The types of units in Hearts of General are mainly divided into four categories.
Infantry, cavalry, artillery, and magic infantry.
Aside from special units given based on national characteristics or the ‘airborne’ units that are unlocked later, any unit can be categorized under these four types.
Of course, even within these categories, they can be subdivided based on their roles and the weapons they carry, such as heavy weapon squads, light infantry, paratroopers, etc.
Moreover, as technology research progresses, the nature of these unit types can dramatically change.
For example, cavalry, with the application of internal combustion engine technology, could transform from simple horse-mounted soldiers to mechanized units capable of operating tanks and vehicles.
Similarly, artillery units evolved from mobile field guns to powerful units capable of operating anti-tank self-propelled guns and railway artillery.
However, for infantry, even with advancements in personal weaponry, the fundamental nature of the unit does not drastically change.
In the end, the combat power of infantry is determined by how good and how many different types of weapons they possess.
Light infantry, anti-tank infantry, and special forces all have different roles, but they all essentially carry just one g*n and are vulnerable to being torn apart by a single b*llet.
That’s why in Hearts of General, there were two technologies that allowed significant changes to infantry.
These were mutants and cyborgs.
Cyborgs literally refer to metal-made soldiers, effectively the final stage of the infantry tech tree.
Despite having capabilities comparable to futuristic warfare, due to the high technological demands, they couldn’t appear until much later in the game.
They were essentially ultimate units, combining the defensive power of armor, the firepower of magic infantry, and the mobility and combat effectiveness of regular infantry.
If one cybernetic battalion was equivalent to a regular infantry division in combat power, then it would be overkill.
While fast cybernetic builds were occasionally popular among players, relying solely on cybernetics at the expense of everything else was the least efficient strategy.
But mutants were different.
Mutants could be invested in from the very early stages of the game, and if timed correctly, they could be used even in the initial stages of the Ukraine-Soviev conflict.
They were superior to regular soldiers in terms of frontline endurance and breakthrough capability, and their d*ath rate was remarkably low.
However, the biggest drawback was that mutants could only be developed through inhumane human experiments.
Therefore, to develop mutant technology, there must be non-citizens available for experimentation.
If the human experiments were exposed, it would result in severe international condemnation, sometimes leading to justified declarations of war, so they had to be conducted in secret facilities with strict security measures.
“Goddamnit.”
This is a situation where such a research facility was accidentally discovered. It was found underground in the Atifact theft mission during a covert border crossing!
“What do we do now, Captain…?”
The soldiers were visibly agitated. How Sergeant Claude knew about mutants was unknown, but what mattered was that the probability of mutants still existing in this facility was very high.
Even an elite unit like the 8th Assault Magic Infantry Battalion, selected from the best in Okhraine, would be at a disadvantage against mutants.
Not only because of their numerical superiority, but also because the existence of mutants was not widely known, making them even more formidable.
Humans are creatures of experience.
No matter how powerful an enemy is, repeated encounters and training reduce fear.
But if there is no information at all?
When faced with a horrifying creature that can tear apart comrades right before their eyes, could the troops avoid panic?
“In the end, there’s nothing left to do but leave it to fate.”
It is unknown how far the Soviev Empire has developed mutants. However, considering the timing, they cannot be deployed on the battlefield immediately.
Early mutants have strong resistance to physical attacks but are particularly weak against red magic.
The genes used for development were from trolls and yetis.
“From now on, we will reorganize our formation. I’ll lead the way, and the platoon leaders experienced with red magic will join me on the front line.”
“What does that mean…?”
“If we respond too late, it will be too late. We must advance first to complete our mission.”
The key to this operation is “speed and accuracy.” Without directly confronting the mutants, the advantage of information is still on our side when we discover their traces.
“These are truly terrifying creatures. Prepare yourselves.”
As I exchanged glances with Claude, he nodded and stood beside me. Lumina, as the deputy commander of the platoon, took the lead as a Level 1 Red Mage.
If the prototype mutants are as I expected, they can be repelled with the firepower of a mage.
“We will use the intermediate-level Rapid Fire Arrow spell. We need to concentrate firepower in narrow areas and burn them before they can regenerate.”
“Yes!”
“The rear guard will be handled by the Second Platoon. Captain Bella, is that okay?”
“Y-Yes…!!”
Although she clearly looked exhausted, Bella Meyer maintained her resolve to the end. If the platoon leader is so determined, the morale of the soldiers cannot fall.
They supported Bella as she loaded her g*n, ready to k*ll any enemy that appeared.
With a nauseating stench of bl**d permeating the deeper areas, I and the First Platoon began advancing boldly.
*
The underground facilities of Remanskr Factory were complex and narrow, fitting for secretive experiments.
To intruders, it was a difficult environment, and similarly, it was challenging for the factory guards.
“d*mn, did you hear gunfire? What the hell is going on?”
“I don’t know. Probably those d*mn red bastards. This couldn’t have come at a worse time…”
“But are we going in this direction?”
They were peacefully performing their duties when suddenly, the underground facility was thrown into chaos by intruders.
Under the command of their superior officer, the two were moving to defend the passage connected to Area C.
Unfortunately, they hadn’t brought the indoor map and got lost.
“d*mn…”
The sound of gunfire grew closer. It seemed like a force of several dozen. Even with narrow passages, it was impossible to respond effectively with single-shot rifles.
How many of our own are still alive? Does the defense line even exist? Could this be a s*icide mission to buy time until the Major and Inspector escape?
Fear and doubt quickly overwhelmed the soldiers’ minds.
“Should we just surrender?”
“Would the Red October let us off? They’ve seen everything we’ve done.”
“That’s true…”
The personnel assigned to guard the underground space were experienced soldiers. New recruits assigned to the factory or those who witnessed and couldn’t keep silent about the events inside were sent outside.
Though they worked in relatively comfortable conditions, they couldn’t help feeling repulsed by the abnormal experiments conducted here.
“In the end, we still have to fight.”
A soldier reaffirmed his determination at this moment.
Crash!! Bang! Crash!!
Something exploded up ahead, causing the ceiling to collapse. What is that? As the soldier approached cautiously…
“Aaaah!!”
A grotesque giant emerged from the dusty haze.
“sh*t!! What is this…!!”
He couldn’t even finish his instinctive exclamation. The mutant tore the soldier in half upon seeing him. Phew… The surreal scene made another man collapse in shock.
Just moments ago, they were having a conversation with their comrade, who had turned into a mere meat lump.
The mutant savagely ate the flesh and then turned towards the other soldier.
Soviet Soldier. A creature incapable of distinguishing friend from foe, indulging only in slaughter and predation.
The soldier tried desperately to move his legs, but paralysis wasn’t limited to just his legs. His sphincter relaxed, causing a warm sensation.
No, even if he had moved, he wouldn’t have been able to escape.
He realized this was his last moment. He closed his eyes tightly as the mutant’s huge arm stretched towards him.
“Fire—!!”
A voice rang out, jolting his senses.
Red flames flashed before his eyes. It was magic.
“Khhah, Aaaaaaaah!!!”
Bam! Roar!
The mutant roared in agony as flames engulfed it instantly.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Thunderous sounds of gunfire echoed continuously. The mutant swung its arms wildly in resistance, but the flames only grew fiercer.
Bullets pierced its skin, and the resulting flames burned the wounds immediately, making regeneration impossible.
Hunting mutants.
Facing this monstrous creature, barely surviving.
The soldier, who had survived by sheer luck, stared dumbfounded at the scene. As the blond man approached, he hesitantly opened his mouth to express his gratitude.
Whoever he was, he owed his life to this person.
“Th-thank you…”
“Roxanna! Bind this person! We’re taking him as a prisoner!”
“Yes!! Understood! It might get a bit uncomfortable, but… just bear with it for a moment?!”
“Huh…?”
And in an instant, he was forcibly knocked unconscious with a blindfold covering his face.
