Chapter 1399: War Prelude
“I understand what you mean. You mean that we need to temporarily provide the consumables needed for the battle of five million elven interstellar warships.” Zhao Chen looked at the Flame Elf King.
The Flame Elf King nodded.
Zhao Chen said, "You don't need to worry about that."
This was stated in the supplementary clauses of our previous alliance agreement.
Although the combat losses of the two sides' interstellar warships on the battlefield are borne by each side.
However, within the territory of each interstellar empire, the use of stargates, starports, routine maintenance, and interstellar transportation can be the responsibility of that empire when necessary.
Furthermore, what if a war breaks out before the cosmic stargate is completed?
During this period, the battlefield consumption generated by the five million Elven interstellar warships stationed in the Dragon Empire will be supplied by the Dragon Empire in advance.
The Holy Elf Empire will provide compensation thereafter.
We have reached an agreement on all of these matters.
So you don't need to worry.
The Flame Elf Queen looked at Zhao Chen and said frankly, "I'm not worried that your country won't abide by the agreement."
Rather, it's the war cost of five million interstellar warships when war breaks out...
So that's what you were worried about.
Zhao Chen smiled slightly: "I know that our Xiaolong Empire has not yet reached a scale of five million interstellar warships."
However, the combat costs of each of our battles are an enormous number.
In our Dragon Empire, there will absolutely be no problems with logistics and supplies.
"We can easily afford the cost of your five million Elven interstellar warships for a month of combat."
joke.
What battles did the JF-17 Legion fleet fight before?
In terms of quantity, we may not be as numerous as you.
However, when it comes to battlefield attrition, no one is more familiar with it than the logistics department of the Xiaolong Empire.
"Since you are so confident, then I am relieved."
Within a week, a war will break out against the civilization that devours it.
I won't go into the detailed battle plan with you.
Our people will help us finalize it.
"But I need to explain some of my bottom-line principles to you." The Flame Elf King lowered his voice slightly, his expression becoming very serious.
“Go ahead,” Zhao Chen said.
The Flame Elf King had a complicated expression, but he still spoke up, saying, "I shouldn't have told you these things."
But I admire you very much after getting to know you over this period of time.
I think you are a friend worth making, and I really like the Dragon Empire you have built.
I have personally witnessed the destruction of many interstellar civilizations.
I don't want to see something like this happen to the Dragon Empire.
Zhao Chen awaited the Flame Elf King's next words.
"Before I set off, the High Council had a secret conversation with me."
Several points have been identified, although I don't really like them.
However, the other Elf Kings all agreed.
I have no choice but to comply.
First: The total casualty rate of the Elven Legion fleet we dispatched to fight in the Dragon Empire must not exceed 50%. Once this threshold is reached, all legion fleets within the Dragon Empire's territory must be immediately withdrawn.
When he said this, the Flame Elf King paused and looked at Zhao Chen's expression.
Zhao Chen remained expressionless, everything as usual, as if these events had been expected.
The Flame Elf King continued, "The number of interstellar warships lost in a single day cannot exceed fifty thousand."
Otherwise, immediately withdraw all legion fleets within the territory of the Dragon Empire.
As the supreme commander, I have some room to maneuver in this area, but if... the number is too large, I may not be able to intervene.
Furthermore, without the permission of the High Council, our Holy Elf Empire will not send any more reinforcements to support the Wraith Dragon Empire's battlefield.
As for how they will evaluate this.
"We'll see how well we play."
After the Flame Elf King finished speaking, he quietly looked at Zhao Chen.
As a commander, the Flame Elf King actually dislikes these roundabout things.
In addition, after spending time with this Emperor Xiaolong and gaining a better understanding of the Xiaolong Empire.
She disliked the feeling of having ulterior motives, especially since she would be fighting alongside him later.
So she's here to lay bare what she thinks she can say.
Zhao Chen stared intently at the Flame Elf King: "Then why are you telling me all this?"
"Because we will be comrades-in-arms in the future," the Flame Elf Queen said calmly, then added with utmost seriousness, "and I am doing this from the perspective of the Holy Elf Empire."
In my opinion, if the Dragon Empire is defeated...
The battlefield then shifted to the Holy Elf Empire. Facing the invasion of the Devouring Civilization on our own, it was only a matter of time before we were annihilated.
Only by being with you can we hope to defeat the devouring civilization.
Therefore, everything I've done is simply to bring the Holy Elf Empire back to the path I believe is right.
Zhao Chen smiled slightly and asked, "So, what are your thoughts?"
"You will cooperate with me." The Flame Elf Queen leaned down, closing the distance between herself and Zhao Chen, and gestured with her finger between herself and Zhao Chen.
"cooperate?
"Aren't we already in a cooperative relationship?" Zhao Chen asked, seemingly knowing the answer already.
Stop pretending.
you understand me.
I mean, the cooperation between you and me.” The Flame Elf King squinted.
Although she is belligerent and usually quite carefree, it doesn't mean she's brainless.
"For what?" Zhao Chen asked in return.
"Our cooperation is simple and will not harm the interests of the Dragon Empire or the Holy Elf Empire."
After all, this goes against our basic principles.
Based on this, our goal is to defeat the devouring civilization and seize every opportunity.
In this matter, it would be very difficult to accomplish by yourself alone, or even by myself alone.
"Only through cooperation can we succeed," said the Flame Elf King.
"Tell me your thoughts," Zhao Chen said.
The Flame Elf King continued, "First, we must work together to change the mind of the High Council of the Holy Elf Empire and several other Elf Kings behind me."
Let them abandon their stubborn idea of fighting to defend their homeland.
They are placing more resources on the battlefield of the Dragon Empire.
As you know, our Holy Elf Empire has over thirty million interstellar warships, while the Dragon Empire only has five million this time.
Less than one-sixth.
In my plan, aside from a portion that is necessary to remain in the Holy Elf Empire...
"We must deploy thirty million interstellar warships, committing them all to the battlefield of the Dragon Empire, and fight the Devouring Civilization with all our might. Only then will we have a slim chance of victory!"
Zhao Chen crossed his arms, shook his head, and said, "If the Holy Elf Empire is under your rule, I have no doubt."
However, the High Council and the Elf Kings behind you will not agree with your idea.
Based on five million, there's still a chance of multiple estimates of five million or ten million.
Thirty million.
They don't have the guts.
Or rather...
Zhao Chen looked at the Flame Elf King with a half-smile: "You want me to help you seize power and make you the only Elf King of the Holy Elf Empire?"
The Flame Elf King rolled his eyes at Zhao Chen: "I didn't mean that, and it's impossible to achieve anyway, don't even think about it."
Let me speak seriously first.
I know it's impossible to achieve my goals in one step.
But we can take it one step at a time.
It's like asking a cautious gambler to increase their stakes at the gambling table.
He only bets one-tenth of his stake; he won't feel the pinch and can leave the table at any time.
But what if he bets a quarter, a third, or even a half?
Does he still have a chance to extricate himself?
Zhao Chen had basically discerned the beginnings of the Flame Elf King's intentions.
"What do you want to do?" Zhao Chen asked.
The Flame Elf King said, "If we want the High Council and those Elf Kings to agree to continue betting..."
Our first battle against the Devouring Civilization is extremely important.
First, you cannot cross the bottom lines I mentioned above.
Under these circumstances, we must win a battle within this month!
This would give me leverage to speak to the High Council and those Elf Kings, and persuade them to send more legions and fleets to the Dragon Empire battlefield.
Assume!
This time, the Devouring Civilization is supposed to send about 15 million interstellar warships, right?
If we can consume one-third of their interstellar warships within a month...
Then I'm confident I can get another five million interstellar warships from the High Council and those Elf Kings!
In the next phase, we will fight another victory.
By continuing to use this method, they persuaded the High Council to agree to send more interstellar fleets into the battlefield.
In this way, we have achieved our goal!
The Holy Elf Empire had no further room for maneuver; its only option was to find a way to win this battle against the Devouring Civilization within the territory of the Wraith Dragon Empire's universe!
The Flame Elf King stared at Zhao Chen with shining eyes.
It must be said that her idea was good.
Essentially, you first establish a good project, conduct the first round of financing, and then conduct the second round of financing once you achieve good results, followed by the third and fourth rounds.
"Do it this way."
"Aren't you afraid that if the High Council and those Elf Kings find out, they'll target you?" Zhao Chen looked at the Flame Elf King.
The Flame Elf King shrugged and said, "So what if I'm afraid? So what if I'm not afraid?"
Her gaze dimmed, as if she were witnessing some scene.
Have you ever seen a scene where a universe is completely destroyed?
It was not occupied, it was not conquered.
Instead, it was completely destroyed.
A place that was once familiar, perhaps with a few familiar friends, has simply vanished completely.
I just don't want to see this happen in my homeland, I don't want to see my people become part of that scene... a page in a larger narrative.
It seems that this Flame Elf King has some untold stories.
I understand what you're thinking.
"Based on what you just said, I'm willing to cooperate with you." Zhao Chen extended his hand.
The Flame Elf King immediately grasped Zhao Chen's hand and blinked: "I should tell you in advance."
In this first phase, I only have five million interstellar warships at my disposal, and there are still all those restrictions and limitations.
That means that in this first phase of the battle, your Wraith Legion fleet will face considerable pressure, and may even suffer heavy casualties!
"I know.
To be honest, even without your Holy Elf Empire, we would still have to fight this war.
"Just as you said, this is our home," Zhao Chen said with a smile.
"Talking to you is so refreshing."
"It's much more enjoyable to chat with those guys in the High Council. Those guys can talk about the same thing for ten days or half a month." The Flame Elf King couldn't help but complain.
But at this moment, Zhao Chen looked at the Flame Elf King seriously: "Saroman, I know that in this cooperation..."
Whether it's cooperation between empires.
Even the cooperation between you and me is actually a relationship of mutual exploitation.
But I don't care; people are inherently opportunistic.
However, if you cannot keep the promises you made to me.
Even if I end up in hell, I'll drag others down with me.
The Flame Elf King could tell that Zhao Chen was very serious this time, because he directly called out the Flame Elf King's name,'Saloman'.
"Zhao Chen, I swear to you with my integrity and the spirit god."
I will absolutely keep my word regarding our cooperation!
Zhao Chen smiled slightly, the heavy aura from before completely gone.
It seemed like the two of them were just having casual conversation the whole time.
"Then we've finished discussing the important matters."
Our relationship is also closer than before.
"Can I ask you a question that I'm personally curious about?" Zhao Chen looked at the Flame Elf King.
“You speak,” said the Flame Elf King.
"Does your World Tree hold some secret?" Zhao Chen asked.
The Flame Elf King paused for a moment.
She glanced at Zhao Chen, and this time she didn't change the subject, but her tone was very calm: "I can't tell you about this right now."
Don't bother asking around, you won't find out anything.
Even if the other Elf Kings or members of the High Council knew that you were curious about this matter, it would affect our cooperative relationship.
"When...when I feel I can tell you, I will naturally tell you."
Zhao Chen frowned slightly; this woman was still making empty promises to him.
"Okay then."
When we annihilate the first batch of fifteen million interstellar warships sent by the Devouring Civilization, if my Dragon Legion fleet kills more enemies than your Elf Legion fleet...
"How about you tell me the answer to this question back then?" Zhao Chen asked.
How many enemy soldiers were killed?
The Flame Elf King glanced at Zhao Chen suspiciously.
She did not deny that the current Xiaolong Empire Legion fleet was quite good, and those Xiaolong-class interstellar warships were quite powerful.
However, in her heart, there was still a considerable gap between her military strength and that of the Holy Elf Empire.
Therefore, there must be a difference in the number of enemies killed on the battlefield.
Moreover, even if it's after destroying those 15 million interstellar warships that devour civilizations, she estimates it will still take at least three to six months of combat.
“No problem,” the Flame Elf King replied calmly.
"Then it's a deal." Zhao Chen smiled slightly.
Then he stood up: "Then I'll go back and prepare for the upcoming war, comrade."
The Flame Elf King chuckled as he watched Zhao Chen's retreating figure: "See you later, comrade."