Chapter 1157: This Is Exactly Our Opportunity

Valken closed the report, his three eyes staring at the pitch-black screen.

Nankang Star has been occupied by the Iron Hands, the harassment operations have failed completely, and the border raids cannot even break through the Star Alliance's second-line troops... Every piece of intelligence repeats the same message.

The gap between the Fengqi Star Alliance and the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is not just a few capital ships or a few Super Soldiers; it is a gap in the entire military system, technological level, and tactical philosophy.

However, these could not possibly have been achieved in just a few short years. Since when did that Emperor of the Xiuluo Holy Star know all of this?

"Commander-in-chief..."

The Deputy Commander asked cautiously.

"Are we still going to execute the original plan? Perhaps... perhaps we should re-evaluate the situation."

"Re-evaluate what?"

Valken turned around, his voice rising sharply.

"Evaluate how weak we are? Evaluate how strong the enemy is? And then what? Surrender?"

The holographic room fell silent.

The officers lowered their heads, not daring to meet Valken's gaze.

Valken took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

He knew his subordinates were only voicing thoughts that many dared not speak.

Even he himself, deep down, wasn't he doubting as well?

But doubt is meaningless.

As a soldier, he could only make decisions based on reality and then execute them to the end.

"Order all Fleet Commanders to convene an emergency tactical meeting. We need to adjust the plan, but not retreat. We must strike a decisive blow before our supplies are exhausted."

One hour later, the fleet-wide encrypted meeting channel.

The holographic images of all Fleet Commanders appeared in the strategic holographic room.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Valken spoke up.

"Fellow colleagues. You have already received the latest battle report. Nankang Star has fallen, and the supply line has been cut. The harassment operations have failed, and the border raids have not achieved the expected results."

Valken paused, letting the information sink in.

In the holographic images, some commanders' expressions became grave, while others showed anger or anxiety.

"Now, we face a choice. According to the original plan, we need twenty days to complete the campaign objectives.

But according to the latest assessment by the Logistics Department, under current supply conditions, we can only sustain high-intensity combat for twelve days at most."

A low murmur of discussion erupted in the channel.

A relatively young Fengqi commander said.

"So we are retreating? Turning and running away in front of the enemy?"

"It is not a retreat, it is an adjustment."

Seventh Fleet Commander Rex corrected.

"Facing reality is not cowardice; it is wisdom. If supplies are insufficient to support the full campaign, we must modify the campaign objectives."

"Modify it to what?"

The young commander retorted.

"Scratch the Star Alliance's defensive line and then go home to report 'we tried'? Will the parliament and the public accept such a result? What will the followers of Olaf say?"

The appearance of the name Olaf made the expressions of many commanders become complex.

Admiration, pity, disapproval, secret agreement... all kinds of emotions were mixed together.

Valken raised his hand to stop the argument.

"Now is not the time to discuss politics. I have summoned you all to decide on the military response."

Valken pulled up the latest enemy-friendly situation map.

"According to intelligence, the Star Alliance's main force is currently concentrated in two directions: Guilliman's Ultramarines Legion is in front of us, and Ferrus's Iron Hands Legion is on our flank. Vulkan's Salamanders Legion has just captured the 'Grey Ring', but their current movements are unknown."

"Three Primarch legions..."

Someone said in a low voice.

"We are facing three Primarchs."

"Not only that, there are several other Xiuluo Holy Primarchs currently capturing star sectors surrounding the core area or entering the core area from other places, such as Sanguinius, Horus... This shows that their forces are dispersed."

Valken emphasized.

"This is exactly our opportunity. The Star Alliance's front line is stretched too thin, and there are gaps between the legions. If we can concentrate our forces and quickly break through at one point..."

He pointed to a certain area of Guilliman's defensive line on the star map.

"There is a relatively weak defensive node here.

According to reconnaissance, only conventional Astra Militarum are stationed there; no large-scale presence of Space Marines has been detected."

"A trap?"

Rex suspected.

"Guilliman would not leave an obvious weakness."

"It could be a trap, or it could be a trade-off he had to make due to insufficient forces."

Valken analyzed.

"But regardless, this gives us an opportunity: concentrate three capital ship fleets, force a breakthrough at this point, and then strike directly into the rear of the Star Alliance's defensive line."

He drew the attack route.

"Once we break through, we will not entangle ourselves with Guilliman's main force, but turn directly to attack his logistics bases and Command Nodes. Disrupt his deployment, force him to split his forces to rescue, and then... seek an opportunity for a decisive battle while on the move."

The young Fengqi commander's eyes lit up.

"Use speed to compensate for the numerical disadvantage, and use mobility to disrupt the enemy's deployment. I support this plan!"

"The risk is too great."

Rex shook his head.

"If the breakthrough fails, or if we fall into an encirclement after breaking through, the entire capital fleet could be annihilated."

The young Fengqi Commander argued.

"Not breaking through is also a dead end! Supplies can only last twelve days; are we to starve to death in front of the enemy?"

The argument erupted once again.

The commanders who supported a quick decisive battle and those who advocated for cautious action split into two factions.

Valken did not stop them immediately.

He listened, observed, and evaluated the attitude of every commander.

This was not a simple tactical disagreement; it reflected deeper rifts within the Fengqi Military: radical versus conservative, risk-taking versus stability, honor versus reality...

Finally, he raised his hand again.

"Let us vote. Those who support modifying the plan and executing the breakthrough operation, light up your Third Eye."

In the holographic projection, the commanders were silent for a moment.

Then, one eye lit up, then a second, a third... there were more supporters than opponents.

"Then, the plan is modified."

Valken announced.

"All units, mobilize according to the new deployment. The First, Third, and Fifth Fleet will form the breakthrough group, commanded by General Kalivento.

The Second, Fourth, and Sixth Fleet will serve as the main attack group, under the direct command of Rex. The remaining fleets will serve as reserves and flank cover."

The orders were transmitted.

The holographic projections began to disappear one by one, and the commanders returned to their respective ships to execute the orders.

After the last commander left, Valken stood alone in the holographic room.

Intelligence Chief Zuola remained behind, her expression serious.

"Commander-in-Chief, there is something you need to know."

She pulled up a newly declassified report.

"Our intelligence source within the Star Alliance has sent back news... regarding the complete record of General Olaf's final moments."

Valken took the Data Pad. On it was recorded the conversation between Olaf and Guilliman on the Bridge of the Oath, including the old general's final words and the Primarch's response.

When he read the last paragraph, his fingers tightened, and the edges of the metal Data Pad deformed slightly.

"... You have displayed the courage of a Fengqi soldier, but your sacrifice is meaningless."

Guilliman's voice seemed to ring in his ears.

"A rational choice, General. Only by living can one change the future."

And Olaf's reply: "Fengqi people can die, but they cannot kneel."

Valken closed the Data Pad.

Two voices echoed in his mind: Guilliman's cold rationality, and Olaf's burning honor.

Which one was right? Which one could save his fleet, his civilization?