Chapter 91: Multi-Pronged Approach

The physical 'decapitation' is only the first step; what follows closely is a thunderous force that shatters the psychological defense line.

Hum——

Over the major cities of Xiangjiao Guo, waves of roaring sounds rose.

Countless civilians rushed out of their homes, looking up in terror. They saw tens of thousands of drones, like patches of black clouds, blotting out the sky.

But they did not drop any bombs.

In the next second, every television, radio, and even outdoor billboard that could still receive a signal was replaced by the same image and the same sound.

In the image was a never-before-seen Yanhuang Guo general, his expression solemn.

"Notice to the entire people of Xiangjiao Guo: your military commander has been executed; we hope your nation's leaders will no longer be used by some as their pawns, losing their lives for nothing."

Those few short words were like pouring a basin of cold water into a boiling oil pot, instantly causing it to explode.

"What? Our military command is dead?"

"Impossible! Is this real or fake?"

"But…… the command post really can't be reached!"

Inside the remaining several military units, an uproar erupted.

The officers stared at each other, their faces filled with shock and bewilderment.

"Their supreme command system was uprooted in less than an hour?"

The general's voice continued:

"We all belong to the same region; we should jointly develop in peace, not serve as cannon fodder for others, turning our guns on our partners."

"Along with the ultimatum, the drones in the sky began to scatter leaflets like snowflakes."

"The content printed on them was largely the same as the broadcast, only more detailed in listing the surrender procedures and contact methods."

"Winning hearts is the supreme strategy."

"The physical paralysis, combined with the psychological pressure, plunged the already leaderless Xiangjiao Guo military system into utter chaos."

"At this moment, those nails buried for many years began to play a crucial role."

"Inside Xiangjiao Guo, at the command post of a certain armored brigade."

"Brigade Commander An Naf, a 'rationalist' who had served in the military for over twenty years, now looked at his panicking subordinates with a furrowed brow."

"Commander! What should we do? We have no word from above, and radar and communications are completely down—we're blind and deaf!"

A staff officer shouted anxiously.

"Yes, commander; if we don't come up with a plan, and Yanhuang Guo suddenly goes mad and attacks us directly, we'll be sitting ducks!"

An Naf slammed his hand on the table, the loud bang silencing everyone.

His gaze swept over every young or middle-aged face present, then he spoke slowly:

"Quiet down! The sky isn't falling yet."

He paused, his tone turning significant:

"How many of you are unwilling to follow behind Eagle Sauce's backside as lackeys?"

"Everyone blinked, not understanding, yet they hesitantly raised their hands—actually more than half did."

"My grandfather was killed by Eagle Sauce back then." An Naf pointed to himself.

"Now our leaders have long forgotten these things, yet they willingly serve as his pawns—what do you call this?"

"Haven't your fathers and forefathers ever told you the same thing?"

"His words left everyone present silent."

"They immediately recalled the historical facts from their textbooks, and a nameless anger surged in their hearts."

"Now Eagle Sauce's fleet is still watching the spectacle from a few hundred nautical miles away, and the scoundrels who pushed us into the fire pit have already lost one."

"Tell me, who are we fighting for? For an illusory 'democracy and freedom'?"

"Or for that Weier, who only uses us as pawns and dare not even bring his warships close?"

An Naf's voice rose gradually as he began to lay out his analysis:

"How could Yanhuang Guo possibly attack? I think you all know, to some extent, their style—they never bully the weak, and you know this in your hearts."

"Even if they did attack, with our strength we could not resist; it would be quicker to simply surrender."

"Brothers, I think the commander makes perfect sense." A young soldier suddenly spoke up.

This statement earned strong agreement from the rest.

"Indeed, my grandfather also told me about that history; Eagle Sauce is no good, and in that period he killed many of our people."

"Exactly! My father took part in that year's resistance movement, but was suppressed; if he hadn't run fast, he would have died! Why should we work for our enemies?"

"Another officer stood up, his eyes red-rimmed, his voice trembling with repressed fury."

"His words were like a spark, igniting the dry tinder in everyone's hearts."

"Commander, give the order! We'll follow you!"

"Exactly! We've had enough of those politicians' nonsense and of Eagle Sauce's high-handedness!"

"To fight is to bleed for Eagle Sauce; to surrender is to protect our families. Is there even a choice?"

"The troops were roused; the command post, which had been filled with fear and confusion, was now shrouded in a solemn, united-against-the-enemy atmosphere."

"An Naf looked at his subordinates and realized the moment had ripened."

"Pass on my orders!"

He spoke loudly and firmly: "All units, immediately cease all military combat operations! Gather the troops, hold the bases,"

"and simultaneously dispatch units to protect civilian facilities such as power plants, water plants, and communication base stations!"

"Our guns are to protect our people, not to serve as cannon fodder for others!"

"Yes!"

The uniform, synchronized roar shook the dust from the ceiling, making it flutter down.