Great Xia, Kyoto, Underground Strategic Command Center.
This was the empire's highest military command institution, built hundreds of meters beneath the Imperial City.
The nuclear-blast-proof doors were several meters thick, forged from special alloy, and capable of withstanding a close-range strike from a ten-megaton nuclear bomb.
Inside was a self-sustaining ecosystem, with ample reserves of air, water, and food. Even if the surface were completely destroyed, it could continue operating for years.
The command hall was circular, nearly a hundred meters in diameter. At its center stood a massive holographic display platform, showing the real-time battlefield situation across the entire Western Continent.
The cities leveled by nuclear bombs had been marked as shocking Red Dots, densely scattered across the entire continent.
The new emperor, Zhao Zhao, stood before the giant screen with his hands behind his back, silent.
He wore a dark green military uniform, with three gold stars on his epaulets—the rank of Imperial Marshal.
The late emperor had never bestowed that rank upon anyone. Zhao Zhao had awarded it to himself after ascending the throne.
"Your Majesty." Military Affairs Minister Chen Jingming approached from the nearby command console and lowered his voice.
"During the Western Continent's nuclear retaliation against us, we have currently detected fifty-six intercontinental nuclear missiles that breached the Space-Based Interception Network and are flying toward our homeland."
Zhao Zhao frowned slightly and spoke slowly. "Didn't the Space-Based Interception Network claim it could intercept every missile on the globe? How did any slip through?"
Chen Jingming did not dare delay and hurriedly explained.
"Your Majesty, there are still not enough space-based laser platforms deployed to cover all airspace simultaneously, so interception blind spots remain.
But please rest assured, Your Majesty. The Psionic Particle Cannons will handle these stragglers."
Zhao Zhao nodded. "Put it on screen."
"Yes!"