Chapter 16-Outwitting Mandster
After 20 years of fighting, many of the veterans were already old. Arias 'temples were also gray. It was unrealistic to let them charge into the front lines. The growth of the young man made them feel gratified. America had a successor.
One day, Arias had a long talk with the veterans. Kotter, Milla, Piernas, Mikel, Jamil, Larry, Kerry, Bonon, Cally, Sadler, Nettyov, and others were invited. Each of them was in their sixties, but they were still full of energy and vigor.
Arias first said," My old friends, you have followed me for more than 20 years. All of you have been through hundreds of battles and have made great contributions. We are good brothers who have gone through life and death together. We have been in the same boat for many years and supported each other. The establishment of the United States and its long-term prosperity are inseparable from your bloody battles. You are all founding fathers. The long-term stability of the country will need everyone to work together to maintain it. But then again, everyone is not at the prime of their lives. Time waits for no one! How could I bear to let you all charge into the enemy's line again? You are all pillars of the country. Losing any one of you would be a great loss to the country. The good news was that the younger generation grew up quickly. They could take over the flag in our hands and continue to advance for the prosperity of the United States and the great cause of the world's liberation. Ward and Milan were the best of the younger generation. They could take charge of their own affairs. They were the future masters of the United States and the future masters of the world. We are all old, and it is time for them to stand out and make contributions. I have a suggestion. Why don't we hand over the big responsibility to these young people and let them do it freely? We'll keep an eye on them from behind. What do you think?”
Kotter stood up and saluted Arias. " Mr. President, you are right. We are old and can't become a stumbling block for the younger generation. In recent years, it has been the younger generation fighting on the battlefield. We are old and have been out of the battle for a long time. Their combat strength is even better than ours. I think we can rest assured if we hand over the important task to them. Isn't there a saying that newborn calves are not afraid of tigers? These children are all in their early twenties. It's the time when they are full of pride and high-spirited. If we want them to make a difference, we have to give them enough trust and space. Let them display their strengths and establish eternal meritorious deeds for saving the world. Everyone has seen it. The strength of this group of young people is not any less impressive than when we were young. In fact, they are even more impressive. I have high hopes for them!”
Mira agreed with Kotter and stood up."Brother Ke Te is right. We are all old, what else can we do? Why don't we give the opportunity to the younger generation? "Our era has passed. It's not that we're incompetent, nor is it that we choose to retreat. It's the general trend. Young people are quick-witted and have their own set of theories in battle. They can bring forth new ideas and not stick to old rules. This is something that we can't compare to. They are brave in battle and have high tactical attainments. It's just that they lack experience, but this can be made up for later. We gain experience as we fight. No one will fight as soon as they are born. They are all extremely talented and good at guiding." We will pass on our many years of combat experience to the younger generation. The past is a guide for the future. I think that in time, their future is limitless. The future of the United States depends on them. I firmly support Mr. President's proposal. I will also teach the younger generation everything I know. I will stand behind them and be willing to be a paving stone.”
Mikel and Piernas also responded positively, and the other veterans also agreed with this view. Netenyov disagreed slightly, saying,""Respected Mr. President, this humble servant has joined your side and admires your bravery and resourcefulness. This humble servant believes that although the younger generation is brave, their lack of experience is also an indisputable fact. We should not be too hasty in handing over important tasks to them, otherwise it will be counterproductive. We should follow them closely and constantly spur them on. They are not deeply involved in the world and are easily anxious. We should give them a reassuring pill and give them timely advice. We should proceed step by step. Being eager for quick success and instant benefits is a great taboo for military strategists. We should not be hasty. Although we are old, our hearts are not. We can still fight on the battlefield. We are unwilling to retire so early! "It is an incomparable honor for a general to die on the battlefield. We also have to go out with the army. Although we can't go into battle to kill the enemy, it's good to give advice to the younger generations. We don't want to live a comfortable life like this.”
Sadler nodded slightly and said generously,""We don't want to be old. We're also part of the army, and we have to continue to play our role. A veteran can fight for two lives.”
Arias smiled. "Elders, I'm not saying that you're old and useless. I just want to guide the younger generation so that they can become talented as soon as possible. I understood what you said just now. Although you said it differently, you all mean the same thing. To let the younger generation grow up as soon as possible, General Netenyov's reminder is very necessary. Your pride is still the same as before, which is really gratifying. Everyone, if you have any good suggestions, why don't you share them? We'll work together and pick the best out of the best.”
" Mr. President," Nettyov said first," I think that the five dragon generals are all talented and rare talents. Let them lead their own troops and fight for themselves. This will increase their sense of competition and stimulate their fighting enthusiasm. With the help of us veterans, we will surely succeed."”
The generals also agreed with this view.
Arias nodded silently, stood up, and said happily,""General's words make sense, I have the same intention. Good! Tomorrow, I will let the Prime Minister issue an order. Today, we will drink and have fun.”
Everyone raised their glasses and saluted each other. The old generals chatted and laughed. It was rare for them to gather together these years.
The next day, Arias signed an order to divide the army into five groups, led by elite generals. The order was as follows:
Walter was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the First Army, leading an army of five million. His father, Kotter, was appointed as the supervisor of the army.
Milan was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Second Army, leading an army of five million. His father, Pirnas, was appointed as the supervisor of the army.
Morrie was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Third Army, with an army of five million. His father, Mira, was appointed as the supervisor of the army.
Riko was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the 4th Army, with an army of five million soldiers. His father, Sadler, was appointed as the supervisor of the army.
He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Fifth Army, with five million troops under his command, and his father, Nettyov, was appointed as the supervisor.
The five armies advanced together and approached Lucas's old nest, Miguedala. They surrounded it and destroyed the living strength of the apes with a crushing force, establishing Europe's victory in one fell swoop.
The five Commanders-in-Chief gathered their troops and set out on a certain day.
Several flowers bloomed, but only one branch.
Walter and his son led the army to attack from the east, singing a triumphant song along the way, and the enemy was terrified.
The largest city in the Misibi region was called Mansterst, where the 177th Army, an elite troop of apes, was stationed. There were more than two million people. The commander was called Vanderfell, and he was an experienced and shrewd man. The city of Mantester was easy to defend and difficult to attack.
Walter knew that it was not easy to attack forcefully and would incur a large number of casualties. He had to think of a good way to exchange the smallest losses for the greatest victory.
Walter proposed his battle plan to Kotter. " Father, Manteste has gathered a large number of enemy troops. After years of operation by the apes, their strength cannot be underestimated. It is very difficult to attack by force. I think we have to think of a way to lure the enemy out of Manteste and destroy them in the empty Zavid area.”
Kotter affirmed his son's opinion, but he raised some concerns. "The plan is good, but how can we make the enemy do as we want? Vanderfell is a cunning old fox, and he won't let us lead him by the nose easily.”
"It depends on how we lure them out. Pasquale is the throat of Mantestre. If we attack Pasquale, Vanderfert will definitely send reinforcements. Even if it doesn't send reinforcements, Lucas won't let it go. He'll definitely order it to attack. If Mantester is lost, Miguedara will be open. If we want to defend Mantester, we can't lose Pasquale. Attacking Pasquale is equivalent to strangling Vanderfa's neck. In order to survive, they will definitely come out. We'll seize the opportunity to destroy them in one fell swoop and open the door to attack Landis.”
"Good idea! However, how to attack Pasquale would be quite a problem. It had to be just right and too ruthless. If Vanderfelder felt that there was no hope of rescue, he would not be mobilized. He had to make Vanderfelder think that Pasquale's defenders were holding us back. They had a chance to attack from both inside and outside and destroy us outside Pasquale.”
"That's right. It was important to control the fire. We had to let the enemy think that our offensive power was limited and that we couldn't take down the city even though it was broken.”
"Yes, I am. Let's do it. Go and arrange it! I trust you."
"Yes, sir! Father!"
Walter ordered Laria to lead the troops to stay put and conserve their strength. He would personally lead the army to attack Pasquale.
In the early morning, the US army launched an attack on Pasquale, and the army rushed towards the apes like a tide.
The commander of the ape army stationed in Pasquale was still leisurely smoking and drinking. He was sitting on a large sofa and watching a group of female apes dance when a soldier suddenly broke in.
"Report! The US army has already launched an attack on our outer perimeter. The offensive is very fierce, and our army is struggling to hold on.”
"What? The US Army attacked so quickly? Order the outer troops not to…hold…hold…at all costs. The entire army entered the battle state.”
It turned out to be a stammer, and a big one at that. The more anxious he was, the more he stuttered.
"Yes, sir!" The messenger went down. Kanepi dismissed the singing and dancing and summoned the generals for an emergency military meeting.
All the generals had arrived, and Kanepi went straight to the point. "Everyone, the US army has launched an attack on us. The situation is serious. Do you have any good ideas to resist the enemy?”
The generals looked at each other. Many of them had never fought in a war and were already at a loss. Their minds were blank, let alone coming up with a plan. One of the older apes was relatively calm. He stood up and said," General, I will be patrolling the city walls. There are about three million American troops, several times our number. It will be difficult to defend. The best solution now is to ask General Vanderfelder for help. Pasquale is a strategic town, a place that is a must for military strategists. I think they know this and will not sit idly by.”
The other generals also echoed. What better way could they have?
"No…not bad. I…I think so too. I don't believe that they will just…just watch Pasquale be abandoned. Come…Come on! Get me General Vanderfell.”
A soldier made a call. "Report! It's connected."
"Give…give it to me." Kanepi took the phone and heard Vanderfell's voice. Kanepi quickly stood up and stood at attention.
"General…General! I am Kanepi. The American army has launched an attack on us. We are under a lot of pressure. Please send reinforcements quickly. We swear to defend the city. If we don't, it will be too late.”
"What are you panicking about?" Vanderfell was furious on the other end of the phone. "You have hundreds of thousands of troops under you. Are they all useless? We'll deal with whatever comes our way. What's there to be afraid of? You have to defend it at all costs. You're an elite of the ape army. I believe you'll be able to fight this battle well. How many soldiers does the US Army have?"
"General! About three…three…three million, no more, no less. General, I will die…to defend Pasquale, to live and die with the city, to do my best, to die…until I die.”
"Good! General Kanepi, I was right. General, please defend yourself. I will send reinforcements to support you as soon as possible.”Vanderfa said in a half-threatening and half-cajoling manner.
"Yes, sir! Your humble servant will obey!”
Kanepi put down the phone and conveyed Vanderfell's message to the generals. Then, he made arrangements for the battle.
Mansterst, Vanderfell's headquarters.
"General, when will we send reinforcements to reinforce Pasquale?”Chief of Staff Roccardo asked Vanderfell for his opinion.
"There's no rush. I have a feeling that this battle isn't going to be simple.”
"General, why do you say that? Could it be that there's something special going on?"
"I can't say for the time being. However, according to the military intelligence report, there were five million American troops coming for our army this time, and only three million attacked Pasquale. Where did the other two million go?”
"Maybe the intelligence is wrong, and the enemy is bluffing. They only said that they would send five million troops to boost their courage and confuse us. I think it's just a facade!”
"I hope so. However, he could not let his guard down. Reinforcements! Let's see."
The American army besieged Pasquale for seven days and seven nights, but there was still no sign of Manteste's apes coming out.
Kotter was very worried. If the apes didn't come out, the troops would be exhausted, and the morale of the troops would waver.
Walter suggested to Kotter that they should slow down their attack on Pasquale and create a false impression that the US army was retreating after a long time. Lucas would not sit by and watch us escape. He would definitely order Vanderfert to attack and destroy us at Pasquale City. Kotter agreed. The troops 'attacks on Pasquale were getting weaker and weaker.
This move was indeed effective. Kanpi reported to the ape headquarters that the US troops were no longer able to attack. Their attack power had decreased significantly, and there were signs of escape. When Lucas received the news, Yanling Vanderfell immediately attacked and attacked Pasquale's defenders from both inside and outside to destroy the American troops. Vanderfell had once expressed his concerns to Lucas, but Lucas did not want to hear them at all. He strictly ordered him to attack, and if he disobeyed, he would be punished according to military law. Vanderfell had no choice but to leave the city and rush to Pasquale.
Pasquale was more than five hundred miles away from Mantestre, and it would take a day and a night to sense it. Vanderfell had always felt that something was amiss, and he was always on guard against accidents, so he moved slowly.
Kotter ordered the troops to stop attacking and threw their weapons and equipment everywhere to make it seem like they were retreating. As expected, the apes were fooled. When the information reached Lucas 'ears, Lucas ordered Vanderfell to attack the American troops. Vanderfer did not dare to disobey. He dispelled his doubts and quickly led his army over.
In the American military camp, Walter said to his father,""The apes have been mobilized by us. It's time for us to attack.”
Kotter patted his son's shoulder. "Don't worry, where are the apes?”
"About three hundred miles from Pasquale.”
"Three hundred miles? In other words, the apes were only two hundred miles away from Manteste. Calm down."
Walter understood what his father meant.
The apes were only about two hundred miles away from Pasquale. Walter ordered Laria to lead the troops to advance at a rapid speed and go around the apes. Walter left a small number of troops to monitor the enemy in Pasquale and personally led the army to meet them.
In the Campas Mountains, more than 150 miles away from Pasquale, the American army and Vanderfell's troops engaged in a fierce battle. Laria outflanked them from behind and surrounded the apes. The Pasquale defenders received the news and were forced back by the Americans.
Vanderfell shouted, but it was too late. The army was surrounded and could only think of a way to break out.
Walter didn't give it such an opportunity. He took the lead and killed a few ape generals. The morale of the enemy troops fell, and they were defeated.
On the mountain slope and on the mountain peak, there were scenes of fighting. A group of apes gathered their superior forces to break out of the encirclement. The American army blocked them. There were many apes, and the American army was gradually unable to hold on. At the critical moment, a group of American soldiers rushed over, and the advantage fell to the American soldiers. After a fierce battle, this group of apes was completely eliminated. About 10,000 apes wanted to break through from Kotter's direction. Kotter ordered the archers to shoot fiercely. Countless apes were killed or injured, and those who were not killed were killed by the US troops. The encirclement was getting smaller and smaller until it was compressed into a narrow valley.
Vanderfa tried several times to break out of the encirclement but failed. More than a million soldiers were instantly wiped out, leaving only less than 100,000 soldiers with Vanderfa. He asked Lucas and Pasquale for help while putting up a desperate resistance. Pasquale was too busy to take care of himself, Lucas was too far away to help, and Vanderfa was close to despair.
Walter gave the order for a general attack, and the American army charged towards the apes like a tidal wave.
The disparity in strength made the situation one-sided. In less than half a night, all the apes were eliminated. Vanderfell was killed by arrows.
Ward ordered Laria to lead the troops to take down Pasquale and personally led the troops to attack Manteste.
Laria led his troops to attack Pasquale. Canepi could not defend himself at all. A large number of soldiers defected. Canepi had no intention of fighting and abandoned the city to escape. He was shot in the back by Laria and died.
Walter led his troops to Mansterst. The remaining defenders in the city had long since learned of Vanderfell's defeat and had fled, leaving Mansterst empty. Walter occupied Mantester without bloodshed.
Three days later, the ape Taraban's reinforcements arrived, and Walter gave them a head-on attack. The apes were no match for him and retreated to Taraban. Walter followed up the victory and pursued, his troops approaching Taraban City.
Taraban's defenders numbered in the hundreds of thousands, and they were no match for the American army. They were defeated in just a day, and the general guarding the city, Ula, was beheaded.
The American army advanced triumphantly and with unstoppable momentum. The ape was terrified and fled.
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