196: Join the 122nd Division

Near noon, at the temporary station in Fengxian.

The joy of victory after the fierce battle was dampened by the heavy casualty figures.

The casualty results came out: 7 killed in action, 23 seriously wounded, and 159 lightly wounded.

This number weighed like a giant boulder on everyone's heart.

Among the 23 seriously injured members, two more died from their severe injuries on the way to the medical point.

Although everyone understood that war inevitably involves sacrifice,

this was the first time the Security Team had suffered such heavy losses since its formation.

In the past, relying on equipment and tactics ahead of their time, they could always achieve great results at a minimal cost.

At this moment, looking at the empty bunks and hearing the suppressed groans coming from the wounded's tents.

The atmosphere of the team dropped to freezing point, filled with sadness and a hint of imperceptible panic.

Such a large-scale reduction in personnel also genuinely and severely weakened the team's combat effectiveness.

In the temporary headquarters, Lu Fan, Li Zhenshan, Bai Jinbiao, Ah Fu, and the newly joined Feng Hanqing gathered together.

Lu Fan was the first to break the silence, his voice a bit raspy: "These casualties have exceeded our expectations.

The main reason, I believe, is the aftermath of the previous bloody battle by the Huangpu River.

Many brothers' bodies and energy have not fully recovered to their best state.

Under high-intensity combat, their reaction and endurance declined, leading to unnecessary losses."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and raised the most pressing issue: "The casualties have occurred, and we must face them.

Next, what should the Security Team do? Continue into battle in its current state, or make adjustments?"

Li Zhenshan slammed the table, his eyes red, his voice coarse but filled with pain: "What else can we do?

Of course, the war must continue. Those who aren't injured or are lightly wounded and can still move, follow me.

All the seriously injured brothers will be sent back to the Changsha New Port base to recover. Once they're better, they can come back for revenge.

Our Security Team has no cowards!"

His words were direct and passionate, but seemed a bit simple and crude.

Bai Jinbiao shook his head, his mechanical arm glinting coldly under the light: "Old Li, that may be true.

But with nearly two hundred combat-ready soldiers gone all at once, our combat effectiveness will plummet.

Next time we encounter a tough battle, are we going to fill the gap with our brothers' lives again?"

He pondered for a moment and offered a different opinion, "Boss, I believe we should supplement our core advantage, our armored strength.

If we can increase the number of tanks and form a more powerful pure armored assault group,

we can achieve stronger breakthroughs and killing effects with fewer troops, reducing frontal contact and casualties for the infantry."

Hearing this, Feng Hanqing carefully organized his words and expressed his view tactfully: "Brother Bai is absolutely right.

An armored iron flow is indeed a sharp tool for defeating the enemy, but... forgive Hanqing for being blunt.

Such infinitely powerful armored vehicles must be extremely difficult to manufacture and are worth a fortune.

Trying to supplement them on a large scale is likely not something that can be done overnight.

If we really had dozens or hundreds more, we might truly sweep through thousands of troops, but right now..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear: the idea was good, but unrealistic.

Their opinions differed, and the tent fell into silence once again.

Lu Fan's fingers unconsciously tapped the tabletop while he weighed his options.

Bai Jinbiao's thinking aligned with his own; the current situation was more brutal than he had imagined.

It was necessary for him to return to the modern era to conduct large-scale procurement and supply.

It wasn't as if he didn't have the means.

Just as he was about to speak and make a decision, there was a knock on the headquarters door.

"Enter~~"

Third Kid pushed the door open and entered, "Report! Adjutant Luo Jialie of General Feng Tiankui, commander of the Sichuan Army 122nd Division, has come to visit."

Lu Fan gestured with his hand: "Please bring him in!"

Before long, a travel-worn middle-aged officer in a Sichuan Army uniform strode in.

It was indeed Feng Tiankui's capable deputy, Luo Jialie.

Lu Fan went forward, shook his hand, and asked, "Old Luo, what brings you here?"

He saluted and said heartily, "Boss Lu, Division Commander Feng heard about the great victory at Jinshanwei and specifically went to check the situation.

Inferring from the shell casings left at the scene, the Division Commander concluded that it was your unit that dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese pirates at Jinshanwei and achieved a great victory.

He ordered me to find you at all costs, not only to offer congratulations and condolences,

but also to express deep mourning for the sacrifices your unit has made.

Division Commander Feng said that if there is anything the 122nd Division can assist with, just speak up.

If you don't mind, my 122nd Division is willing to assist fully, even if it means acting as your vanguard."

Just as Luo Jialie finished speaking, a system prompt sounded in Lu Fan's mind:

[Ding~~ Side quest released: Assist Feng Tiankui's unit in killing 5,000 japanese.]

After hearing the quest prompt, a sharp light flashed in Lu Fan's eyes, and he made a decision instantly.

With a quest active, returning was out of the question.

Furthermore, integrating into Feng Tiankui's unit would allow him to use the Sichuan Army's troop base to make up for his own losses.

It would also allow the Security Team to have a precious period of rest and reorganization while completing the system quest, killing several birds with one stone.

He stood up and solemnly returned the salute to Luo Jialie: "Thank you for the concern, Division Commander Feng and Adjutant Luo.

Please tell Division Commander Feng that our Security Team is willing to temporarily join the 122nd Division and fight together to kill the invading japanese."

Luo Jialie was overjoyed: "Mr. Lu, that's wonderful. You arrange how our unit should cooperate."

Although he hadn't personally witnessed the Security Team's combat scenes,

from the condition of the two positions at Jinshanwei, this unit's combat power definitely exceeded the limits of his personal knowledge.

With such elites joining his 122nd Division, he believed their unit's strength would definitely see a qualitative improvement.

The ultimate combat power they unleashed would definitely not be inferior to the so-called Central Army.

He changed the subject, his gaze sweeping over Li Zhenshan, Bai Jinbiao, and the others, his voice clear and firm.

"Given the current situation, I have decided: the Security Team will undergo immediate reorganization.

All wounded will be evaluated, and those whose combat capability is not up to standard will be immediately sent back to the Changsha base for recovery.

The remaining combat-capable members will form a unit and be integrated into Division Commander Feng Tiankui's 122nd Division combat sequence."

As soon as these words were spoken, Li Zhenshan and the others were stunned.

Lu Fan continued to explain: "Everyone, the brothers of the 122nd Division fight bravely.

By integrating with them, we can strengthen their firepower and assault capabilities, working together to achieve greater combat objectives.

At the same time, it will allow our remaining brothers to get some rest and a buffer under the cover of Friendly Forces, avoiding further major casualties.

This is more advantageous than fighting alone and better suits the current situation."

"Understood~~ We guarantee to complete the mission!" several people responded in unison.

Then, Lu Fan looked at Luo Jialie: "Adjutant Luo, please report back to Division Commander Feng.

Lu Fan and the remaining officers and men of the Security Team are willing to follow Division Commander Feng's command, cooperate with the 122nd Division in joint operations, and vow to kill the Japanese pirates!"