“In the culture of our Molian Civilization, there have never been words such as compromise or surrender. The enemy has attacked us, seized our star systems, destroyed our ships, and killed our people. In that case, there is only one thing we can do, revenge. Revenge, using the enemy’s lives to make up for the losses we have suffered. Until the other side surrenders and pays a sufficient price, our retaliation will not stop.”
In the conference room, the holographic figure seated at the highest position spoke these words without a trace of emotion.
“Yes, the Supreme Leader is absolutely correct. In the face of a Level 5 Civilization, our Molian Civilization has never feared anyone. Well then, Minister of Military Affairs, what is your view on how we should handle this matter?” asked the Supreme Leader’s aide, who was presiding over the meeting.
“Judging from the opponent’s technological level, their travel speed should not exceed thirteen times the speed of light. Based on the distance between the Blue Star System and the three aforementioned systems, the closest to the Blue Star System is the Auregold System. It will take them roughly three months to get there. Therefore, I recommend ordering the Roer Base commander to fully coordinate with the Auregold and Ferro Systems in executing a strategic withdrawal, while maintaining full readiness and waiting for reinforcements. Near the Roer System, Bases Five and Six should immediately dispatch forces to reinforce Roer.”
“In addition, I intend to transfer one million ships from between Bases Seven and Ten to form a coalition fleet and head for the Blue Star System to engage the enemy directly. Military mobilization and assembly will take about half a year. During this half-year period, I will send special operations units to infiltrate the enemy and gather as much intelligence on them as possible.”
“Does anyone have objections?” The Minister of Military Affairs stood, his gaze sharp as an eagle’s as he swept it over the other attendees.
“No objections.”
“Good. Since we are in wartime, I demand that the entire Molian Civilization cooperate fully with my military operations. Minister of Civil Affairs, I require you to stabilize the economy, maintain social stability, and work closely with the military, initiating large-scale conscription immediately. Minister of Science, I require you to accelerate military technology research and ensure our combat strength rises a tier within ten years. Minister of Industry, I require that current construction efforts be shifted toward weaponry, within ten years, I want to see 500,000 new warships before me.”
“Very well, we’ll proceed according to the Minister of Military Affairs’ plan.” The Supreme Leader nodded lightly and said, “I hereby declare that, from this moment, the Molian Civilization is under military control. However, do not announce this publicly yet, to avoid social unrest. From now on, all matters will place military priorities above all else. All planets are to strengthen defenses, with particular emphasis on the capital system. Good. That’s all, meeting adjourned.”
With the end of this meeting, an ancient civilization that had endured for tens of thousands of years was now fully mobilized, preparing to meet the crisis before it.After the Supreme Leader’s adjournment, the holographic figures representing the leaders of each sector disappeared simultaneously. Across the light-years of distant space, however, the Minister of Military Affairs allowed a cruel smile to spread across his face.
“Hmph, a bunch of pedantic fools. How could my plan be so simple? My position within the civilization has already been challenged. Now, with this blind and reckless so-called Divine Ark Civilization invading us, it is the perfect opportunity to secure my power, and perhaps even rise higher. My plan may be risky, but its success rate is very high… For now, I’ll keep it to myself, to avoid you all dragging me down. Once it succeeds and I achieve major results, then I’ll announce it. Let’s see what you’ll have to say then.”
“Commander of the Roer Base, is it? Hear my orders, immediately abandon the Roer System and proceed to that sector to regroup and await further commands. Hm… before retreating, you are to make the following arrangements…”
Although only an insignificant mining planet had fallen so far, they had already keenly sensed the heavy atmosphere that precedes a great war. This was without question going to be a tough battle, and the Molian Civilization was mentally prepared for it. Likewise, Xiao Yu was prepared to spend over a hundred years fighting this war.
Xiao Yu maintained constant contact with Luka Number 2, who was preparing for a surprise attack. Together with the members of the Military Committee, he continuously conducted war simulations.
“Hmm, you’re saying that Systems Number 3 and Number 4 will use this time to conduct a large-scale evacuation, abandoning those two systems entirely, and that the military base in System Number 2 will serve only as a rear guard? That sounds reasonable, but I don’t see it that way. I believe the military base in System Number 2 will not merely act as a rear guard, it will hold its ground and wait for reinforcements. As long as System Number 2 stands, it will serve as a wedge driven into our front, making both offense and defense very convenient for them.” After hearing a report from a Military Committee member, Xiao Yu spoke.
“I agree.” another member said. “System Number 3 is a mining system, and System Number 4 is a residential system, both are extremely important strategic targets. The Molian Civilization would never give them up so easily. We have every reason to believe their retreat is temporary. This withdrawal is only to concentrate enough force to hold System Number 2. As long as System Number 2 remains secure, the arrival of reinforcements will give them a chance to recapture Systems Number 3 and Number 4. Therefore, taking System Number 2 will be our first real hard battle, and the first large-scale engagement since the war began.”
“Defenders always have an extra dimension of advantage over attackers. A mining system, plus a residential system, plus a military base, the total military strength is estimated to be around 500,000 warships, almost certainly with a national-class warship in command. Adding in the defensive measures within the system, we’ll need at least one million warships to have full confidence in taking it. That’s factoring in the effects of Four-Dimensional shields and spatial weapons. In the cold weapon era, there were countless examples of fortified cities repelling enemies ten times their number. So, we’ll need to plan carefully for this fight.”
“One thing is certain, Systems Number 3 and Number 4 will retreat toward the capital system. We can use this tactical approach to achieve our goal. The fleets heading for Systems Number 3 and Number 4 can bypass them for now, leaving only a small force for a basic occupation, and send the main force directly after their retreating population, forcing the garrison of System Number 2 to come to their aid. Once System Number 2 is weakened, our chances of capturing it increase greatly. If they refuse to send reinforcements, preferring to abandon their people just to hold System Number 2, then after completing their objectives, these two fleets can join forces to attack System Number 2. Three fleets in total, with 2 million warships, will then encircle System Number 2, ensuring the destruction of its 500,000 warships.”
“Good. That’s exactly how we’ll do it.” Xiao Yu nodded. “I’ll personally lead this operation. The rest of you must maintain concealment. Once my nearly four million warships are exposed, you will be a hidden force in the shadows. Used well, you could play a decisive role. That’s all, maintain constant communication. Dismissed.”
With the next strategic objective set, Xiao Yu felt slightly relieved. In the already occupied System Number 1, large-scale construction had begun. Countless ships bustled between planets, and massive factories, shipyards, and other facilities sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain.
This would become the stronghold supporting the entire battlefield situation, and Xiao Yu’s temporary main base. To ensure its safety, Xiao Yu made thorough arrangements.
Over ten national-class warships, including the China, remained in System Number 1. Each of the three fleets sent out carried a national-class warship equipped with spatial weapons, namely the United States, the Russia, and the Japan.
Excluding the army of intelligent beings tasked with the surprise attack and the three fleets expanding the gains, System Number 1 still held over 1.5 million warships and more than 300,000 other types of vessels. The Home-class ships carrying intelligent life also remained here.
“The Molian Civilization must have already responded by now… A civilization that’s existed for tens of thousands of years, with a complete societal structure and full tech tree, even with Four-Dimensional shields and spatial weapons, I can’t underestimate them.” Xiao Yu thought with some emotion. “Without a hundred years, this war won’t end.”
“Hm. For now, the primary task is counterintelligence. No doubt, there will soon be many Molian spy devices arriving here, trying to gather detailed intel on me. That can’t be allowed. The longer I stay mysterious, the greater my advantage.”
Thus, all kinds of pre-prepared detection devices were deployed. These devices possessed extremely high sensitivity, even outfitted with the newest tachyon detection technology developed by Luka Number 3. If an external probe tried to scan them using tachyons, they could quickly locate the source based on the captured particles. Then, equipped with specialized weapon systems, they would strike like vicious sharks following the scent of blood, destroying the enemy devices.
The stillness of this region of stars, spanning dozens of light-years, was broken. Between these two Level 5 civilizations, a massive war spanning centuries and affecting over a hundred stars was about to begin.