[center][img]https://i.redd.it/9uqlbqg236my.png[/img][h1][b]WITH BLEEDING WOUND[/b][/h1]
[i]"Never alone, ye men of Geisel be; in women, men, and children you have lovers, friends, and family. Blood and steel; might and blade; gun and sword. With these, you may encourage mine strenght in offense and defense"[/i][/center]
[hr][hr]

The grass was tall, its crevaces filled with mud long wetted by the blood and determination of the royalist forces. Aside from the tallest of grass, beyond the patches of forest and lakes, beyond the good of nature, war was waged. Trenches dug in the soil of the long lost dead stretched on for miles, from left to right, without end. An active front, it was declared, but had remained still for years on end. For a long time the efforts of the infamous Man of Iron, Jacob Hecke, had kept the reds in check, but now they declared that they had an answer to his multi-layered defense. 

With deep blue sky, the heavens were clear, no rain or weather anomaly in sight. In the midst of the forests beyond the enemy line of trenches armoured with corpse and sand alike, there was one man who had to keep on going, whatever it took, for he had in his hands the troop movements of enemy forces, and they were not favorable. This man was Xiang Gaochen, a master amongst his people in the arts of scouting, personally acquisitioned by Jacob during a prideful mission along the riverbanks of Zengrav where he had proven vital on the conquest of regional capitals.

[hr][hr]

His breaths were heavy, long since tired out by the stampeding march he had forced himself to undertake for the betterment of his beloved nation; Zengrav stays strong, always in this mans mind. It proved a flaw and strenght both, that his beliefs remained blind, lacking sight to know the truth of the world, and the corruption within, Xiang continued his duties, never giving in. His sprint had slowed significantly when compared to the freshness of which he employed during the height of enemy activity.

It was the case, that the reds had moved their forces north, to a previously secret breaking point in Jacob Hecke's formulated defense wall. It had to be kept at low manning, to ensure the stability of the remainder of the frontline, but this proved its own weakness in time, as it would now come to prove a massive annoyance, at least if Xiang makes it to his master.

So he thought, but still he tried to keep calm. With his rifle drawn he carried on, never stopping, never resting; almost done, he could see the frontline from where he stood atop of a hill, covered in bushes and fauna. 

However, he heard the rustling of enemies near. They must've seen him closing in, he thought, and hunkered down towards the ground. He clawed his way from bush to bush in silence and turtle-like speeds, so as to remained unnoticed. His suspicions proved themselves right when two reds came into sight. He instantly froze, and covered his mouth; silencing his breath. Luckily, these men were simply on a routined patrol, they never caught glimpse of his hurried motions crossing the now desolate farmlands during his journey to his present location.

He judged, correctly, that it would only take a few days travel more before he was safely across, and giving the information to his overlord.

[center][b]--- 3 Days Later ---[/b][/center]

Sitting comfortably in his chair, Jacob let loose on the syringe needle and shoved it into his arm. Pressing down on the holder, he could feel the adrenaline, joy, and actual comfort return into his system via his blood vessels. It is an addicting sensation, and one that Jacob has never let escape or flee. However, as he finished his business, turning back towards his desk with the monotone sounds of gunfire and artillery echoing and quaking their way into his bunker, it was all interrupted by the shouting words of a high ranking Geisel officer, his good friend Joachim Stahl, and his worrying words uttering themselves in the most unbelievable of fashions.

"General, important message from the Scout Corps and national spies have just been summarized! It is believed that Communist forces, headed by Qiao Gengxin, are making their way towards our fronts with severely increased military activity! He was last spotted roughly twelve days away from our stronghold at Xinan'yan."

Estimates? Jacob needed clear answers! It is impossible to prepare a proper defense unless the truth of the situation is revealed, either intentionally or not! Worried, albeit visually calm, Jacob retaliated with his own questions to the Lieutenant-General.

"Numbers? Vehicles? Troops? I need statistics, Joachim. Give me them."

"Jacob, there simply isn't enough information to give! One spy says 1200, whilst the other quadruples the amount, and that only counts for their own locations. Given population density, and given Qiao Gengxin's history, it could be anywhere from tens of thousands to a hundred thousand men; though their only advantage remains for now their secrecy."

"It would seem like the reds have come back for me to kick their stallions even further yonder. Alright. I believe I understand, you are dismissed."

"Yes, Gener-"

"Until coffee is ready."

It was time for Jacob to prepare his defenses.