RMM – Chapter 27 Countdown to the Military Exercise

Military exercises, while inherently risky, are something many people actually strive to participate in—some even go to great lengths, pulling strings just to get in. It’s not hard to understand why. In a time of peace, unlike the chaos of war, life is certainly more comfortable, but for soldiers, that comfort comes with a downside: there’s little opportunity to earn merit. For most people, such chances don’t come around at all.

Military exercises, on the other hand, are the most accessible way to stand out and gain recognition. They offer one of the simplest and most direct chances to earn merit. And once a soldier earns a commendation—especially something like a Second-Class Merit or higher—their future is limitless. It’s no exaggeration to say they could rise through the ranks overnight.

Apart from Xi Yuechen and their regiment’s political commissar, Li Lichen, the rest of the team following Regiment Commander Xi into the exercise were visibly excited. Forget about the potential to earn merit—just witnessing such a massive real-combat simulation was already a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“Yuechen, this is going to be a tough fight,” Commissar Li said with a furrowed brow, looking at the map. “Look at the surrounding terrain and our assigned battlefield—it’s basically setting us up to be encircled by the Blue Army. We’re like turtles in a jar.”

It felt to him like higher command was intentionally making things difficult for them—giving them such an unfavorable position and still expecting them to break out and capture the Blue Army’s command center. That wasn’t just tough; it was nearly impossible. Even for their elite Ironblood Regiment, renowned across the military district, it was asking a bit much. They weren’t miracle workers, after all.

“If that’s the order, then we have to carry it out. We will break through,” Xi Yuechen replied, his tone calm and composed as he studied the map in his hand. He was already devising strategies in his head, his expression serious but not at all flustered.

“Easier said than done,” Li muttered. “Look at this—the Blue Army’s got us surrounded tight. It’s not like not even a fly could get out, but trying to get all our people through this? That’s seriously pushing it.”

Xi said nothing, eyes still locked on the map, occasionally jotting down notes or sketches on paper. Li had known him long enough to be used to this. He never expected Xi to answer every doubt or complaint. As his thoughts wandered, Li suddenly remembered that Xi had just gotten married recently. Rumor had it the regimental commander’s wife was young and stunning. He couldn’t help but wonder—did Xi treat her with this same cold, stone-faced attitude?

Shaking off the mental image with a smile, Li stepped out of the tent. He had to go keep those noisy kids outside in check. If they kept laughing and joking like this, they’d end up “killed in action” without even knowing how it happened.

At 8 p.m., the exercise would officially begin, and there wasn’t much time left. Xi glanced at the clock and frowned. Their mission sounded simple enough—break out, locate and destroy the Blue Army’s command center, and capture their commander—but carrying it out was another story.

First, the area they’d been assigned was clearly at a disadvantage, with Blue Army troops positioned along every surrounding line, just waiting to spring a trap. And even if they did manage to break out, they still had to locate the Blue Army’s HQ before they could take the next step. The Red Army was practically handing the entire main combat role to the Ironblood Regiment, giving them top-tier equipment but no additional manpower—they’d have to make do with their existing team.

To successfully break through the Blue Army’s encirclement, they’d have to move the moment the starting signal sounded—strike fast and seize the initiative. If they hesitated and allowed the Blue Army to tighten their net, getting out would be nearly impossible.

Xi Yuechen quietly outlined a strategic plan in his mind. Then, casting a glance at the blistering sun outside, he stepped out of the tent and into the lively buzz of activity.

The noisy crowd outside instantly quieted at the sound of someone calling, “Regimental Commander!” Everyone straightened up, adjusting their uniforms and expressions, eyes fixed on Xi Yuechen.

“When the exercise starts tonight, we’ll immediately begin breaking through the Blue Army’s encirclement,” Xi announced. “Use this time to rest and gather your strength. If we can’t break through, be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

Young faces under military caps exchanged glances—some excited, some anxious, and many brimming with eager anticipation.

Li Lichen stepped forward at just the right moment. “No need to be too tense. You’ve heard the commander: we strike fast at the very beginning. Surprise is our only shot at victory. Right now, the Blue Army has us surrounded, and breaking out won’t be easy—but who are we? We’re the Ironblood Regiment! What mission have we ever failed? Once this exercise is over, we’ll tally up the merits and hand out the rewards!”

The crowd erupted again, buzzing with excitement. Li smiled, then raised his voice once more. “But don’t celebrate too soon—victory only comes to those who make it to the end. I just hope you don’t all end up ‘killed in action’ before the real fight begins. Don’t underestimate this mission—we’ve got a long way to go. If anyone feels like they can’t handle it, better speak up now and wait to be taken as a prisoner by the Blue Army. Don’t drag the rest of the team down! Alright, not much time left—get some proper rest.”

Satisfied with the now-silent troops, Li turned and followed Xi Yuechen back into the tent. He had done all the morale-boosting he could, but even so, he still felt uneasy. Time to get some reassurance from Xi himself.

Xi didn’t so much as glance at him. He just sat down, picked up the map, and began silently analyzing it.

Li, slightly embarrassed, rubbed his nose and said nothing more. He picked up a map himself and began poring over it.

Time passed without them realizing. Finally, Xi looked up slightly and said, “Old Li, go call in Chen Jin, Luo Jian, and the others. We need to work out the exact steps of our strategy.”

Li raised an eyebrow in surprise. “What, you’re finally open to discussion? I thought you already had the whole thing planned out.”

Xi ignored the teasing, simply lifting the map and the notes he’d scribbled, studying them in silence.

No plan ever survives contact with the enemy. The reality of war rarely follows even the best-laid strategies. But being overprepared is always better than being caught off guard. If new developments arose, they’d need a buffer of time to adapt—and even a sliver of initiative could turn the tide in battle.

And besides, this wasn’t the time to skimp on communication. No matter how much tacit understanding he had with his teammates, they still needed to talk things through. Xi Yuechen understood that well.

Li worked fast. In no time, he’d gathered the three battalion commanders—Chen Jin, Luo Jian, and Wang Lichen—as well as several company commanders.

As they discussed tactics, time slipped away. Before they knew it, it was already seven o’clock—just thirty minutes left until the exercise began.

Li stood and said, “Alright, that’s enough. We’ve covered the essentials. No need to overcomplicate it. Go brief your men, divide them into units, and get everything ready. I’ll go check on those rowdy kids, say a few words to calm their nerves.”

“Remember to emphasize the key points,” Xi added. “Try not to let too many of them get ‘killed’ or ‘captured.’ And if they get a shot at earning merit, don’t let them miss it.”

“Got it, don’t worry.”

As Li walked off, he couldn’t help thinking—if anyone was going to earn merit this time, it was Xi Yuechen. His strength was already top-tier, and with a powerful background to boot, it would be harder not to get promoted. No wonder they’d entrusted such a critical mission to the Ironblood Regiment. It was tough, sure—but if they pulled it off, the rewards would be monumental.

And as for himself? Well, Li figured he’d be basking in the glow right alongside Xi. That thought made him grin.