My Platoon is F**king Hopeless

The general appearance of the first battle in Hearts of General is as follows:

Long lines of defensive troops hiding in trenches, with all sorts of artillery and bombs being dropped from above, and infantry and cavalry forces pushing through to break the defense line.

Although players can’t control soldiers on a 1:1 basis due to the simulation-like game mechanics, players with command abilities befitting their rank modify strategies, change the formations of platoons, or give new weapons to their troops to determine the direction of the battle.

For example, in a game like StarCraft, while detailed Marine control may not be possible, players can still arrange and direct the movement direction of a group of Marines and upgrade levels.

In this sense, the Manfred Combat Aircraft was a must-have “national dish” aircraft that the player needed to have at least 100 units of before the full-scale start of the war when playing as the Rhinehardt Empire.

With its wide-set pair of wings typical of biplanes, the Manfred Combat Aircraft was equipped with the Rhinehardt Empire’s magic-composite engine, capable of reaching a top speed of 130 km/h with an effective flight time of two hours.

Due to its excellent basic defensive capabilities, it was difficult for it to be shot down by early anti-aircraft guns, and with an operational altitude of 3,000 meters, it was almost impossible to hit with ordinary anti-aircraft fire.

Of course, since the only armament was a 7.52mm Gebauer machine gun mounted on the rear seat, designed for use by the pilot, it could only be considered a reconnaissance aircraft at that point, given that other countries’ combat aircraft often lacked proper armaments.

In reality, during the initial stages of the war, it was a fighter aircraft that could dominate the skies.

Especially, the combined bombing operation with airships was possible only by the Rhinehardt Empire in the early stages of the war.

More importantly, the streamlined body design of the Manfred Combat Aircraft was quite beautiful, so much so that even someone who isn’t an aviation enthusiast couldn’t help but be impressed.

At the Pedro Aircraft Factory, modifications and developments of aerial weaponry were carried out in Block 3.

Looking at the Manfred Combat Aircrafts lined up on the runway, one man approached warmly.

“Isn’t that Major Enok Revendale?”

A man in the Rhinehardt uniform approached. His striking features commanded attention.

Even as a man, I could objectively say he was a very handsome officer.

“Greetings. I am Lieutenant Erich von Richthofen.”

“Major Enok Revendale.”

We shook hands somewhat awkwardly.

Lieutenant Erich von Richthofen.

His name was just as memorable as his appearance.

If you’ve played a bit of Haosu Ze, you wouldn’t forget this name.

The person I met at the previous Count Petrinant’s exhibition was Johannes von Weisenberg, the future commander of the armored division.

The Erich von Richthofen standing before me now was an exceptionally outstanding hero who bore the responsibility of the Rhinehardt Empire’s air force power in the early stages of the great war.

Given that even a hero ability with a mere major rank could boost the attack power of subordinate air squadrons by 180%, he was one of the people frequently mentioned in discussions about whether the creators of Hearts of General were obsessed with the Rhinehardt faction.

“Indeed, there isn’t anyone else in Rhinehardt who could tinker with combat aircraft before the war.”

After the recent successful collaboration with Sony Chepelin and Count Petrinant,

Ukraine and the Rhinehardt Empire had been building a very solid cooperative relationship, especially in the field of aviation.

Frankly, from Rhinehardt’s perspective, there was no reason to refuse.

They were even constructing a massive factory complex on their territory to enhance industrial capacity.

In essence, it was as if they had gained a new production base that they could also benefit from.

“I’ve heard many stories from Colonel Petrinant… and also from Dr. Halbertstadt.”

“Is my name mentioned often?”

“Of course! Haha! Major, you must be quite famous in Rhinehardt!”

Just like Major Yan Bloch earlier, every place I went, people would praise me like this, which was somewhat overwhelming.

I really need to tell Sarah Ronald to stop focusing so much on me.

Moreover, it’s honestly a bit uncomfortable to become famous in a potential enemy country. Even though we’re cooperating now, if things go awry, Rhinehardt would cleanly sever ties with Ukraine.

It’s uncertain whether this recognition will work in a positive direction or worsen the situation.

But there’s nothing I can do about already being well-known.

All I can do is try to avoid provoking further.

“But what about those planes over there?”

“Oh, those are the Manfred di Ai biplane. You’ve heard about them, right?”

As I turned my gaze towards the combat aircraft, the lieutenant responded with enthusiasm.

“We decided to conduct test flights in Ukraine because the region has many high mountains and a lower average temperature compared to Rhinehardt.”

“Is that so?”

“Are you also participating in the test flight, Major? I haven’t heard anything about that.”

“Ah, no.”

“Oh, then you’re here just to observe… After all, piloting requires specialized skills.”

What’s going on?

The conversation seems a bit off.

I merely came to take a look at the Manfred Combat Aircraft after hearing from Major Yan Bloch that they had arrived in Rhinehardt.

When I turned to look at Major Yan Bloch, he shrugged his shoulders, seemingly as clueless as I was.

Captain Debra Bennett didn’t seem to know either.

“Major Erich, what exactly is happening?”

“What do you mean?”

“I heard something about observing the test flight.”

Lieutenant Erich von Richthofen’s expression hardened.

“I understand that this test flight involves participation from the 8th Assault Magic Infantry Battalion’s aviation unit, but am I mistaken?”

“…”

I remained silent.

I hadn’t heard anything like that.

“Just a moment, let me verify…”

“Ah! Commander, you’re here!!”

Just as Erich was about to leave, familiar faces appeared from beyond the runway.

Despite the dull military uniforms, their bright pink hair stood out.

“Captain Roxanna…?”

The 8th Assault Magic Infantry Battalion’s aviation unit.

They were the only aviation unit in Ukraine.

*

The whole story was as follows:

Over the past year, I had spent more time outside the battalion than inside.

It wasn’t for no reason that I was known as a busier battalion commander than the brigade commander within the Special Response Brigade.

Of course, this was a desperate attempt to minimize the ‘civil war’ that would soon engulf Ukraine.

But I couldn’t just talk about these things openly, so externally, it was framed as providing technical advice or training for unit management.

That said, I did engage in such activities.

Right now, for instance, I was scheduled to see the Moldove armored train produced under license in Ukraine, known as Blisskabka No. 1.

Due to the frequency of such events, my aide, Lumina, seemed to have accidentally overlooked this test flight schedule.

The internal notification had listed it as “Verification and observation of Blisskabka No. 1 development and test flight.”

It was likely a form of consideration to handle similar events in the same area together.

Unfortunately, due to miscommunication, the schedule nearly fell through.

“Apologies! Apologies!!!!!”

“No, it’s fine, Lumina. People make mistakes…”

“I’m truly sorry, Commander! What should I do??”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at Lumina’s pitiful cries over the phone.

“It’s really okay. The schedule isn’t messed up.”

“Then, when you return to the base… I’ll treat you to a nice dinner…”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

After hanging up the phone, Lieutenant Erich Richthofen smiled at me from behind.

“You have a great relationship with your adjutant.”

“Yes, well… there’s no reason not to.”

“Like Captain Roxanna earlier, you certainly have the reasons why you’re called the ‘Hope of Ukraine.’ A popular leader always has talent.”

“There’s no need to flatter me so much.”

“Haha, no, I genuinely admire you.”

It was truly embarrassing.

To receive such respect from a future air hero of Rhinehardt.

“So, shall we start now?”

“Yes, all the combat aircraft are ready. This will be the last flight schedule before the initial production.”

We slowly left the factory exchange area.

Considering how convenient it is now with telephone lines connecting major military facilities, compared to the days of sending carrier pigeons or dispatching couriers, it’s already quite impressive.

As we stepped onto the runway, five Manfred Combat Aircraft were lined up in a row, their propellers spinning vigorously.

Seeing this scene with my own eyes was an incredibly majestic moment.

“But the Manfred is a two-seater, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Then why is Captain Roxanna flying alone?”

“Oh, our co-pilot suddenly fell ill yesterday.”

“Oh…”

I observed Roxanna calmly checking the instrument panel and equipment.

Even though it’s a two-seater, the actual control of the aircraft rests with the front pilot, so there shouldn’t be any issues.

Roxanna, who was once just a patient, now displayed her strength as a capable aviator of Ukraine.

Everyone was surprised to learn she was a patient with myocarditis.

As I watched her with admiration, Lieutenant Erich made a sudden proposal.

“Perhaps you might want to try riding along, Major?”

“Excuse me?”

“In fact, the rear seat doesn’t have much in the way of controls. It’s mostly just emergency landing functions. If you’re worried, you could join us without any problems.”

I shifted my gaze from Roxanna to the aircraft.

The red, streamlined combat aircraft.

Having once dreamed of becoming a pilot as a child, this offer was quite tempting.

“…”

“Haha, Major, you’re looking at the sky too.”

Lieutenant Erich added with a smile.

“Come on, we don’t have much time. Let’s get changed into our flight suits.”

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