Chapter 313 Departure of the Expedition Fleet

Crisis Era 305.

Solar System Alliance Joint Expedition Fleet.

This was the grandest fleet in human history, consisting of over ten thousand towering warships akin to mountains.

They were arrayed in rigid formation, like a dragon surging through the stars, exhibiting endless power and majesty.

At this moment, this massive fleet was majestically sailing toward the Centaurus Constellation; their target was the Trisolaran Star System, which they expected to reach within 27 years.

To defend against outside invasion, the Trisolarans had undoubtedly placed innumerable obstacles along the route to the Trisolaran Star System. The average speed of the human warships was only 16% of the speed of light.

If the warships utilized their maximum speed, that is, 30% of the speed of light, it could significantly reduce the travel time, but it would undoubtedly pose a great threat to the safety of the ships.

In the vast expanse of interstellar space, the fleet resembled a dazzling milky way, spanning the dark and profound universe.

The glowing tails of ten thousand warships reflected off one another, not only illuminating humanity's journey to conquer the sea of stars but also igniting their desire for the unknown and their unbounded aspirations for the future.

This fleet represented not only the pinnacle of human technology but also the embodiment of human will and determination.

Humanity's expedition against Trisolaris had begun, a powerful retaliation against the Trisolaran invasion and a steadfast resistance and defense of humanity's future destiny.

This unprecedented expedition fleet was not only grand in scale but also assembled up to 75% of the top military forces of the human world.

They had but one goal: to sweep through the Trisolaran Star System in one fell swoop and to completely eliminate the threat of the Trisolaran world to humanity.

Of course, if the Trisolarans were wise enough to choose peaceful surrender, humanity might also consider accepting them.

All warships were not only equipped with the latest generation of Curvature Propulsion Defense Systems but also armed with the powerful Gluon Oscillation Strike System. (As the name of the Sophon Field did not sound good, it was later renamed to Gluon Oscillation. Some readers may have noticed that the Sophon Field was modeled after Neutrino Oscillation, and 'Gluon Oscillation' sounds better too.)

The latest generation of the Curvature Propulsion System was even more formidable, with its attack angle becoming very narrow, making it extremely difficult for the Trisolarans to land an attack. This not only enhanced the survival capability of the warships but also altered traditional interstellar warfare to some degree, making it more concealed and efficient.

What was even more remarkable was that under its highest power and at extremely close distances, the human Gluon Oscillation Beam Weapon could even cause protons to split apart.

Of course, in addition to the Gluon Oscillation Beam Weapon, the expedition warships were also equipped with various other types of energy weapons, each with its unique combat efficacy.

However, in normal circumstances, humanity used them with great caution. Even without the use of Gluon Oscillation Beams, current human technology had the capability to destroy ordinary planets.

If those energy weapons were used recklessly, our position could be exposed, and potential Hunters within 20 light-years might take notice.

Gluon Oscillation Beam Weapons were considered ideal as interstellar warfare weapons not just because of their obvious advantages such as low energy consumption and immense power.

More importantly, they had a characteristic that was hard to detect. After traveling a certain distance, Gluon Oscillation Beams would naturally dissipate into the vastness of the universe, greatly reducing the risk of being detected and tracked by enemies.

The universe was so silent not only because every civilization was trying their utmost to hide themselves, avoiding exposure to become prey of other civilizations. It was also because traditional energy exchange in battle had changed with the advancement of technology, becoming more covert and efficient.

According to human strategic analysis and prediction, at this moment, the Trisolarans might have fewer than a thousand warships. Even when the Human Expedition Fleet arrived at the Trisolaran Star System, it was expected that their number of warships would hardly exceed three thousand.

More crucially, the Trisolarans were bound to execute their escape plan. When the Human Expedition Fleet finally arrived at the Trisolaran Star System, the warships left there might number only a hundred or so.

In such a disparity of strength, the Trisolarans' chances of survival were almost negligible; they were facing an unprecedented crisis of existence.

The success of Logic's establishment of the Dark Forest Deterrence was based on the unpredictability of the individual named Logic. By contrast, the thinking patterns of the Trisolarans were to some extent more regular and predictable, which made their Dark Forest all the more fragile.

Even if the Trisolarans were truly capable of establishing some form of Dark Forest Deterrence, humanity had sufficient patience and strategies to cope with it. Human society could also spend hundreds or even thousands of years gradually shrinking the living space of the Trisolarans, applying carefully planned operations and relentless pressure, to eventually deliver a lethal blow.

The Dark Forest could only offer a glimmer of survival for weaker civilizations; it was by no means a guarantee of survival for them.

...

The human world had undergone earth-shattering changes over the last 20 years. The rapid development of technology, like an unstoppable torrent, had broken through the restrictions of time and space, significantly facilitating communication and connection among various powers within the Solar System and reshaping the political, economic, and cultural patterns of the Solar System.

In this vast interstellar domain, the swift transmission of political decisions, the instant completion of commercial transactions, and the deep integration of cultures had forged an unprecedented unity, drawing together people from every corner of the Solar System to form a closer, more united human society.

The development of technology had not only made life more convenient and comfortable, but had also, to some extent, reshaped human lifestyles.

In every corner of the Solar System Alliance, the revolutionary changes technology had brought to human life were evident. It had greatly improved the quality of life, making it more convenient, comfortable, and colorful.

Today, colossal Space Cities glittered like dazzling stars, embedded in each corner of the Solar System. These Space Cities were not only massive and uniquely designed, but also boasted pleasant environments and complete facilities, providing humans with more spacious, comfortable, and beautiful living environments.

Within the Space Cities, ecological recycling systems cleverly combined nature with technology, simulating Earth's ecological environment without the worry of natural disasters.

The green plants and carefully designed landscapes in the cities provided residents with fresh air and delightful visual enjoyment.

Here, everyone could have their own space, enjoying a high-quality living experience.

In the Space Cities, people could participate in various cultural exchange activities, broadening their horizons and enhancing mutual understanding and respect.

Looking back, humans once lived in narrow "space tunnels," but now, with the rapid development of technology and the continuous pursuit of quality of life, such living environments had become a thing of the past.

In this era of great material abundance, people no longer toiled for basic survival needs, but had more time and energy to pursue personal dreams and interests, to achieve self-worth.

This society was full of vigor and creativity, with everyone actively exploring new possibilities and jointly creating a better future.

Humans would not become decadent due to a comfortable life. Many people today had experienced the Doomsday War, the Dust War, and there were even many high-level societal figures who grew up during that difficult nadir.

These indelible experiences had given them a deeper understanding of how hard-won the current peace and harmony were and that humanity still faced many potential crises.

This tranquility was more like warriors resting momentarily after a long battle, laying down their armor to enjoy a moment of peace.

"I've been fighting all my life, can't I enjoy it a bit?"

300 years, do you know how hard these 300 years have been?

Humanity should "continue the music, continue the dance"!

After 300 years of hardship, having endured so much suffering and struggle, humanity had finally arrived at a relatively peaceful and prosperous era.

People would only treasure it, and would not forget history's lessons and humanity's crises because of the comfortable life before them.

...

The actions of Wallfacer International over the years had indeed been puzzling.

Their research bases had always been shrouded in a mysterious veil, maintaining a high level of secrecy from the outside world. No one knew what secrets were hidden inside these bases, nor could anyone glimpse their true situation.

They had established massive base facilities on Mercury, Mars, and even in the orbits of Venus and Earth. Although the resources of these planets had been largely depleted many years ago, Wallfacer International seemed unconcerned about this.

They still continued mining activities on these planets as if every piece of metal, every stone, was incredibly precious, transporting all mined resources to the Moon. And the Wallfacers' excavation work on the Moon had never ceased over the years.

Perhaps the higher-ups of the Solar System Alliance also understood that although the Wallfacer Project had officially ended in form, this did not signify the end of the Wallfacers' mission.

On the contrary, this might only be the beginning of another form, a more secretive and profound Wallfacing plan that could be underway in the shadows.

It's just that, the original Wallfacing plan was aimed at the Trisolarans, but now it might also include humanity.

In this ever-changing, unknown universe, only by remaining constantly vigilant and always prepared, might one have a chance to survive.