I only wanted to retire, but I ended up becoming an extremely popular character.

Xavier took a military map from his drawer and unfolded it on his desk: "Our troops are currently stationed at Fort Goldberg, which faces three serious threats. Come and take a look."

Zod stepped forward, and Wesley hesitated for a moment, scratched his nose, and followed suit.

Xavier pointed to the three fortress locations marked on the map: "These three points are where the Holy Kingdom's cannon fortresses are located. As the name suggests, each fortress has already deployed or will deploy a Gustav cannon."

"Two of the fortresses are under construction, and one fortress has been completed and equipped with the Gustav Cannon."

"If the three giant cannon fortresses are completed and the Gustav cannons are deployed."

"Our troops will be completely exposed to the range of the three giant cannons, while our artillery fire will not be able to cover the enemy's giant cannon fortress at all."

"At that time, our soldiers will be constantly under the shadow of the Holy Kingdom's artillery fire, and shells could fall on the heads of every soldier at any time."

"Therefore, we must do everything we can to destroy the enemy's three fortresses."

"Especially the cannon fortress on the southwest side, where the deployment of giant cannons has been completed."

Xavier moved his finger to the giant cannon fortress located southwest of Goldberg.

After listening to Colonel Xavier's analysis, Lieutenant Wesley frowned as he observed the military map: "Once the three giant cannons are deployed, I'm afraid even the elite 'Imperial Blade' won't be able to hold Goldberg."

"Once Goldberg falls, Starfall County, located on the border of the Empire, will be completely exposed to the enemy's offensive and become indefensible. Its fall is only a matter of time."

Although Wesley began to slack off after his political career was hopeless, it does not mean that he was completely without military talent.

Wesley glanced at the military map and easily grasped the implications.

"Lieutenant Wesley is absolutely right."

Xavier was somewhat impressed with Lieutenant Wesley. Before coming to Hessian Town, Xavier had heard some rumors about Lieutenant Wesley.

Overall, the rumors surrounding Wesley are not particularly positive.

Xavier continued his analysis: "And once Starfall County falls, our supply lines will be exposed to the Holy Kingdom's attack range."

At that time, whether the western front can hold its ground and avoid a rout will be a major question.

Therefore, the Empire specially dispatched its elite "Imperial Blade" unit to Goldberg.

"Colonel Xavier, so what mission do you intend to assign me?" Zod's heart was pounding with anxiety.

Please, please don't let me be sent to take down this giant cannon fortress. What difference would that make from being cannon fodder?

Xavier pondered for a moment, then pointed to a small town in front of the completed giant cannon fortress on the map: "I need you to lead a small team deep into enemy territory to launch a surprise attack on Clock Tower Town, blind the giant cannon fortress, and clear the way for our subsequent special forces to destroy it."

Zod thought to himself, "Phew~ thank goodness I wasn't sent to destroy the giant cannon fortress."

But upon closer reflection, Zod realized that going deep behind enemy lines to stir up a hornet's nest was practically suicide!

"Colonel Xavier, I..."

Zod was about to say that he had just joined the "Imperial Blade" legion and was unfamiliar with everything, so his abilities were shallow and he couldn't take on this mission. He suggested that the mission be left to someone else.

He had already thought of all the standard lines.

Colonel Xavier waved his hand, interrupting Zod's speech: "Lieutenant Zod, I know you're in a hurry, but hold on, let me catch my breath and explain the mission requirements in detail."

Zod almost cursed: "Go to hell with the details, you'd better not go to the details, you'll have to answer the phone whether you want to or not after you've finished."

Colonel Xavier picked up the teacup on the table, gulped down several mouthfuls, and then began to speak slowly:

"According to the latest intelligence, a small team of about 80 people has been stationed in Zhongta Town."

"The mission has three difficulties. First, we must successfully bypass the Holy Kingdom's front-line defenses and detour to the town of Bell Tower in the rear."

"Therefore, the number of people should not be too large; otherwise, the target will be too big and they will be easily discovered."

"Secondly, the surprise attack must be swift enough to quickly eliminate the firepower and monitoring points of Clock Tower Town, cut off the connection between Clock Tower Town and the Cannon Fortress, and prevent the enemy from reinforcing the Cannon Fortress."

"Thirdly, ensure a safe withdrawal. After the special forces successfully destroy the giant cannon fortress, cover their withdrawal."

"I've covered the key points of the mission. Do you have anything to add regarding the mission details?"

Considering that Zod had only recently joined the Imperial Blades, Xavier showed considerable leniency.

Not only did it detail the key points of the mission, but it also gave Zod ample opportunity to speak.

Instead of directly issuing combat orders and having Zod execute them.

Xavier didn't want to hear about the process or the complaints; he only wanted to hear about the victory.

Zod asked bluntly, "Since the number of people shouldn't be too large, how many troops can I bring?"

Xavier replied, "No more than 50 people!"

Zod gave a bitter smile, like a patient who had given up hope: "Although it's a surprise attack mission, once fighting breaks out in Clock Tower Town, nearby enemies will reinforce it. In other words, my troops' actual objective is to draw fire and buy time and space for the special forces, right?"

"That's one reason." Xavier smiled awkwardly; he hadn't expected a mere lieutenant to have considered so much.

Zod's mind raced; he knew he couldn't accept such a task.

But there must be a sufficient reason, and it absolutely cannot conflict with the persona you just established.

He wanted to show that he really wanted to accept such a glorious mission, but the Corps was full of talented people and he was not the best candidate.

After standing there in silence for a long while, Zod slowly spoke: "Colonel Xavier, although I am very willing to take on this difficult task to prove my loyalty to the Empire."

"However, compared to other officers in the corps, I still lack experience, and loyalty to the Empire cannot make up for my lack of combat experience."

"Assigning such an important task to an inexperienced newcomer is certainly not the best choice!"

"For the sake of the mission's success rate, you should choose a more suitable candidate."

Zod believed his reasoning was irrefutable; he had already laid his cards on the table. If Xavier wasn't worried about messing up the mission, he should hand it over to him.

For any seasoned officer, entrusting this task to Zod would be a pure gamble.

But after Zod said that, Xavier hesitated for a moment.

Based on his observations, he concluded that Zod was an Imperial officer with qualities of honor and loyalty.

These qualities are sometimes more important than practical experience.

Because of this mission to draw enemy fire, the Imperial officers who carry out the mission must withstand the pressure and disregard everything to dedicate their loyalty to the interests and glory of the Empire.

That's right, it's blind obedience.

This is also why Colonel Xavier valued Zod—a man willing to die for the interests and honor of the Empire.

Furthermore, Zod's ability to adapt to changing circumstances truly demonstrated the potential of an Imperial officer.

Given time and further training, he might actually become an imperial officer.

This mission is the true test of Zod's abilities.

However, he also could not afford the risk of the mission failing.

The Great Cannon Fortress is the Sword of Damocles hanging over Goldberg, a thorn in the side that must be removed immediately.

Just as Colonel Xavier was hesitating about whether to replace Zod with someone more suitable or with more combat experience, Lieutenant Wesley finally spoke up again.