From cannon fodder to sweeping across thousands of stars.

Chapter 648 13° and 130°
The 'Pillars of Life' dust cloud is 15 kilometers from the proton annihilation bomb assembly center.

In this silent and deep starry sky that is forgotten by most ordinary people and is like a cosmic graveyard, the half-finished 'Requiem' satellite artillery array is like a lonely metal island, or like a metal morning glory blooming in the universe. Its cold and hard shell emits a cold light under the illumination of the 'Eye of Serpens'.

From a structural point of view, the core of "Requiem" - the largest nuclear reactor array currently owned by mankind, is located at the deepest part of the entire satellite artillery array, just like the stamens and pistils hidden in the morning glory.

As the heart of the entire "Requiem" satellite cannon, the nuclear reactor array is wrapped in thick layers of lead-bismuth alloy protective layers, which not only effectively prevents the leakage of nuclear radiation, but also provides a stable environment for the complex and dangerous nuclear reactions inside.

Inside the reactor, which is invisible to others, ultra-high temperature plasma surges violently under the constraint of a strong magnetic field. Every surge means the generation of massive amounts of energy.

A large number of energy neutralization facilities are running continuously at high speed, doing their best to neutralize the ubiquitous neutron interference in the surrounding space, ensuring that the fission reaction proceeds continuously and stably, and providing a massive energy supply for the entire satellite cannon during the irradiation period.

Along the energy transmission path, the nuclear energy converter is like a sophisticated energy processing plant. It uses the Federation's most advanced energy conversion matrix technology, and can tame the violent energy generated by a nuclear explosion into a highly focused gamma-ray laser beam with near-perfect efficiency.

The massive crystalline energy conversion units inside are arranged in an orderly manner, and the energy flow is precisely controlled based on complex algorithms to ensure that the output laser beam has extremely high stability and destructive power.

As for the 'first reflector' that combines nano-level light control technology and force field stabilization technology like morning glory petals, it is composed of billions of microscopic light reflection units. Each unit can independently sense and adjust the angle and intensity of the incident light to ensure that the energy loss of the gamma-ray laser in the reflection process is minimized. The reflector frame is surrounded by a circle of energy stabilization force field generators to maintain the stability of the frame structure at all times, so that it can withstand the vibration of the entire satellite gun array during operation and ensure the accuracy of the reflection path.

The "second reflector" that works with it is slightly smaller in scale, but its technology path is largely derived from the byproduct of the proton annihilation bomb assembly center. Its surface is coated with a layer of antimatter energy coating, which can produce a wonderful interaction with the gamma-ray laser, further compressing and focusing the beam, making the energy density of the laser increase exponentially.
Due to the unique shape of 'Requiem', Amber and other players also gave it nicknames such as 'Morning Glory' or 'Cosmic Demon Flower'.

At this moment, in the main control room of this "cosmic demon flower", the atmosphere was depressing and almost suffocating.

After the first round of shooting just ended, according to the report from the damage observation team, the effect of this round of attack was not ideal. Although it did hit the target fleet, the opponent's fleet dispersed so quickly that most of the attacks failed.

Major General Vladimir, the commander of Requiem, stood like a statue in front of the tactical display screen, with veins bulging on his forehead, winding like ancient tree roots. Although the environmental control system in the main control room has always kept the temperature here at a comfortable level, beads of sweat still rolled down his cheeks intermittently, soaking the collar of his naval uniform.

His eyes were like two cold stars, staring closely at the aggressive posture of the Atlas fleet on the screen. After dodging the first round of attacks, the fleet was like a mad school of fish, performing evasive maneuvers while rushing towards the position of Requiem.

The outer warning units also detected that the other side had released a large number of HCPs and the Atlas Group's iconic heavy armored combat boats. The attack clusters composed of these small units were also approaching rapidly from another direction and were currently within the attack range of the 'Requiem' air defense weapon group. But apart from these fixed air defense weapons, the entire satellite artillery array could no longer provide any more defensive power.

The only dozen or so HCP squadrons were guarding the main body of Requiem. The commander did not dare to send them out because he knew that with such a small number of HCPs, sending them out would be like throwing meat buns at dogs and there would be no return.
At the same time, the important task assigned by Marshal Trafalgar also came to Major General Vladimir's mind.

He knew very well that this experimental satellite cannon, which was originally in a semi-finished state, was able to be built to a level that could barely support launch in such a short period of time, precisely because Marshal Trafalgar needed "Requiem" to achieve an unexpected effect in battle.

Therefore, in theory, if the first round of attacks did not achieve significant results, he should immediately organize a second round of attacks with "Requiem" according to the response plan formulated before the war.

However, Major General Vladimir was currently struggling with his indecision and dilemma.

Because issuing this second firing order actually meant that the fate of himself and tens of thousands of federal soldiers in Requiem was hanging by a thread.

After all, this is an extremely complex large-scale facility that has not been completely completed and has not completed all inspections. It is an extremely dangerous weapon even for the federal army itself. If you are not careful, everyone will be wiped out in this vast universe.

Major General Vladimir knew the current state of Requiem - half-finished meant countless unknown risks. It might cause a chain explosion inside due to energy overload in the next second, affecting a large number of engineering ships docked nearby, or the sophisticated reflectors could not withstand the powerful energy impact that was re-activated in a short period of time, breaking into countless deadly fragments, tearing everything nearby like a high-speed bullet.
"Report! An urgent message came from the First Fleet! After completely destroying our logistics squadron, the Atlas Fleet's squadron has begun to attack the location of Requiem!"

"Tsk, attack in three directions?"

Major General Vladimir frowned. The original two directions of attack were already difficult for him to deal with, and now there was a third attack, and it was an enemy of the size of a squadron.

Although they were all small boats such as light cruisers and destroyers, if it was a complete "Requiem" with all its defense systems online, no one would even give it a second glance.

But obviously there is no such "if" now. This squadron, which would normally not be given a second look, has now become a deadly threat.

It was the appearance of this fleet that helped Major General Vladimir make the final choice.

"'Requiem' is ready for the second irradiation!"

The major general's low, hoarse but extremely penetrating voice was like the embodiment of a sharp military order, instantly breaking the silence and echoing in the command room. There was no doubt that behind this voice was the courage to fight to the death for victory, even if the price of failure was death.

When the other people in the Requiem control room heard the order, their faces were instantly covered with a thick haze. They knew in their hearts that firing two shots in a short period of time in a half-finished state was undoubtedly a crazy test on the edge of a cliff. Satellite guns could encounter various unpredictable problems at any time. Once the entire precision system was paralyzed, it would definitely not be able to be handled in a short period of time.

But military orders were as firm as a mountain, and there was a circle of expressionless military police holding stun guns standing around the main control room, watching everyone. Everyone could only take a deep breath, forcefully suppress the fear surging in their hearts, and speed up preparations for the second round of irradiation.

"The third cooling is over! There is no abnormality in the passage for the cooling helium to be discharged!"

"Increase the speed of flywheel set 1-18, and keep flywheel set 19-36 on standby!"

"The auxiliary voltage is normal! The measured value is within the standard range! Please keep it between 0+2 and -05!"

"The 'first reflector' has been re-fixed, and the mirror surface has been inspected. The number of bad spots is below the acceptable value, so there is no need to replace it!"

"Prepare for the first energy circuit contact. Normal, the energy circuit is working stably!" "Circuits 1 to 1405 are all open, high-frequency link testing in progress. Circuit synchronization rate 95.6%!"

A staff member in the main control room looked back at Major General Vladimir and said:

"Major General, the circuit synchronization rate is just at the edge of the red line. Do you want to continue the attack?"

"Are the other values ​​normal?" asked Major General Vladimir.

"The other values ​​are all normal, with no signs of being out of control."

"Then continue!" Major General Vladimir waved his hand and looked at the 'attack group' on the other side of the main control room. "Have you completed the trajectory prediction of the target fleet?!"

After hearing Vladimir's words, a member of the attack group hesitated for a moment and then replied: "Report to the Major General, the trajectory prediction has been completed, but the target fleet is now likely to disperse again like just now. After all, they now know that we are aiming at them."

"Adjust the angle of the 'Second Reflector' and increase the diffusion axis of the second round of illumination to 13 degrees. This will prevent them from escaping our attack range in time!"

Major General Vladimir, who had given up hope, began to sound a little ferocious. Judging from the damage observations of the first round, although only part of the fleet was hit, it was certain that the power of "Requiem" was undoubtedly devastating to conventional warships.

Even the super flagship of the Atlas Group could not withstand the direct irradiation of "Requiem".

In this case, Requiem can completely expand the illumination range by adjusting the reflector, which is just like replacing a laser pen with a flashlight. The huge attack range can also make the Atlas fleet's evasion difficulty increase exponentially.

"Wait, the peripheral heavy detection probes were attacked at the same time?"

Another doubtful voice sounded from the other side of the main control room. As soon as Major General Vladimir glanced over, he heard the officer say in horror:
"No, they are using heavy detection probes to infect us with the electronic warfare virus! Fuck, how the hell did they do that?!"

Hearing the officer's words, Major General Vladimir immediately had a bad feeling. He quickly gave orders: "All peripheral probes are disconnected urgently, and the system firewall is upgraded to the highest protection level! The main control personality allocates computing power to check and kill!"

Then he looked at the other staff members and officers.

"Quick! Start irradiation! What are you guys doing? Why aren't you ready yet?"

"General, the cooling of Requiem has not yet been completed, and the core reactor is still a little short of full power."

"Just start irradiating! If we don't attack now, we may not have a chance to attack! Even if the opponent's electronic warfare virus attack doesn't work, once they close in with three-way attacks and cut into the blind spot of Requiem, we won't have time to adjust the angle!"

Vladimir floated directly to the side of the officer in charge of carrying out the attack. If it were not for the fact that he was not allowed to carry personal weapons when entering the main control room, the major general stationed at Requiem would have wanted to take out his service pistol and point it at the other party's head.

"As the commander of Requiem, I order you to begin irradiation!"

"Yes!"

Under such pressure, the officer could not hesitate any longer. He quickly operated on the workbench, and with the highest authority provided by Vladimir, he skipped a lot of inspection procedures and tedious confirmation processes, and adjusted the scattering angle of "Requiem" to 13 degrees. Finally, after inputting the main control personality's previous prediction of the Atlas fleet's trajectory, he directly pressed the button representing "start irradiation."

Vladimir's breathing became rapid and heavy, and his heart seemed to be about to burst through his chest. Various battle situations kept appearing in his mind, and these fragments flashed back quickly like a kaleidoscope, causing him to hold the back of the officer's chair tightly.

Finally, after a burst of energy fluctuations that seemed like the collapse of the universe, "Requiem" once again gushed out the light of destruction, and the gamma-ray laser roared towards the enemy fleet like the wrath of the Last Judgment.

Vladimir just quietly watched the surging and majestic beam of light through the dimmed screen. Only in the main control room of Requiem could one feel the shock of this tactical weapon up close.
This beam of light seemed to carry the fate of all the people on "Requiem", either they would be reborn in despair, or they would be reduced to ashes in the flames of war and become the dead souls of this universe.

And just at the last moment of the second round of irradiation, Major General Vladimir suddenly discovered a problem - this beam of light seemed to be thicker than he had imagined?
"Report! The second round of illumination has ended. It has covered more than 90% of the warships in the target fleet. Eh? How did they do that?"

Immediately afterwards, another horrified voice was heard in the main control room which had fallen into silence due to the radiation.

"The damage observation team reports that the number of warships in the target fleet remains unchanged?!"

"What the hell is going on?"

Major General Vladimir's ominous premonition became stronger and stronger. He pushed away the officer in charge of attack settings and checked all the attack parameters himself.

Then, in the most conspicuous position, we saw the scattering axis of the second round of illumination of "Requiem".

The number above is not 13°, but there is an extra zero.

"What the hell is 130°???"

(End of this chapter)