Chapter 19: The Man Begins to Scheme

The defensive standards of the Zeon forces were beyond reproach, a necessity born of the Federation's relentless pressure. Their fortifications were masterfully integrated into the terrain, arranged in overlapping layers that not only exploited the most treacherous positions but also created mutually supporting fields of fire covering every approach. Along the few narrow paths viable for tanks, dense clusters of "dragon’s teeth"—conical anti-tank obstacles cast from reinforced concrete—blocked the way. In the hidden corridors suitable for infantry flanking, layer upon layer of barbed wire had been strung up. Furthermore, while unmarked, these paths accessible to an attacking force were undoubtedly sown with landmines.

This was exactly why Macarius remarked that the Zeons were giving Fat Tiger a hard time; without the cover of artillery fire, infantry alone could never crack such a defensive position.

"So, it’s the same old story? A pincer maneuver?"

Supplemented by reports from infantry scouts, the defensive map Macarius had sketched out encompassed every obstacle they were likely to face, including trenches, anti-tank ditches, machine-gun bunkers, anti-tank missile sites, and minefields. Perhaps there were more hidden defenses yet to be discovered, but time was running out. This exercise served as a performance evaluation; the faster they captured the position, the higher their rating would be. If they dragged it out, they risked being marked as a failure, for on a real battlefield, the enemy would never sit idly by while their position was being overrun—they would constantly reinforce it.

"Fine then, a pincer maneuver, but we’re switching up the direction!"

The so-called pincer maneuver is an offensive tactic where one's forces are split into two, attacking the enemy from two different directions. It forces the enemy to stretch their lines thin and fight on two fronts. On a map, it resembles the claws of a giant crab, viciously snapping at the enemy's throat. The advantage of a pincer movement also lies in the dispersal of one's own forces, which, compared to a thrusting spearhead, significantly reduces the damage sustained from any single enemy counter-attack. Of course, this tactic is not without its flaws; it generally requires a large number of troops, and the dispersed forces increase the risk of being surrounded and annihilated.

However, the benefits remain more pronounced, especially in short-range conflicts and battles over fixed lines. A pincer maneuver begins on one flank (Wing A), acting like a sharp sword that swiftly penetrates the enemy line, striking at their weak points. Immediately after, this vanguard unit pushes forward, acting like a sharp wedge, forcibly driving into the enemy's rear to establish a secure offensive foothold.

Simultaneously, the other flank (Wing B) acts like a well-coordinated hammer, striking directly at the heart of the enemy from the side, forming an encirclement that effectively cuts off the enemy's vanguard from their rear, creating a lethal tactical severance.

Following this, Wing A is responsible for mopping up the remaining enemy troops in the front, like a hawk striking from the sky, while Wing B continues to push deeper, delivering a devastating blow to the enemy's rear. The brilliance of this strategy lies in the dual pressure applied across the space, leaving the enemy with nowhere to run and making it impossible for them to mount an effective defense.

"So, what direction are you planning to change to?"

"I’m going from this side!"

Macarius pointed to a position on the map slightly behind the right flank of the enemy's position—specifically, the north-northeast side.

"That terrain is a nightmare! But if it’s you, I suppose it shouldn’t be a problem!"

John didn’t need to see it in person; he only had to glance at the map to imagine what that area was like: undulating hills, dense vegetation, and rivers swollen with rain. It was extremely difficult for infantry to traverse, let alone tanks!

"So, is this something you’ve calculated as well?"

"Of course. Who else but a genius like me?"

"Alright, Spears, your platoon will follow Red Dragon One!"

John made the swift, clean decision to hand over his best platoon. These were the elite of the academy, possessors of the highest technical and tactical proficiency, making them the perfect choice for executing such a high-risk mission.

"Then, what about the attack time?"

Macarius looked at the map and stated with absolute certainty, "I’ll need about thirty minutes to flank, so let's set the attack time for 0745?"

"Agreed! Shall we re-sync?"

Macarius and John both raised their left wrists, checking their tactical watches to align their timing.

Macarius then leapt onto his tank. "Andrei, you three are responsible for covering John. Prioritize neutralizing the anti-tank positions. Don’t rush the assault—clear the defenses first. Follow my orders for the actual advance!"

"Understood, leave it to me! The data is fully synced; I guarantee those targets will be dealt with immediately!"

Without a moment’s hesitation, Macarius ordered Eugene to drive, and the Federation infantry platoon followed closely behind in their transport vehicles.

In the command center, several officers were huddling in the corner, barely daring to breathe as they watched the two men seated before the central main screen. One was Dozle, and the other was Gihren Zabi. As for General Revil and Kycilia, they had already departed for Zum City via shuttle; everyone had their own business to attend to.

"It seems the Blue Force is attempting a pincer maneuver. General Dozle, what is your take?"

"A very conventional tactic, but effective, especially in mountain defense. However, they are likely to be disappointed. What you can anticipate, we can naturally anticipate as well!"

Dozle proudly raised the glass before him and downed his fine liquor in one gulp.

"So, the Blue Force's offensive is likely to hit a snag."

"Is that so? Then we shall see if your preparations prove successful!"

"Does General Gihren not have confidence in my arrangements?"

"I simply have more faith in the person leading the offensive!"

Gihren watched the large map, where the blue arrow representing Macarius was struggling forward.

The path ahead of him was indeed difficult to navigate. Beyond the steep elevation changes, the chaotic vegetation severely hindered the tank's progress, especially on the inclines, where the vehicle began to slip.

"It’s no use, Boss, I can’t get it up this!"

"Give me the controls!"

Macarius didn’t criticize his driver; the route he had chosen was one no normal person would ever attempt, but then again, he wasn't exactly a normal person.

"Oh, and tell the infantry to stay back!"

"Wait, are you going to...?"

Eugene’s expression changed dramatically as he shouted into the communication channel.

"Spears, tell your men to stay back! We’re going to floor it!"

The infantry commander, currently trudging through the mud outside, was bewildered. "Wait, you’re speeding, so why do we need to stay back?"

"Just do as I say!"

Before Spears could protest, he heard the sudden, deafening roar of the engine. The tank, which had been creeping forward with such caution, was transformed. After reversing slightly to gain momentum, Red Dragon One surged forward and plunged into the dense forest.

As Spears looked down at his body, now completely covered in a mixture of grass and mud flung up by the tank's treads, he finally understood why.

"Ptooey! Damn it, I’ve got a mouthful of mud!"

Despite his bedraggled state, Spears immediately ordered his infantry to keep close behind Red Dragon One. After all, with the tank clearing the path, the infantry could march in the tread marks, avoiding the mud and slippage.