First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 187
Chapter 187: Shattered
Cornell began driving along the edge, turning directly into the left side path. Lian Sheng felt a rhythmic vibration and turned to see several mechs emerging from behind the watchtower.
The lead heavy mech extended its protective shield, advancing forward to firmly block the front of the watchtower.
The appearance of Kafa's mechs differed greatly from the Alliance's official models - much more boldly colored. The mechs were slightly shorter with reinforced cockpits.
Lian Sheng had always thought the Alliance's bright red Pojun mech was the most eye-catching in a crowd, until she saw this deep purple one.
...Too beautiful.
Ji Ban's voice came through the communicator: "Someone's coming to pick us up. We need to leave the watchtower now. Everyone try to stay together and don't move. We don't know how the enemy will respond, and we can't update the map in real time anymore."
Cornell said, "Have everyone wait at the edge zones on both sides - that's the safest area now."
The group had originally been standing on both sides of the street. When the armed forces attacked, they scattered in different directions, now forming two groups to the east and west.
Since the rescue pod landing point was closer to the western edge zone, Cornell decided to first pick up the students on the eastern side.
Lian Sheng asked, "When will Alliance rescue arrive?"
"Currently we don't know the external situation, enemy firepower, or overall public sentiment in District 12. The militants have some weapons, but from current reconnaissance, probably not many. Our base has enough mechs to suppress them, so we haven't requested Alliance rescue yet. Also, while Kafa is under Alliance sovereignty, it's still autonomous. We don't want to trouble you with internal conflicts." Cornell uncharacteristically spoke at length, then asked, "Do you want to stay in District 12 or leave first?"
Lian Sheng: "We get to decide? What's the higher-ups' opinion?"
Cornell said, "Kafa's internal conflicts... are actually frequent occurrences. But this time the opposition is well-organized with external interference, making it bigger. The Alliance can't determine the situation yet, so they're letting you decide."
Lian Sheng nodded in understanding: "We'll see how it goes. I'll ask the others."
To the Alliance, Kafa's unrest was like a recurring hidden pain - dangerous but not fatal. After all, how could an arm wrestle a leg?
They wanted to ensure the trainees' safety, but also believed dangerous environments helped them grow faster.
The contradictory feelings of parental concern and high expectations.
Cornell pressed the control panel, accelerating toward the green dots on the map.
Lian Sheng watched his still expressionless face in the rearview mirror.
Could he feel this unfair treatment? The Alliance's protection of soldiers versus how Kafa treated theirs.
Though nominally part of the same political entity, their different birthplaces determined their divergent fates.
The emergency alert from Cornell's communicator shattered the silence in the vehicle.
"Report to Lieutenant Colonel Cornell! Enemy numbers and weapons exceed our estimates! They're gathering from the periphery inward! This is a large-scale, premeditated rebellion! Command has resent the combat report and rescue request to the Alliance!"
Both Lian Sheng and Cornell froze momentarily.
What were we just saying?
The soldier continued: "Command says to first evacuate the Alliance students from the combat zone! We'll send rescue pods directly to pick them up. Have the students prepare - we're leaving in five minutes!"
Cornell immediately pulled out his military communicator display, seeing a sudden swarm of red dots appear around the central district.
People previously marked as safe were now reclassified as threats.
They had to reassess this uprising - it was full of anomalies.
Lian Sheng yelled, "You—! When you're not looking at the road, could you at least brake first?!"
Cornell made a sharp turn, speeding in another direction.
He tossed his display to Lian Sheng.
Holding it, she asked, "Is the edge zone unsafe now? Should we still have people gather there?"
Cornell: "Clearly the central district isn't safe either."
Lian Sheng pressed her communicator: "All personnel prepare to board rescue pods and evacuate District 12! Stay alert, monitor your surroundings - both inside and outside the central district are dangerous now! Don't scatter - we're boarding in five minutes!"
All Kafa military forces entered high alert, especially the mech troops at the borders.
The central district had bomb shelters, but not enough for everyone, forcing secondary evacuations. But ensuring everyone's safety was already impossible. Without evacuations, military operations would be severely hampered.
Cornell grew visibly agitated, pushing the vehicle to new speeds.
Lian Sheng saw his expression in the mirror and shook her head as if negating something.
"How did this start? How could you miss enemy infiltration? Where were they hiding?" Lian Sheng asked. "How did they smuggle in weapons?"
Cornell frowned. "The beginning? Who knows where it began."
Lian Sheng touched her ear.
Considering previous events - each step perfectly planned - the enemy kept surprising them with sudden troop and weapon appearances. How many more cards did they have left? It was deeply concerning.
Cornell began recounting: "Although Kafa is chaotic, there were never major issues before."
The military-civilian relationship, though somewhat pathological, had found a balance where they coexisted peacefully.
"Deadly weapons truly appeared not long ago. We dispatched troops as usual to suppress it. The opposition were just civilians without experience, quickly subdued. Initial interrogations revealed nothing suspicious. Similar weapons occasionally surfaced on the black market - we investigated but not deeply."
"But similar incidents suddenly multiplied across District 12. Weapons' lethality demanded caution, so Kafa increased patrols and control..."
Lian Sheng nodded - troop redeployment.
"Then recently, organized rebel groups emerged with small arms. Investigations confirmed they were long-term Kafa residents. Since they caused no real harm, they were arrested then released on bail."
"We investigated the weapons' origins but found nothing conclusive." Cornell said. "You know the rest."
First using small, genuine rebel groups to divert attention toward weapon sources - though important, compared to hidden agitators orchestrating full-scale rebellion, it paled - then catching them off-guard by coercing masses of residents into violent assault.
They'd been thoroughly outmaneuvered.
But it also showed the military's deterrence was insufficient. Both overly violent and overly lenient militaries failed to control their people.
The trainees moved toward the border assembly point from various routes.
Zhao Zhuoluo stood at the rooftop edge, blinking as if seeing blood spray below.
Fang Jianchen caught up, grabbing his shoulder: "Excellent, what's wrong? Why just stand there?"
Zhao Zhuoluo startled: "Nothing."
Fang Jianchen said, "Hurry! There are mechs ahead - stick close for safety."
Zhao Zhuoluo: "Mm."
The central district's border lacked clear walls, defined instead by defensive attack systems.
Now underground weapons emerged - one-meter-high firing platforms with rotating guns capturing every angle.
Their cold metallic aura matched their lethal power, keeping people at bay.
Mech soldiers maintained order as crowds waited in batches for bomb shelters.
The trainees approached but kept distance, not competing with residents. The space also facilitated later boarding.
A mech announced: "Kafa has deployed additional transport. Maintain order or you'll be evacuated last."
Lian Sheng rested a hand on her arm, a vague idea slipping through her mind but eluding grasp.
An inexplicable dread lingered. Something felt off - another enemy scheme undiscovered.
Ah, her intuition again.
Lian Sheng muttered: "Something's wrong..."
Cornell frowned: "I feel it too."
This nagging uncertainty was unbearable.
Lian Sheng closed her eyes, analyzing backward from outcomes: "What's their goal? The mastermind prepared meticulously, step by step. They exposed long-hidden Kafa operatives, expended valuable weapons and intelligence assets, invested tremendous effort in this trap - for what reward?"
She whispered: "If targeting the base, their reckless charge makes no sense - it's already submerged. If targeting watchtowers, mechs guard them - their few mech cannons couldn't succeed. Though armed militants suddenly appeared en masse causing chaos, you detected it timely. Despite inevitable casualties, given time you'd control the situation. Kafa's heavy losses roughly match Gelen United Army's... I mean, the unknown mastermind's. People expect returns exceeding investment, especially Gelen's style."
Cornell grew more uncomfortable.
"Initial small-scale, low-casualty riots diverted attention for easier central district infiltration. After entry, people evacuated outward. Exposed militants prompted border evacuations, so their target is..."
Lian Sheng's eyes snapped open, meeting Cornell's widened gaze in the mirror.
Both simultaneously pressed communicators, shouting: "Evacuate! Border personnel evacuate immediately! The central district vehicles don't target watchtowers but the defensive lines! Their targets are refugees and mech troops there! Disperse everyone now!"
Eastern trainees had already boarded rescue pods. Pilots prepared to retrieve remaining students currently conversing near mechs.
Hearing the warning, all froze momentarily before grasping the severity, rushing forward shouting: "Evacuate now! Enemy targets this area! Civilians get away from the border!"
The cacophony of crying children, cursing adults, and shouting soldiers drowned out their voices.
Zhao Zhuoluo grabbed someone's arm: "Go!"
The man snarled: "What are you doing? Let go!"
Zhao Zhuoluo: "Evacuate! It's dangerous!"
"Where isn't dangerous? Where should we go?" the man roared. "We came here because outside is dangerous too. Is anywhere in Kafa safe anymore? Just let us live!"
His voice cracked with suppressed emotion, nearly weeping.
He'd heard it.
The gunfire and explosions haunting them daily, year after year. What had they done wrong?
Claiming to protect them while constantly bringing harm.
The military never truly protected them.
The thirty-something man stood stiffly, struggling to control himself while clutching his bag, tears streaming.
Those tears cut deep into everyone's hearts.
Zhao Zhuoluo's Adam's apple bobbed, words failing him as he released the man.
As a lieutenant colonel, Cornell couldn't directly command non-subordinates. Messages had to go through headquarters to reach all troops.
Headquarters erupted in shocked debate, unable to decide promptly.
An entire defensive line with enemies before and behind - if they sought mutual destruction, their chosen point was unpredictable.
They couldn't guarantee no enemy moles in headquarters. Concentrating people now might worsen tragedy.
Border mechs were insufficient - they couldn't leave.
With no time to explain, they ordered all defensive mechs to deploy shields protecting civilians while dispersing for safety.
The mech troops finally received orders, confronting militants while directing civilians to scatter.
They vaguely understood - some things were inevitable. Though terrified of death, facing it brought acceptance.
Survival was luck. If this was the end, they were ready.
People clasped hands in prayer.
"Please... I don't matter, but protect my child!"
"Any safe space? Give it to the children, they're so young."
"Bless this place! If gods exist, look upon us! Protect them!"
"Mommy—"
A woman kissed her child's forehead: "Mommy loves you!"
Mechs raised shields, shielding Alliance trainees behind them while handing children to them.
Zhao Zhuoluo and others knelt, restraining fleeing children.
Parting wails and death throes filled their ears.
This scene was alien to them. The Alliance was always peaceful and strong.
Peaceful... strong...
But people were always fragile!
"I'm sorry..." We can't protect you.
Zhao Zhuoluo felt a hand on his shoulder, its uncontrolled pressure betraying emotion.
"Excellent..." Cheng Ze said, "What can we even do?"
Zhao Zhuoluo lowered his head, shaking it.
A mech announced: "Everyone leave immediately! The farther from us, the safer! Disperse now!"
Meanwhile, central district vehicles sped leftward. Cornell and Lian Sheng pursued.
But they couldn't even see their targets yet.
"They're approaching!" Lian Sheng held Cornell's display showing watchtower reconnaissance: "Eleven vehicles heading west. Be careful! We're coming!"
Zhao Zhuoluo's gaze grew unfocused. Suddenly handing his child to Ye Buqing, he grabbed his gun and charged out.
Ye Buqing shouted: "Excellent—!"
A mech immediately blocked them: "Don't move! Stay here! You can't risk yourselves!"
Cheng Ze said: "Excellent! He ran out!"
The mech roared: "Don't move! There are still children here!"
Zhao Zhuoluo sprinted down the open road, his silhouette shrinking.
Fang Jianchen gritted his teeth: "I'm the damn sniper, okay?!"
Releasing his child, he dashed out another way.
Seeing two leave safety, another mech arm blocked them: "What the hell? Stop messing around!"
The two ran headlong.
The streets were quiet, noise fading until breaths and heartbeats grew deafening.
All previous confusion vanished, his mind emptied of everything but iron resolve.
Do something. Anything to stop them. There must be something.
He'd had enough of this baseless self-reproach.
Lian Sheng yelled: "Zhao Zhuoluo Fang Jianchen what are you doing? Don't be rash!"
Knowing it was too late, she changed orders: "Vehicles will arrive at the next turn - hide first!"
Pray the enemy wouldn't waste shells on empty houses. Or that rebels retained some desire for peace, protesting the military rather than pure destructive rage.
Zhao Zhuoluo crouched behind a signpost at the turn, readying his gun.
Fang Jianchen mirrored him opposite.
Seconds later, a vehicle rounded the corner.
Its speed and proximity made targeting impossible - the blur vanished toward the defensive line.
"Don't chase - you can't catch up! If you miss it, let it go - more are coming!" Lian Sheng said. "We're almost there - just slow them down! Aim for tires!"
Zhao Zhuoluo exhaled heavily, leveling his gun.
Fang Jianchen said: "Steady. Listen for them. Feel your fingers. Trust instinct. I've got your back. Don't worry."
Behind them, the passing vehicle activated its roof-mounted cannon.
Flames erupted from the barrel.
A deafening explosion scorched the air, whipping up fiery winds.
From behind transparent shields, trainees watched death pause at their noses.
The scene seemed to freeze frame by frame, then vanish in a blink.
The blast took everything. Everything was torn apart.
Through ringing ears, the world shattered.
A child's piercing wail: "Mommy—!"
The blast zone became scorched earth, survivors lying amidst wreckage too horrific to behold.
Those spared by the blast tried rushing forward, held back by others.
A fallen man reached out, screaming: "Why keep fighting? Why? Are you satisfied now?"
Like a silent film in their minds, they didn't even feel their trembling hands.
Without ending war, hope was impossible here. It had always been a luxury.
Enduring life-and-death struggles daily, watching themselves become selfish, shortsighted cowards.
Never thinking of tomorrow, daily questioning life's meaning - unable to find answers.
But what could they do? What choice did they have?
Why be born into this unwelcoming world? Why create weapons to harm each other? Why let birthplace brand them?
Why was hatred their first lesson?
Zhao Zhuoluo inhaled sharply, forcing a ghastly smile.
If you keep seeking meaning, sometimes there are no good answers.
If smiling could get you through, he could smile forever.
"Only the first three vehicles got through - stop them!" Lian Sheng updated. "Second one coming!"
The second armed vehicle approached.
Zhao Zhuoluo narrowed his eyes, firing.
The front tire blew. Fang Jianchen followed up. The car swerved, crashing into buildings before slowly righting itself.
Then the third vehicle arrived within visual range. Slowing it might let them intercept.
How many lives could one stopped shell save?
Who knew?
Perhaps realizing escape was impossible with ambushes ahead, the third vehicle suddenly braked mid-turn, angling toward the roadside.
Lian Sheng, half-leaning from her window, saw it and turned pale, gripping the frame.
"Zhao Zhuoluo—" she rasped, "Move!"
Zhao Zhuoluo charged from cover with his gun.
Simultaneously, the cannon glowed red.
Fang Jianchen closed his eyes as the explosion drowned his cry: "Excellent—"
His heart seemed crushed, blood rushing to his head and feet.
For a moment, he thought he'd died - sensation leaving his body.
The blast wave knocked Fang Jianchen back, tears streaming backward. Rising, he aimed at the driver - already dead by suicide.
Eyes bloodshot, Fang Jianchen sobbed curses: "Damn you! Damn your ancestors! Give him back, you bastard!"
Then a shadow emerged from beneath the vehicle. Opening the door, it dragged out the corpse and took the wheel.
Fang Jianchen's weeping halted, staring at the bloodied figure.
Zhao Zhuoluo: "Get in!"
Fang Jianchen leapt onto the roof, gripping handholds as Zhao Zhuoluo accelerated.
Cornell had stopped to check the situation. Seeing Zhao Zhuoluo alive, he restarted pursuit.
Zhao Zhuoluo's vision blurred. He only knew to go straight, maxing speed recklessly.
He'd thought he would die.
Though surviving beneath the vehicle, the searing blast still affected him - heat nearly melting his skin.
They caught the second vehicle near the defensive line.
With two flat tires, it adjusted aim from an empty building to maximize casualties.
Fang Jianchen clutched his sniper rifle, realizing how feeble his weapons were here.
Lian Sheng climbed from her window, close behind.
She reached for her concealed weapon but found it tangled. Without thinking, she removed her jacket, swinging it forward.
"Fang Jianchen—!"
Grenades scattered midair.
Fang Jianchen caught one, shouting: "Excellent!"
Zhao Zhuoluo braked hard.
Fang Jianchen hurled it: "Go to hell—!"
The panicked driver fired prematurely.
Screams erupted ahead.
The grenade landed.
The vehicle veered wildly in the blast, its cannon firing.
The shot grazed a mech's head, streaking skyward.
The second shell missed.
Embers rained down, tinting daylight crimson.
For a moment, the world was both silent and deafening.
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