Ashen Forest Infiltration Operation

Several days passed after Erika stormed out of the barracks, fuming. In the meantime, the atmosphere in the company changed noticeably. Supplies continued to be issued, and the parade ground filled with soldiers training.

"I hear we're going to have a big one soon."

"They say the entire company is moving this time. The Ashen Forest must be the target, right?"

"Could the company commander be drawing up another grand plan?"

Rumors circulated within the company that a major battle would soon break out.

Then, one morning, a messenger came to the barracks in a very conspicuous manner.

"All officers and NCOs, assemble immediately in front of the company command tent!"

The messenger's shout sent a stir through the entire barracks area. The officers and NCOs of each platoon began moving hurriedly, wearing expressions that said the inevitable had finally arrived. I left the barracks as well, taking Sergeant Gunter with me.

The company command tent had been rearranged for a briefing. A large table bearing a detailed map of the Ashen Forest stood in the center, surrounded by officers and NCOs.

The commanders of every platoon had already gathered: Lieutenant Walter of 1st Platoon, Erika of 2nd, and even Lieutenant Franz of 4th. Then Captain Seraphina, standing at the center, began to speak.

"Listen. Reconnaissance by 3rd Platoon and the testimony of the rescued scouts have confirmed that the threat in the Ashen Forest is far more organized than expected."

Everyone's gaze turned toward me. Erika bit her lip.

"We must cut off the enemy at the roots before the problem grows any larger. In other words, our mission is to annihilate the main orc forces in the Ashen Forest and destroy all of their infrastructure."

Seraphina began explaining the operation, pointing at the map with her command baton. Everyone in the tent focused on the tip of her baton.

"3rd Platoon, Lieutenant Jager."

"Yes, Captain."

"3rd Platoon will play the most important role in this mission. You must infiltrate the point believed to be the enemy command center as quickly as possible."

Her baton landed precisely on the center of the area where the red dots were most densely clustered on the map. Quiet sighs escaped from among the surrounding officers. Even on the map, it was literally the heart of the enemy position, requiring us to break through countless enemy lines.

"Your mission is not merely a strike. You must assassinate the enemy leadership and destroy their communications facilities and command tent, paralyzing the command structure itself. Your objective is to turn them into headless chickens."

If we succeeded, we could end the battle with ease, but if we failed, we could become isolated in the middle of the enemy position. Perhaps that was why I heard Sergeant Gunter, standing behind me, swallow hard.

"The moment we confirm that 3rd Platoon's attack has succeeded and the red signal flare has gone up, 1st and 4th Platoons will launch a frontal assault. Their mission is to take advantage of the confusion caused by the loss of the enemy command, completely crush their main force, and mop up the remaining troops."

The seasoned commander of 1st Platoon, Lieutenant Walter, and the eager commander of 4th Platoon, Lieutenant Franz, nodded with determined expressions. Once the broad outline of the operation had been laid out, puzzlement appeared on Erika's face. The mission assigned to Erika and 2nd Platoon, the company's most aggressive unit, had not yet been announced.

At last, Seraphina's gaze turned toward her.

"2nd Platoon will move separately."

Seraphina pointed with her baton to the western ridge on the outskirts of the forest, quite far from the combat zone.

"You will lie in ambush here and completely block the enemy's retreat. You will also be deployed only if an unforeseen contingency arises. In other words, Lieutenant Stahlberg, your mission is to calmly observe the overall battle as the reserve force."

Erika's shoulders jerked. Obvious bewilderment appeared in her eyes. It was tantamount to telling her to twiddle her thumbs until the battle was over rather than launch a frontal attack. She glared at Seraphina with an expression of complete disbelief.

"I object, Captain!"

Unable to hold herself back any longer, Erika stepped forward. The air inside the tent froze, and everyone's gaze turned toward her.

"What is your objection, Lieutenant Stahlberg?"

Seraphina asked in a voice that suggested she had already expected this.

"Using 2nd Platoon as a reserve is an obvious waste of combat power! Our platoon has the best mobility and firepower in the company. Rather than a passive mission like blocking the enemy's retreat, it would be far more efficient for us to break through the enemy position alongside 3rd Platoon or spearhead the main force!"

Erika spoke passionately.

'Status Analysis.'

[Name: Erika von Stahlberg]

[Emotion: Anger and humiliation at not having her abilities recognized, and a strong competitive desire not to let Max Jager steal her credit]

"I acknowledge that our last reconnaissance mission failed! But give us a chance to make up for that mistake! Give 2nd Platoon a chance to fight as well, Captain!"

Several officers seemed shaken by her plea, but Seraphina did not move an inch. She lightly tapped the map with her baton as she spoke.

"The key to this operation lies in the success of the surprise attack, Lieutenant Stahlberg. And the most successful surprise attack is only possible when every variable is under control."

Her blue eyes bore into Erika.

"Lieutenant Jager's 3rd Platoon could fail, and the frontal attacks by 1st and 4th Platoons could encounter unexpected resistance. Or enemy reinforcements we know nothing about could appear. Preparing for every one of those possibilities is your mission."

There was not the slightest wavering in Seraphina's voice.

"The most reliable card is played last. You will take responsibility for that variable. This is my decision because I trust your outstanding mobility and firepower more than anyone else's. I'll ask you again: do you have any complaints?"

"……No, ma'am."

Seraphina had deftly bolstered Erika's pride while completely dismissing her argument. Erika bit her lip resentfully and stepped back. Her shoulders trembled faintly. Any further objection was impossible.

"That concludes it. Each platoon will begin its final preparations immediately. The operation begins tomorrow at 0500 hours. Dismissed."

After the briefing ended, the officers filed out of the command tent one by one. Just as I was leaving, I ran into Erika, who had been waiting for me in the corridor. With her arms folded, she wore a deeply dissatisfied expression.

"I suppose I should congratulate you, Lieutenant Jager. You got the tastiest piece again."

Her voice was full of barbs. I shrugged and replied,

"Tasty pieces are often poisoned. Only someone who can handle them should eat them, or they'll end up causing trouble."

"What…?"

Erika's face flushed red. Just as she was about to hurl another retort at me, Lieutenant Walter, the commander of 1st Platoon, emerged behind us and stepped between us. He was a seasoned soldier with a splendid mustache.

"That's enough. Is this really the time for platoon commanders to engage in a pissing contest on the eve of an operation?"

He took a cigarette from his pocket and put it between his lips, clicking his tongue. Lieutenant Franz, who followed him out, looked helplessly from one of us to the other.

"Lieutenant Walter is right. The cooperation of the entire company is crucial to this operation, isn't it?"

Franz awkwardly tried to mediate, but Erika's anger did not subside.

"Cooperation? What cooperation is there between the bastard who's going to hog all the credit as the spearhead and a glorified extra who's merely blocking the retreat!"

'Status Analysis.'

I looked over the three platoon commanders standing before me one by one.

[Name: Walter]

[Emotion: Annoyance at a childish squabble, and realistic concern about the operation]

[Name: Franz]

[Emotion: Anxiety and awkwardness over the conflict between the platoon commanders]

[Name: Erika von Stahlberg]

[Emotion: Strong jealousy, humiliation over her assignment, and anger toward Max Jager]

Their reactions were predictable. I took a step toward Erika.

"If you think blocking the retreat makes you a glorified extra, you're gravely mistaken, Erika."

She flinched at my voice.

"The moment you become blinded by credit and forget your duty, the fleeing orcs will cut your men's throats. I know what you want to prove, but don't do it with your subordinates' lives."

"Hmph. Spare me."

She managed to spit out those words before abruptly turning and disappearing down the corridor. Lieutenant Walter exhaled a long stream of cigarette smoke and shook his head, while Franz remained visibly restless.

"What are we going to do with that stubborn girl?"

Leaving Walter's mutter behind, I headed for the barracks where my platoon members were waiting.

From that afternoon until nightfall, 3rd Platoon moved with meticulous precision. The sounds of rifles being disassembled and oiled, the metallic clinks of ammunition being distributed, and the squad leaders' shouts filled the barracks.

I conducted a final inspection of each platoon member's equipment and gear. Only after confirming that every preparation was complete did I return to my barracks to get some sleep. I lay down on the creaking bed, but sleep would not come.

How much time had passed? A bugle sounded outside the barracks, announcing the assembly.

At last, the time had come. I got to my feet and picked up my rifle.

*

At the entrance to the Ashen Forest, where thick darkness and fog had settled, 3rd Platoon assembled at the appointed time.

White breath scattered into the fog from the mouths of soldiers gripping their rifles, wet with the night's dew. The forest waited for us with its mouth open like a gigantic beast.

"Everyone, report your positions."

My question was followed by a series of reports.

"1st Squad, ready."

"2nd Squad, ready, sir."

"3rd Squad, ready."

Everything was ready. Corporal Hanna soon came up beside me. She briefly closed her eyes and focused on the flow of mana running throughout the forest.

"I can see it, Lieutenant. The mana is roiling toward the center of the forest. And… small mana networks are spread around it."

"Can you find an opening?"

"…Yes. It's very faint, but I can see a path."

"Good. Lead the way."

Corporal Hanna and I took the lead, with the members of 3rd Platoon following behind us. Concealed by the fog, we continued forward.

I stayed close behind Hanna and kept my eye on the minimap floating at the edge of my vision. The fog made it impossible to see even a step ahead, but green dots representing the positions of our platoon members glowed on the minimap.

Before long, red dots began appearing at the edge of the minimap.

"Three at eleven o'clock, Lieutenant. They seem to be an orc patrol."

Hanna said. On the minimap, the red dots were moving straight toward us.