"Commander, what do you mean?" Argreus inquired.
"Now that the Federation is growing increasingly powerful, it's inevitable that they will completely suppress VEGAN. With VEGAN losing its advantage and falling behind the Federation, will they continue to drag this out with us?" Flit countered Argreus.
"As long as their commander isn't a fool, they won't," Argreus affirmed.
"Then... since it's inevitable that the roles of attacker and defender will switch, will they just stand by and watch as the Federation grows stronger, crushing them underfoot?"
"No, they won't. So, Commander, you're suggesting... a decisive battle!" Argreus's eyes lit up as he grasped Flit's meaning.
But soon, he shook his head, feeling that Flit's idea was somewhat far-fetched: "Commander, no matter how you look at it, VEGAN wouldn't be that bold, would they? If they concentrate all their forces, aren't they afraid we'll wipe them out in one fell swoop? Aren't they afraid we'll send the Celestial Being squad to strike at their home base?"
"No, they're not afraid," Yang Hui refuted Argreus's thoughts, pulling up an image of the Second Moon. "What if they bring their home with them?"
"This!? That's not possible, is it?"
Argreus was startled. He couldn't even imagine a full-scale mobilization, let alone bringing their home into the battlefield.
"VEGAN is different from the Federation. They can't take Earth with them, and they have more than one Colony. All of VEGAN's people live on the Second Moon. Whether they're fleeing or attacking, the Second Moon can just move directly, unlike the Federation, which has to consider many factors," Yang Hui explained.
If he hadn't seen the anime, Yang Hui wouldn't have believed that VEGAN would bring out the Second Moon in the final battle.
Although this is the real world, not an anime, it's still possible. The Second Moon might indeed appear on the battlefield, and we must be prepared.
"Hmm... now that you mention it, it does seem possible. In that case, it might actually be a good thing," Argreus didn't find it troublesome but rather felt somewhat pleased. "If VEGAN really brings the Second Moon to the battlefield, we can truly decide the outcome in one battle and end this war."
"Exactly," Yang Hui and the others nodded in agreement.
If we only destroy the Lagrange Point Fortress, although it would shake VEGAN's foundation, it wouldn't completely defeat them. If VEGAN uses the Second Moon to escape the Martian sphere and hides to seek revenge, it would be quite troublesome for the Earth Federation.
This is also why Argreus didn't plan to actively attack the Lagrange Point Fortress in the first place.
But if we can completely defeat VEGAN, Argreus wouldn't allow the war to drag on any longer.
"In that case, we need to adjust our plans, Commander, Lieutenant General."
"Yes, we must prepare for every possible contingency."
...
"Jehart! What's going on? Why is the Second Moon heading towards the Lagrange Point Fortress?"
The VEGAN war council had just begun, and before Jehart could speak, Zannald aggressively questioned him. On one hand, he was venting his dissatisfaction with Ezelcant handing over VEGAN to Jehart, and on the other, he couldn't comprehend the reasoning behind such a decision.
"Mind your tone, Zannald! This is not your home. Lord Jehart is the designated successor by Lord Ezelkanta, and you must show respect!"
"Respect my foot! Who knows what kind of spell Jehart cast on Lord Ezelkanta to be named the successor? He recently lost the crucial Artemis Base, and instead of being punished, he's made the commander-in-chief. I'm the first to disagree!"
"I also disagree!"
"Why should he command us?"
"Lord Zannald is the most suitable successor!"
...
Zannald's loyalists clamored in support, echoing his sentiments. Like Zannald, they were self-serving, cunning, and brutal, with a notorious reputation in the military. Only Zannald matched their temperament, and clinging to him was their only path to promotion and wealth.
"Silence!" Jehart's stern command instantly quieted the room.
Jehart stood up, locking eyes with Zannald, and demanded, "This is Lord Ezelkanta's decision. Are you defying his will?"
"Hmph! Who knows if you've conspired with these old-timers? Maybe you had a hand in Lord Ezelkanta's critical condition..."
"You're too insolent, Zannald!"
"We were loyal to Lord Ezelkanta when you were still in diapers!"
"Our loyalty to Lord Ezelkanta is not for you to question!"
"Don't think we don't know what you're up to, Zannald. You should check your own reputation. Making you the leader of VEGAN would be its greatest disaster!"
"Jehart may be young, but his character and abilities are undeniable. How dare you vie for the command against him?"
"We only follow Lord Jehart's orders."
...
Zannald's outburst had incited widespread anger. Though he had some supporters, they were a minority. The room was divided into three factions: Jehart's, Zannald's, and the neutral party, who hadn't openly supported anyone. They believed in backing whoever could lead VEGAN to greater heights.
However, Zannald's remarks had pushed the neutral party towards Jehart, making himself the target of criticism.
"You all!"
"Silence! This is not a marketplace. What kind of behavior is this?"
"..."
As the argument subsided again, Jehart calmly addressed Zannald, "Lady Doren was also present at the time. If you don't believe us, will you believe her? Shall I summon her?"
"You! Hmph! Even so, I still don't agree with your plan. Moving the Second Moon to the front lines—are you trying to hand over all of VEGAN to the Federation?" Zannald knew he couldn't seize the command now, but he could still find a critical point to attack Jehart.
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Deploying our homeland into battle was an extremely risky move, and Yang Hui believed that few among those present would support it.
However, to his disappointment, he had expected many to echo his concerns, but the room fell silent, with all eyes focused on Jehart, awaiting his explanation.
"Everyone, I know you're all puzzled, but I must say, this is VEGAN's final chance to defeat the Federation!" Jehart confidently explained, believing that most of those present were reasonable and aware of VEGAN's current situation. "I think everyone here understands that the reason VEGAN has been able to suppress the Federation for nearly a century, aside from our unity and relentless fighting, is the EXA-DB that Lord Ezelkanta brought back. Even though it was only a small portion, it allowed us to stand against the Federation until now."
At this point, Jehart paused, scanning the room. Seeing most people nodding in agreement, he felt more assured.
"However, since this man appeared, VEGAN's situation has become increasingly dire." As he spoke, Jehart pulled up Yang Hui's profile. "I believe everyone here knows him, so I won't go into detail. Under his guidance, VEGAN's situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse. Not only is his personal strength terrifying, but he has also cultivated generation after generation of outstanding pilots for the Federation. Most importantly, he himself is an exceptional researcher. Under his leadership, the Federation's military strength has already caught up to ours.
As a result, VEGAN's greatest advantage has been neutralized. We are short on population and resources. If we give the Federation more time, they will completely overwhelm us, and we will lose the ability to resist them entirely. So… we have no choice but to engage in an all-out battle with the Federation now to determine the victor."
After Jehart finished speaking, the room buzzed with discussion. They had to admit that Jehart's explanation made sense—VEGAN was indeed at a critical juncture where they had to fight with their backs against the wall. But… they still couldn't fully accept Jehart's battle plan. After all, the Second Moon was their home, and if it were destroyed, their homes and families would be lost.
"Isn't there still the EXA-DB? If we obtain the complete EXA-DB, we can defeat the Federation without taking such a risk," Zannald voiced his opposition, prompting a group of fence-sitters to nod in agreement.
"Unfortunately, according to intelligence from our spies, the EXA-DB has already been found by the Federation, and its core has been destroyed. So, the Federation's pace of surpassing us will only accelerate," Jehart said regretfully.
"What!?"
"Is this true?"
"Then… doesn't that mean we have no chance of winning?"
"Just a small portion of its technology allowed VEGAN to suppress the Federation for nearly a century. If the Federation obtains the complete EXA-DB, wouldn't that mean…"
"All-out battle! I agree to the all-out battle!"
"This is our last chance! We absolutely cannot miss it!"
…
Seeing the overwhelming agreement in the conference room, Jehart's lips curled into a smile. He knew the decision was settled.
Jehart turned his gaze towards Zannald's faction. Zannald wore a look of frustration, wanting to continue opposing him but powerless to do so. This allowed Jehart to fully relax, as it seemed Zannald could no longer cause him any trouble.
As long as this meeting concluded successfully, his position as the supreme commander would be as solid as a rock. As for whether Zannald was convinced...
Jehart sneered coldly at the thought. Zannald's value had already been nearly exhausted, and the only remaining worth he had was as bait.
Whether the war was won or lost, neither Earth nor VEGAN needed him or his supporters to exist.
"Silence!" Jehart commanded as the murmurs died down. "Since everyone has agreed, I will now begin assigning tasks. Order the La Gramis Fortress to immediately advance towards the L2 region. Activate the Second Moon and proceed towards the L2 region under the cover of the Parasol system. All units are to prepare for battle, and the logistics department must operate at full capacity. Additionally, we must ensure the p
ublic's morale is maintained. Any objections?"
"Yes, sir!" came the unanimous response.
Under Jehart's sweeping gaze, everyone stood up simultaneously, responding with upright postures and resolute shouts.