I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay down My Gun

“…The situation is not going as smoothly as I'd hoped.”

“The enemy’s defenses are solid. We’ve also identified new enemy weaponry, along with what seems to be Icarus Operators. When they encountered the 162nd Guards Reconnaissance Battalion and the tank battalion, they completely wiped out that unit.”

“I’ve heard that the battalion was wiped out. That’s caused a huge hole in our front. I know the staff is doing their best to fill the gap.”

“Bringing in troops, equipment, and weapons from the mainland to supply the frontlines is costing too much. At this point, an offensive seems difficult.”

“You should speak plainly. Does it look like this offensive is to gain ground? Right now, it's just a minor skirmish. The losses so far are merely a prelude to gather detailed data.”

The battle reports from the northeastern forests of Pittsfield, where the Third World War ignited, were sent to the Allied forces stationed along the northeastern U.S. coastline and the headquarters set up in what was once Boston, now largely reduced to ashes.@@novelbin@@

Maps, boards, and numerous mechanical devices were spread out in the headquarters. Soldiers moved back and forth, carrying thick files and bundles of paper, while staff officers engaged in discussions and marked things on the boards.

The beam projector at the center of the headquarters displayed the most urgent issues at hand, and they were far from few.

Food, soldiers, equipment, and everything else were in short supply.

To be precise, despite the downward trend brought on by the Omega Virus crisis, the U.S. had lost remarkably little damage when compared to the overall situation, given the powerful U.S. military protecting the mainland. However, even so, losses had occurred, and many things were still severely lacking.

And that’s precisely why some level of offensive action was necessary.

“Even for those tying down the enemy's feet, an offensive is needed to understand the full extent of the U.S. forces. Why don’t you understand such a simple fact? Stop getting bogged down by trivialities.”