Global Era of Star trekking Chapter 1898 - 920: Bottomless Abyss — Returning Ruins Abyss_3

A stark command, brief yet brutal, was issued: the Torch Civilization Fleet was to immediately assume the frontline vanguard position, taking the place of the grievously wounded Titan Flank Legion. Their mission was to maintain the relentless assault on the Molten Hell Abyss's core passage without a single misstep.

Upon the decree's release, an unnerving silence descended upon the Torch Fleet's command center.

The avatars of the four Human Emperors – Jiang Yuan, Ying Yi, Ji Heng, and Ferdinand – along with a sliver of consciousness from Song Chi, who, despite his distant location in the Ancestral Domain, could still sense the gravity of the situation, were all plunged into a state of quiet contemplation.

Discontent, simmering anger, and a crushing sense of helplessness swirled within their hearts.

Every individual understood the grim implication of the so-called "main force position" within this ferocious, meat-grinder-like frontline.

It signified the deployment of the civilization's most precious fleet into a frontal assault with the highest casualty rates. It meant that the forces meticulously preserved over millennia would likely be expunged in an exceedingly short period. Even the formidable Titan Flank Legion had sustained damage necessitating a rotation; the potential repercussions for the Torch Fleet stepping into their shoes were chillingly clear.

This was an overt act of strategic manipulation, a "justifiable" sacrifice imposed by the Transcendent Civilizations upon their lesser allies.

While the Torch Civilization had ascended as a new power in the Shattered Starry Sea, possessing boundless potential, they were, in the estimation of transcendent entities like the Sky-splitting God King, Eternal Ancestor, Source Star God Master, and Mother of Ten Thousand Machines, ultimately outmatched without their own transcender guardians.

In this war, which would determine the destiny of the entire Starry Sea and was deeply entangled with the machinations of top-tier civilizations, emerging powers like them were frequently relegated to the most perilous and unforgiving sectors.

"We possess no alternative..." Emperor Jiang Yuan's avatar uttered slowly, his voice tinged with a rasp. His own formidable vessel, the Shenxia Jiuli Ship, already bore the scars of its encounter with the Flame Demon Lord.

The Immortal Qin Ancestor Dragon, under Emperor Ying Yi's command, radiated a cold, deadly aura, yet it manifested only as a disdainful snort.

Did anyone dare defy the order?

The grim reality was that any sign of insubordination would swiftly lead to accusations of "desertion in battle" or "undermining the Alliance Army," even before the Abyss could strike. The four Transcendent Civilizations themselves would be the first to crush this Expedition Fleet as a dire warning.

"Execute the order," Ji Heng declared with outward calmness, though the slight tremor of the Profound Yellow Red Yu's hull betrayed his inner turmoil.

Ferdinand offered a silent nod of agreement, and beneath his Heavenly Light Ship, preparations began, Holy Energy coalescing for the unavoidable, brutal confrontation.

From the distant Ancestral Domain, Song Chi's consciousness registered these events, his heart growing heavier.

However, at this critical juncture, the majority of his spiritual essence was dedicated to his own breakthrough. Unable to divert his attention, he could only transmit his concern and unwavering resolve to the frontline through an ethereal link.

"Mobilize the entire fleet!" Emperor Jiang Yuan's avatar's voice boomed across the Torch Network, penetrating the minds of every Torch Warship Captain. "Advance to the front, secure the Titan Legion's former position. This engagement is vital for our civilization's very survival; every soul must... fight until their last breath!"

"Fight to the death!"

"Fight to the death!"

A somber yet resolute chorus echoed through the fleet's communication channels.

Despite the profound indignation towards the injustice they faced and the gnawing fear for what lay ahead, not a single Torch Captain faltered.

They were acutely aware that from the moment they embarked on this expedition, their individual fates had become irrevocably intertwined with the destiny of their entire civilization.

In the ensuing moments, the colossal Torch Fleet commenced its unified advance. Five Mythical Immortal Ship avatars, radiating immense divine power, spearheaded the formation. Though diminished, these elite vessels, forged in the crucible of millennia of warfare, resolutely turned towards the infernal inferno of the Molten Hell, a place that had claimed countless lives.

Within that fiery expanse, grotesque Flame Demons, maddened Demons, and disturbingly contorted Demonized Buddha Soldiers awaited their new "prey," their bloodthirsty gazes fixed upon the approaching fleet.

The Torch Civilization's Expedition Fleet was poised to confront its most harrowing and perilous battle since its departure.