Chapter 1147: This Is Not a Good Omen

"Civilian areas?"

Shantan asked.

"Avoid unnecessary civilian casualties."

Vulkan said.

"But industrial facilities, military bases, and transportation hubs are all legitimate targets.

I want 60%-70% of this planet's industrial capacity paralyzed within 24 hours. But do not paralyze it completely."

The order was passed down.

The warships of the Salamanders Legion began to adjust their formation.

Vulkan took one last look at the star map, then walked to the weapon rack, took down his newly forged "Dawn" Warhammer, and gave the order.

"Notify all companies. We do not fight for slaughter, but for Human. Do not kill those who surrender; leave no one who resists. Let the Fengqi see the power of the Star Alliance, and also see the Star Alliance's... rationality."

"For the Emperor! For the Star Alliance!"

The warriors responded in unison.

The main engine of the "Dragon Breath" started, leading the fleet toward "Cinder Prime".

Fengqi Star Alliance, "Cinder Prime" orbital defense headquarters.

Planetary Defense Commander Kastelair stood before the observation window, his Third Eye watching the new red dots appearing on the tactical screen.

That fleet had suddenly appeared from warp space seven minutes ago, without any warning, without any communication signals, appearing at the edge of the star system like ghosts.

"Has the identity been confirmed?"

Kastelair tried his best to remain calm.

"Energy signature matches... Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. The quantity does not... exceed our orbital defense forces.

But, given the combat effectiveness of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance, we do not have the advantage."

Kastelair felt a chill.

This was not a good omen; among those fallen planets, there was no lack of planets with sufficient defensive forces.

But they had all fallen, and he would not be like those arrogant officers who thought they could defeat the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance.

"Send an emergency distress signal to the Command."

Kastelair ordered.

"Activate all defense systems, enter the highest alert state. Also... attempt to establish communication with the other side."

"Already attempting, Commander. The other side is not responding."

An ominous premonition spread in Kastelair's heart.

He had read the battle reports of the Ningjing Huilang and knew how terrifying the combat effectiveness of the Star Alliance fleet was.

But he did not expect the other side to directly attack "Cinder Prime"; this was an industrial center, not a border fortress, and theoretically should not be a primary target.

Unless... the other side's goal was not occupation, but destruction.

"The enemy fleet has begun to disperse! Three formations, pointing respectively to the orbital Shipyard, the Antarctic energy array, and... the equatorial zone where the Zongdufu is located!"

Kastelair walked quickly to the tactical table.

The holographic image showed that the fleet was unfolding an attack formation with textbook-perfect tactical maneuvers.

Cruisers provided fire support from the rear, Destroyers moved forward to clear orbital defenses, and landing formations began to dive directly into the planetary atmosphere.

"All defense platforms, fire! Do not let them get close!"

Kastelair roared.

In orbit, the Fengqi defense platforms began to fire in unison.

Energy Beams tore through the void, appearing very weak against the Void Shields of the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance fleet.

The Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance warships did not evade, only returning precise fire with their broadside Macro-cannons.

In the first volley, four defense platforms were destroyed.

In the second, six more turned into fragments.

"Shield strength... their shields are too strong!"

The weapon control officer reported in despair.

Kaste watched the rapidly decreasing friendly dots on the screen, his Third Eye stinging violently.

The gap in strength, and the other side was rich in combat experience.

"Enemy Landing Pods have broken through low orbit!"

A new alarm sounded.

"Quantity... at least fifty! Expected to reach the atmosphere in fifteen minutes!"

Ground war.

The situation Kastelair feared most.

He had 300,000 planetary defense troops and 50,000 Guardian Super Soldiers on hand, but facing the "Space Marines" of Xiuluo...

"Connect to the Planetary Governor."

Kastelair said hoarsely.

A few seconds later, the face of Governor Haroon appeared on the communication screen.

"Commander Kastelair! I received the alert! Is this true? Is the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance attacking us?"

"Yes, Your Excellency Governor. We need to immediately activate the comprehensive defense plan, evacuate civilians in key industrial zones, and at the same time..."

Before Kastelair could finish, Haroon interrupted Kastelair's words.

"Evacuate? Evacuate where? The periphery of the planet has already been blockaded! Our ships cannot fly out at all!"

"Then evacuate to the underground bunkers!"

Kastelair suppressed his anger.

"Governor, now is not the time for panic. We need to organize effective resistance and delay for time to await reinforcements.

The headquarters has already received the distress signal; reinforcements will arrive within forty-eight hours at the earliest."

"Forty-eight hours..."

Haroon smiled bitterly.

"Can we hold out for forty-eight hours?"

Kastelair did not answer.

He looked out the observation window, where the scorching trails of Landing Pods entering the atmosphere had already begun to appear, like streaks of meteors.

"We will do our best, Governor. Now, please perform your duty."

The communication cut off.

Kastelair turned to his staff officers.

"All ground forces are to enter preset defensive positions.

The Guardian Legion will serve as the mobile reserve, focusing on protecting industrial facilities and the Command Center. Additionally... prepare for urban warfare contingencies."

"Urban warfare? Commander, that will cause massive civilian casualties..."

"If the Space Marines land in the city center, civilian casualties will be unavoidable."

Kastelair's tone turned icy.

"At least urban warfare can delay for time and create an opportunity for the reinforcements."

The orders were transmitted down.

Across all of Cinder Prime, sirens wailed, civilians began to surge toward underground bunkers, and soldiers rushed to defensive positions.

Kastelair took one last look at the tactical screen.

The Star Alliance fleet had already cleared 70% of the orbital defenses, and the Drop Pods were breaking through the final layer of the Anti-Air Cannon fire net.

"May Three Eyes watch over us."

Above the main industrial zone in the northern hemisphere of Cinder Prime.

The Drop Pod of the Salamanders 7th Company was surrounded by exploding Anti-Air Cannon fire, but its heavy armor withstood the impact.

Company Commander Galtoklin checked his Bolter and spoke over the communication channel.

"Landing in thirty seconds. Remember the tactics: establish a defensive perimeter immediately upon landing. Task priority: control major factories, paralyze production lines, and capture technical experts. Do not kill those who surrender; eliminate those who resist."

"Company Commander, how should we handle civilians?"

"Avoid civilian casualties as much as possible, but if they participate in the resistance... follow the Primarch's order: do not kill those who surrender. But that is on the condition that they truly surrender."

The vibration of the Landing Pod intensified.

A loud sound of metal tearing came from outside.

"Landing!"

Impact.

The hatch opened.

The Salamanders Space Marines surged out of the Drop Pod, and their Bolters opened fire immediately.

They had landed inside a massive manufacturing factory.

Under a dome hundreds of meters high, automated production lines were still running, and robotic arms swung in the air, but the workers had all evacuated.

"Left corridor, enemies!"

A Salamanders Space Marine reported.