Chapter 1396 - Silent Disaster (1/2)

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

The demons’ attack were completely suppressed.

Although the black pillar’s size was astonishing, it was impossible for the complex inner structure to hold an infinite number of small Spider Demons. Additionally, the assault force was equipped with a complete set of weapons, with over 20 general-purpose machine guns, causing the spray of bullets produced at such short distances to be described as air-tight.

Under the suppressive fire, the number of people gathered at the retreat point quickly surpassed 300, which was close to the total headcount of the assault force. A small number of casualties was a result of the evacuation. After being separated by the large stone pillar that landed right in the middle of the formation, those further from the mountain trail undoubtedly bore greater pressure, aside from the threat of the Spider Demons. They faced the risk of the dangerous bullets fired by the others. They were only able to keep their bodies low and while attacking the enemies, run along the flanks.

Fortunately for them, the popularization of tracers increased the machine gun squad’s suppression and precision efficiency to the point that they became leagues better than they were before. With the guidance of the tracer flames, the gunners were able to accurately choose their targets, unlike the past situation whereby their bullets deviated off the battlefield without them even realizing.

But the crux of the battle was undoubtedly Lightning’s timely warning. If they had continued firing when the stone pillar struck, the casualties and death would not have ended there.

Therefore, when she floated downwards gently, she gained the unanimous and warm applause from the crowd.

But Lightning’s tensed expression did not relax one bit. “Where is the commanding officer?”

“I am the person responsible for this operation, Cat’s Claw.” Cat’s Claw walked forward and gave a bow to the young lady. “Everyone here managed to survive all thanks to you.”

“You need to regroup and evacuate immediately.” Lightning spoke quickly, “The blackstone pillar that destroyed the decoy location contains the same Spider Demons, and they are all heading over here now. Another thing, there are still many projectile installations on the floating island, so the enemy can shoot out another pillar at any moment!”

Upon hearing the information, Cat’s Claw’s heart jumped in fright.

They had already completed their mission to bombard the enemy and according to the plan, the next order of move was to withdraw and evacuate, but their manner of retreat was now completely different—Cat’s Claw initially thought to clear out the remaining enemies before pulling all their comrades—dead or alive—out of the Impassable Mountain Range. But the situation had turned far worse than he had anticipated.

The two designated positions were not far from each other and even had a connecting route along the mountainside. If Lightning’s report was accurate, the longer they stayed on the mountain, the higher the probability of encountering the Spider Demons midway.

The narrow mountain trails were unlike the lands smoothened out by the Witches. With barely enough space to hold two rows of soldiers, they had to factor in the snow and slope, which prevented them from forming an effective defensive perimeter. There were only two choices left—to take the troops down the mountain immediately regardless of the number and occupy the junction at the mountainside before the Spider Demons arrived, or to call for the reinforcements to intercept the enemy.

The problem laid in Lightning’s words, the ‘many projectile installations.’ If the position of the reinforcements was exposed, they would be treated as another important target and suffer from yet another bombardment. After all, the reinforcements were over 800 strong, and resembled more of a main force. Therefore, the most reliable method was to inform the reinforcements to hold back, while they had to rely on their own strength to fight against the enemy.

No matter how reasonable this logic was, to truly make such a decision was not an easy thing to do.

With the whereabouts of 23 men unaccounted for, either injured, incapable of moving, or still seeking for an opportunity behind the stone pillars, they would be left to survive on their own if the troops left.

And Jop was nowhere to be seen…

For a moment, Cat’s Claw mind turned adrift.

“Captain!” Someone by the side called out to him.

He was immediately brought back to his senses. That’s right, I am the person responsible for these troops. Regardless, he needed to consider the completion of the mission, which was to bring back as many First Army soldiers out of the Impassable Mountain Range.

“Contact team, inform the reinforcements to maintain their concealment.” Cat’s Claw gritted his teeth and gave the order. “The rest of you, we will now evacuate this position immediately and meet at the junction at the mountainside!”

He took out a cowhorn and blew into it, producing the signal for retreat—

Under his command, the flintlock troops which assumed the role of defenders divided themselves up, protecting the scattered soldiers who were running down the mountain until the last person left.

“Miss Lightning, can I request you for something?” After giving the orders, Cat’s Claw looked at Lightning. “For the soldiers who temporarily aren’t able to make it here—”