Dandelion Campaign Plan

Around noon, the weather in Cloud Fang City turned gloomy, and a light rain began to fall.

The orc actors, who were rehearsing, rolled up their scripts and stuffed them into their pockets. The orcs making props carried paint and water-sensitive sets into a first-floor room.

Afterwards, everyone squatted in a row under the eaves, holding their bowls, and began to eat lunch.

The Hebana shook the raindrops off its shoulders and came to Su Ming.

"Boss, the rainy season is just around the corner." He rubbed his hands together and tentatively asked, "Do you think we could build a shed in the yard?"

It's January now, and autumn is beginning in the Southern Hemisphere.

This rain is still light; various tropical storms will follow, bringing a range of severe convective weather.

Without any obstruction, rehearsals in the theater would be disrupted and interrupted.

Su Ming frowned after hearing this, his face showing impatience.

How much money do you need?

Hebana quickly said:

"We'll do the work ourselves, even if it's a bit hard." "We just need to buy some wood, felt, and things like that."

Su Ming tossed out a few gold coins.

"That's all the money we have to buy materials."

The Hebana immediately accepted it, his face beaming with joy.

"That's enough, that's enough! It covers half the yard!"

He turned around and quickly told people to go to the market, not even bothering to eat.

****

The Earth Support Team's weather group submitted a report to Su Ming.

"The force affecting Water Chestnut Island this time is a tropical depression."

On the animated image, color blocks representing airflow and precipitation are slowly moving across the sea near Water Chestnut Island.

The central wind force is level 7, the area is not large, and the resulting rainfall will end tomorrow.

The expert went on to report another matter, "Based on the criteria you proposed, a suitable weather window for launching a campaign is expected to appear in about twenty days."

"However, long-term predictions in this area cannot be made with precision."

The meteorological team collected all available records about weather from the Taya, but these records were scattered and disorganized, with much of the content mixed with rituals and divination, making them very unsystematic.

Based on their observations over this period and their analysis of real-time meteorological data, they managed to establish a preliminary model.

However, tropical cyclones themselves are highly random and unpredictable.

Su Ming nodded, indicating that he understood.

He switched to the communication interface.

This is a large-scale joint military conference held in multiple locations. Officers from various factions within the Taya Allied Forces will participate.

Most of them are located in the military affairs hall on Three Peaks Island, while some are in the land command center of the Star Empire.

Su Ming was alone.

The background he was in had been replaced with the towering factory buildings of the Ruby Base, and Su Ming was walking through the factory corridors.

The passing Final Bone Mad Machines Fiends all bowed to him. Su Ming arrived at the base's administrative center, where his secretary brought him documents, poured him tea, and then left the office.

The expensive wooden door closed with a soft click.

All the officers of the Taya Allied Forces present were completely fooled by the natural and smooth visuals, without having any other thoughts.

This is an innocent world untouched by AI videos, Su Ming thought with emotion.

****

Su Ming sat down in the chair, without taking the tea that didn't even exist beside him.

He glanced around and saw that everyone had arrived, then signaled for the meeting to begin.

Katharine chaired the meeting, during which all parties reported on their progress and exchanged information on their preparations.

This issue was finally summarized by Ainuobia, who was in charge of foreign affairs.

"Currently, 65% of the participating troops from various countries have been assembled and are undergoing acclimatization training."

"Logistical supplies availability rate: 50%."

The Dwarf Kingdom's Marshal Molten Heart and the military commanders of various countries exchanged opinions and then concluded, "Based on the current progress, we recommend that the landing operation be launched two months from now!"

This time was roughly in line with everyone's expectations, but someone immediately raised a question:

What if a typhoon hits at that time?

Two months from now, the Southern Hemisphere will fully enter its peak storm season, at which time typhoons will randomly appear at the highest frequency and scale of the year.

"Yes, if we encounter a typhoon head-on, our troops will be damaged and our warships will capsize!" another person said worriedly.

On islands, typhoons are the most terrifying disaster.

Most of the soldiers participating in the war are only Low Rank combatants; they will have difficulty even surviving, let alone fighting.

Katharine reassured everyone:

"Don't worry, we now have methods to monitor large-scale weather."

She projected a simplified satellite cloud image onto the screen.

From a high altitude, large swaths of clouds are moving at high speed across the blue planet of Taya.

The thickness of the clouds, and even the developing rain bands, were all clearly visible.

"This is the weather situation we see through satellite."

Katharine introduced herself to everyone.

"We can not only see the real-time weather for the entire area, but also predict weather changes over the next period of time based on this data."

"This will allow us to avoid the storm and launch a landing operation!"

The venue was quiet for a moment, then erupted into chaos.

Many officers stood up from their seats.

The sky was laid out and became part of the military map—how magnificent!

"This is the real Heavenly Eye!" someone couldn't help but exclaim.

"Do you have data for all of Taya?" someone asked, their intentions obvious.

Ainuobia quickly stood up and spoke.

"Please don't be impatient, everyone." "After this battle, the First Sunrise Republic will open up civilian weather information and provide forecasts."

Her smile was very gentle, a standard business demeanor.

"Of course, this service requires payment and is guaranteed to be used only for civilian purposes."

Whether it's truly for "civilian use" is another matter, but there will certainly be many accompanying political conditions.

"For specific details, you can consult with First Sunrise, the Minister of Foreign Affairs!"

****

After everyone's excitement subsided slightly, they quickly began discussing the application of this technology in the current battle.

"We can launch an attack a week before the storm."

Someone suggested that...

"This way, after we quickly seize coastal strongholds, we can use the weather to strike the enemy's counter-attacking forces."

Others have suggested alternative approaches:

"We can also land right after a strong storm, catching the enemy off guard." "The enemy has just weathered a storm; their city defenses and coastal camps will inevitably be in disarray."

Molten Heart the discussion was getting more and more off-topic, Rongxin interrupted:

"Once everyone has fully developed their tactical plans in this regard, they can submit them to the General Staff in writing."

"Now, let's continue preparing for the next issue!"

****

Even with the best efforts to simplify, there are simply too many things that need to be coordinated between countries.

The Federation took more than two hours to conclude, involving extensive information exchange and authority delineation.

The large meeting then split into smaller sessions, with each faction and department responsible for specific implementation.

Xialike, Zhapulai, Katharine, Magelaili, Beianqi, Younier entered a private online meeting room.

"The plan remains unchanged."

Su Ming got straight to the point and told everyone.

"We'll seize the opportunity of a tropical storm and launch Dandelion Airborne Operation Plan on Water Chestnut Island!" In order to overwhelm the enemy in one fell swoop, the scale of "Dandelion" deployment is extremely large, making it impossible to equip it with sufficient powered airlift equipment.

Utilizing wind power is essential.

In order to allow such a large-scale airborne force to evade enemy observation, sufficient speed and the cover of thick clouds are also essential.

Only Magelaili was taken aback.

She was the only one among the attendees who was only recently informed.

"Therefore, the real battle will be waged by the First Sunrise Republic— "

She glanced at Xialike was also attending the meeting.

"To launch a separate attack with the elite forces of the Star Empire?"

"Yes."

Katharine told her that the coalition forces currently stationed on Three Peaks Island were only intended as a diversionary force and a backup measure.

The battle plan just announced at the conference is nothing but a deception.

They will be deliberately dispersed to ensure they are captured by the Plundering Clock's hidden agents, thus paralyzing the enemy. "That's great." Magelaili visibly relaxed.

"I'm also worried that even with weather forecasts, launching a land attack during typhoon season is still too dangerous!"

"Of course," Zhapulai laughed.

"You Pansy are certainly not afraid."

"But for us sailing warships, it's really difficult."

The occurrence and movement of typhoons are highly random, and weather forecasts cannot actually provide a sufficiently long warning period.

In addition, ships need to dock to avoid strong winds and waves.

Sailing ships are inherently slow, and this back-and-forth action wastes all the time, leaving the operational window extremely narrow.

"Aren't you going to tell Molten Heart the detailed battle plan?" Katharine asked.

She said worriedly.

"Once the Dandelion operation is launched, the Allied forces must also forcefully activate their own operations to coordinate with it."

"No need," Xialike said confidently. "Molten Heart was just playing dumb at the conference."

"Otherwise, they would never have come up with such a slow plan to launch the campaign two months later."

For a renowned marshal, providing only two months for preparation is indeed a bit slow.

****

Just then, someone knocked on Katharine's door.

The meeting was adjourned.

Katharine opened the door, and Molten Heart came over, handing her an emergency plan.

Katharine glanced at it and saw that it said that in about twenty days, the coalition forces could launch a half-scale forced landing operation.

"I've analyzed the relevant data," Molten Heart said simply. "I'll give you a look and provide some tactical references."

Then she didn't say anything more and left.

Katharine spread the reports out to everyone.

In the forms submitted by Molten Heart, in addition to those for twenty days, there were also those for thirty, forty, and fifty days, corresponding to different landing force sizes and plans. The available troop deployments, fleet order of battle, and the resulting logistical pressures were all clearly listed.

Like a calculation table.

Xialike burst into laughter.

"See, I told Molten Heart knew exactly what was going on in her mind."

"That's good too," Su Ming praised.

****

The meeting then continued.

Su Ming has released a typhoon forecasting schedule.

It took Xialike a while to understand.

"In other words, the tropical storms with winds of force 8 to 9 required by the ' Dandelion ' project have a high probability of forming within the next 20 to 40 days."

"Yes," Su Ming said, "The specific data will be updated regularly based on satellite cloud imagery."

"We will know about it three days in advance." Current combat troops and equipment are converging on the target island and are expected to be in place within twenty days.

Three days of preparation time is sufficient for launching a surprise attack.

"Where will the troops be deployed?" Beianqi asked.

Su Ming unfolded the map of Water Chestnut Island, zoomed in on the area near Cloud Fang City, and pointed to the side.

Blackstone Mine.

"Attack Cloud Fang City immediately after the troops land!"

Apart from Katharine, who already knew about the plan, everyone else looked surprised.

Beianqi and Magelaili even gasped.

"Put the blade straight into the enemy's heart!" Beianqi's eyes gleamed.

"Very good." A long-suppressed fighting spirit appeared on Zhapulai's face.

"The score with the Plundering Clock can finally be settled!"

"The Star Empire must avenge its deceased king!" Xialike couldn't help but nudge him with his elbow.

Didn't the two of them know how the late King Lorenzo died?

****

Xialike coughed lightly.

"Su Ming, you're getting a bit stuck in a pattern."

Tactical deception, striking at the heart of the enemy—this applies to both fighting goblins and attacking the Temple of Light.

"It's just basic stuff," Su Ming said.

"Otherwise, how are we going to manage to stay on such a large island after traveling all the way across the ocean?"

The Taya Allied Forces, including frontline and logistical support, have over a million personnel involved in the fighting, consuming massive amounts of resources every day.

However, the Plundering Clock on Water Chestnut Island can be continuously replenished by relying on the local population, using the worthless lives of orcs to fill the gaps.

As long as the Allied Forces' morale is worn down, the Plundering Clock can weather this round and force the Allied Forces to retreat and regroup.

This allows them to smoothly drag the game into the next round. This is the enemy's open and obvious strategy.

"No, no, no," Xialike laughed, "I didn't say there was a problem."

He pointed to the military map.

"Out of tactical discipline, the Plundering Clock has placed three powerful legions around Cloud Fang City to guard against the possibility of our 'decapitation' attack."

"If it were me, I would have done the same."

Xialike suddenly changed the subject.

"But discipline is discipline, and taking precautions is taking precautions."

"I would never have imagined that, under these circumstances, you would still dare to scheme against Cloud Fang City!"

"So, you have no objections?" Su Ming asked to confirm.

"I completely agree!" Xialike said.

Su Ming let out a soft breath.

"Since there are no objections, then everyone prepare for battle in this direction." "We must eliminate the Plundering Clock in one fell swoop!"

"Clear!"

****

After the discussion concluded, Xialike and Zhapulai exited the online meeting room.

The CG background of Su Ming began to fade, revealing the real scene of the room on the second floor of the Raccoon Dog Dream Theater.

Behind them was a simple stone wall, and the sound of rain pattering against the eaves could be heard outside the window. A damp breeze slipped in through the window cracks, causing the old curtain hanging by the wall to sway gently.

Katharine looked up at Su Ming.

What's going on with you?

"Aren't you planning to leave Cloud Fang City?"

"Why do you say that?" Su Ming asked, puzzled.

"Didn't Lang Yefu say that there was a way to suppress the warning totems around Cloud Fang City?" Katharine asked doubtfully.

"It's not that simple," Su Ming sighed. Lang Yefu's combat class is Battle Shaman, and with her controlling the "Wolf Fang Key," it is indeed possible to interrupt the totem's detection function.

The problem is that the warning totems on the city wall are connected one after another, forming a network.

Therefore, Lang Yefu's suppressive movements would be immediately noticed.

To put it another way, it's like you're damaging a security camera.

It's true that I can't capture you on camera anymore.

But the staff on duty will find that the camera is not working!

Katharine was also somewhat helpless.

"Good luck then."

"I'm trying to figure something out," Su Ming replied.

***

Su Ming ended the call, walked out of the room, and went to the second-floor balcony.

The rain wasn't light, but the orcs were all working hard to build shelters. They trudged through the mud and water, erected pillars, strung ropes to build wooden frames, and then hammered them in place.

These employees are working so hard, it's clear they're not doing it for Su Ming, their boss.

There were even orcs nearby who had some free time and volunteered to help.

The premiere of a new play has become something many people in Cloud Fang City are eagerly anticipating.

Yise had Yuye chop some ginger, add Corn, and cook a big pot of ginger paste for everyone.

This small gesture actually made everyone work even more enthusiastically.

Lang Yefu came to Su Ming's side.

She had already obtained the materials from Su Ming and made a significant change of appearance.

Her previously white fur had turned brown. She lowered the curve of her ears, stuck a few messy short hairs on the sides of her face, and also stuck them on the corners of her eyes, making her sharp eyes much less intense.

Even though Su Ming was very close, he didn't notice anything amiss.

You're really good at dressing up!

"[I've practiced hard for a long time.] "Lang Yefu sighed. "[For intelligence work, this is the foundation.]" She pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Su Ming.

[I've finished drawing what you requested.]

Su Ming accepted it.

It depicts a totem pole covered with numerous runes and a structural diagram.

Su Ming returned to his room, took a picture of the plan, and sent it to Zijin.

"Darling, this is a detailed drawing of the Orc warning totem pole."

"Let's see if we can find any vulnerabilities that can be exploited."

"Don't call me that so clingy." Zijin rolled her eyes at him.

"... Isn't this a standard way for lovers to address each other?" Su Ming protested.

"But this is a work group," Zijin snorted.

She convened a group of scholars.

Alchemists, rune scholars, and spellcasters gathered around the blueprints, occasionally writing down long strings of derivations. "What's that little point at the very top that can be removed for?" one scholar asked.

"It absorbs lightning energy," Lang Yefu explained. "If struck by lightning, the energy-absorbing lightning tip will be damaged on its own, but the totem pole will be fine."

The scholar understood.

That's why it's made detachable, so it's easy to remove and replace with a new one.

Su Ming's heart stirred.

"Are all totems like this?" he asked.

Lang Yefu shook her head.

"Only totem poles planted on city walls would use this design."

"Otherwise, a single thunderstorm can cause a lot of damage."

Su Ming came up with a good idea.

"If we take this down, will the warning totem network trigger an alarm?" he asked to confirm further.

"No," Lang Yefu replied. "The 'Energy Absorbing Thunder Tip' is an independent functional structure and has no direct connection with the detection array." Su Ming finally couldn't help but reveal a mischievous smile.

"Katharine, contact the Fang of the Wild and have them buy this 'Energy-Absorbing Thunder Tip' at a high price in any area they can access!"

Katharine was taken aback by what she heard, her gaze sweeping back and forth between the blueprints and Su Ming's face before she quickly understood.

"Are you planning to let the orcs steal from you?"

Su Ming smiled.

"Imagine you're a guard; the tip of a totem pole you pass by each day can be sold for half a silver coin."

"No one will notice if you take it; you can just carve an identical one out of wood and put it there."

"Even if they find something wrong afterward, they can't trace it back to you."

Are you in or not?

Katharine's expression turned strange.

This is practically equivalent to dropping a silver coin on the ground—one that's so easy to grab it, and it's gone in a flash!

"Let alone orcs, quite a few of our own soldiers might do the same thing." She had to admit. "That's a pretty underhanded tactic!"

"That's what Katharine commented."

"It's just the wisdom of our predecessors," Su Ming shrugged.