Mo Xiu is struggling against the Dark Star Emperor, while the Moon Star defense line faces an imminent attack from Fanluo God Emperor. Despite the dire circumstances, reinforcements are on the way, but the Federation's forces are deployed across multiple fronts, unsure if they can hold the line.
Defense Zone No. 5.
The Star Destroyer·Star Hidden and its fleet dispersed throughout the assigned positions within the defense zone, after which their boarding ramps unfurled.
Whoosh, whoosh!
An innumerable quantity of mecha surged forth, resembling a tempestuous swarm of insects.
Across the public communication frequencies, the voices of various captains issuing commands became a chorus.
"All members of the 12th Regiment, 7th Battalion, follow my lead to Defense Point C3 in Zone 5!"
...
"Acknowledged!"
As responses were confirmed one after another, mecha squads advanced methodically towards their designated defensive locations.
Within the Star Destroyer·Star Hidden's Central Control Room.
Piercing alarms shrieked with urgency, and a dense aggregation of red indicators manifested on the Scanning Device's display, accompanied by a barrage of prompt notifications.
"Warning: Star Destroyer·Praise Light has been detected!"
...
The operator paused, momentarily stunned by the alert, before relaying the information to Shari and the others.
"Lady Shari, the attacking force within Defense Zone 5 is under the command of Commander Misar."
Shari, Mia, and the remaining members exchanged looks of surprise upon hearing this.
"Fanluo God Emperor, that scoundrel is truly acting without any semblance of humanity!"
Mia declared, crossing her arms and speaking with evident disdain.
"His objective is clearly to provoke us and elicit revulsion!"
Aifulin and the others voiced their indignation.
"Furthermore, they intend to paralyze our ability to act decisively," Admiral Xia Li stated, his analysis delivered with a calm demeanor.
At this juncture, a communication originating from the Nether Moon Star Defense Headquarters materialized on the operations screen, and Commander Soraya's holographic projection immediately appeared.
"Commander Soraya!"
Shari and her companions turned their attention to Commander Soraya, addressing her respectfully.
Commander Soraya's expression was grim as she spoke.
"You should have already ascertained the identity of your attackers—they are troops under Commander Misa’s command!"
"We have indeed seen them!"
Shari and the others responded with heavy hearts.
"I comprehend the sentiments you are experiencing at this moment, but we are soldiers. Behind us stand countless families and fellow citizens. No matter the depth of our pain, we must engage with unwavering resolve!"
"Understood!"
Mia and the others inhaled deeply, their replies echoing with solemnity.
Soraya's gaze, tinged with a hint of sorrow, swept over them before she slowly raised her hand in a salute, subsequently severing the communication link.
...
Defense Zone No. 2.
Within the Star Destroyer·Deep Blue's Central Control Room.
A woman characterized by short, flaxen hair, attired in a Vice Admiral's uniform and possessing strikingly clear eyes, observed the red contacts on the scanning screen with palpable anxiety, reporting,
"Master Qi Luo Army Commander, the force assaulting Defense Zone 2 is led by Vice Patriarch Edrigge."
"I had not anticipated that it would be him leading the charge against us."
Qianluo's countenance immediately took on a distressed hue upon hearing the words of Deputy Corps Commander Yun Qian.
During their prior engagements within the Tidal Star Sea, skirmishes with Edrig had occurred on multiple occasions; the combat efficacy of his divisions was recognized as superior even within the Heavenly Revelation Divine Country.
"Qi Luo Army Commander, what course of action should we pursue now? Even with the assistance of the defense-line weaponry, I fear the situation will prove exceedingly challenging," Yun Qian inquired, exhibiting a degree of apprehension.
"What reason is there for fear? Transmit the command! Prepare all accumulated Nuclear Bombs for deployment—this presents an ideal opportunity to resolve both past and present grievances simultaneously!" Qianluo declared with fierce determination.
"Yes, ma’am!"
Deputy Corps Commander Yun Qian responded without delay.
...
Nether Moon Star Headquarters Command Room.
Gwen was furnishing Long Chen and the others with a real-time update on the tactical situation.
"Forces across Defense Zones 1 through 5 have assumed their fortified positions and have successfully established defensive formations!"
"The enemy has fragmented into three distinct assault groups, targeting Defense Zones 2, 4, and 5 respectively."
"The estimated time until simultaneous entry into engagement range is calculated at 42 minutes and 15 seconds."
...
At this precise moment, Long Chen turned his head to address Long Ying, inquiring,
"Long Ying, the contingent advancing on Defense Zone 4 is under the command of Archbishop Bulotto. That individual holds the position of First Archbishop, and the forces under his direction are exceptionally elite. Will your units be capable of sustaining the defense?"
"With Admiral Xinlad present, it should pose no significant issue. Moreover, even if a direct confrontation proves unfavorable, we still possess the defense-line armaments for support, do we not? In comparison to that sector, I find myself more concerned about Defense Zone 2. With only the Eighth Legion stationed there, its capacity to hold the line remains uncertain," Long Ying remarked with a slight smile.
Commander Fulaya, overhearing this exchange, interjected promptly.
"Rest assured, I have unwavering confidence in the Eighth Legion's capabilities."
"In that case, all is well then."
Long Ying nodded in agreement.
While attentively absorbing their strategic discourse, Su Ming continuously lowered his gaze to examine his wristband, yet no message from An Ruoxue had arrived.
"Su Ming, is something amiss?"
Admiral Hayes, seated adjacent to him, observed Su Ming's persistent focus on his wristband and posed the question with evident curiosity.
"It is nothing."
Su Ming shook his head in response, offering a brief dismissal.
"Very well."
Seeing Su Ming’s reluctance to speak, Hayes did not press him further.
Su Ming drew a deep breath and waited for another five minutes. As no message appeared on his wristband, he stood up and declared,
"Lord Long Chen, I suspect a scheme lies behind the Fanluo God Emperor’s order for Commander Misar and his forces to attack Zone 5. Perhaps I should proceed to the rear of Defense Zone 5 and await your command? You can summon me if I am needed."
"Understood!"
Long Chen considered the proposal for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Su Ming promptly departed.
...
Thunder Extreme Central Control Room.
Su Ming entered swiftly, and Timi, along with the others present, turned to him and inquired,
"Lord Su Ming, you have returned."
"Timi, prepare to move out towards Defense Zone 5 immediately!"
Su Ming instructed him without delay.
"Yes, sir!"
Timi executed the order without hesitation.
The Star Destroyer, Thunder Extreme, launched from the Nether Moon Star Space Port and accelerated towards Defense Zone 5.
Upon their swift arrival at Defense Zone 5, Su Ming checked his wristband. Still no word from An Ruoxue, a fact that stirred some anxiety within him. He then asked,
"Timi, how much time remains before Misya’s fleet enters the engagement range of our defense line?"
"Seven minutes and thirty-two seconds!"
Timi provided the estimated duration and simultaneously activated the Optical Imaging Device, displaying concurrent views of Defense Zone 5 and Commander Misa’s approaching forces.
Su Ming observed the projected images, steeling himself to wait.
When the countdown reached merely five minutes—
The primary cannons of the Star Destroyer, Star Hidden, along with those of the accompanying vessels, commenced their charging sequence, and all missile launch tubes were armed.
