Chapter 1143: Ensuring

"What anomaly?"

"In the direction of the flank, near the 'Grey Ring' star about fifteen light-years from the Guilliman defensive line, multiple short-range jump signals have been detected.

The signals are very weak, as if deliberately hidden, but our new-style detectors still captured them."

Valken's three eyes narrowed simultaneously.

"Scale?"

"Difficult to determine. The signals are too blurry, but preliminary analysis indicates it could be a rapid strike fleet."

A Fengqi staff officer interjected.

"It might be an attempt to divert our attention and make us split our forces to defend the flank."

"It could also be a trap."

Another Fengqi officer said.

"Luring us into splitting our forces, then destroying them one by one."

Valken pondered.

His military intuition told him this was a signal that required caution.

But the strategic reality was: he could not change the entire offensive plan because of a potential threat.

The three-pronged tactical advance relied on synchronization; any delay in one prong would affect the overall situation.

"Notify the Second Star Sector Command,"

he finally ordered.

"Dispatch the Fifth Escort Sub-fleet toward the 'Grey Ring' to strengthen patrols in that area.

But do not pull them from the main force; pull them from the reserves."

"The Fifth Escort Sub-fleet only has six ships; won't that be too weak?"

Someone questioned.

"It is enough."

Valken said.

"If the Fengqi Star Alliance really wants to attack the 'Grey Ring,' they would need at least 60 warships to threaten those planets.

If large-scale enemy forces are discovered, report immediately, and we will then split forces from the main body to respond."

The order was transmitted.

Valken continued to study the star map, his finger tracing Guilliman's defensive line.

This Primarch... what would he do?

In the Ningjing Huilang, Guilliman displayed cold rationality and precise tactics.

He was not a Commander who would sit and wait for death.

Facing a three-pronged offensive, he would certainly find a way to break it.

"Strengthen reconnaissance in all directions."

Valken said to the intelligence chief.

"Especially the Guilliman fleet on the front of the Sixth Star Sector. I want to know every subtle movement of theirs.

Energy readings, communication patterns, ship movements, everything."

"It is already being done, Commander.

But we have encountered a problem: the Star Alliance's counter-reconnaissance capabilities are extremely strong.

Our probes have an average survival time of only four hours before they are discovered and destroyed."

"Then deploy more probes, at a higher frequency."

Valken ordered.

"I need eyes, as many eyes as possible."

The officers exchanged glances.

The level of reconnaissance consumption was enormous, but no one dared to question Valken's decision.

"One more thing."

The intelligence chief pulled up an encrypted report.

"Intelligence from the core star region. Regarding the recording of Admiral Olaf... the spread is expanding.

The Speaker has initiated the highest level of information control, but the effect is limited. It has also begun to circulate among some frontline troops."

Valken's expression turned gloomy.

He knew about this matter; Speaker Ravenna had communicated with him personally, demanding that he ensure the troops' "ideological unity."

"Within the command headquarters, discussion of this matter is strictly prohibited. Any personnel spreading or discussing the Olaf recording will be dealt with by military law immediately. We are about to launch a decisive counterattack and cannot have any factors that shake the morale of the army."

"Yes, Commander!"

The officers responded in unison, but Valken saw unease in the flickering of some people's Third Eye.

Olaf's influence was greater than he had anticipated.

The fire ignited by that old general's death was spreading through the Fengqi Military.

Some viewed him as a hero, some were angry at his death, and others... were beginning to question the Speaker's decisions.

War is never just a confrontation of weapons and tactics, but a confrontation of will and belief.

Valken knew this well. If soldiers do not believe in the cause they are fighting for, even the most powerful fleet will fail.

Valken gave the order.

"Summon all Fleet Commanders; a pre-battle mobilization meeting will be held in one hour. I want to personally explain to them the significance of this operation, and... the inevitability of victory."

After the meeting dispersed, Valken remained alone in the tactical room.

Valken pulled up the file on Guilliman, data that the Intelligence Department had urgently compiled after the Quiet Corridor Incident.

Roboute Guilliman.

Archon of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, Primarch of the Ultramarines Legion.

Known for reason and order, skilled in large-scale strategic planning and administrative management.

Traits: values procedure, detests chaos, adept at utilizing rules.

"Adept at utilizing rules..."

Valken muttered to himself.

He recalled a detail: during the negotiations in the Quiet Corridor, Guilliman insisted that all procedures be compliant, even when it was clearly to his advantage. This was a Commander who valued "legitimacy."

Then, if faced with a clearly "legitimate" counterattack to recover occupied territory, how would Guilliman respond? Would he fight to the death without retreating like Olaf, or would he...

No, a Primarch would not retreat.

At least, not easily.

Their pride would not allow it.

But pride could also be a weakness.

Valken's finger drew a circle on the star map over the location of Guilliman's flagship.

"You will hold your ground, won't you?"

Valken said in a low voice.

"Because retreating would damage your dignity and affect the prestige of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. You will choose to meet the attack head-on, even if your forces are at a disadvantage."

This was exactly what Valken hoped to see.

If Guilliman chose to hold firm, then any one of the three great armies would have a chance to break through the defensive line.

And once a gap appeared in the defensive line, the entire defense system of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance would collapse.

Outside the window, Feng Qi Xing warships were arranged in neat arrays in the void.

This was the largest military mobilization of the Fengqi Star Alliance in nearly a hundred years.

All three of Valken's eyes opened, reflecting the light of the warships.

"May Three Eyes watch over us. May victory... belong to Fengqi."

Border of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, flagship "Xiuluosheng Glory."

Guilliman stood in his private strategy room, facing the same star map, but it was marked with different information.

Yingzhou's plan had already been conveyed to him, and the mobilization of various units was also proceeding quietly.

"The Salamanders company has already departed."

Guilliman's Adjutant reported.

"Lord Vulkan confirms he will arrive at the periphery of the 'Grey Ring' within seventy-two hours.

The Iron Hands fleet is heading to the entrance of the Void Undercurrent; Lord Ferrus guarantees he will be in position at the scheduled time."

"What about the mobilization of the Ultramarines companies?"

"The 3rd, 6th, and 8th companies have completed assembly and are traveling to their designated positions via secret routes. The 9th and 10th companies still have tasks to wrap up and will join within twenty-four hours."

Guilliman nodded.

Everything was proceeding according to plan.

"The situation with the Carlyle Mission?"

"Still in the detention area, their emotional state is relatively stable. Carlyle himself has requested to meet with you again multiple times; we have refused as per your instructions."

Guilliman pondered for a moment.

"Adjust the location of the detention area, move it to the core area of the ship, and strengthen the protection. If a battle breaks out, that will be the safest place."

"Are you worried they will be accidentally injured in the battle... or rescued?"

"Both are possible. Carlyle is an important bargaining chip right now; there cannot be any mistakes. Additionally, arrange for a medical team to perform regular check-ups on them to ensure they are in good health. I want them alive, and I want them to live healthily."

The Adjutant recorded the order but hesitated for a moment.

"Father, please allow me to speak frankly: we are about to face a large-scale battle, and all resources on the ship should be prioritized for combat readiness. Providing such care to those Alien prisoners... some officers have privately expressed their confusion."

Guilliman turned around and stared at the Adjutant.

"Those officers need to understand that war is not just a duel of artillery fire. Carlyle and his mission may be worth more than ten warships.

They are the key to our control over the Fengqi Star Alliance. Do you understand?"

"Understood, Father."