while selecting candidates.
The Winged Hand Clan had the ability to judge a person's strength, but cooperation within the unit was essential, and the feasibility of partnering with the Winged Hand Clan in urban combat also needed to be considered, so sheer strength wasn't the only criterion for selection.
This mission tended to select the highly agile and flexible elite who could also provide some protection for the Winged Hand Clan.
Dongmu immediately thought of Yang Yu and confirmed his intention as soon as he left the tent.
"So, would you like to rest for a few days or go hard tomorrow night?"
Yang Yu couldn't have asked for more, smiling as he said, "It's rare for the general to offer another opportunity, and I naturally intend to cherish it. Besides, I'd like to experience the sensation of flying high in the sky."
"I knew you would say that. I will reserve several spots for you and the outstanding members of your unit. This winter offensive won't take much time; it will be over soon."
"If our surprise attack doesn't work, don't worry. Next year, there are plenty of ways to make humans pay, and if there's any danger, prioritize saving yourself.
...You and your unit have been on the move all day, so take a good rest today!"
"Of course, as long as the green mountains are there, there is no fear of running out of firewood. General, please rest early too."
Yang Yu still responded to Dongmu with a smile and turned back to his own tent.
The night passed without further discussion.
After a day of selection, almost fifty members from Yang Yu's unit were honorably chosen, a proportion far exceeding other units of the same rank.
Each member of the Winged Hand Clan could carry one beastman during the airborne operation, and upon landing, the Winged Hand would quickly retract their wings and assist in the attack.
This operation saw the Beastman Army dispatching generals Marco and Bing Quan as the overseers and vanguard of the airborne troops, while the remaining generals led the frontal assault, charging head-on through gunfire.
As midnight approached, all beastmen woke up to prepare.
A bit earlier, the airborne troops had already assembled at a location slightly away from the camp.
This operation was business as usual, with Yang Yu as a warrior receiving the task of distraction. It wasn't surprising, as Yang Yu was not an output-oriented profession.
Carlo stretched out his hands, and with a flash of light, his fingers suddenly elongated, covered by a purple wing membrane; he gently flapped his wings and soared high, with one loop dangling from each foot.
This position was originally meant for General Bing Quan, but after some discussion between Dongmu and Bing Quan, Carlo took Bai Jin and Yang Yu instead.
Dongmu specifically paired Yang Yu and Bai Jin together, clearly intending for Yang Yu to restrain the enemy while allowing Bai Jin to finish the battle with her high output.
Yang Yu found it hard to say whether Dongmu truly appreciated him or had an ulterior motive in making his role clear.
Regardless, what he had to do wouldn't change.
Bai Jin and Yang Yu each grabbed a loop and were thus carried into the sky by Carlo.
How to put it, this design of being tethered by a foot loop—who came up with this?
It felt like riding a bus, and then suddenly the floor of the bus disappeared, leaving one with no place to stand.
Mischievous kids might enjoy this thrill, but adults like Yang Yu felt a daunting emptiness.
Yang Yu felt like a ribbon dancing in the wind, the cold breeze brushing against his face.
Since Carlo, a member of the Winged Hand Clan, was carrying two people, Bai Jin and Yang Yu were not far apart.
Looking at Bai Jin, the cold wind blew through her golden-dyed hair. She cherished her magic wand and usually kept it out, but now she had unusually put it away, holding onto the loop with one hand.
Stealing a glance at Bai Jin, Yang Yu couldn't deny noticing her intentions.
Although he initially thought Bai Jin's feelings towards him were based on trust, as time passed, Yang Yu gradually realized her feelings were more than ordinary.
Perhaps he was reading too much into it...
But even if there was a slight possibility, he wanted to cherish this relationship.
Of course, now was not the time to discuss it, as they were in a delicate position with many eyes possibly watching.
Just because the Luoze Empire had insiders didn't mean Wansheng Country didn't.
Betrayal for personal gain was common wherever interests were involved.
Apart from Lotcar, he and Bai Jin's relationship was publicly known as that of protector and protected...
At least until the end of this war, to reduce risks to himself and the team, he needed to maintain some distance.
"If you find it uncomfortable to hold onto the loop, you can use the 'lightweight' technique you've learned."
A bit flustered, Bai Jin hid her hands, her smile tinged with helplessness,
"The flight of the Winged Hand Clan is unexpectedly stable."
Carlo wore a proud smile,
"This is a power bestowed upon us by our ancestors. When we fly through the dark night, the magic power within us forms a miraculous protection.
No matter the storm, we can fly steadily."