378 The Last Struggle
How far had modern war developed?
Developing to war was a luxurious and expensive action.
It was so expensive that small countries were not even qualified to start a war.
It was so expensive that the difference between large and small countries was already destined to be impossible to equal.
If Kang De did not feel anything about these things previously, after personally participating in the war, he personally understood why air control in modern war was so important.
This was not a real-time strategy game. The air force was not used to restrain, steal homes, and ride faces. It was not the brittle skin that could be driven away by the air defense vehicles, but the key power that determined war. It was the ruler of the battlefield and the destroyer of all ground units.
When the sky was controlled by the enemy’s modern air force, it meant that the entire war was on the verge of failure. It meant that all the troops, logistics departments, important hubs, and even everything were under the enemy’s casual firepower.
Under the rapid attack of Mach 2 to 3, intercepting, resisting, and escaping were all meaningless.
Under the guidance of Grand Duke Goethe, Kang De and Horus joined Red Maple City counterattack.
The elite troops gathered by Goethe launched a battle to take back the gap in the city wall.
Previously, they had tried to counterattack several times, but after losing the advantage of the city wall, Goethe’s army was no longer a match for the elves. The quality of the soldiers, equipment level, and combat configuration of the two sides were too different. Even the combat will that the Goethe people were proud of was not inferior at all. Failure was inevitable.
However, now, the situation had already reversed.
The Goethe people who were prepared for the bloody battle were stunned to discover that the battle had become so simple.
What greeted them was no longer the neat military formation of the elves, the rain of arrows that fell like a waterfall, or the tricky and efficient spell bombardment.
This was because before they met the enemy, the Guardian Angel on their side had already swooped down from the sky with a dragon roar. It spat out rays of light that were like lightning, raising large amounts of dust and flames in the enemy’s military formation. Blood splattered, and broken limbs flew. Elven soldiers fell like cut wheat.
By the time these brave Goethe soldiers roared and launched a charge, the elves’ counterattack had already become extremely weak and scattered. The soldiers guarding their home gathered and cut open the gap’s defense line like a sharp blade. They inserted Goethe’s flag back into the city wall and won step by step.
It was as if he was in a dream.
This was because, before this, several counterattacks had failed. The brave Goethe soldiers were like waves hitting the reef. Although they were fearless and bravely advanced, they still smashed themselves into pieces and retreated helplessly in the end—and now, everything was different.
The invincible Twilight Hero had become a fifth-rate army with slow reactions.
The array was not neat, there was no support from the arrow formation, and there was no spell attack.
The person who caused all this was the person who appeared in the sky of Red Maple City.
Goethe’s flag danced in the air. The silver guardian wings swept low, causing the flag to flap. Even the calmest and most reserved noble officer cheered forlornly. The alchemical weapon shook its iron wings in response and roared back into the sky. Under the grateful and fanatical gazes of the soldiers, it continued to protect the sky of Red Maple City.
This was already the last lost city wall.
This meant that Goethe had already taken back all control of the city and chased the elf army out of Red Maple City. All the attack operations of the expeditionary army had actually been declared to have stopped because even the elites of the world’s powerful armies could not continue to attack under the torrent of fire from the sixth-generation fighter jets.
At this point, the danger and disadvantage of Red Maple City had already been equalized.
“They won’t forget you or today for the rest of their lives, Father.”
Such a conversation happened in the rapidly rising fighter plane.
Kang De smiled. “This honor belongs to you and me. I’ll let them know.”
“No, it’s all yours, Father.”
Horus said, “The role I play is only a weapon.”
“The reason for appearing here stems from your help and pity for Goethe.”
“The weapons and bombs to destroy the elves came from your efforts and actions in Africa.”
“The reason why we obtained Tacitus and replicated the top-notch equipment of France and the United States was because of the will to stay in Comoros and protect those innocent people. We did not give up on either side and had to save both sides. In the end, we got what we wanted. Father, we were stained with blood along the way and experienced death, killing, and sorrow. In the end, we appeared here and stopped the attack of the overlord country of the other world, saving this country that was on the verge of destruction…”
It said in a low voice, “This endless honor and victory should belong to you alone, Father. I’m very honored to participate in all of this. Be it in the other world or Africa, every kind choice ultimately led to today’s victory and outcome. After all, all the blood and tears we’ve done have not flowed in vain.”
The surrounding scenery was quickly retreating. The fighter plane circled the sky and swayed slightly. Kang De leaned back slightly. The g-force brought about by Horus’s supersonic mobility would not make him uncomfortable. Instead, it would make him even quieter and more peaceful. He breathed calmly. He had not rested for a long, long time.
However, now was not the time to rest.
The war was not over.
The light of a spell rose from Red Maple City and blasted at the elf army outside the city.
This was the first time the spellcaster army of Red Maple City had launched an advantageous attack since the war erupted again.
Previously, they could only passively intercept and defend against the long-range spells of the elves.
Now, he could do whatever he wanted with air control.
At the same time, the Grand Duke’s voice sounded from the communicator.
“Lord Kang De, it’s meaningless to thank me anymore. Please allow me to face the most important problem pragmatically—how can you decide the direction of this war?”
There was a trace of helplessness and difficulty in his voice.
Kang De’s heart was bright as he replied calmly, “Your Excellency, I have no personal grudge against the elves. All support operations are based on Goethe’s interests. I guess with the strength of the country, Goethe can’t endure a full-scale war with the elves, right? We have to end it.”
The Grand Duke was clearly relieved, and his tone was filled with relief and gratitude.
“It’s great that you think so.”
Kang De looked down at the elf army below. After suffering one blow after another, even the peerless army in the world revealed a trace of restlessness and uneasiness. These elves must be at a loss about their future and outcome at this moment because their fate was no longer in his hands.
“If the Grand Duke is willing, order the attack to stop. Then, inform the Elven Expeditionary Force to surrender unconditionally to Goethe immediately. Otherwise, I’ll immediately launch a mass projection attack and launch a full-scale attack on the capital of the elves, a military important town, a commercial center, a large port, and other targets.”
He said calmly, “Tell the commander of the expeditionary army whether to stop the war at this moment or let the flames of war spread to the entire world. I’m waiting for his choice.”
Similar words seemed to have been said not long ago.
Elves always repeated the same mistake.
“We can’t stop him.”
The sky was completely controlled by the enemy. The headquarters was no longer safe. In the temporary command post, Sylvan Keller’s eyes were red as he gritted his teeth and said.
...
Extreme humiliation.
They even began to be attacked by Goethe’s spells.
The mages of the expeditionary army could no longer counterattack or even dare to intercept.
This was because intercepting or counterattacking would expose the location of their position.
Then, they would encounter a long-range attack from the sky.
An attack could destroy an entire mage regiment.
They could not defend or dodge, and all methods were useless.
They could not even see the trajectory of the attack clearly.
Due to the same principle, the arrow formation and the magic device army were useless. They were even more fragile than the mages. As long as Kang De wanted, he could easily destroy them.
The war system that the elves relied on to run rampant in the world was completely defeated by their new enemy.
This war and such a situation were unprecedented.
...
Where did such an enemy pop out from?
A single person made an entire army helpless and could only be passively beaten up.
They had to respond and counterattack.
“He can’t stop us.”
When facing new enemies and tactics, they had to pay a bloody price. Only then could they summarize their experience and improve their tactics. All armies were like this, and as the strongest army in the world, the elves were no exception.
However, they learned their lesson and reacted much faster and more accurately.
That was why it was the world’s strongest army.
“High-speed, powerful, and unstoppable huge alchemical bomb.”
Sylvan Keller’s voice was low and hoarse, like an injured wolf roaring.
“There’s a limited number of them that need to be replenished. The method of replenishment is unknown, but the number must be limited! If the number of alchemical bombs with that power is endless, he would have long ruled the entire world!”
Lord of Dawn Light had a ferocious expression, “Our army is not his match. No matter how solid and powerful an array is, it will be easily torn apart by him. However, that’s because we’re fighting statically, so we’re defending and waiting to attack. Therefore, we’re enduring his large-scale attacks with a huge number—his attacks are all large-scale! He can’t control the range and power of the attack. At the very least, I know that he doesn’t dare to throw that alchemical bomb into Red Maple City!”
“The efficiency of a large-scale alchemical weapon against scattered single high-combat units will definitely decrease greatly!”
“Then that’s what we’ll do.”
“Gather the officer suicide team and gather all the top essence combat strength of the expeditionary army to advance into Red Maple City. Using the enemy, buildings, and civilians as cover, launch a surprise operation against the members of the Tedrell family.”
“Capture them alive. We have to capture them alive.”
“Then with Kang De…”
The commander slowly said this word, “Negotiate for peace.”
The staff and officers gathered here were silent.
Negotiate for peace.
This phrase seemed to carry a huge burden.
Moreover, it was extremely humiliating.
The Twilight Dynasty shocked the world with martial strength. Their military strength was so strong that they were invincible. They had always only fought the enemy to make peace in humiliation—when was it their turn to take the initiative to negotiate?
Moreover, this was not the most embarrassing thing.
The most embarrassing thing was that in Valentine, five legions had been destroyed by Kang De with a raise of his hand. Therefore, the elves sent out envoys and proposed peace talks, but halfway through, they betrayed him and attacked again.
Then, they were pressed down and beaten up by Kang De. They wanted to make peace.
Not to mention how proud the elves were and treated honor as life, even ordinary small human countries could not afford to lose this face. It could be imagined that if this matter spread, they would definitely become the laughingstock of the international community, the humiliation and stain that the elves could not wash away for hundreds of years, and the greatest villain and clown of Kang De’s legendary victory.
Such humiliation, such responsibility, and such consequences.
Who could carry it? Who could?
“At the very least, we have to get a cover.”
Peace negotiation and surrender were two completely different concepts.
The latter was a complete humiliation.
As for the former, there was at least a cover. Even after operating it, it could become a victory without victory.
At this point, the Lord of Dawn Light did not want to hide anymore and his words became straightforward.
There was silence on the communication device, and the staff officers did not speak.
They wanted to launch another beheading operation and gather the essence and top experts of the entire army to break into Red Maple City under the cover of the army and capture important members of Tedrell alive.
This plan sounded very beautiful and operational.
Kang De’s attack was indeed large and powerful, so it could definitely not be used in Red Maple City. Once his sharp knife troops mixed with the Goethe army, residences, and even commoners, that terrifying alchemical weapon would be useless.
Their military advantage would be displayed again.
However, the price was that the hundred thousand or so elf armies outside the city would become live targets for Kang De to vent his anger. It would even evolve into a competition between the two sides to see who was more ruthless and decisive. Let’s see if Kang De killed all the elves outside the city first or if the beheading team captured the Tedrell members first—this meant that many warriors would die.
In fact.
The forbidden curse placed outside Valentine City might appear again.
War had always been a painful choice.
“I’ll make this decision arbitrarily and bear all the responsibility,” Sylvan Keller said. “Honor is above life. We’re fighting for the Twilight Dynasty. We can’t be timid and humble as we wag our tails at the enemy, nor can we submit to the enemy’s strength and intimidation… We have to let Kang De know that the elves stand at the top of the continent and have never relied on the power of weapons and magic.”
After a silence, they agreed one by one and voted.
For honor.
For Twilight.
For the dignity of the country.
For the honor of a soldier.
However, in this holy and tragic atmosphere, a core key question was intentionally ignored by the officers, nobles, and high elves present.
In theory, the survival rate of the beheading team that secretly infiltrated and attacked at high speed was the highest.
Because it was the essence of the entire army and because it gathered the top experts and elites of the entire expeditionary army, it was difficult for Goethe to resist and they could reach the target as soon as possible.
As long as he barged into the city, Kang De would not be able to carry out a powerful attack. His survival rate would greatly increase.
This was even more so compared to outside the city.
Then the problem was.
As the essence of the entire army, elite soldiers who had exquisite combat techniques and brilliant spell cultivation could be said to be experts in the army. Of course, they all had outstanding bloodlines. Their families were well-off, their books were rich, and their accumulation was deep. Those who could enter the noble school to cultivate were the high elves.
They had a good bloodline, many resources, and deep social connections. They could enter an advanced university to further their studies, so they were very strong.
They had been chosen to be the beheading team with their strength and took on the most important mission. Of course, they could survive.
Right?
As for the thousands of ordinary soldiers outside the city, may the Empress and the gods remember their sacrifice.
All of this was for the glory of Twilight and the dignity of the Royal Army. Every soldier should fight to the death in his post and pray for the pity of fate.
Whoever could survive depended on the arrangements of the gods.
At this moment, Red Maple City also issued an order for the Elven Expeditionary Force to surrender unconditionally. Sylvan Keller was not angry, but happy. It was a good time to feign civility.
In any case, he had already betrayed them once, so it did not matter if it happened a second time.
It was impossible to surrender.
The glory of his life could not be covered in dust here.
D*mn.
They could not surrender.
Sylvan Keller’s eyes were red, like a wolf king in a desperate situation.
D*mn.
—If I surrender, I’ll have to take full responsibility. Those guys in the council are too happy. They’ll push all the sins to me! Just like that idiot Therlandron!
—This is not my fault at all!
—It was the council who secretly asked me to attack! It was the council who provided me with air force and magic devices! It was the council’s decision, so the council should bear the consequences! I can’t use my status, honor, contributions, and family to bear these! In any case, I’ll die no matter what, so why not take a gamble?!
As for whether the army outside the city would die under Kang De’s bombardment or even the attack of a forbidden curse, as for whether the elves’ homeland would attract Kang De’s revenge attack…
—If my operation fails, what does all of this have to do with me?!
The Lord of Dawn Light’s eyes flickered with ruthlessness.
If he won, he would be able to obtain a cover and fool this matter. He would protect most of the high elves and obtain their gratitude. Even if he was held accountable, he would not lose everything. At most, he would take a few years off and have the chance to rise again. His family would not be too implicated.
Then, why not?
His status, honor, reputation, and everything could not be lost.
—I endured for 234 years in the position of a brigadier general before I died of a superior and was promoted. I still have to do it for at least 200 years. How can I give this position to my subordinates?! He has to endure for another 200 years!
Sylvan Keller had made up his mind.
As he pretended to send an envoy, he secretly mobilized the elite officers.
Transferring the backbone of the officers from the entire army would cause the combat strength of the various departments to decrease exponentially. However, at this point, who cared about that? Conventional combat strength was meaningless.
Only by secretly infiltrating Red Maple City and attacking Tedrell could he seize the last chance.
Or, they could die together.
…
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