The Second Mixed Fleet cut off the energy reserves for the space jump propulsion system. In fact, most of the battleships had already done so by the time the commander issued this order. They could not watch Newton Fleet fight alone, nor could they abandon the space jump point that Newton Fleet had wrested for them through bloody sacrifice. They said, "Since the local fleet entrusted this to us, we will never disgrace their trust unless we die."
The Newton Mixed Fleet split into two arrowheads. They had no aircraft carriers and only a few battleships, most of which were light cruisers and some nearly obsolete destroyers.
The cruisers of the Gazalin Empire detached a unit to block the harassing Federation Fleet, forcing them away and keeping the main force’s formation intact to assault the Federation Second Mixed Fleet guarding the jump point.
The continuous training of the Newton Local Fleet since the beginning of the war showed its effect. At the command, the fleet scattered like a stirred nest, leaving the Gazalin Empire warships responsible for chasing them disorganized. When they redistributed targets, the situation had already changed. These cunning Federation Battleships split and merged, using dazzling interweaving to attract the Imperial warships’ firepower. Their main guns, mounted on the bow, locked onto enemy interweave patterns, throwing the Imperial Fleet into chaos.
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Immediately, the space fleet’s battle report was sent back to the front command. By this time, ground combat had fully unfolded. After several surrounded city defense units counterattacked and broke through, the battle situation finally saw a huge transformation. Centered on Low Ridge Highland, both sides interwove, fighting for every inch of land. With the Federation Defense Force taking the initiative on the Third Highway and Miyali Canyon front lines, the Imperial Army’s offensive in the Jialuo Mountain Battlefield was gradually, perceptibly weakening. Now, no matter what the Imperial Army in Low Ridge Jungle did, they couldn’t change their strategic disadvantage, surrounded on all sides.
Upon seeing the battle report, General Bernadotte announced, "Now, we can basically celebrate victory in advance. The enemy’s ground forces are completely surrounded by our forces and are being methodically eliminated, while the enemy’s space fleet has also fallen under our control. The First Mixed Fleet has already gained an absolute winning position, and the Second Mixed Fleet is ready for a direct attack. Now, we just need the Newton Local Fleet to hold the enemy’s advance until the First Mixed Fleet finishes the battle. Then, the Third and Ninth Fleets, which have long returned to the Leray Central Star System, will suddenly appear from the space jump point, delivering a devastating blow to the Gazalin Empire’s fleet. Everyone, be prepared, and the combat plans from each research unit must be even more meticulous. We cannot make any mistakes at this final moment! Dismissed!"
The combat meeting ended. General Bernadotte and several other generals irritably pulled Ann Lei away. Recalling the clear and gentle look Ann Lei gave him before leaving, Fatty stood there for a long time before finally deciding not to miss this chance. Since his dream lover had appeared, he would seize the moment, even if it meant pestering her to death. Who knows what will happen next in wartime?
Confidential Secretary Yuna blocked Tian Xingjian outside the office. She said expressionlessly, "The generals are dealing with a very urgent matter and have no time to see a lieutenant."
"Damn woman!" Determined to enter the office, Fatty ran back to his dormitory, retrieved the Purple Emblem Freedom Medal, and returned to Bernadotte’s office, just in time to see Ann Lei walk over from another office with a file. The two of them made eye contact. Tian Xingjian smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say. Ann Lei, however, gracefully said, "I have something to attend to now. Can we talk later?"
Tian Xingjian was overjoyed and nodded repeatedly, "Sure, I’ll wait for you outside!" Ann Lei smiled faintly and turned to enter Bernadotte’s office.
Excited and nervous, Fatty paced back and forth outside the office, feeling like time was passing unbearably slowly. Yuna, dizzy from Fatty’s pacing, couldn’t help but angrily say, "Lieutenant Tian, this is not the place for you to chase women! I’ve heard you are shameless, but I didn’t expect you to be this shameless! Don’t interfere with my work. Leave!"
Tian Xingjian was taken aback. "How am I shameless?"
Yuna, a beautiful woman in her thirties, always had a frosty demeanor as if someone owed her millions. This was because she was Bernadotte’s Chief Confidential Secretary. Having heard so many bad things about the sole lieutenant advisor in the combat department, she could not tolerate Fatty pacing around while waiting to flirt in front of her and grinding out like everyone else amid the tense war situation. Reacting impulsively, she spoke her mind. Nᴇw ɴovel chaptᴇrs are published on NovᴇlFɪre.nᴇt
Hearing Fatty’s question, Yuna paused. Though she didn’t know what was discussed in the meeting room earlier, she saw Fatty in there. As the Chief Confidential Secretary, her observational skills were sharp. Despite all the hearsay about Fatty being shameless and despicable, she struggled to recall any truly outrageous, infuriating deeds he’d done.
Seeing Yuna speechless, Tian Xingjian didn’t argue further. It was impossible for him to leave now, so he simply pinned the medal to his chest. In Yuna’s stunned, incredulous gaze, he knocked on Bernadotte’s door.
"Come in!" The admiral’s voice came from inside. Tian Xingjian entered and saw several generals and Ann Lei gathered around the desk, discussing something. Upon seeing Tian Xingjian, Ann Lei was both amused and annoyed. This guy never considered the situation, barging in wherever he wanted.
Ann Lei anxiously signaled Fatty with her eyes, only to find Bernadotte and the other generals standing and saluting Tian Xingjian the moment they saw him.
Ann Lei almost fainted, seriously scrutinizing the still roguish-looking guy, only to discover the Purple Emblem Freedom Medal pinned to his chest!
"Oh my god!" Ann Lei covered her astonished mouth. How could such a medal be on this idiot’s chest?
Admiral Bernadotte smiled and beckoned, "Lieutenant Tian, you came at the right time. We have a mission we need you for."
Fatty replied righteously, "Yes, General," while secretly moving closer to Ann Lei.