Chapter 333 – Chinese Army Moves South (8)
There is one feeling that the warlords who encounter the Chinese army brigade have in common.
‘How on earth have they maintained this military strength?’
The answer to that is not difficult.
‘Force.’
Their survival method is similar to that of a swarm of locusts. After eating everything in the area where it stopped, it simply moved from place to place.
Pre-war equipment and many elite soldiers.
Competent communist technicians.
Material storage location information in East China, North China, and Northeast China.
The courage to adapt to difficult times.
As a group with many advantages for survival, they easily wiped out any infectious agents or local warlords they encountered.
And there is an ideological glue that holds it all together.
It is the belief that ‘we must maintain a great power.’
China is the largest country in ancient times. Even if the world is destroyed, the Chinese people must not become small.
We must always display our majesty to the world as a huge group! It was a belief that everyone from commanders to junior soldiers sympathized with.
This propaganda, suggested by the Chinese Army brigade chief of staff, bound them together more powerfully than the four strengths mentioned above.
But now we have reached the end.
Excavation and looting. This is because these two things alone will definitely reach their limit.
In the past, even if a nomadic tribe swept through, civilization would recover over time and looting opportunities would arise, but not anymore.
Once a civilization’s resources are consumed, they can never be recovered.
“Now we have to settle down. There’s nowhere else to go. The number of enemies must not increase any further.”
“Honestly, I feel the same way… But isn’t it too late?”
Those who were tired of too long wanderings and wars wished to pick up hoes instead of weapons.
“Even if it’s late, you have to do it! You can also ask for reconciliation when you still have strength.”
“I still remember the look in the eyes of the Mongolian refugee I met the other day. Even when demons look at us, they won’t show that much hatred. “I’m exhausted now.”
Those who are at least a little worried about the future led public opinion to choose a place with potential and settle down.
“How about moving the site? In the direction of Europe. The midfield was poor anyway. “Whether you make a living from plunder or digging from the ground, that would be more suitable.”
“I think the West Asia direction would be good as well. Because the density is low, there will be fewer infectious agents, and if we secure the oil field, the rest will be possible somehow.”
On the other hand, there were also those who were satisfied with their current lives and wanted to maintain direction. They are predators by nature.
“Are you serious? Are you intoxicated by the soldiers talking about the Mongol Empire as a joke?”
“Do you know what lies beyond the West Station and just go there? Once you cross over, there is no turning back! “We are in a situation where we don’t even know the situation in Korea or Japan right next door!”
Those who were more realistic were so frustrated that they almost burst out.
What was miraculously discovered in this situation was North Korea’s secret air raid shelter.
“We found the bomb shelter! It really happened!”
A single communication sent from the reconnaissance team managed to calm down the Chinese command, which was on the verge of grabbing each other.
“Isn’t this irritating the Koreans too much? “They already want to eat us alive.”
“There are not just one or two of those guys, but what is new…”
“No, would you say that’s bragging?”
The Chinese military does not even care about South Korea’s position that ‘North Korea is South Korea’s territory illegally occupied by illegal armed groups.’
However, we could not ignore the fact that Koreans would react violently.
However, even the prudentists could not answer the question, ‘So is there a better alternative than taking that bomb shelter?’
In this way, the policy of the Chinese brigade was decided.
First, take over the secret air raid shelter left behind by North Korea.
This much was unanimous.
The second is to use that as a foundation to stop living a wandering life and live a settled life.
Opinions were divided on this.
The idea of using Manchuria, which was less polluted, as the main settlement, and North Korea as an outpost for trade with South Korea and Japan received the most support.
“We’ll decide on the details later, but for now, let’s work together and take the air-raid shelter first.”
“We may have to fight with Korea right away. For now, let’s unite!”
In this way, the Chinese military command stopped its long-standing fight and shared hopeful plans for the future.
“If the dead commander said, there will be a large amount of dried seeds for agricultural use. Plant them in the Dongbei Plain…”
“While searching Pyeongan Island, we discovered a warehouse of materials for the Youth Shock Brigade, and there was a large amount of farm equipment there. It’s at a pretty useful level, so it would be good to mobilize them.”
“What is a youth shock troop?”
“So to speak, it’s long. Think of it like the Yellow Turban Party created and led by the government.”
It’s been a long time since there was an active discussion about farming.
However, this harmony did not last long. A moribund messenger came from the east and poured cold water on him.
It is said that an unidentified devil-like army has captured the air raid shelter base.
“We are behind in terms of the combat power, morale, equipment, and firepower of each soldier. They are building a defensive position there. “This is crazy.”
The topic of farming, which had been brought up with great difficulty, was thrown aside and quickly returned to talking about armaments.
“The numbers are 10 or 20 times greater than ours. “Our ancestors overcame much more difficult battles on this land, right?”
“Are you still concerned about stories from a century ago?”
“At least you are saying that the conditions are much better than before! The enemy is only a few companies, but we are a brigade! “It is the only brigade in the world!”
Number! For the Chinese, pride in numbers was more important than anything else.
In particular, they have confirmed countless times through battles that they are not only large, but also the best in the world in terms of equipment and quality.
“Is that bomb shelter worth this much? I mean, I’m willing to gamble with everything. Let’s just give up and go back to Manchuria.”
“What if I get back from here? Are you going to live by digging up dirt? “And soil contaminated with radioactivity and infectious agents?”
“…”
A few opponents insisted on anti-war to the end, but failed to come up with a suitable alternative.
In the end, the decision was made to fight.
After a long period of penance, I have tasted the sweetness of hope for the first time in a long time! This was not the kind of thing that could be given up.
Moreover, if the enemy was scared and returned here, which was less than 1/10th of the number, some high-ranking executives would have to take responsibility.
For the rest of your life, every time your subordinates look at you, you will feel a chill on the back of your head.
* * *
A video of the secret air raid shelter area is displayed on the central control room screen.
“By our standards, it’s not a very good place to fight.”
Geographical features such as trenches, crypts, and ridges spread widely around the area provide strong protection from aerial bombardment.
The firepower of our air power, which is our strength differentiating ourselves from other forces, is being reduced.
On the other hand, from the enemy’s point of view, it was perfect for them to stick their heads out of the hole and pour in anti-aircraft fire.
This is a very annoying part of deploying air power.
Even assuming a battle between infantry, when the range of movement is narrowed, the number of soldiers becomes more important than individual combat power.
“It would be impossible to completely destroy the terrain before they come.”
[The spirit of victory is not a bad thing, but there is no need to get too caught up in it.]
“What is more important to a soldier than winning?”
I was a bit taken aback by Artemis’ words, saying the most important thing as if it wasn’t important.
Now that she is in an all-out war situation, she only lives in cyberspace to provide complete support.
Her warm body is in a deep sleep in the incubator.
[Even if we lose the decisive battle, the Chinese army will also suffer a severe blow. It has to be that way. Because our military is the strongest in the world.]
Artemis stood next to her in her hologram, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Her confidence in her creation is evident.
“If you’re the strongest, isn’t it right to not lose in the first place?”
[Whether I win over a few days or over a few years doesn’t make much of a difference to me. This is not a battle, it is a war.]
“What you’re saying is very politician.”
[Joy! How could Xiang Yu’s army lose when it has Xiao He’s backup? I hope you take more pride in the things I’ve made for you.]
In today’s era, the side that defends the base has an unconditional advantage, and it is right to focus now on solidifying that advantage.
“Well, there wouldn’t be any harm in going through a war of attrition. At least there will be no need to inform the bereaved family of the news of the death.”
[They have no way to replace fallen soldiers, but we can make one. Because the production line is alive and materials can be supplied. Even if North Korea’s air-raid shelter is taken away, it will not immediately become their strength.]
It is impossible for the Chinese military to immediately convert the resources it has acquired into military power like we do.
[Jinsu, I received a call from the Kaesong Industrial Complex. 51st Division Engineer Corps.]
“Connect me.”
A communication from the military unit came in at just the right time.
[Loyalty! This is Major Jeong Ok-su of the 51st Infantry Division Engineer Battalion.]
It was awkward for me to see him shouting ‘loyalty’ and saluting to me, who was not his superior, but that’s what I do.
An image of what was once called the Kaesong Industrial Complex is displayed on the central control room screen.
There were about 150 South Korean soldiers lined up there.
“Received. “Can you get to work right away?”
[No problem. Please just leave it to us. We will polish it to make it look like Gimpo Airport!]
“About 500 workers recruited from the police will arrive by the end of today.”
[All right. We will report back after the acquisition.]
In an all-out war against the main Chinese army, we must also engage in all-out warfare.
“It is a trench battle against thousands of heavily armed elite infantry units…”
I have no idea how many times the aircraft will have to be dispatched.
Shutting this back and forth from the shelter to the front line is the height of inefficiency.
It was much more effective to establish and operate a temporary air force base outside.
In that respect, the Kaesong Industrial Complex is the best place we can choose right now.
It is reasonably close to the shelter, but far enough away from the main Chinese army.
There are still abandoned industrial materials and equipment that are helpful for repair and supply, and sufficient road infrastructure is also in place.
At my request, the garrison commanders united their respective engineers into one and provided support to me.
Any number of laborers could be recruited from the polis to help with shoveling, cleaning, and chores.
[This is Colonel Kim Yong-ho, commander of the 3rd Guards Division of the 17th Division.]
Kim Yong-ho did not show military respect to me.
While there are soldiers who view us as a potential replacement for the government, like Major Jeong Ok-su just now, there are also soldiers who see us only as powerful civilian warlords, like Colonel Kim Yong-ho.
[Hmph!]
I don’t have any feelings, but Artemis is different.
She was pleased with the former, but disapproved of the latter.
[I was a little late due to a problem with the vehicle while in transit. Sorry.]
“It’s okay. “Then is it possible to start the mission right away?”
[Yes. From now on, everyone will be on high alert and patrol the outskirts of the Kaesong Industrial Complex. We will absolutely block any disturbing movements.]
Instead of saluting, he bowed his head slightly.
I checked the demarcation line defense line through a separate monitor at my seat.
The arrival of each garrison unit and establishment of a position was displayed in real time.
There is nothing important about the defense area along the ceasefire line that each commander is responsible for.
However, the role of the 17th Division’s 3rd Security Group, which is in charge of patrolling the outskirts of the temporary air force base, is more important than anything else.
The gears for the decisive battle with the Chinese army are interlocking.
All materials, manpower, and equipment were operating in optimal positions to defeat as many Chinese forces as possible.
* * *
At a time when the entire interior of South Korea, centering around Shelter, was in the midst of preparing for war, the Chinese military was also engulfed in the greatest heat since the Infection War.
[The difficult journey so far has finally come to fruition! The legacy left behind by our allies awaits us! There are medicines and supplements that will be used by all brigade members for over 100 years, as well as military supplies to protect them!]
All soldiers shout in unison as the voice rings from the radio.
Everyone cheered, regardless of whether it was soldiers, non-commissioned officers, or officers.
Only a few veteran officers had their arms crossed with complicated expressions.
Is it because of fear of a future slaughter? Or is it for some other unspeakable reason?
[This does not simply mean prolonging our lives. This means the future. Loyal comrades who have been with us through the arduous march. Think of the family you dreamed of! Think of the children you will have! The day to rest in that warm nest is not far away.]
The commander’s voice on the radio is full of confidence to the point of making you choke. It’s as if you’re hypnotizing yourself.
[There are only two paths for us! Either become the victor and become the head of the family, or die together and be buried somewhere else! Be loyal to neutralization! Serve the people! I command you to fight without sparing your life! Over!]
The soldiers’ shouts in response seemed as if they would shake the heavens and the earth.
“Waaaaa!!!”
They each rushed to their respective positions and began preparations for the advance.
The entire search party that had dispersed to find useful supplies separate from North Korea’s secret air raid shelter returns and joins.
The Chinese soldiers coming down from all directions maintained secrecy, making no difference whether there were a few or dozens of them.
They were the type of people who endured the wanderings of the era of destruction, where hiding oneself led to survival.
The reserve forces remaining in Manchuria also moved south all at once to supply the rear.
[I have brought with me all the anti-aircraft weapons that can be mobilized.]
Encrypted Chinese radio was transmitted to the brigade headquarters.
There were more people carrying manpads and disassembled anti-aircraft guns than those carrying rifles.
Since there was no need to use it against a certain warlord, they cleaned out all the items stored in the warehouse.
Among the equipment that came down, there were often anti-aircraft guns. Four machine gun barrels and radars closely monitor the sky and advance.
[Distributed from the command and control room. Designated marksmen at each echelon must immediately go to the armory and return their personal firearms.]
Immediately, soldiers came out one by one from all over the barracks.
[The logistics officer shall provide QBU-10 sniper rifles to designated marksmen. Don’t leave any spare armor-piercing shells and send them all out according to the number of people.]
Designated marksmen from each echelon lined up and returned their assault rifles.
The military soldiers handed over the Chinese anti-materiel sniper rifle that had been kept there.
As the designated marksmen with stern faces advanced to the front in gun stance, the officer waiting at the entrance to the armory blocked their path.
“As of now, your affiliation has been changed to a mobile sniper unit! Forget about your previous squad! From now on, I am your direct superior!”
The officer picked them up and moved them to another location.
This is because combat doctrine had to be taught as an attribute to those newly organized as a mobile sniper unit.
In the vacant lot opposite the armory, mortars and towed artillery were being inspected.
“We don’t have enough artillery personnel. “We need at least 50 more people to allocate them all.”
When Captain Hwapo, a second-class military commander, spoke, the dispatched mobilization officer nodded. His rank was middle school.
“I will report to the command center immediately. First, attach one senior soldier to each piece of equipment. “Tell them to be prepared to teach the new ones.”
“I understand.”
Two executives having a conversation while looking through personnel checklists and material ledgers. Soldiers pulling carts pass behind them.
The cart was loaded with Chinese-made RPG-7 shells.
“Aaaaah!”
The two executives’ gazes shifted.
A soldier groaned as his ankle was crushed after being dropped while moving a towed artillery part from a short distance away.
It was so heavy that I couldn’t clean it up myself when I fell on my ankle.
Just as the mobilization officer was about to voice his frustration, the artillery squad leader moved first.
However, someone had already broken in and was lifting the towed gun parts.
“Are you okay?”
“Thank you!”
A sergeant-ranked assault trooper wearing a reinforced armor suit stood up.
“Just in case, go to the medical unit.”
The sergeant grinned, brushed the dust off the soldier’s butt and returned to his original rank.
An assault unit composed entirely of reinforced armored soldiers is moving in two rows.
Based on the driving force of the exoskeleton suit, it is wrapped in Kevlar gloves that are so thick that they even look hot.
Such people are not the only ones. The front and rear lines across the parade ground are uninterrupted.
For the lowest-ranking soldiers, it felt like their field of vision was full. Knowing that these people are on the same side gives me a feeling of relief and a sense of victory.
[Captain Risjeon. Captain Risjeon, please immediately move to the medical unit and report.]
The speaker has no time to rest as it calls out numerous equipment and classes.
[The medical reports of the dragon warriors are being delayed. All medical officers should stop general treatment work and prioritize tuning and drug mixing for dragon warriors.]
The situation is about to face the biggest fight since the infection war.
The soldiers of the Chinese Army brigade burned with passion as if they had tenaciously survived for today.
* * *
The central control room screen had been changed to a satellite map screen.
Transport helicopters carrying military equipment to North Korea’s air defense shelter for the decisive battle.
Sentry guns, walking weapons, and mounted autonomous batteries are tied to the transportation chain below the helicopter body.
[400 additional workers following the previous ones! Acquisition complete!]
Major Jeong Ok-soo, the engineer commander managing the temporary air force base, reported.
Thanks to the change in personnel, the former Kaesong Industrial Complex was transformed into a spacious airfield.
In the vacant lot, drone bombers and combat helicopters parked in rows are in the middle of refueling.
Men wearing worn-out aviation maintenance uniforms and captains who once flew planes in brilliant livery move hoses with grease stains on their hands.
Next to it, a forklift loaded with aviation bombs was moving busily.
The forklift drivers were all men in their 40s and 50s and had forklift licenses.
In the past, they carried groceries from supermarkets and construction materials from factories, but today they carry bombs against the Chinese army.
The drivers, who carefully handle their feet, are all covered in sweat from tension.
[It won’t explode easily, so don’t be too nervous. If you do that for no reason, you will make a mistake.]
The warrant officer wearing a hat studded with yellow diamonds laughed.
He was a graduate of the Air Force Unit Maintenance High School, but lost his unit during the war and was integrated into the army.
He seems very excited to be able to supervise his specialty for the first time in a long time.
“There were no major setbacks.”
As I operated the panel at my seat, the central control room screen changed.
The area around the secret air raid shelter seen from above by the drone was fortified to an unprecedented level.
Charrrr!
The six barrels of the sentry gun installed in the trench begin to rotate.
Accordingly, the electric ladder attached to the bottom of the sentry gun moved on its own.
The muzzle and visual lens clearly revealed above the trench.
Kwaaaaa!!!
The top muzzle spews fire and spits out minigun bullets to the other side.
It has firepower on a completely different level from the small-diameter sentry guns of the Chinese army that occupied this place.
Ruk!
After a short firing, the Sentry Gun lowered the ladder and disappeared down the trench.
[Installation complete. I will move to the next area.]
Stalkers dressed as engineers ran along the inside of the trench to another defensive location.
Other stalkers appeared, crossing them from the opposite trench. They are wearing backpacks full of smart mines.
Stop at the burial point and take out a mine.
The mine was round like a ladybug, and unusually, it had six pairs of legs like a bug. The front and middle four were small, and the back two were large like the hind legs of a grasshopper.
Beep.
The mine woke up with a beep sound and jumped out of the stalker’s hand.
As the stalker digs up the ground with the shovel in his hand, he hides inside and pulls out only a part of the eye containing the sensor.
I watched it with satisfaction.
“It’s obvious they’ll crawl in to avoid the bombing, but we can’t just accept them.”
Machine gun seats made of alloy plates delivered from the shelter were installed in various places.
Many of the stalkers deployed throughout the defensive positions will be able to engage with only part of their bodies exposed.
I took my gaze off the defensive position that was being solidly completed.
As I sank deeper into the chair, I thought of my enemies far away.
“Please give them a comfortable death.”
I quietly recite a prayer that I don’t even know who I’m saying to.
