182: No idea where to start

Seeing this, Xu Ning continued, "It's normal to feel fear, after all, war is the most ruthless game."

"If anyone wants to leave, I completely understand and won't stop you. You can leave now."

He frankly admitted his mistake, "My command today was flawed, and I've troubled everyone."

Just then, Tato stepped forward, his tone resolute, "Mr. Xu, we won't leave. If it weren't for you leading us, it would have been impossible to achieve victory."

Those casualties were because we didn't strictly follow orders."

"Choosing to flee at a time like this is utterly shameful. If anyone dares to do that, don't blame me for being impolite."

Xiao Adam followed closely, his eyes burning with anger, "Exactly."

He scanned the surroundings, as if looking for anyone who dared to shrink back.

At this moment, the power of unity surpassed all fear, tightly binding this group of warriors together.

On that battlefield where the smoke of gunpowder had not yet dispersed, the words of a leader resonated like morning and evening bells in the heart of every warrior.

"If someone hadn't acted on their own initiative, we could have completed the mission without a scratch."

Xu Ning said lightly, "The ones truly to blame are those who ignored orders."

As soon as he finished speaking, several soldiers who had just been hesitating whether to move their feet blushed with embarrassment. They simultaneously cast a displeased glance at the speaker, Adam, and then stood firm.

They knew very well in their hearts that it was their individual impulsive actions that led to unnecessary sacrifices; had they strictly followed Mr. Xu's guidance, none of this might have happened.

From this moment on, everyone silently made a vow in their hearts: from now on, no matter when or where, they would steadfastly follow this commander who possessed both wisdom and courage.

Xu Ning quietly observed the reactions of the people around him. After confirming that no one chose to leave, he slowly spoke, "Since everyone has chosen to stay, I will now announce the next step of the plan: withdraw from Malyshev."

This sudden decision was like a bolt from the blue, plunging everyone into a brief silence.

"What?"

Everyone was astonished, their gazes uniformly focused on Xu Ning.

Just a short while ago, everyone was passionately preparing to share the fate of this land, but now they were told they had to retreat?

Seeing this, Xu Ning coughed lightly a few times, trying to ease the tense atmosphere: "I know this decision surprises everyone, but please listen to my explanation."

"Although we successfully repelled the enemy today, they will soon receive reinforcements."

"Continuing to stay here will only put us in a more dangerous situation until we are completely annihilated, which is a result I absolutely do not want to see."

Tato's eyes flickered with a light woven from determination and anger. He clenched his fists and protested loudly, "But Mr. Xu, we are not afraid of sacrifice."

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately received support from his comrades: "That's right, we are willing to pay any price for victory."

Facing this fervent emotion, Xu Ning waved his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down. Only after the surroundings returned to calm did he continue:

"I understand your determination, but what I hope to see more is meaningful sacrifice rather than futile effort."

"Instead of staying here and waiting for death, it's better to go together and do something that can change the course of the battle."

Xiao Adam scratched his head in confusion and asked curiously, "Mr. Xu, what do you mean by 'meaningful'?"

Xu Ning's eyes became exceptionally sharp: "I have already found out the identity of the mastermind behind the scenes. This person will appear in Hulifuka tomorrow."

"Tonight we will secretly withdraw and head there to deliver a fatal blow."

As the truth became clear, an unprecedented fighting spirit instantly ignited the fire in the heart of everyone present, "Understood, Mr. Xu."

"Let's go, give the enemy a lesson they will never forget."

"It's time to show our true strength."

Finally, someone added, "Naturally, such a glorious mission must be led by our respected Mr. Xu."

Just like this, amidst a surge of passionate emotions, the prelude to a new journey quietly unfolded.

"Exactly..."

Xu Ning nodded firmly, tilted his head back, and downed the spicy liquor in his cup in one gulp. Then, imitating the posture of a hero in historical dramas, he fiercely threw the empty cup to the ground.

"Depart."

This action seemed to ignite the fighting spirit of everyone present. The crowd followed suit, each taking a gulp before likewise smashing their cups to pieces.

An inexpressible passion permeated the air. As the clear breeze swept by, a flame of indomitable spirit ignited in the heart of everyone.

With solemn vows, they were going straight to the heart of the enemy, to make that villain in Hulifuka pay the price.

"Move out."

"Move out."

The slogans rose and fell, echoing through the sky.

However, before this soaring ambition, there was still an obstacle that needed to be overcome with strategy, and that was Norvich guarding the outside.

Xu Ning found Security Guard Lie in the team and asked about the condition of the T-34 tanks.

Upon learning that the inventory was still abundant, a bold plan gradually became clear in his mind.

Night fell, providing the best cover for their actions.

Xu Ning skillfully arranged the layout, using the excuse of changing guards to gradually replace the security forces outside the factory.

Using the gap blown open on the other side due to the evacuation of workers, he directed the tanks to quietly withdraw, hiding in the nearby fields, like leopards stealthily moving in the dark night, silent and unnoticed.

At the same time, Norvich, due to concentrating his forces on defense, did not notice the unusual activity on the Malyshev side.

When Xu Ning led his troops around the long road and finally approached Hulifuka, the sky in the distance had already begun to turn pale with dawn.

Inside the tank, Xu Ning noticed that the driver was utterly exhausted, nodding his head like a pecking chick.

So he ordered: "Everyone rest for one hour. Change drivers before departing."

"Understood."

Xiao Adam replied.

Stretching, Xu Ning felt a sense of ease he hadn't felt in a long time.

At this moment, they were already far from Malyshev, and Norvich would have no way to pursue them even if he wanted to.

He planned to rest briefly in order to fully prepare for the upcoming confrontation with Harvey.

This time, he would absolutely not let him escape easily.

Before falling asleep, Xu Ning took one last look at the outside world through the observation port.

The morning light was just appearing, but a few dark clouds were quietly gathering, seemingly signaling the arrival of rain.

The Utopoonia region was in its rainy season, so this kind of weather was not unusual.

Thanks to the unique climate and fertile soil of this land, it has always been known as the "World's Granary".

Carrying the desire for victory, Xu Ning slowly closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

Last night, just like his comrades, he had also not slept a wink.

Under the dual pressure of physical and mental exhaustion, his body finally issued its last warning, as if it were nature's most direct language; he needed rest, even if only for a moment.

Thus, in his exhaustion, he fell into a deep sleep.

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