# 10 Days Until the Azoff Invasion
As always, I observed the training. Even the rookies, who initially seemed completely inexperienced, now exuded the elite aura of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit.
The descent drills are ongoing every day, and recently, the focus has shifted to small-unit operation tactics.
Since we’re likely to be deployed in the rear of the actual front lines to replicate “Band of Brothers” with great fanfare, we’ve decided to prioritize saving as many lives as possible.
While there won’t be any anti-aircraft fire intercepting planes or parachutes failing to open, landing on the ground is still the most vulnerable part.
Nevertheless, the NCOs are doing an excellent job, pushing themselves to their limits during the education and training.
Rick Hanson was boasting about his medals again, and everyone seems crazy to earn one for themselves…
Is this a good thing?
# 9 Days Until the Azoff Invasion
I heard that the command headquarters completed the overall blueprint for the operation. An offensive strategy involving three fronts simultaneously opening up, including our combat unit.
Defending against a three-front attack is hellish. However, the problem here is that it’s an island, so the direction of the attack remains uncertain.
This is the power of numbers. Who would have thought that the Okhraine Duchy could dominate in a war of attrition?
They’re already discussing the serious implications of population supremacy at the amphibious forces command.
I wonder if they might suddenly implement a nationwide pro-pregnancy policy.
And Wilson Times Editor-in-Chief Sarah Ronald expressed gratitude for personally accompanying one of their reporters to Nur Ezenner’s meeting, sending high-grade alcohol as a gift.
I thought about giving it to Claude as a present, but he declined, saying I should enjoy the good stuff myself.
Hmm… even Claude is turning down expensive liquor?
It seems there’s another person I need to keep a closer eye on.
# 8 Days Until the Azoff Invasion
The eastern fleet of Okhraine arrived. Although we can’t deploy all our forces, most ships were second-line vessels…
Still, whether first-line or second-line, they’re all wooden frigates.
However, residents of Maniopol and Fort Morok are reportedly ready to supplement with personal boats if necessary.
Is this what they call a civilian-military joint operation?
A second Dunkirk is unfolding before my eyes.
Of course, unlike the counterattack back then, this is a full-scale invasion.
Thanks to the active cooperation of the residents, logistical and supply issues are being quickly resolved.
Especially among the citizens of Maniopol, who’ve suffered greatly under Azoff’s oppression, many are lining up to volunteer.
Given the wartime situation, local conscription isn’t surprising, but it does increase the personnel needs significantly.
Once again, my deepest condolences go out to all the HR department staff working tirelessly through another sleepless night.
# 6 Days Until the Azoff Invasion
The 32nd and 19th Divisions under the Amphibious Forces Command are in the midst of landing drills.
This is the first amphibious operation and combined Army-Navy operation in Okhraine history, and things are chaotic just five minutes before complete disarray.
d*mn, I’ve never seen frigates collide like that.
Fortunately, these divisions under the Southern Corps are considered elite within the Okhraine military; otherwise, it would have been utter chaos had they come from other corps.
The operation is fully established, and supplies for maintaining the front line are steadily arriving.
There really isn’t much time left. How many of our troops will survive?
All I can do is pray for divine protection, be it Jesus, Buddha, Allah, or even the System.
For minimal casualties and a decisive victory.
# 3 Days Until the Azoff Invasion
I had a private meeting with Nur Ezenner. It was a fortuitous opportunity, and indeed, he was a man of different caliber.
I somewhat understood how he planned to invade the duchy with merely two brigades.
Moreover, his character was quite amiable. He maintained the most friendly relations with the locals, which certainly sets him apart from the guy who occupied Maniopol.
After a brief conversation, when he started making some prophetic remarks about how my eyes look toward something far away, I quickly excused myself.
Don’t jinx me now.
Anyway, there are only three days left.
With the deployment of the 57mm Grizzly cannons now complete, it’s finally time to show the Azoff bastards the heat of our firepower.
Bella Meyer also returned to her medical platoon duties after completing her field hospital assignments.
Now we’re fully assembled.
# 1 Day Until the Azoff Invasion
Just before deployment, I shared a final banquet with the soldiers. We don’t know how many will return or how many empty seats there will be, but for today, we’re focusing on the moment.
Claude Rain and Hilton didn’t attend. Their subordinates seem to think there’s something strange about their recent vibe, trying to link them romantically…
But no matter how you think about it, that’s not the case.
Considering the current situation, assigning Claude the task of leading the vanguard seems appropriate, though there’s no alternative.
There’s still no better company than Claude’s Third Platoon for breaking through enemy lines.
I separately instructed Lumina to keep a close watch on him since she’ll be running around the battlefield as the liaison officer for this operation.
Ultimately, that’s what adjutants are for.
If we all return safely, I’ll give her a “Good Job!” sticker.
I thoroughly discussed opinions with each company commander.
The drop zone is Stangdal, the central island of the Azoff archipelago. Our mission is to capture the artillery batteries positioned on the high ground and relay the overall battlefield situation to our side.
This is the most critical operation, and our ability to secure it quickly will determine the success or failure of Operation Neptune.
Sony Chepelin said that if this mission succeeds, she’ll receive another medal and probably maintain her rank as Colonel post-war…
Well…
Given the less-than-friendly looks from other units outside the Amphibious Forces Command, it seems the post-war period might bring more headaches.
Regardless,
Tomorrow is the day.
Our departure is scheduled for dawn, so I plan to go to bed early tonight. My insomnia is creeping back, and if I don’t get some rest soon, it’ll cause problems.
It’s almost been a year since I fell into this world.
The tension before actual combat remains unchanged.
Can we do well tomorrow?
*
D-DAY
The moonlight, partially obscured by clouds, illuminated the port of Maniopol. The cries of seagulls that once filled the docks have vanished, leaving behind a heavy silence and the fog over the sea.
Upon confirmation from a naval officer that all personnel and equipment were aboard, the sails of the ships moored at the pier were unfurled in unison.
Hoooornnnn—
From the flagship of the landing force, the ‘Kajeif,’ where Sony Chepelin and the command staff were aboard, a majestic horn blast echoed.
Following the sharp winter winds, the Okhraine landing fleet set sail towards the dark horizon.
Two captured ironclads.
Two battleships brought from the Eastern Fleet.
Five frigates, seven corvettes.
And a mixed fleet comprising various civilian fishing and merchant ships.
Essentially, this was the maximum available force of Okhraine.
And that wasn’t all.
Three more ships stealthily blocked the moon.
The 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit.
The ones known as the “Black Demons” of Fort Morok and Maniopol took to the skies once again.
[This is Ship 1, Chepelin. Respond if you’re awaiting orders.]
[Ship 2, Revandorski reporting.]
[Ship 3, Enok reporting.]
[Communication status clear. The commander’s speech will begin shortly.]
On the navy-blue bridge lit only by the faint glow of the steering wheel, Enok Revendale began speaking.
“Can everyone hear me?”
[Yes─!!]
“Every day is historic, and the pen always rests in the hands of none other than us, the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit.”
D-DAY.
Only about three hours remain until the descent.
As the moon slowly descends and the pale dawn approaches, Enok Revendale, as the highest commanding officer, has the duty to bid farewell to his subordinates.
“I won’t say this is the world’s or Okhraine’s first anymore because everything we do is unprecedented.
From the first time we repelled the bandits to today’s reclamation of the Azoff Islands, we’ve had comrades who have been with us throughout, and new recruits who joined along the way.
But there are no longer any rookies in the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit.
We are the raptors that rule the sky!
Gracefully soaring above, then swooping down to snatch and tear our prey!”
Enok’s voice resonated loudly across the three airships via the magical device.
Listening to it, the troops tightened their weapon slings and checked their ammunition.
“Once again, we will succeed in our hunt and return proudly to our nests! Understood!!”
[Yes, understood─!!!]
Enok Revendale took a deep breath. Now was the time to deliver the grand lines he had prepared.
“When this war ends, I’m going to confess my feelings to Lieutenant Lumina.”
“Huh!?”
Shock rippled through not only the bridge but also the passenger cabins in the rear.
“What?! Commander Enok Lieutenant!?”
The most surprised person was undoubtedly Lumina Blue herself, standing right next to him. A sudden confession?
But soon enough,
She realized why Enok Revendale had said such a thing.
“And I’ll return home to propose to Lieutenant Bella Meyer. We’ll live peacefully together and have daughters like Lieutenant Roxanna Elrim.
I’ve promised Captain Claude Rain to share the wine I’ve saved. And I’ll treat Colonel Nicolai to a meal.
I’ve also made sure to meet Captain Luna Aire alive!”
Somehow, those words meant survival.
The members of the 8th Aerial Mage Infantry Combat Unit clenched their teeth and fists tightly, determined to fight.
“You can do it too. Keep your innermost desires to yourself. Just keep moving forward, and you’ll find yourself there before you know it.”
Enok Revendale’s eyes sparkled.
“Let’s go together.”
In the deep resonance, the troops became one.
Advancing towards d*ath.
Yet they shall never d*e.
The Black Demons have prepared once more to descend upon the land.
