radicalducati Page 69
Page 69
"Now, the empire is in crisis. The Far East and Indochina are no longer safe. Sector 09313, which controls the Strait of Malacca, is also at risk. Even Australia, rich in mineral resources, is at risk. Whether it's war or peace, as commanders on the front lines, feel free to voice your opinions. Cornelia, you go first."
"Yes, Father"
Cornelia moistened her throat and said:
"From a military perspective, with the Human Union deploying its massive KMFs, known as Titans, onto the battlefield, our current KMFs, the Sunderlands, and even the 7th-generation KMFs, exclusive to the Knights of the Round Table, are no match. Beyond their mechas, the Imperial Army has exposed issues like a generational gap in weaponry during its battles with the Human Union, leading to their constant defeat. This has resulted in the front lines being steadily pushed back, millions of elite soldiers being killed, the land area being drastically reduced, and even resistance emerging from other colonies."
“I suggest…”
Cornelia took a deep breath. What she said next would make her father angry and deprive her of her command, but she had to speak for the soldiers fighting on the front line.
"I suggest abandoning Area 11 and retreating the front to the Guam-Ryukyu line. Those in the Far East should retreat to Central Siberia and Central Asia. At the same time, we should replenish our troops and upgrade our weapons, using space to buy time."
The atmosphere in the conference room froze instantly; even Emperor Charles, on the video screen, seemed to sense the oppression. Cornelia's words were like a sharp knife, piercing the heart of the empire and touching upon the reality that every member of the royal family and senior general was most reluctant to face.
"Abandoning Area 11?"
Charles' voice was a mixture of disbelief and anger.
"That's our empire's most important colony, a symbol of conquest! Your proposal is tantamount to announcing our defeat to the world! Let me ask you, without the cherry stones from Area 11, how will the Empire's KMF be powered? It can't be oil, or some new energy source under development. Without the cherry stones, the Empire has already lost half the battle!"
Cornelia clenched her fists, her eyes firm. "Father, I understand your feelings, but war isn't about emotions; it's about reality. While the cherry stones in Area 11 are important, compared to the survival of the empire, we must make the most rational choice. Preserving our manpower and waiting for the opportunity to strike back is the wisest strategy at this point. The empire has already lost too many elite troops, and it will take years just to replenish them."
Cornelia continued:
"Furthermore, retreating to the Guam-Ryukyu line allows us to utilize the natural advantages of the sea and existing military facilities there to build a defensive system, slowing down the Human Alliance's offensive. The Human Alliance currently has both land and air forces. Retreating to Central Siberia and Central Asia in the Far East will not only stretch the enemy's supply lines, but also allow us to conduct guerrilla warfare across our vast territory, depleting their strength. At the same time, we must accelerate weapons research and development, especially countermeasures against giant KMFs like the Titan. Only in this way can we possibly turn the tide in the future."
Ania, the Knight of the Round Table standing next to Cornelia, also spoke in support:
"Your Majesty, Her Highness Cornelia's suggestion, while difficult, is the most feasible option at this moment. The glory and reputation of the Empire are certainly important, but the continuation of the Empire is even more crucial. We cannot allow these fearless sacrifices to continue; we must consider the future of the Empire."
Xiuzenel was standing by, and although he was unwilling, he also understood the severity of the situation. As the prime minister of the empire, he had to learn to make choices. What's more, his good brother Odysseus was imprisoned in Luoyang because of him and has not returned yet.
He nodded slowly and added:
"Father, the navy will also fully cooperate to ensure maritime safety during the retreat. We will also seek opportunities to strike at the Human Alliance's naval forces to reduce pressure on land and in the air."
Emperor Charles was silent for a long time, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. Finally, he slowly spoke, with a hint of helplessness in his voice:
"Okay, as you say. But remember, this is only a temporary retreat, a preparation for a more violent counterattack in the future. Cornelia, you are fully responsible for the retreat, and it must be orderly and swift. At the same time, all weapons research and development projects in the empire have been activated. No matter what the cost, we must have our own Titan-class KMF weapons!"
After the meeting, Cornelia, Xiuzenel and others acted quickly and began to implement this difficult but necessary retreat plan.
The movement of the Bunitania army naturally could not be concealed from the nearby [Human Union] army. Under Shangguan Wen's orders, they only launched a symbolic attack and then allowed the Bunitania army to gather and withdraw. This move seemed quite puzzling to the outside world, but in fact, it was part of Shangguan Wen's meticulous planning.
Since the Human Union's integration of technology, under Victor's leadership, various technologies have advanced by leaps and bounds. What they lack most now is an opportunity to demonstrate their weapons of mass destruction to the world. These weapons, such as vacuum implosion bombs, proton impact cannons, and hyperwave destruction devices, have been under development for a long time, but their true power has never been tested in actual combat.
The Brunitania Navy and the surviving army, who retreated to the rear and thought they were safe, were the perfect experimental subjects!
Chapter 149 The Kidnapped Scientist
At Ashford Academy, Shangguan Wen and Lelouch played chess. Neither discussed the battlefield, as if the smoke-filled world was incompatible with their current tranquility. The black and white pieces on the board, like two armies facing each other, each move implied strategy and calculation, yet also silently revealed their mutual respect and understanding.
The sunlight outside the window shines through the gaps in the leaves and dapples onto the chessboard, adding a bit of warmth and leisure to this tense game.
Lelouch chose to admit defeat at the end of the game because he was not as skilled as his opponent. What he didn't expect was that in chess, which he was best at, not only could he not beat Xiuzenaiel, he couldn't even beat Shangguan Wen, who he had only started playing for a short time.
"What a monster. If you learn from him, you'll be surpassed in no time."
Lelouch commented internally.
"Euphemia, don't pour the tea, the tea is all gone."
Euphemia, who was called, hurriedly picked up the tea and poured water into Shangguan Wen's cup.
Shangguan Wen looked at the three people in front of him, oh no, including CC, it was four people, and said:
"Why, you look so absent-minded. Are you worried about your sister Cornelia? Or are you worried about the destruction of the Bnitanian Empire?"
CC ate delicious pizza and said in a nonchalant tone:
"I have witnessed the destruction and demise of too many civilizations. Bnitanya is not the first, nor the last. Now I have become your servant and no longer care about Mariana and the others. It's really sad to think about it."
The pathetic thing CC mentioned was naturally Brunitania, which was used as a training target for the [Human Union].
Shangguan Wen looked at CC and said:
"Heh, the servant doesn't act like a servant at all, she's just a green-haired witch who's throwing herself into trouble. Forget it, I don't mind having an extra bowl and chopsticks."
"what about you?"
Euphemia hesitated for a moment, then spoke:
"Um, could you spare the life of Princess Cornelia? I know I don't have much leverage to offer, but please, sir, please spare her life."
Shangguan Wen looked at Lelouch again and said:
"What about you, Lelouch?"
Lelouch clenched his fists. His damn biological father Charles and biological mother Marianna had given birth to him and Nunnally. The resentment in his eyes was not concealed.
"I hope to execute Charles the Curly with my own hands"
Euphemia paled upon hearing this. She was well aware of the cruelty within the royal family, but she had never expected Lelouch's hatred to be so deep. Her voice trembled as she tried to reason with Lelouch:
"Lelouch, I understand your pain and anger, but revenge is not the solution. What father did was indeed outrageous, but if we fight violence with violence, won't we just end up in an endless cycle? The dragon slayer will eventually become the dragon himself!"
Shangguan Wen then interjected:
"You are wrong this time. A dragon slayer cannot become a dragon. The dragon you are talking about is right in front of you."
Euphemia was speechless. Shangguan Wen was the biggest evil dragon, but she didn't dare to say anything like "Evil dragon, die." The lives of her brothers and sisters were in Shangguan Wen's hands.
Nunnally clenched her fists, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. What happened to her and her siblings was caused by their parents. It would be a lie to say that she didn't hate them, but it would also be a lie to say that she didn't love her parents.
."elder brother,"
Nunnally spoke softly, her voice weak but firm, "I don't want you to bear more hatred because of me. My wounds have healed now, but the pain left behind cannot be erased. But what I hope to see more is that you can find your own happiness, rather than being trapped by the shadows of the past."
Lelouch's gaze flickered between the two of them, his inner struggle evident. He took a deep breath, as if trying to calm himself.
"I understand your concerns, but I can't sit idly by. The death of that bastard Charles is not only my personal revenge, but it will also bring some relief to Nunnally, myself, and others."
As long as Charles the Curly-Haired was alive, the other royal children would have to obey the emperor's orders. Even if they rebelled in the middle of the reign, not many people would be willing to follow them, because many colonies were established during Charles' reign, and they also had many nobles in the Bunitanian Empire, and the common people were all benefiting from the expansion benefits. Only the death of this highly prestigious emperor could reduce the death toll in Bunitania. The evil dragon in front of them really didn't mind killing everyone in the Bunitanian Empire to achieve stability in its occupied areas.
"this..."
Euphemia was suddenly speechless, because her father was going to die anyway. The difference was whether he died at the hands of Shangguan Wen or at the hands of Lelouch.
A shadow soldier suddenly appeared from the shadows not far from Shangguan Wen and said:
"Report, Your Majesty, the person has been captured"
"Bring it up"
"Yes"
Soon, Dr. Lloyd and his assistant Cecil and others were escorted out from the shadows, holding the drone's chips, wreckage, etc. in their hands.
I have no idea when I was brought here.
"Welcome, Dr. Lloyd and Miss Cecil."
Shangguan Wen smiled, his eyes reflecting the calmness of a scientist and a hint of undeniable authority. He stood before Dr. Lloyd and Cecil, like a king surveying his territory.
"Please forgive our unsolicited request, but at this critical moment, your wisdom and skills are crucial to us. They can reduce the losses of the Human Union and hasten the end of the war. Did you forget to mention that this is Tokyo Ashford Academy?"
Shangguan Wen's voice was low and magnetic, and every word seemed to solidify in the air.
Dr. Lloyd and Cecil looked at each other, their eyes filled with astonishment and uneasiness. They tried to understand what was happening, but the unfamiliar environment and Shangguan Wen's words made everything seem so incredible.
They were at the Imperial Naval Research Institute in Guam before, so how did they end up here so suddenly? Was it the legendary teleportation magic?
Dr. Lloyd finally spoke, his voice trembling slightly:
"Mr. Shangguan, no, Your Majesty, the drone is one of the masterpieces of the Human Alliance. We have only just come into contact with it. Why did they choose us newcomers?"
Shangguan Wen replied with a smile:
"Because we're new, we're full of wild ideas. Today, Renlian's drone series has evolved into many models, and the technology is mature and solid, but it lacks fresh, innovative ideas."
Cecil tried to interrupt, but Shangguan Wen raised his hand, signaling her to calm down.
"I know you have many questions in your mind. Now, I have two suggestions for you: one is to join the [Human Union] and work together for this goal; the other is..."
His words paused here, and an ominous atmosphere seemed to fill the air.
"Continue to resist, but that will mean unpredictable consequences for you and everything you hold dear."
Dr. Lloyd and Cecil exchanged a complicated look. "I'm at the mercy of others. If I refuse, I'll die right here!"
Chapter 150 The Abducted Princess and Prime Minister
After learning that the scientist she had chosen had disappeared, Cornelia couldn't help but curse at Guilford on the other end of the line:
"What? Dr. Lloyd and his research team are missing? What do you mean they're missing? This is the Imperial Naval Base of Guam, not some defenseless scientific research institute."
Kilford wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. He certainly knew how important drone research was to the empire, and he was the one who arranged the security measures, but the person just disappeared amidst the heavy protection.
"Your Highness, could it be the Human Alliance's spatial magic? The Empire's think tank has made numerous inferences and concluded that the Human Alliance possesses spatial magic, so they could have led someone away silently. It's that Al-1..."
When mentioning Alpha, Cornelia thought of her own frustrating experience of being captured.
"I understand, Kilford. Important military facilities in Guam must be guarded 24 hours a day. We cannot make this mistake a third time."
"Yes, Princess."
Cornelia looked at her royal brother Xiuzenai and said:
"Royal brother, when you come to the front line, what means do the rear have to interfere with the space magic of the [Human Alliance]? This will leave our army defenseless and put our army in a very passive position."
Xiu Zenel shook his head helplessly and said:
"Cornelia, scientists within the Empire believe that the use of magic by the Human Alliance will cause energy fluctuations and spatial ripples in the surrounding area. They are already attempting to research related equipment for the former, but they have no clue what to do with the latter."
Upon hearing this, Cornelia frowned, her eyes flashing with unquestionable determination.
"We can't just sit there and wait for death, my royal brother. We must accelerate our research. Whether it's energy monitoring equipment or breakthroughs in space technology, we must make a difference. At the same time, we must strengthen intelligence gathering. I need to know every move of the Human Alliance, especially their use of space magic."
The intelligence gathering on the [Human Union] was a lie that even the Bunitania military itself did not believe, but had to tell.
Xiu Zenel nodded, his expression solemn.
"I understand. I've ordered the intelligence department to operate at full capacity. At the same time, I will personally oversee the other research teams to ensure that every piece of research progresses at the fastest possible speed. But Cornelia, you also know that technological advancement takes time. We can't expect to surpass the Human Alliance overnight."
"Of course I know that, but time waits for no one. We must race against time. Even if we can only shorten the gap by a fraction of a second, it will be worth it."
Cornelia's tone revealed an irrefutable determination.
"Furthermore, we cannot rely solely on technology. Military strategy, diplomatic means, and all available resources must be mobilized to form a tight network that will leave the Human Alliance nowhere to hide."
Kilford added:
"Your Highness, regarding Dr. Lloyd and his team, I have ordered a comprehensive search and increased security at all key facilities. Also, regarding diplomacy, there are quite a few nobles within the Chinese Federation who have contacted the Empire."
"Those nobles of the Chinese Federation? Tsk tsk, I have to say, when it comes to profit, even their own kind can betray them."
Cornelia pondered for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement. "Alright, this is an opportunity. As long as we can cause damage to the Human Alliance and delay their retreat, it will be a victory for the Empire."
The atmosphere in the conference room was tense and solemn. Everyone knew that this contest hinged on the future of the empire. Great powers have no retreat; have you seen so many great powers throughout history retreat again and again, ultimately becoming mere historical dust?
If Brunitania retreats, it will really be gone.
Xiuzenaiel stood up and looked at his sister and Kilford with a determined look.
"The glory of the empire must not be tarnished. No matter what difficulties we face, we will work together until victory."
Cornelia and the others stood up and responded.
In the conference room, an inappropriate mocking voice was heard
"Oh my, I'm sorry to ruin your beautiful dreams."
At the door of the conference room behind the crowd, Shangguan Wen leaned against the door, looking at the person who had implanted unrealistic dreams in him. He couldn't help but wonder whether he should say that he was courageous or stupid.
"Protect the two princes"
Officers such as Kilford and Dalton drew their pistols and stood in front of Cornelia and Xiuzenel. They were really frightened by this elusive and defenseless decapitation tactic.
Cornelia looked at the man who had repeatedly brought shame upon her, her face dark as water could drip from her eyes, and growled in a low voice:
"Why are you here? Where's Yuffie?"
"I just came out of Yuffie's room. I have to say, this pink-haired princess is very gentle, especially when she begged not to kill her sister. She was so proactive..."