Chapter 1130: Exchanging for a Tragic Legend

At this moment, the Communications Officer suddenly reported.

"Admiral, a communication request has been received from the Star Alliance flagship; it is Guilliman himself."

Olaf's three eyes narrowed.

"Connect."

Guilliman's image appeared on the holographic platform.

Guilliman was wearing combat Power Armor, with the Bridge of the *Xiuluosheng Glory* in the background; everything was in perfect order.

Guilliman said in a calm tone.

"Olaf, your bravery is worthy of respect, but your sacrifice is meaningless.

If you continue to fight, the *Oathkeeper* fleet will be completely annihilated. Surrender, and I can guarantee that you and your subordinates will be treated as prisoners of war."

Olaf smiled; it was a bitter smile.

"Prisoner of war treatment? To be locked up like livestock, interrogated, and used against my own kin? No, thank you."

"Then you would rather let them all die? These soldiers trust you and follow you. Is this how you lead them to their deaths?"

"I am leading them toward dignity."

Olaf straightened his back.

"Colonel Sele'en just proved this point. The Fengqi can die, but they cannot live on their knees."

Guilliman was silent for a few seconds, then slowly nodded.

"I understand. Then, I respect your choice.

But I must tell you: the result of this battle is already determined. Continuing to resist will not change the outcome; it will only increase unnecessary deaths."

Olaf shook his head and replied.

"In war, there are no 'unnecessary deaths,' only necessary sacrifices.

Every destroyed Fengqi warship, every fallen Fengqi soldier, is sending a message to the star sea: the Fengqi Star Alliance will not yield easily.

This message is more important to the future of our civilization than our lives."

Guilliman did not say anything more and hung up the communication directly.

Olaf turned to everyone on the Bridge.

"You all heard it. Now, I give you a choice: those willing to continue fighting, stay. Those who want to live, you may go to the escape pods. I swear on my military honor that no one will be viewed as a coward for doing so."

The Bridge was silent for a moment. Then, the first officer spoke.

"I stay, Admiral."

The second: "I stay as well."

The third: "For Fengqi."

Soon, everyone expressed the same willingness.

Olaf's three eyes were slightly moist.

"Then, let us leave the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance with a final impression, so that for the next hundred years, they will feel pain whenever they think of Fengqi.

All remaining units, concentrate fire and attack the nearest Star Alliance combat group.

Do not consider defense, do not consider survival, just cause the maximum amount of destruction."

The order was relayed.

The remaining 100-plus Fengqi warships abandoned their formation, abandoned their defenses, and lunged at the nearest Star Alliance fleet, the Fourth Combat Group composed of fifteen Destroyers.

A chain of light erupted in the void. Three Star Alliance Destroyers were destroyed, and two were heavily damaged.

But the price for Fengqi was greater; seventeen warships were destroyed during the charge, and twenty-three exploded in close-quarters combat.

But Olaf did not care about the cost.

He only wanted the enemy to bleed, the more the better.

"Continue! Next target!"

Xiuluosheng Fleet, Bridge of the *Xiuluosheng Glory*.

Guilliman looked at the tactical holographic platform, his expression grave.

Although the Fengqi fleet's suicide attack was tactically foolish, it had indeed caused losses.

The Fourth Combat Group had lost five warships, and three more were heavily damaged and withdrew from the battle.

Other combat groups also suffered varying degrees of damage.

"Lord Guilliman, is it necessary to adjust tactics?"

The Fleet Commander inquired.

Guilliman pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"No, maintain formation. They want to trade suicide attacks for our chaos; we must not fall for it. Order each combat group to maintain distance and use long-range fire to wear them down. Since they want to die, we will let them die on the road of their charge."

"But that will prolong the battle time and increase unnecessary risks..."

"Olaf is gambling, gambling that I will change tactics because I feel the pain of the losses, giving him an opportunity. I will not let him win this gamble. The discipline and patience of the Star Alliance are also our weapons."

The order was relayed.

The Xiuluosheng Fleet began to retreat, keeping distance from the crazed Fengqi fleet and using precise long-range fire to kill their opponents bit by bit.

With every volley, several Fengqi warships turned into fireworks.

But the Fengqi fleet continued to advance and fire, regardless of casualties, regardless of losses, just advancing.

Donatus walked to Guilliman's side and said in a low voice.

"Lord Guilliman, this kind of battle... has no honor to speak of. We are slaughtering."

"War has never had honor, only victory and defeat. Olaf chose the path of defeat; we are simply seeing him off."

"But those soldiers... they are still fighting even though they know they will die. This is ignorance..."

Guilliman turned to look at Donatus.

"Mr. Minister, have you ever seen real war? Not this kind of fleet duel, but ground warfare, urban combat, fighting to contest every inch of land, person by person?"

Donatus shook his head.

"I have. On countless worlds. I have seen soldiers hold their ground in hopeless battles until the very last man.

I have seen civilians use crude weapons to fight against armored units. I have seen mothers use their bodies to shield their children from bullets.

Brave? Yes. Moving? Yes.

But it does not change the outcome. In the face of an absolute disparity in strength, ignorant courage only makes death a bit more heroic, nothing more."

Guilliman pointed to the holographic table.

"That is what Olaf is doing right now. He wants to trade the total annihilation of the Oathkeeper fleet for a tragic legend.

He wants the Fengqi to look back on today in the future and say, 'Look, our ancestors once fought bravely.' This can comfort their descendants, but it cannot change the fact that they are about to fail."

After a few seconds of Silence, Donatus changed the subject.

"What about the Carlyle Mission? Company Commander Kenlai reports that they have secured the mission members and are currently heading to the escape pod area."

"Very good. Prepare a fast Transport Ship and send them away when the battle nears its end."

Guilliman paused for a moment.

"But do not tell the mission their destination yet. Let them think they are being released."

"You intend to..."

"A trial. A public trial. Let the nearby powers see the Fengqi Diplomat admit to their betrayal in the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance court. This is more valuable than killing them."

Donatus nodded.

Politics, it is always politics.