Chapter 433: The Illusion and Reality
Chapter 433: The Illusion and Reality
Yuan Qiuyuan stroked his beard and said, "Advisor Rao, you're suggesting that this Iron Demon is a decoy, pretending to attack One Zero Four Fortress while his real target is here, right?"
Advisor Rao nodded, "Considering his past habits, after taking action in a certain area, he would feign his presence nearby, attracting attention. Then, he suddenly strikes at an unexpected, empty location or returns to the previous site for a surprise attack after everyone believes he's left."
"This Iron Demon wouldn't reveal his intentions so easily. His move across One Zero Four Fortress is likely a test, wanting to see our reaction and plan his next step accordingly."
"I estimate he's either hiding near One Zero Four Fortress or making us believe he's there while actually heading here. That's why I don't advise us to leave this position."
Yuan Qiuyuan and Qin Qingque both looked at Chen Chuan, awaiting his decision.
While Advisor Rao's tactical advice could be considered, it was ultimately the team's responsibility to make the call, as they were the ones engaged in combat. However, with the situation evolving, they also had the autonomy to make their own choices, and as team members, they would follow the captain's orders.
Chen Chuan contemplated for a moment and decided to adhere to Advisor Rao's suggestion. After all, the advisor had far more knowledge about the enemy than he did, and he trusted the advisor's judgment in this regard.
Moreover, without knowing the enemy's whereabouts, pursuing them blindly would only lead to being led by the nose. By the time they reached a location, the enemy might have already moved elsewhere.
Remaining in their current position seemed the most sensible option.
So, Chen Chuan addressed his squad, "Continue to hold your ground."
Advisor Rao breathed a slight sigh of relief. As an advisor, he could only provide suggestions, but this tactical plan wasn't solely his idea; it was formulated with his colleagues in the intelligence operations room, and it had a solid basis. He sincerely hoped they would follow through with the plan.
However, Chen Chuan, leading a squad for the first time, worried that his eagerness for success might jeopardize the plan. Fortunately, he remained calm and rational.
The next two days passed without incident, but on the third day, a new message arrived. A patrol squad had been ambushed and wiped out during their morning patrol.
The team immediately checked the map and realized that the location was exactly two days' journey from One Zero Four Fortress. If they drew an arrow along this direction, it would lead straight to the heart of their territory without any stops.
The squad members couldn't help but wonder if the Iron Demon had changed tactics, abandoning his usual illusions and decoys for a swift and direct assault into their heartland.
Advisor Rao, with a furrowed brow, stared intently at the map.
Just half a day later, another message arrived. A communication station had been attacked, and the infiltrators had advanced further, according to the report.
After another night, a message came in the morning—a fortress had narrowly escaped an attack. Patrol soldiers spotted dozens of cavalry swiftly moving below, heading straight for the rear.
At this point, a telegram arrived from the high command at the base camp, inquiring about the squad's location and activities over the past few days. Upon learning that the squad was still stationed at Seventy-Three Fortress, the high command, in a stern tone, questioned why the squad hadn't moved after receiving the news.
By now, even Advisor Rao felt the pressure mounting, visibly growing anxious. However, he clenched his lips tightly, refusing to relent, as he still trusted the analysis of himself and his colleagues in the intelligence room.
Yuan Qiuyuan remained silent, merely observing from the side.
Qin Qingque seemed a bit anxious, but she fulfilled her duty as a squad member, adhering strictly to the captain's orders without questioning.
explorer.
Chen Chuan maintained his composure and, after careful thought, said, "Advisor Rao, I still lean towards your judgment, but I have my reasons. I believe that by causing such obvious destruction, he's leaving a clear trail.
I may not understand tactics and strategy, but I know combat. An opponent who reveals their intentions so blatantly is easy to counter. An experienced fighter wouldn't make such a mistake, and it's inconsistent with his usual behavior."
Yuan Qiuyuan interjected, "But what if he's predicted our prediction and decided to do the opposite, changing his style?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Changing style is possible, but it won't defy common sense. If he continues deeper into our territory, and we block both One Zero Four and the entrance of this Seventy-Three Fortress, he won't be able to retreat the way he came.
Once we mobilize our forces to surround him, his only escape route would be through the mountainous region, crossing the dangerous Convergence Zone inhabited by fierce creatures.
While he and his Tier Three Combatants might escape, most of his troops wouldn't. From a rational perspective, he wouldn't make such a losing move."
He turned to Advisor Rao, "Judging by their disciplined execution, those cavalry infantry and their equipment and mounts are probably his own accumulation, right?"
"Advisor Rao affirmed, "Yes, all of his resources are from his own estate, along with the profits from his factories and ranches in the rear."
Chen Chuan said, "That's right. His squad looks highly elite, and it's his capital. Would he be willing to give that up?"
Yuan Qiuyuan nodded in agreement. "That makes sense."
Chen Chuan continued, "And I've noticed something else. They've broken through from the One Zero Four Fortress three times, but never successfully from here."
Tier Three Combatants often have their obsessions. If they fail to accomplish something, they may feel uncomfortable and become fixated on achieving it to prove themselves. You must have experienced this feeling before."
Qin Qingque thought for a moment and nodded.
Yuan Qiuyuan pondered for a moment, then said, "I have to admit, that's true."
Advisor Rao turned to Chen Chuan and said, "Captain Chen, our intelligence room shares a similar opinion based on this aspect. Your judgment aligns with ours. I'll make a note of this and send it back as supplementary information."
Chen Chuan shook his head. "It's just my speculation. Your analysis is based on credible evidence."
This wasn't false modesty; the intelligence room's decisions might have access to information sources that Chen Chuan was unaware of. Perhaps, there were even messages directly from Iron Demon. In such cases, they already knew the answer beforehand, so Chen Chuan couldn't compete in this regard.
Now, with his judgment aligning with their analysis, holding their position here was undoubtedly the optimal solution.
At that moment, Qin Qingque spoke up, "I support the Captain's decision."
"Count me in," added Yuan Qiuyuan.
Chen Chuan looked at Advisor Rao and said, "Advisor Rao, send my opinion back. I am the captain this time, and I'll take responsibility if there are any issues."
(End of Chapter)
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