Cross watched Strauss's calm and composed demeanor, feeling an increasing sense of admiration.
"Teacher's level of insight is truly unmatched!"
He leaned in closer, lowering his voice, his tone filled with disdain.
"Besides, that newly appointed Commander Raphael is nothing more than a greenhorn who got the position through connections. What does he know about battlefield command?"
"Once he suffers a major defeat at the hands of the Federation and stumbles, those shortsighted higher-ups will finally realize Teacher's greatness and regret ever driving you away!"
Cross spoke with growing seriousness, his eyes brimming with reverence for Strauss.
"If I may say so, if it weren't for Teacher's consistently cautious and steady combat style over the years—advancing step by step, building a solid foundation—our Opal Star Sector would have long been breached by the Federation and turned into their territory!"
At this, a faint smile finally flickered across Strauss's face.
He shook his head gently, looking at Cross with a warm gaze, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.
"After all these years apart, your skill at flattery remains as masterful as ever, not diminished in the slightest."
Cross felt a bit embarrassed by the remark.
He chuckled awkwardly and quickly waved his hand.
"Not at all, Teacher! I'm speaking nothing but the truth! This is definitely not flattery!"
As his words fell, a wave of relaxed and hearty laughter echoed through the bridge.
Meanwhile, at the Federal Supreme Command, the roundtable conference room remained shrouded in a heavy atmosphere.
After many days apart, everyone had gathered once again, their eyes fixed on the massive screen at the center.
Displayed on it was new intelligence from the Federal Border Security Bureau.
This time, the source was the top agent codenamed Rose.
The screen slowly brightened, casting an indigo glow across the entire room.
A series of clear photographs cycled through one by one, each one deepening the gravity on the faces of those present.
The first image froze on the P-375 Warp Point.
The screen was filled with a dense, overwhelming array of blue dots, almost completely occupying the field of view.
These were the energy signals released by the engines of the Imperial Fleet, their sheer numbers revealing the astonishing scale of the mobilization.
The second image switched to the periphery of the warp point.
Several heavy transport ships were working together to tow a massive meteorite.
The meteorite was terrifyingly large, its surface covered in jagged crevices, impossible for a single transport ship to move alone.
The third image zoomed out, showing a large number of Imperial warships steadily advancing toward the border of the Bushman Star System.
The already oppressive atmosphere in the conference room instantly plummeted to freezing point.
Ruan Zhixu stared intently at the photos on the screen, a cold, sinister smile slowly curling at the corner of his mouth, breaking the dead silence.
"It seems our earlier speculation was correct. The Empire's target is indeed the Opal Star Sector."
He paused briefly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.
"However, the Opal Star Sector is already within our grasp. Do they really think they can hold it?"
Before he could finish, Su Qingyang spoke up.
His tone was as heavy as a bucket of ice water, instantly dousing the lightness in Ruan Zhixu's words.
"Don't celebrate too soon.
A large number of engineering ships, transport ships, and now these massive meteorites..."
He raised his hand, pointing his fingertip at the image on the holographic screen showing the towing of meteorites, his expression growing increasingly somber.
"The Empire would never mobilize these things without reason. They are likely planning something earth-shattering in the Opal Star Sector."
Su Qingyang, meeting the gazes of everyone present, continued.
"We all know that the majority of resources and core interests in the Opal Star Sector have always been firmly held by the Reinhardt Family—it is their lifeline."
He paused briefly before adding.
"If they don't want to lose this lucrative piece of the Opal Star Sector, if they don't want to watch their family's interests suffer..."
"They will absolutely not surrender without a fight. They will counterattack with all their might, even at any cost."
Ji Wangshu chimed in.
"What's even more alarming is that it's probably not just the Reinhardt Family. Other top families will likely seize the opportunity to get involved."
His tone carried a note of warning.
"Bourbon, Alvarez, Windsor, Romanov... these families have been eyeing the Opal Star Sector for far too long, itching to make their move."
Qin Qianfan looked up at Su Qingyang.
He spoke slowly.
"Marshal Su, immediately activate all intelligence networks within the Bushman Star System. Have all undercover agents go into full operation."
He emphasized each word, his tone commanding and leaving no room for delay.
"We must uncover the Empire's true plans in the shortest time possible. The specific purposes and deployment locations of those giant meteorites, transport ships, and engineering ships must be thoroughly investigated—not a single detail can be missed!"
"Yes, Marshal Qin!"
Su Qingyang immediately straightened his posture, standing tall like a pine tree, and responded loudly.
Qin Qianfan gave a slight nod, his gaze slowly shifting to Ji Wangshu.
His tone softened slightly but remained clearly directive.
"Marshal Ji, I must trouble you to accelerate the preparations for those three New Sequence Fleets."
"At present, the Empire's schemes have not yet fully surfaced, and the situation remains unclear. Every bit of preparation increases our chances of success. Completing the organization and readiness of the fleets even a day earlier will strengthen our confidence in responding to any surprise attack by the Empire."
Ji Wangshu promptly replied, his tone crisp and decisive.
"Please rest assured, Marshal Qin. The shipbuilding tasks for the new vessels have already been allocated in advance to key shipyards. They will complete debugging ahead of schedule and deliver the warships to the front line on time."
He paused briefly before adding.
"As for the new recruits, they have already set off in batches. I have ordered them to conduct simulated operational training during their interstellar voyages to familiarize themselves with the warship equipment. By the end of the month, the officers and crew of the three Sequence Fleets will have fully arrived at the front line in the Ten Stone Starfield, ready for action at any moment!"
Qin Qianfan listened quietly, a faint trace of approval appearing on his face.
He nodded slowly, clearly quite satisfied with this response.
Finally, his gaze settled on Ruan Zhixu.
His expression grew solemn once more, his voice steady and forceful.
"Immediately relay my orders to the Theater Commander of the Opal Sector War Zone, General Wen Tingtao."
"Instruct him to immediately consolidate his forces and prepare for full-scale combat. He must remain vigilant at all times, guarding against any surprise attacks by the Imperial Fleet—there must be no slackening whatsoever!"
Ruan Zhixu grinned, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes as he responded briskly.
"Yes! I guarantee the message will be delivered!"
He paused briefly, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation.
"Now that we have nine Sequence Fleets as our foundation..."
"If Wen Tingtao can't deliver a victory on the scale of the Battle of the Bushman System, then he can just keep being an admiral!"
Hearing this, everyone present couldn't help but feel sympathy for Wen Tingtao.
Could a miracle like the Battle of the Bushman System really be replicated again?
It's just too difficult!
Isn't this asking for the impossible?