At the Empire's border, the gates of Karelia Fortress slowly opened. Two enormous Train Cannons emerged, their barrels gradually rising to aim into the distance. At the same time, tanks rolled out from the steel fortress's gates and advanced toward Crossbell.
On the Republic's side, in the Tangulam Hills, a combined ground-and-air force of tanks and airships likewise pushed forward.
In order to crush Fang Zheng's Starlight Technology in one fell swoop, both sides had tacitly deployed their strongest forces—though one reason was likely inseparable from Fang Zheng's "game."
Though it sounded like a joke, whichever side reached Crossbell first would undoubtedly be able to completely incorporate it into its own territory. Not only the leaders of the two nations, but even their military commanders were probably salivating over it. After all, after so many years on the Semurian Continent, the territories and spheres of influence of every nation had long been fixed. Crossbell was also a place of acute conflict. Now, both sides likely believed that the time had finally come to resolve this issue once and for all.
"That's the Empire's 5th Mechanized Division and the Republic's 3rd Joint Army... I never thought they'd send out all their elites..."
Naturally, neither side's movements escaped Fang Zheng's notice. In fact, every move made by both armies had long since appeared on the screen before him. Seeing the fully armed forces of the two countries on the screen, Commander Sonia's expression changed as well.
"Mr. Fang Zheng, please allow me to return to the Security Force immediately to coordinate and direct our deployment in response to the coming war!!"
"Hehehe, there's no need, Commander Sonia. Don't be so tense. Actually... I deceived you a little."
"Huh?"
Hearing this, Commander Sonia immediately stood up and stared at Fang Zheng in surprise.