In the command center conference room, the highest command, branch commanders, and Beyond Grade A combat personnel gathered together.
A 3D star map of the interception zone floated above the tactical simulation platform. Simon stood beside it, constantly fiddling with the star map, drawing tactical symbols with his fingers, and explaining the current situation.
"... According to Black Star's intelligence, the World Tree has mobilized a massive army of 200 billion units, seemingly launching a general offensive. This is a map showing the deployment of our various branches and the distribution of wormhole support bases. It's clear that our fastest troop movement is in the area between A-1075c and N-0744j. If the World Tree attacks this defensive line, all our main defensive forces can assemble and descend at top speed. However, the mobilization speed of other defensive lines is slightly slower, and this time difference could become a breakthrough, allowing the World Tree to use its massive forces to breach the first and second layers of defense, entering the strategic depth and wormhole support base distribution areas, threatening the third layer and beyond, creating a vicious cycle that puts us at a disadvantage..."
The high-ranking commanders looked grave. With a fleet worth two hundred billion, the pressure was far greater than during the previous three offensives. Any one factor could become the enemy's weak point.
"I believe that after three previous failures, the other side will not repeat the same mistakes this time. They will most likely change their attack methods and will not immediately launch a full-scale attack."
"Our construction time is still too short. The World Tree not only wants to break through the blockade, but also probably wants to dismantle our fortifications in one fell swoop. Only by removing our ever-advancing interception circle can they secure the jump point and build a bridgehead for invading our territory."
"We need more reinforcements from the rear, ideally increasing the strategic depth between the first two lines of defense and the rear lines, to prevent the enemy from breaking through the blockade."
The commanders of the various units expressed their opinions one after another, and the group engaged in a lively and animated discussion.
Meanwhile, a group of Beyond Grade A individuals sat on the sidelines, observing without speaking or participating.
After a brief debate among the senior executives, Simon turned to Han Xiao and asked him directly.
"Black Star, what are your thoughts?"
"You two can make the decision about this; I have no objections."
Han Xiao shook his head, indicating that professional matters should be handled by professionals.
However, he paused, then added, "But the World Tree is likely aware of the direction of the intelligence leak. The authenticity of the intelligence I obtained is questionable; it could also be a deliberate ruse by the World Tree. This risk must be considered."
Simon sighed. "I understand, but even if we can't confirm the intelligence's veracity, we have to prepare for a fleet of two hundred billion. Even if there's only a one percent or one-thousandth chance it's true, we must be on guard, or the consequences will be unimaginable."
"Indeed." Han Xiao nodded. If it were true, without prior precautions, the World Tree would most likely strike straight at the heart of the flower, pierce through the defenses, and leave them utterly defeated.
The Child of Destiny had monitored the first two attacks as well, and Han Xiao had his doubts, but the intelligence was ultimately proven to be correct. However, this did not reassure him; instead, it made him even more vigilant.
If the World Tree deliberately leaked information about the previous two attacks in an attempt to lower their guard, then it must be preparing a major move, sending deadly false information at a crucial moment. However, we currently have no way of knowing the World Tree's plans.
'Fortunately, I salvaged new observation devices from the First Sanctum and equipped the Three Universal Civilizations with them. The World Tree can no longer operate secretly here as before; any slight movement will be detected.'
Han Xiao thought to himself.
Since the Three Universal Civilizations applied the special beyond-visual-range detection technology he provided to the war, their reliance on the Child of Destiny's monitoring channels has decreased significantly. Even if the World Tree has any plans, they cannot carry them out secretly, thus greatly reducing the risk.
The meeting lasted for a long time, and many commanders left with heavy hearts.
Han Xiao and his group also left the conference room and returned to their residence together.
On the way, Kasuyi pushed through the crowd, came to Han Xiao's side, and whispered:
"The World Tree didn't send high-level forces during its first two major offensives, but this time it suddenly launched a full-scale attack. Do you think it might have found a way to limit Aurora?"
Han Xiao glanced at him, but before he could speak, the Sun Hunter jumped from Han Xiao's shoulder onto Kasuyi's head and spoke in a muffled voice:
"Hey, they might also be planning to ignore our elite troops and simply use sheer numbers to storm the defenses."
"Ignoring us? It's not impossible, as long as they're willing to take the risk of localized battles. After all, even if we're very powerful, we can't have a fundamental impact in a war of this scale; at most, we can open up some opportunities," Kasuyi pondered.
Seeing that the two had started chatting, Han Xiao gave up the idea of responding and turned to look at Ames on the other side.
"Hmm? Why are you looking at me like that?" Ames raised an eyebrow.
"The enemy has deployed a fleet worth two hundred billion. Are you scared?" Han Xiao asked casually.
"There's nothing to be afraid of." Ames shook her head. In the past few months, she had participated in the first two major attacks on the World Tree and now had war experience.
"This time is different. The World Tree might deploy its high-level forces. You didn't participate in the first major battle and haven't fought against the World Tree's powerful members yet. They are very troublesome."
"It'll be good to see for myself." Ames said calmly.
"Don't underestimate them. The intensity of Beyond Grade A melee is incomparable to the previous two battles against conventional fleets. I suggest you follow Milizaus." Han Xiao casually pointed to Old Dragon.
"Why would I follow him?" Ames asked curiously.
"He's so big, if you hide on him, he can't hit you. If necessary, you can even use a force field to throw his body out to shield you from attacks."
Han Xiao shrugged.
"... You know I can hear you, right?"
Milizaus's magical avatar couldn't help but turn around and look, his tone helpless.
"I just want you to hear it. His nickname is the Dragon Emperor, so it's perfectly reasonable for him to sit on you, right?" Han Xiao pouted.
"That sounds familiar. Haven't you said that to me before?"
Milizaus snorted dismissively.
Han Xiao shrugged. "Don't you think this tactic is quite reliable?"
"Not at all. Besides, my size has shrunk considerably, so I won't be a target for the enemy. This plan is definitely useless." Milizaus remained calm; that's the kind of confidence people who have successfully lost weight have.
"Then why don't you get your size back down? Having such a massive body and not protecting your teammates from the wind and rain is a complete waste!"
"You're dreaming..." Milizaus rolled his eyes and ignored Han Xiao.
The group, unfazed by the potential for a large-scale battle, returned to their lodgings chatting and laughing.
Han Xiao closed the door, his smile quickly vanishing, and his brows furrowed slightly.
He had a premonition that the World Tree would be using high-level combat power in this strong attack, and that the Tranquil Tree King should not have been resurrected yet; it was likely that a new Tree King was coming.
Of the five Tree King, only the Tranquil Tree King has the simplest and most direct ability, while the other Tree King are all skilled in various tricks. No matter who comes, they will only be more troublesome than the Tranquil Tree King.
Meanwhile, in the Shattered World, within the territory of the Black Star Army, on a desolate planet.
Rumble--
Two blurry figures streaked across the barren land like shooting stars, colliding with each other repeatedly. Each collision was imminent, unleashing violent shockwaves that left behind massive craters and fissures in the ground.
Suddenly, the two figures stopped abruptly, revealing their clear appearances: one was Rotel, and the other was Carrot, who was receiving instruction.
Rotel twirled the dagger with his finger, then swiftly sheathed it in his scabbard. He pondered, "Your strength has increased again. You can now withstand my current level of power. In the next combat training session, I will unleash even more of your combat power and continue to push your potential to the limit."
"Okay, I'll train hard." Carrot bumped his fists together, sparks flying, his face showing determination.
He applied to go to the front lines to fight against foreign enemies more than once, but Black Star rejected his applications every time. He knew that this was Han Xiao's way of showing that he valued his potential and was giving him time to grow by putting him under pressure at the front.
Carrot understood that his primary task was to focus on training and grow to the point where he could go to the front lines to help Han Xiao as soon as possible. Therefore, after the outbreak of the war, he trained voluntarily every day.
"Hmm, at this rate, you'll be Beyond Grade A in no time..."
While saying this aloud, Rotel was secretly thinking to himself.
During the days he trained Carrot, he discovered that Carrot's progress was extraordinary, and the speed of his growth did not slow down with the increase in strength. On the contrary, it became faster and faster, as if there were no bottlenecks. His progress every day was visible to the naked eye.
Rotel, who had been wondering why Han Xiao valued Carrot so much, now had no more doubts, only deep surprise.
How could there be such a martial arts prodigy in the world? How did Black Star manage to discover him?!
The World Tree Territory, the Tree King.
Two figures sat atop the five Throne: the Heart Tree King and the Anchor Tree King, who was clad in heavy armor. Below the two Tree King stood several executive officers, some of whom had been resurrected from the dead.
"The intelligence has been leaked?"
"It has already been demonstrated by the Foresight Forces," Tedrian replied, bowing his head.
"Yes, hopefully their attention will be focused on this."
Heart Tree King stroked the armrest and nodded slowly.
Tedrian continued, "In the previous assaults, we calculated the approximate structure of the interception circle, as well as the enemy's stationed forces and the limits of their follow-up support. This time, by amplifying our numerical advantage, we should be able to break through the interception circle in one go, or at least clear their spatial anchoring orbits..."
Upon hearing this, Heart Tree King casually hummed in response, showing no intention of saying more. He then waved his hand, dismissing the numerous executives.
Soon, only the two Tree King remained in the palace.
The Anchor Tree King turned its head slightly, seemingly glancing at the Heart Tree King out of the corner of its eye hidden behind its mecha mask, and slowly spoke:
"You've decided to take matters into your own hands? Is this your intention in urging me to reveal myself?"
"Well, that restorative ability user is someone I can easily deal with, and that Universal Treasure can only unleash its full power in my hands... If I die there, you'll be in charge of things here for the time being," the Heart Tree King said calmly.
"How long until the Tranquil Tree King is resurrected?" The Anchor Tree King frowned.
"Although I water him every day, it will still take some time," Heart Tree King waved his hand.
Anchor Tree King was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "In that case, take my Dominion avatar, Apostle Weapon, and mechanical troops with you."
"You intend to spare my life?"
"If I let you live to manage affairs here, I can continue to comfortably stay inside the Mother Tree and absorb nutrients," the Anchor Tree King said coldly.
The Heart Tree King shook his head. "This civilization is very strong; you'll have to participate in the battle yourself sooner or later."
"We'll talk about that later."
Leaving behind a single sentence, the Anchor Tree King's body merged into the Tree Throne and vanished.
Seeing this, the Heart Tree King felt somewhat helpless.
No matter how diligent they were before, after being chosen as the Tree King, they all become lazier than the last, avoiding any movement if possible, especially the Anchor Tree King who is a mechanic.
He remembered that before this guy became the Tree King, he was a research fanatic. Now, he's too lazy to even build machinery, let alone conduct research; he relies entirely on the Mother Tree for transformation...
In comparison, the Heart Tree King still prefers the Tranquil Tree King. He can easily get the Tree King and the best tool in the eyes of the other four.