Chapter 923: Emerging Forces

Rui En passed through a secret passage and arrived at the backup control room.

Only a few people survived here, including the wounded Major Leisi and two technicians.

"What is the status of the amplifier array?"

Major Leisi asked.

"Power has reached ninety-eight percent; overload is inevitable."

Listening to the heavy footsteps getting closer outside, Major Leisi remained silent for a few seconds before speaking.

"Then it is time. Initiate the self-destruct sequence."

"Sir, the self-destruct sequence will immediately trigger an overload explosion... we are all within the blast radius."

Major Leisi nodded and said.

"I know. But if we do not do this, the enemy will obtain the technology of the amplifier array. That is more terrifying than losing Sanpimu Star."

Another technician suddenly said.

"There is an external communication request, coming from Fengrao Starport."

Major Leisi took the Communication Device.

"This is Major Leisi."

"Leisi, the situation is understood. Authorization to initiate the self-destruct sequence is granted. The Star Alliance will remember your sacrifice."

The communication ended.

There was silence in the control room.

Major Leisi looked at Rui En and the others.

"You have a chance to evacuate. Secret passage 7-B leads to the surface; there may still be a glimmer of hope."

One technician stood up immediately.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I have a family..."

He rushed toward the entrance of the passage.

The other technician hesitated for a moment, then followed.

Only Major Leisi and Rui En remained.

"Why don't you leave, Corporal?"

Major Leisi asked.

"I am a communications soldier, sir. My duty is to keep communications open until the end."

Major Leisi smiled and said: "A choice of honor."

As he spoke, Major Leisi turned toward the Control Console.

"Then, let us complete our final Task."

Just as Major Leisi pressed the self-destruct button, the door to the control room was violently broken open; seeing this, Lion raised his Bolter Pistol and blew off the arm Major Leisi was using to press the button.

But on the Control Console, the red countdown began: 00:59... 00:58...

"The Psionic Amplifier Array will self-destruct in fifty-eight seconds; you cannot stop it."

Lion quickly issued orders through his Communication Device.

"All units, evacuate the area immediately! The Heretic psionic array is about to explode!"

Lion took one last look at them, then turned and withdrew.

These two Heretics were already dead men walking; there was no need to waste ammunition.

The countdown continued: 00:30... 00:29...

Major Leisi turned to Rui En and said.

"Last chance, Corporal. The passage is still there."

Rui En looked at the countdown and shook his head in reply.

"No, sir. I choose to stay."

00:10... 00:09...

"You are a good soldier, Rui En. The Star Alliance will be proud of you."

00:03... 00:02... 00:01...

Rui En closed his eyes, remembering the day he joined the military.

Then, the world turned pure white.

On the surface, Lion and the Dark Angels Space Marines had just withdrawn from the blast radius when a pillar of energy erupted from underground, shooting straight into the clouds before expanding into a massive shockwave that leveled everything in the vicinity.

In orbit, Mortarion watched this spectacular scene, knowing the battle for Sanpimu Star was over.

"All units, report status."

Responses came in one after another. Most units had evacuated the danger zone, but losses were inevitable.

Lion's voice sounded last.

"The amplifier array has been destroyed. Sanpimu Star is ours now."

Mortarion nodded and said.

"We have secured this planet. The battlefield has been expanded for the subsequent war."

Lion gazed at the ruins in the distance that were still smoking.

"The self-destruction of the amplifier array was no ordinary explosion. I suspect those Heretics hid the true potential of this technology."

Mortarion replied.

"Surviving enemy ships are attempting to flee, and my fleet is in pursuit. Not a single Heretic will be able to leave this planet."

Lion pondered for a moment.

"We need to repair the planetary defense system as soon as possible. A planet that cannot defend itself has no value to us."

"Rest assured, brother. The engineers and technicians are ready to land; they will assess the damage and prioritize restoring orbital defenses."

After the communication ended, Lion turned to Takaer and said.

"Organize a search party. I want to know the details of the Psionic Amplifier Array site. At the same time, look for any important technicians who might have survived—especially those who understand psionic technology."

"Yes, Father."

Meanwhile, in the southern core region of the Fengqi Star Alliance, a massive fleet was sailing.

Inside the flagship's strategic room, the commanders were analyzing the final transmission data from Sanpimu Star before it lost contact.

"The last confirmed signal was the activation of the Psionic Amplifier Array, followed by a total communication blackout. Preliminary assessment suggests the array may have overloaded and self-destructed."

Marshal Weilan frowned.

"Commander Kemake's final report mentioned an unknown, powerful enemy. Is there any more information regarding their identity?"

"Very limited, Marshal. The enemy's technology does not match any known Star Alliance. Their soldiers... appear to be some kind of genetically modified superhuman soldiers."

A silence fell over the strategic room.

Sanpimu Star was one of the key nodes in the southern defense zone, housing the Star Alliance's ongoing psionic amplification project.

"If the enemy has obtained the technology for the Psionic Amplifier Array..."

An officer stopped mid-sentence.

Marshal Weilan walked over to the Holographic Star Map.

"The fall of Sanpimu Star is not just the loss of a planet. It means the enemy may have gained access to our most dangerous weapon technology."

"We should organize a counterattack immediately, while the enemy has not yet established a firm foothold."

Weilan shook his head.

"No. First, we need to understand who the enemy is and what their capabilities are. Kamirate, Longyou Shuangzixing, Shadow Star, and Sanpimu Star—these areas have all been attacked by the same force; it is highly likely a force supported by the Canaan Star Alliance is harassing us."

Weilan pointed to other planets around Sanpimu Star on the star map.

"Notify General Gelan of the Seventh Star Sector to strengthen the defenses of these planets. At the same time, dispatch reconnaissance fleets to gather intelligence. Until we understand the enemy, we will hold our position."

"What about the garrison on Sanpimu Star? There might be survivors..."

"War requires sacrifice. If there is a risk of the Psionic Amplifier Array's technology falling into enemy hands, the garrison knows their duty."

After the orders were issued, only Weilan and a few top staff members remained in the strategic room.

"Marshal, if it is not the Canaan Star Alliance, but indeed an emerging force, the 'Xiuluo Star Alliance'..."

"Then this is no longer a border conflict, but a war for survival. If it is confirmed to be the emerging Xiuluo Star Alliance, then before they have a chance to grow, have General Gelan of the Seventh Star Sector eliminate this emerging force."

"Do you think the situation is already that serious?"

A staff member asked.

Weilan looked toward the position of Sanpimu Star on the star map.

"Kemake is one of my best commanders. In his final communication, he used terms like 'incomprehensible threat.' When my most excellent subordinate says such things, we must prepare for the worst."

"Understood!"