Chapter 1164: Battle of Fengqi (3)

Just as they finished packing up and prepared to enter the escape tunnel, the anti-air cannons began to fire.

The Hydra Anti-Air Cannon turrets sprayed a barrage of fire at the drones.

Two drones were blown apart in mid-air; the third attempted to evade, but was hit in the wing by the second wave of fire and spiraled down toward the rift.

"Threat neutralized. But position is compromised."

Lina judged calmly.

"Expect shelling or an airstrike within ten minutes. Relocate."

They entered the narrow escape tunnel and headed down along the steep stairs.

The tunnel led to another reserve observation point deep within the rift.

Three minutes after they left, the first Fengqi mortar shell landed on the original observation point's location.

The camouflage netting was shredded and the observation window was blown away, but the interior had long been empty.

"Observation Point A relocation complete."

Lina re-established communications from the new position.

"New coordinates: A-2. Field of view: two-thirds of the middle section of the rift. Continuing observation."

Underground Command Center, fifth hour.

"The enemy has occupied the rift entrance to a depth of three kilometers."

The Intelligence Officer reported.

"But our forces are still resisting layer by layer. Krieg Legion casualties... are estimated to have exceeded 120,000. Mordian Legion casualties are approximately 20,000. Conventional troop casualties are approximately 40,000."

"Enemy casualties?"

Karl asked.

"Preliminary estimate: at least 160,000. Among them, approximately 8,000 Guardian Super Soldiers."

In a defensive battle, this is not a good result, but considering the initial weakening from orbital bombardment... it has already far exceeded expectations.

"Fengqi's second wave of Airborne Troops has begun deployment."

The observation officer reported.

"Number... approximately 300,000. They are strengthening their flank offensive, attempting to encircle the middle section of the rift."

123-1 pulled up the defensive deployment map.

"Krieg 88th and 92nd Regiments will move underground, maneuvering through the tunnel network to the flanks to establish a new defensive line.

The 123rd and 147th Regiments will continue frontal resistance. The 101st Regiment will serve as the reserve."

"How much longer can our artillery hold out?"

Sitelake asked.

"Ammunition consumption has reached 47%."

The artillery coordinator replied.

"Some positions were forced to relocate due to exposure, and fire density has dropped by 20%. But accuracy is still maintained."

"Hmm, what about the armored units?"

"The battle is quite intense."

Middle section of the rift.

The engine of the Leman Russ Tank let out a low roar in the thin atmosphere; the turret of this steel beast rotated slowly, the muzzle of its 120mm main gun pointing toward the rift entrance.

Tank commander Second Lieutenant Keman poked half his body out of the top hatch, his binoculars scanning the still-smoking battlefield ahead.

"All units attention, this is Mordian 3rd Armored Group Command."

Colonel Sitelake's voice came through the communication channel.

"Enemy heavy equipment is being deployed. Your task: establish a mobile defensive line in the middle section of the rift and delay the enemy advance for at least forty-five minutes."

Keman looked down at the holographic tactical map inside the vehicle.

Blue markers representing friendly forces were sparsely distributed across an area about five kilometers wide in the middle section of the rift: twelve Leman Russ Tanks, twenty-four Chimera Armoured Transports, eight Gorgon armored assault transports, and over thirty Sentinels.

"Krieg 101st Armored Regiment reports in position."

A dull voice sounded on the channel; it was the Krieg armored commander 101-1.

"Mordian mechanized units in position. Twelve Chimeras, sixteen Sentinels, three Leman Russ Tanks, on the left flank heights."

The task for Keman's unit was mobile counterattack: when the enemy broke through a certain defensive line, they were to fill the gap.

"Detected enemy heavy unit airborne deployment."

The voice of Second Lieutenant Lina Klaus came from Observation Point A-2.

"Coordinates G7 to G12 area, eight walking mechs, twelve heavy tanks, approximately thirty auxiliary vehicles. Expected to enter the main battlefield in fifteen minutes."

Fifteen minutes.

Keman glanced at the timer inside the vehicle.

There were fifty-three minutes left until the six hours promised by Lord Guilliman.

"Can the artillery still provide support?"

He asked.

"Mordian artillery has 37% ammunition remaining, capable of three rounds of precision volley fire."

The artillery coordinator replied.

"But it requires forward observation guidance. Also, take note: enemy orbital fire may intervene again at any time. Any large-scale gathering will become a target."

Those main guns on the warships could easily destroy the sturdiest tanks, and all you could do was pray you weren't conspicuous enough, or as the Kriegers often said, complete your mission before being targeted.

101-1's voice sounded again, short and direct.

"Krieg armored units will execute the established mission, Gorgons in front to absorb fire, Leman Russ in the rear for precision shooting."

Typical Krieg thinking.

Keman sighed silently.

The Modian armored Commander on the other side said.

"The Modian unit's Sentinel mechs will use the terrain to maneuver and flank the enemy's weak points. The Chimera will maintain distance to provide fire support. The Leman Russ Tank... will serve as bait."

"Bait?"

Someone questioned.

"Yes. The enemy prioritizes attacking heavy targets.

If our Leman Russ Tank exposes its position, it will attract enemy heavy fire and aerial strikes, creating opportunities for other units."

Colonel Sitelake concluded.

"Then, the tactic is confirmed. The Krieg unit will assault the front, while the Modian unit will harass the flanks and fill gaps. Watch for aerial threats and orbital strike warnings. Now... prepare to engage."

Keman retracted into the vehicle and closed the top hatch.

The interior of the Leman Russ Tank was narrow and cramped, filled with a mixed scent of machine oil, sweat, and recycled air.

The gunner Krauser was checking the main gun's autoloader, the loader Muller was organizing the Rune Bullets, and the driver Hartmann gripped the control levers, his eyes fixed on the periscope.

"Everyone, final check."

Keman said, "Main gun?"

"Ready. Armor-Piercing Shell loaded, ready to fire at any time."

Krauser replied.

"Secondary weapons?"

"Heavy Bolter ammunition is sufficient, coaxial Heavy Bolter is normal."

Muller added.

"Engine and transmission?"

"Eighty-two percent power, track wear is moderate, but it can still run."

Hartmann grinned and said.

Woke nodded and opened the internal communication.

"Remember our tactic: after the enemy's heavy equipment appears, we move and shoot, hit and run.

A living tank is more useful than a dead hero, at least until the Task is complete."