CHAPTER 210: VOLUME 4 CHAPTER 8 CAUGHT

On December 1, 2061, on the third day after the Federation Army’s front-line command headquarters relocated to Lucerne, the Third Phase Battle finally began.

On the western front, the aggressive offensive by the Federation Army at the Luofeng Mountain Pass on the Razi Defense Line continued, while the Gazalin Empire Guards in Rotersk City retracted into the urban area, relying on fortified structures to continue their resistance. Clearly, neither side focused their major efforts on this line. The Gazalin Empire Army reestablished multiple defense lines, stationing heavy forces on the Lavos Plain and poised for a major battle, while the Federation Army shifted its forces from the western to the eastern front. The strength difference between the two sides was not significant; at least for now, it appeared that Liebgoet had consistently concealed the true strength of the Gazalin Army, as the Empire’s armored units had not been significantly deployed during earlier skirmishes.

On the eastern front, the redeployed Federation Army joined forces with the arriving Federation support troops in Lucerne, split into two spearheads by the First Army Group and Second Army Group. One spearhead directly attacked the well-defended East Valley City, while the other flanked its rear, evidently adopting a steady and secure strategy to eliminate resistance one step at a time. The newly established Fifth Army Group tentatively penetrated deep into the Lavos Plain alone, like a swinging long whip, clearing the path for the First and Second Army Groups to capture East Valley City.

Nearly everyone’s attention was focused on this battlefield. The confrontation between the two major camps in human society became increasingly tense. Led by the Binart Empire, the Western Alliance nations fiercely demanded at the Supreme Joint Council that the Leray Federation immediately halt military actions. Calls for negotiations based on the current military front line became more intense, with increasingly severe wording. The Western Alliance refrained from discussing invasion or who was right or wrong, instead focusing on slaughter and civilian casualties, portraying the Leray Federation as wielding a merciless blade against their own people.

Conversely, spearheaded by the Feiyang Republic, the Fei Alliance openly supported the Leray Federation’s military actions to reclaim territory. Debates between the two factions at the Human Supreme Council were fervent, although everyone knew these childlike arguments were mere performances for their respective countries. Only on the day of actual military intervention would this verbal sparring cease.

Privately, both camps not only expedited war preparations but also began drafting combat plans for the potential spark of conflict between the Gazalin Empire and the Leray Federation. The six neighboring countries of varying sizes surrounding Gazalin and Leray Federation had already issued combat orders to their troops and raised readiness levels. Diplomatic work between Gazalin and Leray Federation grew increasingly intense, with envoys frequently traveling between countries within their respective camps to secure support and commitment.

The Third Phase Battle in Lucerne not only influenced the balance of military power throughout the Galileo Star System but also determined whether the two major camps in human society would tear apart diplomatically and enter full-scale war. In addition, to insiders, this battle had subtler significance, indicating that conflicts had suddenly escalated from a state of calm to tumultuous intensity!

Firstly, the battle between Liebgoet and Russell in Lucerne saw both sides holding unknown trump cards. The combat on the Lavos Plain tested the commanders’ comprehensive command abilities, encompassing space, logistics, land-based air forces, ground troops, frontline command, situation assessment, strategic deployment, offensive direction, and force allocation. All these elements resided in their brains; whoever made a mistake would pay the price on the open Lavos Plain! With regular forces and unexpected maneuvers complementing each other, the battlefield held unpredictable strategic positions unknown to either side. Sometimes, the decisive spots were not the ones with the fiercest battles. Both sides speculated continuously without daring to be complacent.

Secondly, the entire Gazalin Nobles Circle began to watch anxiously. This war signified the escalation of the succession struggle for the throne into a fervent phase. The three Princes were formidable, holding substantial power in their hands, and their desperate last stands could potentially plunge Gazalin into chaos and bloodshed. The war’s outcome also indicated whether James would immediately initiate a thorough purge, launching the second military action he personally commanded since he started contending for the throne. In this monarch’s mind lay many inscrutable thoughts; no one knew his plans, his concerns, or the future direction of Gazalin under his leadership!

Meanwhile, the Leray Federation faced another crisis. Peace in the country had lasted too long, and war brought disruptive living conditions. Except for a few far-sighted generals, most people lacked mental preparation for a prolonged and tough war. The conflict with Gazalin was for self-preservation, forced upon them. If given a choice, they would prefer to avoid any war. Public opinion reflected this sentiment, forcing the government to continually guide and influence public opinion. However, war fatigue persisted; even during military victories, some still vocalized strong opposition to the war. These individuals failed to understand that war followed its own relentless logic, arriving irrespective of human will. Soon, a super war capable of destabilizing entire human society might erupt; who could extricate themselves unscathed from this vortex? When the Battle of Lucerne ended, and the Leray Federation successfully reclaimed the Galileo Star System and started amassing troops outside the Little Pyrenees Star Domain, this country would face a vital choice, a challenging choice.