Sovereign of the Ashes

Chapter 1748: Operational Target

For the Gallant Federation, withdrawing its forces from this subspace was not something that could be done on a whim.

This area had long served as a critical battlefield, one graced by the presence of overlords. Over the years, the federation had never ceased reinforcing its forces here, though the pace of reinforcement had slowed in recent times.

When even robotic cannon fodder and drone combat units were taken into account, the Gallant Federation’s operational deployment in this subspace easily numbered in the hundreds of millions.

The withdrawal of such a massive force inevitably involved countless logistical and operational matters.

Some legions would withdraw immediately. Others would remain behind to cover the retreat, while still others would be tasked with transporting supplies.

The shifting dynamics of this subspace battlefield would inevitably ripple outward, affecting the situations in multiple surrounding medium-sized and small star domains.

Why had Darian Wraith of the Shadowbat Civilization grown so active in recent years?

Why were more and more units under Orven’s command on Planet Aquaria defecting?

These subtle changes made one thing clear: the tide had already turned across the surrounding battlefields between the Gallant Federation and the Magus Civilization.

Now that the Gallant Federation had openly signaled its intent to withdraw, the Magus Civilization forces under Sein would inevitably make their move.

Even if the Magus Civilization’s high command had not focused heavily on this subspace battlefield in recent years, the Rank Six knights and mages responsible for this sector, like Feylis and Leornado, would never sit back and watch the Gallant Federation legions retreat unchallenged right before them.

The Rosen Dynasty Civilization still needed to be informed, too.

Feylis and the other Magus Civilization powerhouses were counting on them to contain the Gallant Federation’s overlord-class war fleet.

Not long after arriving at the Ashen Fortress’ command center, Sein received orders from Grandmaster Feylis.

Aside from him, nearly every Magus Civilization legion—whether actively engaged in combat or currently recuperating—received corresponding operational directives.

The Magus Civilization Army, which had slowed somewhat over the past two years, roared back to life.

This time, the Magus Civilization assumed the role of the pursuer.

***

“In summary, I believe the Gallant Federation’s retreat is not a feint. We must gather our full strength and deliver a crushing blow to the enemy!” Leonardo, the Rank Six mage, declared this to the assembled projections of Rank Four and Rank Five knights and mages during the elemental video conference.

The subspace battlefield was vast, comparable to a large-sized plane. Gathering all commanders of the participating legions in one place was simply impractical.

As a result, during this subspace-wide offensive, Rank Four and Rank Five powerhouses from each sector could only attend through projection clones.

Nearly all those present were knights and mages of the Magus Civilization.

The alliance representatives, meanwhile, consisted of only two psychics from the Rosen Dynasty Civilization.

This arrangement clearly reflected the standing of the other alliance members within the Magus Civilization.

For creatures from small and medium-sized planes, participation meant nothing more than following orders and attacking wherever commanded.

Only the Magus World powerhouses were qualified to take part in strategic decision-making.

Moreover, during the upcoming pursuit, the law-wielding Magus Civilization knights and mages would hold absolute command over all allied legions in the surrounding sectors.

Master Leonardo had already begun assigning the next phase of major war objectives.

Time was tight, and some combat missions were issued with only vague instructions. In the end, much would depend on the frontline combatants’ ability to adapt on the fly.

Before Master Leonardo could call his name, Sein hurried over to Feylis and whispered a few words to her.

What he said made Feylis look up at him in surprise. She immediately transmitted her voice to Sein via mental focus.

“Are you sure you want to go there? From what I understand, the Gallant Federation forces in that area are no easy opponents. The original assignment I had planned for you was...”

She had intended for Sein to operate alongside Gregory, Bernice, and the others.

Over the years, Gregory’s injuries had largely healed, and their faction’s next major offensive target was a Gallant Federation supply hub.

Marshal Rommel of the federation was exceptionally skilled in military strategy.

During the withdrawal from this subspace battlefield, the enemy had deliberately abandoned large quantities of bulky supplies that were difficult to transport, intending to slow the Magus Civilization’s pursuit.

The Magus Civilization had no choice but to take the bait. Ignoring it entirely would allow the federation’s small garrison forces left behind to detonate the supplies.

All of this was part of Marshal Rommel’s strategy.

The operational target Sein had just requested from Feylis was a troop transport station located deep within the federation’s central forces.

Sein had compelling reasons for choosing this target. When Feylis questioned his decision, he replied, “It has something to do with a promise I made long ago to Fermera.”

“Moreover, my Divine Tower of Ashes Army really needs new lower-tier combat units to reinforce our ranks,” he added.

Feylis stared at him for a moment before finally nodding and approving his request.

“In addition to the allied legions closely tied to you, I’ll also deploy legions from nearby sectors to coordinate with your operation as much as possible,” she said.

“Thank you, Grandmaster!” Sein said sincerely.

***

Upon receiving Feylis’ approval, Sein immediately ordered the Divine Tower of Ashes Army into action.

The Shadowbat Civilization Legion and the Aquarian Legion, positioned on Sein’s left and right flanks respectively, also began their advance.

Although the Klytheran Legion was farther from Sein’s position, Karazo still sent the two Klytheran warriors most familiar with him—Karl and Kram.

Kram even brought along her close friend, the Rank Four Klytheran warrior named Misori.

When it came to Rank Four combatants, Sein’s Ashen Legion had no shortage at all.

As the Divine Tower of Ashes Army prepared to depart, the battle-ready eight-winged angel robot approached Sein and said, “Thank you.”

Fermera’s intelligence had clearly grown more advanced.

Thanks to Sein’s tireless efforts on her over the past several years, her emotional expressions had become far more vivid.

“This was what we agreed upon. We already gathered extensive intelligence on that region beforehand.” Sein lifted Fermera’s chin with his right hand.

“If you truly wish to thank me,” he continued, meeting her gaze, “help me with a different experiment next time.”

“What kind of experiment?” Fermera asked, lowering her gaze slightly.

“An experiment related to emotions,” Sein replied.

“I made new progress in my research on Lustfire with a demigod-level female mage. I’m curious whether this unique emotional power might have an effect on a lifeform like you,” he said thoughtfully, withdrawing his hand and stroking his chin.

“I can agree to your experiment,” Fermera replied after a pause, lowering her head. “But next time, I hope no one else will be around.”

Sein looked up, staring blankly at Fermera for a moment before nodding.

“Fine. I won’t involve Yuri next time, then.”