Rise of the Arms Dealer in the World War-Chapter 38 - The Manila Landing

The modern naval mine of this era was simple yet deadly—a steel sphere packed with explosives, designed to detonate on impact. These indiscriminate weapons showed no mercy, targeting friend and foe alike. In a world without automated detection systems, there was only one way to deal with them: divers painstakingly dismantling each mine, one by one.

"Disarming them one by one could take weeks," Ming muttered, his gaze fixed on the expanse of Manila Bay. The mines lay shallow at some points—just a meter below the surface—and as deep as ten meters in others. The Spaniards surely anticipated an American effort to clear the mines, which meant the density would be extraordinary.

ming's plan, however, was bold and straightforward: detonate every mine in the fleet's path.

Ming signaled to one of his men, who brought forward a large metal crate. Inside was a massive steel net, its ends weighted with heavy iron spheres.

Admiral Dewey, upon seeing the contraption, froze mid-step. "What in God's name is that?"

"This," Ming explained, "is how we'll clear the mines."

The crude device had been transported at great expense, taking up much of the precious cargo space aboard the supply ships. It was a gamble, but one Jinhan had prepared for.

"We'll drag this through the minefield, detonating any mines in our path. The debris will get caught in the net, ensuring the area is clear."

"Everywhere in our path?" Dewey asked, incredulous.

"Exactly. We'll advance slowly, clearing the way as we go. Once we're close enough, your battleships can handle the coastal artillery."

Dewey's expression darkened as he considered the risk. This strategy would expose Jinhan's ships, especially those at the front, to relentless fire from the Spanish coastal batteries.

"Our ships will be torn apart by the barrage," he said grimly.

Ming nodded. "That's why we reinforced the bows with additional steel plating. It won't stop everything, but it'll buy us time."

Dewey studied the modified ships, their armored prows gleaming under the sun. "You anticipated this," he said, his tone accusatory.

"Call it a precaution," Ming replied with a shrug.

The admiral shook his head, half in disbelief, half in admiration. "This plan is insane. A civilian fleet leading a naval assault?"

"It's the best we've got," Ming Fang said. "Unless you've got a better idea?"

Dewey sighed, knowing he didn't. "Very well. Let's see if this madness works."

The fleet moved into formation. At the center were Jinhan's supply ships, dragging the steel nets through the minefield. Flanking them were American fast boats, ready to intercept any Spanish counterattacks. Behind them loomed the formidable battleships of the Asiatic Fleet, their long-range guns trained on the enemy coastline.

"All ships, match speed with Jinhan's supply vessels!" Dewey commanded. "Ignore the mines—focus fire on the coastal artillery!"

The fleet's unusual formation was an odd sight: civilian ships leading the charge while military vessels took supporting positions.

In the Spanish command post overlooking Manila Bay, Admiral Ángel watched the American fleet with a bemused smile.

"They won't make it far," he said confidently.

The minefield was an impenetrable barrier, and Ángel knew it. Even if the Americans tried to clear it, the effort would cost them dearly in time and resources.

"Let them poke around," he told his officers. "They'll retreat once they see what they're up against."

Manila's defenses were robust. If the Americans attempted a land assault from the rear, they'd need an army of hundreds of thousands—a logistical impossibility for an overseas invasion.

"All we need is to hold out for three months," Ángel said, chuckling. "Democracy will do the rest. Their people will demand peace before long."

Still, he knew the situation wasn't ideal. Their supplies were running low, and no reinforcements were coming anytime soon.

"Admiral!" A junior officer burst into the room. "The Asiatic Fleet is advancing in a new formation!"

"Let them," Ángel said with a dismissive wave. "They'll just scout the area and leave."

The air was heavy with tension as Jinhan's lead ship dragged its steel net through the water. Suddenly, a deafening explosion rocked the bay as the first mine detonated.

"Keep going!" Ming shouted. "Stay steady!"

Each blast was a victory, clearing the path inch by inch. The Spanish coastal artillery roared to life, targeting the vulnerable supply ships. The reinforced bows absorbed much of the initial onslaught, but the hulls groaned under the strain.

Dewey's battleships responded with devastating precision, their long-range guns silencing one artillery position after another.

"We're making progress," Dewey said, his voice grim but steady.

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In the Spanish command post, Ángel's smirk faded as reports of the American advance poured in.

"They're clearing the mines?" he said, disbelief coloring his voice.

"Yes, Admiral. And they're doing it faster than expected."

Ángel's confidence wavered as the sounds of battle grew closer. The Americans weren't retreating—they were charging straight through the minefield.

"Focus all artillery on their lead ships!" he bellowed.

As the final mine detonated, Jinhan's lead ship, battered but operational, signaled the all-clear.

"We're through!" Ming announced.

"Advance!" Dewey commanded, his battleships surging forward.

The coastal artillery was overwhelmed by the concentrated fire of the Asiatic Fleet. Within hours, the Americans secured the bay, and preparations for the landing began.

Ming stood on the deck of his ship, surveying the scene. The gamble had paid off, but the cost was evident in the scars that marred the fleet.

"This is just the beginning," he muttered, already planning the next step.

Victory in Manila was near, but the war was far from over.

The Asiatic Fleet approached Manila Bay, their movement slow yet deliberate.

"Tsk, they can't seem to let go," muttered Admiral Ángel, his voice tinged with derision. Through his "They're wasting their time. The coastal batteries can't even reach them at that distance," he scoffed, waving off the approaching threat.

But contrary to Ángel's dismissal, the Asiatic Fleet continued their advance, their formation unwavering. As they crossed the bay's entrance and entered the minefield, alarms were raised.

spyglass, he observed the advancing fleet, their pace crawling.