Chapter 1 Assembling the Troops

The command meeting room was packed, filled with the highest echelons of the unified command, branch officers, and participating Super-A Grades.

A holographic star chart of the Interception Circle floated above a tactical simulation table. Simon stood beside it, manipulating the chart, drawing tactical markers with his fingers, constantly explaining the current situation.

"...According to Black Star's intelligence, the World Tree has mobilized an ultra-large army of two hundred billion ships, suspected of launching a full-scale offensive. This is the deployment map of our various branch forces and the distribution map of wormhole support stations. As you can see, the region where our forces can mobilize the fastest is the A-1075c to n-0744j sector. If the World Tree attacks this defensive line, all our main defensive forces can converge and arrive at maximum speed. However, the assembly speed of other defensive lines is slightly slower. This difference in time could become a breakthrough point, allowing the World Tree to breach the first and second layers of defense with their massive forces, enter the strategic depth zone and the wormhole support station distribution zone in between, threatening the third and subsequent layers of defense, creating a vicious cycle and putting us on the defensive..."

Many high-level commanders wore solemn expressions. A fleet of two hundred billion ships put far more pressure on them than the previous three offensives. Any single factor could become a breakthrough point for the enemy.

"I believe that after experiencing the previous three failures, the enemy will not repeat the same mistakes this time. They will most likely change their attack methods and not immediately make a beeline for our lines."

"Our construction time is still too short. The World Tree doesn't just want to break through the blockade, they probably want to dismantle our fortifications in one go. Only by removing our constantly advancing Interception Circle can they stabilize the jump points and build a bridgehead to invade our territory."

"We need more reinforcements from the rear, and it's best to increase the interval between the first two layers of defense and the strategic depth zone of the rear defense, to guard against the enemy breaking through the blockade."

The commanders of the various forces voiced their opinions, engaging in a heated discussion.

Meanwhile, the Super-A Grades sat on the sidelines, listening without speaking, not participating in the discussion.

After the high-level officials argued for a while, Simon turned to Han Xiao and proactively asked, "Black Star, what are your thoughts?"

"On this matter, you guys should make the decisions. I have no comments."

Han Xiao shook his head, indicating that professional matters should be left to the professionals.

However, he paused and added, "However, the World Tree is likely aware that the direction of the intelligence leak has been detected. The authenticity of the information I obtained is questionable. It may also be a feint deliberately released by the World Tree. This risk must be considered."

Simon exhaled. "I understand that, but even if we can't determine whether the information is true or false, we still have to prepare for the possibility of a two-hundred-billion ship fleet. Even if there's only a one percent or one-tenth of one percent chance that it's true, we must be prepared. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable."

"Indeed." Han Xiao nodded. If it were true, and they didn't prepare in advance, the World Tree would likely strike directly at their core, piercing their defenses and causing a devastating rout.

During the previous two offensives, the Sons of Destiny had also monitored the situation, and Han Xiao had similarly harbored doubts, but both times the intelligence proved to be accurate. However, this did not reassure him; it made him even more vigilant.

If the World Tree deliberately leaked information about the previous two offensives in an attempt to lower their guard, then they must be planning something big, and at a crucial moment, they would send deadly false information. However, as of now, there was no way to know what the World Tree was planning.

'Fortunately, I retrieved a new type of observation device from the First Sanctum and equipped the three Universal Civilizations with it. The World Tree can no longer operate secretly here as before. Any disturbance will be detected.'

Han Xiao thought to himself.

Since the three Universal Civilizations had applied the special long-range detection technology he provided to the war situation, their reliance on the Sons of Destiny's monitoring channels had been greatly reduced. Even if the World Tree had any plans, they couldn't carry them out secretly, greatly reducing the risk.

The meeting lasted for a long time, and many commanders left with heavy hearts.

Han Xiao and his group also left the meeting room and returned to their residences together.

On the way, Kexiu’e squeezed through the crowd and came to Han Xiao's side, whispering, "The World Tree didn't send any high-level combatants in the previous two offensives. This time, they're suddenly launching a full-scale offensive. Do you think they've found a way to restrict Aurora?"

Han Xiao glanced at him. Before he could speak, Hunter jumped from Han Xiao's shoulder onto Kexiu’e’s head and said in a muffled voice, "Hey, maybe they're planning to ignore us high-level combatants and simply use their forces to overwhelm the defenses."

"Ignore us? That's not impossible, as long as they're willing to accept the risk of local battles. After all, even if we're very strong, we can't have a fundamental impact on a war of this scale. At most, we can create some opportunities," Kexiu’e mused.

Seeing the two of them start chatting, Han Xiao gave up on responding and turned to look at Ames on the other side.

"Hmm? What are you looking at me for?" Ames raised an eyebrow.

"The enemy is bringing out a two-hundred-billion ship fleet. Are you scared?" Han Xiao asked casually.

"There's nothing to be afraid of." Ames shook her head. She had participated in the previous two World Tree offensives in the past few months and now had war experience.

"This time is different. The World Tree may send out high-level combatants. You didn't participate in the first large-scale battle, and you haven't fought World Tree powerhouses before. They're very difficult to deal with."

"I'll be happy to see them." Ames' expression was calm.

"Don't underestimate them. The intensity of a Super-A Grade battle is not comparable to dealing with regular fleets in the previous two offensives. I suggest you stick with Milizaus." Han Xiao pointed at the old dragon.

"What am I supposed to do by sticking to him?" Ames asked curiously.

"He's so big, you can hide on him, and they won't be able to hit you. When necessary, you can use your force field to throw his body out to help you block attacks."

Han Xiao shrugged.

"...You know I can hear you, right?"

Milizaus' mana avatar couldn't help but turn his head and look over, his tone helpless.

"I want you to hear it. His nickname is Dragon Throne. It's reasonable for you to sit on him, right?" Han Xiao curled his lip.

"That sounds familiar. Have you said that to me before?"

Milizaus snorted through his nostrils, unimpressed.

Han Xiao spread his hands. "Don't you think this tactic is very reliable?"

"Not at all. And my size has already shrunk a lot. I won't be targeted by the enemy at all. This plan is definitely useless." Milizaus was very calm. People who have successfully lost weight are just that confident.

"Then restore your size. It's a waste of natural resources to have such a huge body and not use it to protect your teammates!"

You're daydreaming... Milizaus rolled his eyes and ignored Han Xiao.

The group wasn't frightened by the possibility of a large-scale battle. They laughed and talked as they returned to their residences.

Han Xiao closed the door, his smile quickly disappearing, his brow furrowed slightly.

He had a premonition that the World Tree was going to use high-level combatants in this offensive, and since the Town Tree King hadn't been resurrected yet, there might be a new Tree King coming this time.

Of the five Tree Kings, only the Town Tree King's ability was the simplest and most direct, while the other Tree Kings were full of tricks. No matter who came, they would be more difficult to deal with than the Town Tree King.

...

At the same time, in the Flickering World, in the Black Star Army's territory, on a desolate planet.

Rumble—

Two blurry figures were like shooting stars, sweeping across the desolate land, constantly colliding with each other. Each collision was explosive, setting off fierce shock waves and leaving behind rift valleys and giant pits on the ground.

Suddenly, the two figures slammed to a stop, revealing their clear appearances. One was Rottayl, and the other was Carrouth, who was receiving training.

Rottayl spun his dagger with his fingers, then flicked it into the knife pouch on his waist and mused, "Your strength has increased again. You can withstand my current force. In the next practical combat training, I will release more combat power to continue to squeeze out your potential."

"Okay, I will train hard." Carrouth bumped his fists together, creating sparks, his face full of determination.

He had applied more than once to go to the front line to fight against foreign enemies, but they were all rejected by Black Star. Knowing that this was a sign of Han Xiao's attention to his potential, he was enduring the pressure in the front to give him time to grow.

Carrouth understood that his primary task was to concentrate on training and grow as quickly as possible to the point where he could go to the front line to help Han Xiao. Therefore, after the outbreak of the war, he had been training proactively every day.

"Well, at this rate, it's only a matter of time before you become a Super-A Grade..."

Rottayl said so, but he was secretly muttering in his heart.

During his time training Carrouth, he had discovered that Carrouth's progress was extraordinary, and his growth rate didn't slow down as his strength increased. Instead, it became faster and faster, as if there were no bottlenecks at all. His progress every day was visible to the naked eye.

Rottayl was originally curious about why Han Xiao valued Carrouth so much, but now he had no doubts left, only deep amazement.

How could there be such a martial arts genius in the world? How did Black Star discover him?!

...

In the World Tree Territory, in the Tree King's Hall.

On the five thrones, there were two figures sitting at this time. One was the Mind Tree King, and the other was the Fixed Tree King, who was wrapped in heavy armor. Below the two Tree Kings stood many Executors, and some of the fallen figures had already been resurrected.

"Did you release the intelligence?"

"It has been displayed by the Foresight troops," Tedriin replied with his head bowed.

"Well, I hope their attention is all on that."

The Mind Tree King stroked the armrest and nodded slowly.

Tedriin continued, "In the previous few offensives, we have calculated the approximate structure of the Interception Circle, as well as the troops stationed by the enemy and the limits of subsequent support. This time, we will amplify our numerical advantage, and we should be able to break through the Interception Circle in one fell swoop, or at least clear their spatial anchoring orbit..."

Hearing this, the Mind Tree King hummed casually, without saying much. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the Executors.

Soon, only the two Tree Kings were left in the palace.

The Fixed Tree King turned his head slightly, seemingly squinting at the Mind Tree King with the corner of his eye hidden behind his mecha mask, and slowly said, "Have you decided to go personally? Is that why you urged me to manifest?"

"Yes, that regeneration Esper is most easily dealt with by me, and that Universal Treasure can only exert its greatest power in my hands… If I die there, you will temporarily be in charge of affairs here," the Mind Tree King said calmly.

"How long before the Town Tree King is resurrected?" The Fixed Tree King frowned.

"Although I water him every day, it will still take some time." The Mind Tree King waved his hand.

The Fixed Tree King was silent for a while, then said in a deep voice, "In that case, take my Dominator Avatar, Apostle Weapons, and mechanical troops with you."

"Are you planning to protect my life?"

"If you live to preside over the affairs here, I can continue to comfortably stay in the Mother Tree and absorb nutrients," the Fixed Tree King said coldly.

The Mind Tree King shook his head. "This civilization is very strong. Sooner or later, you will have to participate in the war personally."

"We'll talk about it then."

Leaving these words behind, the Fixed Tree King's body merged into the canopy throne and disappeared.

Seeing this, the Mind Tree King was a little helpless.

No matter how diligent they were before, after being selected as Tree Kings, they would become lazier than the last, doing as little as possible, especially the Fixed Tree King, who was a Mechanic.

He still remembered that this guy was a research fanatic before becoming a Tree King, but now, let alone research, he was too lazy to even build mechs, relying entirely on the Mother Tree to convert them…

In contrast, the Mind Tree King still preferred the Town Tree King. He could get him to work with a few words of persuasion. He was simply a breath of fresh air among the Tree Kings, the best tool man in the eyes of the other four.