Chapter 414: Operation Ghost |
Hearing Morin’s question, Master Röntgen nodded, confirming he indeed knew the spells 【Water Breathing】 and 【Darkvision】. Morin’s face immediately broke into a “just as planned” smile.
He leaned in closer, lowering his voice to ask Master Röntgen another question.
“Master, do you think… I could apply to the Imperial Academy of Magitech Research for a batch of scrolls for these two spells? Not too many, just about ten of each.”
At Morin’s request, Master Röntgen hesitated, stroking his beard with a troubled look.
“Colonel Morin, the Academy does have a stockpile of low-tier spell scrolls. However, despite their low tier, spell scrolls are still incredibly precious to us. The requisition process is quite cumbersome.”
“How cumbersome?” Morin asked.
“After the request is submitted, it needs Director Planck’s personal signature, followed by filing with multiple departments. Back and forth, it won’t be approved in less than ten days to half a month.”
“Why is it so much trouble?”
Morin calculated in his head. Just applying would take half a month.
His eyes darted around, and he adopted a casual tone, probing:
“What if it was an order from His Highness the Crown Prince? Would the procedures and bureaucracy be less troublesome?”
Upon hearing the title “His Highness the Crown Prince,” Master Röntgen’s expression changed instantly.
He straightened his back, the troubled look vanishing without a trace, replaced by matter-of-fact certainty. “If it’s arranged by His Highness, then naturally there’s no major problem!”
The old mage, no stranger to the Imperial high command, patted his chest and guaranteed:
“Forget spell scrolls; even if you directly requisitioned mages from the Academy to participate in the operation, with a single word from His Highness, Director Planck would cooperate fully, provided it doesn’t delay project progress!”
“Excellent!” The heavy stone hanging in Morin’s heart finally dropped.
That was exactly what he wanted to hear.
According to Morin’s mental simulations, the risks of this operation were actually quite high. Even with the backing of magic and black tech, the world of 1915 still lacked a lot of technical equipment.
In an era without night vision goggles or professional diving gear, sneaking underwater into a heavily guarded capital undetected was pure fantasy.
But magic… could turn the impossible into the possible.
The spells 【Water Breathing】 and 【Darkvision】 were practically tailor-made for this operation.
They perfectly solved the two biggest challenges of the infiltration and extraction phases.
Furthermore, Morin had an even bolder idea.
He didn’t just want the scrolls; he wanted Master Röntgen himself…
A 5th-tier mage who could cast spells adaptively based on battlefield conditions was, in his view, far more valuable than those scrolls.
Since Crown Prince Georg had promised to provide all available support…
Morin was confident that as long as he explained the operation’s importance and stakes to the Crown Prince, given Georg’s personality, he would likely agree to the request.
After all, the success or failure of this operation directly impacted the Saxon Empire’s strategic layout on the Eastern Front and the Balkan Peninsula.
As it turned out, Morin had underestimated the efficiency of having “friends in high places.”
Though the Austro-Hungarian Empire usually plodded along like a sluggish old ox, in an emergency involving core power struggles, it erupted with astonishing energy.
Over the next three days, everything Morin needed arrived at an unimaginable speed.
Personnel, equipment, and the latest intelligence files were continually delivered to the instruction unit’s temporary camp.
With the full assistance of the Royal Austrian Intelligence Bureau, Morin even secured a sufficiently large open area in the suburbs, far from Vienna. The regimental combat engineers finally returned to their old trade—working overnight based on blueprints provided by the Intelligence Bureau, they used wooden boards and canvas to construct two 1:1 scale indoor mock-ups.
The mock-ups perfectly replicated the layout of the first and second floors of the Tisza Palace. While only a layout without internal furniture, it was enough for Morin.
Simultaneously, over 120 instruction unit soldiers pulled from the Balkan front lines arrived in Vienna, travel-worn, on military trains that finally arrived on time and without getting lost.
As soon as these soldiers disembarked, before they could even grasp the situation, they were immediately taken to a closed training ground.
However, when they saw Morin personally waiting for them in the training ground, unspoken excitement appeared on everyone’s faces. This was an unwritten tradition within the instruction unit…
Being personally selected by Colonel Morin to execute “special missions” that couldn’t even be discussed was a supreme honor in itself. It meant you were among the absolute elite of the entire instruction unit, the best of the best in the Saxon Imperial Army.
“Gentlemen, long time no see~”
Looking at these familiar faces, Morin felt a bit emotional, but didn’t waste words:
“You’re going to be very tired over the next while. But believe me, this will be the most thrilling experience of your lives.” The selection process for the final operational personnel began quickly. These 120-plus soldiers were merely the outstanding candidates who made it to the “finals.” Under the coordination of Manstein and others, they were rapidly divided into groups and plunged into a series of highly targeted training exercises.
Although the instruction unit’s various training regimens were already quite novel, the bizarre nature of the training subjects for this covert operation completely exceeded these soldiers’ previous understanding.
For example, enduring long periods of submersion in freezing river water and handling underwater emergencies;
Or abandoning their familiar and handy automatic weapons to practice with an ancient weapon—the crossbow—requiring precise hits on moving targets within 30-40 meters, with bonus points for headshots;
And conducting countless indoor breach drills, requiring them to silently subdue a “VIP” in a target room as quickly as possible, minimizing the chance of triggering combat.
Of course, the training exercise the men considered most sadistic required pairs to carry a sandbag roughly the weight of an adult human and sprint 800 meters at full speed while fully armed.
This tested not only physical stamina but also teamwork and willpower under extreme stress.
Although the soldiers participating in the training complained bitterly about these brand-new exercises, not a single one backed down.
Because they knew very well that only the best performers among these 120 men would participate in the final operation.
As for Morin, he wasn’t idle these days either.
He utilized this time to tinker with a pile of bizarre parts Kleist had gathered, cobbling together a batch of “nifty gadgets” suitable for infiltration operations.
The one that cost him the most effort was a makeshift suppressor, known in another world as a “Wet Can.”
Its construction was actually quite simple: using a 50mm artillery shell casing as the main body, stuffing it with cotton wadding, metal mesh, springs, and rubber rings, and finally injecting motor oil.
Morin attached these makeshift suppressors to several Mannlicher rifles equipped with optical sights.
The purpose was also very simple— if they had to fire, the gunshots wouldn’t echo throughout Budapest and draw the entire city’s garrison.
To be honest, Morin knew this thing’s effectiveness definitely wouldn’t be great.
According to his memory, Hiram Maxim, the inventor of the heavy machine gun, had a son who should have invented the first true firearm suppressor several years ago.
The problem was, due to the different trajectory caused by the “worldline” shift, that “young Maxim” seemed to never have existed. Morin scoured all available records and asked many people, but found no information about the man.
So he had no choice but to rely on himself.
Morin even whimsically thought about creating a batch of subsonic ammunition by reducing the propellant charge to achieve better sound suppression.
After messing around for half a day, he discovered the technical difficulty was far beyond his imagination; it couldn’t be done just by tinkering.
Because current full-power rifle cartridges were designed for high muzzle velocity. Their bullet diameter was slightly larger than the barrel’s groove diameter, relying on the immense pressure of the propellant gas to forcibly engage the rifling and spin.
If the charge was reduced, the gas pressure would be severely insufficient, and the bullet couldn’t overcome the friction to be pushed out of the barrel.
Even if it barely fired, it wouldn’t tightly grip the rifling, potentially causing the bullet to tumble in flight.
Of course… in Morin’s view, these “clever tricks” on equipment had limited utility anyway.
His ideal scenario was an entire operation where not a single shot was fired, and not a single word was spoken.
Infiltrate like a pack of ghosts, extract with the target like a pack of ghosts, leaving not a single trace.
As for the spell scrolls Morin cared about most, after Crown Prince Georg personally telegraphed Dresden, they were shipped over on a military train at top speed.
Looking at the neatly stacked scrolls in the box, Morin once again profoundly realized what it meant to have “friends in high places.” Morin also took the opportunity to make an additional request to the Crown Prince—to have Master Röntgen personally participate in this operation to provide on-site spell support.
Although Georg hesitated slightly, after Morin outlined the general plan, the request was quickly approved.
When Morin relayed the news to Master Röntgen, the seventy-year-old mage, far from showing the slightest hesitation or fear, actually appeared extremely excited…
Ultimately, after repeated screening and weighing, the final roster for the operational team was finalized, divided into three main components—The core force consisted of twenty-nine instruction unit soldiers, including Morin and Ludwig, along with ten drivers for the trucks. Morin compressed the number of combat personnel to the limit, as this wasn’t a combat operation where more people meant better results.
As for why Ludwig and the other two knights were brought along, it was primarily because they could use the “portable magitech communication equipment” for two-way communication.
Ordinary instruction unit soldiers, lacking the “mana affinity” constitution, could only receive orders one-way and couldn’t provide feedback, making them prone to issues at critical moments.
Furthermore, solely in terms of physical stamina and close-quarters combat ability, these three knights, having undergone human modification and extensive elite training, were indeed a cut above ordinary soldiers.
The second component was Master Röntgen, responsible for spell support.
This 5th-tier Transmutation mage would be the most critical safeguard ensuring the operation could smoothly “enter” and “extract.”
Finally, there were two intelligence operatives from the Royal Austrian Intelligence Bureau.
These two would be responsible for identifying the key target during the operation.
After all, none of the Saxons in Morin’s group had ever seen what the Hungarian Prime Minister looked like in person.
Relying solely on a few blurry photographs in a tense, chaotic situation made it easy to grab the wrong person—a mistake that would definitely end up in a textbook on what not to do. But these two intelligence operatives had previously lurked in Budapest under other identities for a long time and had seen Count István Tisza in person from close range multiple times; they wouldn’t mistake him.
Don’t ask why the Austrians had planted so many spies in Budapest; for this absurd dual monarchy, it was a case of “the feeling is mutual”…
Morin simply divided all participating personnel into five groups:
The Reconnaissance Group, the Assault Group, the Target Control Group, the Spell Support Group, and the Vehicle Group responsible for extraction and logistics.
Morin actually considered this grouping very rough. He originally wanted to make it more perfect, even planning to form a reserve force to handle emergencies.
But after repeatedly studying and simulating with Kleist and the others, he found the operation’s constraints were simply too numerous.
The short training period and current equipment didn’t allow for finer personnel division.
Most importantly, if the operation failed, there was basically no chance for a second attempt.
Once all personnel and equipment were in place, the operational force underwent another week of closed-door intensive training.
During this time, the Vienna faction, under Field Marshal Conrad’s command, also began their performance.
While secretly mobilizing troops to mass on the Hungarian border, they continuously sent “friendly signals” to Budapest. Even Field Marshal Conrad personally lowered his posture, engaging in several rounds of seemingly sincere dialogue with Budapest’s leadership.
For a time, in the eyes of the Balkan nations and the Britannians, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s sudden internal conflict seemed to be rapidly de-escalating. To some extent, this also delayed the military adventures the Balkan nations were planning under Britannian instigation… but that is a story for another time.
In short, under Vienna’s strict secrecy, no one knew that beneath this false peace, an unprecedented operation had already finished brewing.
Early morning, April 12, 1915.
In the closed training ground on the outskirts of Vienna, all personnel directly participating in this operation, including the truck drivers and the Austrian intelligence operatives disguised as crew members of Cargo Ship 1, gathered in the largest warehouse.
Morin stood in the center of the warehouse. Behind him was a massive blackboard displaying a map of Budapest and the internal structural layout of the Tisza Palace.
His gaze swept over everyone present.
The instruction unit soldiers all had resolute eyes, radiating a chilling aura.
Master Röntgen, wearing a gray robe, rested his wand on his lap, his eyes closed in repose.
Only the two Austrian intelligence operatives appeared somewhat nervous. After all, this operation was far more dangerous than any undercover mission they had undertaken before.
“Gentlemen, the day of operations has finally arrived…”
Morin picked up a pointer and indicated the map behind him.
“This operation is codenamed—’Ghost’.”
“Today at exactly 2:00 PM, all operational personnel will secretly board Ship 1, disguised as an ordinary cargo ship, via small boats outside the city.” “This ship will sail down the Danube and is expected to enter Budapest’s outer waters around 7:40 PM, where it will undergo inspection by the Kingdom of Hungary’s water patrols.”
Morin paused, his gaze sharpening.
“Before the cargo ship undergoes inspection, all members of the Reconnaissance, Assault, and Target Control Groups will have the 【Water Breathing】 and 【Darkvision】 spells cast upon you by Master Röntgen and myself.”
“Then you will don diving suits used by salvage teams, carry your weapons and equipment in waterproof leather bags, and enter the water from the rear side of the ship.” “After entering the water, remember not to act on your own. Master Röntgen will cast 【Control Water】 to create an undercurrent, carrying you along with the cargo ship… This will conserve your stamina to the maximum extent.”
“Among us are four soldiers who worked as sailors and boatmen before the war. You will disguise yourselves as crew members and remain on the deck of Cargo Ship 1 to coordinate, and also act as Master Röntgen’s personal bodyguards.”
“Remember, your mission is to prioritize Master Röntgen’s safety no matter what happens.”
The four named soldiers immediately puffed out their chests and responded loudly: “Yes, Commander!”
Morin nodded and continued: “Between approximately 8:00 PM and 8:20 PM, Cargo Ship 1 will arrive at this location.” His pointer tapped a section of the river on the map with the shortest straight-line distance to the Tisza Palace.
“At that time, the underwater personnel will detach from the cargo ship and officially begin the infiltration.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Ludwig, you will lead the Reconnaissance Group to land on the west bank of the Danube, then immediately proceed to this location.”
Morin pointed to a building adjacent to the river on the map.
“This is a safe house prepared in advance by the Royal Intelligence Bureau. From the attic of this building, you can perfectly cover a main road leading to the Tisza Palace.”
Ludwig’s Reconnaissance Group, carrying Mannlicher rifles equipped with optical sights and makeshift suppressors, would provide reconnaissance from the attic, as well as long-range precision fire support in emergencies.
Aside from Ludwig, the other four members of the Reconnaissance Group were all top marksmen within the instruction unit.
Thanks to the Saxon Imperial Army’s emphasis on basic marksmanship training, Saxon soldiers generally had excellent shooting skills, and every infantryman in the instruction unit wore a First-Class Marksmanship Lanyard…
“Understood!” Ludwig nodded.
“Excellent.” Morin turned his gaze to the others. “Meanwhile, I will lead the Assault Group and the Target Control Group to land on the east bank of the Danube.”
“Upon landing, we will quickly take off and hide our diving suits, change into prepared dry uniforms, and stealthily approach the Tisza Palace.” “The straight-line walking distance from the riverbank to the Tisza Palace is only about 700 meters, which provides immense convenience for our operation.” “After sneaking near the Tisza Palace, I will personally find a way in, then open the back door from the inside to let everyone in.”
“Once inside, the Assault Group and Target Control Group must strictly follow the route we’ve drilled countless times these past few days, pushing straight through to the second floor of the Tisza Palace!”
“Remember! During this process, make as little noise as possible. Use the quietest methods to subdue any witnesses we encounter… Our target is Count Tisza’s bedroom.”
“Upon breaching the bedroom, immediately gag the target, put a hood over his head, and handcuff him! Then, these two gentlemen will first…”
Morin looked at the two nervous intelligence operatives.
“…confirm the target’s identity! If necessary, I will use a spell to put the target to sleep directly.”
At this point, Morin paused his briefing, suddenly smiled, and called out to the soldiers of the Assault and Target Control Groups:
“Everyone in the Assault and Target Control Groups, raise your hands and let these two gentlemen get a good look at your backs.”
Though bewildered, the soldiers obediently raised their hands.
Morin then turned to the two intelligence operatives and said:
“Memorize their backs. Tonight during the operation, if any sudden emergency occurs, don’t think about anything, just hide behind them, understand? They will protect you.”
A low roar of laughter instantly filled the warehouse.
The soldiers’ friendly gazes significantly relaxed the tense nerves of the two intelligence operatives.
With the atmosphere lightened, Morin continued detailing the extraction plan.
“After successfully controlling Count Tisza, we will retrace our route back to the riverbank.”
“At that time, Master Röntgen’s Spell Support Group will transfer to Cargo Ship 2 heading upstream, and meet us at the designated location.” “The Reconnaissance, Assault, and Target Control Groups will re-enter the water with the target. Master Röntgen will cast 【Control Water】 again, carrying us upstream alongside Cargo Ship 2.”
“During this process, the target will also be buffed with the 【Water Breathing】 effect.”
At this moment, Master Röntgen, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes and raised a question:
“Colonel Morin, the 【Water Breathing】 spell requires the recipient to remain subjectively cooperative… If the target refuses to cooperate and struggles desperately, the spell might fail.”
Morin just smiled upon hearing this, a mysterious expression appearing on his face:
“Rest assured, Master Röntgen. When the time comes, I naturally have a way to make him willingly cooperate with us.”
Morin didn’t specify what method, but his confident tone left everyone present without a sliver of doubt.
“Once Cargo Ship 2 leaves Budapest’s monitored zone, all underwater personnel will board the ship…”
“Upon entering waters controlled by the Kingdom of Austria, we will immediately abandon the ship, go ashore, transfer to our instruction unit trucks, and return to Vienna by land.”
“When Count Tisza is safely delivered to the designated location in Vienna, Operation ‘Ghost’ will be declared concluded.”
Having finished, Morin tapped his pointer heavily on the ground.
“Now, anyone with questions can ask them… Because once the operation begins, there won’t be much time for communication.” Silence reigned. Then, a few soldiers raised their hands, asking detailed questions about rules of engagement and emergency contingencies. Ludwig also raised a question:
“Colonel Morin, why not set the operation time later? For example, midnight or one or two in the morning. The city would be quieter then, and the guards more relaxed.”
Morin shook his head, explaining:
“No… According to intelligence, Budapest implements a navigation ban on the Danube starting at 10:00 PM.”
“At that time, no civilian vessels can enter that core basin, unless… we can procure a submarine capable of inland river navigation.”
This answer drew light chuckles; procuring a submarine for an inland river was obviously far too difficult.
Finally, someone asked about the backup plan.
“If an accident occurs during the operation, do we have a backup extraction plan?”
“Yes,” Morin answered decisively. “But the contents of the backup plan must remain classified for now… I can only tell you that we will not initiate it unless necessary.”
Confirming everyone’s doubts were answered, Morin ordered all participating personnel to begin their final preparations.
At exactly 2:00 PM, by a deserted riverbank outside Vienna.
An inconspicuous cargo ship lay quietly moored at a makeshift dock, looking no different from the hundreds of other cargo ships shuttling back and forth on the Danube.
Morin and his operational team, boarding small boats in batches, silently boarded from the far side of the cargo ship and quickly disappeared into the cabins. The operation officially began.
The cargo ship weighed anchor, slowly departed the riverbank, and merged into the busy main channel.
Recently, Vienna’s deliberately lowered posture had indeed succeeded in lulling their opponents into a false sense of security.
Many believed this sudden internal conflict within the Empire was slowly subsiding, and that Austria and Hungary, these estranged brothers, would ultimately have to sit down and talk.
Sensitive merchants smelled opportunity and increased their investments, attempting to make a fortune during this “window of peace.”
Shipping volume on the Danube even briefly returned to its most prosperous pre-war levels.
This endless stream of traffic provided the perfect cover for Operation “Ghost.”
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