Chapter 38 - 38 The Manila Landing

Words : 683 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 38: Chapter 38 The Manila Landing The modern naval mine of this era was simple yet deadly—a steel sphere packed with explosives, designed to detonate on impact. These indiscriminate weapons showed no mercy, targeting friend and foe alike. In a world without automated detection systems, there was only one way to deal with them: divers painstakingly dismantling each mine, one by one. "Disarming them one by one could take weeks," Ming muttered, his gaze fixed on the expanse of Manila Bay. The mines lay shallow at some points—just a meter below the surface—and as deep as ten meters in others. The Spaniards surely anticipated an American effort to clear the mines, which meant the density would be extraordinary. ming's plan, however, was bold and straightforward: detonate every mine in the fleet's path. Ming signaled to one of his men, who brought forward a large metal crate. Inside was a massive steel net, its ends weighted with heavy iron spheres. Admiral Dewey, upon seeing the contraption, froze mid-step. "What in God's name is that?" "This," Ming explained, "is how we'll clear the mines." The crude device had been transported at great expense, taking up much of the precious cargo space aboard the supply ships. It was a gamble, but one Jinhan had prepared for. "We'll drag this through the minefield, detonating any mines in our path. The debris will get caught in the net, ensuring the area is clear." "Everywhere in our path?" Dewey asked, incredulous. "Exactly. We'll advance slowly, clearing the way as we go. Once we're close enough, your battleships can handle the coastal artillery." Dewey's expression darkened as he considered the risk. This strategy would expose Jinhan's ships, especially those at the front, to relentless fire from the Spanish coastal batteries. "Our ships will be torn apart by the barrage," he said grimly. Ming nodded. "That's why we reinforced the bows with additional steel plating. It won't stop everything, but it'll buy us time." Dewey studied the modified ships, their armored prows gleaming under the sun. "You anticipated this," he said, his tone accusatory.@@@@ "Call it a precaution," Ming replied with a shrug. The admiral shook his head, half in disbelief, half in admiration. "This plan is insane. A civilian fleet leading a naval assault?" "It's the best we've got," Ming Fang said. "Unless you've got a better idea?" "We're making progress," Dewey said, his voice grim but steady. In the Spanish command post, Ángel's smirk faded as reports of the American advance poured in. "They're clearing the mines?" he said, disbelief coloring his voice. "Yes, Admiral. And they're doing it faster than expected." Ángel's confidence wavered as the sounds of battle grew closer. The Americans weren't retreating—they were charging straight through the minefield. "Focus all artillery on their lead ships!" he bellowed. As the final mine detonated, Jinhan's lead ship, battered but operational, signaled the all-clear. "We're through!" Ming announced. "Advance!" Dewey commanded, his battleships surging forward. The coastal artillery was overwhelmed by the concentrated fire of the Asiatic Fleet. Within hours, the Americans secured the bay, and preparations for the landing began. Ming stood on the deck of his ship, surveying the scene. The gamble had paid off, but the cost was evident in the scars that marred the fleet. "This is just the beginning," he muttered, already planning the next step. Victory in Manila was near, but the war was far from over. The Asiatic Fleet approached Manila Bay, their movement slow yet deliberate. "Tsk, they can't seem to let go," muttered Admiral Ángel, his voice tinged with derision. Through his "They're wasting their time. The coastal batteries can't even reach them at that distance," he scoffed, waving off the approaching threat. But contrary to Ángel's dismissal, the Asiatic Fleet continued their advance, their formation unwavering. As they crossed the bay's entrance and entered the minefield, alarms were raised. spyglass, he observed the advancing fleet, their pace crawling.

Chapter 38 - 38 The Manila Landing

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