"Pull the front line back to the Mountain Defense Line."
Horus issued his first order.
The so-called Mountain Defense Line referred to the region at the heart of the Achamanid Empire's territory, an area formed by densely packed, steep mountains.
That region was enough to drive the Pan-Pacific Empire's armored forces to despair. By the time their infantry reached the Imperial capital, their armored units were still inching through the Mountain Defense Line, until Dorn's Legion crushed them.
Behind the Mountain Defense Line established by the Achamanid centuries ago lay the capital, which meant the Legions would have to abandon a considerable stretch of territory they had already reclaimed for the Achamanid.
The Primarchs considered it a strategic necessity.
The Achamanid were also fairly reasonable. Unlike barbarians who would shit on the dining table, they would not insist that their allies, fighting on foreign soil, hold the plains outside the Mountain Defense Line to the death.
Thus, the order drew no objections.
"Dorn, Angron." Horus pointed at the tactical table, at the supply ring around the capital established by the Achamanid behind the Mountain Defense Line. "I need you to reorganize your forces here and prepare yourselves. Once we break the enemy's attack, you will serve as the main force of the counterattack. Launch it while the Legions along the defense line are taking a brief rest."
Dorn and Angron nodded.
Dorn's Legion was tenacious and brave, and excelled at offense.
Angron's Legion recruited from certain dangerous groups. Naturally, they also excelled at offense.
"What about the civilians after we pull back the line?" Guilliman raised a hand and asked. "The people rescued from the occupied areas are resting near the front. If we choose to withdraw, they cannot possibly keep pace with our retreat."
"You, Lorgar, and Ferrus will