Comparing Firepower

The frontline, within the Kingdom of Clear region.

Clang!

New equipment was unloaded from a carriage. Once assembled, it transformed into a unicycle launch rack.

Although there was an initial urge to criticize the unicycle design, it proved to be incredibly convenient in practice.

A single person could push it. Each unicycle was equipped with two launch tubes; as long as the rocket bugs were loaded, a single soldier could push it to any location and launch on the spot.

It was very efficient.

Currently, the two major powers were embroiled in an arms race.

Geopolitically, the Zerg's position was truly the worst, like jam caught in the middle of two slices of bread, seemingly on the verge of being flattened at any moment.

Relatively speaking, however, powers like Kelu, Novien, Mia, and Enbo—situated between the Empire and the Zerg—were trembling even more with fear.

The Gexilu United Kingdom was slightly better off, at least having other powers acting as buffers on both sides.

Unfortunately, they were unaware that the Zerg had completely seized control of the area beneath Clearwillow Lake and could launch a surprise assault with land-based bugs from underwater at any time.

Meanwhile, the Gexilu United Kingdom had launched a large number of vessels, preparing to transport their army to Zerg territory for a landing operation.

It was utterly pointless.

For both sides, such large-scale mobilization was impossible to hide from the opponent.

“We’ve already withdrawn the soldiers from the southern half of Clear. Let's begin the defense based on each city. The elf bugs have scheduled several drills recently; they must be completed as quickly as possible. We need them to understand the methods of modern warfare; we can't afford to cling to outdated conventions anymore.”

After a commander had his warriors set up their defenses, he watched a group of Zerg passing by in the distance.

Among them were several ravagers.

The terrifying backs of those creatures, capable of firing lava mortars, left a deep impression on any enemy.

However, compared to humans, the size of these bugs was indeed a bit large.

“I love this kind of long-range attack. Just hide in the back and fire away with peace of mind,” a newly selected legion commander remarked, looking at the scene with great satisfaction.

Following the Zerg war, the number of high-tier powerhouses within the Kingdom of Clear had plummeted.

There were very few Tier 8 legion commanders left, so they basically had to choose from those at Tier 7.

In terms of average strength, they truly couldn't compare to the Empire.

But regardless, the weaponry and equipment had narrowed the gap between the two sides.

“Don't get happy too soon. We have them, but the Empire has them too. Thinking back to a few months ago, I never dreamed I’d see the day we’d go to war with the Empire. We’re thousands of kilometers apart, after all.”

The soldiers laughed.

The atmosphere was different from before. Back then, the kingdom's legions were strictly hierarchical, and conversations between legion commanders and soldiers were extremely formal.

But now, officers and soldiers were like family.

It was hard to say which was better or worse; in reality, as long as it didn't affect combat effectiveness, such an atmosphere was acceptable.

Furthermore, because of Xia Jin's rise to power, everyone knew the current ruler of the kingdom was that once breathtakingly beautiful little princess.

Since her beauty had been famous for a long time and her lineage was legitimate, it led directly to a very high level of acceptance for the Queen within Clear.

In other words, the foundation of rule had not suffered any negative changes.

Coupled with decent welfare across various sectors and the Zerg maintaining public order, everyone's lives were relatively good.

Of course, most people didn't realize that for the Zerg, the ordinary residents within their sphere of influence held very little value; the Zerg's free-range policy toward them was essentially like ignoring the air.

Had it not been for this war, most people would probably have been able to just lie flat and coast through life.

Just as these men finished their assigned tasks and were preparing to head to a tavern for a good drink, a loud boom suddenly echoed in the distance.

A shockwave rushed from the west, slamming the wooden door open.

Everyone instinctively squinted and shielded their faces with their hands.

“Pah! Pah! So much dust!”

The legion commander walked out the door and glanced into the distance, only to find that half of a large building in the city had been blown apart.

Flames were rolling and burning, and black smoke billowed into the sky.

Once the dust permeating the surroundings had settled slightly, several warriors ran over.

“What happened?” the legion commander asked immediately.

“Artillery fire, sir! It came from the south,” a shaken soldier reported.

“The south?”

...

Calculating the distance, this place was roughly 15 kilometers from the kingdom's border.

Looking at the power, it was likely a high-yield weapon; the six or seven-story building was basically reduced to a single intact wall.

“Are there any casualties?”

“No. What should we do? Should we return fire?” a warrior couldn't help but ask.

As he spoke, another loud boom erupted nearby.

A building in their line of sight collapsed, and a terrifying shockwave carrying smoke and dust swept toward them, forcing everyone to retreat into a nearby house.

“Dammit, get ready to pay them back. The enemy might be about to attack,” the legion commander cursed.

“I’ll do it. It just so happens those unicycles were delivered earlier. Let me give them a try.”

A soldier immediately ran over and pushed a unicycle into motion.