I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France-Chapter 759 This is Shire’s Troops

The sky was dimly lit, with a light drizzle falling over Toul.

The German Army soldiers in the trenches were shivering in the unexpected chill of the spring cold snap, instinctively rubbing their hands and stomping their feet to keep warm.

Suddenly, the sharp whistles of artillery shells pierced the air, soon morphing into a nauseating tearing sound, finally exploding near the trenches.

Deafening noise, smoke billowing.

The German Army soldiers calmly ducked into the trenches for cover.

Having confronted the French Army on the defensive line for so long, they were used to the enemy’s artillery attacks, even the sight of several comrades being blown to pieces no longer stirred any emotions in them.

"These shells must have just been shipped from the United States," Colonel Hans cursed as he ducked into the dugout, "The French can’t wait to fire them off as soon as they get them, those wastrels!"

The adjutant chuckled, "Do you wish they fought like Shire? If that were the case, we might have already lost our heads by now."

Colonel Hans sneered, tossing his helmet heavily on the wooden table, "Not that things are much better now!"

The surrounding officers and soldiers chuckled silently, a look of helplessness on their faces.

Colonel Hans was right, to them, death seemed almost like a relief.

Not only because of the harsh and tedious life on the battlefield but also because they saw no hope of winning.

How could they ever defeat this monstrous Frenchman, Shire?

The mere thought filled the officers and soldiers with a sense of powerlessness.

The phone rang, and the adjutant answered it. Suddenly, the smile disappeared from his face. He turned to Colonel Hans: "Colonel, your wish might be coming true, Shire’s forces are advancing on us!"

"What?" Colonel Hans, who had just sat on an ammunition box, stood up in shock, the cigarette in his hand falling to the damp floor.

The adjutant nodded, "It’s a tank division advancing on us."

Colonel Hans still couldn’t believe it, Shire’s troops were supposed to be on the other side of the Meuse River, when did they cross and start attacking Toul?!

However, when he braved the artillery fire and peered out with his binoculars, he had no choice but to believe.

Through the scope of his binoculars, he saw one "Shire A1" tank after another, covering the French soldiers as they advanced on the defensive line.

They were well-trained, employing typical infantry-tank coordination tactics, Colonel Hans even saw the submachine guns in the enemy’s hands.

These were Shire’s exclusive equipment and tactics, no mistake about it!

...

In Metz City, Erwin was receiving a batch of newly arrived tanks.

The "LK2" tanks were equipped with automobile engines, they were practically tractors fitted with armor and cannons, hence their production speed was very fast.

Up until now, 67 tanks had already been replenished, restoring part of the armored division’s strength.

Erwin was grateful he had abandoned the tanks initially and managed to save some tank crews alive.

Without the tanks, they could be rebuilt, but without experienced tank crewmen, the grassroots units would have to start from scratch.

"General." At this moment, Manstein hurried over, waving a telegram as he approached: "He’s made his move, Shire’s forces."

"What?" Erwin looked at Manstein, eagerly asking, "Where is he attacking?"

"Toul." Manstein said, handing over the telegram.

Erwin took a glance at the telegram, his expression fluctuating.

"Something seems off, Colonel," Erwin said.

"What is it?" Manstein asked.

Erwin turned his gaze to Manstein, shaking the telegram in his hand: "After breaking through the defensive line, they turned towards Nancy."

"Yes, is there a problem?" Manstein answered, "Toul and Nancy are both transportation hubs. Occupying them would cause significant difficulties for our reinforcements and supplies."

Erwin thoughtfully shook his head:

"Shire wouldn’t fight like this, his armored divisions always spearhead right to the destination at the fastest speed."

"But now, his armored divisions are wavering along the defensive line."

"It seems like he’s giving us time to prepare."

Manstein was unconvinced:

"General, I’m certain that’s Shire’s tank division, countless ’Shire A1’ tanks and armored vehicles."

"Perhaps this is what Shire wants, he wouldn’t let you figure out his real intentions."

"Also, I believe the parliament and the Eastern Army Group don’t want to see Shire hog all the glory on the battlefield."

Manstein understood French politics better, knowing the parliament feared Shire’s abilities, so this situation was quite normal.

Shire was likely forced by parliamentary pressure to use the tanks to support the infantry assault, Manstein thought.

Only this way, the credit would go to the Eastern Army Group.

But Erwin remained doubtful: "I think we should observe further before making any hasty moves."

Manstein was exasperated: "What are you worried about, General?"

Erwin was also unsure, he pondered for a moment before saying: "I believe Shire’s target will be Metz, a major city in Lorraine and a flank to Alsace."

Then he took out a map from his pocket, spreading it on the tank track, pointing to Metz’s location:

"Think about it, Metz is easy to defend and hard to attack, full of fortresses. More importantly, it’s composed of three islands surrounded by rivers."

"With such terrain, Shire’s armored and mechanized units would almost be impossible to break through."

"And once Shire captures Metz, it would be like driving a nail into our heart..."

Manstein interrupted Erwin: "I know, General, but what exactly are you worried about? How could Shire’s forces attack Metz?"

Erwin was stunned.

To the west was the Meuse River defensive line, Shire’s forces couldn’t possibly cross it, even with amphibious tanks like before, the German Army had 77mm infantry guns ready.

So the French had only one direction for attack: the Toul-Nancy direction.

Manstein tapped Nancy: "As long as we block them here, no one can attack Metz, General."

Erwin still felt something was wrong but couldn’t find any flaw in Manstein’s logic.

Perhaps, it was the psychological shadow Shire had cast, Erwin thought.

Eventually, he nodded slowly: "You’re right, Colonel, prepare to set out!"

Metz was easy to defend and hard to capture; Shire couldn’t take it quickly.

At worst, we could redeploy the mobile units for defense later.

Having received permission, Manstein saluted Erwin and rushed off to organize his mobile units.

He couldn’t wait to see the anti-tank guns destroy the enemy tanks.

More importantly, it was an opportunity to defeat Shire, the legendary undefeated God of War!

Just defeating him could destroy the French Army and public’s belief in victory, potentially reversing the dire situation on the Western Front!