Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 24 - Revised: Chapter 24 Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Battle situation simulation is a very complex technique; computers cannot fully calculate all real combat outcomes. Sometimes, small accidental events can change the whole war outcome. The same troop deployments, the same situation, the same maps, and the same simulation system can yield completely different results from different simulation experts using different techniques.

Since the invention of sand table simulations in ancient Earth wars, simulation has become an essential means of mimicking both sides’ situations and formulating combat plans in wars. With the advent of the space era, simulations have evolved into various factions. The emergence of these factions is related to the completely different combat methods and environments of space warfare compared to ancient Earth wars. Likewise, the unpredictability in real battle situations has inevitably become a deadlock in simulations.

To solve this almost unsolvable problem, countless simulation experts have tried all means to minimize the impact of chance on the battle outcome during wars. Some factions are keen on refining combat instructions, striving to eliminate accidental events. They meticulously detail environment, weapons, timing, etc. Undoubtedly, such simulations can be very precise with a comprehensive plan to handle accidents. However, due to the vast amount of calculations and the cumbersome execution of orders by soldiers, such simulations can only apply to local battles below regiment level. Some simulation factions calculate the probabilities of accidental events and their impact on the battle situation: if the probability is low and impact small, they let it be; if the probability is high and impact significant, they change the combat plan. Other factions almost completely ignore accidents. Their solution is to leverage overwhelming advantages and maintain ample reserve forces to tackle sudden events on the battlefield, compensating for shortcomings in simulations. Of course, there is no perfect combat plan, nor can there always be an advantageous battle situation.

War is a military wrestle between two or more parties, a continuation of politics. It involves political needs, international situations, public sentiment, economy, technology, military power, and various other intertwined aspects. More importantly, simulations are not one-sided. While one side is conducting simulations and making military plans and deployments, the other side is doing the same, possibly even better due to intelligence or capability.

If simulations are not done well, military battle plans will likely fail. Just like in chess, one could be controlled by the opponent all the way, often referred to by military strategists as being ”led by the nose.”

In the Military Academy, the study and assessment of simulation subjects occupy a significant portion. Gifted students in simulations often get recommended for internships at advanced military command posts. After graduation, they are directly assigned to units for internships, becoming commanding officers in the spotlight or military strategists orchestrating behind the scenes.

No faction or simulation genius can guarantee their simulations are completely correct. Ignorance is fearless. In the cave, there’s a Fatty who can make such guarantees. He only studied a peculiar ancient Earth Oriental simulation method for six months, totally unaware of the complexity of simulations. He only knows that in over a thousand simulated battle situations based on intelligence and simulation methods, the determination of enemy movements had a 99.75% accuracy rate, and his calculations of enemy combat power, mobility, attack and defense strength, and combat range had an accuracy rate of 90%.

Aside from old, outdated books like The Art of War by Sun Tzu, this ancient Earth Oriental simulation method includes Zhou Yi. Its calculation methods are particularly unique. Therefore, almost no one other than Fatty is interested in this method. In the modern era where technology reigns supreme, this inscrutable seeming method for calculating luck being used for simulations is simply ridiculous. Initially, Fatty didn’t believe in it either, but this complex simulation system appeared very profound. After he finally grasped it, not carrying out simulations seemed an affront to his own efforts. Results from thousands of simulated battle situations showed that this simulation technique is definitely superior to many contemporary factions. Hence, this simulation method incorporating Zhou Yi’s Grand Numerology theory, which states that out of fifty, one is missing, causing all things to come alive, completely fascinated Fatty.

This simulation method also has unique solutions for uncontrollable accidental events. These strange methods impressed Fatty immensely. In its military theories, uncontrollable accidental events are not treated as independent situations but integrated into the entire battle scenario. By deploying small forces to continuously execute various favorable actions for oneself at appropriate times and locations, they neutralize the adverse consequences of unpredictable events at the macro level. The commonly utilized backup plans are also very comprehensive. The core theory of this simulation method is encapsulated in eight words: ”Seize the key point, go with the flow.”

The Grand Numerology theory, no matter how it changes or transforms, dictates that capturing the Snakehead allows one to grasp the initiative.

These eight words signify that this scientific theory is applied concretely during war as situations change, rather than predetermined rigid combat plans. Currently, the key lies in Katos Canyon.

Fatty is confident in his simulations, but what about the frontline command? This battle is planned and commanded by the Federation Military Headquarters. The frontline command at Gallipalan is merely executing the plan specifically. Will they see the importance of this simulation? Will they believe this simulation proposed by a Special Reconnaissance Soldier Lieutenant?

Several hours passed, the sweat-drenched communication soldier dejectedly stepped away from Albert’s encrypted communicator and reported to Tian Xingjian, saying Rashid had not replied. The two dedicated communication devices had lost contact with each other.

Tian Xingjian found it unbelievable. Sometimes, the more you fear something going wrong, the more likely it is to happen; the more you don’t want it to come, the more it arrives.

If they cannot contact Rashid, directly linking to the Federation forces via [Antenna] is likely to expose their position. Without mobility, surviving amidst enemy mechas would be nearly impossible.

”Keep trying to contact them. No matter what, you must get through, even if it’s impossible,” Tian Xingjian gave an unreasonable order.

”Yes!” The communication soldier obeyed immediately, although the order was unreasonable, such commands were common in the military.

However, it still puzzled him: ”Is there anything this Deputy Company Commander can’t do? Daring to risk everything to send a simulation done on a mecha’s crappy computer, as if the world would end if it didn’t get to the command post. Is it real or fake? Aren’t the commanders and combat staff vegetarians?”

This thought naturally showed on his face. The communication soldier seriously followed the order, but before sitting at the encrypted communicator, he slightly puckered his lips towards the others in the same mecha.

Tian Xingjian saw this, but he could only manage a bitter smile. If this unverifiable simulation pushed everyone here to the edge of death, certainly no one would agree. If the simulation is accurate, it’s fine. If not, Tian Xingjian would become a murderer of hundreds of lives. Moreover, personally, Fatty felt his life was precious unless absolutely necessary.

However, if the simulation is correct, then before the Federation Army arrives and rescues everyone, the enemy will already have executed their battle plan, making escape a mere fantasy.

Choosing between his own life and a possibly correct judgment wasn’t hard; the outcome was predictable with human nature.

Luckily, judging from the military situation map, it wasn’t yet time for the Imperial Army to execute their plan. The Federation Army was still in the trunk part of the tree-like marching route, and its branches had not spread out considerably to disperse the trunk forces.

Time is still sufficient; they could surely get in contact. Tian Xingjian silently reassured himself.

A day passed, and still no contact. Observing the solemn expressions of the Special Reconnaissance Company soldiers, everyone knew something was wrong, and the atmosphere grew tense.

There’s still time, Tian Xingjian kept telling himself, they must hold out till the end.

Another day passed. According to the simulations, the Federation Forces in the main battlefield were scattered to a dangerous degree. They were unaware the seemingly retreating Imperial Army had started aggregating on their front systematically.

Tian Xingjian could not sit still. He could not watch this happen, he wanted to rush out and use [Antenna] to directly contact the frontline command. However, a voice in his mind questioned, ”What if your simulation is wrong?”

Wrong means he would be leading hundreds of people to their deaths based on a random guess. If he took [Antenna] out, without it, his platoon’s Mechanical Soldiers would also face certain death.

Was he wrong?

Tian Xingjian was torn.

”Lieutenant, may I ask a question?” A voice sounded beside him.