A week had passed since the skirmishes in the steppes dwindled to a tense pause, with only minor clashes between the Red Army and the true horde. In the command center, Zion leaned over a map, a red general standing by his side.
“Alam has released the two Blood Khaganate generals, Qilong and Inat. They’re ready to serve again,” the general announced, a hint of triumph in his voice.
Zion's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. “That’s good news. Let them serve with honor. They’ve proven themselves in battle before.”
He glanced at the map again, tracing the lines of conflict. “So, the war in the steppes has quieted. Only small skirmishes remain. Does this mean the truce is holding?”
“Our intel reports no major movements from the enemy. They seem to be digging in,” the general replied, a note of caution in his tone.
“Good. A truce holding is promising. But we must keep a vigilant watch on their movements. Let’s not get complacent,” Zion warned, his brow furrowing.
The red general cleared his throat. “Our tank division has reached the northern lands, bypassing the northern Altai. We now surround the stronghold on two fronts.”
Zion smiled, pride swelling in his chest. “Excellent progress. Surrounding the stronghold will cut off their supply routes and weaken their position. We can’t let them regroup.”
“Sir, will you attack first?” the general asked, a hint of apprehension in his voice.
“Yes, it’s time to strike. The peace talks have run their course. The enemy is fortified, and we’ll take advantage of that. A surprise attack is in order,” Zion declared, resolve dripping from his words.
In the frosty embrace of the wintery north, Barnaul had transformed into a ghost town, its once-bustling streets now echoing with the whispers of the wind. The railway, a lifeline of supplies, had been secured, but the city itself was as empty as a politician's promises. Both soldiers and civilians had skedaddled westward
As the soldiers adapted to the harsh conditions—donning layers of wool and fur like fashion-forward yeti—their spirits were high, fueled by the thrill of impending battle, Zion cautioned against underestimating the enemy
The upcoming attack on the Altai region loomed like a snowstorm on the horizon, promising to be as challenging as trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions. The terrain was a maze of rivers and ridges, a veritable obstacle course designed by a mischievous architect.
but Zion remained confident in their numerical and firepower advantage, believing they could break through the enemy lines.
Days later, as the middle and northern armies advanced toward the Altai Mountains, the red general reported, “We’re advancing quickly. No traps, no mines, and the bridges remain intact.”
“Unusual,” Zion remarked, furrowing his brow. “A defensive line typically has traps and mines. They’re likely preparing for something unexpected. We must remain cautious.”
Twelve hours later, the red general reported again, “Our vanguard has reached Gorno-Altaysk. The area is secure, but there’s still no sign of the enemy or civilians.”
“That’s peculiar,” Zion said thoughtfully. “Is there any sign of life?”
“Just wildlife. We’ve seen some eagles and reindeer,” the general replied.
“Okay, so the city is devoid of life. Is there any sign of destruction?” Zion pressed.
“None, sir. The buildings are intact, and we haven’t found any traps or mines,” the general answered.
“It seems the enemy has entirely evacuated. We must proceed carefully while scouting the area. They might be trying to lure us into a trap,” Zion cautioned.
Three days later, the red general reported, “We’ve secured the eastern side of the Altai Mountains with minimal losses, but still no sign of the enemy or civilians.”
“Still the same,” Zion mused, nodding. “This is highly unusual. Any signs of wildlife?”
“Occasionally, we see birds and reindeer,” the general replied.
“Okay, so you’re seeing birds and reindeer occasionally. It’s possible the enemy retreated to a more hidden area. Let’s proceed with caution. We must take advantage of this opportunity,” Zion ordered.
Just then, a red officer interrupted. “Sir, we’ve received a transmission from Xian. Alam wants to talk.”
“Let’s see what he has to say. Put him on screen,” Zion replied, intrigued.
On the monitor, Alam appeared, wrapped in a blanket. “Hey, looks like you broke the truce. Don’t you pity your men? It’s freezing out here.”
Zion chuckled. “Alam, you broke the truce first. I’ve kept my forces in check despite your provocations. But let’s talk without pretense. Are you willing to surrender your land?”
“Well, everyone knows you stepped onto my land first. It seems you really like the Altai region. Planning a vacation there next year?” Alam teased.
Zion laughed. “You have a point. I won’t just let you keep it. The Altai is valuable for its resources. I will take it, one way or another.”
“Okay, go ahead and take the Altai region. I’ll let you march into Europe,” Alam replied, a mocking tone creeping into his voice.
Zion smiled slyly. “Finally, you admit defeat. Let’s discuss the terms of your surrender.”
“I didn’t say I’m surrendering. I’m just giving you the Altai because you seem to want it,” Alam countered.
“No, we’re not equal. I have more men and resources,” Zion replied confidently. “If you want peace, surrender now. Otherwise, I’ll keep pushing forward.”
“I can’t do that,” Alam said, a light chuckle escaping him.
“Then let the war continue. We will not stop until you surrender,” Zion warned. “We’ll take every inch of your territory. If you want peace, surrender. Otherwise, prepare for a long conflict.”
“History will remember you as the aggressor. The end-of-year conference won’t like that,” Alam shot back.
“Let history remember who the aggressor is. But I will be the victor, not you,” Zion replied, unwavering. “You’ll become a villain in history textbooks.”
“Do you know how a mouse trap works?” Alam asked suddenly.
“Yes, it uses bait to lure the mouse in. When it touches the trigger, the trap snaps shut,” Zion answered, curiosity piqued.
“Oh spicy. I wonder what food I’ll use to bait you,” Alam said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
“Mouse, you say? That’s amusing. What type of food will you give me next?” Zion asked, chuckling.
“I don’t know… perhaps Russia?” Alam suggested, his tone playful.
“Russia? That’s quite a piece of cheese to bait me. I wonder if it’ll be enough,” Zion replied, smirking.
“Please, go march to Russia and ignore me,” Alam winked.
“I see you’re trying to trick me. You want me to march to Russia while you plan a surprise attack. But I’m not that easily fooled,” Zion said, a knowing look in his eyes.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
“I don’t have any soldiers left to mount a proper assault, and there are no tributes from civilians in winter. I’m a benevolent leader,” Alam said, feigning innocence.
“A benevolent leader? Where did your soldiers go? Did they just vanish?” Zion laughed.
“I don’t know. Maybe they went on a picnic or something,” Alam replied with a smirk.
“Picnic in the middle of winter? That’s quite a coincidence,” Zion chuckled.
“Human beings are weird sometimes,” Alam shrugged.
Zion laughed, shaking his head. “Indeed, they are.”
soon the call is ended. alam then look at the map on screen. a grin across his face. the mouse already take the bite. the mountain terrains while make a perfect maze, now he set up the cage. and the spear.
As the harsh November chill settled over the Altai Mountains, Zion's forces cautiously advanced. Zion's forces tiptoed forward, their boots crunching on the snow like a herd of clumsy penguins. The snow-blanketed landscape, once a silent battlefield, now held an eerie quiet. The absence of enemy activity, once reassuring, now bred unease. The commander, sensing a growing threat, urged his troops to remain vigilant.
Hazel, shared her concerns, noting the enemy's increasingly unpredictable tactics. The dwindling supply lines of the True Horde hinted at desperation, a dangerous factor in warfare. As they secured Gorno-Altaysk, the lack of enemy presence deepened the mystery. The commander, determined to seize the initiative, planned a strategic encirclement. Hazel, volunteering to lead the defensive guard, prepared for potential ambushes. The soldiers, tense and ready, awaited the enemy's next move, their fate hanging in the balance of this silent war. They stood like statues, each one a mix of nerves and excitement, waiting for the moment when the snow would explode into action.
hours crept by, the tension thickening as impatience swelled among the troops. All they wanted was to see the enemy and unleash their firepower, but the stillness of the snowy landscape felt ominous. The sun began to dip behind the mountains, casting long shadows that danced eerily across the ground.
“Hey look, the moon is clear,” Hazel remarked, breaking the silence as he stepped outside, wrapping herself in a blanket.
Yu, who had been resting inside the tank, opened her eyes and glanced up at the sky, a smile spreading across her face. “It’s beautiful! No storms tonight—maybe we’ll have a peaceful evening.”
“Yeah,” Hazel replied, settling down beside her.
As they enjoyed the moment, the soft strumming of a guitar floated through the air, played by a nearby soldier. The melody was soothing, a welcome distraction from the tension that gripped the camp. Yu felt a sense of peace wash over her, the warmth inside the tank mingling with the calming music.
Suddenly, a radio call crackled to life, interrupting the tranquility. “Tomorrow, we will attempt to break through from the south to escape the Altai region,” Hazel relayed,
Yu listened intently, knowing that the Altai region was notorious for its challenges. She hoped they could escape without losing anyone.
After the call, a silence settled over the soldiers, each lost in their thoughts as the reality of the impending battle loomed.
The next morning, Hazel addressed her troops with a firm voice. “Alright, the road ahead isn’t straight or narrow. We’ll face valleys perfect for enemy ambushes. Cohesion is key to our survival.”
Yu focused intently, determined to follow his orders to ensure everyone’s safety. “We can’t use smoke screens; the line behind us won’t navigate well. Does anyone have ideas?”
As the silence stretched, Yu hesitated but finally spoke up, her voice steady. “If we can’t use a large number of soldiers in open terrain, we should send a small unit of elite soldiers to cut off the enemy from their rear. While they engage, the main force can move forward. Does that sound good?”
“Yes, that’s a solid idea,” Hazel agreed, relieved. “Some of our soldiers have modified legs—they’ll move faster through this terrain.”
“That’s smart,” Yu said, feeling a rush of confidence. “We need to pick the most capable soldiers for this operation.”
“Let’s get moving then. My tank will be second in line. Fortunately, the enemy doesn’t have proper anti-tank weapons yet,” Hazel said,
As they advanced, the terrain grew ever more challenging. “So far, so good. About 70 kilometers left before we reach General Sima’s army,” Hazel remarked.
The march continued without incident until they encountered a large boulder blocking the road. “Damn it! We can’t waste time moving it with a bulldozer. Just shoot it to pieces with our cannon,” Hazel ordered. “Hopefully, that will do the trick.”
The crew readied their cannons, and with a loud boom, the first shot echoed across the mountains. Dust and debris exploded into the air as the boulder shattered. However, the road remained cluttered with rubble.
“Damn. That’ll alert the enemy. Stay focused,” Hazel said, the tension creeping back in.
After nearly two hours of waiting for the dust to settle, the atmosphere was thick with impatience. Then, just as the sun began its descent, a distant rumble of explosions and gunfire erupted from the south, and the soldiers tensed.
“It must be General Sima’s army clashing with the enemy. We need to move fast to join the attack,” Hazel commanded, urgency seeping into his voice.
The soldiers exchanged serious glances, knowing they had to act quickly. “We can’t let the enemy surround General Sima’s forces,” Hazel warned. “Let’s go!”
As Zion’s forces cautiously advanced into the Altai, the silence continued. The lack of resistance was unsettling. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble. From the surrounding heights, rocks and debris rained down from a landslide,
Then, from hidden positions, True Horde soldiers emerged, armed with anti-tank weapons. , a hail of arrows rained down from the sky, exploding near them.The ambush was sprung. The maze of the Altai had become a trap.
News of the disastrous ambush reached Zion. His face darkened with fury. The truce had been a ruse. He had walked straight into Alam’s trap.
“Take cover!” Hazel shouted, diving to the ground.
The arrows detonated with a deafening roar, sending shrapnel flying. Soldiers scrambled for safety, their hearts racing as they realized they’d fallen into a trap.
“Damn it! A landslide blocked our road, and now this?” Hazel growled, frustration boiling over.
“Sir, we can’t break through without heavy equipment,” a soldier reported urgently.
“Can we use explosives to clear the path?” another suggested.
“I’m afraid shooting is just a waste of ammo. It’s like imagining two towers collapsing on the road. But I’ll give it a shot,” Hazel replied,
“Alright, all tank crews, aim at the road. Fire on the landslide! Two shots each!” Hazel ordered.
The tanks fired in unison, their cannons echoing as they blasted the blockage. As the dust settled, they found the road still partially obstructed, but the way was clearer.
“Damn, that’ll alert the enemy. Stay alert,” Hazel reminded them, his heart pounding from both the adrenaline and lack of sleep.
“Why so gloomy, everyone? It’s snowy, not raining blood! Come on, let’s sing!” she added, trying to lighten the mood.
The soldiers chuckled, their spirits lifting as they prepared for the fight ahead, ready to face whatever dangers lay in wait.
“Damn,” Hazel muttered, reestablishing contact with HQ. “There’s too much dirt on the road. We can’t clear it with an explosion.”
The response from HQ crackled through the radio. “I see. That’s not good. We need to clear it ASAP. Can you try again? Maybe another round of explosions?”
“Okay,” Hazel replied, determination creeping into his voice. He popped out from the tank. “Alright, set the damn high-explosive shells!”
Orders rippled through the ranks, and the crews of the cannon tanks prepared for a coordinated strike. They aimed their cannons at the stubborn dirt and rocks, waiting for Hazel’s signal.
“Okay, now fire!” she commanded.
The ground shook as the tanks fired their high-explosive shells, the blasts echoing through the mountains. Dust and debris flew everywhere, but as the smoke cleared, it became evident that the road was still blocked by rocks and boulders.
“It worked, but we don’t have enough ammo to clear it all,” Hazel radioed back. “We need about a thousand shells just to clear this blockage. Just send some heavy equipment from the other side, please.”
The reply was swift. “Heavy equipment is on the way. They’ll reach your position within an hour. Just hold as long as you can.”
“Copy that,” Hazel responded, relief washing over him. They just needed to hold out a little longer.
“Everyone, cut down the trees and build a barricade to defend our tank tracks. We’ll dig in until the southern army arrives with heavy equipment,” she ordered.
The soldiers sprang into action, quickly felling trees and constructing a barricade around the tank tracks. They worked with urgency, knowing the importance of fortifying their position against potential enemy attacks.
With weapons at the ready, the soldiers prepared to defend their newfound stronghold. They climbed the steep peak, moving cautiously to avoid falling into the abyss below. The climb was grueling, but courage propelled them upward.
As they reached the summit, True Horde soldiers opened fire. Bullets whizzed past, and chaos erupted as both sides exchanged shots at close range.
“Take cover!” the commander shouted, quickly positioning his troops to return fire. The gunfight was intense, each side determined to hold their ground amidst the cacophony of battle.
As the afternoon wore on, with no clear winner in sight, Hazel ordered a retreat down the mountain. “We can’t gain victory fighting in close quarters. Let’s regroup,” he commanded, and the soldiers descended in an organized manner, discipline guiding their movements.
Later, as night fell, the command received word to deploy the Strato Cannon to clear the road. “What the hell is a Strato Cannon?” Hazel muttered, bewildered.
The Strato Cannon, a massive piece of artillery, was aimed at the road ahead. its the cordinate is set.
“Alright, everyone, move away from the perimeter and cover your ears!” Hazel ordered as the radio crackled to life.
“3… 2… 1… Fire!” came the command.
A moment passed, like nothing happend. the cannon is fired, its was so distant from hazel location. probably take a minutes before hit the target. the soldier wait impatiently. while their gaze fixed on the massive rock and dirt in road a head. until finnaly, the ground shook violently as the cannon mution hit the ground, sending shockwaves through the area. The explosion was deafening, debris flying everywhere, and the landslide was obliterated in an impressive display of power.
“Oh my God! What the heck was that? It’s not a nuke, but damn!” Hazel exclaimed, popping out of the tank to assess the damage.
The area was littered with dirt and stones, remnants of the explosive force. The mountain peak was clear now, a testament to the Strato Cannon’s might.
“Alright, brace yourselves, dogs! Let’s move south!” Hazel shouted, The order was met with enthusiasm as the tanks rolled out, the troops marching with newfound vigor. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead, the Buffalo tanks leading the charge.
After passing the crater, the soldiers were greeted by the sight of the endless steppe stretching out before them.
“We’re free now!” Hazel declared, exhilaration coursing through her.
sHe turned to Yu, playfully punching her shoulder. “We somehow survived!”
Yu was taken by surprise, her initial shock melting into a smile. “We did it, Hazel! We actually made it out of that hellhole!”
“Sure did, Orange Hair. Sure did,” Hazel chuckled,
Cheers erupted from the soldiers, the tension of battle giving way to camaraderie as they clapped each other on the back and shared tales of narrow escapes. But the celebration was short-lived; the steppe was unforgiving. The wind howled across the plains, whipping up clouds of dust that stung their eyes.
“We can’t stay here,” Hazel said firmly. “We need to reach General Sima’s army before nightfall. They’re our only hope.”