The artillery roared to life, beginning with a rapid ten-round volley, and once the cannons started firing, they barely stopped. However, the intensity of the shelling wasn’t very high, just volleys by batteries, with sporadic bursts.
The artillery took so losses from enemy airstrikes, losing a 122mm gun and a 152mm gun, with a few casualties, all inflicted by a Su-25 from above. Still, these losses weren’t too significant; lacking air superiority and relying solely on man-portable air-defense systems, managing to keep enemy helicopters at bay was quite an achievent.
What surprised Gao Yang the most was that the governnt forces showed no intention of retreating. From yesterday until now, their casualties must have been nearly half, if not more. It’s rare these days to find units that can continue fighting after losing half their strength. In fact, there are hardly any.
The enemy wasn’t retreating, so Gao Yang didn’t send infantry to attack. He couldn’t afford heavy losses.
Gao Yang had realized that the battle here was unlike anything he had experienced before. The enemy he faced now was determined to fight to the end, displaying exceptional courage. Sohow, the 72nd Brigade had rapidly expanded in size while maintaining such combat readiness and troop quality, which was quite impressive.
In short, the 72nd Brigade was not a foe that would crumble at the first blow, nor was it the kind that would only fight well in favorable conditions and retreat when things got tough. Dealing with such an enemy ant a hard fight with considerable casualties. Gao Yang’s veteran soldiers were already few in number, and losing more in battle would make future engagents untenable, so they decided to hold out.
By evening, the likelihood of air attacks decreased significantly. Feeling greatly relieved, Gao Yang finally had a hot al with the mbers of Satan, instead of making do with dry rations.
After a hearty al, Gao Yang even had so ti for a nap, as he was exhausted from the past couple of days without a mont’s rest.
Gao Yang felt as though he’d just closed his eyes when the phone ringing woke him up. He was surprised to find he’d slept a full four hours.
Annoyed at being disturbed, Gao Yang shouted, "Who is it!"
"It’s Wizard. We’re in Khartsyzk now. Please tell your exact location."
"Wait, I’ll send soone to get you."
It was already past midnight, but Gao Yang decided not to sleep again. He casually dispatched soone to fetch Wizard and his group, who soon stood before him.
People of a kind create soldiers of a kind. Wizard didn’t look much like Nate, but their actions were strikingly similar, especially the serious expressions, as if they were carved from the sa mold.
Sotis, Nate would joke around with Gao Yang, but Wizard, Nate’s adjutant, always maintained a stern deanor, the kind of born military face that could play a heroic villain in a movie.
Upon seeing Gao Yang, Wizard stood straight, gave a very formal and standard military salute, and spoke loudly, "General! Congratulations on an extraordinary victory. It’s a miracle in military history. Salute to you!"
When Nate saw Gao Yang, he’d often call him "General" in jest, but Wizard’s tone was completely serious.
Wizard’s salute was very official, so Gao Yang couldn’t just casually wave two fingers in response. He had to stand straight and reply loudly, "Thank you."
Lowering his saluting hand, Wizard said loudly, "General, Wizard is here under orders to take over your duties. Please provide instructions."
After hesitating for a mont with an open mouth, Gao Yang suddenly turned his head and said, "Do you really have to speak so formally?"
Wizard shouted, "Reporting, General, no!"
Waving his hand, Gao Yang said helplessly, "Fine, whatever makes you happy. Hey, Can Opener, good to see you again."
Sirte bead at Gao Yang, giving him a thumbs-up, and shouted, "Buddy, how did you manage this? Capturing a whole regint? Haha, since when did Satan beco so formidable? I’m telling you, I can hardly believe it. If you’re bluffing, you’ll be in a lot of fun."
Sirte was always like this; being with Gao Yang never felt awkward. Gao Yang, however, preferred interacting with Sirte in this manner. They’re all rcenaries; why make it so formal, pretending to be what they’re not?
Gao Yang sneered, "Bluffing? Do I look like the kind of person who bluffs? You’ll see soon enough. Alright, now that you’re here, take over quickly, so we can withdraw."
Wizard imdiately said, "Sorry, General. I hope you can stay until we complete the formal handover procedures tomorrow. Plus, we might need your cooperation and assistance to complete the takeover process more quickly."
The handover certainly required a process, with work to do on the prisoners’ side and dealing with the artillery battalion Chekriayev brought. It’s a new unit, and it’s unclear whose orders they’ll follow. Furthermore, having just accomplished an impossible mission, Satan’s standing was high among the Khartsyzk defenders. Cooperation was essential for the handover.
It’s a considerable difference to take over a unit in tis of peril versus after a great victory; the forr is a rescue effort, while the latter is seizing the spoils of victory, and mishandling either could lead to significant issues.
"Alright, no problem, we’ll do the handover tomorrow. It’s not appropriate for tonight. Wizard, how’s your boss’s situation? Any abnormalities? The Iron Madonna arrived and is looking to trouble you all. Have you taken any precautionary asures?"
Wizard nodded and seriously said, "Our commander is taking your intelligence very seriously. We’ve deployed a company of soldiers for guard duty at the command post. All of our mbers are gathered together and won’t split up unless necessary. Also, our command post is behind the front lines, so there should be no problems."
Gao Yang nodded and said, "Better be careful. Never let your guard down. Uh, who are these two? I don’t think we’ve t."
Wizard promptly said, "General, please allow to introduce them. They are four new mbers of the Angel rcenary Corps who joined after the Ukraine plan started. Their primary roles are to command operations, not to engage directly in combat. Due to the ti it took to withdraw them from the frontline to here, we only just arrived."
Hearing Wizard’s introduction, Gao Yang imdiately felt a tinge of envy. Wow, look at the Angels, bringing in dedicated command talent, and four at that!
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