Lieutenant General Goss continued his report. In a very serious tone, he also told everyone that, aside from the First Imperial Guard Fleet, all the Empire's fleets in the Celestial Domain had already departed.
"Myriad Kings Pass is the Empire's largest military stronghold on the border. They can travel along the First Spiral Arm Highway, pass through the capital of the Kaitai Kingdom, and reach Southern Heavenly Gate within a month. They could also take a detour through the Duchy of Angmangsi, then cross the Bakwi Republic; even the slowest route would get them to the Far Shore Nebula border in just three weeks." The intelligence minister paused. "We still can't confirm who commands this fleet, but as far as I know, Marshal Estai has also arrived."
Marshal Parris looked grave. "We've been old rivals since the War of Independence... Ladies and gentlemen, they couldn't have assembled such a massive force just to put it on display. We'll soon face even greater challenges. I ask you all to fulfill your duties to the utmost!"
Maxwell, the defense committee chairman, also spoke. "We've received widespread support from the international community. The Alliance has condemned the Empire and is willing to provide us with further military aid and interest-free loans. New recruits are being enlisted and trained, new warships are on the slips, and weapons from the market will keep flowing into our hands. Back then, Marshal Li and his comrades faced circumstances far worse than ours, yet they still led everyone to one victory after another. Now, ladies and gentlemen, as long as we hold firm, we'll find a way!"
Yu Lian shivered and hurriedly cut in, despite the breach of etiquette. "As long as we hold firm, we'll surely win!"
"That's right! We'll definitely achieve final victory!" Chairman Maxwell gave