Shadows of the Deep Space Chapter 1773 - 554: Fated Showdown (Part 2)

Observing the unfolding conflict before him, Long Chen's demeanor grew intensely serious.

"This situation has become dire; with a 3v3 engagement, Hayes and the others are simply outmatched," he stated grimly.

"Indeed! If the Zero-degree Envoy cannot maintain their stance, it will all be over," Flaya replied, her voice strained.

The Zero-degree Envoy's specialized mode operates under a finite duration, and it will eventually deactivate upon reaching its time limit, diminishing their chances even further.

"What course of action should we take now?" Soraya inquired, her gaze sweeping across the group.

"What else can be done but to deploy additional weaponry to support the ongoing battle!" Long Ying proposed his solution.

"That is a viable option, but we cannot dispatch an excessive number of units, as it would create vulnerabilities in other sectors," Long Chen mused after a moment's deliberation.

While numerous armaments remained within the Nether Moon Star Defense Line, having not yet entered the fray, these critical assets were allocated to specific zones. Hastily withdrawing them could significantly weaken defenses in other areas, potentially allowing the Chilami and Fanluo God Emperor to exploit the situation and initiate conflicts across multiple fronts.

"Very well!" Commander Flaya nodded, conceding to the plan.

...

Within the confines of the Nether Moon Star Defense Line, a strategic relocation commenced. Light Annihilation Heavenly Weapons, Crystal Origin Fortresses, and various vessels began to mobilize, converging towards Defense Area No. 5.

Concurrently, numerous war correspondents, piloting modified Iron Guard Mechas and employing professional optical equipment, positioned themselves at a safe distance to capture footage and broadcast live feeds focused on Defense Area No. 5.

...

The scene shifted to Starlight City, specifically Golden Light Street.

What was once a bustling commercial thoroughfare was now remarkably subdued. Many pedestrians had halted their movements, their attention fixed on the colossal virtual projections adorning the skyscrapers.

These holographic displays, rather than showcasing advertisements, were dedicated to transmitting real-time battle footage from the three primary defense lines.

A palpable sense of anxiety was etched onto the faces of the onlookers.

Despite the Federation citizens' prior proclamations of fearlessness when confronting the Apocalypse and the Dark Star Empire, the reality of active combat had introduced a layer of uncertainty. This war differed significantly from previous conflicts, as the Federation was now contending with four adversaries simultaneously, a stark contrast to the greater confidence they felt in one-on-one or two-on-one engagements.

...

Currently, within the Star Cluster Forum, a multitude of individuals were engrossed in the live broadcasts captured by war correspondents from the three major defense lines.

A war correspondent stationed near the Nether Moon Star Defense Line delivered a report tinged with palpable tension.

"Esteemed viewers, I am currently positioned behind Defense Area No. 5 of the Nether Moon Star Defense Line. From my vantage point, the aerial engagement unfolding in the star-studded expanse is exceedingly fierce. Two VI-type Heroic Level elders from the Chilami Clan have joined the conflict. Admiral Hayes, General Angulat, and Lord Mogulico are currently leading a significant contingent of soldiers in an intense battle against them, yet the overall situation remains precariously balanced! However, we are observing adjustments to the defensive perimeter here, with a substantial quantity of defensive weaponry being redirected toward Defense Area No. 5..."

The accompanying message area buzzed with activity.

"Onward, you must achieve victory!"

"My goodness, why does it feel so defensive? Can't we deploy more generals?"

"The available pool of generals is not that extensive!"

"It certainly feels like we are at a disadvantage!"

"There's no alternative; we are pitted against four opposing forces. Had it been a straightforward one-on-one confrontation, we would undoubtedly have overwhelmed them."

...

Numerous Federation citizens continued to offer words of encouragement and support.

Meanwhile, individuals affiliated with the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country and the Dark Star Empire began posting taunting messages on the communication board.

"Oh, weren't you exceptionally bold earlier? Why has your arrogance vanished?"

"Are you trembling? We are on the verge of invasion soon."

"Your end is imminent!"

...

"Silence your vile mouths! Once we repel this assault, your demise will be sealed."

...

Several Federation citizens retaliated with palpable anger.

"Oh, boo hoo, I'm so terrified, come out and bite us!"

"Pay no mind to these Federation curs; they are merely incensed and humiliated at this moment."

"Haha, which defense line do you predict will fall first: Black Flame Star, Cui Lan Star, or Nether Moon Star?" A participant from the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country deliberately posed this question to heighten the pressure on the Federation populace.

"There's likely not much hope on the Black Flame Star front."

"Why is that? Isn't the combat prowess of the Dark Star Empire considerable?"

"It's not solely about combat power; the primary concern stems from the Dark Star Emperor's decision to target the heavily fortified central sector during the assault on the Black Flame Star Defense Line."

"What in the blazes? Attacking head-on; is the Emperor completely devoid of sense?"

"Ahem, let's refrain from such expressions. We are, at the very least, allied partners, though I genuinely struggle to comprehend the Emperor's strategic reasoning."

"It appears the Black Flame Star Defense Line holds no more hope; we must place our sole reliance on the Cui Lan Star Defense Line and the Nether Moon Star Defense Line."

"Which of these defense lines do you believe will be the first to crumble?"

"My assessment leans towards the Nether Moon Star collapsing first. We are stationed there, alongside the Chilami Clan. Furthermore, reports indicate the combat there is exceptionally fierce at present, with the Chilami Clan having already deployed three VI-type Heroic Level elders."

"That reasoning is sound, yet I maintain that Cui Lan Star faces a significant probability of falling first. Despite the Federation’s First Legion being stationed there, they are confronting the Mechanical Clan, whose nature inherently restrains mechanical weaponry, creating a highly unfavorable situation!"

...

Within the Federation Administrative Building’s Dawn Hall conference room, the scene unfolded as follows:

City Lord Farren, City Lord Alicia, Mokduo Clan Leader, Clan Leader Tai Falu, Lord Omid, Komit, Su Mulong, Beludo, and Fasad occupied their respective seats. An atmosphere of tension was evident on every face as they directed their gaze toward the council platform.

Only Long Bai, adorned in the Starry Robe, stood upon the council platform. Before her, real-time combat visuals from the three major defense lines were vividly projected.

At this moment, all present could witness the unfolding events within the Cui Lan Star Defense Line.

Mechanical Clan forces launched a relentless assault on the defense line, exhibiting a complete disregard for their own lives.

One by one, defensive armaments were brutally overwhelmed and destroyed.

Subsequently, innumerable Mechanical Flying Insects alighted upon the debris of vanquished weaponry. They commenced a rapid process of dissolution and proliferation. In mere moments, swarms of Mechanical Flying Insects multiplied exponentially, forming torrents of metallic storms that swept towards the defense line.