"Now, we must first clearly assess the strengths and weaknesses of both sides," Alan continued after a pause. "Firstly, we are currently in the dark, possessing the information advantage. Secondly, we have standardized alchemy equipment, giving us the firepower advantage."
"But at the same time, the enemy has a greater number of people, and we don't know their individual strength or if they possess alchemy equipment of their own. Furthermore, they brought guard dogs, evidently wary after your previous encirclement; that is a clear preparation against interference blockers. Therefore, if we want to decisively defeat the enemy, we must utilize our advantages and catch them completely off guard."
Alan finished speaking and glanced at the group. "How many of you can skillfully use the Disillusionment Charm?"
Upon hearing Alan's question, most of the Aurors raised their hands.
"Very good. The enemy is engaging in human trafficking this time, so their resistance will be fierce. They might use Unforgivable Curses. How many of you here can skillfully deal with the Killing Curse and high-level Dark Arts?" Alan continued.
The Aurors exchanged glances. They hadn't considered the possibility of the situation escalating quite that far, but what he said was a distinct possibility. Subsequently, only four veteran Aurors, including Mavis, raised their hands.
"Hmm, four people. That's barely enough," Alan nodded. "Next, we'll proceed with the tactical arrangements. Firstly, I'll teach you a simple tactical formation: the three-three system. Led by these four veteran Aurors, I will divide you into three three-person teams and one four-person team. Moody and I will form a separate unit."
"After grouping, those skilled in dealing with Dark Arts will serve as captains. Members of each team will stand in a triangular formation with the captain in the center. After the battle begins, the captains will be responsible for defense, and the others will handle the offense. If you are surrounded or lose visibility, converge toward the captain's position to form a defensive perimeter. Your target is those twenty-four foreign smugglers. Moody and I will be responsible for dealing with the two Silver Spears."
"The four captains and I will activate the interference blockers. Simultaneously, everyone will cast the Disillusionment Charm. We will move into our tactical positions in a fan-shaped formation: here, here, here, and here." As Alan spoke, he marked four points on the map, all of which provided open sightlines with sufficient cover.
"As for the hounds, do not worry. I have a potion here that eliminates scent; everyone should apply some before we move. Once we reach the target locations, wait for my signal. As soon as it appears, everyone will immediately focus fire on the closest smuggler. Throw every offensive charm you have. Moody and I will intercept the Silver Spears."
Alan glanced at Moody.
"No problem," Moody said with a cold, terrifying smile. "I've been wanting to meet these guys for a long time. I hear they know several unique spells; this is a good opportunity to see them for myself."
"Remember, your timing must be precise and your strike fast," Alan warned. "Cast your spells decisively. We need to reduce the enemy's numbers by at least five in the first instance. After the initial assault, they will fall into chaos. You must seize that opportunity to press the attack. Once they react and the battle turns into a stalemate, captains, remember your responsibility: focus on defense. We must prioritize our own safety."
Alan looked at the four veteran Aurors.
"Understood," Mavis said, but she frowned as a thought occurred to her. "But what about the magical creatures being transported? What if they use the person in the cage as a hostage, or open the cages to release the beasts and create chaos?"
"Very good. It seems you've internalized the strategic elements I mentioned earlier," Alan said with a nod of satisfaction. "This is the special task I need to arrange. These smugglers will likely gather the cages together to facilitate transport. One team needs to prioritize infiltrating and securing those cages, then establishing a defensive line around them."
Alan looked back at Mavis. "Can you handle this? I can assign one more person to you. A four-person team should have no trouble guarding the goods."
"Leave it to me." Mavis's lips curved into a sharp smile, a strong desire for battle igniting in her eyes.
"This arrangement works," Moody added, looking at the group with a solemn expression. "Listen up. Show no mercy to these villains. They might provoke you, or even kneel and beg, but remember: only an immobile enemy is a good enemy."
Alan folded up the map. "Stand together; I'm going to cast a protective spell on you. I'll be using some area-of-effect spells later, and without this protection, you'll be at risk of accidental injury. Remember, the sound of thunder is the signal to attack."
The group watched as Alan cast a Static Pulse over them. The magic was flashy and startled quite a few of them. Mavis's brow furrowed as she watched the lightning magic. She remembered the report that a wizard skilled in lightning had appeared at the Scamander house. She looked at Alan again, a seed of doubt regarding his true identity beginning to sprout, but she knew now was not the time for questions.
Once everyone was ready, they activated the blockers and moved silently toward the shore.
***
Meanwhile, on the coastline, the smugglers were nimbly organizing the cargo. They spread out a massive flying carpet and began stacking the iron cages onto it like building blocks, using spells to secure them with ropes. While they worked, the two wizards in faceless masks stood by, watching in silence.
"Thunderbird, why is there still no news from the Sphinx infiltration team? Aren't they supposed to be under your command while in Britain?" one masked man asked, looking toward the figure beside him.
"Presumptuous!" Thunderbird snapped, maintaining an overbearing posture. "Bird Snake, you are a Short Spear; mind your place. That is not a question you should be asking."
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