Command Center.
Jiyan: "At present, I have divided the Breaker Battalion's forces into three groups."
"These consist of a long-range combat squadron with firepower strike capabilities, a close-quarters combat squadron specialized in melee engagements, and..."
"...an assault team represented by myself, Rover, Yangyang, and Jianxin."
"At the same time, I sincerely invite Intelligence Officer Lucian to participate in this operation. Your formidable abilities were evident during our time in the Tacet Field. Of course, if you choose not to join, I will not insist."
Lucian inquired: "If I participate, will I be joining your assault team?"
Jiyan: "Precisely."
Lucian: "Actually, I have a better idea!"
Jiyan: "I'd like to hear it."
Lucian clasped his hands behind his back: "I can lead the Crimson Vanguard to charge into battle!"
Rover blinked in confusion: "Crimson Vanguard?"
Lucian explained: "That's the name I just came up with for the Echo army."
Rover: "..."
Jiyan pondered briefly: "Wouldn't that be too dangerous? You are, after all, the Magistrate's intelligence officer..."
Lucian waved his hand dismissively: "No matter. I have a way to retreat safely."
After all, I have the Transformation Magic—if things go south, I can just shapeshift into Jué and fly away.
After a moment of silence, Jiyan still refused: "No, it's too risky. You are the Magistrate's intelligence officer—I must ensure your safety."
Lucian shrugged: "Fine then. So, what's our next move?"
Jiyan then turned to introduce two soldiers who had been standing nearby: "This is Kong Lin, responsible for leading the Breaker Battalion's long-range combat squadron."
"And this is Yue Hui, captain of the Breaker Battalion's close-quarters combat squadron."
Jiyan led the group to a large screen and control panel: "This is the topographic map of Norfall Barrens based on our current reconnaissance."
Lucian looked up and saw intricate terrain lines displayed on the screen.
"Due to the influence of the Threnodian's power, the Outriders could only advance as far as the cliff at the border between Norfall Valley and the heartland."
"The 'Battle beneath the Crescent' was our deepest incursion. According to the intelligence gathered at the time, there is a Suspended Ruins floating in the heart of Norfall Barrens."
"The entrance to Norfall Barrens is narrow, flanked by steep cliffs resembling a ravine, with only the central valley allowing large troop movement."
"Likewise, the enemy can only launch attacks against us along this path."
"On the other hand, Ovathrax possesses the ability to continuously reassemble the frequencies of dispersed Tacet Discords."
"This means the Tacet Discords' assaults will be endless, and every battle we fight could potentially become nourishment for Ovathrax."
"Given these circumstances, we can no longer afford a prolonged war of attrition."
"Therefore, our priority must be to safely and swiftly deploy our core forces into the heart of the battlefield, securing the opportunity to ascend the statue and eliminate the enemy's source."
"Rover, we now need to assign suitable strategies for each unit based on their unique characteristics, maximizing their strengths to secure victory in this battle."
"First, the long-range combat squadron. Its members are already equipped with weapons capable of long-range firepower strikes."
"When deploying firepower, factors such as terrain and enemy threats must be considered."
"If we can skillfully leverage the terrain, we can significantly enhance the effectiveness and coverage of our long-range units."
"In your opinion, where should the long-range combat squadron be positioned?"
Rover rubbed her chin, undaunted: "I believe the long-range combat squadron should be stationed at the high points on either side of the canyon cliffs."
"By utilizing the terrain features of Norfall Barrens' canyon, we can position our long-range units at these vantage points in advance to provide fire support for the melee troops."
Jiyan nodded in approval: "This ensures the safety of the long-range unit while effectively covering our close-quarters forces, fully utilizing their long-range advantage. A sound choice."
"Next is the close-quarters combat squadron. Its members are generally equipped with weapons suited for melee combat, making them more effective in direct confrontations."
"The frontline battlefield is located in the valley of Norfall Barrens, where both enemy and allied forces will converge. We need to determine the optimal assault formation for them."
"In your opinion, what method of attack should the close-quarters combat squadron adopt?"
After some thought, Rover answered: "Since the narrow frontlines of Norfall Barrens dictate that a direct clash between armies is unavoidable..."
"...we should have our forces charge the enemy lines, applying continuous pressure to create defensive gaps, thereby opening opportunities for the assault team to break through."
Jiyan acknowledged: "A reasonable decision. Finally... the assault team. Each member of the assault team is a Resonator with formidable resonance abilities, possessing superior mobility and individual combat prowess."
"If the opportunity arises... the responsibility of eliminating Ovathrax will fall upon the assault team. In your opinion, what tactics should we employ?"
By now, Rover had a clear grasp of the battle lines. Without hesitation, she replied: "Concentrate our strength, exploit gaps in the enemy's defenses to penetrate deep into the heartland, and destroy the source of their power. Only then can we completely crush the enemy."
Jiyan gave a slight nod: "There are risks involved, but under the current circumstances, this is the most viable strategy."
"Thank you, Rover. With this, the overall battle plan has become much clearer."
Lucian raised his hand: "My Crimson Vanguard will also join the fight."
After some consideration, Lucian realized that while Echoes couldn't absorb the remnants of defeated Tacet Discords, they could still consume them—after all, Tacet Discords could already strengthen themselves by devouring one another.
Human forces like the Midnight Rangers would inevitably exhaust their stamina over time.
But the Crimson Vanguard had no such limitation—the more they consumed, the stronger they would become.
Lucian explained his idea to Jiyan, who agreed: "As long as you can ensure these Echoes won't turn against us, they will be a tremendous asset to our forces."
Lucian: "I can guarantee they won't attack us."
After all, the system's products are always top-tier.
Jiyan nodded slightly: "If even the Magistrate trusts you, I have no reason to doubt you."
"In that case, the Crimson Vanguard will join the close-quarters combat squadron, engaging the enemy head-on."
"And as their commander, you will join our assault team to seek opportunities to strike at the heartland."
Lucian nodded in approval.
Shortly after, Jiyan called in Yangyang and Jianxin as well.
Jiyan: "To summarize the overall battle plan—"
"Kong Lin, lead the long-range combat squadron to deploy at the high points on both cliffs, providing fire support for the frontline."
"Yue Hui, lead the close-quarters combat squadron in a charge against the enemy, prioritizing cover for the assault team and creating gaps in their defenses."
"I will join Rover, Yangyang, Jianxin, and Lucian in leading the assault team to penetrate the heartland, paving the way for follow-up forces. We will spare no effort to eliminate the Threnodian."
"Everyone, remember—do not attack the Crimson Vanguard, those cloaked in red."