We promised to develop a game called Candy Crush, what the hell is the Third Reich?

Chapter 173 [No Rehearsal for Close Combat, Heading to the Marne] (5.2k words, two chapters combined)

After entering the Ardennes Forest, Kong Yang's unit advanced as the vanguard according to orders.

Kong Yang, who was walking at the back of the group, also felt the difference between 'World War I' and 'World War II'.

During World War II, the main force was the steel torrent.

During World War I, equipment such as airplanes and tanks were not yet fully developed, and the main force was manpower. For example, in the Ardennes Forest, during World War II, the advance relied on a massive armored force.

Now, we run there on foot, and the sense of difference between the times is overwhelming.

Kong Yang followed the people around him and stealthily advanced, quickly finding the location of the French troops stationed in the Ardennes Forest.

The even better news was that these soldiers of the Western French contingent were completely unprepared.

Kong Yang and the others stayed here to keep watch, while the others went back to report.

While waiting for the main force, looking down at the unsuspecting French troops, Kong Yang used the zoom function in the live stream to show the French troops to the viewers:

"Brothers, how long do you think France can hold out?"

"How about we place a bet?"

"A free little shark bet."

"I come."

"Two days, I guess."

As he spoke, Kong Yang initiated a poll.

How many days will it take for the Empire to break through the Ardennes Forest?

Below are seven options, ranging from one day to seven days. Kong Yang downloaded all the free Little Shark items in his account to the second option, which is two days.

Meanwhile, viewers in the live stream also placed bets, causing the number of small sharks in all seven options to surge.

However, the most popular option is still seven days, and viewers in the live stream also have their own opinions:
[World War I is different from World War II. French soldiers today are much tougher than those in World War II; they'd hold out for at least seven days.]

[Exactly, France handled the Verdun situation in the previous CG, so they probably won't vote this time.]

That's true, but don't forget, the French soldiers over there were completely unprepared. With the Imperial army pushing forward, they might not last seven days, I think they'll be wiped out in a day.

[One day is a bit too harsh, isn't it? I'm betting on two days, just like the streamer!]

The viewers in the live stream all joined in the commotion.

However, most of these are just guesses.

After all, no one knows how the war will develop; it's just a guess based on the current situation.

Moreover, the French troops in the distance were completely unprepared.

We're about to be attacked by the Empire; whether we can hold out is another question.

Although I know that French soldiers in World War I were different from those in World War II, since I haven't seen them with my own eyes, it's better to be conservative in my estimation.

People are placing bets in Kong Yang's live stream.

Meanwhile, in other live stream rooms next door, some streamers were also exploring the Ardennes Forest in the "Immersive Story" mode.

at this time.

In Han Hao's live stream, in the [Immersive Story] mode, having chosen the French Empire at the start, he was now in the Ardennes Forest, and with the same unsuspecting French troops.

Viewers in the live stream reminded Han Hao that the Empire had already surrounded them.

Although each person's [Immersive Story] mode is separate, the story development is the same for everyone, so the moment the streamers from the Empire faction enter the Ardennes Forest.

Other streamers from the French camp also found out through their viewers.

But
It's completely useless.

The ordinary soldier couldn't say a word, while Han Hao, hiding behind cover, grumbled:

"Of course I know the Empire has arrived."

"The problem is that I can't even see the officers in charge of this camp."

"damn it."

"And you can't imagine how damn stubborn those French officers were!"

"It's a complete relic!"

"No wonder the French soldiers during World War I were so tough, and their commanders were so stubborn."

Just saying.

Boom! Boom—

A series of muffled thuds suddenly echoed through the forest. Han Hao's heart skipped a beat; the Empire's attack had begun. Meanwhile, the French soldiers around him were still looking up, wondering where the rumbling thunder was coming from.

Upon seeing this, Han Hao immediately shouted:
"It's a cannonball!!!"

“Get down!!”

As soon as the words were spoken, some soldiers around reacted, while others did not.

next second.

Boom boom boom boom——!
Shells rained down on the camp, sending dirt flying. French soldiers who had been standing were instantly thrown back by the blast waves and crashed into trees not far away.

Click!

His whole body bent backward in an eerie way and fell helplessly to the ground.

Chaos reigned in the camp.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!!"

"Quickly! Organize the troops for an attack!"

"Where are the enemies?!"

"The forest to the north!"

"Don't panic! Everyone!"

Rat-a-tat-tat-tat—!!!
Before he could finish speaking, a series of machine gun fire erupted from the dense forest, rushing towards the camp.

The French soldiers, running in disarray, fell like wheat being harvested. Han Hao remained relatively calm, having seen many such scenes during World War II, and hid behind cover.

But the command of the troops in the camp made his head spin:
"Damn it, did you guys hear that?!"

"They're still organizing an attack at a time like this!"

"That damned commander!"

"They constantly preach the theory of 'offense above all else,' saying that soldiers should charge into battle."

"Organize people to charge at this time, just to become target practice?!"

However.
The French officers in the camp actually did just that.

Faced with the Empire's artillery fire and machine gun barrage, the French officers in the camp immediately thought of organizing an attack, operating entirely by script and completely disregarding the battlefield situation.

Han Hao hid behind a bunker and did not come out.

But the soldiers around him were all listening to the officer's orders and preparing to charge.

at this time.

Suddenly, a large number of imperial soldiers rushed out from all directions around the camp, bayonets at their sides, and stormed into the camp. The influx of imperial soldiers forced the French soldiers in the camp into hand-to-hand combat.

But how could the panicked French soldiers possibly defeat the Imperial soldiers who had been aiming at their prey for so long?

The brutal killings, with blades piercing flesh, spread throughout the camp.

The French soldiers could only fight back with great difficulty, relying on instinct, but the results were not very good.

Han Hao, who was hiding behind the cover, was also stunned by what he saw.

Including the viewers on Blue Star in the live stream.

Melee?
That's way beyond the scope of the curriculum!
Han Hao also looked like he'd seen a ghost. Nobody said that you had to fight hand-to-hand during World War I!
They didn't even practice this during World War II!

indeed.

No wonder Han Hao and the viewers in the live stream were confused.

During World War II, the main battles were fought with airplanes, artillery, and armored forces. Battles at assault camps were mostly resolved with rifles and submachine guns.

Who could have imagined the result.

Did countries actually engage in hand-to-hand combat during World War I?

They were bombarded with artillery shells and strafed with machine guns.

The French commander was still foolishly directing his troops to assemble and prepare for an attack.

They were all gone in such a short time.

As a result, the Empire's forces rushed in for hand-to-hand combat.

This truly stunned a group of viewers in the live stream.

But let's fight hand-to-hand.

But the problem is
Han Hao had never experienced such close-quarters combat during World War II.

Countless imperial soldiers rushed into the camp from all directions, brandishing bayonets and stabbing anyone they saw, some even pulling out their intestines.

The Battle of Stalingrad during World War II also included many close-quarters combat engagements.

But even hundreds or thousands of people stabbing each other with bayonets like this is outrageous!

Han Hao was at a loss for what to do.

The main problem is that he only has a rifle, not a machine gun. If he shoots, he's likely to accidentally injure others. If he doesn't shoot, he won't engage in bayonet fighting, right?

Han Hao's breathing quickened as he watched the scene of fighting around him.

Just in case, he bent down, took out his bayonet, and attached it to the rifle in his hand.

Sudden.

Footsteps approached from behind, and Han Hao jolted awake and turned around abruptly.

An Imperial soldier spotted Han Hao hiding there, brandishing his bayonet and lunging at him with a ferocious expression.

Han Hao rolled away to dodge the bayonet.

Just as he was about to get up, he was suddenly kicked by the imperial soldier and fell flat on his back to the ground.

Poof! Poof!
Before Han Hao could adjust his body, a bayonet was plunged into his body. He then felt the cold metal object churning in his abdomen, and a sharp pain shot through him. Han Hao tried to say something, but blood kept gushing from his mouth.

"Cough cough. Heh."

I have less and less control over my body.

He eventually collapsed to the ground, utterly helpless.

The scene before my eyes slowly blurred, and then...
Swish!
We've returned to the game's main menu.

Han Hao was still in a daze and hadn't recovered yet.

Movies are all lies.

The idea that you can dodge and then turn the tables and kill someone is complete bullshit.

The imperial soldier kicked him right there.

Before he could react, he was stabbed in the stomach four or five times with a bayonet, even though he couldn't see what was happening to his abdomen.

But the cool touch and the feeling of relief meant that the intestines had been removed.

It would be a miracle if they survived.

Han Hao paused for a moment, then looked at the [Immersive Story] mode button, feeling inexplicably apprehensive; melee combat was truly outrageous.

However, he had to keep streaming, so Han Hao gritted his teeth and started the game again.

Practice in the game.

however.

The screen flashed.

What comes into view is the street of Paris, France.

This time, we didn't make it to the battlefield.

Han Hao breathed a sigh of relief, but then he looked down at his uniform—still a military uniform. He figured he couldn't escape now.

I wonder what the situation is like up ahead. Has the Empire broken through Ardennes Forest?

Han Hao looked around at the street, intending to find a newsstand.

the other side.

Kong Yang, the streamer from the Empire faction.

After an afternoon of intense battles on Earth, two days of story time had passed in the game.

The French troops stationed in the Ardennes Forest have begun to withdraw.

As time passed, the voting in the live stream also gradually came to an end the next day.

France held out until the third day, but it probably wouldn't have lasted longer.

Kong Yang was also helpless, saying in the live stream:

"It's pretty much as expected."

"However, the French held out a little longer."

"My little shark is gone."

"However, one thing has been confirmed: the French soldiers are no longer surrendering."

"However, in terms of combat strength, they are still somewhat inferior to the Empire."

"However, this was just one battle, so we can't tell anything from it. After all, it was a surprise attack and close combat, which caused the French side to collapse."

"But to be honest."

"I've considered all sorts of fighting methods, but I never expected close combat."

“It’s outrageous.”

Obviously.

As a player on the Empire's side, and not a native NPC from 'Earth', I was also taken aback by this melee combat style.

Who would have thought that with the advantage of artillery barrage and machine gun fire, the army commander would actually order hand-to-hand combat? They must be used to fighting in the past and haven't changed their ways.

This way of playing is indeed different from that during World War II.

Hundreds or even thousands of people fighting with bayonets in the forest—it's so exciting, like a battle royale!

Viewers in the live stream were complaining:

[Well, I just saved up two thousand yuan worth of Little Shark coins, and it's all gone.]

[I've bet 30,000 small sharks on this for two days now, but France still won't budge.]

Surely no one really thinks France can stand up for itself, right?

[Tsk! So what if we can hold out for 7 days?! France is invincible!!!]

Good grief, there are still die-hard fans after fighting like that in World War II?

This was World War I, unlike World War II.

[I only endured it for two and a half days because nothing seemed different.]

The viewers in the live stream were discussing how, despite the earlier claims that France was different, the facts proved that the Empire was indeed a bit stronger.

Some fans of Blue Star who support France were helpless; they simply couldn't win.

We can't keep fooling ourselves by saying everywhere that France held on; maps don't lie.

Kong Yang's live stream room displayed the 'real-time map' from the Polestar official website.

Just like in World War II.

The Polaris website also features a dedicated "real-time map" for World War I, which is dynamically adjusted in real time based on the latest backend progress and distinguishes between the Allied and Central Powers by color.

Kong Yang zoomed in on the map, looking at the Ardennes Forest.

Unlike during World War II.

After breaking through the Ardennes Forest during World War II, the Empire marched westward all the way to Dunkirk.

Now, the empire from World War I, after breaking through the Ardennes Forest, chose to march westward straight towards Paris.

After pulling up the border map, Kong Yang marked several red arrows and said in the live stream:

"According to the Empire's plan."

"After breaking through the Ardennes Forest, we will head straight for Paris, the capital of France."

"The main strategy is to achieve a quick victory."

"The key point of the Schlieffen Plan was that, facing a pincer attack from the French and Russian empires, the first priority was to quickly defeat France."

"Then mobilize troops to attack the Russian Empire, which has a large territory and is slow to mobilize troops."

"Actually, thinking about it this way, there's nothing wrong with it."

"The main problem is that in this day and age, the army relies primarily on road marches and mule transport for travel."

"Even if there is a railway, it takes at least 60 days for Russia to mobilize troops to go to the front line. If something goes wrong in the meantime, it will take even longer."

"So this plan is theoretically sound."

"but."

"In the previous CG, it had already turned into a tug-of-war, a war of attrition. Where did it fail?"

Kong Yang looked at the map.

The Verdun and Somme Rivers in the previous CG were on opposite sides, which doesn't match their current marching route.

In other words, something went wrong during the direct assault on Paris.

While cleaning up the battlefield with his team, Kong Yang looked at the map and discussed with his viewers in the live stream.

the other side.

Han Hao's live stream room.

News of the defeat of the troops at the front in the Ardennes Forest has reached Paris.

The atmosphere in Paris was unusually tense at this time.

Han Hao, as a soldier, returned to the barracks to await orders.

As night fell, there was still no movement.

Viewers on Earth in the live stream couldn't help but become suspicious.

[It's been half a day, why hasn't France responded yet?]

[Isn't this a plea to surrender?]

[Seriously? They're surrendering after only a few days of fighting?]

[But given the circumstances of World War I, even setting off overnight wouldn't have been enough time.]

That's right, it's several hundred kilometers.

The railway is inconvenient here; it's simply impossible to transport goods across.

The only option is to build a defensive line in front of Paris.

indeed.

Based on the transportation capacity during World War I.

Even if we rush here as fast as we can, we probably won't be able to deliver it in time.

The Empire, on the other hand, has not stopped for a moment.

Han Hao was also watching the map in the live stream when suddenly...

The assembly whistle blew.

Everyone grabbed their weapons and rushed out. Without any hesitation, the officer who had gathered everyone directed the troops to move outside.

Han Hao still had some doubts.

But as soon as they stepped out of the military camp gates, they, like the other 'Earth' NPC soldiers, were stunned:

"I go."

"What's going on?"

Under the night.

On the streets of Paris, taxis with flashing lights stopped at the gates of the military camp.

The soldiers came out.

One taxi after another started up immediately, and all the soldiers, under the command of their officers, climbed into the taxis.

Still in a daze, Han Hao followed suit and crawled inside.

As soon as I sat down, the fully booked taxi started moving and headed towards the front line.

Seeing that Han Hao and the other soldiers seemed a little nervous, the taxi driver tried to comfort them:

"Don't worry, guys."

We'll be there soon!

Han Hao's lips twitched. Was this something that was impossible?!
this.
Looking out the car window at the scene, Han Hao and his viewers in the live stream were momentarily stunned.

Taxis drove one by one toward the battlefield. If viewed from above, one would surely see a torrent of steel. Outside the window, on the familiar streets of Paris, people waved French flags and shouted "Long live France!"

Han Hao turned around and looked back.

The other soldiers were also gazing out the window, and through the reflection in the glass, one could see the longing in their eyes.

And more
It was a resolute decision to rush to the battlefield.

There were too many taxis, causing traffic jams on some sections of the road. Take advantage of this time of congestion.

Parisians flocked to the taxis, offering food and flowers.

Han Hao rolled down his car window, and an old woman took out some bread she had baked herself, handing it to him in a trembling voice, saying:

"Children, you must come back safely."

"Return safely."

Han Hao took the bread, took a deep breath, and nodded heavily.

Soon the taxi started up again and headed towards the unknown battlefield ahead.

Han Hao took a bite of the bread in his hand, a sweet aroma spreading in his mouth. After chewing a few times, he said to the viewers in the live stream:

"Perhaps this is why French soldiers fought to the death."

The viewers in the live stream also fell silent.

indeed.

It's hard not to be moved by such a scene.

Soldiers carrying such expectations could never back down on the battlefield, because behind them were the people of their hometown.

And so, without their awareness.

France also set a record for the first motorized troop transport in the history of warfare.

As the taxi drivers stepped on the gas...

We are getting closer and closer to our destination.

Looking at the map, Han Hao knew where he needed to go.

River Marne

This river is located in front of Paris.

If we rely on the natural barrier of the river, we can indeed build a defensive line that is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

This way, they can hold off the Imperial forces.

　I recommend a really good science fiction novel~~~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)