128: How to get a rat out of its hole

“Cough, cough, cough…”

Mentor Bruceklin, the Vice President of the Academy and the overall commander of this anti-sniping mission, coughed heavily several times.

It was a signal that the celebration should end.

Everyone gradually quieted down.

Mentor Bruceklin praised them with satisfaction:

“Everyone performed very well in this mission.”

“It is precisely because of your sincere cooperation and precise coordination that we achieved such great success.”

“However, this is not enough.”

His tone shifted.

“So far, all we’ve caught are just some small fry.”

“Not even a single Black Wizard with a recognizable name.”

“How can this be called a glorious victory?”

“How can this make outsiders fear us?”

“How can this enhance the reputation and prestige of our Plant Heart Wizard Academy?”

“Only sufficiently shocking achievements can accomplish these goals.”

“Therefore, the final assault is here.”

“Those stinky rats hiding in their holes won’t come out? Then we’ll force these Black Wizards out.”

“Now…”

“I ask Wizard Green to represent the command center and announce the objectives and plans for this phase of the operation.”

…Green walked onto the podium, holding a thick operational plan.

“Command Center Order:

Employ various methods to force the rats out of their holes, compelling these Black Wizards to come out and engage us in a head-on decisive battle.”

“First, our main combat force—the elite teams and peak Wizard combatants—have already stationed themselves at the two underground cave exits, standing by in full readiness.”

“They have their own operational plans, which need no further explanation.”

“But the command center has a comprehensive plan that requires the cooperation of all participating comrades.”

…“Order, Regular Combat Teams, Squadrons 1 to 6.”

“Present!”

The six squadron leaders stood up and answered loudly.

(Each squadron includes 3-5 teams, and each team has a standard roster of 5 people, so a squadron has 15-25 people, which is a temporary formation for this mission.)

“Your mission is to collect venomous insects.”

“You will go to the Corrosion Poison Swamp to collect various venomous insects and poisonous waters from the swamp, especially the flower-backed poisonous mosquitoes; collect as many as you can.”

“You can also use methods of Seduction to attract large numbers of venomous insects, but large-scale venomous insect attraction requires prior reporting.”

“All the venomous insects you collect should be sent to Cave Entrance No. 1, where someone will be there to receive them.”

“We need these venomous insects to properly wear down the spirit of the Black Wizards in the cave.”

“Are the mission objectives and requirements clear?”

“Any questions?”

“Clear!” X6

“No questions.” X6

…“Order, Regular Combat Teams, Squadrons 7 to 12.”

“Present.” The six leaders stood up.

“Your mission is to go to the forest inhabited by Harpies and collect Black-Spotted Illusion Butterflies, which are low-level demonized creatures with hallucinogenic and itchy powders.”

“You must be very careful not to disturb the Harpies. Collect as many Black-Spotted Illusion Butterflies as you can, and send all collected Black-Spotted Illusion Butterflies daily to Cave Entrance No. 2.”

“Someone will also be there to receive them.”

“We need these Black-Spotted Illusion Butterflies to properly wear down the mental fortitude of the Black Wizards in the cave.”

“Are the mission objectives and requirements clear?”

“Any questions?”

“Clear.” X6

“No.” X5

“Wizard Green, I have a question?”

One captain raised a question.

“Please speak…”

“None of our squadron members have encountered these Black-Spotted Illusion Butterflies before, so we don’t know how to catch them?”

“Oh, don’t worry.”

“After the tasks are assigned, our command center will issue each of your squadrons a detailed mission plan, which will include specific information about the mission objectives.”

“For tasks with special difficulties, logistics Wizards from the Academy will also assist. Any more questions?”

“Thank you, no more.”

…“Order, Patrol Teams, Squadrons 1 to 6.”

“Present.” Another six leaders stood up.

“Your mission is to go to the Harpy Forest on the right side of the road and collect decaying leaves accumulated under large trees. It would be best if you find bitterthorn tree leaves.”

“We will light huge bonfires at both cave entrances simultaneously, requiring a massive quantity of decaying leaves to ensure a continuous stream of smoke is poured into the underground caves.”

“So your burden is not light; do not let the supply of decaying leaves run out.”

“We need to use this smoke to suffocate these Black Wizards in the caves.”

“Guaranteed to complete the mission.” X6

The six leaders all loudly made their guarantees… “Order, Patrol Teams, Squadrons 7 to 12.”

“Your unit will patrol back and forth within a ten-mile radius.”

“First, to check if any Black Wizards are escaping through small paths. Once a Black Wizard is discovered, immediately launch a distress flare, and an elite team will go to assist.”

“Second, to investigate if any smoke is emerging. We will continuously pour large amounts of smoke into the underground caves. If you discover smoke emerging from underground, immediately block it. If you cannot block it, send a signal requesting assistance.”

“Are the mission objectives and requirements clear?”

“Any questions?”

“Clear.” X6

“No questions.” X6

“As for the remaining 10 squadrons…”

“You will remain at the supply base as the general reserve, awaiting orders from the command center at any time, clear?”

“Clear.” X6

…“Alright, these are all the orders from the command center for now.”

Mentor Bruceklin smiled and encouraged:

“The main proposer of this plan is also our young and promising Wizard Green. He has some innovative ideas on how to force the rats out of their holes.”

“I believe that with this combination of tactics, in ten days, just ten days, those Black Wizards won’t be able to stand it anymore.”

“At that time, it will be the day of the decisive battle.”

“Alright, those who have received their tasks, hurry up and prepare.”

…“Green, come with me.”

Mentor Bruceklin led Green to a quiet room.

He spoke directly:

“Green, there are two cave entrances, and those Black Wizards will inevitably try to break through from both.”

“So, I plan to set up a separate sub-command center at Cave Entrance No. 2, and I want you to lead it.”

“What do you think?”

“Ah…”

Green was a bit bewildered and instinctively declined:

“Mentor Bruceklin, there are so many experienced mentors and team leaders from the Academy here?”

“It wouldn’t be good for me, a newcomer, to lead it. This is also my first time on such a large-scale mission.”

“Green, no one is born experienced.”

“Everyone learns and develops step by step through practice.”

Mentor Bruceklin consoled him:

“I’ve been observing your performance at the command center during this time.”

“You are a very eager student, and your learning and progress are very fast.”

“All you lack is practical experience.”

“What a great opportunity this is now.”

“Our side has an absolute advantage, and we are using your coercive tactics. This is a perfect chance for you to step up and familiarize yourself with the duties of a commander.”

“How about it, dare you try?”

…“Mentor, I dare.”

“I accept the position of commander at Cave Entrance No. 2.”

Green’s tone was exceptionally firm.

His thoughts were also constantly churning:

“Yes, in such an overwhelming situation, what is there not to dare try?”

“If I were to shrink back now, I would despise myself.”

“Prudence is a style, not an excuse for cowardice.”

Therefore.

Green solemnly accepted this heavy responsibility.

Becoming the overall commander of the battle at Cave Entrance No. 2!