Han Xiao considered himself a man who could persuade with reason. Under his explanation (and threat), the armed groups that had been following him around were convinced (and helpless) and withdrew from the war zone, shifting their targets.
A few days later, the Modo Civilization's defensive line in the Ferdinand War Zone was reduced to only the Black Star Army's offensive force.
Black Star Descent the front lines was made without any secrecy, and the Modo Expeditionary Army had already received the news, putting them on high alert. Although Black Star Army's comrades had all withdrawn, Black Star's arrival raised the Modo Expeditionary Army's level of vigilance to an even higher level than before, as Black Star alone was worth a thousand troops.
Two days later, the Modo Expeditionary Army noticed the Black Star Army's movements. The enemy had temporarily withdrawn its troops from attacking other defensive lines and was instead making a large-scale assembly, marching in a mighty force toward one of the defensive lines, as if preparing for a general offensive. The leader of this force was Black Star himself.
The Modo Expeditionary Army responded urgently, mobilizing a large number of troops to reinforce this part of the defense line and standing ready for battle.
The massive fleet, trailing dense streaks of light, traversed the galaxy. After sailing for some time, the defensive line set up by the Modo Expeditionary Army came into view. It resembled a long dragon composed of warships, space fortresses, and large mechs, stretching out almost without end.
Five planets were transported here, forming a defensive array with each other in a triangular formation.
A massive army confronted each other across an endless galaxy, locked in battle.
In the command center of the Black Star Army's flagship, Ames observed the battlefield view and shook her head, saying, "Without Beyond Grade A, they still want to fight head-on? Is Modo preparing to sacrifice the entire fleet?"
"They had no choice. If they didn't use this clumsy method, they could only watch us advance unimpeded." Han Xiao smiled.
Currently, only Modo and Ames are personally involved in the battle among the Beyond Grade A. Although Modo has Beyond Grade A, he is unwilling to reveal his identity and is bound by the association, making it difficult for him to find an excuse to get involved. You can't cook without rice. Modo wants to stop the two Beyond Grade A, the only way is to use the fleet to fight head-on.
In a battlefield of this level, the existence of Beyond Grade A is of strategic significance. If there are no Beyond Grade A units to counter each other, then the only option is to use fleets to fill the gaps. Even if they can hold off the enemy for a while, it will be difficult to save the lives of the Beyond Grade A.
Even with high productivity, the rate at which troops are produced cannot compare to the rate at which Beyond Grade A unit regenerates energy. Repeating this process a few times will result in heavy losses; it's a bottomless pit. That's why advanced civilizations all strive to become Beyond Grade A.
In extremely high-intensity battlefields, the importance of Beyond Grade A weapons will decrease. However, not every war will involve the use of various highly destructive strategic weapons. In normal-intensity Shattered World Battle, Beyond Grade A weapons are sufficient to dominate the victory of each battle.
At this moment, Fleet Commander Melos spoke up, "Commander, the troops have reached the target location. Please give instructions for the next step."
Han Xiao waved his hand, "No need to just stare at them, let's just fight."
The order was relayed through the ranks and quickly spread throughout the entire army.
The next moment, the Black Star Army launched a fierce attack, as if billions of stars had suddenly lit up in the dark universe, all of them the light of Psionic Energy cannons.
The blindingly white beams of light, like Rainstorm downpour, lashed out at the base shields and ship shields of the Modo Civilization, sending up large arcs of electricity like splashing water. The matrix-like combined shields linked by the Modo Expeditionary Army fleet flickered, and the energy reserves of many ships in the formation suddenly plummeted below the warning line, emitting wailing alarms.
The Modo Expeditionary Army immediately opened fire in retaliation. Both sides' assault fleets, battle fleets, and tank fleets were activated and charged towards each other, quickly clashing and creating a fierce battlefield.
The two sides are now enemies with no room for compromise. There's no room for verbal sparring; they'll fight as soon as they meet, and war will break out immediately!
Ames glanced back and saw Han Xiao nod. She then strode out of the cabin, transforming into a shooting star as she personally charged into the battlefield.
A powerful force field coalesced into countless lithe dragons and pythons, tumbling and rolling within the enemy fleet. Pulling, dragging, tearing, and vibrating forces acted simultaneously, Crush enemy ships into twisted, sparking metal fragments, throwing their formations into chaos. Her abilities were renowned for their versatility, particularly her expertise in large-area AOE attacks, making her extremely useful in the interstellar battlefield.
Han Xiao wasn't idle either. He snapped his fingers, and squads of mechanical soldiers emerged from the Secondary Dimension Army Box and immediately joined the battlefield.
The massive mechanized forces instantly gave them an overwhelming advantage in the battle. A ten-man combat squad could easily tear apart Modo heavy warship, and the mechanized forces present numbered at least three million, with their numbers continuing to increase.
Mechanical Deity are formidable in one-on-one combat, but against large-scale enemies, mechanical legions are far more efficient.
As Peak Beyond Grade A mechanic and a war expert, personally taking action on a battlefield of this level is an exhilarating experience, like crushing a novice. Under normal circumstances, Han Xiao might save some effort, but he has no intention of holding back against Modo.
The two sides fought fiercely, and the forces of the Modo faction were extremely passive and suffered heavy losses. Their troops were being wiped out in large numbers, and every now and then, some of their agents tried to escape from the battlefield, but most of them were spotted by the roaming mechanical units and blown to pieces.
On the battlefield, the guild alliances such as Pan-Commercial Union, Northern Front, 5C Alliance, and Highland Eagle, which were fighting on the side of the Super Star Cluster, were hiding and fleeing, completely lacking their former confidence, and only wanted to survive.
"Thank goodness, we didn't bring all our assets this time." The leader of the Northern Front Fire of the North Sea, looked lingering fear.
"If only I had ignored the transfer order and not gotten involved in this mess," the leader of the Highland Eagle said, looking distressed.
"Now is not the time to celebrate. The Modo Expeditionary Army couldn't hold this line. We should think about how to preserve our troops. Although they are not many, it still pains me," the president of the Pan-Commercial Union said helplessly.
Due to the Black Star Army's offensive, the player-versus-player wars are currently mainly concentrated in the Ferdinand War Zone, with the Superstar Cluster faction's player alliances temporarily under the command of the Modo Civilization.
Upon learning that the Black Star Army had seemingly launched a general offensive, these important Immortals allies also received orders from Modo to come and defend this line.
These guild alliances weren't fools; they knew for sure from the forums that Black Star was coming, so they were cautious and only brought a small number of troops to participate in the battle, which was very thoughtful.
As it turned out, this choice was prescient. The opposing team had two Beyond Grade A, while Modo had none, giving them a win rate of less than 1%. If these guild alliances had brought all their assets, they would have lost them all by now.
While players are the main players in the nation war, fleets and equipment are equally important. The Super Star Legion's guild alliance has accumulated considerable resources, but if they all give away their kills, the nation war will be impossible to continue, and they will be completely crushed and humiliated by the Black Star Army's players.
To be honest, these guild alliances also felt quite helpless.
Our national war was going well, but then your Black Star Army released your leader again. Isn't that bullying us?!
Black Star likes to get involved himself so much, how are we supposed to fight with the Legion players?
This feeling is like two children fighting, but the other child's parents get involved – it's so unreasonable!
During their campaign in the Free Competition Zone, the Guild Alliance encountered almost no NPC forces that were unafraid of them, these "Cancer of the Universe." However, the Guild Alliance also knew their own limitations. In the face of a super boss- Grade SS figure like Black Star, they, this group of "Cancer of the Universe," were a weak and vulnerable group, easily defeated. Even after several resurrections, they wouldn't be enough to stop him from killing them.
With the assistance of two Beyond Grade A warriors, the battle turned one-sided, and a breach was quickly made in the defensive line. Reinforcements couldn't arrive in time, and the Modo garrison on this line began to retreat.
Han Xiao observed the situation, looked at the opening in the defensive line, and said, "That's enough, we can go in now."
As he spoke, he turned to look at Melos.
"I will leave one Dominion avatar to oversee the fleet, and some mechanical units for you. You will lead the legion, but do not penetrate into the heart of Modo. Continue to roam and attack the outer defenses, focusing on inflicting casualties on the enemy's manpower."
"Understood." Melos nodded, his face serious. Years of leading troops had given him a certain authority when he wasn't indulging in card games. He said, "You and His Majesty the Dragon Emperor Throne are going to storm the headquarters of the Modo Expeditionary Army alone. Be careful."
"The ones who should be careful are not me, but them."
Han Xiao smiled, flew out of the warship, picked up Ames who had been fighting all along, and, surrounded by mechanical troops, quickly passed through the dense artillery fire and traversed the battlefield.
The Modo Expeditionary Army suffered repeated defeats and was unable to organize an effective interception. The warships blocking its way were destroyed one after another by the mechanical forces. The two of them charged into the defensive line with sparks and lightning, and left triumphantly, disappearing in the direction leading to the heart of Modo.
The plan the two devised to strike at the heart of the enemy's territory was primarily executed by the two of them, while the main force remained on the outer defensive line to continuously attack and contain the enemy. This was done because once they penetrated the heart of the enemy territory, the Modo Expeditionary Army would inevitably set up an encirclement, and the Beyond Grade A target was smaller, more flexible, and easier to maneuver.
"What? They broke in alone?"
At the headquarters of the Modo Expeditionary Army, the supreme commander Roddick's expression changed upon hearing the report from the front.
He had assumed that Black Star would lead his legion in a grand and imposing attack, sweeping through cities and fortresses with unstoppable momentum, but Han Xiao and his companion had ventured deep into enemy territory alone, which surprised him greatly.
"What is Black Star trying to do? Why did he leave his troops outside? Judging from his behavior, it doesn't seem like he's trying to take over our territory." Someone was puzzled.
"He came in to kill, and our target is us." Lagos knew this and sighed. "The plan against Iso was originally our idea, but Black Star probably found out about it through other channels, so we're all being watched by him."
Upon hearing this, a look of panic involuntarily appeared on the faces of everyone present.
At the same time, a strange sense of being flattered and overwhelmed stirred within them. They never imagined that one day they would become the target of a decapitation operation carried out by Peak Beyond Grade A.
"Could we be wrong? Maybe Black Star has other targets?" someone asked incredulously.
"Stop fooling yourselves! He's coming for us!" Roddick roared.
"Then let's quickly move the command post and find refuge somewhere else!" someone hurriedly said.
"It's no use. Black Star is a virtual mechanic; he can see right through you no matter where you go."
Roddick's face was ashen as he paced back and forth.
He did not regret implementing Lagos's plan against Iso, but lamented its failure. Now, the price of failure had come—this was retribution.
"Let's ask the higher-ups for help. Since Black Star is so arrogant, maybe we can have the Beyond Grade A troops cooperate with our Expeditionary Army and surround and kill Black Star?" someone cautiously suggested.
Upon hearing this, Roddick and Lagos exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of sorrow in each other's eyes.
As the highest-ranking members of the Expeditionary Army, the two were naturally well aware of the choices the Modo Civilization would make under these circumstances.
Black Star has already penetrated deep into enemy territory, and his efforts are too far to be of any use in this immediate crisis. Moreover, Modo would not allow Beyond Grade A to be exposed and risk coming here to rescue someone. In other words, even if the higher-ups of Modo knew Black Star's current objective, they could not help him. They had been forced to become pawns.
In fact, when Black Star announced his personal involvement, Roddick knew that the situation was hopeless. He repeatedly asked the higher-ups of Modo for help, hoping to send Beyond Grade A ships to defend the area. However, the higher-ups of Modo never responded. Instead, they kept asking them to hold on and only provided supplies and ordinary fleets. How could such support possibly stop Black Star!
This is like giving me a budget of only 100 Enas but expecting me to achieve the effect of 10,000 Enas. I can't do that!
What are the higher-ups still hesitating about? Is there any need to hide the identity of their Beyond Grade A members? If not now, when?
Roddick roared inwardly, but no matter what he thought about it, he couldn't make decisions for the higher-ups.
"There's only one way left, and that's to ask the Super Star Cluster Alliance for help," Lagos said in a deep voice.
Roddick nodded with a stern face, took out his communicator, entered the communication channel of the Super Star Cluster Alliance Expeditionary Army's high command, and spoke:
"Everyone, I need help, Black Star has broken through..."
He recounted the events, and after a moment of silence in the channel, the commander of the Expeditionary Army from another supercluster civilization asked in a deep voice:
What do you want us to do?
"We can't withstand Black Star. We hope you can send reinforcements to help us repel Black Star. We also hope to temporarily move our command post to any one of your territories, so that Black Star can't carry out his decapitation strike..."
"Impossible!" another commander roared. "This is something you, the Modo, brought upon yourselves. Solve it yourselves!"
Roddick's face darkened. "We agreed to stand together through thick and thin, are you just going to betray the alliance like this?"
"The covenant is about us working together to deal with the infighting among the Three Universal Civilizations, not about us all having to pay for your own debts!" someone shouted angrily. "To be honest, I've put up with you Modo for far too long!"
The Supercluster formed an alliance to seize development territory from the Three Universal Civilizations, supporting each other and suppressing many selfish motives. At this time, they will not continue to fight amongst themselves.
This involves overall strategy, and other supercluster civilizations have no room for negotiation—if it weren't for the Beyond Grade A Association, and Black Star was acting on behalf of the Three Universal Civilizations, they would have provided assistance without hesitation.
However, the Beyond Grade A has already established an association, indicating that it will remain neutral, thus eliminating the advantage of advanced combat power among the Three Universal Civilizations. This should have been a great thing, but Modo himself provoked Black Star. If others also get involved, who knows what attitude the Beyond Grade A Association will take? Will Black Star turn around and target them? They are already preoccupied with their own problems, and no one wants to be dragged into Modo's mess.
Therefore, the other supercluster civilizations had no intention of helping Modo fight Black Star, otherwise their overall strategy would be greatly affected. Rather than that, they would rather sacrifice their teammates and gain boundless power.
Roddick looked grim and hung up the communicator.
Everyone present heard the conversation, and a gloomy atmosphere hung over the room.
"It seems we can only rely on ourselves..."
Lagos said this, but inwardly he smiled bitterly, knowing there was little hope unless a miracle occurred.
Thinking back to his initial high spirits upon taking office, and comparing it to his current predicament, Lagos felt a mix of emotions.
If it weren't for the Modo Civilization's conspiracy against the Kunde Race, they wouldn't have been forced to accept this mess, Modo could have avoided the predicament they are in today, just like other Supercluster civilizations.
Although Lagos dislikes shifting blame, at this moment, he couldn't help but feel resentful towards the guy who suggested to the higher-ups that they plot against the Kunde Race.
What a fucking rip-off!