I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

The plan to extend the lifespan of gas masks was simple but essential.

Activated carbon masks function by absorbing toxic gas particles through carbon granules, effectively purifying the air. However, this method has its limits; once saturation is reached, the filter loses its protective ability and must be replaced. Naturally, mid-battle replacements are impossible, and soldiers can't simply call a "pause" to switch out their filters.

Charles's solution? The tunnels.

While the gas swept over the trenches, the tunnels still contained usable air—albeit thick with unpleasant odors: sweat, urine, even worse.

In terms of trench management, the British and French were disorganized failures. Their trenches were chaotic, littered with waste, and personal hygiene was abysmal. Soldiers would often dig small pits within the tunnels to relieve themselves, and over time, these impromptu "latrines" multiplied across the trench system, causing both distress and accidents for new arrivals. In contrast, the Germans maintained well-organized trenches, even equipped with designated toilets. British and French soldiers occupying German trenches couldn't help but praise their cleanliness and order.

Still, despite the discomfort, the air in the French tunnels was at least non-toxic and could sustain life in extreme situations for several hours.

Once the entrances to the tunnels were sealed, a quiet blanketed the soldiers, shutting out the sounds of guns, screams, and cries. Charles felt isolated from the world, a strange urge to peek outside tugging at him, though reason quickly suppressed the impulse.

He knew the outside world was enveloped in yellow-green, toxic gas—heavier than air, settling in the trenches and lingering despite the strong sea breeze.

Later, Charles learned that one soldier had, in fact, succumbed to the temptation to peek, lifting a damp cloth from the entrance. Without realizing the danger, he exposed himself to toxic gas, which immediately burned his eyes with acid. Fortunately, his comrades quickly resealed the gap, preventing a greater tragedy.

Compared to the stifling confines of the other units, Charles's command post was in touch with the rear, where spotters using high-powered binoculars observed the battlefield and relayed real-time updates to him:

"The gas has 'captured' the trench and is advancing inland." "It looks like the gas volume is less than yesterday, likely due to limited reserves." "Or perhaps it's today's wind speed—the faster winds make the gas spread more rapidly, giving it a thinner appearance." "Judging by this, the gas may disperse faster today than it did yesterday."

Charles sat at his makeshift desk—a table cobbled together from ammo crates—listening calmly to the reports and studying his map by flashlight. Captain Claude's words echoed in his mind: "They advanced only 3.25 kilometers before stopping to dig new defenses."

Why exactly 3.25 kilometers? Why dig new trenches instead of using the abandoned French line? Less than 2.5 kilometers behind them lay a French defensive position, easily fortified into a reversed trench.

After a moment's thought, it clicked for Charles: The gas.

"They're bypassing our line," Charles said. "There won't be any trench battles this time."

His original plan had been for the 105th Regiment to emerge from the tunnels and ambush German soldiers in the trenches. Now, it seemed that scenario might not happen.

"What?" Tijani looked at Charles, confused. He held up his flashlight to Charles's face, then quickly turned it away, realizing the discomfort it caused.

Charles kept his own flashlight trained on the map. He pointed to the German position. "Yesterday, the Germans abandoned the French defensive line and constructed a new one further back."

"Couldn't that be just a coincidence?" Tijani asked, wondering if perhaps the Germans just wanted to be closer to the French line.

"It's no coincidence," Charles replied. "It's because of the gas."

"Gas?" Tijani leaned closer, then a light dawned on his face. "You mean the gas is heavier than air, so it settles in the trenches?"

"Yes," Charles confirmed. "Trenches are about 2.5 meters deep. Once the gas 'settles' there, it won't be easily blown away—it could linger for an entire day, and the Germans can't afford to wait that long."

"Exactly," Tijani agreed, nodding vigorously. "If they waited a whole day, our forces would already have retaken the line. But by choosing a new spot to dig trenches, they avoid the problem altogether."

This wasn't random—German forces, to avoid being poisoned by their own gas, were pushing past the trenches and advancing.

Tijani gasped, "If that's true, when we emerge, we'll be behind enemy lines and can launch a rear attack!"

"Is that what you think?" Charles asked.

"Why not?" Tijani sounded puzzled. "We could achieve an easy victory, Colonel!"

Charles shook his head, his flashlight beam moving along the map, tracing the German line into their territory beyond.

Tijani's eyes widened. "You're saying we should advance forward instead of attacking from behind?"

"An ambush from behind would only target the German frontline troops," Charles explained. "At most, we'd trap a regiment or a brigade. Even if we wiped them out, what would it accomplish? We'd still lose our defensive line and ground."

Tijani nodded thoughtfully. The French trench line, now contaminated with poison gas, was effectively lost, even if they won this round.

Charles continued, "Now, think of what could happen if we advanced further forward."

Tijani followed Charles's gaze across the map to the German defenses, then broke into a grin. "We could push through to their command posts, capture supplies, and—most importantly—take over their trenches…"

"No," Charles corrected him, "our trenches." He pointed to a spot on the map roughly two kilometers ahead, a French trench line the Germans had bypassed yesterday.

"Of course, Colonel," Tijani corrected himself immediately. "The German defenses were built hastily; they're simpler and oriented toward us, while the French line has better fortifications and is positioned just right."

Without delay, Tijani relayed the new situation and adjusted plan to each battalion commander.

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