The Cleanup Is Usually Harder

Although we'd won the battle, the cleanup was filthy. The city streets were blocked by burning tanks and the rubble of collapsed buildings, while acrid smoke rose everywhere and obscured the view.

The only fortunate thing was that the bombing and battle had turned the city into an even more complicated maze. From a defender's perspective, that was actually a boon.

"2nd Company! Don't just stand there—dig holes! Break through the walls on the first floor and make room for the gun barrels!"

I took direct command of the work as I passed through the area.

"Gunther! Push the men harder if you have to! We need to finish before sunset!"

"Yes, sir! Don't worry! Hey, you bastards! Didn't you hear the company commander's orders? Bring pickaxes!"

The place I headed for was the entrance to the underground bunker where a temporary clinic had been set up.

"Aaaagh! Save me! My leg… my leg!"

"Stay calm! We're stopping the bleeding!"

The moment I entered, the stench of blood hit me. Wounded soldiers were packed tightly into the cramped space...