Night falls.

The moon, half-hidden in the clouds, appeared and disappeared. At the foot of the mountain, a Yan Army mountain infantry division stepped into the Enzo Mountain range under the pale moonlight. Although three other units had already entered the mountain to search, they had not explored too far.

This mountain range is so vast and the terrain so complex that every time the Yan soldiers scouted a certain distance, they had to thoroughly investigate all the hiding places in that area to prevent enemy soldiers from hiding in a cave or ravine, which could pose a threat to the next battle.

This tactic of reconnoitering, annihilating, and consolidating a territory is slow, but it is stable enough, and the continuous reinforcement of troops can gradually increase its efficiency.

Inside the Yan Army camp, Qin Ze was listening to the communications soldier report on the information gathered that day.

"Your Majesty, we have not yet found any trace of the enemy today, but we have ensured that the area within three kilometers of the main road at the foot of the mountain is safe."

"The next area to be investigated is on higher ground, and these are all dangerous places."

After listening, Qin Ze, sitting in his chair, stroked his chin and said, "Even we think it's dangerous, so the Goths will be even more aware of it. Today went quite smoothly; the Goths didn't launch an attack. However, if nothing unexpected happens, they should make their move once they find these dangerous places."

"Take my message over to the troops in the mountains and prepare for battle. Tomorrow we will inevitably encounter the enemy. Once the battle begins, all combat units must coordinate their operations and launch attacks from as many points as possible to capture the enemy's positions."

"In addition, have the transport units at the foot of the mountain move weapons and ammunition to the confirmed safe areas to ensure that frontline personnel have enough ammunition."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The communications soldier immediately carried out the order.

In order to deal with mountain warfare, Qin Ze did not allow the troops entering the mountains to carry heavy artillery, but instead carried lighter field mortars.

This type of light mortar was not used in the original attack on the military base because its shells were too small in caliber, too weak in power, and had a short range compared to other types of artillery.

However, it has the significant advantage of being "lightweight," so much so that even a single soldier can carry it. In mountain warfare, which emphasizes mobility, it is a powerful weapon. Even if the enemy holds a strategic position, they cannot deploy a long defensive line like they would on flat ground. Although the mortar is not very powerful, its arc-shaped landing can land behind the enemy, which is enough to kill them.

The troops that have entered the mountains have brought thousands of these lightweight mortars. Quantity brings about quality changes, and when the number of shells fired reaches a certain level, they can also bring powerful destructive force.

"Tomorrow will be the day we see the real test." Qin Ze yawned and turned to walk towards his warm bed.

——

The night was deep, and a cold wind was blowing.

The entire Nzos Mountains were dark except for the moonlight, and no fires were lit on the pass as they had been in the previous days.

Inside the stone house, Dingle covered his mouth and coughed, feeling as if insects were crawling in his throat, an itching sensation that made it impossible for him to stop coughing.

Verri watched him with a complicated expression, and only after Dingle's coughing finally subsided did he speak:

"These guys are monsters. It's so cold in the mountains, yet they can endure not lighting a fire."

Dingle wiped his mouth and said breathlessly, "They won't last more than a few days."

"I think they will speed up their reconnaissance next. The longer they stay in the mountains, the more disadvantageous it will be for them."

Hearing this, Verri gave a self-deprecating laugh and said, "Isn't it the same for us? We don't have that many fortifications to shelter everyone from the wind and rain."

“It’s too cold here… If we keep this up, our bodies won’t be able to take it.” Verri looked at Dingle, who was shivering.

“It would be nice if it snowed…” Dingle suddenly said.

Upon hearing this, Verri thought he had misheard: "What did you say?"

“I said it would be nice if it snowed, preferably several times in a row.” Dingle leaned back, closed his eyes, and rested his head against the wall.

"Dinger, have you gone mad from the fever?" Verley couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Although I'm feeling dizzy right now, I'm not delirious from the fever. If a few heavy snowfalls come, won't all the Yan people freeze to death here?" Dingle said calmly.

"What nonsense are you talking about? We'll all die here!" Verri frowned.

"That's not bad either, at least we can take them down with us."

"How could you think that?!" Verri's eyes widened as he stared intently at Dingle, who had his eyes closed.

Dingle slowly opened his eyes, looked at Verley expressionlessly, and said, "If this really happens, it will be the best way for us to eliminate the enemy."

"If we can't eliminate enough of their manpower here, it will be very difficult to retake Suenham Province."

"Actually, I think we should perhaps..."

Just then, Verri interrupted coldly, "The Emperor has received news of the situation at the front, and our army must be rushing here at a rapid pace."

"Once reinforcements arrive, there is no doubt that the Yan people will be completely wiped out here, provided, of course, that they dare to fight us to the bitter end here."

Upon hearing this, Dingle swallowed back what he was about to say and instead said with a smile, "Then you don't need to worry anymore. I think the Yan people will definitely fight us to the end."

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!