Whoosh!
Around 7:00 a.m., in the central-western region of Golden Lion Territory.
Black tires crushed wildly over the uneven grassland, sending yellow earth swirling through the wind.
Inside the gray jeep at the center of the convoy, Davis Bacht, commander of the Allied Forces' 501st Division 2nd Brigade, watched the scenery rush past outside. Recalling the mission he had been assigned, he could not help but frown slightly.
He had originally believed that in this surprise assault, he would lead the 2nd Combined Brigade in an advance against the enemy city. In reality, however, General Roxy had reassigned the 2nd Brigade's soldiers, reducing the force from its original 5,000 men to 3,000.
Although the crucial heavy artillery battalion had remained intact, the Heavy Composite Battalion had been cut from four units to two, halving their firepower outright.
Since their spies had been completely wiped out by the enemy, they still had no idea how many Imperial Army soldiers were stationed in Fang City.
But Davis estimated that there could not be fewer than 2,000.
With the defensive advantage of the city, even if the Independent 3rd Division was weak, taking the city with their current forces would likely cost them dearly.
"Even so, as long as we can cut off the enemy's retreat, sever their supply lines, and complete the final encirclement, every sacrifice will be worth it."
Davis sighed inwardly. Just as he was about to take out the map and inspect it again, hoping to locate the enemy's supply transfer station and treatment point so they could eliminate more enemy troops—
A crackle of static came through his communication device. Then he received a report that left him frozen on the spot.
"Report, Brigade Commander. Three minutes ago, our Reconnaissance Unit obtained intelligence from a civilian Beastfolk village.