First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 184
Chapter 184: Report
Explosions echoed from the perimeter, dark clouds mingled with flames shooting into the sky.
These so-called peace-loving masses showed no hesitation in destroying citizens' property to wage war and demonstrate against the military.
Having lost all sense of guilt and compassion, who were the real demons here?
The attack came too suddenly—people on the streets had no time to evacuate. Civilians were still fleeing in panic, clutching their heads and wailing.
The hastily rebuilt outer structures weren't sturdy, collapsing completely after just a few explosions.
Those who couldn't escape in time or had taken shelter inside were now trapped beneath the rubble, crying out for help.
The rebel forces marched right past them, searching for traces of military personnel.
Cornell and others hadn't been authorized to pilot mechs and could only scout the situation ahead.
As the rebels pressed forward layer by layer, growing increasingly violent and merciless, the military hesitated. If this continued, the central district would soon be in grave danger.
He peeked into the distance.
Though lacking mechs, the rebels were fully equipped with explosive weapons. Judging by their trail of destruction, their armory was well-stocked.
The essence of war was destruction—a lesson they clearly hadn't forgotten.
Calm observational reports came through the comms:
"Horizontal Third Street. Eighteen vehicles, unknown personnel. Approaching from west. Destroying the area. Contains un-evacuated civilians. Do not recommend deploying infantry support."
"Intersection of Ring Six Vertical Eight. Nine vehicles, unknown personnel, western approach. Breaking through defenses. Unable to stop. Contains un-evacuated civilians. Do not recommend deploying infantry support."
This was clearly a purposeful, planned rebellion with backing. Not some minor disturbance—they were serious. The level of organization alone spoke to its severity, fundamentally different from past incidents.
After so many days, the rebellious forces remained unquelled, spreading like wildfire.
Stamp out one area, and another would flare up. The rebels seemed to be testing their military strength and limits. No one knew when they'd truly strike—they had to be vigilant.
And the losses already far exceeded anything from before.
Cornell pressed his comm: "Patch me through to Control. The enemy has new weapons. Requesting armed support. Requesting mech deployment authorization."
The response came: "They're also citizens of Kafa."
Cornell: "They're citizens of Kafa who need to be rejudged."
A sigh through the comm: "Don't further escalate tensions between military and civilians."
"Increasing civilian property damage will also escalate tensions. This has dragged on too long—the death toll from this incident can't be ignored. Letting the damage spread will only make resolution harder." Cornell argued, "If Kafa wants to accommodate all dissenting voices, it must first create conditions for peace. Beyond that, there's no possibility of reconciliation between us. Kafa currently lacks those conditions—why cling to false hope?"
Silence from the other end.
Then: "They're only using conventional weapons. Deploying mechs now would throw Kafa into chaos."
Cornell thought: Couldn't be worse than now.
It started small, but not anymore.
The military could feel remorse for war's tragedies, but shouldn't let that influence strategic decisions.
Cornell... perhaps he was heartless. But on the even crueler battlefield, between sacrificing a few or many, he'd still choose to ruthlessly crush that innocent minority.
Otherwise, how could he face the greater casualties with his so-called conscience and regret?
"That's my assessment. Frontline reconnaissance feedback. Awaiting orders." Cornell said, "Sir, let me add—I don't believe those leading the destruction are Kafa's citizens."
Harry said: "Without mechs, armed suppression is too dangerous. They're not fighting bare-handed, and they outnumber us."
"Dear Commander—" Another voice chimed in, less polite: "Though I chose lifelong service, that doesn't mean I'm tired of living. If my worthless life means so little, I'd rather join their ranks and personally demand answers at military HQ."
"Everyone calm down, this is unbecoming. But without mech authorization, I also refuse interception missions."
The comm responded: "Fall back to central district first. I'll arrange mech interception."
Someone clicked their tongue in dissatisfaction. Worried they'd be too heavy-handed?
Sometimes it made no sense. As if soldiers' lives mattered less than regular citizens'.
The group began withdrawing from the frontlines.
Harry sighed: "Terrifying. Why can't they rationally consider our merits?"
Someone laughed: "Look at this fool—in uniform, can't even tell if those are people or ghosts."
Humans naturally feared death and violence. Rebellions relied on impulsive fervor. Yet while Kafa's military wasn't popular, they'd maintained friendly relations, helping residents. Things hadn't reached life-or-death stakes.
Without even a spark, how could such hatred suddenly erupt among the masses? Clearly someone was fanning the flames.
Without leaders stepping forward, how could so many fearless people emerge? With planned attack routes and troop deployments—this was someone competent. The rebels were under surveillance—where did this commander come from?
And the weapons were ready too—everything conveniently prepared.
The young soldiers received orders to converge on the central district.
After all, base was there. Being near their mechs brought some comfort.
Watchtower.
Ji Ban peered through binoculars, shouting: "They're coming! A group approaching the main gate on foot! Lots of them—must be them, right?"
A boy at the front observed through his device: "They're really here! Damn, looks legit—they're even in civilian clothes!"
Lian Sheng called from the upper level: "Exercise starting? Get in position! Everyone hide and ambush them—hold them off!"
They all gripped their training gear, ready for chaos.
Lu Mingyuan took position while Ji Ban kept scanning, cross-referencing with detection equipment.
"So many people," Ji Ban murmured. "Feels off?"
Lian Sheng asked: "Where from?"
Ji Ban: "Straight ahead. But something's wrong up front. Too far to see. Did central district get breached already?"
Lian Sheng doubted: "Without even mechs deployed? They'd at least struggle first. Kafa's an experienced warzone—how could regular rebels break through so easily?"
Ji Ban: "But it's been days without resolution."
"Guerrilla forces are hard to clean up. Cornell didn't seem worried, meaning their combat power's mediocre, just annoying." Lian Sheng mused, "They wouldn't be so shameless, right? Breach central district without warning the watchtower?"
As they hesitated, a boy on lookout spotted the approaching vehicles. The rebels abandoned their cars upon entering, fanning out on foot.
Seeing them advance so carelessly—numerous and fierce-looking but disorganized—he stood and lobbed a grenade, yelling: "Eat this!"
The rebels panicked, diving to the ground. But no explosion came—just a red circle spreading from the "grenade."
The thrower proudly planted his hands on his hips: "Hahaha! How's that?!"
The surreal scene froze his grin. He warily eyed them.
Not Kafa military? Then what was this?
The lead rebel reacted first, pulling a weapon: "His gear's fake! Kill him now!"
The boy almost complained about dead people breaking rules, but the situation felt wrong from the start. With quick reflexes, he backflipped behind cover.
A massive explosion rocked the building behind him. He felt the vibrations and kept running inward.
"Holy shit!" He clutched his ears. "Good thing I moved fast or I'd be dead! What the hell is this? Those were real explosives!"
Lian Sheng knew things had escalated: "They're real! This isn't an exercise—it's live combat! The rebels—"
Lu Mingyuan slapped his comm: "Signal's dead."
"..." Lian Sheng. "..."
Kafa Base Control Room. A report came in: "Rebels have breached central district, approaching rapidly. All units alert."
The commander startled: "From where?"
"Frontal assault."
"Why?!"
A boy offered: "Because they have cars and weapons?"
While Kafa's military hesitated, the rebels had no such restraints. They freely used their weapons—where couldn't they blast through?
The command center finally answered its own question: "They brought new artillery. Broke through central defenses. Casualties heavy—they've broken through."
Now panicking: "Fall back to base! Everyone to your mechs!"
Someone drawled: "Still en route."
"The watchtower? Warn them!"
"Watchtower comms just went dead."
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