You were tasked with guarding the Sihang Warehouse, and you brought out a Tiger tank?

The new redeemable work groups are indeed tempting.

Lin Feng scrolled through the system interface, pondering his next move.

If you have enough exchange points, you can use these newly unlocked squads to build a regular division-level force with firepower comparable to the German-equipped divisions of the Central Army.

After all, historically, apart from the Training Corps and the 36th, 87th and 88th Divisions, the so-called "German-equipped divisions" were mostly just wearing German M35 steel helmets and carrying Type 24 rifles; their heavy weapons were still pitifully scarce.

Lin Feng's system even includes mortars, mountain guns, and radios.

The only regret is that, under the current Level II authority, there is a lack of decisive weapons such as 105mm howitzers and 120mm heavy mortars, as well as small-caliber anti-aircraft guns of 20mm or larger.

In an era without air superiority, air defense firepower was extremely important.

"It seems these good things might have to wait until Level III access to unlock them."

Lin Feng sighed and glanced at the merit point progress bar on the system panel.

Current permission level: Level II (7/4000)

We are still a long way from the 4000 merit points required for the upgrade.

Today is July 7th.

In just over a month, on August 13th, the Battle of Shanghai will break out.

As a security regiment of Zhejiang Province, although it did not belong to the regular army, no one could escape unscathed on that battlefield known as the Stalingrad of the East, a meat grinder.

When the time comes, once the transfer order comes down, he will have to lead the security team to fill in the gaps.

There's really not much time left for him to develop.

"It's a pipe dream to think you can accumulate 4000 merit points by just wiping out these few small bandit dens in the surrounding area."

Lin Feng knew that if he wanted to level up quickly, he would most likely have to wait until he went to the Shanghai-Nanjing battlefield and clashed head-on with the regular Japanese army.

Therefore, the short-term goal is clear: make money and build up an army.

Given the ferocity of the Battle of Shanghai, a 1000-strong security force wouldn't even make a splash.

We need to assemble at least a reinforced regiment of 3000 men, or even a brigade-level unit of 5000 men, to have any fighting power and avoid becoming worthless cannon fodder.

"The task is arduous and the road ahead is long..."

Lin Feng rubbed his temples and turned his gaze to the vehicle exchange list.

Although heavy weapons are out of the question for now, the system has given him a pleasant surprise in terms of vehicles.

Beneath that shabby "donkey-drawn carriage," a long list of exciting new options has emerged.

BMW R75 heavy motorcycle

Exchange Price: 16 points

[Staff composition: 1 driver, 1 machine gunner]

【装备：宝马R75摩托车×1（带挎斗），MG34通用机枪×1（安装在挎斗上，配弹600发），P08手枪×1】

[Description: A perfect combination of speed and maneuverability. Suitable for rapid reconnaissance, communication, and pursuit of fleeing enemy forces. Performs exceptionally well on rugged mountain roads and complex terrain.]

[Training Level: Excellent]

As Lin Feng read the instructions, the classic scene from later movies and TV series immediately came to mind.

Wearing M35 steel helmets, goggles, and long trench coats, Han soldiers raced across the fields on motorcycles, while machine gunners in the sidecars fired wildly with MG34s.

This was the vanguard of Hans' blitzkrieg.

Elite, powerful, and strikingly handsome.

Look down again.

Opel "Lightning" 3-ton truck

Exchange Price: 30 points

[Staffing: 1 driver, 1 co-driver]

[Equipment: Opel "Lightning" 3-ton truck x1, 98k rifle x2]

[Training Level: Excellent (Proficient driving skills, basic repair abilities)]

[Description: A vital artery for military logistics. Capable of carrying 3 tons of supplies or 20 fully armed soldiers. Significantly enhances the strategic mobility and logistical support capabilities of the troops.]

This is good stuff.

With trucks, the mobility of the troops will be greatly improved, and they will no longer have to run themselves ragged on foot.

Next up are armored units.

[Sd.Kfz.222 Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle]

Exchange Price: 60 points

[Composition: 1 tank commander, 1 gunner, 1 driver, 1 radio operator]

【装备：Sd.Kfz.222装甲侦察车×1（装备20mm KwK 30机关炮×1，MG34通用机枪×1，主炮备弹800发）】

[Description: Wheeled armored vehicle, high speed, and powerful firepower. Suitable for rapid reconnaissance, fire support, and engaging lightly armed infantry. Performs exceptionally well in plains and road warfare.]

Lin Feng's eyes lit up.

This thing would be a deadly weapon on the Great Xia battlefield.

The 20mm autocannon could easily take down the Japanese's thinly armored tanks, and it was like a lawnmower against infantry. Moreover, although its armor was thin, it was more than enough to withstand the Japanese Type 38 rifles and light machine guns.

Historically, the Tax Police Corps established by the Ministry of Finance was equipped with this armored vehicle and its sister model, the Sd.Kfz.221, which caused considerable trouble for the Japanese in the Battle of Shanghai and the subsequent Battle of Nanjing.

Panzer II Ausf. C light tank

Exchange Price: 150 points

[Composition: 1 tank commander, 1 gunner, 1 driver]

【装备：II号C轻型坦克×1（装备20mm KwK 30机关炮×1，MG34通用机枪×1，主炮备弹1200发）】

[Note: This was the main light tank used by the Han Chinese in the early stages of World War II. It possessed a certain level of armor protection and firepower, making it effective against infantry and light fortifications. It was a powerful tool for breaking through enemy lines and supporting infantry.]

Lin Feng frowned upon seeing this.

The Panzer II tank cost more than twice as much as the Type 222 armored car, but its firepower was exactly the same, and its defensive capabilities were just so-so. It was also unable to withstand the Japanese 37mm anti-tank gun.

It's not good value for money.

Vickers E-type amphibious light tank

Exchange Price: 100 points

[Composition: 1 tank commander, 1 gunner, 1 driver]

【装备：维克斯6吨水陆两用轻型坦克×1（装备47mm主炮×1，7.7mm机枪×1，主炮备弹120发）】

[Note: This is a classic export-type tank produced by John Bull. It possesses amphibious capabilities, giving it unique tactical value in the water-rich regions of the South. Its 47mm main gun is effective against enemy fortifications and lightly armored targets.]

The Vickers E and I tanks, and the CV33 ultralight tank are currently the main equipment of the Jinling Tank Regiment under the Training Corps.

That 47mm gun was very effective at taking down the Japanese tanks and bunkers.

But the problem remains that it's too expensive.

A company of 12 tanks requires 1200 exchange points, which is equivalent to 60,000 silver dollars.

This money is enough to buy 150 basic infantry squads, enough to form an infantry regiment of nearly two thousand men.

"At this stage, these vehicles are just icing on the cake."

Lin Feng shook his head.

In the early stages, funds should be used wisely, and increasing the number of infantry is the key.

Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed in his mind.

"Wait, how could I forget about the team upgrade?"

If infantry squads can be upgraded, can tank squads also be upgraded?

If the Panzer II tank could be upgraded to the Panzer III, Panzer IV, or even the Tiger...

If the Vickers E model could be upgraded to Matilda, Churchill...

Lin Feng's heart started racing instantly.

Twelve Vickers E tanks might only be able to launch a localized counterattack in the Battle of Shanghai, but what if twelve Tiger heavy tanks appeared at Luodian or Yunzaobang...

The scene was so beautiful, I can't even imagine it.