Chapter 357: We Must Use That Weapon

"We must re-evaluate the strength of Long Country," an Advanced analyst wrote in an emergency briefing, "their technological breakthroughs have already altered the balance of the battlefield. If they can develop a rocket artillery with a 300-kilometer range from scratch within three months, who knows what other weapons they possess that are unknown to us?"

This report caused a massive uproar among the high-ranking officials. Some generals began to discuss privately whether they should seek a ceasefire, while others insisted that military investment must be increased to defeat Long Country at any cost.

Amidst such divisions, the strategic decision-making of Di Guo fell into paralysis, while the collapse on the front lines continued.

……

This secret facility, hidden deep in the desert, is one of Di Guo's highest secrets. Here, Di Guo has developed their most powerful and most terrifying weapon.

When the leader of Di Guo ordered an emergency meeting regarding the mushroom egg, everyone knew that the situation had reached its most critical moment.

Inside the conference room, Di Guo's top military generals and scientists were gathered. The atmosphere was suffocatingly heavy.

"Gentlemen," the leader looked around, his voice low, "we are facing the most severe crisis since the founding of our nation. The sudden rise and technological breakthroughs of Long Country have posed a substantive threat to our national security. Today, we will discuss whether to deploy 'that weapon'."

Silence filled the conference room; everyone knew what the leader was referring to—that weapon.

"Mr. Leader," the Chief Scientific Advisor Robert slowly stood up, "I must state the position of the scientific community. Using that weapon would be an extremely dangerous decision, not only causing immeasurable civilian casualties but also bringing long-term radiation pollution and international condemnation."

"International condemnation?" the Army Chief of Staff sneered, "In the face of national survival, who still cares about international condemnation? Long Country has already proven they possess the capability to strike any of our facilities with precision. If we do not strike first, the next thing to be destroyed might be our capital!"

The scientific advisor shook his head: "We have no evidence that Long Country has the capability to attack targets that far away. Their rocket artillery range is only 300 kilometers, and their Missile systems also have limited range."

"What about Li Mingyuan?" the Admiral of the Navy suddenly interjected, "Who can guarantee he won't develop a Missile with a 1000-kilometer range tomorrow? That man always seems to be able to create miracles!"

"No, using that weapon is the last resort," the Air Force Chief of Staff expressed opposition, "Once we use that weapon, it will set a precedent from which there is no turning back. Furthermore, Beijixiong Guo also possesses that weapon; will they sit by and watch us use a Mushroom Strike against Long Country?"

The arguments in the conference room became increasingly intense. The Military faction insisted that they must use that weapon immediately to stop Long Country's technological development; while scientists and some more moderate political figures strongly opposed it, fearing that a Mushroom Strike would trigger uncontrollable consequences.

"Everyone, please calm down," the leader raised his hand, "Let us look at other options. Is it possible to resolve this crisis through diplomatic means?"

"Diplomacy?" the Army Chief of Staff almost roared, "When our soldiers are dying on the front lines, and when our bases are being razed to the ground by Long Country's rocket artillery, you still want to talk about diplomacy? This is war, Mr. Leader, not a tea party!"

The Secretary of State cleared his throat: "Actually, we have already conveyed peace talk signals to Long Country through secret channels, but their response... was quite tough. They demand that we withdraw our troops unconditionally and compensate for war losses."

"Absurd!" the Army Chief of Staff slammed the table, "This is naked humiliation! Di Guo will never submit to any country, and certainly will not bow to a second-rate country like Long Country!"

The scientific advisor took a deep breath: "Gentlemen, I think we need to face reality. The direction of this war has far exceeded our expectations. The speed of Long Country's technological progress is shocking, our biochemical weapon program has failed completely, and even backfired on us. In this situation, seeking a peaceful resolution might be the wisest choice."

"Surrender? Are you suggesting we surrender?" the Army Chief of Staff was so angry his face turned livid.

"Not surrender, but a rational re-evaluation of the situation," the scientific advisor insisted, "We can strive for a decent ending through negotiations."

The argument continued to escalate, and the atmosphere in the conference room became increasingly tense.

Just then, an officer hurried into the conference room and handed the leader an emergency telegram. After reading it, the leader's face turned pale.

"What is it, Mr. Leader?" the Minister of Defense asked nervously.

The leader slowly looked up, his voice hoarse: "The Long Country side... has just sent an ultimatum. They claim that if we do not agree to an unconditional withdrawal within 24 hours, they will launch a 'lethal strike' against us."

The conference room went silent instantly.

"They are bluffing," the Admiral of the Navy broke the silence, "Long Country does not have the capability to completely defeat us."

"But what if it's Li Mingyuan?" the Air Force Chief of Staff asked in a low voice, "What if he has developed some weapon unknown to us again?"

The conference room fell into silence once more, and everyone was shrouded in an ominous premonition.

"I believe we have no other choice," the Army Chief of Staff stood up, his voice full of determination, "We must use that weapon immediately to destroy Long Country's military facilities and research centers, especially the base where that Li Mingyuan is located. Only in this way can the threat be completely eliminated!"

"This will be a disaster!" the scientific advisor opposed fiercely, "A Mushroom Strike will lead to global-scale mushroom pollution, the deaths of millions of civilians, not to mention the potential retaliatory Mushroom Strike from Beijixiong Guo!"

The leader clenched his hands, his expression grave: "This is a decision concerning the survival of the nation; I need more information and advice."

The argument erupted again, and the atmosphere in the conference room was at daggers drawn. The Military high command and the scientists held their own views and would not give an inch.

Finally, the leader raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet: "I will make a decision within 12 hours. Before then, I require the Military to prepare two plans: one is a Mushroom Strike plan, and one is a withdrawal negotiation plan. At the same time, I require the intelligence department to collect as much information as possible regarding Long Country's new weapons and Li Mingyuan. We must know how great their threat really is, and whether they are truly capable of attacking our homeland."

The meeting ended there, but the argument did not stop. The military generals and scientists divided into small groups and continued to argue intensely. Di Guo is standing at a historical crossroads, and their decision will change the fate of the entire world.