Chapter 2146 Opportunistic Forces Entering the Scene
A civilian militia was advancing on the highways of the West End. Leading this unit was none other than Ken himself.
They were also en route to the Serpent Lair.
Mackenzie had notified him about the anti–bandit operation before departing, but they had only set out three days later and were still 100 km away from the Serpent Lair.
“Ken, are you planning to help Mackenzie?” Lenore asked quictly, sitting beside him in the vehicle.
Ken replied with a question of his own, “Why are you asking this? We’ve already come this far. Are you suggesting we don’t help her?”
Lenore shook her head. “That’s not what I mean! Helping Mackenzie would mean betraying Mr. Tanner. Then, you might lose your position if Mr. Tanner secures re–election.”
Ken’s expression was somber but his eyes glinting with cunning. “I know that. It will be a monumental achievement if Mackenzie can eliminate the Five Poison Sect!
“Over a hundred million people in the West End would revere her as a goddess. Of course, I want to ride on her coattails!
“However, I’ll stab her in the back and claim the glory for myself if she loses. Then, Mr. Tanner certainly won’t forget my contributions when he wins the re–election!”
Lenore nodded in agreement.
All of Chanaea knew Teddy was a leader who rewarded merit and punished wrongdoing. This inspired absolute loyalty from his subordinates.
“What if the two sides are evenly matched, and we have to tip the balance?” Lenore pressed further.
Ken shook his head, finding the scenario improbable. “How likely is that?”
However, Lenore persisted. “If the two sides truly end up evenly matched, whichever side we join could become the tipping point that changes the course of the battle.
“Will you choose unparalleled glory and the chance to benefit the West End, earning praise from the masses, or the endless wealth and rewards from Ms. Tanner?”
“What a headache! Let’s not overthink unlikely scenarios. Just go with whichever side seems more favorable when the time comes!” Ken refused to dwell on the low–probability event, considering it a waste of energy.
Unable to persuade him further, Lenore continued the journey with him.
Meanwhile, Mackenzie was in her camp, orchestrating multi–front operations.
The Five Poison Sect, numbering around two to three thousand, was attacking from multiple directions.
These opponents were experts in poison and skilled martial artists. It would spell disaster if they managed to engage in close combat, resulting in significant casualties.
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Chapter 2146 Opportunistic Forces Entering the Scen
This was something Mackenzie wanted to avoid.
Unexpectedly, another report soon arrived.
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“Your Holiness, we’ve followed Mr. Zelinsky’s instructions and breached the Serpent Lair. However, the enemy is now holding innocent civilians hostage, threatening to slaughter them if we continue our assault!”
This was the real–time battlefield update relayed by Anna and Mackenzie knew Magnus‘ strategy.
No matter what, securing the Serpent Lair was critical. It was a strategic stronghold that allowed for both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
“Attack!”
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Just when everyone feared that Mackenzie might hesitate, she made her decision.
At this point, she prioritized minimizing her own side’s losses, unable to concern herself with the hostages.
Mackenzie resolved to bear all the blame herself if she were later condemned for this decision
Upon receiving the order, Anna felt a surge of determination.
She and many others had opposed indiscriminate bombing, as Quintus and Solana, who fought alongside her, were still at the Serpent, altar.
Sacrificing them for the war’s success was unacceptable
However, Anna and many others harbored no feelings for the so–called innocent people in the Serpent Lair. To her, they were nothing more than spawns of sin. They were pitiful, but not worth sparing if it meant allowing the Five Poison Sect to continue its reign of terror.
Now, leading a 500–strong vanguard of Wolf Warrior Unit, she charged forward, determined to seize the Serpent Lair in the shortest possible time.
“Magnus, it seems Mackenzie has resolved to win! This battle can still be fought!” Hattie stood beside Magnus on a hill overlooking the Serpent Lair, observing the battlefield.
Then, Magnus smiled faintly while putting down his binoculars. “We’ve essentially tied our own hands by letting the enemy make three moves first. The best opportunity has already slipped away, and we can only outmaneuver them tactically.”
“That’s where your genius comes in, Magnus” Hattie encouraged him.
This time, Magnus‘ smile was more genuine, and he immediately suggested to Mackenzie, “Mrs. Lowe, the enemy clearly wants close combat. So, we must not let them engage us at close range; otherwise, we’ll lose the advantage of our ranged weapons!”
“I understand, but how do we prevent close combat? The enemy isn’t engaging directly and is highly skilled at stealth. I think a master tactician with excellent military acumen is leading them!”
Mackenzie’s insight revealed her awareness of the enemy’s discipline and combat prowess. This was completely contrary to previous intelligence.
Magnus replied confidently. “They may have their advantages, but so do we? We’ll immediately adopt a
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Chapter 2146 Opportunistic Forces Entering the Scen
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decentralization tactic and implement a 3-1 Cover Strategy to maintain our long–range superiority!”
“The 3-1 Cover Strategy?” Mackenzie was puzzled. While she understood decentralization, the more advanced 3-1 Cover Strategy was beyond her experience.
“I’ve sent you a detailed diagram. Just follow the layout to divide the main force of 1,000 into dispersed units to prevent the enemy from closing in.
Magnus sent his hand–drawn tactical diagram to Mackenzie’s headquarters.
Being a quick thinker, Mackenzie immediately grasped how to execute the plan upon seeing the diagram.
Soon, it was the Five Poison Sect’s turn to complain.
Their attempts to close in were countered by a fluid, dispersed tactic. Moreover, they were struck by crossfire front flanking positions whenever they tried to pursue retreating units.
Although the Five Poison Sect had their signal flares for communication, they were still far inferior to the modernized communication systems of the Wolf Warrior Unit.
After hours of skirmishing, the Five Poison Sect’s losses were significantly higher than those of the Wolf Warrior Unit, whose casualties were almost negligible.
“Maestro Moretti, what should we do now?” Standing atop a mountain alongside Isabella, Aora asked anxiously.
They had gained no ground despite their numerical advantage.
This was particularly embarrassing given that the enemy had refrained from using large–scale weapons.
Isabella praised without hesitation. “Magnus is truly a genius! We cannot win this war as long as Magnus is here!”
“What?”
The Toad King thought Isabella was ready to give up. But Aora, being sharper, immediately understood and grabbed Toad King.
Then, they began descending the mountain.
Still clueless, Toad King yelled, “Hey, where are you dragging me? Are we retreating to preserve our strength?”
Aora cursed loudly. “Retreat? Dream on! Grab your men and come with me to kill Magnus first!”
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