Into the Forest Again (2)

Early the next morning, Ang woke before dawn. He quietly slipped out of the tent. The morning air was fresh and cold, making him shiver. He silently headed toward the mess hall, intending to eat breakfast alone.

On the way, Ang first went to check on Lika and Enbei. They were both still deeply asleep. After the brutal battle, they clearly needed more rest. Standing outside their tent, Ang saw through the faint morning light that Enbei's sleeping face was filled with melancholy, his brows slightly furrowed as he looked uneasy and exhausted.

Captain Lika looked even more anxious and burdened. Since he had gone to sleep yesterday, his brows had never relaxed. Ang recalled the first time he had met Lika and realized that his brow had always been tightly knit, as if he carried immense pressure and responsibility.

Ang sighed silently to himself. He knew Lika's pressure came from his sense of responsibility toward his team members and his fear of the Demons. As a squad leader, Lika had to remain alert and strong at all times, but this constant pressure had clearly affected him deeply.

Not wanting to disturb their rest, Ang turned and headed toward the mess hall. It was already bustling inside, smoke curling up from the cooking fires as the faint scent of food filled the air. He took a simple breakfast and sat quietly in a corner to eat.

Though the food was simple, Ang ate with satisfaction. He knew maintaining his strength and mental state was the key to facing the challenges ahead. After breakfast, he stood and decided to patrol around the camp to make sure everything was safe.

The morning light gradually brightened, and the camp slowly awakened. Ang was still filled with worries about the future, but he also knew that only through constant effort and perseverance could he survive in this dangerous world.

The Logistics Regiment had more than five hundred people in total, divided into three brigades. Each brigade consisted of six companies, and each company was divided into three squads. The exact organization was: seven people per squad, twenty-one per company, and one hundred twenty-six per brigade.

The entire regiment was led by Regiment Commander Queby. The First Brigade was under Grunak, the Second Brigade was commanded by Wugrey, and the Third Brigade was led by Schumacher. The combat personnel of the Logistics Regiment numbered around four hundred, including the regiment commander and his guard unit.

In addition, the Logistics Regiment was equipped with various support personnel, including those responsible for managing horses, maintaining equipment, and treating the wounded. These support personnel played a crucial role in battle, providing solid backing for the soldiers on the front line.

Ang and Lika's group belonged directly to the First Brigade. Their previous mission had also been carried out by Grunak leading half of the First Brigade's personnel.

Inside Regiment Commander Queby's tent, the lamps burned brightly as the various officers of the Logistics Regiment gathered together. A tense, oppressive atmosphere hung over everyone. Queby stood before a map, his expression grave as his finger traced lines across it.

"Everyone," Queby began, his voice low but firm, "the Duchy's Second, Third, and Fourth Frontline Logistics Regiments will arrive near our camp tonight. According to orders from the Military Department, we will soon be entering the forest again."

The atmosphere inside the tent grew even heavier. Everyone knew how difficult this mission would be. Queby continued, "The objective of this mission is to open a route leading into the heart of the battlefield. Our Eighth Logistics Regiment will be responsible for the main assault, while the other three regiments will cooperate with us to complete the task."

Grunak, commander of the First Brigade, frowned. After considering it carefully, he asked, "Commander, the threat of the Demons still remains. This mission is extremely dangerous. How can we ensure our safety?"

Queby nodded and replied, "We will formulate a detailed battle plan and strengthen our defenses. Reconnaissance squads will scout ahead and report the situation at all times. Every company must be prepared to deal with unexpected circumstances."

Wugrey, commander of the Second Brigade, added, "We need more weapons and defensive equipment to ensure that every soldier receives adequate protection."

Queby nodded in agreement. "The logistics department is already preparing them. We will provide the best equipment possible. In addition, medical teams will accompany us to ensure the wounded can receive treatment in time."

Schumacher, commander of the Third Brigade, said, "We need to maintain close contact with the other three regiments and ensure information flows freely. Any situation must be reported immediately."

Queby's gaze was resolute as he looked around at everyone in the tent. "This mission concerns the strategic deployment of the entire front line. We must give it everything we have. I hope everyone prepares thoroughly, unites as one, and completes this difficult mission."

After the meeting ended, the officers left the tent one after another and began arranging the specific preparations.

Grunak stood in the center of the camp, with a makeshift command platform that had just been erected behind him. The soldiers of the First Brigade had all been gathered, including those who had only withdrawn from the forest yesterday. Every face was weary, but they all knew the new mission was imminent. There was no time to rest.

"Listen up!" Grunak's voice echoed through the camp, drawing everyone's attention. He looked around at the weary yet determined eyes before him and felt a surge of emotion.

"Regiment Commander Queby has just assigned us a new mission," Grunak continued, a trace of heaviness in his voice. "We will soon be entering the forest again. This mission will be more difficult and dangerous than any before it."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Everyone was filled with doubts and concern over the mission ahead. Grunak raised a hand for silence and continued, "This time, we will join the other Logistics Regiments in opening a route into the heart of the battlefield. This route is vital to the front line's strategic deployment and will determine the outcome of the entire Battle Situation."

Ang stood among the crowd, feeling the tension and unease of his companions around him. His own heartbeat quickened. Thinking of the battle ahead and the threat of the Demons, he could not help feeling nervous.

"I know everyone has been through difficult battles and is exhausted in both body and mind," Grunak said, warmth entering his tone. "But now, we need to stand up again. We will not be fighting alone. The Second, Third, and Fourth Logistics Regiments will arrive tonight and complete this mission with us."

The soldiers exchanged glances. Though they were still nervous, they felt somewhat reassured. Joining forces with the other Logistics Regiments undoubtedly gave them greater confidence.

"We will formulate a detailed battle plan and strengthen reconnaissance and defense," Grunak continued. "Every company and squad must make full preparations to ensure the operation proceeds smoothly."

He paused, his resolute gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Remember, we are not merely completing a mission. We are protecting our homes and families. We must unite and overcome every difficulty."

The soldiers' gazes became resolute. They knew that although this mission would be difficult, it was also filled with honor and responsibility. Grunak's call restored their confidence, and they prepared themselves for the challenge ahead.

After gathering the officers of the First Brigade, Grunak immediately convened a pre-battle meeting. The atmosphere inside the tent was grave as everyone sat together and discussed the mission ahead.

"Our First Brigade suffered heavy losses in the previous mission," Grunak said in a low voice, his eyes filled with sorrow and determination. "We now have fewer than a hundred people left in the entire brigade."

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions grew heavy. They knew the situation was dire, but no one shrank back. All of them waited for Grunak's further instructions.

"After discussing it with the regiment commander, we have decided that in the upcoming mission, the First Brigade will be responsible for security while the route is being opened," Grunak continued, his voice carrying a note of reassurance. "You will not need to take part in the exhausting physical labor. Instead, you must ensure the safety of the entire force."

The soldiers looked at one another. Though they still felt uneasy, they also felt a slight sense of relief. After all, they had just gone through a brutal battle, and both their bodies and minds needed time to recover.

"Our task is to protect the Logistics Regiments opening the route," Grunak emphasized. "We must remain highly vigilant and ensure that no enemy can approach our force. Any unusual situation must be reported immediately."

Everyone nodded, understanding their responsibilities. Though they would not take part in the heavy labor, that did not mean the task would be easy. As the security force, they had to remain alert at all times and ensure the safety of the entire operation.

"We must recover our strength as quickly as possible," Grunak said, his gaze firm. "Make the most of your time to rest and replenish your energy. Prepare yourselves for the new challenge. We cannot let anyone down."

The soldiers dispersed to make the necessary preparations and rest. Ang returned to his tent. Though he was still nervous, he also felt a sense of responsibility and purpose. He knew the upcoming mission would be difficult, but as long as everyone stood united, they would surely complete it successfully.

The camp gradually returned to calm. Morning sunlight fell across everyone's faces, bringing a hint of warmth and hope.