Lynn wanted to see what the Punishment Brigade would do as the main force in this offensive.
The enemy had twenty thousand troops here, along with the remnants of their previous forces, bringing their total to thirty thousand.
Their trench offensive was also better than before. They had clearly made some changes.
What were they doing?
Gathering intelligence.
People weren't stupid. They adapted—unless the organization was especially dysfunctional, like a corrupt government.
Otherwise, they would all strive to improve.
Take Prussia, for example. After Francois had beaten them badly, they voluntarily abolished serfdom and introduced Compulsory education, among other reforms.
And then there was the classic Big Bear. After losing battle after battle, they had ended up forging an elite army.
For instance, they had added a new order for the conscripted slaves, serfs, and commoners.
If they fled without orders, their families would be killed.
He also demanded changes to the trenches in response to enemy artillery and mortars.
They would dig deeper and station fewer people in each section.
The artillery had been picked off because it was exposed. So they would stop making openings and move it somewhere the enemy's Direct Firepower couldn't reach.
When too many soldiers in the first line were killed or wounded, they would bring in a fresh batch.
Actually, Mikhail had another idea: Lure the enemy in deep. Open a gap and let them push inside, then encircle them.
But the commander across from him, Lynn, was both cautious and bold.
He had just finished a major battle, yet immediately changed his approach and began a cautious advance across the entire front.
He even used the railway for logistics, rather than requisitioning food locally.
Confiscating the surrounding area's food had no effect at all.
Both sides had finished their preparations.
A new