From cannon fodder to sweeping across thousands of stars.

Chapter 811 Agnes's Blade

In the deployment bay of the ninth area of ​​the Mianlui Fortress, the heavy steel hatches slowly slid open to both sides.

The cold vacuum of the universe was isolated outside by the airlock area, and the interior of the deployment bay was brightly lit. The huge space seemed like a palace made of steel. This was also the sense of déjà vu that Natalia had when she came to the deployment bay of the Coronet Fortress several times.

Her figure lengthened in the strong light coming through the crack in the door, her steps were steady, and her military boots made dull echoes on the alloy floor.

Behind her, rows of Star Dragon Empire guardsmen silently and orderly poured into the assembly area.

They are the sharp swords of Her Majesty Agnes, the absolutely loyal force that stood by her side on the day of her accession to the throne.

In addition to everyone undergoing biochemical transformation surgery, which greatly improved their physical fitness, they also changed into the Atlas Group's latest "Baryonyx" series of heavy power armor - yes, the minimum armament of all members is heavy power armor. They are a standard heavy-armored force.

In addition to these elite heavy infantry of the Imperial Guards, the accompanying team also included two squadrons of HCP.

Soon after Agnes ascended the throne, they also replaced their equipment with the 'Royal Holy Shield' promoted by Amber herself. This was a model that had been significantly modified and strengthened based on the 'Holy Shield' and was specifically designed for use by the elite HCP troops of the Star Dragon Empire.

The HCP troops of the Imperial Guards were also the first units to complete the refit after the Royal Shield completed the acceptance test.

At this moment, the pilots are quickly completing the self-inspection of the aircraft, and at the same time they are carefully checking the key parts and weapon attachment points of their respective vehicles. The hissing of the hydraulic system and the crisp collision sound of metal parts are interwoven into a unique pre-war melody.

Natalia stepped onto the temporary command platform and swept her cold gaze over the elite army that she had forged and tempered.

The deployment bay was filled with the sounds of equipment checks, the low hum of engine warm-up, and the briefest tactical confirmations between the Custodians.

However, when she suddenly raised her arm, which was not very strong but full of power, all the sounds disappeared in an instant. The imperial guards stopped their work and stood there like statues, staring at the commander who had already won their respect.

"Your Majesty's sharp blades, Imperial Guards!"

Natalia's voice was not loud, but it was like a tempered steel blade, echoing clearly under the empty steel dome.

"I will not use false and fancy words to whitewash the abyss we are about to step into, because you know the importance of this journey better than anyone else."

Natalia paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the determined faces below:
"Your Majesty Agnes, our lighthouse, night star and sun are now trapped in the quagmire of an alien planet, surrounded by hostility! What she needs is not just a warrior, but the most loyal sword of the empire. She needs to use our lives and glory to carve a way back for her!"

"Imperial Guards!"

An officer of the Imperial Guards with numerous battle scars on his body was the first to roar, his voice as loud as a bell.

His command was like lighting a fuse, instantly igniting the flames in the hearts of all the imperial guards.

"I swear on my life! Protect His Majesty!"

Hundreds of voices merged into a roaring torrent, accompanied by the humming of power armor joints and the thumping of weapons slamming to the ground. They collided and surged repeatedly in the huge deployment bay, like the beating of a war drum, shaking the air.

Natalia lowered her jaw slightly, her hard lines outlined a satisfactory arc, and was about to issue the order to board the plane -

“Tick, tick, tick.”

Another round of uniform footsteps suddenly came from the direction of the deployment bay entrance, interrupting this passionate oath-taking scene.

A team of bionic engineers in pure white engineering uniforms came to the deployment bay, carrying a large number of matte silver equipment boxes transported by "worker bees".

The leading bionic engineer, with his eye sensors flashing a calm blue light, came up to Natalia and gave her a standard military salute of the Atlas Group. "Commander Natalia, according to the order of Commander Lilith, we are urgently distributing a batch of 'psychic combat specialized' equipment to your troops."

Natalia raised her eyebrows in surprise and walked quickly to the nearest equipment box. When the lid of the box slid up silently, revealing the scene inside, she couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

A new set of heavy power armor lies quietly in the equipment box. Judging from its appearance, it should be of the same lineage as the 'Baryonyx' series of heavy power armor equipped by the Imperial Guards.

But the surface of its armor is covered with a more sophisticated composite layered structure. What surprised Natalia the most was that key parts such as the shoulder armor, chest armor core, spine guard and outer side of the forearm were all inlaid with psychic crystals of varying sizes emitting a soft light blue light!

It seemed as if liquid energy was slowly flowing inside the crystal, giving off a cold and mysterious aura.

The cold and hard lines of the military-standard alloy and the supernatural energy fluctuations contained in the psychic crystal form a strange and powerful visual impact, as if the cold machinery and the mysterious psychic power were forcibly melted together.

"This is?"

Natalia stretched out her fingers covered with tactical gloves and gently touched the surface of the armor. Immediately, she felt a faint but clear vibration at her fingertips, as if she was not touching metal, but the skin of some sleeping living creature. A cool and active energy pulse was flowing along the veins of the armor.

"Based on your unit's current Baryonyx platform, we have developed a Baryonyx α model that has been modified to be specialized for psychic combat." The bionic engineer's voice was calm.

"How could so many equipments be modified in such a short time? Could they have been prepared in advance?" Natalia asked with some confusion.

"Yes, the group's top management, or the boss himself, actually conducted a high-probability simulation of potential threats to the elves a long time ago, and then secretly launched the 'normalized psychic combat' plan. The 'psychic combat specialization' of the current equipment is one of its core achievements."

Amber, it's him again.

Natalia felt a mixture of shock and awe in her heart. She had to admit that this man who was so close to His Majesty had successfully deceived all the nobles of the empire.

When everyone thought that he would focus on His Majesty, like a playboy who was planning to "live off his wife", this man had already predicted several steps into the future with the Atlas Group.

At least Natalia knew that most of the imperial officers, including herself, had never expected to be suddenly involved in the conflict of the Thousand Star Empire and face a battlefield environment that they had never dealt with before.

However, Natalia quickly came to her senses and her voice returned to its usual cold and hard tone, but she spoke a little faster. "Specific effectiveness?"

"The core upgrade mainly integrates a small psychic shield generator, which can cover the whole body or choose to defend a fixed part. The external armor plate uses a new composite psychic resistance coating, which has a significant weakening effect on psychic impact and mental erosion.
By the way, we also brought upgraded armor plates to your 'Royal Aegis', and a psychic shield generator to replace the deflection field generator."

The bionic engineer used his electronic eyes to project upgrade information onto the armor in the equipment box.

"The weapon system has not been upgraded. According to previous tests, a single soldier's conventional weapons can effectively kill the basic combat units of the Thousand Star Empire. Although the interface for psychic weapons has been reserved, there are currently no suitable weapons to install. Perhaps you can try to seize some weapons for testing after landing~"

"We don't have time to help you test it on the battlefield," Natalia shook her head, "but thank you for sending these equipments anyway."

"You're welcome. This is what we should do." The bionic man's expression remained unchanged.

Natalia nodded, then turned sharply to face the Custodians who were waiting for orders.

"All Imperial Guards! Replace Baryonyx α immediately!"

The deployment bay was instantly transformed into an efficient machine. With the precise assistance of bionic engineers and technicians, these elite imperial guards under Natalia began to quickly replace their equipment.

Thanks to the fact that 'Baryonyx α' uses the common core framework of 'Baryonyx', the entire replacement process is extremely smooth. The heavy old armor parts are quickly removed, and the new armor that is shining with a faint blue light is accurately installed and locked.

As each set of new armor was activated, light blue energy patterns lit up one after another on the surface of the armor, emitting a slight buzzing sound, and the entire army seemed to be shrouded in a thin but tough blue halo.

At this time, Natalia sent a message to Lilith: We have received the equipment. Thank you for your timely assistance! "

Soon, Natalia heard the unique cold voice of Lilith (bionic version), which had a hint of electronic texture: "It is my duty, Commander Natalia, but please remember that this set of equipment is an emergency product after all. If you encounter a high-level psychic unit, you still need to assess the risks and evacuate first. Don't make unnecessary sacrifices."

"clear."

Natalia cut off the communication cleanly and strode towards the end of the deployment bay.

There, fifteen deeply modified assault-type aerospace transport aircraft were quietly parked under the guidance beams.

Their rough lines are covered with thick composite armor plates, with sharp edges and corners, and huge engine nozzles, which are now emitting a low and suppressed roar.

"Everyone aboard!"

The steel torrent surged again, and a squadron of the 'Royal Holy Shield' and two companies of elite imperial guards entered the giant belly cargo compartments of their respective transport planes in a predetermined sequence.

The heavy footsteps echoed in the metal bulkhead, and were soon replaced by a louder mechanical locking sound. The last hatch was sealed, and the hissing sound of air pressure balance was heard, indicating that the loading was complete.

Natalia sat in the command seat of the lead plane and looked out through the reinforced porthole. At this moment, the airlock door of the deployment bay had slowly opened. Further out in the distance was the deep and boundless universe and the emerald green planet.

"Falcon One to Fifteen, system self-check completed, power core preheated to critical point, requesting takeoff permission." The lead pilot's voice sounded in the air traffic control channel. The pilot, who was temporarily a member of the Imperial Guard, spoke with a calm tone.

"Permission granted. May the wings of the Star Dragon protect you and return safely." Lilith's voice rarely revealed a hint of warmth, and she even used the blessing words commonly used by the Star Dragon Empire when going out on an expedition.

"Thank you! The Falcon Squadron begins to leave the port!"

boom--!
The main thrusters of fifteen assault-type aerospace transport aircraft simultaneously burst out with dazzling azure plasma flames, and violent thrust was released instantly!
Under the driver's slightly violent control, they immediately turned into fifteen heavy arrows. After leaving the deployment bay, they couldn't wait to break free from the guiding beam, and then dived towards Eldaram in front without hesitation.

The remaining loyal forces of the Elf Garrison Fleet responded to Lilith's request. They dispatched a part of biological combat weapons and small ships for escort, and found a way to establish a short link with friendly forces on the ground, forcing open a narrow "air corridor" over the chaotic battlefield for this rescue force from humans.

"Everyone, please pay attention. We are breaking through the atmosphere. Although the elves have already notified us, it is not yet clear whether there is high-threat anti-aircraft firepower on the ground. Hold on tight and prepare for the impact!"

Although the lead pilot issued a warning as required, the expected dangerous ground fire interception did not occur.

The penetration process was extremely smooth. The transport aircraft group was like fifteen precisely guided meteorites, drawing straight tracks in the magnificent sky of Eldaram, aiming directly at the Elf King's Court in the distance that had been plunged into war.

Through the porthole, Natalia saw the wonders of this elven home planet: the towering trees were like giant emerald pillars supporting the sky, their treetops undulating, forming an endless, vibrant yet murderous green ocean.

The elves' cities are like exquisite nests, cleverly built between giant trees. The biomass buildings that emit soft light blend into the natural environment, presenting a harmonious beauty that is almost miraculous and beyond human engineering understanding.

But in front of the route, several thick, inky smoke columns at the end of the horizon were twisting violently and rising into the sky, smearing ugly stains on the emerald green background.

"The target Royal Court core area is within visual range! Prepare to land!"

"It is expected to arrive at the designated landing point in 180 seconds! All units, prepare to disengage--"

The driver's voice was as if cut off by a sharp blade!
Woo——!
Without warning, the deafening tactical alarm exploded in the cargo compartments of all transport planes! The glaring red rotating warning lights flashed wildly, illuminating the cold visors of the Imperial Guards soldiers in blood red!
"Warning! A large-scale high-speed aerial target cluster has been detected! Azimuth: 080, Altitude: 2000, Number: 120, approaching! Feature identification completed - Thousand Star Empire squid-type biological combat weapon!"

Natalia suddenly jumped up from her seat and rushed to the cockpit in a few steps despite the violent turbulence.

Looking through the wide observation window, the scene in front of her made her face darken instantly—

In the sky ahead, the originally clear emerald blue background was now covered with a group of wriggling and rolling "dark clouds". In fact, this was a group of biological combat weapons composed of a large number of "mechanical squids".

Their main bodies were covered with dark purple chitin and metal mixed armor, with huge psychic crystals fixed in the devices on the top. Thick semi-mechanized tentacles covered with suction cups were dancing wildly behind them, like a school of deep-sea fish that smelled blood, swooping down towards the aerospace transport aircraft group in a cloud-covered manner!

"It seems that the elves' 'welcome ceremony' is even more 'enthusiastic' than expected!" Natalia said with a sneer.

(End of this chapter)