This terrible news caught everyone off guard. The original plan was for them to enter the Suenham province through the Nzoz Mountains, then make final resupply and preparations at the Heinrich military base before rushing to support the front line and eliminate the invading enemy.
But now that the Heinrich military base has fallen, the army is unable to resupply, and the Fourth Army has been broken up by the enemy and has had to retreat back to the Enzos Mountains.
The Nzoz Mountains, a crucial transportation hub connecting the provinces of Suenham and Pokamia, absolutely cannot fall into enemy hands. However, the enemy has already entered the mountains, making the situation extremely dire.
To fight in the mountains during the cold winter, adequate logistical support is key to winning the battle. However, the army's supplies are currently in short supply. Therefore, Dylan had to order the soldiers to obtain supplies from nearby locations to ensure the army's continued needs.
Dylan had reason to believe that the fighting would continue in the mountains for some time, and whether it was half a month or longer, the supplies needed for an army group would not be enough for just one town, Pariston. Even so, he had to get the army to carry as much supplies as possible into the mountains.
Because the remnants of the Fourth Army were still inside the mountains, and they had hastily withdrawn from the military base without sufficient supplies, their situation was even more difficult, so they needed to be resupplyed.
At this moment, Dylan stood with his hands behind his back, his stern gaze sweeping over everyone, before he spoke again:
"Although I have already ordered other places to urgently dispatch supplies, this will take some time, but we don't have time to wait."
"The Yan people have already entered the mountains, and they're not even taking the main road. Instead, they're scurrying around like a bunch of rats. They have a large force and will turn Enzos upside down like rats. Once they capture our stronghold and control the pass, our operations will become extremely difficult!"
"Do you understand?!"
"Understood, sir!" the officers replied in unison, their faces grave.
"Tomorrow at daybreak, Kyle, you will be in overall command. Lead five divisions into the mountains first. The rest of the troops will remain here and wait for orders. We will enter the mountains one after another after the supplies arrive!" Dylan pointed to a burly officer and said in a deep voice.
"Yes, sir!" the mountain infantry division lieutenant general, known as Kyle, immediately replied.
"After you have rejoined Verri's forces, you will need to renegotiate and deploy a completely new operational plan."
"Remember! We must adapt our tactics to the terrain and the mountainous environment, instead of recklessly engaging the Yan people head-on! The Yan people are very strong. The Fourth Army was defeated in a direct confrontation with them. We must learn from their mistakes!" Dylan continued to instruct.
“Yes, sir! Leave it to me! I will definitely complete the task you have assigned!” Kyle’s eyes were resolute.
"Furthermore, the importance of communication must be prioritized. I need to know the situation on the front lines at all times. In the event of any unexpected situation, our waiting troops must set off immediately to provide reinforcements, even if supplies have not yet arrived. The Nzos Mountains are the lifeline of the nation and must not be allowed to fall into enemy hands!" Dylan's deep gaze grew increasingly serious.
In fact, after receiving news of the fall of the military base, Dylan realized that the country had entered its most critical state. The enemy's strength was unprecedented. From the end of December when they were discovered to have arrived outside the Brando Strait to today, only a month has passed. The Empire has not only lost control of the sea, but has also lost the most important western province, Sunham.
The province of Suenham was of paramount importance throughout the empire's territory, as it housed the most shipyards and arsenals, with the Macedonian arsenal being just one example.
The reason why the military factories were concentrated in Suenham Province was because the Brando Strait was the empire's best overseas barrier, and no foreign enemies had ever invaded it since ancient times. After the emperor made the overseas colony plan a new strategic policy for the empire, Suenham Province became a key coastal area for the empire's development.
With the Brando Strait in front and the Nzos Mountains behind, Suenheim should have been the safest region. However, this important region has now fallen into enemy hands, which is an unbearable burden for the Empire.
The loss of Suenham had the greatest impact on the army. Although there were military factories in other regions, they were not enough to support all the troops. It was for this reason that the emperor was very eager to recover Suenham. Even if it could not be fully recovered in a short time, at least some areas should be recovered.
But now even Heinrich, the last stronghold of Sunham, has fallen, and Dylan gets a headache just thinking about the battles to come.
This terrible news hadn't even reached Salivia yet, but Dylan could imagine how furious the Emperor would be upon hearing it.
After the meeting, Dylan called out to Kyle, who was about to leave the camp.
“Kyle, you have a lot of experience in mountain warfare, even more than I do. I think you can make reasonable tactical arrangements.”
"But at this time of year, the harsh environment in the mountains is a huge test for everyone, and our enemy..."
At this point, Dylan looked hesitant.
Kyle immediately patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, sir. No matter how bad the environment is, it only affects everyone. At least for now, we still have a better position."
"No matter how many soldiers the Yan Kingdom has, they cannot take advantage of their strengths. We will defeat them."
Dylan nodded slightly, but said in a deep voice, "I can't imagine that Heinrich could be defeated in a few days with Brewster leading eleven divisions."
“This would have been impossible in any previous year, but now it has happened at the height of our empire’s power.”
“The enemy we face…” Dylan shook his head, rubbing his temples, and continued:
"They are an unprecedentedly formidable enemy."
"Once you enter the mountains, you must be extremely careful. Remember what I said: never engage them in direct combat. Utilize the terrain to your advantage. If the Yan Kingdom forces a strong attack on our key positions and we are unable to hold them, then if necessary..." At this point, Dylan walked to Kyle's side and whispered a few words in his ear.
Kyle's pupils contracted, seemingly greatly shocked. After a two-second silence, his expression hardened, and he said in a deep voice, "Yes, sir!"
"If that moment ever comes, I will do it!"
"Okay, go ahead. I hope you can bring me good news soon." Dylan gave Kyle a deep look.
"Yes, sir." Kyle saluted and turned to leave.
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