The soldiers quickly returned to their battalion commander, tidying their gear and wiping the blood from their weapons, their faces set in the cold, resolute expressions of men who had just seen combat. The commander conducted a rapid headcount. Once he was certain there were no casualties, he issued the next orders in a low voice: "We have dealt with this patrol, but the main body of the Japanese Army could detect something amiss at any moment. We must pick up the pace. First Company, stay back to clear the battlefield; drag the Japanese Army corpses to a hidden spot—leave no trace behind. Second Company, head to the junction ahead and set up makeshift roadblocks to slow down any follow-up Japanese Army movements. Third Company, come with me to scout the next Japanese Army stronghold. We need to find the right moment to strike. Meanwhile, the assault team, prepare to move."
The assault team soldiers took their orders, promptly organized their gear, and checked their weapons. They secured their daggers, pistols, and other close-quarters gear firmly to their bodies, ensuring they would make no noise during the operation. Agile and sharp-eyed, they moved like ghosts in the night, stealthily advancing toward the Japanese Army stronghold.
Soon, the assault team reached the edge of the perimeter trench. One soldier carefully pulled out a pair of wire cutters, his eyes fixed intently on the barbed wire. With steady hands, he cut through the tough strands bit by bit. With a few fa…
Chapter 217