Spy Shadow: Command & Conquer

Chapter 1999, Mustard Gas
dawn.

The Nationalist Army infantry began their advance.

There were no special techniques. We just approached the Nanchang city wall step by step.

They traveled in straight lines. There were no detours.

Like a straight, sharp arrow, it pierced the chest of the Japanese invaders.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Heavy artillery was responsible for providing cover.

Clear all red dots within the area.

At the same time, it blocked the Japanese invaders' counterattack and directly covered them.

With the help of radar maps, as soon as a red dot appears, it will immediately be met with heavy artillery fire.

"idiot!"

"Fight back!"

"Fight back!"

However, Hyakutake Haruyoshi did not admit defeat.

He and the other officers of the 18th Division felt that Zhang Yong could not possibly be omniscient.

The previous counterattacks by the two battalions might have been a coincidence.

It's possible that Zhang Yong did indeed sense the presence of the Japanese army.

Perhaps it was because too many Japanese troops had gathered at the same time that Zhang Yong noticed them…

Since that's the case, let's split up. Reduce the number of people.

"chief of staff!"

"exist."

"Launch counterattack in squadron units."

"Tie!"

The chief of staff made arrangements immediately.

Soon, more than a dozen Japanese squadrons appeared.

They appeared like ghosts in every corner of the battlefield, approaching stealthily.

Of course, the radar map was displayed immediately.

Zhang Yong: ? ? ?
What were the Japanese invaders trying to do?
Why are the teams so scattered?
Are they trying to avoid artillery fire?

possible.

I counted them, and there were fifteen groups of Japanese invaders.

Each group of Japanese soldiers numbered between 150 and 200 men. They were all lightly armed.

They are staggered by 300 to 400 meters from each other, which effectively avoids the coverage of cluster artillery fire. Eventually, someone will successfully sneak up and approach.

The basic tactics are correct.

The basic tactics of the elite Japanese divisions were highly proficient.

Without radar maps, it's highly likely that some Japanese troops would have infiltrated and then breached the Nationalist army's positions.

Normal artillery fire could not possibly stop all the Japanese invaders.

But Zhang Yong was not a normal person.

Since the radar map shows it, we should follow the map and fire accordingly.

But what if there aren't enough artillery pieces?
It's okay. There's a way.

If the Japanese invaders could split up and dismantle the group, then of course we could too.

Both the 18th Army and the 5th Army had many 76mm field guns in addition to 122mm howitzers.

A 76mm field gun is sufficient to deal with Japanese infantry.

So I picked up the microphone.

The artillery group was divided into fifteen subgroups.

Yes. The Japanese had fifteen infantry groups, and they had fifteen artillery units. It was a perfect one-to-one correspondence.

Each gun group consists of 3-5 cannons, numbered one through fifteen.

From the far left to the far right.

Firing parameters were issued to each gun group.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Soon, the shells began to fall.

Each artillery crew is only responsible for its own target. This will not change.

What if we need to increase firepower?
This one is simple.

The Fifth Army's artillery provided long-range support.

"boom……"

"boom……"

More shells fell.

The Japanese invaders, who were advancing stealthily, were all dealt a blow.

However, because the Nationalist army's artillery fire was dispersed, it did not suffer a catastrophic disaster.

Some Japanese soldiers were killed or wounded. The rest continued their advance.

"boom……"

"boom……"

More shells fell.

They continued to launch continuous and comprehensive attacks against the Japanese invaders.

We don't need to annihilate them quickly; we just need to contain them.

In fact, the Japanese infantry, once exposed to artillery fire, ultimately met their demise.

In an open field without any protection, yet marked by radar maps, how could one possibly escape?
"Are the Japanese invaders committing suicide?"

"They're committing suicide!"

The surrounding Nationalist officers, observing through binoculars, all had a very strange feeling.

The Japanese invaders seemed incredibly foolish. They stupidly charged into Zhang Yong's artillery barrage. So many infantrymen were caught in the crossfire; there was absolutely no chance of survival.

Neither the Nationalist army nor the Japanese invaders could reverse the tide of war when faced with such intense artillery fire.

However, once they calm down, they will realize...

It wasn't that the Japanese invaders deliberately went and ran into them.

It was Zhang Yong who created this misconception, leading them to believe that way.

If Zhang Yong hadn't been personally directing operations here, they probably wouldn't have realized that the Japanese were lurking in the shadows.

Perhaps it won't be long before the Japanese invaders infiltrate the front lines.

Then the position was breached by the Japanese invaders.

Then it failed...

However, with the arrival of the commissioner, all the actions of the Japanese invaders were exposed.

No matter what actions the Japanese invaders took, they would be interrupted by artillery fire beforehand.

That's why they felt the Japanese invaders were sending themselves to their deaths.

If it were someone else, the result would be different.

"boom……"

"boom……"

There was gunfire everywhere.

Firelight was everywhere.

Wherever there were Japanese invaders, there were explosions.

The Japanese troops, who were originally scattered, were forced to take cover everywhere after being shelled, and their ranks quickly fell into disarray.

"idiot……"

Hyakutake Haruyoshi's heart sank lower and lower.

His cheeks contorted. His wrists trembled.

Damn...

The counterattack was thwarted once again.

The scattered counter-attack forces were still subjected to artillery fire.

The Nationalist army's shells seemed to have eyes, landing accurately on the heads of the Japanese soldiers.

There is no hiding.

There is no way to avoid it.

The final result was still death.

hateful……

"They are elite troops after all..."

"The technology is truly top-notch..."

Zhang Yong was also secretly sighing over this.

The artillery of the 18th Army was indeed very skilled. They were very accurate.

Even if you replaced them with the 100th Army, they couldn't achieve this level. There's a gap in technical troop types.

The Supreme Command clearly concentrated its best technical troops in the Fifth and Eighteenth Armies. The artillerymen were all highly skilled.

As long as Zhang Yong provides the firing parameters, the artillery will fire exactly where it's pointed.

Very accurate.

The error will not exceed ten meters.

The Japanese invaders are finished...

Another wave of Japanese soldiers who attempted to retaliate perished...

The rest will probably try their best to escape back.

really……

"withdraw!"

"withdraw!"

Hyakutake Haruyoshi ordered a retreat.

Heart is bleeding.

His 18th Division!
So many elite soldiers.

They died tragically under heavy artillery fire.

They were all killed before they even saw the faces of the Nationalist soldiers.

How is this played?
No need to fight at all.

Zhang Yong's artillery fire was simply unstoppable.

The fierce artillery fire pushed forward relentlessly, with the city of Nanchang right behind them. There was nowhere to retreat.

Is it...

To wipe out the 18th Division?

what……

What a terrifying thought...

resignedly.

The only response was to report to the army commander, Yamashita Tomoyuki.

Yamashita Tomoyuki was also at a loss. He couldn't think of a better solution. But he absolutely couldn't back down.

and so……

"idiot……"

"Order the special forces to launch an attack..."

……

"go!"

Zhang Yong walked forward.

They were followed by a large number of communications soldiers and engineers.

The communications soldier was responsible for laying the cables. The engineers were responsible for digging the trenches and burying the telephone lines.

They encountered a counterattack from the Japanese invaders, who then blew up the telephone line.

In fact, no.

The Japanese artillery did not retaliate. It was completely quiet.

How could Zhang Yong possibly allow the Japanese to retaliate with artillery fire? He certainly wouldn't willingly throw his life away!
The Japanese artillery positions will soon be within firing range.

However, the 122mm howitzer has insufficient range. The 155mm howitzer also has insufficient range.

At this point, the French-made 105mm heavy cannon had to be brought into play. It had the longest range.

A full 20 kilometers. This could effectively contain all of the Japanese invaders' artillery.

However, it is also the most difficult to please.

It's too bulky.

Fortunately, Zhang Yong quickly came up with a solution.

The system is used to tow tractors carrying 155mm howitzers, which are used to tow heavy cannons.

Well, it's a tractor, single-cylinder, power unknown, but it gets stronger when faced with a strong opponent.

Sure enough, the tractor was very powerful.

The wheels are large and wide, providing excellent grip.

"Suddenly..."

"Suddenly..."

They easily dragged the heavy cannon, weighing over six tons, into position.

Compared to trucks, this tractor is far more adaptable. I should have done it this way.

Fortunately, it's not too late to find out now...

The remaining Japanese troops were fleeing. The Nationalist infantry took the opportunity to occupy the positions.

There was no counterattack from the Japanese invaders. The process went smoothly.

Because all the surrounding red dots had been blown up, no Japanese troops were able to retaliate.

Level 1 Alert

Poisonous gas (mustard gas) discovered.

Level 1 Alert

Suddenly, alarm bells went off in my mind.

A large expanse of red appeared before my eyes. It flashed continuously.

Zhang Yong's heart skipped a beat.

poison gas?

Mustard gas?
Beast!
The Japanese invaders actually attempted to use poison gas.

It seems they are indeed desperate and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

This mustard gas is one of the most potent poisonous gases. It can be dissolved in the human body, causing extremely serious harm.

Once inhaled, it can damage human tissues and lead to organ failure.

The process is irreversible and very difficult to treat.

From the beginning of World War I, it has been a specter on the battlefield, inspiring fear and dread.

Inhuman and heinous.

Of course, we cannot let the Japanese invaders succeed.

Ideally, one should use the other person's own methods against them.

Since it was poison gas used by the Japanese invaders, let the poison gas affect the Japanese invaders completely.

Search carefully.

It was found quickly.

The radar map shows clear signs of highly toxic substances.

It must be a Japanese artillery company. They're carrying mustard gas. They're preparing to fire from mountain guns.

They silently dragged two 75mm mountain guns, attempting to enter firing range.

This type of mountain gun has a range of about eight kilometers.

Radar maps showed that the Japanese invaders carried more than one hundred poison gas bombs.

Mud...

So insidious.

We must ensure that the Japanese invaders suffer a loss instead of gaining anything.

"Li Mi".

"arrive."

"Determine the wind direction."

"wind direction?"

"Yes. The rest of you should also lend a hand."

"it is good."

Those around him were puzzled, but they still began to seriously analyze the situation.

For them, judging wind direction is a basic skill. After discussing it among themselves, they concluded that it was a southeast wind.

The wind was blowing from the southeast. It's now blowing northwest.

Zhang Yong: ...

Carefully determine the dilution range of mustard gas.

The area where it was finally eliminated was determined.

This ensures that if mustard gas leaks, it will be released on Japanese positions and will not affect the National Revolutionary Army.

However, it was also a bit of a pity that it couldn't affect more Japanese invaders.

It would have been better if they had been released among the Japanese invaders.

Let the Japanese invaders reap what they sow.

Perhaps the Japanese invaders had even more mustard seed?
At that time, we will destroy it remotely, causing all the nearby Japanese invaders to suffer.

Pick up the microphone.

"Relocate the 76mm field artillery position."

"Mi 33-10, range 9200, eight rapid shots."

Zhang Yong quickly gave the order.

Large-caliber artillery cannot be used.

Otherwise, all the poison gas bombs would be blown to pieces.

The chemicals inside may have been completely destroyed before they even had a chance to mix.

A 76mm field gun is just right. Let's test its effectiveness first.

"boom……"

"boom……"

Soon, the shells began to fall.

It accurately hit the Japanese artillery company.

Everyone raised their binoculars to observe.

At first, nothing seemed amiss. The distance was vast. Even with binoculars, details were obscured.

It wasn't until later, when they noticed some pale green smoke rising, that they realized something was wrong.

Some people have a very strong impression of this pale green smoke. It can even cause nightmares.

"Poison gas bomb!"

"Poison gas bomb!"

Someone immediately whispered.

His expression suddenly became somewhat hysterical. He almost lost control.

Starting from the Battle of Shanghai, the Japanese invaders used poison gas on the battlefield on multiple occasions, causing heavy losses to the National Revolutionary Army.

Those Nationalist soldiers injured by poison gas often suffered a fate worse than death, leaving immense psychological trauma on others. Their hatred had reached its peak, and now that emotion was being unleashed.

"beat!"

"beat!"

Some people clenched their fists in anger.

They wished they could personally take to the field and fire the cannons themselves.

During the day, from a great distance, only pale green gas can be seen floating in the air.

And there were also bursts of fire.

At this moment, their only hope is that there are many Japanese invaders nearby.

It would be best to poison all the Japanese invaders.

No, he'll be half-dead from the poison.

To make the Japanese invaders wish they could neither live nor die.

Live it!

The Commissioner is truly amazing!
A precise artillery barrage preemptively destroyed the Japanese invaders' poison gas bombs.

Otherwise, if those poison gas bombs had landed on the Nationalist army, the tragedy would have repeated itself.

Those Japanese devils are truly beasts, utterly devoid of conscience.

Beast...

Your adventure experience has increased.

[Combat Lab Construction Progress +1]

A notification has been sent.

Zhang Yong quietly took a look.

They discovered that there were extra poison gas bombs.

It wasn't there before. But it is now.

That's not the point.

The focus is on the combat laboratory.

So, what other amazing technologies can it offer?

Atomic bomb?
Uh, this is way ahead of its time.

I suspect the system doesn't have that capability. I'd like something else...

"boom……"

"boom……"

The shells continued to fall.

The two Japanese mountain guns were completely destroyed.

All the poison gas grenades were destroyed. The highly toxic markers on the radar map disappeared.

The nearby red dots have also mostly disappeared.

It's unclear whether they were killed by an explosion or by mustard gas poisoning.

Hopefully, it's all the latter...

"report!"

An officer rushed over.

It was said that sporadic Japanese harassment troops were appearing in the rear of various units.

A squad, a company, and so on—the numbers were enormous. They caused immense disruption to the Nationalist army's rear.

"Commander Peng!"

"arrive."

"Leave me the artillery and one infantry regiment; take the rest of the troops with you."

"Yes."

"The Japanese invaders' scattered units don't have heavy weapons, so there's nothing to fear."

"Yes."

"However, you should not be passively defensive. We will also send out a large number of small units, in company-sized units, to relentlessly pursue and attack the Japanese invaders. Once we spot any scattered Japanese troops, we will immediately engage them and continue until they are annihilated."

Zhang Yong explained, word by word.

He was quite experienced in dealing with sporadic Japanese troops.

Or rather, it was the experience gained later in eliminating Zuo Shandiao.

We must take the initiative; we cannot remain passively defensive.

Otherwise, no matter how many people you have, you can't defend such a large area.

There will definitely be weaknesses that the Japanese invaders will exploit.

The only way is to bite down on the opponent. Bit down tightly. Relentlessly pursue. Until the opponent is eliminated.

Even if only one Japanese soldier is eliminated, the number of Japanese soldiers will decrease by one.

In terms of troop strength, the National Revolutionary Army had far more troops than the Japanese invaders.

Behind them lay the Nationalist-controlled areas. The Nationalist army had a natural advantage.

In terms of individual weapons and equipment, the Nationalist Army had a greater advantage. They had a large number of submachine guns.

It's either a flower-themed scheme.

It's either Thomson.

As long as the Japanese invaders are engaged, once a shot is fired, nearby troops will come to reinforce them.

"Hu Lian!"

"To!"

"Didn't you say you were good at mobile warfare? Now, I'm entrusting you with the task of eliminating the Japanese harassing forces."

"Yes."

"Commander Peng is in charge of overseeing the central command and coordinating the overall situation. You are responsible for assigning troops and relentlessly pursuing the Japanese invaders."

"Yes."

"I'll allocate you five hundred SVT-40 semi-automatic rifles."

"Thank you!"

Hu Lian's confidence grew even stronger.

He knew about this SVT-40; Chuikov had brought a small number of samples with him.

However, Chiang Kai-shek didn't like this semi-automatic rifle. He felt it consumed ammunition too quickly and that the ammunition supply was insufficient.

Moreover, the price is relatively high. The price of one SVT-40 is equivalent to five Mosin-Nagant rifles. He couldn't bear to spend that much.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Yong was able to get his hands on it.

Moreover, by following Zhang Yong, there is absolutely no need to worry about the supply of bullets.

"Go!"

"Yes!"

Hu Lian went off full of confidence.

He was indeed willing to choose the latter over a frontal assault and dealing with sporadic Japanese troops.

Having various advantages, we certainly cannot let the Japanese invaders succeed.

"Li Mi!"

"To!"

"You should go back too and organize the troops to wipe out the Japanese invaders in the rear."

"Yes."

"The strategy remains the same. We must take the initiative and engage the Japanese troops."

"clear."

Zhang Yong assigned the Fifth Army's mopping-up mission to Li Mi.

This guy is slippery too. His offensive capabilities are relatively poor. But he can deal with sporadic Japanese invaders.

The main strength is a quick-witted individual who can handle complex battlefield situations.

Of course, there are also 500 SVT-40s.

Treat equally.

Arrangements are complete.

Continue the attack.

Everyone else is busy with other things.

Zhang Yong only had one thing on his mind: to attack.

A straight-line attack.

Crush all the way.

No matter what external obstacles they encounter, they will not stop.

Pick up the microphone.

"Take over the 122mm howitzer position."

"The position has advanced five kilometers."

Now that there is already a French-made 105mm heavy cannon, those 122mm howitzers can be moved to a different location.

76 mm, 105 mm, 122 mm, 155 mm...

The 18th Army's artillery equipment was already very sophisticated. He was able to unleash its maximum destructive power.

"Dai Anlan".

"To!"

"You go back too, organize the 200th Division, and take command of me."

"Yes."

Dai Anlan immediately perked up.

He had been silent the whole time. He hadn't said a word.

Now, Li Mi is in charge of eliminating the Japanese harassing forces, and the remaining assault mission is handed over to Dai Anlan.

If Dai Anlan can make a name for himself with the 200th Division, Zhang Yong can help him advance to the next level and also form a new army.

Division commanders from the Fifth Army can directly form a new army and serve as its commander.

This is the Fifth Army's privilege. After all, they are the bald man's most trusted confidants.

Everything is arranged properly.

then……

attack!

Keep attacking!

Keep attacking!
[To be continued]

(End of this chapter)