Chapter 1160: The Defense Line of Fengkao Shield (2)

Upon arriving at B7, Makusi noticed that the terrain here was slightly different; there was a relatively flat slope in front of the trench, suitable for vehicle charges.

"384, lay three rows of anti-tank mines on the slope. 412, widen the firing ports to cover the full angle of the slope. 408, prioritize targeting potential vehicle assembly areas."

The orders were executed rapidly.

After the setup was complete, 123-7-379 contacted the company headquarters via the wired communication device in the trench.

"B7 reinforcement complete. Suggest pre-setting artillery coordinates behind the slope, designated B7-A."

"Received, coordinates recorded."

The company headquarters replied.

"The Modian artillery promises to provide covering fire when necessary."

Modians.

123-7-379 recalled those soldiers who wore bright uniforms and spoke with strange accents.

They were completely different from the Kriegers; they would discuss tactical details and occasionally crack jokes.

To a Krieger, this was incomprehensible behavior.

But the Commissar had said: "The Modians' fighting spirit is not lacking; we are all loyal to the Emperor, so we should just each perform our own duties."

123-7-379 accepted this explanation.

In Krieg, you only need to execute orders and then welcome death, or, if the Emperor favors you, complete the Task before death.

He looked toward the rear of the trench, at the high ground of the rift valley.

There, the Modian artillery positions were vaguely visible, their barrels pointed toward the sky, waiting for firing orders.

123-7-379 looked at the sky.

Fengkaodunxing had no satellites, only two distant small moons suspended under a pale light.

But soon, this sky would be obscured by enemy warships and torn apart by orbital bombardment.

Six hours.

They had to hold for six hours.

Then, the Primarch's fleet would appear, surround the enemy, and win the victory.

And they, they only needed to do their part.

Endure heavy blows until they shattered or the Task was complete.

West highland of the rift valley, Modian Front Observation Post.

Lieutenant Lina Kelaosi of the 19th Reconnaissance Company of the Modian Iron Guard adjusted her binocular rangefinder, scanning the entrance of the rift valley through the thick observation window.

Her right eye was her natural eye, while her left eye was connected to the rangefinder's data interface, transmitting distance, angle, and wind speed information back to the artillery Command Center in real-time.

"Observation Point A, everything is normal."

She said into the Communication Device.

"No abnormal activity at the rift valley entrance. Visibility... moderate, with thin Frost Mist. Suggest artillery adjust firing parameters, set to minus 5%."

"Received, parameters updated."

The artillery center replied.

"Lina, are you ready on your end?"

"The observation post is reinforced, stocked with fifteen days of supplies, and has both wired and wireless communication backups."

Lina reported calmly.

"If the Fengqi air-drop into this area, we can hold for at least forty-eight hours."

"I hope it doesn't come to that."

On the other end of the communication was her older brother, Colonel Hans Klaus, the artillery Legion Commander.

"Lord Guilliman said the enemy's main air-drop will be concentrated inside the rift valley."

"Plans are plans, reality is reality."

Lina said.

"The Modians are ready to deal with surprises at any time."

She ended the communication and continued scanning.

The observation post was built into a natural rock cave on the west side of the rift valley, with only a narrow observation port opened toward the rift, while the rest was covered by thick rock and camouflage netting.

The interior space was very small, only able to accommodate three people and equipment, but the defense was solid, with alloy armor plates, an independent oxygen system, and even an emergency escape tunnel.

Although Lina doubted the possibility of escaping under enemy encirclement, and whether she would ever use it.

Her deputy, the young Private Erik, was checking the equipment.

"Lieutenant, the seismic sensor detected continuous vibrations at the bottom of the rift... are the Kriegers still digging?"

Lina pulled up the sensor data.

"Depth 30 meters, vibration pattern is regular... they are digging underground bunkers. It could be a command post, or it could be a reserve position."

"They already have three lines of trenches, and they still need to dig underground?"

Erik was puzzled.

"Do they really intend to defend every inch of land to the death?"

"The Krieger tactical philosophy."

Lina explained.

"Surface trenches will be destroyed by orbital bombardment, so they prepared underground fortifications. They retreat underground during the bombardment and return to the surface when it ends. Trading space for time, and lives for kills."

"Sounds... very cruel."

"War itself is cruel."

Lina's gaze did not leave the rangefinder.

"The Mordians choose to use technology to reduce casualties, while the Kriegers choose to trade lives for tactical objectives. There is no right or wrong, only choices."

She recalled the conversation between Colonel Sitelake and the Krieg Commissar during the pre-battle briefing.

When asked about expected casualties, the Krieg Commissar replied calmly: "The Krieg 123rd Regiment has an establishment of 100,000 men; the survival rate after completing the Task is expected to be no more than 15%. This is an acceptable cost."

And Colonel Hans's expression... Lina had never seen her brother look so grave.

The Mordians would calculate casualties and attempt to minimize losses, but they would never call an "85% casualty rate" "acceptable."

Different worlds, different ways of survival, brought together on the same battlefield by the will of the Emperor.

"Lieutenant!"

Erik suddenly raised his voice.

"Orbital sensors have detected warp signals! Multiple, large-scale! Distance... three light-hours, approaching this planet!"

Lina immediately switched to the orbital monitoring channel.

On the holographic screen, red dots representing an unknown fleet were emerging from the void, the number... at least forty major units, and more units were still appearing.

The Fengqi Capital Ship fleet had arrived.

"Observation Point A reports: Enemy warp signals detected, scale confirmed, expected to enter the planet's orbit in two hours and forty-seven minutes. All units are advised to enter Level 1 combat readiness."

The order spread across the entire defensive line via the communication network.

At the bottom of the rift, the Kriegers stopped digging, picked up their weapons, and took their combat positions.

At the artillery position, the Mordian gunners completed their final checks and loaded the Rune Bullets.

In the Command Center, Sitelake and 123-1 looked at the approaching red dots on the tactical hologram and exchanged a look of Silence.