"What did the observations show?"
In the Silvermane Guard's data room, a group of military analysts and crew members from the Astral Express gathered around a large screen. The screen showed an image from the Silvermane Guard's observation device.
On the icy terrain of Everwinter Hill, a massive shadow, almost covering the entire screen, was seen in the middle.
"Are we sure these numbers are correct?"
One of the data analysts pointed at the printout with shaking hands, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Nervously, he removed his glasses and set them on the table.
Geppard glanced at the data, set it back down, and left without a word.
March 7th, and the others huddled together, discussing their thoughts.
Looking at the dense numbers on the page, March 7th's head was spinning. She handed the paper to Welt Yang.
"Uncle Yang, I can't make sense of this. Can you help?"
Welt studied the data labeled "Stellaron Incarnation."
"According to the Belobog Scouting team's analysis, the target is about 1,000 feet long and nearly 3,000 feet tall. It looks like the Dragon of Eternal Winter from Belobog's mythology, with a massive energy source at the top of its head, near the horns."
"Ten minutes ago, Belobog time, its energy output was about 15 times more than what the entire city of Belobog uses in a year. The target's energy levels hardly dropped, meaning it can keep attacking like this."
"And this might not even be its maximum power. If it wanted to completely destroy Belobog, it could do so in an instant."
"The Silvermane Guard's Military Commission suggests keeping some forces in reserve, focusing on survival, and retreating deeper underground."
"That's a logical move," Welt said calmly.
"But we won't do that, right?" Stelle wasn't intimidated by the numbers. She wasn't about to back down, no matter the enemy.
"Exactly." Welt put his hand on the table. "Even though the enemy is incredibly strong, we're not without hope." He pointed to a spot in the report's photo.
"Based on the observations, most of the enemy's energy comes from the area around its horns. If we can destroy its energy source from the start, we might have a chance to win."
"Welt turned to Stelle. "I want you to take on this mission. You're the best one for the job."
"Got it." Stelle accepted immediately, confident in her strength and in Uncle Yang's plan.
"I'll use the same method I used to get us to the city wall to move us above the target." Welt pointed to a spot on the map.
"Our combat plan is to attack from the air, with March 7th and Dan Heng acting as distractions. I'll try to suppress the enemy's movements as much as possible, and then Stelle will strike the weak spot on its head for a finishing blow."
Welt laid out the plan but looked at the group with some concern. "This is the plan, but if things go wrong, don't hesitate to retreat."
March 7th waved it off, "Okay, Uncle Yang, we've done this before. If things go south, we'll run."
"Stay sharp, March," Dan Heng cautioned.
Seeing how serious Dan Heng and Welt were, March 7th sighed and clasped her hands. "Okay, okay, I promise I'll be the first to run if things get bad!"
"So, this is a surprise attack," Dan Heng and Welt agreed.
"Yes, but if our attack fails, we'll need a backup plan." Welt hesitated.
"As a backup, if the surprise attack fails, we'll retreat to the city wall and prepare for a defensive battle against the stellaron incarnation."
"The main goal is to weaken the enemy first, then use the Silvermane Guard's secret weapon to finish it off."
Welt made the final call, and everyone agreed. But when he mentioned the "secret weapon," his tone was a bit higher than usual. Most might not have noticed, but the Astral Express crew did.
"Secret weapon? Uncle Yang, you seem excited. Is the Silvermane Guard's secret weapon really that strong?" March 7th asked curiously.
After blocking the first wave of attacks, Geppard received a report from the rear and showed it to Welt. March 7th noticed Welt's glasses gleaming slightly.
"Well, it's not just strong; it's... unique."
Welt's words were vague, which was unusual for him. But since he didn't elaborate, March 7th suppressed her curiosity, trusting it was part of Welt's strategy.
"Alright, if we're ready, let's move out." After the pre-battle pep talk, Welt decided it was time to act. He had blocked three more similar attacks during the conversation.
Massive energy balls flew through the air. Even though they didn't hit the soldiers' camp directly, they put a heavy psychological strain on everyone. Welt worried that if this continued, morale within the Silvermane Guard would plummet.
Even the soldiers, inspired by Stelle's rallying cry, felt the pressure, but as the saying goes:
"First comes courage, then exhaustion, and finally, defeat."
Even the fiercest army couldn't endure energy cannons capable of destroying their capital.
On the Belobog city wall, the recovered Silvermane Guards stood ready. The Astral Express crew prepared to leave under the soldiers' watchful eyes.
"Take care, Sir Welt, and everyone from the Astral Express." Geppard straightened up, and the Silvermane Guard soldiers behind him saluted in unison.
The three Astral Express members stood in a pre-drawn circle, holding hands and summoning their weapons, ready to strike immediately.
Welt stood beside them and gave his final farewell to the Silvermane Guard.
"Get ready." Welt gently reminded them, then tapped the ground with his cane. Familiar black-red energy formed into a sphere, enveloping the Astral Express crew.
In an instant, the Silvermane Guard soldiers saw the shadows of the crew slowly disappear, leaving only an afterimage on their retinas.
The astral crew has arrived at their target location.