Behind the Scenes: His Ultimate Goal!

"'The Guangling Resistance announces its integration into the Jinling Group?''Huh, they were absorbed this quickly?'Mike blinked in surprise. How could such a significant event not have been communicated to him personally by Jiang Xiaoci? Or perhaps she simply believed it wasn't worth mentioning, seeing it as an inevitable turn of events?'It was indeed fast. The Resistance had been quietly building up its foundation in Guangling for two months, and now, just six days later, Xiaoci has already absorbed them. It seems her methods are indeed impressive.'Mike couldn't help but chuckle. Jiang Xiaoci's approach in Guangling had not only dismantled the remnants of the Resistance but also stripped them of any real foundation.'At this rate, they might be finished within two days.''The Resistance was absorbed today. Tomorrow, Xiaoci might launch the final assault on what's left of the Resistance.''If the mastermind hasn't revealed himself in six days, he's probably already given up on Guangling.'Mike muttered to himself. He didn't think Jiang Xiaoci would wait any longer.After finishing the latest front-line reports, Mike took a deep breath. 'Well, that's almost over for Guangling. Let's see how the research institute is progressing.''There was a report yesterday, something about the establishment of Jinling's first large-scale industrial zone around the Heart of Technology?''Hmm, I'm free this afternoon. I'll go check on it and see if it's ready for practical use and production.'Mike pondered, preparing to get up and find something to occupy his time.But just as he rose, the special communication frequency on his desk suddenly rang.This was a dedicated channel for the Guangling frontlines, a special communication device enhanced by magic, impossible to intercept or cut off with technology.'Hello?'Mike frowned as he picked up the receiver.Such an unusual call could only mean an urgent matter. Routine frontline affairs were generally handled by the Jinling command center and staff.'Commander! It's me, Da Feng!'Chen Dafeng's loud voice boomed through the receiver. It sounded like he was flying—strong winds whooshing in the background, yet his voice remained undisturbed.'I'm patrolling around Guangling! I think I've found something urgent!''I think I see… a group of people coming from Suzhou City. Looks like a military force, and there are a lot of them! I estimate it's tens of thousands! Tanks and planes included!''What did you say?'Mike's eyes widened in shock as he immediately stood up.A large military force from Suzhou City? Was this the mastermind behind everything?The thought struck Mike's mind instantly, and almost as soon as the report came through, he linked his vision to Chen Dafeng's.After connecting, Mike saw Chen Dafeng flying above, using his temporary flight ability to stay hidden among the high clouds. Looking down, he could clearly see military vehicles moving across the desolate, abandoned land below.These vehicles were moving in an orderly fashion, resembling a long, ant-like column from above.'So it's definitely a military force.'Mike narrowed his eyes and spoke coldly. 'Change your angle, it's not clear enough.'Although Chen Dafeng had magical enhancements allowing him to see through layers of mist, his vision was still limited by distance.'Alright!'Chen Dafeng responded quickly, adjusting his altitude while asking, 'Commander, where do you think these people came from?''No wonder Jiang Xiaoci had me extend my patrol range recently. She must have known something.''Damn, Suzhou is so far away from us. Did they leave early?''Look at them, it's clear they're coming for us, but we haven't done anything to provoke them. Why are they attacking?''Could they be aiming for Guangling, not knowing we've already taken control? Should we send someone to contact them?'Chen Dafeng rambled on, no longer the loudmouth who would charge into battle at the first sign of an enemy. Perhaps the appearance of Wang Chen had humbled him a bit.Mike, while watching the military vehicles below, responded to Chen Dafeng's questions. 'No need to send anyone to negotiate. They're definitely coming for us.''Remember what happened in Xinchang? Chen Xun's analysis was spot on. We've already uncovered plenty of evidence that points to the mastermind.''Guangling is within his sphere of influence, and we've crossed into his territory. He won't just let it slide.''But I didn't expect him to act today, and judging by the size of this army, it seems like he's serious.'Mike frowned as he suppressed his surprise, calmly analyzing the military force before him.Upon careful inspection, he realized that this force had all the necessary military assets—ground troops, air force, and everything else. This was no smaller force than Jinling's own technology-based army.Mike cast several detection spells and realized that many of their soldiers were also talented individuals, with an average combat rank of B to A level.'This is going to be a problem. This technological army is just as strong as mine, if not more, and they outnumber us.'Mike furrowed his brow. Though he lacked the survival points to conduct a large-scale intelligence operation, he could still tell that the enemy had brought their full force!This wasn't some underhanded scheme or minor skirmish—this was a full-on invasion with over 30,000 soldiers marching straight toward Guangling!30,000 may not sound like much, but when combined with their vehicles and weapons, the sight was overwhelming from the sky. Not quite an army in the mountains, but still an impressive sight.'With an army this large, in an apocalypse where special abilities run rampant, there's no way to hide their movements. If they're marching out in the open, it means they're not afraid of me detecting them early.'Mike's frown deepened. If they were brazen enough to march in full view, it could only mean one thing: they were confident in their ability to strike a decisive blow.In any war, once it begins, both sides will suffer heavy losses.That's why clever leaders avoid direct confrontations and instead use tactics to minimize casualties—whether it's air strikes, electronic warfare, or stealth operations.Mike had always been cautious about large-scale battles, preferring tactics that would overwhelm the enemy rather than risking a face-to-face bloodbath.But now the enemy was coming at him head-on, and this bold move signaled a critical shift.'After all, this guy might know me too well. He's been in the shadows for so long, perhaps he has detailed intelligence on me.'Mike took a deep breath and immediately contacted the command center. He issued a decisive order: 'Tell Dongfang Zhiyuan! A 30,000-strong technological army is approaching from the south of Guangling. It's likely the enemy! Have them prepare for battle!'Before the staff could respond, Mike hung up the device.He quickly activated his skills and established multiple visual links, transmitting the urgent news to Jiang Xiaoci.'They're coming! Over 30,000 people! From the Suzhou direction!'Mike's voice was urgent and short. Jiang Xiaoci, who was currently examining a map on the wall, remained calm. She smiled and nodded, not the least bit rattled.'I know, was it Captain Chen who told you?''They're making their move now, there must be something up their sleeves!'Mike squinted. 'These 30,000 troops are definitely not their main force. What are your plans next?''Fall back to Guangling and give up Dantu.'Jiang Xiaoci's tone was calm. 'This is a two-army confrontation. Let them show us their full hand.'The phase of secret maneuvering was over. Both sides had amassed large armies, and a showdown was unavoidable.In such a direct clash, strategies lose their edge, and true victory will depend on raw strength.Jiang Xiaoci understood this well, but she also knew Mike would object.'No, absolutely not!'Mike responded firmly. 'Geographically, Dantu is to the south of Guangling. If they march, they'll make contact with Dantu first.''I'm willing to temporarily sacrifice Guangling, but I cannot abandon Dantu!'It wasn't just about the people of Dantu now being integrated into the Jinling Group. If Mike abandoned the city, it would sow panic among its citizens. Even if they won and retook it, the trust lost would be impossible to regain.Even if Mike wasn't personally concerned with public sentiment, Dantu's strategic importance was too great to ignore.Losing Dantu—the city with the largest number of gifted individuals and resources—would be a critical blow. It wasn't just a personal loss, but a strategic gift to the enemy.'Sir, we can't protect Dantu.'Jiang Xiaoci paused, letting out a small sigh. 'The worst-case scenario is that they already know about Wang Chen's presence.''If they've made their move knowing that, it means they aren't afraid of SSS-class combat units.''They've waited until now to strike—this move is deliberate, a challenge, and an insult. They wanted to sabotage everything we've done in Guangling.''What they're wary of now is something they're not sure about—a stronger trump card. They don't know we don't have one, but we know we don't.''If we don't act now, we risk losing not just two cities, but the entire army in Guangling.'Jiang Xiaoci's voice was calm as she laid out the facts: 'From the start, this was a trap. They were never after Xinchang or Guangling… They're after us. Only us.'"