Him and their stars.

Chapter 2110: Losing the battle makes it even more necessary to establish a persona.

Indeed, an ordinary knight with an average combat strength of only three rings, even if fighting on home ground and wearing a Crest Machine, is no match for Saint Gongsun Qing. Moreover, the buff from the Eternal Array within the fortress has also been disabled for "unknown reasons."

Of the eight Astral Knights in the two squadrons, three were killed and two were seriously wounded. The rest, along with their wounded comrades, quickly retreated.

By the standards of ordinary soldiers, retreating only after suffering such casualties is indeed heroic. But for a Star Knight, it seems rather lacking in spirit.

Even art student Gongsun Qing and correspondence college student Yina felt that there must be something fishy about this, but considering that there were still more than a thousand prisoners squatting with their heads in their hands in the command post, they had no choice but to give up for the time being.

Immediately afterwards, the breath of the four star dragons caused an armored grenadier regiment that dared to arrive to flee in disarray. This was also the last batch of Imperial reinforcements.

Right now, the Third Sister and the Four Dragons are staring at each other in the fortress command post. After all, they only have so many people; guarding a little over 1000 prisoners is already their limit.

Moreover, one cannot expect art students and vocational school students to be like well-trained academic geniuses, taking over command of the fortress with a flurry of rapid-fire operations at the terminal keyboard.

They are waiting for reinforcements.

“We need at least a company of technical troops,” Ina said. Although she was a correspondence student, she had been a senior career officer for several years and knew what she needed.

“It will happen,” Fei Fei reassured her. “Your task is to stand by and be careful.”

As for Anne Romanova, who was still on the dragon ship, she brought good news when she came to report: "The landing force, led by Colonel Mina Walter, has dealt a heavy blow to the enemy's attacking force and has now taken control of the control room in Sector C."

It's a case of winning with fewer troops, but it makes perfect sense. In the relatively confined combat environment of a fortress, the unconventional attacks from psionicists can often be decisive.

As for why the more than fifty psionicists of the Empire were not present at the fortress, such a matter that would embarrass even the ancestors of the Knights of the Stars, there's no need to go into too much detail.

Anne continued, "As per your prior plan, the connection between Area C and the central command was severed using the Bifang system, and the shields and anti-aircraft guns were shut down. Now, the first batch of reinforcements from the Silent Ship and the main fleet have arrived on the battlefield aboard landing craft."

This represents two pieces of good news. First, the landing force on the dragon ship not only defended the dock with impregnable fortifications but also launched a counterattack, exceeding their mission objectives. Second, the Silent and the fleet outside also achieved victory. At least they forced back the enemy they needed to face, allowing them to send reinforcements.

Annie then said to Gongsun Qing through the screen, "An engineering battalion is heading towards the command post. It should only take 20 minutes."

In conclusion, the current situation should be very favorable.

Yu Lian and Fei Fei continued forward. They were very relaxed, as if they were taking a stroll in their own home. And indeed, things were unfolding in that direction. As they passed through a commercial plaza on their floor—the shops were long gone—they encountered a group of bewildered grenadiers, who looked to be at least a reinforced regiment.

However, the two or three thousand soldiers wearing mechs screamed as if Cthulhu had stepped on their tails the moment they came face to face with the two men, and they turned around and fled, clutching their heads.

This is no longer just encountering a natural enemy; even encountering a natural disaster wouldn't be this bad.

“I think I’m generally a kind and approachable person,” Yu Lian sighed. “I’m leading a kingly army, a benevolent army, a civilized army. Even if we surrender, we can enjoy humanitarian treatment. Why do this? Look, this kind of escape will inevitably trample our own people to death.”

"This only shows that our work has just begun. Most Imperial soldiers born into the lower classes don't see you as a mentor to the working class; they only know you as the demonic dragon that destroys them."

"Even if we do our job well, I am still a dragon of destruction and slaughter. It is the original who brings hope to the working masses, not me. However, speaking objectively, I should criticize you, Director Fei. Aren't you the propaganda minister of the Pioneer Party?"

"There is no such position, and legally speaking, none of the active-duty military personnel in the community are considered pioneer party members. Of course, Your Majesty's admonition is always correct, and I will certainly try my best to reflect on my actions."

"If the context is wrong, then the form of address will also be wrong!"

"Understood. I accept the leader's criticism and will definitely conduct a thorough self-examination. In my subsequent work, I will certainly demonstrate a different spirit."

Since Miss Robot isn't here, she won't object to their current actions.

Then, as they walked hand in hand onto the elevator leading to the impregnable central hub, they received a message from the fleet outside. This time, the pop-up window showed Eleanor, Captain Nemo, and Wayne.

The three men looked much calmer, but they still couldn't hide the stench of victory emanating from them.

"The enemy fleet has retreated to the vicinity of Weight Well No. 3. They have cleared the way," Eleanor reported.

"Compared to your personal command, annihilating the enemy in the fortress, our fleet battle was merely supportive. Fortunately, we have fulfilled our mission, and everything is progressing as you predicted. Although we failed to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy, we have at least preserved ourselves and have not let you down." Captain Nemo was as usual, his first act being to praise his superior's brilliance and prowess. Whether it was truly informative or not, the emotional value was definitely sufficient.

Yu Lian, who was originally full of doubts about the inexplicable Heavenly Domain, now felt a sense of relief and couldn't help but admire the captain's racial talent once again.

Following this, Horatio Wayne also gave a detailed report on the entire operation of the mobile fleet.

The top non-psychic leader of the 830th class (the "most heroic" member of the military academy this month) briefly, yet efficiently and logically explained the role played by the mobile fleet.

He patiently explained his kite-flying tactics to Yu Lian, and said with almost certainty, "With the Bifang system, the combat effectiveness of our fighter jets can be further enhanced. This is a crucial national asset that we can rely on, and it also gives us a certain first-mover advantage. It is foreseeable that for many years to come, we will still lag behind the Empire and the Alliance by more than one generation in terms of large warship technology, and we are even inferior to the Minlan and Balai. The limited shipyards in New Shenzhou should still be used to produce aircraft carriers, and our limited technical departments should also replicate and mass-produce the Bifang system as soon as possible, even if it is only a degraded version."

This guy is just a colonel, but he speaks like a devoted commander-in-chief.

However, what Yu Lian admired most about this red-haired man was his undisguised desire for progress. More importantly, their opinions were still well-founded, which was truly admirable.

"Colonel Wayne, the biggest surprise of this battle was you." Yu Lian expressed his sincere and enthusiastic appreciation:

"After a major battle, we gained ten more ace pilots, and Baolu became a double ace, which was certainly a pleasant surprise. However, in your hands, the aircraft carriers and fighter jets were able to extend such tactical depth, giving us more options for both support and main attacks in the future, which is an even greater surprise."

Putting aside whether it's overstepping our bounds, we can even determine the focus of our future national defense construction. With such double surprises combined, wouldn't that be a dreamlike and blissful time? As someone who is outwardly a big gun and battleship advocate, but in action a shill and ideologically an aircraft carrier advocate, Yu Lian was naturally very confident in the Guangyi fighter jet, but he never expected that the Guangyi and Bi Fangyuan would work so well together.

He never expected that it would be this fiery-hearted redhead who was the first to come up with new carrier-based tactics.

“You only have the Lexington sisters and one Enterprise at your disposal, yet you can hold off a high-speed fleet five times your size. So, General Wayne, if you had ten Enterprises, you might actually be able to bring down an entire Imperial Guard fleet.”

Surprisingly, Wayne gave a shy, wry smile: "You flatter me too much. The Imperial Mobile Fleet is constantly under the threat of the Silent Ship's arc cannons, so it's natural for them to be cautious in their actions, which is why I was able to find their weakness."

This guy is actually being humble? This is definitely not the Wayne I know! Yu Lian said that he actually prefers the unruly redhead who can be used as cannon fodder at any time.

Indeed, growing up isn't always a good thing.

Wayne added, "Besides, this doesn't really fit my usual combat style. Rotating and managing three carriers already exhausts me, let alone ten. If possible, I'd prefer battlecruisers and Titans that can charge into battle!"

This guy is a big gun and battleship enthusiast at heart, but reality has forced him to become an aircraft carrier enthusiast in action. It does sound quite contradictory, but Yu Lian believes that the red-haired guy with the potential to be a great general can definitely overcome it.

Horatio Wayne then remembered something and reminded him, "And besides, he's a colonel."

He had always believed that he should be the first among his classmates (excluding a couple of exceptionally powerful psychic monsters) to become a general, but he wasn't yet. And this robust red-haired man had always been very disciplined.

“Very good, but I promise you, you will definitely be one. The official government appointment will be given to you in a few days,” Yu Lian said with a smile.

The so-called government is, of course, the Community's government-in-exile in Nefi. Although it is a makeshift organization that raises its flag at the former embassy, ​​it has been recognized by most countries and by patriotic soldiers like Yu Lian. Therefore, it is the legitimate government of the people of Earth.

Strictly speaking, all generals were directly managed by the Personnel Department of the National Defense Commission, and their appointments were indeed approved by the government.

Eleanor and Wayne (across the screen) exchanged bewildered glances. They both felt that this guy's tone was more like, "Want an imperial edict? I'll write one for you right now."

Feifei even nudged Yu Lian with her elbow, reminding him to pay attention to his facial expressions.

Of course, Captain Nemo said enthusiastically, "Yes, it's a fact that Commander Yu approved it. Congratulations, General Wayne. Hahaha, as expected of a lunar man, and indeed as expected of Commander Yu's classmate and friend! Perhaps before long, I will also have to call you Commander."

Eleanor Bonaparte saluted Yu Lian with a strange expression. He suddenly realized that, in a sense, it wasn't that Yu Lian needed the Nefi government-in-exile, but rather that the government-in-exile was recognized by the Alliance and most of its countries because of the endorsement of people like Yu Lian.

From this perspective, the demise of the Earth's central government actually freed many people from the constraints imposed upon them.

Eleanor felt that if she continued to think about it like this, she would definitely hurt everyone's feelings, so she quickly saluted and said, "We have received a message from King Velent from the Abyss Dragon. Shall we take it?"

Yu Lian glanced at Fei Fei, who shrugged: "He's a man like the wind. Although I let him go, I always feel that he has other tricks up his sleeve. Even if I'm determined to kill him, he'll definitely be able to escape."

Indeed, given the mystical background of the Dawn Royal Family, this guy must have already set up a spatial anchor point on the Abyss Dragon, and he must also have a teleportation artifact that cannot be locked, similar to the "Sky Jade".

He must also possess the Void Token; if all else fails, he can escape through the Void Realm.

While the subspace, the source of mysticism, is undoubtedly the most profound and mysterious irrational world, it is also a place of escape that the powerful and the wealthy can choose in critical moments.

“Well then, sir, you should still meet him,” Fei Fei said with a smile. “Speaking of which, I pressed his face to the floor and wrote half of the ‘Ode to the Red Cliff.’ I wonder if he’s alright now.”

This is a bit much.

Putting aside his character and subjective intentions, from the perspective of benefits alone, this guy can be considered an old friend of the people of Earth.

Our Spiritual Research Association's Advanced Technical College of Spiritual Particles only managed to have a campus thanks to His Highness Prince Wei's gift.

Yu Lian nodded to Eleanor behind the screen and intervened in the communication.

After the newly appeared screen flickered for three seconds, King Werent appeared on the camera. His face showed no signs of the wounds left from being rubbed against the floor; he remained as imposing and handsome as a statue, still the perfect cosplayer of the yellow-skinned toilet man. Of course, his complexion was slightly pale, as if he had just been through a fierce battle and was exhausted.

However, he saluted Yu Lian with utmost seriousness and said solemnly, "I am a foolish and incompetent commander, and I have been manipulated by you. Although I still have the advantage of the fleet, I have already lost Chenxiao Fortress."

What's going on here? A double act? Didn't we already say we'd decided to cooperate?

Yu Lian glanced at Fei Fei out of the corner of his eye, only to see that she had already given him a subtle wink. He then said, "You have already done your best in the fight."

Yu Lian didn't know whether the King of Wei had done his best, but the old knight commander who had received his instructions must have done his best, and Duke Gai, who was hiding a thousand light-years away, had also done his best.

Yu Lian glanced at Fei Fei, who was giving him a thumbs-up, and said, "Martial fortune is a matter of fate, don't force it. Please preserve your strength. I am in a superior position, waiting for you to challenge me again."

King Werrent was deeply moved, yet his eyes shone with unwavering resolve, and he seemed to transform into an indomitable idol: "Your martial virtue is admirable, a model for all warriors in the universe. To be defeated by you is my honor! However, there are countless warriors like me, mediocre in ability but passionate in spirit, in the Empire. Please consider this carefully: the fall of Chenxiao Fortress is merely my personal defeat, not the defeat of the Empire."

Yu Lian seemed to understand the discussion, and solemnly said, "Please share your opinion. I am all ears, Your Highness."

King Wei bowed deeply, moved: "Your noble character will surely be remembered for generations to come. Before all warriors of the future are impressed by your achievements, they will first and foremost pay homage to your radiant personality!"

Ugh, what kind of dialogue is this, straight out of a third-rate knight-errant novel?!