The Glory Hound's Charge

I moved outside and gathered the unit's officers again, explaining the operational plan. Honestly, it might have sounded utterly absurd, so I braced for pushback, but they all just nodded calmly. Their solid trust was great and all, but damn, it felt a little underwhelming. I wanted to dramatically pitch my badass tactics and have them argue a bit first. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Oh well. Anyway, we finished deploying the troops according to the plan and caught our breath for a moment when, from the distance, a scout came running, panting desperately.

"L-Lieutenant!!"

"What is it?"

"We've observed enemy forces entering from the front."

They're coming? Already? Our intel synthesis pegged the assault around noon. Some margin of error was expected, but even accounting for that, I hadn't anticipated it'd be this early.

"What about other directions? Any movement?"

"Negative. Nothing to report."

Even a solo assault. What the hell. Obviously, charging in alone like this was either a feint... or plain stupidity. One or the other.

"Lieutenant, this is...!"

Of course, treating the enemy like idiots was a risky move. I immediately opened the gallery and posted a question.

Comments piled up fast as soon as I posted. True to form for these gallery degenerates who skip meals to shitpost.

I scrolled slowly, reading the comments, and spotted the call for reconfirmation. Spot on. Can't assume humans are error-free. Even computers glitch sometimes.

"Any chance of a mistake?"

"It's confirmed!"

"Really?"

"Yes! Clear signs of assault."

Looks like our scout buddy was the reliable type, no fuckups. Side note, impressive that we still had scout capacity after the unit got wrecked like this.

Once I confirmed as ordered, the next question dropped.

Troop scale check. Crucial detail. Can't spare main force for a shuttle probe.

"What's the scale?"

"Battalion-level assault!"

Hmm. I ain't expert, but combining Cassel's memories with common sense, battalion assault sounds full-on legit.

Seemed like consensus forming. But one nagging question remained.

If it's an assault, why the hell are they coming in so straight-up like that?

The Empire—were they the type to brawl fair and square when advantaged? Opposite of me. Always go all-out against anyone, even kids. Kinda ridiculous thinking about it. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠They think they won't get stabbed?

I aired the doubt, and one comment nailed my swirling thoughts.

Whoa, that logic. Seemed too simple at first, but chewing on it felt right. I could picture it: honor, glory, heroic names in history books demanding heroic plays. The blood for greater gains called "noble sacrifice." Cliché trope, but real as fuck.

Got me pissed. Having died once, I knew life was precious. And this asshole toying with lives purely for personal feats? Never met him, but human-to-human, I hated the guy. Prejudice from scraps? Sure. But reality was reality. Plus, this rage fueled the fight. No downside cursing the unknown commander.

I typed with intent to smash this bastard thoroughly.

Couldn't gauge it myself.

Got it. Adjusting troops and hauling field cannons left no time to waste. Deemed advice sufficient, I typed my last post.

Packed advice like it was the last meal. Closed the window, sorted my thoughts.

Cautious yet bold decision. Like iced Americano—warm take? Nah, simple: No risk-free, but gotta do it. Opportunities don't return. Blind gambling's insane, but hesitating when odds align is dumb too. Lives on the line.

Finished thinking, turned to see my men's faces. Expressions stoic, but clenched fists and lips betrayed fear. Even heroes of reversal dread battle. Defeat's scars linger worse.

Me? Should be shitting bricks most, but weirdly holding up. Ignorance? Duty? Whatever, good thing. Couldn't show it as leader.

Yeah. Duty to reassure them. Gravely:

"Our plan stands unchanged."

Voice drew all eyes. Met each gaze, spoke again.

"Jean."

"Yes, Lieutenant."

"Lure deep as planned. One ambush collapses them—avoid needless losses ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠till then."

"Understood."

"Claude."

"Yes, Lieutenant."

"Use flank-assigned troops for defense. Minimal guard, reinforce Jean up front."

"Got it."

"Rene."

"Here!"

"Boost rear/flank scouts. Report anomalies immediately after confirm."

"Yes! Moving now."

Orders done. Watched officers scatter without hesitation, then moved myself. Decisive hour nigh, but arrogantly, no thought of loss.