Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 286: Closing the Trap

Harris studied the general carefully, hearing the urgency behind Caldwell's measured words. "What are your orders, sir?"

Caldwell unfolded a detailed tactical map, laying it carefully atop a nearby wooden crate. He pointed precisely at enemy positions along the Yalu. "Captain Harris, you'll lead the frontal assault. Heavy artillery will precede your advance, targeting enemy guns first to neutralize their firepower. General Lee, your Korean divisions will support the flanks, preventing enemy reinforcements from reinforcing the front lines."

"Understood, General," Lee replied immediately.

Harris nodded in agreement, eyes fixed firmly on the map. "We'll advance as soon as the artillery barrage concludes."

"Exactly," Caldwell responded sharply. "Once Yuan's forces begin pulling back toward the river, General Okada's Japanese troops will strike their eastern flank, catching them in a pincer."

Harris exchanged glances with Lee, both understanding clearly the magnitude of what lay ahead. This battle along the Yalu would decide the war's final outcome.

October 24, 1898, 0700 Hours

Southern Bank of the Yalu River

Precisely at seven in the morning, Allied artillery unleashed a devastating barrage against enemy positions across the river. Dozens of heavy cannons thundered simultaneously, the echo reverberating sharply through the icy air. Shells screamed overhead, detonating with frightening accuracy against Chinese and Russian trenches and gun emplacements. Explosions shredded defensive fortifications, obliterating bunkers and scattering enemy troops in chaos.

From his command position just behind the frontline trenches, Harris observed the carnage through binoculars. Enemy artillery fell silent almost immediately, their crews and guns torn apart by the overwhelming bombardment. Infantrymen huddled nearby, gripping rifles tightly, preparing mentally for the coming assault.

Finally, after nearly thirty relentless minutes, Caldwell signaled to Harris. "It's time. Lead your men forward!"

"Advance!" Harris shouted, rising immediately from cover. Thousands of Amerathian and Korean soldiers surged forward, sprinting toward hastily erected pontoon bridges spanning the freezing river. Enemy rifle fire cracked from surviving trenches, bullets whistling dangerously close, but the massive Allied infantry wave pressed relentlessly onward.

On the eastern flank, Lee's Korean divisions surged into enemy flank positions, their rifles and bayonets driving back desperate Russian reinforcements attempting to halt Harris's advance. Further east, distant explosions confirmed that General Okada's Japanese troops had launched their assault on Yuan's vulnerable eastern lines.

Enemy resistance intensified sharply near the river's northern banks. Chinese soldiers fought fiercely from heavily fortified positions, machine guns rattling desperately to halt the relentless advance. Harris, leading personally from the front, felt a bullet strike his shoulder but pressed on, urging his men forward with renewed urgency.

October 24, 1898, 1200 Hours

Northern Bank of the Yalu River

After hours of fierce fighting, Amerathian infantry finally established a bridgehead on the Yalu's northern bank. Chinese and Russian defenders pulled back slowly, reluctantly abandoning their fortifications under heavy pressure from multiple directions. Yuan's troops now faced a stark choice: retreat hastily into Manchuria or surrender on the spot.

From his new position on the riverbank, Harris observed enemy soldiers retreating northward, many abandoning their weapons and equipment in their panic. General Caldwell soon joined him, binoculars raised.

"They're breaking," Caldwell muttered tensely. "We have them. Keep pressing forward, Captain."

Harris saluted sharply, rallying his weary but determined troops once more. "Forward, quickly! Do not give them time to regroup!"

Allied infantry pressed northward relentlessly, capturing thousands of fleeing enemy soldiers who surrendered rather than continue their hopeless flight. General Yuan, desperate to avoid complete disaster, ordered his remaining divisions into an immediate withdrawal toward Manchurian territory, attempting a controlled retreat under near-constant artillery bombardment.

October 25, 1898

Presidential Palace, D.C., Amerathia

Late in the evening, President Matthew Hesh stood silently by his office window, reading the latest telegram from Korea. A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and Collins entered quietly.

"Sir," Collins said carefully, sensing the gravity of the moment, "has there been a significant development?"

Matthew finally turned toward Collins, allowing himself a brief, weary smile. "Our forces have crossed the Yalu River. Yuan's army is in full retreat into Manchuria."

Collins exhaled in visible relief. "Then victory is near."

Matthew nodded slowly, cautious despite the good news. "Near—but not yet complete. Yuan still commands substantial forces, and diplomatic channels remain delicate. But we've achieved a critical breakthrough."

Collins straightened respectfully. "Then I'll ensure General Caldwell has everything he requires to finish this."

Matthew gazed thoughtfully at the quiet city beyond. For the first time since the war began, genuine peace seemed within reach—but one final step remained. The next battle would determine not only the fate of this war but perhaps the future stability of East Asia itself.

He turned back toward Collins, voice firm and determined. "Inform Caldwell clearly: end this war quickly, decisively, and permanently. Whatever he needs, Amerathia will provide."

"Understood, sir," Collins replied solemnly, departing to relay Matthew's decisive message.

Alone again, Matthew stood silently, staring northward, knowing clearly the stakes involved. One final push—and victory awaited.