Chapter 464 Plotting a Satellite

The sky over the wilderness was vast and open, without a single cloud, like a clear blue sapphire, covering the scorched land below.

The red iron dragon raised its head and gazed at the sky, its massive body casting a long, narrow shadow in the sunlight.

Deep within those dark, vertical pupils, runes like stars were rapidly flowing, combining, and analyzing. His gaze seemed to pierce through layers of spatial barriers, cross the atmosphere, and be cast towards the distant and cold outer space.

"It won't be long before we can pinpoint its location completely."

He thought to himself.

Over the past year, the Kingdom of Theo has been using its satellites frequently in order to further expand its advantages.

Teleportation raids, Healing Rain, orbital strikes... these strategic skills have repeatedly turned the tide of local battles, accumulating considerable advantages for Theo's Legion.

The Shadow Forest and Rusty Valley of the Kingdom of Aura have fallen one after another.

Iron Dragon Leticia and Holy Spirit Deer were seriously injured in the fierce battle and could not recover in a short time, so they had to withdraw from the front line.

The Kingdom of Theo has built an impregnable defensive wall with satellite support, making its defenses virtually unassailable.

They have gained the upper hand in both offense and defense, and the balance of power in conventional warfare is rapidly tilting towards the Kingdom of Theo.

If Aura wants to win this war, it must find a way to eliminate the satellite of the Kingdom of Theo.

Its various effects are not limited to battlefields below the legendary level; even with legendary players participating, the Magic Satellite remains a strategic weapon not to be underestimated.

However, Galus did not rush directly into space.

He knew very well that taking down Theo's satellite would not be an easy task.

In the early days of their creation, magical satellites were not perfect in many ways, and there were many instances where they were directly located and destroyed by powerful enemy nations. However, as time passed and technology continued to develop, magical satellites became increasingly difficult to destroy by force.

The first problem is finding it.

Normally, the magical satellites are located in hidden parallel dimensional rifts, completely outside the main material world. They are invisible and unseen. The satellite images that can be observed by the naked eye or ordinary magic in the material world are merely illusory projections used for disguise.

Only when a magical satellite uses strategic skills that require interference with the material world, such as teleportation, energy support, or orbital strikes, does it need to briefly appear from a parallel dimension in the main material world.

Even so, it only appears for a few seconds before immediately changing its spatial coordinates and disappearing into a new parallel dimensional rift, giving the enemy no chance to lock on.

However, the magical satellite was not a perfect creation.

Each time it is used, it leaves a subtle trace in the prime material space.

Slight folds in the spatial structure, specific spectra of residual magical energy, aftershocks caused by dimensional leaps... As it manifests time and again, the number of these traces will gradually increase, just like pebbles being continuously thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples to intertwine.

On the one hand, Galus has space data provided by its allies.

On the other hand, his True Sight Eye can also directly see spatial traces that ordinary people cannot perceive.

Galus gazed at the sky.

What appears as a clear, open sky to ordinary living beings is, in his view, a complex and dazzling spectacle.

Countless tiny specks of light shimmered like dust.

Many fainter, ripple-like waves spread out slightly in the space and slowly merged.

The satellite of the Kingdom of Theo is like a cunning fish swimming in the deep sea.

Sometimes it dives and hides in the dimension, sometimes it leaps out of the water to draw air. At the same time, the movement of each leap creates subtle ripples, leaving marks in the structure of space, which gradually weave into a net.

Unless it completely ceases its participation in the war now, and quietly retreats into some parallel dimension, waiting for the traces of space to completely dissipate over time.

Otherwise, not long after...

When the traces accumulate to a certain extent, and when its behavior pattern is completely outlined, it will be fully exposed to Galus's vision.

However, there is still one problem.

"After achieving effective results, Theo actually reduced the frequency of satellite use this month, only using the most basic and unimpeded reconnaissance skills to systematically expand the advantage."

Galos narrowed his eyes, weighing his options in his mind.

Clearly, Theo's commander had also considered the satellite's weaknesses.

Even though the satellites themselves have very strong defenses, the other side still chose to be cautious and was unwilling to rely too much on the strategic array of satellites, so as not to expose its trajectory.

But without satellites, how can you maintain your advantage? And how can you withstand my Aura's counterattack?

Hong Tielong smiled silently, his smile carrying a cold, sharp edge.

“Sorrog, my dear brother, carry out your plan and force Theo to use the satellite. Now that this weapon is activated, how can we just stop it?”

He sent a message to his brothers on the front lines of the war through a telepathic link.

"Okay, I've been preparing for a long time."

A calm and firm response came from the other side, from Iron Dragon Sorog.

Summer of the year 343 in the new calendar, Ash Plains.

The two-year war has left indelible scars on this land.

The wind whipped up the ashes, which then fell back down, forming slowly rotating columns of black smoke, like the sigh of the earth.

The once verdant plains are now nothing but scorched soil, crisscrossing trenches like scars, and broken flags and weapon wreckage half-buried in the dust.

The air is perpetually filled with the smell of sulfur, rust, and a faint humus.

Thirty miles behind the indestructible wall lies the iron-forged fortification.

Over time, this forward command post, originally established to counter the Iron Wall Fortress, has gradually expanded into a fully functional war city.

The towering alchemical furnaces burned day and night, spewing thick smoke mixed with sparks, supplying the front lines with parts for repairing weapons and golems; three gray-white mage towers were arranged in a triangle, their apex detection arrays constantly scanning the sky and ground like searchlights, the beams of light clearly visible in the dim yellow air; the camp was surrounded by three layers of interlocking defensive walls, constructed of enchanted concrete and metal frames, with heavy, dark alchemical turrets fixed to the ramparts, their muzzles pointing towards the distant area still under Aura's control.

At the very center is a headquarters built of dark gray metal.

It has a square shape and cold, hard lines, and the roof is equipped with multiple observation posts and communication antennas.

It has little decoration, with hard lines and a strong sense of pragmatism.

Rodrigo Crown stood in the strategy room on the third floor of the command center, his hands resting on the edge of the huge sand table, gazing at the intricate situation markings on it.

On the map.

The blue markings representing Theo's Legion have pierced the red areas representing Aura's controlled territories in several places, forming several prominent wedges.

Shadow Forest and Rusty Valley.

These two former key border locations of Aura are now flying the flag of Theo.

Although the Iron Wall Fortress remains embedded like a thorn in the side of Theo, the balance of power is indeed tilting firmly.

Our side has accumulated many advantages in conventional warfare, with ample troop strength, more secure supply lines, and high morale due to consecutive victories.

"How much have we reduced our satellite usage frequency this month?"

Rodrigo didn't turn around, but asked his trusted adjutant Torres behind him in a deep voice.

"The teleportation raids on key points have been reduced from three times a week to once a week. The Holy Rain of Healing has only been used once, during the counterattack on Palmer Heights. Orbital Strike..." Major Torres flipped through the record board in his hand, paused, and continued, "It hasn't been used since the assault on Rusty Valley two months ago."

Upon hearing this, Rodrigo nodded.

He turned around and walked to the heavy oak desk next to him, looking at another report written on special magical paper on the desk.

That was a message sent directly by Erwin; its content was simple yet significant.

—The spatial traces of FAST's activities in the material world are accumulating, and its traceability is slowly increasing.

This means that although the satellite jumps to a new dimensional coordinate each time it appears, the predictability of its trajectory is slowly increasing.

Like a hunter who walks repeatedly in the forest, his footprints will become clearer and clearer.

Rodrigo knew that the satellite itself had strong space defenses.

Even if its coordinates are exposed, those layers upon layers of spatial barriers are indestructible, and even legendary powerhouses would find it difficult to break through.

However, he must also consider the worst-case scenario.

The Red Iron Dragon Emperor Galos, the founder of the Kingdom of Aura, may possess the means to destroy or bypass satellite defenses.

Even if the probability is extremely small, war does not allow for any chance of winning.

"We have already accumulated enough advantages."

"The battles to come should be fought like chiseling stone, one hammer blow at a time, steadily and surely, crushing the enemy with swords and steel, rather than relying too much on a single weapon."

"Satellites...are only used as eyes, and occasionally as emergency transmission."

"As for Orbital Strike and Rain of Healing, these are not crucial for decisive battles and will not be used again."

Rodrigo said.

The adjutant, Torres, moved his lips, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped himself.

He wanted to say that the frontline commanders had become accustomed to the low casualties brought by the Holy Rain, that satellite support had greatly boosted morale, and that the casualties of the soldiers would definitely increase significantly, and the pressure on logistics and medical care would rise sharply... But looking at the commander's deep-set, bloodshot eyes, he ultimately remained silent.

Since the commander said that, he must have his reasons.

As Rodrigo's adjutant for many years, Torres knew that the commander-in-chief never spoke without a purpose.

However, Torres still had another question in his mind.

He hesitated for a moment, but still asked, "Commander, since the situation is in our favor, can our legends take the initiative to make a move? Given the current situation of the Kingdom of Aura, if the legends make a move, they may be able to quickly crush all resistance and end this war of attrition."

Rodrigo shook his head, walked to the window, and looked out at the busy yet orderly camp.

"It's not that simple."

He said calmly.

The Kingdom of Aura has only two legendary figures on the surface: the Red Iron Dragon Emperor and the White Dragon Beskar.

However, legendary dragons cannot be treated as ordinary legends, especially their emperors... who are unfathomable.

The Kingdom of Theo knew very little about him and lacked sufficient intelligence.

Just how strong is he? What are his innate talents and characteristics?

These are all still shrouded in mystery.

Blindly investing in legendary characters could lead to a disastrous outcome, or if an opportunity arises that results in casualties on your side, the situation could be reversed in an instant.

Rodrigo's plan was to force Emperor Aura to make the first move, using the lives of ordinary soldiers and the front lines as the cost, to gather information, test his capabilities and reactions, and then have his own legends launch a counter-attack.

Then, at any cost, strive to secure victory through a decisive, legendary showdown.

This was a cold-blooded calculation, but one that he saw as necessary.

Rodrigo's gaze immediately swept past the busy soldiers and machinery and landed on the gray-white stone monument standing in the central square of the camp.

The stone tablet was tall and solemn, covered with the names of the fallen.

Since the outbreak of war in the autumn of 341 AD, names have been engraved on four sides, and the stonemason is polishing the fifth smooth stone wall with clanging and clattering.

New names are added every day.

"May the souls of the warriors rest in peace," Rodrigo murmured, making a simple prayer gesture with his right hand over his chest. "Their sacrifice and spirits will protect Theo and help him achieve final victory."

As commander-in-chief, the casualty figures are a factor he must carefully weigh.

However, Rodrigo, despite his ruthless methods, is not a cold-blooded person.

He didn't want to see too many familiar lives disappear forever on this ash plain.

However, he also knew very well in his heart.

If the satellite really malfunctions and is destroyed or interfered with by Aura; or if the expected legendary battle cannot end as quickly and decisively as planned, but instead falls into a stalemate or a Pyrrhic victory... then even if the stonemasons polish ten or twenty new stone walls on the monument in the square, it will probably still be far from enough to inscribe the names of all the fallen.

War is always accompanied by sacrifice.

Some costs are unavoidable no matter how much you plan.

Over the next two weeks, the fighting unfolded as Rodrigo had predicted.

Theo's army launched a series of small-scale but extremely fierce offensives on multiple fronts.

Without the immediate blessing of the Rain of Healing, the casualties among the soldiers during assaults and defenses did indeed rise, and the medical sorcerers alone could not keep up, significantly increasing the burden on the field hospitals. However, thanks to the advantages accumulated in the early stages, superior equipment, and a relatively complete tactical system, Theo's army continued to advance steadily.

Based on repeated calculations and deductions by the General Staff.

Given the current strength and reaction speed of the Aura defense line, through this steady and methodical war of attrition, Theo's side is very confident that they can capture one or two more key border locations in Aura before the end of the year, thereby completely isolating that stubborn iron wall fortress.

At that point, no matter how formidable the defenses of the Iron Wall Fortress are, it will only be a matter of time before it falls without support.

It's mid-July now.

At midday, the sky over the Ash Plains was a clear, deep blue, and the scorching sun beat down relentlessly on the charred earth, sending up waves of heat.

Inside the fortified position, the sentries on duty mechanically scanned the surrounding open field.

Although they remained vigilant, they inevitably became somewhat complacent.

This place is located behind the Unbreakable Wall defense line, with several forward buffer positions in front, so it is theoretically very safe. In the two years of war, this place has never been attacked.

The distant sounds of artillery fire were faint and indistinct, indicating the ongoing tug-of-war at the front, which sounded normal.

Inside the headquarters, Rodrigo was holding a routine magical communication meeting with several frontline commanders.

The suspended crystal ball projected a faintly shimmering light and shadow as the generals reported in turn on the progress and needs of each front.

Just three days before the meeting began, the Aura Legion launched a fierce counterattack from multiple directions simultaneously, the ferocity of which exceeded the expectations of some of the Theo generals.

However, the tone of several commanders at the meeting was generally one of excitement.

They felt this was Aura's death throes after losing important territory.

Like a fish thrashing violently due to suffocation, the struggle is intense but short-lived, and it only depletes its already limited energy.

"The satellites have not detected any large-scale military changes on the other side, but we should not let our guard down."

Rodrigo interrupted a general's overly optimistic assessment.

"The Iron Dragon Prince Sorog of the Kingdom of Aura is known for his cold-bloodedness and composure. He would not launch such a seemingly reckless counterattack without having a backup plan."

"All defense lines must strengthen reconnaissance, especially monitoring of the ground and the air, and be vigilant against..."

Sudden.

He frowned slightly, and his voice abruptly stopped.

A very slight tremor came from beneath my feet, as if a heavy drumstick had struck the earth.

Rodrigo looked down at his feet; the stone floor remained motionless, but the tremor... was not an illusion.

It wasn't the periodic roar of the alchemical furnaces in the camp, nor the aftershocks of artillery fire from our own forces in the distance, but a deeper, more resonant tremor, as if it came from the depths of the earth and was rapidly approaching.

The other officers in the command post also sensed it, and they all stopped what they were doing and looked at the ground.

Immediately afterwards, the slight tremor turned into a noticeable shaking.

Ripples appeared in the water glass on the table, the map on the wall trembled slightly, and the sturdy building structure of the command post emitted an unsettling grinding sound.

"earthquake?"

"I can't believe it," Torres said in surprise.

Rodrigo's expression changed drastically; his years of battlefield intuition made the hairs on his body stand on end instantly.

"No! It's underground! Enemy attack—"

Before his warning was fully uttered, the earth groaned in pain.

Rumble!!!

The solid ground arched upwards like a fragile eggshell, cracked, and then suddenly exploded!

Soil, gravel, and broken flooring materials shot upwards like a fountain, instantly filling the entire lower level of the command post with dust!

Amidst the tremors and billowing dust, a colossal creature burst forth from the earth.

The creature resembled a segmented worm magnified ten thousand times, with a diameter exceeding five meters and an immeasurable length of exposed segments. Its body was covered with a smooth, hard, obsidian-like chitinous exoskeleton that reflected a dark luster in the sunlight filtering through the ground.

Its head has no eyes, only a ring of huge, spiraling jaws that are spinning wildly at an astonishing speed, shredding bricks, wood, and metal components in its path into powder.

Meanwhile, its smooth carapace is covered with dense and hidden magical runes.

These runes efficiently absorbed sound, vibration, and energy fluctuations, so much so that when such a colossal beast burst forth from the earth, there was eerily little sound around it, nor did a strong aura emanate from it.

Without seeing it with one's own eyes, it would be almost impossible to perceive the existence of such a terrifying behemoth in front of one's eyes.

"A burrowing worm! It's a burrowing worm!"

An old soldier recognized the terrifying beast, his voice filled with horror.

They are a race that migrated from the depths of the earth and swore allegiance when the kingdom of Aura was founded. Although no individual lords have emerged from them, their collective strength is astonishing, and they are especially skilled in large-scale underground digging and raids.

With satellites overhead, capable of closely monitoring both the sky and the earth.

The Burrowing Bug, a unit capable of attacking from underground, has unexpected strategic value.

Therefore, under the instructions of Iron Dragon Sorog, their existence has always been kept strictly secret and has never been revealed in foreign wars.

The existence of these burrowing worms, beyond the scope of Theo's intelligence, was beyond his expectations and monitoring capabilities.

But this is just the beginning.

Immediately afterwards, a second, a third, a fourth... more than thirty giant burrowing worms burst out of the ground in different areas of the Iron-Digging Fortress! Instantly, they divided and disrupted the entire Iron-Digging Fortress.

Before the dust had even settled, the spiral mandibles on the heads of the first batch of burrowing worms suddenly split open to the sides.

The bottomless throat passage was exposed.

boom!

One after another, strong figures leaped out from among them.

These are heavy units such as ogres and trolls!

These giants, averaging over four meters tall, are clad in heavy, sophisticated armor and wield heavy runic weapons comparable to battering rams. Upon landing, they unleash deafening, ferocious battle roars and indiscriminately destroy everything around them.

Another group of Dragonforged warriors leaped out of the 'wormhole'.

They are elite units cultivated by the Kingdom of Aura through the Dragon Forging Transformation Ritual. They are of different races, but their skin is covered with fine, differently colored dragon scales, and their eyes are vertical pupils like those of reptiles.

They were well-equipped, disciplined, and exuded a powerful aura. As soon as they appeared, they formed combat squads and charged towards each key point with unstoppable force.

The last one, and the largest burrowing worm, burst forth from the earth amidst the tremors.

Its enormous mouth, nearly eight meters in diameter, suddenly opened, shooting out a huge, dark red, ball-shaped "cannonball"!

The "shell" crashed into a building with a piercing whistle.

Bricks and stones collapsed, and smoke and dust filled the air.

But those weren't cannonballs!

Amidst the smoke and dust, a colossal figure stretched out its body and stood up proudly.

(End of this chapter)