Chapter 923 - This Game Is Too Realistic

Chapter 923: The Consequence of Repeated Probing On the vast expanse of the sea, burning steel stretched across the horizon, adorning the clear sky after the storm with a sunset glow. This place is an unnamed sea territory less than five hundred nautical miles from the Baiyue Strait. Nearby, there is only a small island of less than a few square kilometers, historically named Selick Island. Here, the Southern Legion's fleet encountered the South Sea Alliance's fleet near this tiny isle. The Southern Legion dispatched a fleet comprising twenty-three ships and five steel airships. In contrast, the South Sea Alliance's fleet consisted of just the cruiser Harpoon, four destroyers, three nuclear-powered submarines, and a land-based anti-ship electromagnetic cannon pre-deployed on Selick Island. After a recent civil war, the South Sea Alliance was terribly weakened, notably losing its core combat battleship to the depths of the ocean. On paper, the disparity in strength seemed overwhelmingly in favor of one side. Because of this, the Southern Legion hardly took the South Sea Alliance seriously upon discovering their fleet, advancing confidently. The battle unfolded over several hours. The outcome was an eye-opener for everyone. Faced with the Southern Legion's mighty and seemingly invincible armada, the South Sea Alliance employed anti-ship missiles and drone artillery to kite them, managing, with minimal casualties, to sink all twenty-three of the Legion's ships. Not only that, but the land-based anti-ship electromagnetic cannon downed two of the five airborne steel airships, leaving the remaining three to flee the battlefield in disarray. Truth be told... The victory came astonishingly easily. In the bridge of the Harpoon, an adjutant holding a telescope gazed at the patches of flames floating on the sea, sighing with a mix of disbelief and satisfaction. "Who would've thought the Southern Legion was only this much..." Out of the twenty-three ships, shockingly, half were diesel-powered, billowing black smoke with a single missile strike. Beside him, a staff officer shared a similarly complex expression, nodding. "...of the twenty-three ships, two-thirds were coastal support vessels. Aside from the five steel airships being a moderate threat, the rest were hardly worrisome." Unlike the surprised reaction of the officers and soldiers, Commander Li Minghui remained quite calm about this victory. The Legion's reliance on airships is too pronounced, particularly evident with the Southern Legion. Against indigenous survivor factions, steel airships indeed hold an overwhelming advantage. Whether in firepower density or strike efficiency, they far surpass ground artillery and conventional aerial units. When paired with specialized warheads, they deliver a formidable "one shot, ten strikes" effectiveness. Yet, when facing an evenly matched opponent, such unconventional war tools tell a different story. Throughout several engagements with the Legion, the Alliance accumulated extensive experience in countering steel airships and assimilated technologies from various sources. With strategies ranging from long-range overload using anti-ship electromagnetic guns to close-range shield-breaking and engine-paralyzing phaser cannons, the Alliance and its allies developed a well-established aerial combat system, allowing these methods to be imparted to the South Sea Alliance. Of course, it's worth mentioning that while the Southern Legion's naval power might feel like an army's subsidiary, it doesn't represent the entire Legion. For instance, the naval strength of the Western Legion in the New World is not to be underestimated. Judging by their reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance measures, their capabilities could rival the South Sea Alliance. Perhaps precisely for this reason, these entities refrained from intervening until the last moment. This might appear perplexing, but Li Minghui understood the logic. The South Sea Alliance's naval fleet developed against the Legion's airships, forming a battleship-centered system. Incidentally, the Western Legion's fleet also adopts a battleship-centered model... Calling it a coincidence seems too convenient. Those so-called businessmen never intended to hop aboard the Southern Legion's sinking ship from the start. Business remains purely business. "After this battle, the Southern Legion no longer poses a threat; our hypothetical enemy strategies should now adapt accordingly," Li Minghui stated, setting down his telescope. The adjutant beside him understood what he meant. "Are you suggesting... the Western Legion?" "Yes," Li Minghui nodded earnestly. "We won this time, but I sense this marks the beginning of the Legion's awakening... The Southern Legion merely served as their scapegoat; more formidable foes are yet to come." The staff officer pondered for a long while, recalling discussions from a recent symposium with Alliance officers. "Developing aircraft carriers and carrier-based aircraft might be a good idea to counter fleets centered around battleships," he suggested. The adjutant chuckled wryly. "History indeed repeats itself." If he recalled correctly, aircraft carriers were deemed relics from the prosperous era before. It was the birth of space-based weapons that brought aviation equipment to prominence, moving battlefields from land to sky, leading to the gradual supplanting of outdated weapons. If the Wasteland Era doesn't end soon, once the gravity wells are completed, they might retrace these steps. Although, that remains a possibility. Li Minghui nodded, expressing an ambivalent stance. "I feel the future path won't be a mere repetition; for now, we'll take things one step at a time." ... In Settlement No. 10, within the modestly decorated city hall, Chu Guang donned his azure power armor once again. Though he no longer required it, this armor's significance to the Alliance citizens had long surpassed its practical utility. It had become a totem. Facing the camera, Chu Guang adjusted the microphone with calm conviction, speaking with a steady and resolute tone. "Today is a special day." "In just the past week, we have witnessed a series of appalling events unfold." "The Southern Legion detonated a nuclear bomb exceeding ten kilotons within an area recognized by the Myco-Cohesive Pact as under our jurisdiction, without any prior warning." "As we optimistically assumed this might be an error and no Alliance citizen perished in the nuclear explosion, 20,000 armed Velande troops invaded our homeland..." "The detonated nuclear bomb, 20,000 soldiers, and twenty-three ships heading for the Baiyue Strait... it's hard not to see these as interconnected." "And undeniably, this is an act of war!" "A beast cloaked in human skin, after many feigned trials, finally tore off its last mask, revealing its menacing fangs." "I need not explicitly state their intentions, as until yesterday, they continued to veneer their image as peace-loving, gentle beings with flimsy lies and feigned benevolence." "But we won't be deceived again. War has begun." "I believe in our armed forces; through the unwavering determination of our united people, we will assuredly secure victory!" "We will completely rectify this one-and-a-half-century-old mistake; we will liberate all survivors oppressed by the Southern Legion, including the victims amongst the Velande people." "On behalf of the Alliance, I announce, due to the Southern Legion's abominable act of undeclared warfare, the Alliance and the Southern Legion are now in a state of war!" "This is a formal declaration of war!" As Chu Guang's words concluded, the live broadcast was disseminated through cables and signal towers across the entire Alliance. The Alliance had officially declared war against the Southern Legion! The conflict in Borrow Province was no longer merely a contest between volunteers and mercenaries. Henceforth, the war wouldn't be confined to the battlefields of Borrow Province alone! In the tavern of Boulder City, patrons erupted in cheers and applause as the three-minute speech concluded on the bar's television. This moment was long-awaited. The audacious enemies had repeatedly miscalculated, attempting to breach the Alliance's limits. Given that they were the source of all trouble, why not bury this root of evil once and for all? A drunken patron staggered to his feet, shouting with a coarse voice. "The Overseer is calling—I’m enlisting tomorrow! It's time to end this charade!" A nearby brewery worker stood, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Count me in! Since the Southern Legion wants a fight, let’s give them a fight to remember!" These words echoed in everyone’s hearts, garnering countless support. Not just the brewery workers, but also the militiamen were ready. People whistled and cheered for these brave young men. They couldn't always hide behind the shelter of the compound residents. Giant Rock City had already emerged from the shadows of crisis, and now it was their time to shine and contribute. They wouldn't abandon their duties; they would stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone in the Alliance. From the front-line trenches to the factories in the rear! They would fight on and on until every snarling wolf threatening their brothers and sisters on this planet was annihilated! A drunken man climbed onto a table, shouting to the raucous crowd. “I hereby declare the official formation of Giant Rock City's Expeditionary First Division! Watch for our triumphs as we follow our Overseer right into the heart of these marauders!” The rising voices endorsed this nameless soul, a sentiment echoing the hearts of countless union members. “We can't just rely on the unions throwing money; they'll never save the workers in Borrow Province. We must pick up guns... damn it, we should have done this long ago!” “Not just the brothers in Borrow Province, but those in the Great Desert and Avin City too!” The fervent response to the call to arms wasn't limited to the radical stronghold of Giant Rock City. From Dawn City to Dawnlight City to Falling Leaf City, residents who had long enjoyed peace once again took up arms. Even in Weifu City, Fries Port, and Settlement No. 1, the same resolve arose. Whether radical or conservative, everyone agreed on one thing at this moment— The methods of civilized people only work on civilized counterparts; against shameless beasts, fire and guns are necessary! As long as they lived on this planet, they couldn't turn a blind eye to what happened here. True peace requires a complete resolution of the Southern Legion problem! At the same time, in the Dominance Bureau of Tian Du. Sitting at his desk, Absek stared unwaveringly at the TV, watching a broadcast of the Alliance Overseer’s speech from Gold Gallon Port’s station. When Chu Guang spoke his final words, Absek leaped to his feet in excitement, pacing three full circles around his desk. His hands clenched into fists, his voice quivering with emotion. “Heavens above... Luna, guide us!” The Alliance had declared war on the Southern Legion! The Alliance had officially entered the conflict! After sacrificing millions of soldiers and civilians, their patience and endurance finally brought a turning point! As Borrow Country's supreme leader, no one understood the significance of this more than he did! His exuberant demeanor startled the cat napping beneath the desk, causing its fur to bristle in fright. Absek looked over at the Defense Commissioner standing at the door, spiritedly ordering, “Relay my command to all troops, prepare for the counteroffensive!” “Yes, sir!” The Defense Commissioner saluted solemnly and briskly exited the room. Watching the dynamic leaders, Internal Affairs Commissioner Wadia couldn’t help but harbor a hint of concern. Recently, the local forces in Snake Province were quite active. Moreover, the Gray Wolf Army, engaged in a constant tug-of-war with the Southern Legion in the south of Wolf Province, was growing like an eel in increasingly muddled waters. Initially, the leader’s piece placed in the south to counter Shaluk had grown into a cumbersome issue. Compared to the Southern Legion’s stalled offensive, he felt this matter was a greater threat to Borrow Country. “But what about Shaluk…” Absek chuckled, confidently declaring, “Shaluk’s just a sly one. Before, when things were unclear, I indeed had to watch out for him, as he might defect to the Legion and stab us in the back. But now things are different; the war in Borrow Province has become a global affair. He’s sharp, not blind; he knows what he should do.” And that wasn’t all. Under the protracted engagement, Borrow Country’s military had transformed profoundly. Now he had brave generals and strong soldiers under his command, not only strategic minds like Yisher, the “Jungle Mouse,” but also fierce warriors like Pickley, the “Butcher.” Shaluk? How could someone who couldn’t even crack the Southern Legion’s ranks dream of contesting Tian Du? Bragging oneself up holds no sway; let others’ words be the judge. Watching the soaring confidence of Absek, Wadia could only offer a wry smile, nodding, “Yes…” Elsewhere, General Guliang in West Sail Port also learned of the Alliance's war declaration against the Southern Legion from his intelligence personnel and reconstructed the entire declaration speech from intercepted radio signals. At first, upon hearing of the war touching the Alliance's homeland, an eager smile played across his lips. However, when he realized that the Alliance had intricate knowledge of every plan against the Southern Legion, right down to the action codes, the smile froze on his face. He advanced quickly to grab the arm of the officer standing before his desk. “What’s our response? Has Avent City issued a reply to the Alliance’s war declaration?” The officer hesitated momentarily, a troubled expression crossing his face. “I... I don’t know.” Witnessing the man's ignorance, General Guliang erupted, “Then why are you just standing here? Go inquire immediately!” The officer quickly nodded, fleeing the office as if escaping. As Guliang resumed pacing near his desk, a sense of unease burgeoned within. This shouldn’t have happened... If General Staff’s stratagems were successful, he should have heard before the Alliance, ideally. The General Staff or the Command would have notified him of the next plans and prepared for invading Alliance soil. Just like after the West Sail Port incident, they immediately dispatched reinforcements following Oleic’s stabilization, readying all invasion essentials. Yet now, as plans reached a critical point, there was radio silence. The expansive General Staff had gone mute. And he, the theater’s chief commander, had to rely on his intelligence to glean the plan’s latest developments from enemy broadcasts. It was almost as if, instead of the Alliance being caught off guard, they had unwittingly sabotaged themselves. Returning to his desk, Guliang took several deep breaths, striving to calm his pounding heart, and murmured to himself, “At least we still hold the upper hand in the Borrow Province theater…” Despite this reassurance, deep down he knew, the outcome there had never hinged on any player in this entire theater. Just then, hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor, the officer he sent to contact the Command returning promptly. He burst into the room, forgetting even to knock. Noticing the pallor on his face, Guliang let protocol slide, rushing to inquire, “What’s Avent City’s response?! What’s happening right now?!” Panic and dread etched across the officer’s features, his lips trembling as he finally forced out the words, "The Corporation... the General Staff just said that the Corporation declared war on us too." The Corporation declared war as well... Those East Coast turtles. For a full minute, Guliang seemed stunned into silence, before quietly seating himself, not a sound escaping. The situation had utterly spiraled out of control and was hurtling in a direction he couldn't have anticipated. Now Avent’s decision mattered little; only Victory City could determine the Willand’s future course... ... (With the end of the year approaching, I’m urged by Octavia for extra content. What characters do you want to see? I’m inclined to write about those less central in the main plot with more daily-life content. _(:зゝ∠)_) To be continued…