Necromancer, summoning 055? What the heck?

Chapter 459 Thunderous Strike: A Lion Hunts a Rabbit
Chen Mo often consulted Liushuang when he was unsure about something.

The little girl's intuition is quite illogical, often lacking any logic, yet it can always see through the fog and get straight to the heart of the matter.

Conversely, Liu Shuang also habitually consults Chen Mo when in doubt. A lord with such a cheat code is extremely useful in handling any situation.

After listening to the feedback from the front lines, Chen Mo pondered for a long time, resting his chin on his hand.

Outside the window, the city of Hanhai was gradually darkening with twilight, and lights near and far were twinkling, reflecting the deep wrinkles between his brows.

This was the first time he had faced the systematic defenses of a human nation.

Over the past few years, the Han Hai Territory has won every war with ease and overwhelming force. There are many reasons for this, one of the most important being that, on the surface, the Han Hai Territory is fighting against the large with the small, but in reality, it is fighting against the small with the large and against the weak with the strong!
With its military system, weaponry, and tactics, the Han Hai is like an armed force supported by a major power on Earth. It can completely turn the tables and defeat the surrounding forces.

Being able to obtain a heavy combined arms brigade's worth of equipment from a major power already puts you ahead of 80% of the players on Earth.

But the Kingdom of Green Pine is different.

The pine tree that has now collided with is equivalent to encountering a medium-sized regional power on Earth.

Historically, Green Pine has consistently dominated its surrounding countries, displaying a stubborn and unyielding spirit. Moreover, this time it's on their home turf, a home-field advantage, a defensive battle.

Behind the green pines, the faint silhouette of the Misty Moon Divine Court and the Azure Sky Holy City could also be seen.

Chen Mo suddenly realized a problem. Although he was not underestimating his opponent, he still subconsciously had the mentality of Dongxia when looking at the surrounding forces. He thought that they were all chickens and dogs, and only the three kingdoms could fight him.

That's not the right mindset!

He stood up and walked to the large starry map hanging on the wall, his finger lightly tracing the varying shades of green across the Green Pine Kingdom. There was a crisscrossing network of roads, centuries-old castles, experienced commanders, and... a long-standing, wary enemy who had been eyeing him covetously.

Chen Mo spent the entire night mentally preparing himself. The next morning, he received the latest reply from his hometown in Dongxia, which was located at the altar where the psionic energy was channeled.

As usual, it was a personal letter from the Commander of Cihang, the Grand Advisor of Dongxia. It was a long and detailed letter. Judging from the time difference between the Starry World and the Blue Star World, the old man probably hadn't slept all night again.

Chen Mo felt somewhat ashamed.

But then he thought about all the life-giving spring water and moon dew he had sent home, and figured the old man should be able to hold on. So he lay back in the chair with a clear conscience and opened the letter.

The paper was a light blue stationery specially made by Dongxia, the ink had a hint of pine soot, and the handwriting was elegant and graceful, with one or two quick strokes that revealed a little bit of the writer's emotions.

In this highly electronic age on Earth, the old man's insistence on writing letters by hand carries a rather special sense of ritual.

The letter was addressed to a familiar and friendly salutation, as was customary.

Hello Comrade Chen Mo!

[Your letter has been read. Regarding the issues and thoughts you raised, we old-timers unanimously believe that this marks another significant step forward for you in your role as a mature leader. Congratulations!]

Well, they always have to coax me first... They really treat me like a grandson.

The grandson is good too...

Chen Mo curled his lip and continued reading.

Regarding your recent attack on the Green Pine Kingdom, we previously only suggested 'considering a delayed attack,' but did not provide a definitive opinion. This was mainly because we were not personally involved in the specific circumstances of the Starry World at that time, nor were we directly involved in the Vast Ocean. Advice given from a third-party perspective may not fully reflect the actual situation.

Therefore, in terms of specific action strategies, we fully respect the choices and judgments of the on-site team.

However, since you're facing a new situation and are experiencing some hesitation, I think it's necessary to change your perspective and clarify the issue as much as possible.

Chen Mo sat up straight.

There are reasons for not attacking the Green Pine Kingdom: the enemy is stronger and more experienced in combat; the Han Hai troops are unfamiliar with the environment and lack popular support; railway construction is not an urgent priority; and the integration of the alliance will take time...

However, these are things that we old folks—or, to put it nicely, those mature and prudent old folks, or to put it bluntly, those senile old folks—consider. You're still young; you don't need to worry about that.

Therefore, there's no need to overthink the pros and cons. If you want to fight, then just fight!

The handwriting on this sentence was exceptionally strong, almost penetrating the paper!
Regardless of the circumstances, Green Pine has repeatedly offended you, the Vast Ocean Territory, and the Summer Moon Alliance. We will firmly support any campaign against Green Pine launched at any time!

Therefore, from now on, we will not discuss whether we should fight or not, but only how to fight!

Chen Mo silently scratched his head. This must be what they call unprincipled favoritism...

The reason I'm not mature enough is probably because these old guys spoiled me... Yes, that must be it.

Having consoled himself, Chen Mo continued scrolling down.

A decisive war between nations should either not be fought at all, or if it is, it should be fought with the utmost intensity, like a lion hunting a rabbit! This war should be treated as a total war.

[It is advised not to hesitate or delay, and even more so, not to gradually increase troop deployment.]

We must mobilize as many available forces as possible. With the current military strength of the Han Hai Territory, it is insufficient to consider post-victory matters too much before achieving victory.

We propose the following possible directions for your reference only...

After carefully reading the letter three times and taking notes, Chen Mo folded the letter neatly, put it back in the envelope, and carefully sealed it again. He then arranged for his top bodyguard, Liu Zaiyue, to deliver it to the number one secret vault safe at the Hanhai Restoration Plant.

That evening, Chen Mo chaired a high-level video conference at the Hanhai Military Command Center, where he announced the following decisions.

First, according to the latest battle plan, the three forces of Xiyue, Jingling, and Jinghu are required to complete their assembly and arrive at their designated positions within the next half month.

Once the starting gun fired by Han Hai, he ordered the Xi Yue army to launch a full-scale attack on Green Pine from three lines simultaneously: the Southern Blood Corridor, the Elf army from the Southwest Red Tree Highlands, and the Mirror Lake army from the Western Purple Valley.

"Tell them this is an order, not a negotiation!"

Second, continue to massively reinforce the Dongguan Pass, sending one field army corps and two national defense corps, while also conscripting a number of auxiliary and militia units, and transferring more than two-thirds of the heavy artillery and 70% of the aircraft of the entire Hanhai to the front line.

"I know that transportation capacity is tight. Starting today, all counties should prepare laborers according to the second-level mobilization plan. This should be implemented immediately!"

Third, all the surrendered orc tribes in the White Deer Plain should immediately form a mixed orc force as a reserve for this all-out war. Part of the force should be transferred to the southern battlefield for backup, while the other part should take over the vacancies left by the large-scale troop movements in the White Deer Plain.

Although they were in the reserve force, they were still preparing to participate in the battle. The words of the commander-in-chief from more than ten days ago, "There is no reason to lead orcs to fight humans," were still ringing in their ears. At this moment, no one was foolish enough to actually stand up and ask whether the orcs in the reserve force counted as going to the battlefield.

The direction the lord points is the direction the entire army will follow.

Several orc generals, especially the chieftains and military leaders of the "Big Cat Clan" and "Long Cat Clan," unconsciously puffed out their chests and glanced sideways at the other orc groups who were still a little nervous.

We have connections!
Finally, regarding that crucial moment—the starting gun for the "vast sea attack"—Chen Mo gave a clear and unambiguous answer.

"Before our main force breaks through the defense line at the Dongguanling Valley Pass, let them wait and not make any rash moves!"

"Of course, there is another possibility: before I gain a local advantage, even if they are allowed to fight, they will only go through the motions without putting in any real effort."

A low chuckle came from below.

Chen Mo glanced at the liaison officers he had assigned to various departments, called out their names one by one, and then emphasized:
"Make it clear to all participating troops that I am leading them into the battlefield, not asking them for help!"

"All spoils must be turned over to the public!"

"All the territories they conquer, the prisoners they capture, and the wealth they acquire must be handed over to me for distribution. This is a prerequisite for participating in the war."

"In other words, if I ask the elves to leave the old site of Silvermoon City in the future, they must also leave immediately."

"If they can't accept this, then tell them not to come. Otherwise, I don't mind beating them all up too!" ————

Now that the lord had made up his mind, the war machine of the Vast Ocean began to rumble once again.

If modern warfare taught Chen Mo anything, it was undoubtedly the undeniable truth that firepower is king.

With the same level of precision, a thousand cannons can easily defeat your hundred cannons, and a hundred thousand shells can crush your ten thousand shells.

Back then, during the self-defense counterattack war that Dongxia fought against the Seahorse Kingdom on the southern flank, the most elite troops were all in the north defending against the Red Bear. Many of those who were pulled over for rotation were greenhorns, while the opposing side consisted of battle-hardened elites who had just fought against the strongest nation on Earth.

But so what? The Eastern Xia could use its iron will to fight against the torrent of iron and fire, but that doesn't mean other armies can do the same.

Relying on its firepower advantage, Dongxia used a constant stream of new recruits to crush its opponents for a full decade.

Now, considering the issues of combat experience and personal qualities, Chen Mo decided to replicate Dongxia's experience.

A heavy cannon is barely equivalent to a third or fourth-tier mage.

A single reconnaissance drone is more effective than an Elf Ranger wielding a compound bow while mounted on an airborne cavalry.

Bombers and loitering missiles are comparable to mages who weave elemental magic or chant void spells.

Then let's compete on quantity.

The 6,000-ton altar transport capacity was largely freed up to transport drones and loitering munitions. All domestic production capacity was fully redirected to ammunition production. When the attack order was issued to the Dongguan front, Han Hai had already prepared more than 300 howitzers, 2,200 large-caliber mortars, 40 Jiutian heavy drones, 110 Type 59 modified tanks, and ammunition reserves exceeding 20 basic units.

This punch was delivered with the force of a thunderbolt.

With a command from Liushuang, who was personally at the front line, the artillery units of Hanhai Territory unleashed the highest firepower density in the history of the Starry World.

First came the rapid roar from the distant artillery positions. It wasn't just one or two sounds, but a continuous, long, overlapping sound from hundreds or thousands of cannons firing simultaneously!

A dense array of red flashes lit up the horizon, like a swarm of raging stars igniting simultaneously in an instant.

Seconds later, a sharp, tearing whistling sound came from afar, as if countless whips of death were lashing at the bluish-gray defense line!

Tons of steel and flames were poured onto the carefully constructed defensive line of the Pine Kingdom. The earth no longer trembled, but instead rose up in a continuous, muffled, drum-like explosion, with smoke and dust billowing up, surging violently like a boiling sea.

155mm howitzers focused on suppressing the fortified area, while large-caliber mortars comprehensively covered the trenches and barricades. The dense mortar shells, falling like hail, washed over the central area between the two sides in a very short time.

The wooden fence, coated with fire-retardant mud, was blown to pieces, and burning wood chips flew high into the air, like a rain of flowers.

Occasionally, some "moles" lurking underground, shaken out by the bombing, would be immediately engulfed by the shockwave, explosion, and flames as soon as they emerged from the ground.

After a mere twenty minutes of full-speed artillery bombardment, the entire Dongguanlingkou defense line was completely shrouded in a thick cloud of billowing smoke, mixed with fire and dust.

During this period, Green Pine also attempted to organize a counterattack.

Their mages, hidden within the fortress and guided by the "Eye of Reconnaissance," attempted to bombard the artillery base of the Vast Ocean with magic.

Unfortunately, they couldn't reach the howitzer positions, and even for the mortar positions, it would require at least a few mages working together to cast spells to make the magic cross the distance of more than five kilometers.

The artillery units paid no heed to the casualties caused by this level of magical attack and continued to stand their ground and exchange fire with the enemy.

Every fortress that emits a magical trajectory will be targeted by loitering missiles.

Even if you can't destroy it by bombing, you should still completely cover the fortress with flying dust.

The enemy's fortifications remained resilient under this level of firepower, but they could no longer stop the advance of the Han Hai ground forces.

As the artillery fire began to extend deeper into the enemy territory, suppressing possible reinforcement routes and rear command nodes, the resounding bugle calls on the Hanhai National Defense Army's positions broke the brief lull in the artillery fire.

The moment they heard the bugle call to charge, all the officers of the Han Naval Academy stood up.

They didn't even know why they had to stand; they only knew that during military academy lectures, whenever the "beep beep beep beep beep" sound rang out, their lord would immediately stand up, face the distance, and look solemn, as if some kind of throbbing from the depths of his blood had been awakened.

From then on, this became a conditioned reflex for the students of the Hanhai Naval Academy.

At this moment, the bugle call sounded at the front line, signifying that the infantry assault had begun.

Two battalions of the field army, along with four regiments of the Guiyi Army of the National Defense Army, simultaneously broke out of their attack positions.

Filling in the wide, treacherous moat was the top priority.

Soldiers from the National Defense Forces carried earth, stones, sandbags, or large logs and heavy planks, and rushed forward, erecting dozens of passageways over the trenches in just a few minutes.

After crossing the trench, they were met with a counterattack from the Green Pine Kingdom.

After enduring agonizing wait for several tens of minutes while lying prone in the fortresses and trenches, the Green Pine Warriors finally spotted the enemy in sight. They had to admit the ferocity of this battle-hardened army. Relying on the trenches that were already shattered by bombs, they furiously fired arrows and spears, creating a cacophony of clanging metal and short, painful cries amidst the ranks of the Guiyi Army.

The Guiyi Army was equally fierce and brave.

They were originally cannon fodder troops of the orcs, who had always risked their lives for their families. In the vast sea, they earned respect and honor through a desperate fight at Bailang Beach, and most importantly, they earned a future where they could live like human beings.

What are these stray arrows?
They even took the initiative to protect the field army behind them.

"The calluses on our bodies are thicker than our armor. You little kids are too delicate and fragile, so don't try to take our spots!"

People kept falling, and others kept taking their place. After suffering a certain number of casualties, the three barricades and fences were forcibly dismantled. Then, the artillery fire was extended again, and the vanguard of the Guiyi Army roared into the trench of the front row of Green Pine.

This should have been a bloody melee, but nearly an hour of shelling had already caused enormous damage to the trench. The surviving Green Pine defenders crawled out from the ruins and remaining caves, putting up a last desperate and frantic resistance, only to be mercilessly annihilated by the heavily armored warriors of the Guiyi Army.

Guided by high-altitude reconnaissance and bombarded by artillery fire, enemy reinforcements were unable to reach the trenches. Of the thousand-man squads pulled out of the hiding places, only one-tenth could successfully make it into the trenches.

Despite the fierce resistance of the Green Pine defenders, who even launched fierce counter-offensives in some areas, the overwhelming numerical and firepower superiority of the Vast Sea forces caused this resistance to melt away silently and rapidly, like snowflakes thrown into a raging fire.

As more and more Guiyi Army soldiers jumped into the trenches and blocked the longitudinal communication trenches, those huge and sturdy fortresses were already in sight.

The once somber and silent "grayish-blue scars" are now being repeatedly rubbed and torn apart by an invisible giant hand of fire, leaving them scarred and riddled with holes.

Meanwhile, a massive air force formation was sweeping across the high skies above the mountain ridges on both sides.

After the enemy's ground forces were completely suppressed, the air cavalry of the Han Hai crossed the mountain ridge in large numbers and cut diagonally towards the rear of the Green Pine Front.

There, these dragon riders, silver-feathered eagle riders, dragon eagles, and griffin riders will serve as temporary assault troops and guards, providing cover for the Nine Heavens heavy drones high above, which will drop the airborne troops behind the Dongguanling Valley Pass defense line.

This elite force, which had distinguished itself in the pursuit of the Crack Claw tribe and the reinforcement of the Vulture Cliff mine, will establish a defensive line facing east after landing, cutting off the retreat route of this elite Green Pine main force.

A strong frontal assault, followed by a chokehold from the rear.

Liushuang, standing on the hillside, slowly put down her binoculars, looked up, and gazed into the distance at the land where she was born and raised.

The morning mist had dissipated, and the sunlight pierced through the smoke and dust. The dawn at Dongguanling was dyed a blazing red by the artillery fire, casting dappled light and shadow on the shattered battlefield.

The wind blew from the direction of the green pines, carrying the smells of burnt food, blood, and a hint of... distant, familiar earthy scent.

That was the aura of the Emerald Duchy, Cloudlands, and Crystal Plains.

"Since you like clouds and mist, then stay here!"

(End of this chapter)