No Dawan resident would be unfamiliar with the Hongxian Federation; it was the closest Mid-Tier Civilization nation to Dawan, having held that status for a thousand years.
The Hongxian Federation and Dawan were entangled in grievances, their connection running deep.
The interaction between the two nations traced back seven centuries when an exploration team from the then Mid-Tier Hongxian Federation arrived at Dawan's border, initiating hundreds of years of trade between the two powers.
The border separating the two nations was less than a hundred light-years apart. Under the laws of the Great Cosmic Federation, provided it was voluntary, the two nations could form a Suzerain-Vassal relationship.
One side required resources for development, while the other needed advanced technology—it was a perfect match. After applying for the Suzerain-Vassal status, a bidirectional wormhole passage was established with the assistance of the Ge'an Empire.
The two nations entered an era of grand trade. Dawan exchanged raw materials like ores for Hongxian Federation's high-tech products and expertise. Both sides obtained what they needed.
This trade relationship persisted until a century ago. Dawan’s terrifying pace of development began to unsettle the high command of the Hongxian Federation; in less than six hundred years, Dawan’s national strength was showing signs of catching up.
Compounding this was the envy over Dawan’s uniquely advantageous location. Within a mere 10 light-years, there were thirteen naturally habitable stars. (It was previously noted that Dawan's sphere of influence was only 0.5 light-years, which presented an issue; this has now been corrected to 10 light-years).
It must be noted that the entire Hongxian Federation possessed only seven habitable stars, yet its sphere of influence stretched nearly 100 light-years.
If not for the Great Cosmic Federation's ultimate decree—that Mid-Tier Civilizations were forbidden from initiating wars against Primary-Tier Civilizations—the Hongxian Federation would never have let such a tempting prize slip away.
Over a hundred years ago, the Hongxian Federation unilaterally terminated its trade relationship with Dawan, declaring a definitive split between the two nations.
Due to conflicting national interests, the two nations that had once shared everything and developed hand-in-hand became strangers.
As Dawan’s national power continued to surge, friction between the two states intensified. Especially after Dawan ascended to Mid-Tier Civilization status, the two nations reached a point where they could not coexist.
One mountain cannot house two tigers. Within this range of just over a hundred light-years, there were now two Mid-Tier Civilizations. For the sake of their future development space, neither nation would tolerate the existence of the other.
The leadership and wise individuals of both sides realized that sooner or later, a war that would determine the very survival of their nations was inevitable.
They just hadn't expected this day to arrive so swiftly.
Zhong Yun felt a bitter taste in his mouth. Why did the war have to erupt at this moment? If it had been delayed by a few more years, perhaps he would have possessed sufficient strength to help Dawan win this conflict.
As things stood, beyond this vessel, the Mars, he didn't even have a single mecha.
Zhong Yun was immensely frustrated and slammed a fist hard against the armrest.
He had to do something.
Zhong Yun lifted his head, his eyes blazing with unwavering resolve. Dawan held his parents, friends, and loved ones. It was his second homeland; he could not allow the ravages of war to destroy everything he held dear.
“What is the current situation between the two sides ahead?” Zhong Yun asked, his expression grave.
“The battle is nearing its end, with the Hongxian Federation having the advantage. They possess seven warships. Dawan has two remaining. It is estimated that the Dawan side cannot hold out for more than two hours,” ZER reported the battlefield status.
Zhong Yun pondered for a moment, “How great a cost would the Mars have to pay to defeat seven Hongxian Federation warships?”
A dark light flickered in ZER's eyes. “The Mars is equipped with one thousand five hundred and seventy electromagnetic cannons of various sizes. Mecha count is zero, space fighter count is zero… The projection indicates the Mars’s win probability is less than sixty percent.”
Zhong Yun gasped, a chill running down his spine. The Mars was his most precious asset; it had saved him from peril twice in the vastness of space and was the means by which he traveled to Qiyun Star and back.
Without the Mars, he truly could not imagine what would become of him.
Even if he were completely naive, he wouldn't fail to notice the distinctiveness of the Mars. Especially after learning its capabilities, he would never believe Xiao Ling’s tale that it was merely purchased. Setting aside whether a ship of this caliber was even for sale on Freedom Star—even if it were, the price would be an astronomical figure that Xiao Ling could not possibly afford at that time.
Less than sixty percent chance of winning? Zhong Yun immediately abandoned the idea of rushing forward to the rescue and began thinking frantically. “What if we activate the stealth system? Could we approach without being detected?”
“The stealth effect is significantly weakened while in flight. The chance of closing in undetected is less than twenty percent,” ZER’s words dashed that notion.
Zhong Yun rubbed his temples. A spark of inspiration flashed in his mind, leading to a new query. “What about remaining perfectly still?”
“There is a ninety percent chance of remaining undiscovered.”
Xiao Ling’s answer invigorated him. “Can you find a way to contact one of Dawan’s warships?”
“This will require some time.” Xiao Ling’s black eyes flickered continuously.
Zhong Yun held his breath and waited patiently. Though his heart was burning with anxiety, he dared not urge the AI to hurry. Those two Dawan warships were on the brink of disaster; every second wasted meant more Dawan soldiers might perish.
About two minutes later, the dark light in Xiao Ling’s eyes ceased moving. “Done.”
A panoramic video appeared before Zhong Yun, showing an officer in a crisp blue uniform with graying hair. Upon seeing the young Zhong Yun, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, though his face showed no other reaction. “Your Excellency forcibly linked to my vessel; may I inquire as to your purpose?”
The old officer's voice was booming, speaking in Universal Galactic Standard.
“Are you the Captain?” Zhong Yun asked in the Dawan language; he had no time for pleasantries.
Hearing the Dawan language, the old officer’s brow lifted, and he regarded Zhong Yun with a deep gaze. “Indeed.”
“Captain, I mean no harm. The situation is critical now. If you trust my counsel, please attempt to break through toward coordinates… The time is short; please decide quickly,” Zhong Yun stated with utmost seriousness.
In the background of the video, countless personnel in blue uniforms could be seen moving busily. The old Captain’s brow was tightly furrowed, clearly struggling in deep contemplation.
Zhong Yun was incredibly anxious, wishing he could reach through the screen and grip the man’s collar to assure him, “I have no malice toward you.” Unfortunately, influencing someone’s thoughts was not so easily achieved.
“Captain, the fighter contingent is almost unable to hold!” the Deputy Captain's urgent voice broke the silence.
The Captain’s expression hardened, and he looked up. “Listen to my orders: command the mecha units to provide cover and concentrate our fire. My vessel is preparing to break out toward the… direction. Notify the Songshan to follow our movements.”
Once the order was given, he looked deeply at the young man in the video, whose demeanor had relaxed, hoping, I pray this decision is the right one.
The reason he had hesitated to attempt a breakout earlier was that the enemy’s speed far exceeded their own; even if they fled, they would soon be overtaken. Since escape was impossible, he might as well fight desperately, aiming to take down as many enemies as possible.
As for surrender, he, the overall fleet commander, had never considered it. As a warrior who survived alongside Marshal Yang Tianlie fighting pirates fifty years ago, what he possessed most abundantly was the courage and spirit for a final, do-or-die stand.
But at this stage, he knew it was hopeless. The disparity in strength was too great; each of the seven enemy warships was more advanced than their own. The only reason they had held out this long was thanks to the selfless bravery of the fighter pilots, repelling wave after wave of enemies.
The seven enemy vessels were not engaging in direct combat but had formed a cordon, encircling the two Dawan warships.
Their commander intended to capture these two tenacious enemy ships with minimal cost. A direct confrontation was the most unwise choice. He was waiting for the moment when the enemy was utterly exhausted and forced to surrender.
In interstellar warfare, it was rare for either side to fight down to the last soldier. When at a disadvantage, surrender was common practice. After all, one's own life was the most important thing.
However, the Hongxian Federation personnel had underestimated the Dawan people’s resolve to defend their ancestral home.
“Sir, the enemy’s fighters are massing; the mecha units are also deploying. It seems they intend to break out,” a battlefield staff officer rose and reported the War Staff’s findings.
“Breakout?” The commander stroked the two points of his mustache and smiled. “They finally couldn’t resist trying to escape.”
Enemies fighting a do-or-die battle, burning their bridges, are the most troublesome opponents for any commander. Even when holding the advantage, achieving victory often requires heavy sacrifices. No commander relishes facing such an enemy.
In such situations, the tactic of leaving one side open—wei san que yi—is the most frequently used by commanders, designed to weaken the opponent’s will to fight to the death.
The Hongxian Federation commander had intentionally left a large gap in the encirclement, hoping to entice the enemy into a breakout attempt. Fleeing enemies were much easier to deal with; by simply chasing their tail, one could secure glorious results without significant cost.
Fighters and mechas led the charge, perhaps realizing this was their only hope of survival. Dawan’s fighter and mecha forces erupted with morale the likes of which had never been seen, sacrificing themselves fearlessly and catching the blocking enemies completely off guard, quickly carving out a bloody path.
The two main vessels also engaged. Each time their massive main cannons fired, they annihilated more than a dozen enemy fighters.
With the Hongxian Federation intentionally holding back, the two Dawan warships sustained only two electromagnetic cannon blasts before breaking through the blockade, engaging maximum speed, and fleeing forward.
“Let’s give the stray dogs a good beating,” the Hongxian Federation fleet commander seemed to already see the Goddess of Victory smiling at him. With a single order, “All units, pursue!”
The seven main ships and countless fighters and mechas chased after the enemy, clinging tightly to the tails of the two Dawan vessels.
“Captain, the first great squadron of rear-guard fighters has been entirely annihilated.”
“Captain, the Songshan has sustained damage to its stern; the auxiliary power room is completely destroyed.”
“Mecha Second Great Squadron, from the commander down, all personnel are lost.” Dawan’s Captain felt his heart tearing. These were all such excellent warriors, and now they would rest here forever.
“Captain, if this continues, I fear… I fear…” The Chief of Staff stood up, his face etched with deep sorrow. “I fear we will be completely wiped out.”
The Captain looked at him, his gaze cold as a knife. The sheer force of his presence silenced everyone in the control room. “There is Zhang Haokun who dies in battle, but no Zhang Haokun who surrenders.”
“Prepare my mecha.” Captain Zhang Haokun stood up straight, an iron-blooded heroism surging across his aging yet still unyielding face. “If you want Zhang Haokun’s life, then come and take it!”
P: Only 59 monthly tickets remaining, brothers, it’s all up to you. Let’s catch up.