Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 287: The Final Stand

"Yes, General," Deng acknowledged firmly, departing swiftly to deliver orders.

October 30, 1898, AfternoonSouthern Approach to Dandong

Captain Edward Harris led his Amerathian infantry slowly forward, flanked closely by Korean soldiers under General Lee. Their advance had slowed as Chinese resistance hardened significantly around Dandong. Enemy rear guards conducted skillful delaying actions, forcing Harris's troops to clear village after village, each fiercely defended despite dwindling supplies and manpower.

Harris knelt behind a low stone wall, studying enemy positions through binoculars. Chinese soldiers had entrenched heavily around the outskirts of Dandong, with multiple layers of trenches, machine gun nests, and artillery concealed expertly behind buildings and natural cover.

General Lee moved quickly alongside him, his face tense. "Their defenses look stronger here than we've seen since Pyongyang. General Yuan clearly intends to make his final stand in Dandong."

Harris nodded grimly. "Yuan knows retreating further means surrendering Chinese territory. He'll fight harder now than ever. This battle could be the toughest yet."

Artillery Captain James McAllister joined them hurriedly, pointing urgently toward distant buildings. "Sir, enemy artillery is well concealed, but we've identified several positions through scouts. Our guns are ready—just give the order."

Harris glanced briefly at Lee, who nodded in silent agreement. "Commence artillery fire immediately. Target their heavy artillery first. Once they're suppressed, infantry will advance under smoke cover."

McAllister saluted quickly, rushing back to relay orders. Moments later, Amerathian artillery thundered loudly, shells arcing high overhead before exploding violently across suspected Chinese positions. Smoke and debris quickly filled the air, obscuring visibility in every direction.

October 30, 1898, EveningCentral Dandong

Under the heavy cover of smoke, Harris and Lee led their soldiers directly into the outskirts of Dandong, battling fiercely through narrow streets and alleyways. The city erupted into chaotic, brutal combat as enemy defenders resisted fanatically, firing from buildings, rooftops, and barricades erected hastily across key roads.

Bullets and shells screamed violently through crowded streets, explosions tearing buildings apart and sending debris scattering dangerously. Harris fought alongside his men, clearing buildings room by room, each step paid for dearly with blood and courage.

To the east, General Okada's Japanese divisions pressed aggressively into Dandong's eastern districts, encountering equally fierce resistance. Japanese soldiers engaged in savage house-to-house combat, their disciplined training proving critical against entrenched defenders.

Slowly, painfully, Allied forces converged upon the city center, methodically overwhelming isolated pockets of resistance. Each captured position, however, revealed horrific casualties on both sides, reflecting clearly Yuan's determination and desperation.

October 31, 1898, MorningCentral Square, Dandong

By dawn, Allied forces had advanced within sight of Dandong's central square, where Chinese defenders made their last desperate stand around fortified buildings and barricades. Captain Harris and General Lee moved cautiously, their troops exhausted but resolute.

Suddenly, rifle fire erupted sharply from entrenched defenders. Harris and his men dove for cover, returning fire immediately. Machine gun bursts shattered windows and walls, cutting down soldiers unfortunate enough to be exposed.

"We need artillery support now!" Harris shouted desperately, waving toward distant artillery observers. Moments later, shells exploded directly across enemy barricades, temporarily silencing machine gun fire.

Harris seized the brief lull, urging his men forward once more. "Charge now! Take the square!"

Amerathian and Korean soldiers surged forward courageously, sprinting directly across open ground under heavy fire. Enemy defenders, exhausted and nearly out of ammunition, finally began surrendering or retreating hurriedly northward.

By late morning, Harris's troops secured the central square, raising Amerathian and Korean flags prominently above captured enemy positions. Chinese resistance finally crumbled entirely, remaining soldiers retreating chaotically or laying down their weapons.

November 1, 1898Dandong, Chinese Headquarters

Inside the battered headquarters building, General Yuan Shikai sat quietly, surrounded by his surviving officers. Colonel Deng approached slowly, his expression subdued but respectful.

"General Yuan," Deng reported solemnly, "the city has fallen completely. Our remaining forces are retreating northward, but morale has collapsed. Continued resistance is futile."

Yuan exhaled slowly, absorbing the painful truth. "Order our remaining troops to withdraw northward in good order. Our fight ends here—but China must survive beyond this defeat."

Deng saluted quietly, departing swiftly to deliver final orders. Alone, Yuan stared silently at battle maps now meaningless, recognizing clearly the historical consequences of this defeat.

November 2, 1898Presidential Palace, D.C., Amerathia

President Matthew Hesh read the telegram carefully, feeling a surge of profound relief.

"Sir," Collins asked carefully, noticing Matthew's expression, "is it finally over?"

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Matthew nodded slowly, allowing a cautious smile. "Dandong has fallen. General Yuan's remaining forces are retreating northward into China. He is effectively defeated."

Collins exhaled sharply, visibly relieved. "Then it's over at last."

Matthew looked carefully toward Collins, his voice tempered with understanding. "The fighting has ended—but now begins the harder task. We'll negotiate a peace lasting enough to prevent another war."

"Understood, sir," Collins acknowledged quietly, departing to relay Matthew's intentions clearly.

Matthew stood silently by the window, contemplating carefully the immense price paid for this victory. Peace had finally arrived—but he knew clearly the work of rebuilding, diplomacy, and securing lasting stability had only just begun.