Chapter 492: True Command
The battlefield of Verdun echoed endlessly with thunderous cannon fire.
Though it was mid-afternoon, the sky over Verdun was darkened by the smoke and dust stirred by artillery explosions, blocking out the sunlight and casting the battlefield into perpetual twilight. Inside the fortifications, it was as dark as night.
Inside Fort Saint-Michel, at the northern wall of the command room, a large map was spread out. Pétain stood quietly in the dim glow, puffing thoughtfully on his pipe, his eyes occasionally shifting across the map as if mentally moving troops.
He had chosen Fort Saint-Michel for his headquarters, just as Charles had previously done, because he realized that the Battle of Verdun was not merely about defense; it was fundamentally about logistics.
Only one narrow, second-grade road could supply Verdun, often targeted and blocked by German artillery. Ammunition, troops, and essential supplies struggled to reach the front line. Changing the course of battle meant changing this logistical nightmare.
Yet this wasn't what troubled Pétain the most at the moment.
His gaze rested upon Fort Souville—the first place Charles had implemented the reverse-slope defense tactic. Pétain had studied it several times, thoroughly understanding the operational principles.
I can't use exactly the same tactic, he thought. Absolutely not.
If he did, it wouldn't be his victory—it would be Charles's. Even the slightest modification might suffice. He desperately wanted to put his own mark on the defense, even if it was minimal.
Yet, frustratingly, Pétain realized there was nothing he could change. Charles's tactic was perfect, almost tailored specifically to neutralize German artillery superiority, dramatically reducing casualties and logistical strain. Any deviation would mean risking more soldiers' lives unnecessarily.
With a weary sigh, Pétain tapped his pipe against the corner, knocked out the ash, ground it under his boot, and carefully returned the pipe to its box.
"Perhaps we should rotate the frontline units," Pétain finally proposed, turning to General Lacoste. "By doing so, we preserve unit cohesion and morale."
Lacoste hesitated slightly. "General, I'm not sure that's necessary. With the reverse-slope tactic, casualties have fallen dramatically—barely one or two hundred a day, fewer if there's no attack."
Previously, thousands were lost each day. Now, just a few hundred casualties daily felt like paradise, significantly boosting frontline morale. Seeing Pétain's reaction, Lacoste quickly added, "However, occasional rotation for rest is still beneficial. I have no objection, General."
Pétain nodded stiffly, then pointed at the map. "Also, we should immediately widen the supply road. Ensuring steady supplies is critical to victory."
"Yes, General," Lacoste replied firmly, though Pétain detected skepticism in his tone.
Sure enough, Lacoste hesitated again before saying, "General, perhaps our most urgent priority isn't the road—it might actually be ensuring a steady supply of Charles's directional mines."
Indeed, the troops no longer even required significant ammunition or reinforcements—only a continuous flow of Charles's directional mines. They alone could halt any German advance. And unlike standard supplies, these mines weren't limited by roads; their delivery depended solely on how quickly Charles could produce and ship them.
Pétain grimaced internally. Are they really suggesting I go beg Charles?
Never! Charles's tactical philosophy completely contradicted his own. They should be natural adversaries.
Just then, a messenger entered and reported crisply, "General, Major Jules is requesting to see you. He brings recommendations from Charles, along with an expanded version of the reverse-slope defense tactic."
This instantly drew everyone's attention. Even Lacoste's eyes widened eagerly. A more complete version of the already brilliant tactic? What might that entail?
Yet, Pétain's eyebrows knitted tightly. What game is Charles playing now?
However, refusing this offer was impossible. Refusal would mean ignoring national security and sacrificing soldiers' lives, earning accusations of jealousy, obstinacy, and arrogance.
"Send him in," Pétain finally relented, deeply frustrated.
Major Jules entered briskly, saluting both Pétain and Lacoste, then pulled a detailed file from his briefcase. "General Charles specifically requested that I clarify the full scope of his reverse-slope tactic. These diagrams illustrate his vision clearly."
General Lacoste was visibly pleased. "Thank you, Major. We need this very much."
Officers quickly gathered around, eagerly anticipating learning from Charles's insights.
"Certainly," Pétain muttered stiffly, masking his displeasure while inwardly curious about this complete version.
Jules spread out the documents, pointing confidently. "The reverse-slope tactic shouldn't be limited to a single trench line, gentlemen. Instead, multiple layered trenches should be established."
A murmur of understanding spread through the group.
"And directional mines aren't strictly necessary," Jules continued. "If the enemy attacks, we can yield the first trench—or even the second and third trenches. Since each subsequent trench line is lower than the preceding one, the enemy will always find themselves exposed on higher ground."
"Brilliant!" Lacoste exclaimed. "They'll always be perfect targets."
Jules nodded enthusiastically. "But careful attention is needed regarding spacing. Thirty meters between trenches allows effective grenade use but risks immediate enemy infiltration and melee combat. Therefore, further trenches should gradually widen spacing."
"And," he added sharply, "the 75-mm artillery must be pre-sighted to hit each abandoned trench perfectly."
Gasps of admiration filled the room.
"Ingenious! The artillery will tear advancing enemy formations apart!"
"The German troops rushing into trenches will be annihilated instantly!"
"In these reverse-slope zones, we gain absolute tactical superiority, despite overall numerical inferiority."
Lacoste grew slightly anxious, cautiously asking, "Major, does this mean we can't expect increased directional mine deliveries?"
"No," Jules reassured firmly. "General Charles promises maximum effort to maintain Verdun's supply of directional mines. He'll also provide entirely new mines—recent inventions by the General himself."
"You'll be the very first to use these new weapons. For Verdun! For France!" Jules declared proudly.
The room erupted into enthusiastic cheers, joining his rallying cry:
"For Verdun!"
"For France!"
Amidst this fervor, Pétain felt oddly helpless. For the first time, he realized that he was not the true commander at Verdun.
The man truly leading this battle was, unmistakably, Charles.
(End of Chapter 492)
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Franklin1