Chapter 1 Contact

The initial contact resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Giant worms from other directions around Kepler were rapidly reinforcing the human legions. Before the reinforcements could arrive, the human fleet pierced through like a sharp knife. As the distance closed, the firepower coverage gradually transformed into precision strikes. Engaging in prolonged combat with the giant worms was a poor strategy; localized battles required the main force to deal with higher-level giant worms, such as the Nests and Worm Generals. The main forces of both sides covered the expanse of space, and as the war progressed, it finally entered the most intense close combat. Countless worms flew toward the human fleet, while human mobile suits and a large number of drones bravely charged out. Giant worms crashed onto the hulls of the warships.

"Brothers, charge, charge, charge!"

"Keep up, Eighth Squad, follow me, let's kill these stinking bugs!"

"To hell with it, kill them all! I'll still be a hero in twenty years! That Nest is mine!"

"Haha, to be able to fight alongside my goddess, I won't regret this life! Let's do it!"

"You guys provide cover! Give me the bomb, I'm going to blow up that Cerebrate!"

One person, just one person, but one person's action could inspire the entire legion. If Arths had left or was just singing songs in the rear, it might offer some comfort and encouragement, but each warrior would still have to face life and death alone. But now, Arths was right beside them, and she was about to carry out an even more arduous task. Now, the mobile suits needed to tear open a gap for them and open a passage.

In the close combat, suicide attacks had already begun. No matter how well-prepared a war is, it is still tragic, and countless unknown warriors sacrificed themselves on the battlefield.

In the command center, they closely observed the giant worm formation. The initial plan was to attract the giant worms' attention from the front and enter from another direction of Kepler. However, due to the presence of Nangong Yuhang, this could easily turn into a live target situation. Therefore, Makam chose the meat grinder tactic, which had a greater sacrifice but a higher chance of success. At the same time, a large number of warships and transport ships would cover Li Hao and his team's entry. The transport ships were empty, and the pilots were carrying out their mission with a determination to die.

The victory of any war is not determined by one or two people; it is forged by the efforts and sacrifices of countless heroes. This is where the strength of fragile humanity lies.

In close quarters, the mobile suits were already fighting with the giant worms. No one retreated, no one feared, kill~~~~~

The shouts of battle and the light of explosions illuminated the space around Kepler. In the most intense phase of the slaughter, artillery fire crisscrossed the sky. Nangong Yuhang really didn't expect Makam to choose this most sacrificial tactic. Having once been human, he knew that those cream-puff officials above were good at talking, but when faced with war, they were all cautious and timid. The so-called general offensive was always a tentative attack. But Makam came up and gave him a one-wave push.

How interesting.

Nangong Yuhang and Romero, among others, at Base One were also closely observing the battle situation. With his powerful leadership position at the apex of the giant worm pyramid, Nangong Yuhang had a clearer grasp of the situation. The humans were completely reckless, and the price they were paying clearly indicated that they were carrying out an air drop plan.

"It seems our old friend is coming," Nangong Yuhang said with a smile. "Are you ready?"

Romero nodded. "Killing him, or being killed by him, would both be a very satisfactory ending for me."

"Haha, good, worthy of being the most valiant warrior of Mars! I'll give you this chance. As long as he can arrive alive, we'll give him a warm welcome." Nangong Yuhang was also very much looking forward to and excited about it, but the first condition was that Li Hao had to arrive alive, which wouldn't be easy.

As for the casualties of the giant worms, Nangong Yuhang had no emotional fluctuations. In this universe, everyone but him was just a tool.

The expeditionary force's strategic objective had been achieved. The giant worm swarm was in chaos, and the original formation had been torn open. Hundreds of small fleets began to break through the giant worm blockade and approached Kepler's planetary orbit. This included the task force led by Elena and others. Only in this way could Plan B be carried out and Li Hao and others enter the planetary orbit with the greatest chance of success.

"I am Fleet Commander Elena. Warriors, we are about to enter Kepler's planetary orbit. To be able to escort you is a highlight of my military career!" Elena opened the public channel. "Arths, say something!"

"I am Arths. I am honored to be a member of the escort team and am willing to live and die with everyone!" A Youyou's voice rang out, spreading throughout all the assault warships and the mechs of all the transport ships.

Everyone knew that Arths was participating in the frontline operation, and there were rumors that she would participate in the most dangerous escort mission, but they didn't expect it to be true, and that she was actually on the real transport fleet carrying Li Hao and others.

All the crew members participating in the breakout operation had burning gazes. At this moment, nothing could stop the determination of the human warriors to achieve victory.

In the first squad's cabin, there was silence. Zuo Xiaotang and others subconsciously looked at Li Hao, but Li Hao didn't move or respond in any way.

A Youyou hadn't told him, and he hadn't asked, but he had guessed it. A Youyou also knew that he had guessed it. They were so tacitly in tune, from the beginning of their meeting, acquaintance, and love. Although it was short, it was wonderful enough.

He opened his channel. "I am Li Hao of the First Squad. Thank you for your escort. We will definitely achieve victory!"

Victory~~~~

Rumble rumble rumble...

The giant worms' pursuit began. The Pangu destroyers were the first wave of defense, and the cruisers covered the transport ships as they began to enter orbit. Artillery fire filled the sky, and energy balls blasted from Kepler floated near the transport ships like the grim reaper's scythe. These energy balls seemed to wobble, but their power was astonishing. Once they made contact, they would inevitably destroy the ship and kill everyone on board. And once they got close to a human warship, they would be attracted to it like a magnet, causing great damage to the large human warships.

Elena and others were all elites, maneuvering their warships to make various evasive maneuvers. Human warships continued to explode in near-Earth orbit, and the mobile suits inside the transport ships were also violently shaken. But the warriors didn't react much. The veteran warriors, in particular, were still talking and laughing. "I heard the scenery on Kepler is quite beautiful."

"The only pity is that there are only worms, no babes."

"Haha, brothers, if we can live through this battle, I'll take you to the moon to see the sights!"

"Damn, that's not sincere enough. We should all go to Paradise Island."

…………

The nervous ones were all reservists, but this batch of reservists from the Golden Zone were the strongest. Tension and pressure were inevitable, but now the responsibility rested on their shoulders.

Maxis, Basta, Asashoryu, Robbie, Offie, Musashi... Everyone's expression was serious and resolute, just waiting for their mechs to land, and then it would be their time to shine.

A large number of decoy transport ships played a huge role, preventing the giant worms from knowing which ones really needed to be intercepted. And aimless as they were, Elena and Arths had already escorted the transport ships into near-Earth orbit. They had completed the first stage, and some warships had also broken through the blockade and entered orbit.

In space, the battle was even more intense. Compared to when humans first arrived on Kepler, the giant worms had undergone earth-shattering evolution, specifically evolving abilities to adapt to human weapons. Drones really hadn't played much of a role in this war, but humans had also been studying the structure of the giant worms for many years, especially developing viruses specifically targeting silicon-based life forms. The structure of silicon-based life allowed them to have unique communication methods and telepathy, and silicon-based viruses could spread in their bodies. But it was impossible to determine the extent of this spread, and there wasn't enough time. They were directly deployed in the war.

Countless mobile suit warriors were protecting their motherships. Space fortresses were also constantly releasing powerful firepower at the giant worms. Countless missiles and torpedoes annihilated the swarm like raindrops, while the human space fortresses, which were the largest targets, were also being attacked in turn, and their energy shields were greatly weakened, with some parts severely damaged.

In the command room, Makam, Wufa, and Pang Pei were all watching the real-time battle reports. The three of them and the main members of the fleet were wearing anti-interference helmets, just in case. Casualties were currently heavy, but the strategic objective had been achieved. Li Hao and his special forces team had successfully entered near-Earth orbit and would be air-dropped to their designated location in another half hour.

"I am Makam. Li Hao and his special forces team have successfully entered near-Earth orbit. Now we need to buy them half an hour. All fleets, open fire at full power and do everything possible to contain the enemy!"

This half hour would also be the half hour with the greatest casualties.

"Prepare the Janibekov Cannon for energy accumulation," Makam said, and the command room was stunned.

"Start now?" Wufa frowned slightly.

Makam nodded. "Their chances of winning are only ten percent."