7: tank power

As the main battle tank of the Allied Forces, the grizzly tank has always been a striking sight on the battlefield. Its appearance is highly distinctive, with overall lines as smooth as a flowing river, natural and full of dynamism. Its low-profile chassis design is like a cheetah lurking in the grass, ready to deal a fatal blow to the enemy at any moment. The sloped armor not only greatly reduces the surface area vulnerable to enemy fire but also gives it a lean, sharp aura. The turret, capable of 360-degree rotation, is like a keen eagle eye, and the 105mm cannon mounted on it is even more powerful, resembling a sleeping beast ready to wake up and spit out lethal flames at any time.

In terms of speed, the grizzly tank is exceptional, with a speed value of 7, which allows it to move like a fish in water on the complex and ever-changing battlefield. It can move as fast as lightning, flexibly weaving through rugged mountains, dense forests, and other complex terrains, reaching designated positions in the blink of an eye. Whether it's providing emergency support to trapped allies or swiftly pursuing fleeing enemies, the grizzly tank is easily up to the task. With its outstanding mobility, it can also skillfully dodge intense enemy attacks, moving effortlessly through a hail of bullets.

Its 105mm cannon has a base damage of 65 points and an attack interval of 60. Although its single-shot damage isn't top-tier among many weapons, combined with its relatively fast rate of fire, it can produce dense and sustained firepower in a short period. This poses a massive threat to solid enemy buildings and heavy armored units, hitting the enemy's defensive lines wave after wave like an endless tide.

At this moment, the grizzly tank, relying on its speed advantage, took the lead and was the first to arrive near Sentry Mountain. Wei He concentrated fully on monitoring every move of the enemy camp through the red alert system. This miraculous system seemed to grant him a pair of God's eyes; even the slightest sway of a blade of grass on the ground could not escape his notice. Now, he was anxiously waiting for the slightly slower rhino tanks to arrive, preparing to launch a combined siege on Charlie. Wei He secretly hoped in his heart that Charlie would be like the magicians in the novels he had read back on Earth—possessing powerful offensive capabilities but being a fragile 'glass cannon' in close-quarters combat.

“Lord Wei, what do we do now? We’ve been completely surrounded by the enemy, and this time General Charlie is personally commanding the operation. We’re dead for sure!” Tom said with a pale face and a look of panic, his voice filled with despair and fear. Wei He feigned composure, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he said, “You seem to know Charlie quite well, to be scared like this.” However, at this moment, Wei He’s heart was also filled with unease and trepidation. Although he had gained some understanding of this world through Aaron’s memories, Aaron was ultimately just a craftsman who focused solely on his work. The useful information he knew was pitifully scarce, leaving Wei He with no certainty at all when facing such a dire situation.

Upon hearing this, Tom immediately perked up and began to recount volubly, “General Charlie is the supreme military commander of our Southern Province. He is exceptionally gifted and reached the awe-inspiring level of an Intermediate Magician at a young age.” Hearing this, Wei He’s interest was piqued, and he quickly followed up with a question, “An Intermediate Magician? What exactly is that? Is it really that powerful?” In fact, through the red alert system, Wei He had already witnessed Charlie’s formidable strength, as hundreds of his own soldiers had already perished at his hands. Tom hurriedly replied, “In the Magic Empire, everyone has the opportunity to learn magic. However, those who can stand out and become a Magic Apprentice are one in ten thousand. There are eleven magic levels in total: Magic Apprentice, Novice Magician, Beginner Magician, Intermediate Magician, High-level Magician, Magister, Intermediate Mage, High-level Mage, Magister, Grand Archmage, and Saint Archmage!”

Tom’s tone shifted, his expression becoming increasingly grave as he continued, “So, Charlie is not only that one-in-ten-thousand lucky soul, but he also became an Intermediate Magician. In the entire Southern Province, he hardly meets his match. Lord Wei, the brothers from Seryn Village haven't returned yet; they must have met a tragic end at his hands.” Although Tom didn't have the God's-eye view of the red alert system, he knew in his heart that ordinary government troops were no match for Conscripts. Now that so much time had passed without a word from the brothers, he knew without a doubt that they must have run into General Charlie, and their chances of survival were extremely slim.

While Wei He and Tom were talking, the rhino tanks also quietly caught up and rendezvoused with the grizzly tanks. The rhino tank had a rugged and grand design, its wide body resembling a solid fortress. It was painted a deep green, exuding a sense of stability and majesty. Its massive turret could also rotate 360 degrees, carrying a thick 120mm smoothbore gun. The barrel was long and cold, like a giant beast waiting to pounce. The chassis had sharp angles, its heavy armor was indestructible, and its wide tracks seemed capable of crushing any obstacle in its path. It gave a rock-solid, powerful, and overbearing impression, perfectly showcasing the unique charm of Soviet Army tanks.

In the game, the rhino tank has a speed of 6. While slightly slower than the Allied grizzly tank, its mobility among heavy tanks is not to be underestimated. It can quickly reach various positions on the land battlefield and transfer rapidly between different combat zones. Whether launching a fierce offensive or establishing a solid defensive posture, it can play a massive role.

The rhino tank's primary weapon, the 120mm cannon, is incredibly powerful, with a base damage of 90, an attack interval of 65, and a range of 5.75. It has extreme destructive power against buildings and armored units. Furthermore, when attacking targets directly to the north, south, east, or west, its range is one tile further than that of the grizzly tank. When a rhino tank is promoted to three stars, it fires two shells with every shot, instantly doubling its firepower and becoming a terrifying existence on the battlefield.

At this moment on Sentry Mountain, Wei He commanded 5 grizzly tanks, 4 rhino tanks, and over a hundred Conscripts. If they were facing ordinary government troops, with this force, the thousands of soldiers at Sentry Mountain would be no match for them. However, reality was incredibly cruel. They not only had to face Charlie, a powerful Intermediate Magician, but also two Beginner Magicians of considerable strength. One of them had a face full of scars and looked fierce and dangerous; the other carried dual blades and emitted a feminine, eerie aura that was equally chilling. But Wei He knew deeply that the longer they delayed, the more unfavorable the situation would become. He was unwilling to sit and wait for death, so he decided to take a risk and engage the enemy in a life-and-death struggle.

Wei He quickly summoned Brad and Tom. After careful consideration, he issued his combat orders: Brad would lead the hundred-plus Conscripts in a frontal feint, while coordinating with the tanks to find an opportunity for a precision strike on Charlie. At this time, the enemy soldiers responsible for the blockade held their spears, their expressions tense and alert as they watched their surroundings. They never dreamed that dark muzzles were already quietly aimed at them.

Brad's eyes were firm as he gave the order without hesitation: “Fire!” Instantly, the ppsh-41 submachine guns roared, spitting out tongues of searing flame. Bullets hissed like raindrops toward the enemy, mercilessly consuming their lives. For a moment, the battlefield was a cacophony of screams and gunfire, deafening to the ears. Under this sudden and fierce attack, the enemies responsible for the blockade and patrol fell one after another. Blood flowed across the earth like streams, staining the entire ground a piercing red.

Seeing this tragic scene, the other soldiers were filled with terror. They no longer cared about military orders and turned to run; they didn't want to die so pointlessly. “Stop right there! Anyone who retreats will be executed!” the magician with the dual blades shouted angrily. Under his intimidation, the fleeing soldiers indeed gathered before him once more. Although their hearts were still filled with fear, they did not dare to disobey the magician's command.

Just then, General Charlie stepped calmly out of the military tent. He stood tall with a majestic expression, leading his men as he strode toward the entrance of the mountain stronghold. “Aaron, you rapist, you shameless scum! So many people have died because of you. Your blade is stained not just with blood, but with sins that heaven cannot tolerate! I advise you to open the gates and surrender early. Do not make a senseless struggle. I promise to spare your life!” Charlie shouted while drinking wine, his voice echoing through the valley like a great bell.

Supported by Tom, Wei He forced his body to the front of the formation. He took a deep breath, gathered all his strength, and responded loudly, “Bullshit heaven's justice! You slander me as a rapist without any evidence and convict me without a trial! And the villagers of Seryn Village—they all died at your hands! Not only do I know this, but the nearby soldiers and civilians saw it all clearly!”

“Silence! Look at the brothers around you! They have elderly mothers and young children at home. Following you into banditry will only lead to their bodies being left in the wilderness sooner or later! I guarantee in the name of a General that those who lay down their weapons will not be held accountable!” Charlie roared, slamming the wine jar heavily onto the stone steps. The wine splashed everywhere, mirroring his current fury.

Taking advantage of the gap while Charlie was shouting in front of the formation, Wei He seized this rare opportunity. A flash of ruthlessness crossed his eyes as he decisively ordered all Conscripts and tanks to aim at Charlie. Success or failure depended on this one move, Wei He thought to himself. Then, using all his strength, he bellowed the command: “Fire!”

In an instant, guns and cannons fired together. The massive roar shook the earth and mountains as if the entire world were trembling. The soldiers near Charlie were instantly torn to pieces by the powerful firepower, dying in a gruesome manner. At the moment they sensed danger, Charlie and the two Beginner Magicians reacted swiftly, immediately activating their Magic Shields. A layer of energy shimmering with a strange light enveloped them, keeping them temporarily safe under the impact of the hail of bullets.

However, as the fierce bombardment continued, the two Beginner Magicians gradually became unable to hold on. Their faces grew paler, their foreheads were covered in large beads of sweat, and their hands trembled slightly as they maintained the Magic Shields. Under continuous bombardment from several tank shells, cracks appeared on the Magic Shields until they finally shattered completely. With a scream, the two Beginner Magicians were consumed by the gunfire and fell into pools of blood.

General Charlie was greatly shocked. He knew that if he continued to stay there, he would not escape death either. Thus, he immediately channeled his magic, his body glowing with a brilliant light as he ran quickly toward the military camp. On Wei He's side, the Conscripts, covered by the tanks, were in high spirits, charging toward Charlie's camp like a surging tide.

Along the way, the tanks rampaged through everything. Wherever they went, the enemy scrambled to avoid them. Although the soldiers of the Magic Empire bravely charged at the tanks with spears, they were like fragile ants before the massive power of the tanks, instantly and mercilessly crushed. Brains and intestines spilled across the ground in a sight too gruesome to behold. Any occasional stragglers were quickly turned into sieves, riddled with bloody holes by the Conscripts following closely behind the tanks.

The smoke of battle filled the entire valley, and blood continued to flow, staining the land completely red. Wei He looked at the battlefield before him with mixed emotions. The outcome of this battle was still unknown, but he knew he had no way back. He could only forge ahead and have a final showdown with General Charlie...