Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high! Chapter 1096 - 743: The Demon Awakens!

The commander of the Peak Alliance immediately fanned the flames, declaring, "Precisely! For a long time, we've harbored suspicions of his collusion with various heretical factions! It now appears he is not only a Bug Race infiltrator but also engaged in the clandestine revival of Intelligent Mechanical technology! This constitutes a double betrayal! A desperate gambit for power! Such elements must be purged without delay to avert future calamities!"

This accusation of "colluding to revive Intelligent Mechanical insurgency technology" carried a more righteous and incendiary weight than any prior, nebulous charges.

The Intelligent Mechanical insurgency represented a deeply painful scar upon human civilization's history, and any association with it invoked an instinctive revulsion and profound dread.

This pivotal accusation became the final catalyst, granting the United Fleet an unassailable "justification" for initiating an assault.

There was no room for hesitation or a final ultimatum.

The United Fleet command swiftly achieved unanimity, and the directive to attack was immediately promulgated.

"All units, attention! Target: All military and industrial facilities on Gray Ridge Star suspected of involvement with Intelligent Mechanical technology! Objectives: Annihilate the 'New Bauhinia' armed forces completely, cripple their industrial infrastructure, and capture or eliminate their leader, Bai E, along with key associates! Authorization granted for the use of all necessary force! Repeat, all necessary force is authorized!"

"For the purity and security of human civilization, commence the assault!"

In a single, cataclysmic moment, the United Fleet surrounding the Mine Star unleashed a barrage of a thousand cannons!

Countless searing beams, kinetic projectiles, and Spiritual Energy missiles descended like a tempest of devastation upon Mine Star's atmosphere, its orbital defense platforms, newly erected spaceports, and structures designated as "Intelligent Mechanical technology facilities"!

A piercing, planet-wide alarm instantly resonated through every segment of Mine Star.

"Over-saturated orbital strike detected! 'Sky Dome' shield activating at maximum capacity!"

"Orbital Defense Platforms, engage intercept fire at full intensity!"

"All combat units, assume highest combat alert status! This is not a drill! Repeat, this is not a drill!"

Bai E swiftly ascended into the cockpit of his enhanced 'Star Emperor' Mecha, finalizing calibrations. His Spiritual Energy link was fully established, and the novel feedback from his new chassis surged with precise, potent energy.

His gaze, piercing through the command center's dome, fixed upon the star-strewn sky marred by cannon fire. His voice, calm yet resonant, was broadcast across all channels, reaching the ears of every warrior of New Bauhinia:

"They have finally made their move."

"In pursuit of their so-called 'Order' and 'Purity,' they readily abandon civilians, twist the truth, and trample all in their path."

"Yet, this is our homeland."

"There exists no 'righteous' crusade, only unadulterated aggression."

"Warriors of New Bauhinia, follow me—we meet the enemy head-on!"

The war commenced with the United Fleet's sudden, devastating, and saturation-level orbital bombardment, orchestrated by the Star Alliance and Peak Alliance.

The initial volley, akin to a furious storm, slammed against Gray Ridge's 'Sky Dome' shield, instantly driving its energy readings to a perilous threshold.

The hastily deployed orbital defense platforms engaged with their utmost might. However, confronting the United Fleet's overwhelming superiority in both quantity and quality of weaponry, their interception efficacy plummeted to below forty percent. More than half of the incoming attacks brutally impacted the shield, generating cataclysmic energy ripples.

Despite Helen's team dedicating their entire effort, achieving technological advancements within mere months by leveraging insights from the 'Divine Fragment' and Intelligent Mechanical technology, New Bauhinia remained an emergent power. Its industrial output, fleet strength, and personnel's familiarity with new weaponry paled in comparison to the seasoned United Fleet amassed by the Star Alliance and Peak Alliance.

The United Fleet's tactical objective was starkly clear and efficiently executed: employ heavy warships to persistently bombard and deplete the 'Sky Dome' shield's energy reserves, while simultaneously deploying high-speed assault vessels and escort fighter squadrons. Under a protective cover of fire, these craft would weave in for direct assaults, aiming to strike shield generator nodes, orbital defense platforms, and critical ground-based industrial facilities and command centers.

In the nascent stages of the conflict, New Bauhinia was subjected to immense pressure.

Under the relentless crush of dense firepower, orbital defense platforms were progressively obliterated or severely damaged, transforming into incandescent debris adrift in space.

The energy reserves of the 'Sky Dome' shield diminished at a breakneck pace. The engineers and technicians tasked with its maintenance fought a desperate battle for repairs, managing only to marginally decelerate its inevitable collapse.

In the vastness of near-Earth orbit, Bai E commanded the enhanced "Star Emperor" Mecha, spearheading the combined might of all "Dawn's Edge" Mech Pilots alongside the newly constructed "New Bauhinia" class frigates. They engaged fiercely with the enemy's raiding fleet, a relentless assault.

With unwavering resolve, he wielded the Devouring Star Blade, each decisive strike cleaving assault ships and enemy mechas asunder, reducing them to mere fragments across the battlefield.

Alongside him, seasoned veterans such as Rose, Kuang Xin, Catherine, and Ares piloted their new Mechas, showcasing formidable combat prowess amidst the desperate situation. They worked in tandem with the scattered friendly warships, successfully repelling wave after wave of enemy attacks.

Yet, the tide of battle remained stubbornly against them.

The United Fleet's reinforcements were unending, and their warships boasted superior performance.

Though the "New Bauhinia" class frigates were equipped with cutting-edge technology and performed commendably, their limited numbers were a critical flaw. Being their maiden voyage in actual combat, the crews required time to master the new systems. Consequently, mistakes and uncoordinated maneuvers were inevitable, leading to tactical blunders during engagements.

More often than not, Bai E and his elite Mecha squad would bravely carve a path through the enemy's lines, shattering one wave after another. However, back in the rear, friendly warships would fall victim to the concentrated firepower of the pursuing enemy fleet, often due to miscalculations in fire coordination or navigation.

The situation on the planet's surface mirrored the dire circumstances in orbit.