Chapter 1096: Shield Connecting the Planetary Core

After the meeting ended, Speaker Ravenna did not leave, but instead pulled up an encrypted file titled "Warning on Reality Manipulation Technology."

This was retrieved by Ravenna from the top-secret archives, accessible only with Speaker-level authorization.

The file recorded the mirror rifts that the Fengqi Star Alliance had once triggered.

"Your Excellency, Speaker."

A voice came from the doorway.

It was Aorusike.

"Come in, Aorusike."

Ravenna did not turn around.

"What is your take on today's decision?"

Aorusike walked to her side, looking at the empty conference hall.

"A necessary decision, Your Excellency. Though dangerous, there is no other choice."

"You sound very certain."

"I have studied all the data regarding the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Their rate of expansion, their technological leaps, their organizational efficiency... these all exceed the trajectory of normal civilization development.

If the incident at Tartarus-IV had not occurred, I would have considered them invincible. But now, at least we have a glimmer of hope."

Ravenna turned to Aorusike.

"Do you know what I worry about most? It is not the mirror rifts going out of control, nor the research failing. It is... success."

Aorusike asked in confusion.

"Success? Isn't that what we are pursuing?"

"If we succeed in mastering this power, if we use it to defeat the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, then what?"

Ravenna's voice revealed deep concern.

"Once a weapon exists, it will be used. The first time might be for survival, the second time for victory, the third time for convenience... until one day, we become dependent on it.

And by then, we may have forgotten how to survive without it."

Ravenna walked toward the observation window and continued.

"Civilization is like a tree, Aorusike. It needs solid soil; that is our principles, our values, our moral bottom line. If we shake these foundations for the sake of short-term survival, even if the tree does not fall for the moment, its interior has already begun to rot, and it will eventually snap in the storms of the future."

Aorusike was silent for a moment, then said.

"But if the tree is already facing the danger of being uprooted, should we not consider surviving first, and then consider how to live with integrity?"

"That is the dilemma. That is why I approved the project. But I want you to be responsible for the oversight, Aorusike. I want you to ensure the research does not deviate from its course, ensure safety protocols are not ignored, and ensure... we do not destroy ourselves in the process of opposing a power."

Aorusike nodded solemnly.

"I will, Your Excellency, Speaker. I swear it by the Third Eye."

"Good. Then, get to work. Time is not on our side."

Xingmengzhiren, seventy-two standard hours later.

Angron stood on the bridge of the Xingmengzhiren, hands behind his back, watching the K-78 Planet gradually becoming clear outside the window.

Seen from space, this planet appeared grayish-brown, its surface divided by mountain ranges and canyons.

"All units, final check. Main battery charge status, shield strength, missile inventory, fighter readiness. I want confirmation within ten minutes."

"First Battle Group, ready."

"Second Battle Group, ready."

"Third Battle Group, ready."

"Sixth Battle Group, ready."

Angron nodded slightly.

Six battle groups, one hundred and three warships, all fully prepared.

On the holographic tactical table to Angron's left, Sanguinius's five battle groups were also displayed as green and ready.

The mixed fleet of the Joint Task Force stood by in the center position.

"Sanguinius."

Angron opened a private channel.

"I am here, Angron."

Sanguinius's voice came through.

"Are your troops ready?"

"The Blood Angels are in position, the landing ship fleet has completed final checks. What about your War Hounds?"

"Two companies, all waiting inside the Landing Pods. Then, according to the plan, we launch the attack simultaneously.

K-77 is yours, K-78 is mine, and K-79 is the responsibility of the Joint Task Force."

"Agreed. May victory be with us, brother."

"May the Emperor guide us."

Angron responded.

The communication ended.

Angron turned to the tactical officer.

"Entire fleet, move to attack position. Main batteries aim at the K-78 Orbital Defense Platform, priority according to the predetermined list.

Missile ships prepare for a salvo, targets are the ground anti-aircraft arrays.

Escort fleet move forward, prepare to intercept any possible counterattack."

The fleet began to move, Cruisers in the front, Light Cruisers and Destroyers on the flanks, and groups of Frigates scattered around.

K-78 Planet was already covered in dense red markers; Orbital Defense Platforms, Missile Fashijing, ground batteries, sensor arrays... this planet was armed to the teeth.

"Distance to entering main cannon range: thirty seconds."

The tactical officer reported.

Angron nodded and began to quickly analyze the battlefield data.

The orbital defenses of K-78 seemed even denser than the intelligence indicated, and the energy readings were abnormally high.

"High-intensity shield detected. An orbital shield covering the entire planet, with intensity... exceeding previous data by five hundred percent."

Angron frowned.

Exceeding expectations by five hundred percent? This meant the effectiveness of their orbital bombardment would be greatly diminished.

"Shield type analysis?"

"Composite Energy Barrier, multi-layered structure. It seems to be connected to the planet's own energy network, possibly drawing power directly from the planetary core or some core energy source."

"Can sustained fire weaken it?"

"Theoretically yes, but it will take time. Based on our current firepower, it would take at least 15 hours of continuous bombardment to weaken the shield to a breakable level."

Angron thought quickly.

The shield intensity exceeded expectations, which meant either the intelligence was wrong, or Feng Qi had upgraded the defense system.

Regardless of the situation, the original orbital bombardment plan needed to be adjusted.

"Contact Sanguinius and the Joint Task Force, and ask if their target planets have similar situations."

"Contacting..."

A few seconds later, the reply came through.

Sanguinius's K-77 and the Joint Task Force's K-79 both detected high-intensity shields; although the intensities varied slightly, they were all far beyond expectations.