Here is the translated text:
“Alright, let’s do one last check before deployment. Gather, company commanders and staff.”
With about two hours left until departure, all officers of the 8th Airborne Infantry Battalion, including myself, gathered in Sony Chepelin’s office for the final briefing.
“The objective is to recover pearls stored at the Rimansk Arsenal in the northwest of the Soviev Empire, in the Pravyat region.”
Sony Chepelin pointed at the map with her baton. Though it was something I had heard many times, she was reminding us again of our goal.
If we had previously infiltrated the fortress by mixing mages among the thieves, this time we were sending a proper combat unit to destroy the facility entirely.
Even if this were modern times, such an operation would provoke considerable backlash, but given that espionage and localized warfare concepts were not yet firmly established, this plan was feasible.
We will infiltrate by airship and leave by airship.
Given that airships were not well-known weapons even within the Rhinehardt Empire, even if it were the Soviev Empire, it would be difficult to easily guess our movements.
Furthermore, this operation was one that Sony Chepelin had meticulously planned over several months.
To prepare for any unforeseen circumstances, everyone, including me, was provided with a cover identity as part of the rebel faction ‘Red October’ in the Soviev Empire.
There is clear evidence; even the empire’s counterintelligence agency would find it nearly impossible to uncover the truth quickly. It’s like repaying the same treatment received at the Belgorod Fortress last time.
How can you be so confident?
It’s because every time I played in the Soviev Empire, I always ended up getting hit from behind.
Whenever there was news of a facility being bombed or attacked, it was always the work of the Red October.
At first, I thought these were just acts of sabotage by reactionary forces, but as I climbed the ranks, I found out that most of these attacks were actually from external saboteurs rather than internal ones.
Similarly, it’s certain that no one in Okhraine could imagine that their own special forces would attack their facilities.
Perhaps they wouldn’t know about the attack on the arsenal until days later.
“The Special Response Brigade’s 3rd Battalion has been tasked with deceiving them into thinking we escaped via land routes.”
“Are they still operating within the empire’s territory?”
“They are progressing in collaboration with the Red October faction.”
Indeed, she was a terrifying woman.
Not only simple direct action operations, but unconventional warfare as well.
Her personality might be somewhat odd, perhaps missing a screw, but she definitely had a tactical plan befitting the last hope of Okhraine.
‘The more so, the more I wonder why Okhraine has always been a failing state… Perhaps there was a coup?’
Just as I was lost in thought, Sony Chepelin snapped her fingers in front of my eyes.
“First Battalion Commander, focus!”
“I’m sorry.”
“Then, Captain Enok, please tell us what role the 1st Battalion will play in this operation.”
“Wait, he’s trying to turn the tables on me right away.”
But who am I? I am an officer who survived all kinds of hell in the K-Army. The outline of the operation and the mission details were already memorized since the initial plan was distributed.
“Our mission is to enter through the northern gate of the arsenal and neutralize the troops stationed in the area. Two platoons will engage the headquarters of the security battalion and the remaining two platoons will secure the armory west of the gate.”
As I spoke without hesitation, Sony Chepelin seemed surprised and scratched her cheek slightly.
“Hmm. Yes, you had enough time to think.”
“I’m sorry. I will concentrate.”
“Anyway, other battalion commanders should also ensure they have the mission objectives clearly memorized. Last time, when we cleared the bandit den, everyone did well, but this time, facing regular troops, it won’t be as easy.”
“Yes, understood!”
The other officers responded loudly. Standing next to me, Lieutenant Nikolai, commander of the 2nd Battalion, poked me in the ribs and laughed.
Since the 2nd Battalion was responsible for cleaning up the remnants following us, the vanguard, I had spent quite some time discussing preparations for this Imperial Night operation with Nikolai.
During these discussions, Nikolai had become somewhat friendly, often joking around like this.
After the final briefing ended,
Outside the tent, I lit a cigarette with Lieutenant Colonel Nikolai.
“Do you want a light?”
“No, it’s okay.”
Setting aside our newfound friendship, this was the first time I had a cigarette buddy since coming to this world. Before I knew it, we were talking in a casual tone. I had heard from others that he was friendly, and indeed he was.
Click—, whoosh!
Lighting the cigarette with a match, the usual acrid smoke irritated my lungs.
“So, how are the soldiers feeling?”
“Well, our battalion… everyone is taking it calmly.”
“It must be because there are only strange platoon leaders. They say our battalion is filled with eccentrics.”
What can I say?
It felt like some kind of fate continuing from the 3rd Battalion. Even the new faces seemed unusual.
As I sighed deeply, Nikolai flicked his finished b*tt away.
“Still, the battalion’s identity is clearly formed. There is strong cohesion among the squad members.”
“You’ll understand after participating in the operation yourself.”
“That’s true…”
Nikolai Hilbert ground out the remaining ember.
“This is really the start.”
“How long can we survive?” murmured the 2nd Battalion commander. Despite his sharp mind and resolute gaze, he couldn’t shake off the underlying anxiety.
“I’m heading back. Make sure your preparations are good.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll all return safely.”
Nikolai waved his hand and disappeared into his battalion’s tent.
Anxieties, impatience, anticipation, fear. Each carried different emotions.
Finally, the bell signaling the start of the operation rang out.
“Now, at 19:30, we begin Operation Night of the Empire. All troops board the airships!”
“Board the ships—!!”
Following Sony Chepelin’s order, over a hundred combat troops boarded the airships.
Ukraine’s revenge against the Soviev Empire began.
*
In the northwest of the Soviev Empire, at the Rimansk Arsenal.
Under the deep night sky, ten figures waited at the entrance of the arsenal, all mounted on horses. Dressed in dark robes, they were barely visible in the dim light.
When the guards turned on the magical lights at the entrance, the hidden figures were revealed.
“Identify yourselves!”
“Colonel Yegor Ivanov, Inspector of the Imperial General Intelligence Bureau.”
The man at the forefront removed his robe and replied.
At the sound of his authoritative voice, the guard on duty at the arsenal opened the door in surprise, and soon, someone rushed out from inside the arsenal.
“Inspector Comrade!”
The person welcoming them was a non-commissioned officer on duty at the arsenal’s southern guard post.
As he saluted properly, the man on horseback returned the salute neatly.
“Welcome, comrade. I never imagined you would arrive at this hour.”
“There was an unexpected delay. But didn’t we agree to arrive today?”
He smiled nonchalantly as he entered the arsenal.
Colonel Yegor Ivanov of the Imperial General Intelligence Bureau.
Although news of his visit had been reported earlier, no one expected him to arrive at such a late hour.
‘They managed to break through despite the rebels swarming nearby.’
Maksim Stepanov, a sergeant serving at the Rimansk Arsenal, was taken aback.
Due to its proximity to Okhraine, the Pravyat region where the Rimansk Arsenal was located was a haven for anti-imperialists and criminals.
The rugged terrain stretching from the Calpas Mountains to the border made it easy to conduct guerrilla operations.
Thus, the Rimansk Arsenal was frequently attacked by various reactionary forces once or twice a year.
Therefore, it was unusual for anyone to be present around here after sunset. Yet, the inspector’s group kept their promise to arrive today.
‘Impressive.’
Indeed, as a department under the Imperial General Intelligence Bureau, which held power almost equal to the Emperor’s personal guard, they lived up to their reputation.
“Comrade Director, could you show me around the facility? Would it be alright if I stepped away briefly?”
“Ah… Of course!”
The reason why personnel from the Imperial General Intelligence Bureau visited Rimansk Arsenal was straightforward.
They came to observe ongoing experiments.
“I’ve already woken up the battalion commander. Someone will come to escort the inspector shortly.”
“Really? That’s good news. But I’m worried I might have disturbed your rest.”
“Not at all. We cannot let the inspector’s efforts go to waste after traveling through the darkness.”
“You truly are worthy of being elite troops guarding the empire’s frontier. His Majesty the Emperor will remember your hard work.”
“Thank you, comrade!!”
Sergeant Maksim Stepanov bowed deeply. Opportunities for promotion in the Soviev Empire were limited compared to the size of its army.
Maksim himself had been stuck as a sergeant for six years.
If he could assist Colonel Yegor well during this inspection, perhaps he could make a case for his own achievements.
Lost in thoughts of a promotion, Maksim wagged his tail happily as he clung to the inspector’s side.
“Follow me, inspector comrade.”
“Hmm.”
They slowly moved towards the underground facilities of the arsenal.
The two airships from Okhraine had just crossed the border into the Soviev Empire.
