Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 1500: Chapter 9 Volume 25: Blitz (8)_3

Her gaze carried a hint of amusement and challenge.

Leefer said nothing, lifting his head to gaze at the edge of the woods beyond the idyllic lawn of the villa’s backyard. A vein on his forehead gave a subtle twitch.

”Ever since you nearly drowned when you were a child, I haven’t seen you swim again.” Barbara chuckled softly, brushing her hair, ”To this day, you can’t seem to overcome your fear of water, can you?”

Standing as still as a statue, Leefer glanced at the time without expression.

”Alright, my dear brother,” Barbara giggled twice, swimming back to the poolside like a fish, she looked up at Leefer and said, ”You’ve seen the action plan, any thoughts?”

”None.” Leefer replied flatly.

”There are eight months until the presidential election,” Barbara tilted her head, watching the water droplets fall onto Leefer’s polished boots with fascination, ”Our number one spokesperson is already in a dominant lead in the polls. The subsequent publicity plans and benefit exchange schemes are complete; it’s time to execute the summit plan.”

Leefer lowered his head. His shoes were now a mess because of Barbara.

As he watched his sister intensely focus on dribbling water onto his shoes, a fleeting tenderness passed through his sharp, hawk-like eyes.

”The arrow is on the bowstring,” Barbara abandoned her childish prank, picked up a drink from the tray beside the pool, and stirred it indifferently, frowning, ”But what I need to know is whether, when I release the string, another Hunter will seize the fruits of our victory.”

”Hastings?” Leefer stared at the shimmering surface of the pool.

”Even though his current actions have left many dissatisfied, and the public is grumbling, we cannot disregard his influence.” Barbara bit her lip gently, ”If at a critical moment, he voices a different opinion, perhaps it could...”

”He has no suitable candidate, nor can he quickly promote one,” Leefer stated calmly, ”Besides, his neglect of the Karsdon Star River’s battle situation and his bias towards the bandit army have already diminished his aura. If he tries to intervene in the rivalry, I believe many will gladly challenge him.”

”I heard the bandit army went to Resk.” Barbara inquired.

Leefer nodded.

”I also heard that Fatty Tian Xingjian led a fleet in the Bull Tail system and annihilated Auben’s Dragon Rider Fleet.” Barbara’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, her knuckles whitening around her glass.

Leefer hesitated for a moment, then nodded again.

”This news alone is enough to greatly enhance Hastings’ prestige,” Barbara remarked coldly, ”If the bandit army wins the Resk Battle, then what?”

Leefer remained silent.

”I’ve seen the assessment report on the combat power of the bandit army’s First and Second Armored Divisions. I also reviewed the battle report as of the early hours of the 4th at the western front of Phoenix City.” Barbara ascended the poolside steps one by one, wet hair draped over her shoulders. Sparkling drops of water glistened on her fair, delicate skin like pearls.

She picked up a towel from a lounger, turning her head to dry her hair, ”Although the Alliance Command Center is tight-lipped about the Leifeng Star campaign, from Chen Fengxi’s initial troop deployments, it’s clear they’re planning a major offensive. And it’s unmistakable; they’ve been influenced by the bandit army, despite their longstanding defensive stance.”

She said, picking up a file and handing it to Leefer, ”This is the latest battle report. The Alliance Command Center’s defenses are watertight. If it weren’t for loyal insiders planted earlier, we’d be completely clueless about the situation at the Leifeng Star front.”

Leefer took the file from Barbara’s hand, opened it.

After reading in silence for a while, he sneered, ”They attempt to encircle and annihilate the main force of Bellif’s Northern Group Army; that Leray person thinks too highly of his bandit army. Bellif has controlled the Suss Military Department for decades, well-known for his steadfastness. Politically, he maneuvers deftly on every front. Militarily, he’s famed for caution and steadiness.”

”You’ve watched the Phoenix City western front drag on for so long; when have you ever seen Bellif anxious?” Leefer tossed the file onto the lounger and addressed Barbara as she lit a cigarette, ”He holds the advantage in forces, yet he just plays tug-of-war at the western front until Chen Fengxi is overwhelmed, taking absolute advantage before launching this final, deadly strike.

Hmph, if the bandit army thinks that with their few divisions they can penetrate the Six Major Battlezones, encircling Sunset Mountain, they’re sadly mistaken! With Bellif’s prudence, there’s definitely a contingency. As long as he can gather ten more divisions behind Sunset Mountain, when the bandit army reaches Sunset Mountain, they’ll be walking into a trap!”

Barbara gently exhaled a puff of smoke, pondering over Leefer’s analysis, ”The Resk Main Army’s forces have been heavily depleted at the Phoenix City western front, and the main force is tied up by the lengthy defense line. To hold this line, they can only muster twenty divisions from the reserve. With just this number, how can they possibly overturn the situation!”

”But the bandit army’s combat strength assessment...” Barbara seemed a bit distracted.

”When they fought Faset’s 31st Army, they took advantage of Chuckna’s and Hastings’ indulgence!” Leefer interrupted Barbara, ”Though I also admit, their close combat skills and Mechanical Technology are indeed top-notch in modern military forces. However, they only have two divisions. Even with some troops from Frenso Town, they can’t possibly crush Bellif’s Northern Group main force in a short time.”