Building a Conglomerate in Another World

September 28, 1898

Seoul, Amerathian-Korean Joint Command Center

It was early morning in Seoul, and the sun was just starting to rise above the distant hills. General William Caldwell stood around a large table with maps sprawled across its surface. He looked tired, worn down by weeks of relentless fighting and constant setbacks. Around him stood officers from the Japanese Imperial Army, the Korean Royal Army, and his own Amerathian staff, each quietly waiting for Caldwell to speak.

"Alright, everyone," Caldwell finally began, his voice steady and focused. "We've had a tough couple of weeks. Losing Pyongyang was hard, no question about it. But we can't dwell on that now. We need to start looking forward."

He gestured at the maps, tracing a finger along the main routes south from Pyongyang. "Chinese forces under General Yuan Shikai are preparing for a major push southward. They'll be trying to take Seoul quickly. If we lose Seoul, this war could end badly, fast."

Colonel Grant stepped forward. "Reinforcements from Busan are arriving now, General. The Amerathian 9th and 11th Infantry Divisions are already mobilized, and we've received substantial artillery ammunition and supplies. We'll have enough to hold the line—and more importantly, to counterattack."

General Caldwell nodded, clearly encouraged. "Good news. But remember, we're not fighting alone. Our Japanese allies are regrouping just east of Seoul, near Chuncheon. General Okada, how are your preparations?"

General Haruto Okada, a respected figure within the Japanese Imperial Army, moved closer to the table. He spoke carefully, his voice firm and clear. "Our forces have regrouped successfully after the Pyongyang withdrawal. Two full divisions of infantry supported by artillery and cavalry have arrived. We are ready to hold the eastern flank, then counterattack when the opportunity arises."

Caldwell nodded again, satisfied. "Excellent. And General Lee?"

General Lee Sang-hoon, commander of the Korean Royal Army, spoke up next. "Our units have reinforced defensive positions along the Imjin River. We've dug trenches and positioned heavy artillery. The morale of my men remains high despite recent setbacks. They understand clearly the stakes involved."

Caldwell looked around at the assembled officers. "Good. Here's the plan. We'll stop the Chinese advance north of Seoul, along the Imjin River. Once they're halted, we'll launch a coordinated counterattack from the east and west, aiming to cut off Yuan's forces from their supply lines near Pyongyang."

He paused briefly, ensuring everyone followed his words closely. "General Okada, your divisions will push aggressively from Chuncheon, attacking Yuan's eastern flank. At the same time, Amerathian and Korean forces under my direct command will counterattack from the west and center. The key objective is to encircle the Chinese troops and isolate them from their reinforcements. If we succeed, we'll regain the initiative and have a shot at retaking Pyongyang."

General Okada nodded confidently. "Understood. We will move aggressively as ordered."

General Lee similarly saluted, speaking clearly. "The Korean Army will hold our positions at any cost and assist fully in the counterattack."

Caldwell looked around the room one final time, noting the determination in each officer's eyes. "Alright then, gentlemen. Let's get to it. We strike back tomorrow at dawn. Dismissed."

September 29, 1898, Early Morning

Imjin River Defensive Line

The sky was just turning pale grey when the first artillery shells screamed overhead. Chinese artillery, positioned just north of the Imjin River, opened fire with heavy bombardments aimed at Amerathian-Korean defensive positions along the riverbanks. Dirt and debris exploded into the air, shaking the ground violently.

In their trenches, Amerathian and Korean soldiers waited anxiously, clutching rifles tightly. The tension was palpable as shells continued to fall relentlessly around them. Officers shouted orders, urging troops to remain calm and steady despite the deafening noise.

After thirty long minutes of bombardment, the shells suddenly stopped. A moment of eerie silence followed. Soldiers tensed, knowing exactly what came next.

Then, from the distant hills and fields beyond the river, Chinese infantry surged forward in massive, disciplined waves. Soldiers in dark blue uniforms advanced quickly, rifles at the ready, supported by machine guns and light artillery firing from behind their lines.

"Hold your fire!" shouted Captain Edward Harris, commander of the Amerathian 24th Infantry Regiment, crouched low in the trenches. His voice carried clearly through the ranks. "Wait until they're close!"

The Chinese infantry approached quickly, crossing the open fields in precise formations. At two hundred meters, they opened fire in coordinated volleys, sending bullets whistling overhead or thudding into trench walls.

"Fire!" Harris shouted finally, raising his rifle and aiming carefully. Instantly, hundreds of Amerathian and Korean rifles opened up simultaneously, unleashing a deadly barrage of gunfire. The Chinese advance immediately slowed as soldiers fell, but their momentum still carried them forward.

Machine guns positioned along the trenches rattled violently, mowing down advancing infantry in grim bursts. Still, the Chinese pressed forward, determined and relentless, closing distance rapidly.

"Fix bayonets!" Harris ordered urgently. Soldiers along the line quickly obeyed, attaching sharp bayonets to their rifles. The fighting was about to get very close, very brutal.

Within moments, Chinese soldiers reached the trenches, leaping inside and engaging in savage close-quarter combat. Rifle butts smashed brutally, bayonets stabbed desperately, and hand-to-hand fighting erupted everywhere along the defensive line. Harris himself grappled with a young Chinese soldier, eventually forcing the man down into the muddy trench floor.

To the east, General Okada's Japanese divisions struck exactly as planned, launching a ferocious assault on the Chinese eastern flank. Artillery blasted enemy positions relentlessly, and disciplined infantry advanced methodically, pushing back Chinese troops caught off guard by the sudden Japanese attack.

Caught between the fierce defensive resistance at the Imjin River and the aggressive Japanese assault from Chuncheon, Chinese commanders quickly realized their predicament. They attempted to regroup, repositioning reserves hastily, but the coordinated Allied offensive severely disrupted their movements.

September 29, 1898, Noon

Amerathian Headquarters, Seoul

General Caldwell watched reports flow into headquarters with cautious optimism. "It's working," he muttered, mostly to himself. "We've got them off-balance."

Colonel Grant approached, smiling briefly for the first time in days. "Reports from General Okada indicate major progress on the eastern flank. Japanese forces have already captured key villages and positions. Our men along the Imjin River are also holding firm, despite heavy casualties."

Caldwell exhaled slowly, allowing a brief moment of relief. "Good. Now comes the critical phase. Send immediate orders to General Lee and Captain Harris: begin pushing aggressively northward. If we don't give the Chinese time to reorganize, we can encircle a major portion of Yuan's forces and regain significant territory."

"Right away, sir," Grant replied confidently, quickly drafting new orders.

September 30, 1898, Afternoon

Northern outskirts of Seoul

After nearly two full days of fierce combat, the Allied counterattack began showing clear results. Japanese divisions under Okada pushed deeper into the eastern flank, capturing critical supply routes and cutting off multiple Chinese regiments. At the same time, Amerathian and Korean troops successfully repulsed repeated Chinese assaults along the Imjin River and started advancing northward.

General Yuan Shikai, sensing the threat of encirclement, began reluctantly ordering Chinese units to withdraw north toward Pyongyang, trying desperately to regroup and prevent total disaster.

October 1, 1898, D.C., Amerathia Presidential Palace

President Matthew Hesh read the latest telegram from Seoul, breathing deeply with relief for the first time in days. The counterattack was succeeding, pushing Chinese forces back and stabilizing the Korean theater. It wasn't a decisive victory yet—but it was a turning point, crucially reversing recent setbacks.

Collins knocked gently, entering with a cautious smile. "Good news, sir?"

Matthew nodded slowly, allowing himself a small smile. "Good enough for now. They've stopped Yuan's advance and forced him back toward Pyongyang."

Collins visibly relaxed. "Then your orders are working, sir."

Matthew stood slowly, looking out at the city below, determined. "They've bought us some breathing room. Now it's up to us to ensure this counterattack isn't temporary. Inform General Caldwell that Amerathia is fully committed—whatever he needs, he'll have it."

Collins nodded solemnly, sensing clearly the resolve in Matthew's voice. "Right away, sir."

As Matthew returned his gaze to the maps spread across his desk, he knew clearly this war was far from over—but for the first time since the loss of Pyongyang, he felt genuine hope that victory was possible.

October 2, 1898, Early Morning

Outskirts of Kaesong, Northern Front

Under a gray and overcast sky, Captain Edward Harris led his battered Amerathian troops forward alongside Korean infantry units. Their objective was Kaesong, a key supply hub between Seoul and Pyongyang. Despite exhaustion, morale was rising as soldiers recognized the enemy was now retreating. Harris moved quickly among his men, keeping them focused.

"Stay alert! They may be retreating, but they're not beaten yet," Harris warned firmly.

As they neared Kaesong, sporadic rifle fire erupted from Chinese rear guards trying desperately to slow the advancing Allied forces. Amerathian and Korean troops returned fire immediately, steadily pressing forward.

Back in Seoul, General Caldwell received fresh reports confirming steady progress on all fronts. Japanese forces under Okada had advanced rapidly from Chuncheon, forcing Chinese units further westward and leaving them vulnerable to encirclement.

Caldwell allowed himself another brief moment of satisfaction before quickly issuing further orders. "Tell Captain Harris and General Lee to push on Kaesong immediately. Securing it quickly will cripple Yuan's supply line to Pyongyang."

Grant nodded sharply, scribbling the orders swiftly.

Meanwhile, in Kaesong itself, Chinese units frantically destroyed supplies and munitions they couldn't carry north. Smoke rose from ammunition stores, and roads were littered with abandoned artillery pieces and wagons. Harris's troops pressed relentlessly, capturing key positions block by block as resistance faded steadily.

By nightfall, Amerathian and Korean troops finally secured Kaesong, taking hundreds of prisoners and critical supplies. Harris stood silently amid the burning rubble, exhausted yet relieved. Their momentum had decisively shifted.

In D.C., Matthew Hesh quietly reviewed new telegrams detailing the success at Kaesong. For the first time since Pyongyang fell, victory felt within reach, a tangible reality now driving Amerathian and allied troops northward once more.