Counterfeit Hero

The land-based air force launched their missions one after another, handling both air and ground tasks that filled their assignment schedule. They could only mechanically take off time and again, attack, be shot down, or return alive to prepare for the next mission.

The defensive line of the Gazalin Empire had already contracted by one-third. Out of more than 30 cities, ten had fallen into the hands of the Leray Federation, primarily distributed in the Western Hemisphere. The successful simultaneous landings by the Federation in both hemispheres had put the Gazalin Empire Army in a predicament of fighting on two fronts. However, given the relatively solid and complete defensive constructions, although the situation was tense, it was far from collapsing. Apart from unceasing resistance, most of the Imperial Army engaged in constant contraction and retreat. Many places were evacuated proactively.

In such a tug-of-war, contraction was merely a way to buy time. Sooner or later, these forces would be exhausted by the endless battles. However, judging from the morale of the lower-ranking officers, it seemed much higher than before. Liebgoet’s frequent telephonic meetings and document issuance provided the officers with guided insights into their objectives and the situation. Meanwhile, the influence of Russell and Gordon was gradually diminishing. Gazalin Empire soldiers were slowly embracing new tactical ideas and combat spirits.

For the motherland, for Gazalin’s honor! Lucerne would be the final point of the Leray Federation’s offensive. Here, they planned to drag the Federation into a prolonged war of attrition, using all the resources of this originally Federation-owned planet to deplete their strength and prepare for a major counteroffensive from the rear. This was the new concept that all officers and soldiers began to accept. Despite the Federation’s fierce offensive, all Gazalin soldiers did not feel a fatal threat, as if the battles were happening in distant skies. This situation also instilled great confidence in everyone. Liebgoet, after all, was a great general, and with him around, the Empire’s forces would not be wasted in vain.

Both sides sought each other’s weaknesses through various breakthroughs, airdrops, and flanks. While the Leray Federation’s offensive was indeed strong, the Gazalin Empire Army resembled an impenetrable octopus, contracting, spraying out thick ink, then expanding again, using its tentacles to counterattack. Their resilience was formidable.

*****************************