The landing battle continued until dusk, and night drew a comma across the battle. By then, the Russian army had successfully landed and established a camp.
News of the victory had reached the Allied command headquarters in Constantinople along with the returning airship force. The celebration banquet had already begun, but Arest, the commander-in-chief, did not attend the festivities.
According to reports from the airship force, the Russian army had also paid a considerable price during the landing. One troop transport had even been hit by an enemy shell and had nearly sunk inside the harbor.
With their firepower completely suppressed and bombs falling from the sky, the defenders had still mounted an effective counterattack. That alone was enough to prove that those defending the city were no useless rabble.
If the defenders were smart enough, they would fall back and set up new defenses. Naval guns had limited range, after all. If they withdrew just a little farther, the shells would no longer be able to reach them.
Once close-quarters fighting began in the field, airship bombardment would lose its usefulness as well. The moment both sides became entangled in a melee, no one would dare drop bombs anymore. No one could bear the responsibility of accidentally harming friendly forces.
Arest understood this, but he did not bring it up and spoil the mood. The ones dying were Russians anyway. The Russian commanders were not afraid of casualties, so why should he worry?
He silently reported his analysis to the Vienna Government. Arest ordered the navy and airship force to continue attacking Ottoman Empire coastal cities, while all fighting in the Ava region was left to the Russians to command themselves.
At midnight, the Ankara palace was brightly lit. News of the Allied landing in the Ava region had