I only wanted to retire, but I ended up becoming an extremely popular character.

Chapter 118 Lieutenant Zod is indeed fearless.

Captain Spinter called Zod, Cassius, and Hitis to his side, pointed to the location of Segner on the map, and stated his battle plan in a deep voice: "In this operation, the Holy Kingdom possesses an unknown number of artillery pieces, which I estimate will be considerable."

"They have an absolute advantage in troop strength and are well prepared, waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three men: "And we have no artillery support on our side, we can only rely on the guns and swords we have."

"Therefore, we must minimize casualties during the offensive, preserve our forces to the maximum extent possible, and commit our manpower to close-quarters combat with the Holy Kingdom's army."

His finger traced the open area around the town of Segna on the map: "The terrain around Segna is flat and open, with good firing range, which is suitable for the Holy Kingdom's artillery to exert its power."

"Therefore, in addition to us officers, we must also select the most skilled veterans to lead the charge."

"The troops must be dispersed as much as possible, advancing in skirmish lines, and must never cluster together to become targets for artillery."

He raised his head, his gaze falling on Zod: "Next, the most crucial thing is me, and you."

"Both of us have mastered the 'potential release' of the second-level 'Hakuzan', making us the fastest in the entire army to advance to the Holy Kingdom's position."

"But our tasks are different."

"I will handle Curtis of the Holy Kingdom. You will lead Cassius, Hitis, and the rest of the troops, and be responsible for two things."

"First, eliminate the Holy Kingdom's artillery positions as much as possible to clear the way for subsequent attacks. Second—"

His finger moved to the left side of the map: "The left flank of the town of Segner, where the fortifications and firing positions are relatively weak."

"You lead these six hundred men, tear a gap there, and organize troops to hold it."

He raised his head, his expression solemn: "The outcome of our battle will directly determine the success or failure of the entire campaign, and there can be absolutely no mistakes."

"Do you understand everything?"

Cassius and Hitis exchanged a glance and nodded simultaneously: "Understood!"

However, Zod did not respond immediately.

He stared at the map in silence for a few seconds, then looked up at Spent, his eyes filled with barely concealed worry: "Captain Spent, I don't think it's a wise choice for you to fight Captain Curtis alone."

Spinter frowned slightly.

"It's not that I don't believe in your abilities."

Zod quickly added, "But that man—I heard Colonel Xavier mention him back in Clock Tower."

"That person's strength is said to have been at the level of major, and he might even be qualified to be promoted to lieutenant colonel."

"Moreover, his occupation of Segner means that the opponent's strength even surpasses that of Lieutenant Colonel Horton, and Curtis is in danger."

He took a deep breath and said his thoughts: "Considering the success rate of this battle, let me join you in dealing with that Curtis."

"I have also mastered 'Potential Unleashed'. Although my strength may be far inferior to yours and Curtis's, I can at least assist you, distract his attention, and create openings."

He paused, then his tone became even more sincere: "Two people are always more certain than one."

Of course, Zod's offer to help Spinter fight Curtis wasn't because Zod was warlike or wanted to die.

Rather, it was after careful consideration, taking into account his chances of survival, that he had to do this.

Because once Curtis takes care of Spinter one-on-one, he'll definitely turn his attention to Zod.

Moreover, the bigger the commotion Zod makes, the greater the chance of him being killed.

Given Zod's current strength, facing Curtis alone would only lead to certain death, or even instant death.

Rather than waiting to die, we should fight for a "just two against one" now.

With Captain Spinter holding the line, he could at least have a chance to survive by playing a supporting role.

However, Captain Spinter shook his head and rejected Zod's proposal almost instantly.

"No, Zod, I appreciate your kindness." His tone was gentle yet firm: "But let me deal with Curtis myself."

Looking at Zod's young face, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. He was indeed a fearless soldier.

For an average second lieutenant, hearing the name Curtis would be enough to make his legs go weak with fear, which would be considered quite courageous.

Volunteering to face an opponent of that caliber? I wouldn't even dare to think about it.

But Zod dared to do it, without even flinching.

This courage both pleased and saddened Spente.

But precisely because of this, he couldn't let Zod take the risk.

These young officers are the future of the "Imperial Blade" legion, and they must not be allowed to perish in the town of Segna.

Otherwise, how would he explain this to Colonel Xavier later?

Moreover, Zod still had many wounds, big and small, and if Zod were nearby, Captain Spent would have to pay attention to him instead.

It would be better for him to fight Curtis alone, so he can fight Curtis with all his might.

Spinter paused, his gaze returning to the map, and calmly explained his reasoning: "Zod, you must understand, our objective in this battle is not to eliminate Curtis." He looked up at Zod, "but, as you just said, to open a window for the subsequent Imperial army to attack."

Moreover, given their current strength and manpower, it is impossible for them to defeat Curtis.

Spinter lightly tapped the location of Segner with his finger: "Besides, I do know a little about Curtis."

"He was exceptionally arrogant and conceited. He enjoyed the pleasure of individual battles more than the outcome of the entire war. In other words—"

He will never reveal his full abilities at the beginning, "before testing" my true strength. He will take his time, enjoying the game.

"All I need is to stall him. As long as he doesn't interfere in this war, our goal will be achieved."

"I'm a captain in the 'Imperial Blade' Legion, after all. I won't be defeated by someone so easily."

Battlefield confrontations are never just a contest of strength and tactics, but also a psychological battle.

If you can understand and exploit the weaknesses in your enemy's character, you can often achieve unexpected results.

This tactical arrangement was the best solution Spinter could come up with.

He doesn't need to defeat Curtis; he just needs to stall him.

Seeing Captain Spent's confident demeanor, Zod didn't say anything more.

After all, he had already gained a deep understanding of Captain Spinter's combat experience and insight during this war.

Previously, Zod didn't know much about this captain.

Throughout his career, Spent has demonstrated a seasoned shrewdness befitting his rank, both in assessing situations and making on-the-spot decisions.

"I understand, Captain Spent." Zod nodded heavily, his expression resolute. "I will definitely complete the task you have assigned me."

This time, it concerns the survival of himself and the entire army, so he dares not be negligent in the slightest.

"Very good." Spinter glanced at the three men in front of him. "Go and prepare yourselves. Five minutes from now, launch an attack on the Holy Kingdom's army in Segna."