The strategy meeting stretched on for half the day before concluding at noon.
"That will be all for today. All units, proceed with final preparations. At high noon tomorrow, we launch our full-scale assault," declared Yu Guanzhi, his voice resolute as he stood from his seat.
High noon—when sunlight blazes the brightest—was a calculated choice. It was the time when the power of evil soul masters was suppressed the most. To commence the attack at this moment was undoubtedly the most optimal decision.
The other military commanders and soul master leaders stood up as well, each absorbed in their own thoughts.
...
The entire alliance army began its final preparations without fanfare.
Orders issued during the military meeting were swiftly and thoroughly executed. By this time, over seven hundred thousand federal troops had already assembled at the front lines. Among them, four hundred thousand comprised the main land forces. Nearly two hundred thousand were naval troops stationed on vessels from the three major fleets—primarily because much of their infantry had been transferred to support ground operations.
The land army remained the core fighting force of this campaign. The navy's role was to enforce maritime blockades and execute long-range bombardment.
All logistical and combat preparations were finalized by the next morning. At dawn, all leaders from the military and various soul master factions once again gathered in the central command briefing room.
After confirming that all units were in position, there was only one thing left—to wait for the moment to launch the attack.
Yu Guanzhi, one of the Federation's three Grand Marshals, seemed visibly more energized than before. Having experienced war himself, he understood better than most what was at stake.
Today was the day of decisive battle. There was no turning back.
The fate of the entire Douluo Plane hung in the balance. No one had the luxury of hesitation.
At last, only thirty minutes remained until high noon.
Yu Guanzhi, seated at the commander-in-chief's position, suddenly opened his eyes and said in a firm tone, "Deploy the reconnaissance drones."
With that one command, the entire war machine roared into motion.
Thousands of reconnaissance drones of various types were launched simultaneously, soaring toward the core region of the abyss ahead.
Inside the main operations center, dozens of large screens instantly switched to the drone feeds, showing real-time images as they rapidly advanced in the direction indicated in the footage previously supplied by Gu Yuena.
All attention in the room fixated on the drone footage, expressions turning increasingly tense.
Most of the drones moved at incredible speed. Except for a few subterranean models, the majority surged ahead through the air with extraordinary agility.
"All divisions, prepare to mobilize. Maintain exclusive soul communicator channels for command communication," Yu Guanzhi turned to address everyone present. "The final battle is upon us! May we return victorious!"
"Victory!" came the resounding reply.
The representatives of the various soul master organizations, along with military leaders, exited the room to take their positions. Each carried a military-grade soul communicator, providing a direct feed to the reconnaissance drones' footage.
Not only was this a historic collaboration between all eight federal military corps, but it was also the first time such a massive joint operation had occurred.
The Southern Army Corps was expected to arrive within two days. When they did, the Federation's entire might would be on the battlefield.
The northernmost region of the continent remained an expanse of snow and ice. Harsh cold, biting winds, and severe weather made it completely inhospitable to ordinary humans. Even soul beasts could barely survive here—only the hardiest, ice-aligned species managed to thrive.
The video feeds from the drones continuously switched perspectives, offering views from different models.
About ten minutes later, one of the forward-most drones finally captured the image of a deep-sea bat-like creature in mid-flight.
It had four claws and appeared to instantly notice the reconnaissance drone. Its wings flared, and it dived directly toward the device.
The drone, moving at lightning speed like a mini soul aircraft, immediately banked and tried to retreat. These drones were remotely operated, more agile than piloted craft.
However, the four-clawed bat suddenly screeched. A burst of invisible soundwaves erupted in mid-air.
The drone trembled and began to spiral downward. The bat pounced with astonishing speed, smashing the drone with a single clawed strike.
"That's a sonic attack. Both four-clawed and six-clawed abyss bats have this ability," a technician reported calmly.
Although these bats weren't particularly powerful in terms of combat strength, they were top-tier in reconnaissance and disruption. Their echolocation gave them superior scanning capabilities and offensive sonics.
Even with its high speed, the drone couldn't outrun sonic waves. Lacking sufficient interference resistance, it was helpless under the barrage. And so, the first drone was lost.
More drones and probes continued pushing forward.
But high in the sky, groups of four- and six-clawed bats began appearing en masse. They covered vast areas, forming an aerial net of surveillance and denial.
All kinds of recon drones were soon overwhelmed by the sonic barrage. One by one, they dropped out of the sky.
This situation had occurred before. But this time, the number of reconnaissance drones deployed by the Federation far exceeded any prior attempt.
Subterranean drones continued their crawl toward enemy lines. However, they needed more time to get into position.
"Central Army Corps, First Air Division—prepare for firepower reconnaissance," came the new order from Yu Guanzhi across the public channel.
At the mention of "firepower reconnaissance," the entire military force and soul master alliances tensed.
This phase involved using manned aircraft to probe the enemy's strength—likely sacrificing lives in exchange for firsthand intelligence.
At the Western Army command post, Dong Zian narrowed his eyes. "Yu Guanzhi still knows how to put on a show."
Qiangu Dongfeng stood beside him, also narrowing his gaze. "Let's hope the results justify it."
"This war must be won. The Holy Spirit Cult's ambition is boundless. Honestly... I'm afraid."
"You? Afraid?" Qiangu Dongfeng raised an eyebrow. "That's rare."
"I sought only certain outcomes. But now, those are drifting further from reach."
"You should be glad you never allied fully with the Holy Spirit Cult," Qiangu Dongfeng said coolly.
"I still intend to walk my own path after this war ends," Dong Zian replied with a cold smile.
Meanwhile, the Blood God Legion had stabilized their frontline. Reinforcements had arrived, ensuring that the defensive line held firm.
Some of the top-tier powerhouses who had once supported the Blood God Legion were now rotating to the northern front.
A shrill screech ripped through the air as wave after wave of silver-white soul aircraft, each bearing the Federation's insignia, soared toward the extreme north's core region.
A single air corps consisted of around fifty fighter jets.
Different air forces took to the sky—each ready to face the abyssal horrors lying in wait.
(End of Chapter)
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