Counterfeit Hero

Chapter 1556: Chapter 43: Madness

The massive Akasa Fortress rotates slowly in the light of the Constant Star.

Flame-like light flows over the fortress’s icy metallic shell; fortress cannons protrude menacingly from the deck of the warships, their black mouths poised, coldly facing the surrounding starlit sky; hundreds of large and small warships patrol like a swarm of predatory sharks, exuding an air of killing intent.

In all directions, on the routes suspended with navigation beacons, warships, transport ships, and interstellar passenger ships cross paths like fish swimming across the river.

The enormous and heavy metal locks of the fortress port open at the rate of once per minute.

Warship tractors, resembling giant steel mice, dart swiftly along the entry pathway to the port; inside the massive enclosed port, rows of unloading arms swoop up and down, and behind them, under the dispatchers’ command, the long freight rail cars stretch endlessly.

Officers, government officials, and ordinary soldiers stepping off warships or passenger ships, guided by the clear and pleasant broadcast, hurry through the crowded port hallway, along the passages, to the space train platform within the fortress, boarding trains heading in different directions.

Every three minutes, a space train streaks along the densely intertwined tracks. Light shining through the train windows casts a few meandering light trails in the night sky, interweaving when trains brush past one another, then silently disappearing.

Under control of the central computer, the space train sometimes passes through tunnels, exits the fortress, and cruises along the fortress’s heavy outer shell under the brilliant starlit sky and the distant Constant Star, only to plunge back into the busy, bustling living areas within the fortress.

Train-like motifs stop at stations, dozens of doors opening simultaneously, releasing floods of people onto the platform, merging into street pedestrians.

Were it not for the military uniforms worn by most passersby, bartenders, and store clerks, nor the omnipresent restricted area signs and icy-faced guards on the streets, this fortress, requiring a full twelve-hour loop to traverse by train, would resemble a bustling city.

This is the command center for the entire Fei Alliance Joint Army.

With the war having reached an intense phase, millions from various countries have gathered here.

Since the war’s outbreak, the integration of the Fei Alliance Joint Army has been ongoing. From small symbolic forces in the initial stages of the conflict, to countless fleets arriving daily at Akasa, a gigantic Fei Alliance Joint Army is rapidly taking shape.

Two years of confrontation with the Western Alliance have convinced member countries of Fei Alliance that relying on individual strength alone cannot defeat the Western Alliance.

The Western Alliance, before the outbreak of war, had already completed their military integration. All major battle zones in the human interstellar map have Western Alliance great generals garrisoned, complete logistic support, and ready-to-mobilize, mutual-aid alliance forces.

Under coordination by the Western Alliance Command Center, Western Alliance forces are exhibiting far greater combat power than when fighting alone.

To win this war, the Fei Alliance, initially lagging in the war, must unite as much as possible.

Thousands of years ago, humanity abandoned the disparate sandcastles tactics. With technological advances, modern electronic communications, large-scale transport capability, interstellar navigation, and SkyNet technology, national military forces can be organically linked together.

Military integration has always been a goal pursued by the Fei Alliance Military. This isn’t a straightforward one-plus-one-equals-two cooperation but akin to the alliance of bones, blood vessels, and muscle tissues. Post-integration, the growth in alliance combat power far exceeds expectations.

However, despite substantial troop gatherings at Asak, forming these diverse national forces, with varied customs, religious beliefs, uniforms, and piloting distinct warships and Mechas, into a combat-ready force requires time.

Most crucially, the current alliance Supreme Command lacks the capability to directly command troops in dialogue with Sobel.

Who will train the troops to unite and form combat power? Ultimately, which colossal force will be directed to the Karsdon Star River, the Ryan Battlefield, or the Southeast Battle Zone? Under whose banner will they accept command? All remain an unknown mystery.

To be honest, the one most qualified to command this alliance force is, of course, the Military God Hastings. However, Hastings’ actions since the onset of war clearly convey that he is no longer prepared to personally command troops in battle.

As the Supreme Commander of the Alliance, apart from playing against Sobel on the human war mapping’s strategic level, Hastings has only shown clear opinions regarding battlefield commanders; regarding specific combat, he has consistently distanced himself.

Considering his health status, most of the Fei Alliance high echelon knows that Hastings, aware of his limited remaining time, is striving for the removal of Hastings’ influence from the Fei Alliance Joint Army. He even disregards public opinions and the severity of the situation, forcibly eliminating his sway over the entire Fei Alliance military.

Birth, aging, sickness, and death are inevitable human destinies inherited. Even as a Military God, Hastings cannot escape the call of the Grim Reaper.

For thirty years, the Feiyang Republic was under his leadership, resisting the Western Alliance. Fei Alliance countries, Feiyang Soldiers, have stood protected under this towering tree for too long.