The briefing room was tense as the Lüshun Fortress commanders reviewed their orders.
"To keep it simple, our mission is to distract the four scattered Japanese armies," General Smirnov began, addressing the gathered officers.
"Our troops are primarily infantry, and the Commander-in-Chief has emphasized that our goal is not to inflict heavy casualties but to push the enemy into strategic confusion."
"How will we maintain supplies?" one officer asked.
"This operation will last no more than two months," Smirnov replied. "If the 1st and 2nd Japanese Armies are forced to retreat, they'll fall back to the rear within three weeks. Our role is to press on multiple fronts, not to cause excessive damage."
Lieutenant General Stössel, leaning back with an air of disdain, interrupted, "Major General Kondratenko, don't you think you're overestimating the enemy?"
