"According to the intel reaching me, the Kellermans have created a secret route between their fief and ours. It allows them to move thousands of troops relatively unnoticed. Because of this, it has been difficult to pinpoint their exact location. However, we do know the general area." Alex said as he drew three circles on the map.
"We believe the Kellerman Army has split into three units: an advance vanguard, a main force, and a rear guard. Beyond that, we know very little about their actual composition.
"In other words, we don’t have the faintest idea of the true threat bearing down on our homes.
"Our objective is to change that."
Alex’s gaze swept the tent.
"This will be very dangerous for everyone involved. But it is a necessary danger that we must walk into."
The officers exchanged grim looks and nodded.
"Now, our objectives. Our unit is technically a scout detachment. So, it goes without saying that one of our priorities is to locate the Kellerman forces and evaluate their strength," Alex continued.
Then, to their surprise, he turned toward Lieutenant Cross.
"Lieutenant, I will leave this in your charge. Determine how many men you require and report back to me. Your mission will be to locate and evaluate the Kellerman Army’s main force.
"While this is indeed dangerous, you are one of the most experienced in our unit. I believe you are the best suited for this task among us."
Lieutenant Cross’s gaze hardened, his jaw tightening. After a moment, he gave a firm nod.
"By your will, General."
Alex returned the nod solemnly. Follow current novels on ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
This was just one of many difficult decisions he would have to make for this operation. Sending a peak Intermediate-ranked warrior to track an enemy whose average strength likely surpassed that rank was almost the same as sending him to his death.
But Alex believed Cross could do it. The lieutenant wouldn’t be alone, and Alex wasn’t asking him to fight the Kellerman army—only to track them.
More often than not, tracking and reconnaissance demanded skill and experience over sheer power. And Lieutenant Cross, despite his limited strength, had proven himself again and again in these areas.
That was why Alex trusted him with this mission.
’It feels like I’m punishing him for being good at his job.’ Alex sighed inwardly.
Another reason he had chosen Lieutenant Cross over the other officers was, ironically, because of his weakness.
If Cross were ever captured, his low rank and limited strength would make it difficult for the enemy to suspect that their plans had already been intercepted. After all, what were the odds that the Fury family would send a mere Intermediate ranker on such an important tracking and reconnaissance mission?
He turned to the gathered officers.
"While the Lieutenant and his team handle reconnaissance on the Kellermans’ Advance and Main forces, the rest of the company will focus on locating their Rear force.
"Unlike the Lieutenant’s task, ours is simple—when we find them, we destroy them."
"This is our top priority." Alex’s voice was firm.
The officers nodded solemnly.
"How do you want to do this, General?" Colonel Hoist asked.
"The Rear force should be made up of about three supply units and a siege unit," Alex said, studying the map. "Given the terrain, it’s unlikely they’ll move together as one formation.
"They’ll likely push the siege weapons ahead quickly while the supply units lag behind, establishing and maintaining the supply line."
Alex raised his gaze from the map, sweeping it across the room.
"Our main goal will be to cut down those supply units and cripple the line they’re building."
"Shouldn’t we be targeting the siege weapons instead?" Laura asked.
"Depending on the type and number of siege weapons they’re bringing, it may be too dangerous for a company of our size to tackle them head-on. The supply units are softer targets that still allow us to seriously disrupt their war effort," Major Jaeger replied.
"Exactly," Alex nodded. "Even if we could attack the siege unit, we won’t. They actually serve a greater purpose if left unharmed.
"We need those weapons to remain in play. Once we eliminate their supply unit, the siege weapons will turn into a burden on the Kellerman Army. By the time they realise the supply chain is gone, those machines of war will already have eaten a massive hole in their remaining resources."
Laura didn’t look convinced about leaving the siege weapons in play, but she accepted there was little their unit could realistically do about them.
Alex suddenly smiled.
"Don’t worry about matters beyond your control. When the sky falls, it will be up to the higher-ups to hold it back up," he said cryptically.
Laura only nodded perfunctorily, but Lieutenant Cross studied him closely.
He had served under the youth long enough to know what that smile meant—Alex already had something hidden up his sleeve. Whatever trick it was, Cross wisely chose not to ask.
The grim-faced Colonel Hoist leaned over the map and pointed at the circles Alex had drawn.
"So, to recap, General. You want the main company to bypass the Kellerman Army and strike their rear from behind?"
"Exactly." Alex nodded.
He pointed at a region northwest of the Kellerman fief, where Exercitus Alexii and the Wildkin were currently clashing.
"We’ll sever their supply lines from here, then move upward, eliminating the supply units one by one. This way, their main force will remain unaware, believing everything is intact for as long as possible."
Colonel Hoist nodded.
Together, he, Major Jaeger, and Lieutenant Cross offered suggestions, refining the plan.
After half an hour, a concrete military strategy was prepared.
"Good. Begin preparations. We’ll be moving a lot in the coming days—make sure the troops know and are ready," Alex said, closing the meeting.
Just as the officers were about to leave, Alex turned to Laura.
"By the way, Laura... do you remember the two options I gave you when you first became my adjutant?"
[A.N: If you’ve forgotten, check Chapters 145 and 146. Ah, the good ol’ days...]
"While it is yet uncertain if you won’t stab in the back, I should at least give up something to look forward to after this mission." Alex said.
"Will you be reducing the duration of my branch’s servitude to the Family?" Laura asked, hopeful.
"I’m only asking for the children yet to come of age! We adults will bear the full punishment for our actions," Laura pleaded, desperate now.
But Alex still shook his head.