Chapter 172: Jehart's Path, VEGAN's Path

The VEGAN forces were advancing in large numbers into Federation territory, and even the Tang's Fortress, which had always remained in the rear, was now deployed with the troops.

"Our objective in this operation is to capture Nodelam, an essential production satellite in the Earth Sphere. Once achieved, we will forcibly dock it with the mobile fortress Tang's Fortress, turning it into our frontline base for the invasion of Earth!"

"Oh~!"

Upon hearing Jehart's explanation, everyone at the meeting exclaimed in surprise.

"What kind of joke is this!? Such a thing..." Doll Frost retorted in shock, as he saw no possibility of success for such an operation.

"By utilizing the industrial production capacity within Nodelam, our army's supply capabilities will be greatly enhanced. Moreover, the satellite's residents can serve as both labor and hostages, making it difficult for the enemy to launch an attack against us," Medel Sant added, supporting Jehart's plan.

"But! The chances of success for this operation..."

"This is the will of Lord Ezelkanta."

At these words, those who had initially opposed the plan fell silent. Ezelkanta's commands were absolute to them, and even if they knew it was wrong, they could not refute it.

"In order to reclaim our homeland, Earth, from the ignorant and incompetent Earthlings, the time for battle has come!"

The meeting was adjourned, and everyone returned to their posts with doubts and unease. Doll Frost and two others followed Jehart to his office.

"Commander Jehart, this operation is too dangerous, and the chances of success are minimal!"

"Moreover, our army's morale is still low, and the Earth Federation won't just sit back and watch us take Nodelam."

"Even if we somehow succeed, our losses will be devastating. We won't have the strength to control Nodelam, let alone counter the Earth Federation's retaliation. Are you really planning to use the satellite's residents as hostages against the Earth Federation?"

"Please reconsider the operation plan!"

The three members of the personal guard pleaded.

"Doll, Ofa, Dite, unfortunately, I cannot change the operation plan. This is an invasion strategy personally devised by Lord Ezelkanta," Jehart replied.

"How could this be..." The three of them looked disappointed and resentful. It was clear that, although Jehart was the supreme commander, he was still under Ezelkanta's control. To alter the operation plan, Ezelkanta's approval was necessary.

"Commander Jehart, could you persuade Lord Ezelkanta?" Doll Frost requested.

"Do you think I want to carry out this plan?" Jehart asked, his tone sharp.

"This... we were disrespectful," Doll Frost and the other two lowered their heads, feeling ashamed. They realized they had been blaming Jehart for insisting on executing this reckless operation plan.

Jehart looked at them, seeing that they truly understood him and felt remorse. He sensed a level of recognition he had never felt in the military. The three remaining members of the Devil Man unit were at odds with him, while others followed his orders. Daz Roden and Medel Sant fully supported him.

However, most of his supporters followed him because of Ezelkanta's influence, subconsciously obeying. They respected and recognized Ezelkanta, not Jehart. The remaining few were mostly lower-ranking personnel who lacked independent thought and simply followed whoever was in charge.

Only the three members of the personal guard genuinely acknowledged and respected him.

"...Doll, Ofa, Dite, can I trust you?" After a moment of thought, Jehart asked.

"Commander Jehart!" The three of them looked up, startled.

Could they be trusted? Of course!

Through several battles, they had come to truly respect this young commander, whether it was his abilities, ideals, determination, or willpower.

But... at this moment, they felt an odd sensation, as if...

"Of course, Commander Jehart," Doll Frost was the first to respond. Regardless of what Jehart meant, agreeing now would allow them to hear what came next.

"Then I hope you will trust me as much as I trust you," Jehart said to the three of them.

"Yes!" x3

"Lord Ezelkanta's plan is not just about capturing Nodelam. In fact... Lord Ezelkanta never intended for this plan to succeed."

"What are you saying!?"

Jehart raised his hand to calm them down and continued to explain the full scope of Ezelkanta's so-called "Perfect Invasion Plan."

"This! How is this possible!?"

"Lord Ezelkanta... why would he do this?"

"Lord Ezelkanta's plan is indeed perfect, and its ultimate success is inevitable, but..."

The three of them understood why it was called the "Perfect" Invasion Plan. It was guaranteed to succeed, but the question was... how many would survive? How many would unknowingly be sacrificed as pawns?

"Commander Jehart, why not inform everyone of the full operation plan?" Doll Frost asked.

But as soon as he asked, he regretted it, because he already knew the answer.

"Lord Ezelkanta does not allow the final stage of the plan to be revealed prematurely. During the descent, everyone must remain hidden, absolutely undetected by the Earth Federation. Otherwise, all previous sacrifices would be in vain. Therefore, when the surface operation appears to be failing, everyone will receive a secret order to execute the final stage," Jehart explained.

"Lord Jehart..." Doll Frost remained silent for a moment, addressing Jehart differently now, "...why are you telling us this?"

The answer to this question was crucial to them, as it concerned their loyalty.

"If... and I mean if, one day in the future, I stand opposed to Lord Ezelkanta, will you... still trust me as you do now?" Jehart asked the three of them.

"Lord Jehart!? Are you planning to betray..."

"I will not betray VEGAN, nor my own people," Jehart said firmly. "I deeply respect Lord Ezelkanta. He brought us, the people of VEGAN, hope for survival and the chance to return to our homeland, to Eden. Doll, Ofa, Dite, think back to the devastation of our homeland, the barren land, and our people, constantly on the brink of death.

Reaching Eden is not just our goal, but their long-cherished wish. To return home, to avoid dying from strange diseases at any moment, this is a goal we must achieve!"

"Then why..."

"Lord Ezelkanta has changed, or rather... he has aged. As the war has dragged on, I have found a path different from Lord Ezelkanta's, and this is the direction we should strive for," Jehart said.

"Lord Jehart..."

"We cannot deny that it was the Earthlings, the Federation, who abandoned us and our ancestors, leaving us to fend for ourselves. But should we really hate all Earthlings because of a few corrupt individuals? Hasn't VEGAN also had its share of corruption?"

"So you want to... negotiate with the Federation?"

"Correct, but not now. First, we need to use Flit Asuno and Yang Hui to clean up the decaying Federation from within, creating the possibility for negotiation. Otherwise, those who only care about their own interests and status will never accept our existence. Then, we must defeat the Earth Federation!"

"Defeat the Federation? Aren't we supposed to negotiate?" Ofa asked.

"Yes, but VEGAN must negotiate with the Earth Federation from a position of victory. VEGAN's technological level surpasses the Earth Federation's, but in terms of population, resources, and territory, VEGAN is at a disadvantage. Therefore, a standard negotiation would only result in VEGAN continuing to be suppressed by the Earth Federation, and our people's lives would not improve significantly.

Thus, we must win this war and stand before them as victors, not as pitiful beggars!"

This was the path Jehart had found: to achieve ultimate victory in the war, negotiate with the Earth Federation, and secure more opportunities and benefits for the people of VEGAN.

The Earthlings could not be exterminated, nor could they be enslaved by VEGAN. Throughout human history, oppression has always led to resistance. VEGAN cannot stand above the Earthlings and crush them; instead, we must merge and coexist with them as equals.

"Lord Jehart..." The three of them were astonished by Jehart's plan and ideals.

While it slightly conflicted with Ezelkanta's propaganda, the clear, phased objectives made it more convincing and feasible than Ezelkanta's vague promises. It also had a higher chance of success and would reduce the sacrifices of their people.

They truly believed that this was the more suitable path for VEGAN to take.

"So, Doll, Ofa, Dite, are you willing to trust me, follow me, and work together towards this goal?" Jehart asked the three of them.

His tone was calm, as if he was certain they would agree, but inside, Jehart was extremely nervous. He was well aware of the immense influence Ezelkanta held within VEGAN.

Thus, Jehart quietly gripped the pistol hidden under the table. If the three of them refused, he would eliminate them immediately, ensuring his plan would not be leaked.

"Lord Jehart, I am willing to follow your path!"

"Your will has deeply moved me, Lord Jehart. I, too, am willing to follow you."

"Lord Jehart, please allow me to fight alongside you."

To Jehart's relief, the three of them did not hesitate for long and pledged their loyalty to him.

They were not swayed by Jehart's words in a moment of passion but genuinely recognized and were willing to strive for Jehart's plan.

"Thank you," Jehart stood up and bowed to the three of them. He was deeply moved and excited, as his plan had now taken its first step forward, finding its first group of like-minded comrades.

"Then, I shall issue my first command to you, as Jehart Galette."

"Please give the order."

"Survive! No matter how difficult it gets, survive! And together, we will pave the way for a bright future for our people!"

"Yes!" x3

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