# Winter Storm (5)
Maniopol.
A representative coastal trading city located in the south of Okhraine. It had not been violated by Azoff only once, but on several occasions.
Ten years ago.
Even during the Quernen War, recorded as a terrible history, Maniopol was repeatedly captured and recaptured as a frontline city dozens of times.
During this process, how many citizens of Maniopol were sacrificed? Even the delegation of the third country dispatched for mediation was astonished.
General Kinbel Lezanchef had resolved to ensure such incidents would never again cover Maniopol.
However, the commander of the defense force who needed to stop the enemy at the forefront and safely evacuate the citizens repeated the same mistake as before.
Kinbel’s resolution was trampled like weeds strewn across the road.
Yet, perhaps part of his resolve might have been fulfilled by a young ‘captain’ leading the meeting right in front of him!
“There are two routes through which ground forces can enter Maniopol. The western gate and the northern gate. Other than these, the entire area has turned into a swamp, making it impossible for troops to maneuver properly. However, this also means that the enemy’s mobility is limited to those two locations.”
Enok Revendale boldly laid out his argument. The pointer he held pointed to the northern gate of Maniopol.
“Is the plan to send the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit behind and repel the enemies driven away?”
Listening silently to the explanation, Colonel Oleksiy Nova raised his hand and asked. The captain nodded and then pointed to the western gate.
“Under the premise, all gates should not be blocked.”
“Why not?”
“If both the west and north are blocked, the enemy will surely think they are cornered and fight to the d*ath. This could lead to significant losses on our side.”
If they fight to the d*ath, there will be no way out.
Especially in urban warfare.
Even though the personnel of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit had undergone quite advanced training, most of them still did not fully understand the tactics of urban combat, and their equipment was not very effective for urban warfare.
Even if it were a lever-action breech-loading musket, it is not a weapon that fires several bullets per second when the trigger is pulled like modern firearms.
Moreover, cornered enemies might desperately try to break through from either the north or west.
In that case, the 124th Infantry Regiment, which would have to block both sides, would face limitations in maintaining a tight encirclement. They might fail to form an encirclement and even risk the annihilation of an entire regiment.
“Therefore, reinforce the troops at the northern gate and maintain a loose encirclement at the western gate.”
“Loosen the encirclement instead of thickening it?”
“Yes. It must be visibly vulnerable.”
The officers tilted their heads. The opposing force was almost a regular army with cavalry, a force incomparable to mere bandits. To make such a force feel vulnerable could lead to a breakthrough.
However, they had no choice but to slap their knees in admiration at Enok’s additional explanation.
“There is another city occupied by Azoff to the west.”
As the pointer swept across the map, it ended at Fort Morok.
“The enemy, disoriented by a rear attack, will attempt to join forces with our allies at Fort Morok. If the western gate is opened, all the forces will concentrate there.”
When Enok snapped his fingers, a clear flame instantly rose. Despite being just a simple flame, the movement alone made everyone in the meeting feel overwhelmed.
“At this time, the cavalry regiment dispatched to Fort Morok will shatter the enemy’s defenses.”
Kinbel’s mind vividly painted the scene. The brave Ukrainian cavalry crushing the disorganized enemy fleeing toward Fort Morok.
“Then, after the 101st Direct Artillery Battalion seizes the high ground and launches artillery fire.”
The cannons fired in unison. Explosions erupted everywhere, and the bodies of the confused Azoff soldiers were torn apart, unable to tell where the attacks were coming from.
“When the enemy is completely devastated, the 124th Infantry Regiment will…”
Not only General Kinbel, but all the officers present could only stare open-mouthed at Enok Revendale.
“Eliminating the Azoff invaders who have occupied Maniopol will also complete the liberation of the city.”
“Crazy.”
It was pure admiration.
Although the general was known for being sparing with praise, this plan devised by the captain in front of him was flawless.
“To effectively use artillery, it must be carried out before sunset. There are about four hours left.”
“How long did it take you to come up with this plan? If your unit cannot move, it will all be for nothing…”
“It can be put into action immediately.”
Joseph Lebandovsky took over the conversation. He slowly stood up and stood right next to Enok Revendale.
“In fact, some forces have already entered to conduct reconnaissance operations.”
“R-Really!?!”
“Since receiving the emergency deployment order, our unit has been fully prepared for battle. If we receive the order to commence the operation, we can immediately deploy the infiltrated personnel to the port of Maniopol.”
The two officers from the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit showed no hesitation in their eyes.
Even if their rank was much higher, they—these two people, the lowest-ranking officers here—showed more confidence than anyone else present.
Kinbel felt as if he had regained his lost confidence. With these two relying on him, he believed he could save Maniopol from the clutches of the demons.
“Immediately start the operation. The staff should revise the tactics based on this newly developed plan.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Commander of the 18th Cavalry Regiment, prepare your units for departure. As soon as the enemy tries to break out, cut off their escape route.”
“I will remember that.”
“I will not tolerate any mistakes.” General Kinbel declared with determination. All the officers gathered in the command headquarters saluted in unison, responding to his resolve.
“To the homeland!”
“To d*ath with the enemy!”
They had given a good blow.
Now was the time to obliterate the invaders who dared to attack without fear.
*
After neatly disposing of a crippled soldier who had wandered away in a fit of lust, the reconnaissance team successfully infiltrated Maniopol. With the help of the locals, they managed to seek refuge in a safe civilian house.
Due to its winding alleyways, it was relatively hidden from enemy attacks.
“Please eat this.”
“Thank you.”
The owner of the house was an elderly couple. Many people had already fled the invading forces, seeking safety elsewhere.
Most of those who had to flee quickly due to lack of ability were the elderly, children, and women.
Among them was the daughter of the 32nd Division Commander.
“What a relief that you are safe.”
Arwen Lezanchef.
Though there was no specific order to rescue the daughter of the 32nd Division Commander, Rick Hanson, who led the reconnaissance team, sincerely prayed to God.
It was a close call. If they had been a few seconds late or had entered another alley, Arwen would have experienced unimaginable horrors.
This much showed how dire the situation in Maniopol was. The invaders showed no humanity; massacres and crimes were rampant, and the cries of pain and agony from those left behind filled the entire city.
“Fucking bastards…”
A soldier from the south, full of anger, shook his hand uncontrollably. He wanted to rush out and sh**t all the barbarians dead, but…
“Wait, Odell. It’s not time yet. Don’t forget your mission.”
He waited patiently for Rick Hanson’s orders. If it were before, he might have rushed in recklessly, but now, as a proud member of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit and a Pathfinder, he was performing his duties.
“Sir, what should we do now?”
“First, we need to confirm how many forces are remaining at the port.”
Rick Hanson, a sergeant who had been consistently involved in training and combat since the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit was first established, was a seasoned elite soldier with unmatched combat sense.
He calmly spread out a tactical map on the table and began to draw his route.
“What do you think about heading this way?”
“No, when I came back earlier, I saw it was a restaurant district. There’s a risk that the starving Azoff soldiers are waiting there.”
At that moment, Arwen Lezanchef approached and asked. She had lived in Maniopol for quite some time and remembered the local geography clearly.
“Can I help in any way?”
“Is there a place from where we can view the entire port?”
“Oh, yes! If you go straight up from here, there’s a hill. From there, you can see the whole port. It’s just an empty space, so it’s rarely visited.”
Indeed, according to her description, the map depicted a blunt hill formation at the end of the alleyways. It was a suitable terrain for reconnaissance. Moreover, with little human presence, it was perfect for gathering information.
The role of a Pathfinder is to gather as accurate information as possible about the enemy’s position and deployment before the main force arrives. Securing an easily accessible area for reconnaissance was the top priority.
Furthermore, the last message received was a note stating “the operation has been approved.” Therefore, it was crucial to quickly gather information and relay it to the main force.
“Okay. Odell and Annette will stay here to prepare for any unexpected skirmishes. How many flares do you have?”
“Four per person.”
“That’s enough. If repelling the enemy is impossible, civilians should be guided via Route C. If that’s not feasible, activate the basic red magic ‘Smoke’ to signal.”
“Yes!”
“Soon the main force will arrive. Just hold on a little longer.”
Once, during training, Enok Revendale, the battalion commander, said,
“Paratroopers are accustomed to being surrounded. But that’s what makes them a powerful card capable of turning the tables.”
Rick Hanson was not afraid.
For the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit, defeat did not exist.
“Let’s head out. Let’s find the path.”
Rick said as he pushed a b*llet into the chamber.
