Iron Dynasty Chapter 1065

“Boom boom boom…”

With the resounding roars, Jakarta's entire coastline was engulfed in a tempest of artillery fire. Under the relentless impact of large-caliber cannonballs, the meticulously prepared trench positions of the Dutch forces were continuously erupting into the air, sending dirt soaring dozens of meters high.

The Dutch soldiers, already in a state of terror, sought refuge in the pre-dug trenches and tunnels at the first sign of the bombardment. Yet, even within these shelters, casualties occurred in the sections directly struck by the shells.

Simon and Averall found themselves cowering in one such tunnel. The Dutch soldiers had taken to humorously nicknaming these underground passages 'cat ears'.

“Damn it, when will this infernal bombardment finally cease?”

The deafening cacophony of the bombardment was unceasing. Dust rained down continuously from the tunnel ceilings, and the act of hiding within these confines was proving to be an immense strain.

Other Dutch soldiers, their hands clamped over their ears and their bodies trembling uncontrollably, lacked the fortitude to even register Simon's frustrated outburst.

After a solid twenty minutes of his tirade, Simon suddenly perceived a profound silence descending upon the world.

He scrambled out of the tunnel without hesitation, climbed onto a stool, and peered outwards. To his sight, the soldiers of the Chinese Empire were advancing towards the coast in numerous small vessels.

Grasping the situation, Simon immediately bellowed, “Everyone, prepare for battle!”

As his command echoed, the Dutch soldiers, each clutching a stool, surged from the tunnels. The soldiers in the foremost rank lowered their stools, stepping onto them to cautiously elevate their heads above the trench parapets.

Behind these front-line defenders stood two subsequent rows of soldiers. These men, armed with Conqueror rifles, stood ready to swiftly provide loaded firearms at a moment's notice.

Observing this tableau, Simon felt a measure of satisfaction. It was their conviction in the efficacy of this method, capable of inflicting significant damage upon the Chinese Empire's assault, that had compelled them to remain entrenched here.

Across the trench line, Averall was also making his preparations. While he harbored a degree of envy for the Chinese Empire's advanced weaponry, he also recognized the inherent limitations of human eyesight. Soldiers could generally maintain accuracy only within two hundred meters; beyond that distance, bullets would essentially travel without aim, and any hits would be purely a matter of chance.

“We will fight to the bitter end. Jakarta is mine.” A ruthless glint flashed in Averall's eyes. He was acutely aware of the immense value of this colony, boasting a population exceeding nine million and possessing vast natural resources.

It could be said that prior to the establishment of trade with the Chinese Empire, Jakarta had consistently served as the Netherlands' economic heart in Asia, holding a position analogous to Britain's dominion over India.

At sea.

Yue Yun and Lei Ming surveyed the shoreline through their binoculars. A marked improvement from the cumbersome, single-lens telescopes of the past, these were now the advanced binoculars made possible by the Empire's burgeoning military-industrial complex.

“This artillery preparation has certainly left the Dutch looking rather disheveled,” Lei Ming remarked with a smile. Although he observed many Dutch soldiers moving into their combat positions, he also noted the continuous procession of wounded being carried from the trenches.

“However, it is not sufficient,” Yue Yun stated. “The remainder of the task falls upon the troops on the ground. We must conserve our shells for the naval engagement; we cannot persist in such expenditure.”

Lei Ming felt a pang of regret, yet he understood the veracity of Yue Yun's words. The Dutch fleet had yet to materialize, leaving their intentions and strengths unknown.

As he concluded his thought, a sudden warning came from the soldier in the observation tower, who simultaneously pointed towards the southeast.

Yue Yun promptly raised his binoculars to direct his gaze and saw fifty sailing warships approaching with imposing grandeur.

Casting a glance at the landing troops, he commented, “To launch an attack amidst our landing operation? They possess a degree of cunning. Nevertheless, they are overestimating their capabilities.”

With that, he immediately signaled the flagman to issue an order. Twelve ironclad warships detached themselves from the main fleet and proceeded to sail in the direction from which the Dutch vessels had emerged. In Yue Yun's estimation, twelve warships were more than adequate to neutralize fifty Dutch vessels, the conflict being inherently unequal.

“Are twelve warships truly sufficient? This is no trifling matter. Should they manage to charge through, our landing forces will face devastating casualties,” Lei Ming expressed, a note of anxiety in his voice. He was loath to see his soldiers perish needlessly at sea.

Yue Yun exuded unwavering confidence. “Deploying twelve warships is already affording them considerable respect. Six would have sufficed.”

Swallowing, Lei Ming's eyes widened as he observed the approaching sailing warships. He recognized that these vessels must be armed with similar explosive shells, posing a significant threat to their own fleet.

Eric, standing on the deck, his face drained of color, beheld the imperial warships bearing down upon them from three distinct directions. He understood that a brutal naval engagement was imminent.

Had all of the Chinese Empire's warships been committed to the attack, he would not have been overly concerned. However, the deployment of a mere twelve vessels struck him with apprehension, for it served as a stark testament to the terrifying prowess of these ironclads, thus explaining Yue Yun's seemingly audacious confidence.

Separated by three to four li (approximately 1.5-2 km) at that point, escape was still a viable option for him. However, duty-bound as a Dutch soldier, such an act was unthinkable.

With gritted teeth, he too charged forward. They held the wind advantage, a significant benefit, allowing them to form a crucial “T” formation upon contact.

“General, may we commence?” the adjutant inquired of Yue Yun aboard the King-Class vessel.

The opposing fleets drew ever nearer, approaching the threshold of engagement.

Yue Yun gave a nod. “Proceed. Let us conclude this battle swiftly!” Certain of victory, he viewed the engagement as a straightforward annihilation, given the overwhelming disparity in strength.

“Understood, General!” The adjutant relayed the order to the signalman. “Fire!”

As crimson flags signaled the command, a barrage of cannon fire erupted. Standing on deck, Lei Ming witnessed the ironclads shudder before conical shells streaked toward the distant Dutch fleet with incredible velocity. In mere moments, the lead Dutch warship was engulfed in flames, a victim of a direct hit.

“Do these fools truly believe we would still adhere to the ‘T’ formation? Our warships are capable of engaging from any direction,” Yue Yun scoffed.

Debris from the burning vessel rained down, staining the clear blue sea crimson. Agonized cries echoed across the water from the floundering Dutch soldiers.

“Help me, help!” the desperate shouts of Dutch soldiers submerged in the water implored.

The bloodied waters soon attracted sharks, their ominous presence beneath the waves intensifying the soldiers' terror.

Meanwhile, Eric stood frozen, a stunned observer of the soldiers' desperate struggle for survival.

The remaining Dutch soldiers, legs trembling, watched the astonishing scene unfold. Despite their experience as seasoned naval personnel, none had ever confronted such a bewildering predicament.

Facing the unorthodox combat tactics of the Chinese Empire’s navy, a profound sense of helplessness washed over them.

Yet, the true extent of their fear was yet to be realized. Following the bombardment, the smoke-belching ironclads accelerated, closing in with astonishing speed and encircling them from three sides.

Faced with this dire encirclement, Eric’s heart plummeted to the depths of despair.