Chapter 996: Lowering the Threat Level of the Western Theater

"Enough!"

Speaker Ravenna raised her voice, suppressing all the arguing as she spoke.

"Everyone, I understand your respective positions and concerns. But please, look clearly!"

As she spoke, Ravenna enlarged the star map, displaying the Western Theater and the Southern Theater side by side.

"In the west, we are in a struggle between two giants, the Ashes and Canaan; although brutal, it is evenly matched, and the war has its rules and bottom lines. But in the south... we are facing a predator that breaks the rules and aims for absolute destruction and conquest. If we do not concentrate our strength to deal with this predator first, then it is very likely that while we win a battle in the west, we will lose the entire war in the south."

As she spoke, Ravenna looked at the Chairman of the Military Committee, Valken.

"Chairman Valken, from a purely military perspective, what is your judgment?"

Valken was silent for a moment, then nodded and said.

"Your Excellency Speaker, although I am very reluctant, I must admit that with our current military strength, the possibility of winning two large-scale wars in the east and west simultaneously... is extremely low. The threat from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance is imminent and existential. If we cannot assemble superior forces as soon as possible to stabilize our footing on the southern front or even counterattack, the consequences will be unimaginable. The west... must make adjustments."

With even the representative of the pro-war faction, Valken, saying this, the opposing voices in the Conference Hall immediately quieted down significantly.

Seeing this, Ravenna announced.

"Then, let us proceed to a vote. Proposal: Temporarily lower the conflict level in the Western Theater, and seek negotiations for a temporary ceasefire or border solidification with the Ash Star Alliance and the Canaan Star Alliance, in order to withdraw at least 10 Capital Ship fleets and corresponding ground forces to reinforce the Southern Theater, prioritizing the elimination of the threat from the Xiuluo Holy Star Alliance. Councilors who agree, please vote."

Although many councilors still showed reluctance, the vote was ultimately passed smoothly.

Ash Star Alliance frontline headquarters, "Forge Fortress".

War Commander Geertie sat on the obsidian command throne, staring with his only remaining eye at the star sector on the tactical map that bordered the Fengqi Star Alliance and where resource markers were flashing, and spoke.

"Is the news accurate? Did the Fengqi bastards get their pants pulled down in the south by that 'Xiuluo'?"

Geertie's Adjutant responded respectfully.

"Yes, Commander. Multiple intelligence sources confirm that at least three star sectors in the south of Fengqi have fallen in a very short time, and the five hundred thousand 'Guardian' vanguards they sent were almost completely wiped out. Their Supreme Council has lost its footing and is attempting to withdraw troops from other theaters."

Geertie let out a cold snort, revealing a ferocious smile.

"Hmph! Withdraw? In their dreams! The situation our Ash warriors opened up in the west after shedding so much blood is not something they can just walk away from! This is the perfect time for us to seize FQ-95! The Fengqi are now unable to attend to both ends!"

As he spoke, Geertie slapped the armrest and stood up.

"Pass the order! The 7th and 9th Assault Fleets are to immediately enter 'Shadow Flame' stealth mode and maneuver to the designated assembly point on the periphery! Logistics Department, complete the deployment of all combat supplies for me within 48 standard hours! I want to let the Fengqi bastards know: strike while the iron is hot!"

Just then, a communications soldier stepped forward to report.

"Commander, Xiliya of the Canaan Star Alliance has sent a communication request."

Geertie frowned.

The Canaanites, those vipers hiding in the shadows—he had never liked them.

But Geertie still waved his hand and said.

"Put it through."

Xiliya's exquisite holographic image appeared in the command room, a programmed smile on her face, and she spoke in a gentle tone.

"Commander Geertie, good day. I presume you have also received the good news regarding the recent predicament of our mutual 'neighbor'?"

Geertie couldn't be bothered to beat around the bush with Xiliya and spoke directly.

"Xiliya, speak your mind! What kind of tricks do you Canaanites want to play again?"

Xiliya did not mind Geertie's attitude, her smile remaining unchanged.

"Commander Geertie is truly straightforward. Since the Fengqi have revealed such a large flaw, shouldn't both of us... take some action?"

"Action? Of course we're taking action! Our Ash fleets are already prepared! We will use Lava and artillery fire to snatch the resource star sector from the hands of the Fengqi bastards! As for you Canaanites... do you want to follow behind and pick up the scraps again?"

Xiliya shook her head gently and said with a smile.

"Commander, that is where you are mistaken. A frontal assault is naturally the specialty of the Ash warriors. We Canaanites are better at... exerting pressure where the enemy least expects it. We can simultaneously create some offensive postures in the areas bordering Fengqi to attract and pin down a portion of their attention, making them unable to deal with your offensive with full force. This is all benefit and no harm to you, isn't it?"

Geertie narrowed his single eye, thinking.

He certainly didn't believe the Canaanites were being so kind as to help purely, but if they could pin down a portion of the Fengqi forces, it would indeed reduce the resistance to his offensive.

"What do you want?"

Xiliya's smile deepened slightly.

"It's very simple. Once the Commander successfully takes the forward star sector, we hope to conduct 'friendly' negotiations with the Ash Star Alliance regarding the mining rights for rare crystals within that sector, especially in the 'Youguang Belt'. After all, we have also... made a 'contribution' to the victory."