Chapter 10, Youthful Ambition

"Captain, please do not be agitated; I have my own difficulties as well." Telunxi Er still wore that infuriating smile, "The Red Spider is not a major force, but it is a respectable organization in the realm of mercenary hiring. I have been in the legion for ten years; if there are a few well-informed individuals in the guerrilla group, they are likely to recognize me. If they discover that the person they are conversing with is merely a minor deputy captain, they will certainly doubt our military strength, and your blusterous plan will fall apart."

The result was as if a stunning red hue shot from the horizon, precisely striking a missile that had already ascended several kilometers into the sky, where dozens of expensive orange fireworks blossomed.

"What do you want to contact them for?" Telunxier was taken aback

Captain, we are currently within the enemy's laser defense perimeter, and our missile count is too low to reach the target.

Zhang Songlan did not notice Terenxier's smile and began to state his reasons to himself

Um... The opinion of Terunxier left Zhang Songlan speechless

Aren't you looking to contact the guerrillas in the city? Directly stating our demands is certainly not feasible, but if we were to phrase it differently..." Telun Hill only spoke halfway and cast a playful glance at Zhang Songlan

In light of the previous incident serving as a precedent, the first Mecha Hunter team acted with increased caution. Subsequently, the meticulous inspections conducted by the squad ensured that they did not encounter any ambushes again, but they also dawdled until nearly nightfall before arriving at the location designated by Zhang Songlan. After a long day of travel, Zhang Songlan, whose health was already not robust, surprisingly dozed off, having been cooped up in his room and lacking exercise since joining the corps.

Therefore, it is best for the captain to handle the negotiation task himself. You are a newcomer with a background as a peace officer; even if you exaggerate your title a bit, there will be people who believe you. The victorious Terunxir was quite pleased with himself.

"Captain, forgive my frankness. If we demand their release, it may instead endanger those who have been captured. Our bombing of the city's power station has already angered the guerrillas. They are not as rational as we are; excessive pressure will only lead to the execution of the *图*书 hostages by the enraged guerrillas." Terenhill shook his finger to reject Zhang Songlan's proposal

The captain of the artillery team does not speak as much as the missile vehicle commander; the environment where missiles are easily intercepted is precisely their area of operation

I understand. Zhang Songlan resentfully picked up the communication headset and put it on his head, "Communicator, find me a communication route that can connect to the guerrilla forces in the city!"

"Deputy Commander, is it just us? The missile will be intercepted before it even takes off." The vehicle commander of the missile unit raised the same question as Terenkiel.

I understand, Blue One to Thirty, target city distribution station, three rounds of concentrated rapid fire! Upon receiving the report from the missile vehicle commander, Terun Hill immediately issued orders to the artillery unit

I have a general understanding of the meaning of "captain." To ensure that those hostages are not harmed, it is sufficient to maintain a certain level of pressure on the city. Of course, if you are still concerned, you can push a little harder." Zhang Songlan sat in the chair, frowning, as Terenxier reminded him.

Zhang Songlan nodded and said, "Telunxier, is there any way to contact the guerrillas within the city?"

Isn't that going a bit too far? I know you are tasked with training the captain, but I feel like he is about to lose his mind because of you. Be careful, or you will have to deal with the consequences later! Chris kindly warned.

"Um..." Zhang Songlan rubbed his sore eyes and stretched lazily, "Where is the enemy? Is there any movement?"

Absolutely not! Terenxier shook his head like a rattle, "That is a city with hundreds of thousands of residents. Given the situation, there must be at least tens of thousands of armed personnel, right? Our squad, including the maintenance team, has only a little over 300 people. Rescue operations require infantry support; we can't just stay in our tank boxes and shout at those guerrillas to release the hostages, can we?"

Armored units are the least suitable for urban warfare. Considering the possibility of mistakenly injuring ordinary civilians, they are unable to navigate through labyrinthine buildings. In contrast, guerrillas hiding within can utilize the structures to ambush armored vehicles that have no means of evasion in the narrow streets. Historical records indicate that the battles with the highest casualties often occur during urban warfare for control of significant cities. Most high-tech equipment becomes ineffective in the intricate urban environment, akin to using a cannon to swat a mosquito, rendering it merely decorative. True combat still relies on the flesh and blood of the soldiers from both sides.

What reason do you have? After several consecutive commands were rejected, Zhang Songlan was on the verge of losing his mind

"How to push?" Zhang Songlan curiously tilted his head. He now deeply felt that the wargame simulations in the military academy were vastly different from actual warfare. At least in any ground battle simulation during peacetime, he had never encountered the current situation.

I want to issue a warning to them, threatening to continue the bombings unless they immediately release the unrelated civilians they have arrested. It turns out that Zhang Songlan's so-called "humanitarian bombing" is this intention

Here is Golden No. 1, Pink No. 1 to No. 5, targeting the city distribution station for a round of simultaneous fire! Telun Hill transmitted Zhang Songlan's orders via communication.

"Hmm?" Terenxier curiously leaned over.

I know, which is why I allowed you to approach within the firing range of the artillery. These few missiles are merely a declaration of war. Once the missiles are intercepted, the artillery will immediately cover the power distribution station with fire. I want the guerrillas in the city to experience a pitch-black night; this is humanitarian bombing!" Zhang Songlan slammed his palm heavily on the map, and surprisingly, a commanding aura emerged in his words that was completely uncharacteristic of him. Once the missiles are intercepted, the artillery will immediately cover the power distribution station with fire. I want the guerrillas in the city to experience a pitch-black night; this is humanitarian bombing!" Zhang Songlan slammed his palm heavily on the map, and surprisingly, a commanding aura emerged in his words that was completely uncharacteristic of him.

"It is useless to argue; I know that you look down on me, a student who has just graduated from military school." Unable to compete with the slick-tongued fox, Terun Hill, Zhang Songlan could only sigh in lament, "Then how many points can I score in this exam"

"Declaration of War? When did we become imperial knights?" Several mercenary charioteers exchanged glances, adjusted their coordinates, and pressed the launch button

Captain, we are now approximately fifty kilometers from the Ninth City and have entered the precise range of the mobile artillery. The entire team has halted and is on alert as per your instructions. " Terenxier nudged Zhang Songlan, who was dozing off in his seat.

I have already told the book that this is not an exam, but if I must give a score... let's say sixty-five points, after all, it is an answer that has been prompted. To be honest, the previous two proposals were quite poor. Although according to Zhang Songlan's request, Terun Hill gave a score, it did not miss the excuse for the 'test of the officer'.

I know this is merely a declaration of war! The main act is to be handled by the artillery. Terunxier, unaware of Zhang Songlan's intentions, could only use his exact words to placate his subordinates

That would be best; I would also be relieved. After all, I offended him quite a bit when the captain first joined, and if I don't take the opportunity to bully him now, there won't be a chance later when he becomes more capable.

"How can you be so sure that they won't go to war? Perhaps our captain is someone who has been hiding his true abilities all along." This was said as Zhang Songlan was being bullied so severely that even the previously unfamiliar Chris began to speak up for him

No movement? Truly patient... Let the missile troops launch a few fireworks to attract their attention. Zhang Songlan pointed to the map provided by the local military, "The target is the city's distribution station; the missile troops will fire in a coordinated volley."

"I’m sorry, Captain, but it would be better for you to handle this negotiation yourself." To Zhang Songlan's surprise, Teren Hill actually refused the order with a cheeky grin.

Under the twilight, missile launch vehicles lined up in a row, erecting multiple launch tubes. After receiving the command from the vehicle commander, the missiles were cold-launched to a height of several dozen meters. With a bluish-green tail flame cutting through the evening glow, the first shot fired since Zhang Songlan took office was launched

What can I do?" Telun Hill helplessly shrugged his shoulders, "The old team leader threw such a precious gem into our team, and now everyone's life is in his hands. If we don't push him to mature quickly, we will all be doomed with him

Uh... Zhang Songlan was once again rendered speechless. Although the likelihood of what Terenxier said is very low, it does not mean that it is nonexistent. Being cautious on the battlefield cannot be considered a mistake.

Is this truly your heartfelt words? Chris is now sincerely pitying Zhang Songlan, the unfortunate captain who has such a hapless subordinate.

"Hello, Deputy https://mhetushu.com.com team." Chris, who had been watching the commotion from the side, glanced at the furious Zhang Songlan and quietly tugged at Terenxier's sleeve

"Yes!" Terenxier quickly agreed. Although he did not understand what Zhang Songlan meant by "humanitarian bombing," it was always good that his new captain had a bit of a commanding presence.

"What do you think?" Terenxier responded with a smile that could be described as "lewd".

"May I ask why?" Terenxier's smile grew even brighter

"Then... shall we enter the city to rescue those people?" Zhang Songlan suggested with a furrowed brow

From the thermal radar, there are no large groups of enemies within a radius of at least 100 kilometers. However, there have been several small guerrilla units attempting to take action along the route, but they have all been detected and driven away in a timely manner. Telun Hill reported somewhat dejectedly

"No." Zhang Songlan shook his head decisively

"Can you be one hundred percent sure? I heard the Chief of Staff say that the rebel forces in Wuxingguan might have the support of the Harlan people. Who can guarantee that they won't send agents to provide assistance? We are making a grand entrance into Wuxingguan; the Harlan people, known for their intelligence, surely won't be unprepared, right?" Telunxier retorted sharply.

"Are you... testing me?" Zhang Songlan finally realized the intention of Telun Hill and couldn't help but feel a bit angry, after all, he was the captain of this squad.

They are merely guerrillas, not agents from any country; how could they possibly recognize you, a mere deputy squad leader?" Zhang Songlan was furious, believing that Terenxier was simply looking for trouble

Sixty-five points, just barely passing... What a strict examiner. Zhang Songlan sighed again, "Then the negotiations with the guerrilla forces in the city will be left to you, the examiner."

"Wouldn't that lead to a greater backlash from the guerrillas within the city?" Terenxier appeared to be presenting a contrary opinion, yet a barely perceptible smile lingered at the corner of his mouth

"What the captain said is not true; I am merely fulfilling my duty as a deputy to offer suggestions. The real decisions are still made by you," said Terenhill with a fox-like smile.

Indeed, as long as we maintain a certain level of pressure and the strength of our forces within the city, the guerrillas will not dare to take hostages. To achieve our objectives, we must conceal our intentions beneath our actions. " Terenkhil satisfactorily picked up on Zhang Songlan's point, "A sound judgment; you truly are a top student from a prestigious military academy. Your reactions are indeed quicker than those of the rough soldiers who only know how to fight.

Their failure to rush out of the city or retaliate indicates that there are currently no organized armored units within the Ninth City, leaving them only to endure the attacks. Guerrillas are also human; they fear death. The best way to deter our unilateral shelling is to threaten us with hostages. Since they intend to use hostages as leverage, the lives of the hostages are temporarily safe. Next, as long as we maintain a certain level of pressure through shelling on the city...

Captain, the response from the thermal source radar: the artillery unit's attack resulted in a complete hit, and a large-scale fire has occurred at the power distribution station. Currently, the entire Ninth City is without power, except for buildings with backup generators reported Radar Operator Chris

The thunderous roar of thirty field artillery pieces is truly magnificent, with the tremors of the earth felt even inside the command vehicle equipped with shock absorbers. The whistling shells arc through the air towards distant targets, bringing destruction and death.

"Deputy Commander, the missile has been intercepted." The voice of the vehicle commander was filled with helplessness. Regardless of the target's distance, long-range missiles must reach a specified altitude before descending, so being intercepted was to be expected

For example... directly persuading to surrender? Zhang Songlan pondered halfway through Terenxier's words and suddenly blurted out these few words

Zhang Songlan's lazy demeanor caused Telun Hill and the others in the vehicle to shake their heads in disbelief. This individual, who had been so aggressive just a few hours ago, had now transformed into this exhausted state. Unfortunately, he is their superior; despite harboring countless feelings of disdain, they cannot simply throw him out, can they

The correspondent quickly immersed himself in work to avoid being caught in the crossfire of Zhang Songlan's wrath, as he did not possess the eloquence of Terunxier

Historically, there are few examples of besieged cities that do not surrender, but Zhang Songlan cannot be certain whether the guerrillas would gamble with their own lives and those of innocent civilians, a situation he had never encountered during his military training