The Reestablishing Forces

As dawn broke, the first rays of the early winter sun gradually pierced through the thin mist, illuminating the entire northwestern battlefield. The Organization's flags fluttered over the strongholds they had just captured, and Lunamaria, who had just achieved victory in this campaign, knew that their mission had only just begun. Seizing these strongholds was just the start of her greater plan. In her heart, the flame of determination still burned brightly.

Inside the camp, the atmosphere was lively as everyone prepared for the next campaign. The 9th Legion, following orders from headquarters, had arrived and was ready to take over the strongholds that the 4th and 12th Legions had captured. Javis, the commander of the 9th Legion, entered Lunamaria's command tent. He was a young man, just over 30, with a calm exterior but sharp eyes like the great sword on his back.

"Luna!" Javis greeted her with a light smile.

"I hear you're prepared to hand over the strongholds to us?"

"Yes, but I have an idea I want to share with you, Javis." Lunamaria nodded, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement.

"Oh? Let's hear it," Javis raised his eyebrows, showing interest.

"In my opinion, instead of withdrawing and maintaining the status quo as per headquarters' orders, I propose we implement a multi-layered attack strategy," Lunamaria said, her finger tracing lightly on the map, pointing out weak points in Nation's defensive system.

"This is Nation's outer perimeter. Given the current situation, they will prioritize defending the inner two perimeters. So, if we besiege and capture this place, the battlefront will tilt in our favor."

"And we'll launch attacks from multiple directions?" Javis nodded thoughtfully.

"Exactly, we'll coordinate attacks from multiple directions simultaneously to create a significant breakthrough. This is our chance to breach their border," Lunamaria replied, reinforcing her strategy.

"Are you that confident? According to headquarters' reports, their commander isn't easy to deal with," Javis listened attentively, his eyes showing deep thought.

"With the combined strength of the 9th, 12th, and 4th Legions, I believe we can and must do this. Moreover, he's currently at the southern front. If we start now, the outer perimeter will be ours even if he tries to return," Lunamaria said firmly.

"Javis! Luna has been planning this since before we stood here. This is the best opportunity to penetrate deep into Nation's territory before they can reorganize," Leon, standing beside her, chimed in supportively.

"All right, I trust both of you. After all, the Organization's victory is paramount. So, what do I need to do?" Javis paused for a moment, then smiled contentedly after considering it thoroughly.

"Thank you, Javis. We'll start implementing the plan immediately," Lunamaria smiled, feeling relieved.

The three of them together rearranged their forces, reorganizing their formations to prepare for the major campaign. She could sense the determination in each soldier's eyes—people who had been through many battles but still held steadfast courage.

As night fell, in a certain place in the border buffer zone, she entered a prearranged cave. She sat alone under the dim light of a flashlight, its glow casting shadows on her stern face. She sat and waited, preparing to receive some bad news.

"Commander, we have new information," a spy entered and saluted.

"Go ahead," Lunamaria nodded slightly.

"We've detected signs of United's interference in our headquarters," the spy whispered, his voice filled with anxiety.

"There's no concrete evidence yet, but it seems they're trying to influence the Organization's strategic decisions."

"United... those pests across the ocean. If this is true, the war situation will change," Lunamaria frowned, her eyes deepening with concern.

"We'll continue to monitor and gather more information," the spy assured her.

"Be careful," Lunamaria cautioned. After the spy left, she walked back to the command tent, carrying a sense of unease about these secrets. What was United's purpose? Why were they interfering in this matter? The question smoldered in her heart.

On the other side of the battlefield, the western sky was bathed in the pale orange of sunset as Stratos and his section entered the camp. After days of fighting on the southern front and two exhausting days on the royal guard's aircraft, returning here gave him a feeling of both familiarity and heaviness. Although Nation's flags still flew in the wind, the atmosphere was tense, enveloping the entire area.

In the central command tent, Crown Prince Arthur stood before the strategic map, holding a touch pen, his face deeply concentrated. The prince, with his aristocratic appearance but somewhat sloppy attire, was temporarily commanding the Nation Guard in the west. He marked positions on the terrain simulation map.

"We need to strengthen the perimeter defenses and prepare for any attack from the Organization. They've occupied many strongholds, so we can't let them advance further," Arthur said, his voice laced with complacency.

"I never thought I'd see the day when you, the prince, take up a pen to command troops. I thought you only knew how to enjoy yourself!" Stratos stepped forward, his voice low with a hint of mockery.

"You're too rigid, little brother. After all, I'm a general of Nation; I have to take some responsibility!" Arthur turned around, flashing a mischievous smile.

"Consider this as a favor from you to me; I'll think about how you can repay me later." Arthur tossed the pen to Stratos, implying he was handing over the task to him.

"Sometimes I forget that you're the honorary general of the Nation Guard, Nation Force, and Nation Abyss! Anyway, thanks for informing me about the situation here and helping me manage this place," Stratos caught the pen, his eyes scanning the simulation screen to assess Arthur's defensive strategy.

"Using the terrain and the perimeter system for defense—not bad. At least you've done something right," he started to say, but Arthur pulled him out of the command tent.

Looking at the sunset sky gradually fading into night, with the sun's rays being obscured by the landscape, the prince put his arm around Stratos's shoulder, his voice playful yet hiding a cunning smile as he looked at him. With a confident and challenging expression, the prince began to speak, trying to provoke Stratos's seriousness. He said not to be too serious; after all, they were brothers standing together. Then, with a suggestive tone, he mentioned that the camp seemed to lack something and suggested building some "recreational facilities" for the soldiers to relax. The prince didn't forget to sneer that Stratos must have already enjoyed such "services" with some members of his section.

"I hope you understand, Prince. This is a battlefield, not a bordello," Stratos said firmly, rebuking Arthur.

"Nevertheless, since you've informed me about the situation here and helped me manage this place, consider this as my thanks."

Then, he called Artiee over. The prince whistled upon seeing Artiee's adorable appearance; she was around Stratos's age, and it seemed the prince's libido was rising, with many unsavory thoughts gleaming in his lustful mind. However, Stratos quickly poured cold water on the prince's enthusiasm.

"Artiee, please take this monkey to the barbecue Restaurant, order whatever he wants; no need to look at the price. Let him enjoy himself tonight," Stratos ordered Artiee with a touch of sarcasm.

"If you dare to touch Artiee, don't blame me if you go from being the great prince of Nation to a eunuch," Stratos warned Arthur, his voice sharp. Arthur knew this wasn't an empty threat, especially from someone who had once pointed a gun at him.

"Okay, okay, you're always like this. I promise not to touch your people," Arthur raised both hands, but his smile remained.

"Oh, by the way, Zerain's birthday is coming up; he really wants you to attend. I know the current war situation doesn 't give you much time, but if you can, please make an effort," Arthur reminded Stratos before leaving.

Under Artiee's guidance, Arthur left the camp and headed back to the city. After witnessing the prince's departure, Stratos returned to the command tent and started working. He looked at the strategic map with intense focus. Although Arthur had done a good job arranging the defenses, Stratos knew it wasn't enough and needed further reinforcement. He opened his personal computer and copied the strategy he had devised on his way back. The arrangements Arthur had made were part of his own plan. A faint smile appeared on his lips as he realized that he and the prince shared the same thoughts. He began to redistribute the defensive forces on the simulation screen.

"Withdraw all troops from the outer perimeter; we'll start the campaign from perimeter two," Stratos ordered, simultaneously establishing communication with the support forces advancing towards the outer perimeter.

"Commander, isn't Prince Arthur's strategy already comprehensive? Moreover, if we lose the outer perimeter, the battlefront will tilt towards the Organization. The support troops are only an hour away from the perimeter; withdrawing now is like letting them decide our fate," a commander objected.

"It's too late," Stratos shook his head and sighed, his voice as soft as a feather.

The screen turned red in the outer perimeter area, indicating that the troops there had fallen. Lunamaria and her Legion had besieged and isolated the outer perimeter, thus fully controlling Nation's outer defensive position. Indeed, the battlefront was now in her hands.

The commanders' faces showed shock and fear after this surprise. Only Stratos understood that her initial surprise attack had disrupted the frontline communication network, completely isolating information about the battlefield situation in several adjacent areas, including the outer perimeter. Additionally, she had sent false signals to confuse the identification system of perimeter three. Therefore, Arthur and the other commanders deploying support groups to the perimeter was understandable given the limited information they had; no one expected that place to be besieged and isolated. Following his order, the support troops slowed down on the simulation screen and withdrew back to perimeter two, seemingly successfully rescuing the fleeing soldiers from the outer perimeter—although that was just his assumption.

"Perimeter two will have mobile reconnaissance units defending the flanks, while the central area will concentrate elite forces. At perimeter three, we'll prepare our main force to block any enemy advance at all costs," Stratos drew lines on the map, assigning each defensive position.

"We need to strengthen obstacles here and here," he circled areas on the map for the officers.

"Deploy additional artillery at high positions and ensure special forces are ready for rapid response. Also, prepare magical mines; we'll make full use of the terrain at perimeter two."

Then, he announced that he wouldn't concentrate all forces at a fixed position in perimeter two. Instead, he would disperse the forces into small, independent operating groups to avoid being wiped out en masse in case of a surprise attack. Additionally, he arranged a special forces unit for communication duties in case the communication system was paralyzed and emergency methods like lights and flares couldn't be used.

"I and Section W will be responsible for perimeter two, while you all will fully protect perimeter three. No matter how strong they are, we, the sons of Nation, are willing to sacrifice to protect this place," he shouted his final order.

The officers nodded and quickly deployed the orders before leaving the tent. He stood there, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. He could sense the storm approaching. Even if they were to collapse the entire terrain of perimeter two, he was determined not to let Lunamaria and her Legion touch any part of Nation's border. In his heart, a flame of determination burned brightly. No matter how many difficulties he faced, he was ready to fight to the end to protect his country and those he cared about.

That night, in the cold early winter air, he stood atop the command post of perimeter three, looking out into the distance, planning his next moves.

"The prince is indulging at the restaurant. Tomorrow, a car will take him back. Under your orders, I've booked the entire restaurant," Artiee reported on Arthur's situation as she approached Stratos.

"Have you settled the bill? Just leave the invoice on the table; I'll reimburse you," Stratos replied, not paying much attention to Artiee approaching him.

"Oh, Artiee, he didn't do anything to you, did he?"

"Phuuu..." Instead of answering, Artiee suddenly blew a soft breeze into his ear. He jumped in surprise at the unexpected attack. Clutching one ear, he stepped back immediately, his body still trembling slightly.

"It seems what he said was true. Who would have thought that the Achilles' heel of Nation Guard's leader is his ear?" Artiee put on a cute act, smiling slyly.

"I should tell the sisters about this," she took out her phone, snapped a picture of him, and started messaging someone.

"It's not funny, Artiee; we're on a battlefield; this isn't the place for games," Stratos said firmly after regaining his composure.

"I'm sorry," Artiee made a pouting face; after all, she was the youngest in Section W, but then she smiled again.

"Anyway, I think the sisters will love this information. After all, everyone in the section has 'done' it with each other; only you haven't," Artiee teased him one last time before melting into the night like a hidden assassin. Indeed, Artiee was a former assassin from Nation Force.

Stratos didn't respond; he turned around and continued to look at the moon. The moonlight from the full moon shone on his stern face, reflecting his sharp eyes like a sword that could cut through any enemy armor. He knew this wasn't the time to think about other things. Before him was Nation, his country, and his duty.