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Chapter 105: Stirring the Waters to Catch Fish
The continent of Odin was divided into four military districts, and similarly, the entire landmass could be split into four regions: the East, Central, Southwest, and Northwest.
Southwest Region: This area housed the largest mountain range on Odin—Kulunsk Mountains—and was also Planet Krotan's most critical mineral resource base. It was dotted with countless mines, rich in iridium and cobalt, essential for aerospace technology. In its heyday, transport planes laden with Element Zero, iridium, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth minerals almost blotted out the skies over the Southwest.
Today, this mineral resource base was a shadow of its former self, no longer the bustling hub it once was. Nevertheless, metals like rare earth elements, diamonds, oil, zinc, iron, and manganese were still being extracted in significant quantities.
Northwest Region: This was Planet Krotan’s metal smelting and heavy military-industrial zone, relying on the mineral resources from the Southwest. Here stood numerous heavy military factories and various weapon and machinery labs. Products ranged from frigate-grade cannons, land combat armored vehicles, power armor, space fighters, to armed shuttle components.
During its peak, an impressive Element Zero refining plant had been constructed here. However, as rare resources dwindled, most advanced equipment was dismantled and removed. Only some foundation structures remained, whispering tales of Krotan's past glory.
Central Region: As the strategic heart of Odin, bordered by the mineral and military-industrial zones to the west and the Sunaru River alluvial plain to the east, its military and economic significance was undeniable. This was the most prosperous area of Krotan, home to the capital city, Rheinstadt, located at the source of the Sunaru River—the Miluo Plateau. Countless nobles and government officials gathered here, enjoying the comfortable life provided by Marquis Cain Rudolf.
It could be said without exaggeration that Rheinstadt was a paradise for the rich and a hell for the poor. To live here, one needed either wealth or power.
Of course, the poor had opportunities too, provided they were stunningly beautiful or handsome. Being robust and muscular was also a selling point. But first, one must forget oneself and shed that damned sense of dignity.
Eastern Region: Comprising the alluvial plains on both sides of the Sunaru River, Loot Bay to the northwest, the Gant Mountains, the Diromos Plateau, and the Suhar Hills to the southeast, this region was Krotan’s vital agricultural base. The grains, vegetables, and oil crops produced here not only supplied the local populace but were also exported to other parts of the Empire, forming a significant income source for the Rudolf family.
Planet Krotan was transitioning from a declining resource planet to an agricultural one. Undoubtedly, this transformation was highly successful, showcasing Marquis Cain Rudolf’s astute economic acumen.
Each of these four regions was protected by a corresponding military district: the Sunaru Military District patrolled by the First Legion in the East, the Miluo Military District by the Second Legion in the Central region, the Kulunsk Military District by the Fourth Legion in the Southwest, and the Termont Military District by the Third Legion in the Northwest.
After the Garcia Resistance seized Droznyr Naval Port, they avoided a direct confrontation with the military. Instead, while infiltrating revolutionaries into western Odin, they aggressively pursued guerrilla tactics in the East. They recruited comrades, formed alliances, and targeted military supply depots, arming themselves with the enemy's weapons and gradually expanding their strategic advantage.
With most military satellites knocked out by EMP missiles, the remaining satellite network couldn’t provide global surveillance. Consequently, the military forces, like country doctors, treated symptoms rather than causes, chasing insurgents in a futile game of whack-a-mole.
The First Legion's military strength, after deploying three divisions to besiege Droznyr Naval Port, lacked sufficient force to deter the escalating insurgent activities in the East.
Most of the elite were cowards, and Aldrich was no exception. He dared not mobilize the Second Legion, guarding the capital, to quell the Eastern rebellion.
As for the Third and Fourth Legions, they faced numerous complications. The Third Legion guarded the mineral resource base; withdrawing troops risked sabotage by enemy infiltrators, potentially turning the area into chaos again. The entire subterranean space of the Kulunsk Mountains had been excavated, with mines extending deep into the Western Sea—a few strategically placed explosives could cause catastrophic damage.
Deploying the Fourth Legion? Unless someone lost their mind, the insurgents, poorly equipped initially, relied on raiding military supplies. If the Fourth Legion left, the military enterprises and mechanical research institutes would be like open invitations to plunder.
The Second Legion couldn’t move, and the Third and Fourth Legions shouldn't. Thus, the entire military situation on Planet Krotan had reached a delicate impasse. The five divisions of the First Legion became firefighters, rushing to put out fires everywhere. Yet, the scale of the uprising snowballed, with the Northern and Southern Sunaru Alliances acting like twin daggers at Aldrich’s throat.
...
This intelligence about Krotan, gleaned from Grant, overwhelmed Tang Fang. After digesting the vast amount of data, he asked, "Why didn’t Aldrich request aid from the starport garrison?"
Marquis Cain Rudolf wasn’t just economically savvy; his political and military maneuvers were equally adept. Aldrich, managing Planet Krotan, clashed with Admiral Ramsden Adams, commander of the fleet responsible for the Asram stellar system’s defense.
During Sulru Empire’s conflict with Monya Empire, the starport was nearly entirely occupied by military forces. After peace was brokered, both empires significantly reduced their border garrisons to demonstrate goodwill. Marquis Cain withdrew the main fleet, leaving behind a small number of warships.
Admiral Ramsden Adams, controlling the starport, saw an opportunity amidst reduced resources. As Krotan transitioned from a resource to an agricultural planet, the agricultural products were sold within the Empire and abroad, including to Sulru Empire, The Turanics United Kingdom, and The Republic of Idah. Transportation logistics were inevitable.
Cargo ships from across the Empire converged here, necessitating docking spots. Ramsden rented out most idle berths cheaply to family members, charging commercial rates, thus opening a lucrative revenue stream for the Adams family.
Aldrich observed this with disdain, harboring resentment. Firstly, he already disliked Ramsden. Secondly, Aldrich managed the economy, and Ramsden, a military man, meddling in economic affairs was intolerable. Lastly, why maintain such a large garrison on a residential planet? A clear-eyed person could see through this facade, and Aldrich knew what actions to take next.
Aldrich filed a complaint with Marquis Cain, accusing Ramsden of using his authority for familial gain, tarnishing military honor. Enraged, Marquis Cain issued a stern warning to Ramsden, ordering him to relinquish half the starport’s usage rights to Aldrich.
Thus, Aldrich effectively cut off one of the Adams family’s revenue streams. Though Ramsden didn’t voice his discontent, he harbored deep resentment.
Now, with significant unrest on Krotan, Ramsden undoubtedly knew. But Aldrich hadn’t humbled himself to seek Ramsden’s aid. Moreover, Ramsden wished to see Aldrich suffer a major defeat, lose face, and perhaps even have Krotan fall entirely, jeopardizing Aldrich’s governorship.
In truth, Ramsden wasn’t worried about Krotan’s situation. The Garcia Resistance? In his eyes, mere buffoons hopping around. Facing the space fleet and the starport’s massive ion cannons, Marion capturing Thor continent's missile base meant nothing. High-energy ion beams could obliterate people and bases alike.
He waited, biding his time for Aldrich to come groveling or for the planet to fall, making Aldrich a short-lived governor killed by insurgents. Then, he’d lead the fleet to suppress the rebellion, earning accolades.
His duty was Asram stellar system’s security; Krotan’s internal affairs were Aldrich’s domain. Any issues were Aldrich’s responsibility, not his.
On the other hand, Aldrich saw no need for the starport fleet to intervene in Krotan’s inland conflicts. Solving problems with local forces was the way forward, preserving his governorship.
Hearing Aldrich and Ramsden’s feud, Tang Fang curiously asked how Marion’s rebel army, sweeping across Krotan like a typhoon, would face the starbase weapons and Ramsden’s space fleet.
Grant didn’t answer, merely giving Tang Fang a meaningful smile.
Considering Marion’s near 70 years dealing with the Empire’s military, if he could foresee something, so could his opponents.
Grant’s smile might imply two things: one, he didn’t know—it was Marion’s concern. Two, he knew but couldn’t disclose.
A jolt came as Tang Fang glanced at the holographic terrain map, unfastened his seatbelt, and stood up. “You go ahead, I’ve something to handle.”
Grant slightly furrowed his brows then relaxed, signaling the driver to stop. Smiling, he said, “Alright, we’ll proceed first.”
Tang Fang recognized the trust in his eyes, nodding, “Don’t worry, we’ll catch up soon.” Exiting the armored vehicle, Arroz parked the truck roadside, and both he and Housen jumped out, waving goodbye to Grant.
Watching Grant’s group disappear, Tang Fang recalled most marines and marauders into system space, heading towards Blue Lake with Housen and Arroz.
Earlier, he wondered why the military hadn’t responded to the crash. After Grant’s explanation, he understood—they simply couldn’t spare the hands.
Initially, Arroz and Housen had hastily rescued him, abandoning “marine armor” and “marauder” at the lake bottom. He didn’t want the Empire obtaining these powered armors; if they developed anything, it could be used against him later.
“Retrieve those two suits.” He instructed two marines to dive and recover the powered armors.
Tang Fang, Arroz, and Housen climbed a slight slope, releasing the Overseer. Most of Krotan government’s military satellites were destroyed, drastically reducing ground surveillance, greatly facilitating his operations.
The massive Overseer ascended slowly, its light-sensing organs and microwave units active, feeding battle information back to Tang Fang’s mind.
About 300 kilometers northeast of Blue Lake, around a hundred-hectare arms factory, intense fighting unfolded.
Analyzing the situation, one side comprised attacking forces from Mond City, while the other defended using the factory’s outer buildings.
Though outnumbered, the defenders held advantageous positions. Typically, even backed by defensive structures, they couldn’t withstand the attackers’ armored assault. Moreover, the battlefront wasn’t singular but encircled the factory in a dense, elongated ring.
However, a naval task force comprising three missile destroyers and twelve frigates appeared off Loot Bay, guided by the defenders, bombarding the frontlines with missiles and railgun projectiles, forcing the attackers to retreat steadily.
Yet, puzzlingly, despite the defenders’ formidable firepower, the attackers persisted relentlessly.
Additionally, west of Mond City, about 200 kilometers from the factory, a ten-thousand-strong armored division was rapidly advancing eastward, expected to reach the battlefield in over an hour.
Was this new armored division reinforcing the attackers or planning a pincer attack? What was happening in this chaotic situation?
The Overseer could only summarize battlefield data, unable to analyze further. Tang Fang pondered but couldn’t comprehend the situation.
“Grant guessed correctly; trouble’s brewing at the arms factory.”
“Hmm?” Arroz frowned, asking, “What’s the situation?”
Tang Fang sighed, sharing the Overseer’s intel.
Upon hearing, Arroz looked at the hovering Overseer and the marines emerging from the water with powered armors. “What’s your plan? Get involved, or stay safe and find another route?”
“Marion’s had years to prepare contingencies on Krotan. Sending a few people out should be simple, especially since we saved Grant. Reasonably, this request isn’t excessive.” Tang Fang stored the wet armors in system space, walking toward the truck, saying, “Rather than wandering aimlessly, let’s stir the waters further—it’s more conducive to our fishing.”
With his decision made, Arroz and Housen offered no objections. The trio boarded the truck, choosing a direction, speeding northward.
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