Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Chapter 90: Momentum

The midday sun bore down mercilessly on San Ignacio as the Amerathian forces solidified their control. Lieutenant Andrew Hayes stood in the command tent, tracing his finger along the map spread out before him. Each line represented a potential route deeper into Mexican territory, each marker a known enemy garrison or supply hub. The town was quiet for now, but Hayes knew the reprieve wouldn’t last.

"Sergeant Caldwell," Hayes called, his voice steady but firm.

Caldwell entered the tent, his uniform smudged with dust and sweat. "Yes, sir?"

Hayes straightened, his hand still resting on the map. "We’ve received new orders from command. The push south is to continue immediately. Our next target is the garrison at Villa Roja."

Caldwell frowned, leaning over the map to inspect the location. "Villa Roja... fortified town, about twelve miles south of here. Reports say it’s heavily defended."

"Exactly," Hayes said, his tone matter-of-fact. "If we take it, we cripple their ability to launch a counteroffensive in this region. Command wants it secured within two days."@@@@

Caldwell nodded, his expression resolute. "Understood, sir. What’s the plan?"

Hayes tapped the map, outlining his strategy. "We’ll split the regiment. The main force will advance along the road, drawing their attention. Meanwhile, a flanking unit will move through this ravine to approach from the east. Once the main force engages their defenses, the flanking unit will hit them from behind."

Caldwell grinned faintly. "Divide and conquer. Classic move."

Hayes nodded, his expression grim. "We’ll need to execute it perfectly. If they catch on, we’ll be the ones trapped."

By late afternoon, the Amerathian column was on the move. Soldiers marched in disciplined formations, their boots kicking up clouds of dust along the winding road. Automobiles creaked under the weight of ammunition and provisions, while scouts rode ahead, scanning the terrain for any signs of ambush.

The distant outline of Villa Roja came into view as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Hayes halted the column just out of sight of the town, signaling for his officers to join him.

But his words were drowned out by the relentless gunfire. The defenders’ antiquated muskets were no match for the precision and firepower of the Amerathian rifles. Every volley from the walls was met with devastating accuracy from the advancing troops.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Bishop’s flanking unit reached their position undetected. From the cover of the ravine, they could see the eastern side of the town, where the defenses were weaker. Bishop signaled his men to prepare for the assault.

"Remember," Bishop whispered, his voice barely audible over the distant gunfire, "wait for the signal."

The signal came moments later—a flare fired into the sky from Hayes’ position. Bishop raised his hand, and his men surged forward, scaling the low walls with practiced ease. The defenders, already stretched thin, were caught completely off guard.

The Amerathian soldiers moved swiftly through the eastern sector of Villa Roja, their rifles cutting down any resistance. Within minutes, they had secured a foothold inside the town and began pushing toward the central plaza.

Back at the main gate, Hayes watched as the defenders’ fire began to falter. The combined pressure from the main force and the flanking unit was taking its toll. He raised his rifle and fired, the shot dropping a Mexican officer who was attempting to rally his men.

"Push forward!" Hayes shouted. "Take the gate!"

The Amerathian infantry surged ahead, their bayonets fixed as they stormed the weakened defenses. The machine guns fell silent, their crews packing up to join the advance. The gate fell quickly, and the Amerathians poured into the town, their discipline and firepower overwhelming the remaining defenders.

Colonel Ortega, realizing the battle was lost, ordered his men to retreat. But with the flanking unit cutting off their escape, most of the garrison was either killed or captured.

By nightfall, Villa Roja was under Amerathian control. Hayes stood in the central plaza, his uniform streaked with dirt and sweat, as his men secured the town.

"Lieutenant," Caldwell approached, his expression weary but satisfied. "The town is ours. We’ve taken about fifty prisoners and secured a significant stockpile of ammunition."

Hayes nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Good work, Sergeant. Get the men some rest—we move again at first light."

Caldwell saluted and turned to carry out the orders.