October 18, 1898Outskirts of Anju, Chongchon River Line
A chill hung heavy in the early morning air as Amerathian and Korean troops gathered at their positions south of Anju, their breath visible in the faint dawn light. Captain Edward Harris watched his men quietly, studying their faces. Exhaustion lined their expressions, but determination shone through clearly. Weeks of continuous combat had forged these soldiers into hardened veterans. Still, the looming battle for Anju would push them to their limits again.
Anju was critical. Its bridges, roads, and railway lines represented vital arteries feeding enemy forces further north. Securing the city would effectively sever General Yuan Shikai's retreat and isolate thousands of enemy troops. But Yuan knew it as well—and the city was now heavily fortified.
