Chapter 2201: Dawn After the Storm
The storm that raged in the Kingdom of Xiaolong lasted for more than half a month.
As the three super typhoons drew closer to the Xiaolong Continent, their intensity gradually decreased.
When they finally made landfall, they all fell to the level of strong typhoons.
However, the three typhoons did bring some impact.
Most of the low-lying areas of the Xiaolong Continent were severely affected by the disaster.
The direct property losses are astronomical.
The biggest impact of this is that the industrial output of the Dragon Kingdom will be reduced by one month this year!
This is equivalent to a decrease of nearly 10%.
In addition, more than a thousand people died in this disaster, and more than one million people were affected.
Fortunately.
The Dragon Kingdom usually has sufficient emergency supplies in reserve.
At the beginning of the typhoon, another batch of supplies was urgently allocated.
Therefore, there is no need to worry about a shortage of daily necessities or medical supplies.
"Currently, our Dragon Kingdom is in the stage of comprehensive post-disaster reconstruction, striving to resume work and production as soon as possible."
This is fundamental to our plan.
In a maximum of half a month, we will be able to restore our industrial level to its pre-disaster peak.
In addition, there is the work of cleaning up the city.
All first-tier cities can guarantee that their main urban areas will return to normal within three days, and all ports will resume operation.
"Second-tier cities will be cleared within five days, and the remaining cities, towns, and streets will be cleared within half a month." Secretary Barbara reported the disaster situation to Zhao Chen.
"Nearly a thousand people have died," Zhao Chen thought to himself.
It must be said that the threat level of natural disasters is still very high.
This was even after they had made preparations and had contingency plans.
If there had been no preparation, the number of casualties would have been dozens of times higher!
"What's the situation on the Doyle Empire right now?"
"Has any news come back?" Zhao Chen asked.
"Our intelligence personnel sent back some data and information."
Several key cities and strategic locations of the Doyle Empire have been attacked by our space-based nuclear missiles.
The upper echelons of the Doyle Empire were almost paralyzed, and great chaos also broke out among the common people.
It will take at least six months to recover.
Our previously prepared fleet is expected to land on the eastern continent within a week.
A carrier battle group was specially arranged to escort it.
The number of soldiers deployed this time is around 500,000.
One hundred thousand of them are from the army of our Dragon Kingdom, and another four hundred thousand are from the Northern Continent.
The second batch is also being prepared.
The second batch consists entirely of people from the Western Continent, estimated to number 500,000.
If the first batch goes smoothly, the second batch will be able to land on the Eastern Continent within one to one and a half months.
A million-strong army would be enough to establish a foothold in the Eastern Continent, and then, depending on the situation, gradually advance and erode the territory of the Doyle Empire.
Zhao Chen nodded.
Zhao Chen understood the principle of striking while the iron is hot.
"What about the islands in the Middle East?"
The last time our transport plane delivered supplies was two weeks ago.
"Having gone half a month without resource resupply, what's the situation with the four carrier battle groups there?" Zhao Chen asked with some concern.
Barbara's secretary retrieved another document.
"According to the plan we made beforehand."
Although it is impossible to transport supplies directly from our Dragon Kingdom via air routes in the next two weeks.
However, we have prepared a contingency plan.
The third merchant fleet transporting equipment to the Nancy Empire, carrying some resources and supplies, will head to the Central Sea Islands under the escort of two JF-17 carrier battle groups.
These supplies will make up for the shortfall over the past two weeks.
Although we have not received any new information about the Central Sea Islands at present.
But there shouldn't be any major problems.
A batch of transport planes that we have prepared are ready to take off.
Because the situation on the other side was unknown, this batch consisted of only ten transport planes and three refueling planes.
"Just in case, these transport planes can return with enough fuel if they can't land," Secretary Barbara said.
Zhao Chen looked towards the Zhonghai Islands; he was actually still somewhat worried about them.
But now everything depends on how things develop and how the situation unfolds.
"What about the southern continent?"
"The situation in the Eastern Continent should have already spread to the Southern Continent by now," Zhao Chen inquired about the situation in the Southern Continent.
News of the attack on the Eastern Continent by a mysterious weapon has already reached the Southern Continent.
On the southern continent, the morale of the Southern Alliance was severely damaged, and they suffered repeated defeats in their battles against the Nancy Empire on the front lines.
The territory they currently control has almost returned to its original area of actual control.
However, King Biler, one of the thirty thousand of the Doyle Empire, did not die in this attack because of his connection to the southern continent.
Therefore, the Confederate States of America has not yet publicly declared its separation from the Doyle Empire.
After hearing these reports...
Zhao Chen let out a breath: "Our post-disaster reconstruction cannot stop."
At the same time, external actions must also begin.
To subdue the Doyle Empire and unify the entire planet in the shortest possible time.
This allows us to focus all our energy on future technological development as soon as possible.
"yes."
The first air force base of the Dragon Kingdom.
Ten heavy transport aircraft are ready to take off at any time, on the cleared runway.
"Remember, after you arrive at the Middle East Islands..."
We must find a way to send the message back as soon as possible.
If all goes well.
We will then arrange for a transport plane to depart!
"clear."
The pilot of the heavy transport plane starts the aircraft, slowly slides on the runway, accelerates, and takes off.
Under a cloudless blue sky, we headed towards the Central Sea Islands.
They had been flying this route every day before the three typhoon disasters.
So even after such a long time.
They already knew this route by heart.
They were about to fly into the waters of the Central Sea Islands.
One of the fleet's heavy transport aircraft said over the communications channel, "Continue to fly at your current altitude."
I'll fly down and take a look at the situation below.
"yes."
The heavy transport plane began to descend, passing through the clouds, and the sea level below became visible.
At first, you can see the vast blue sea, with nothing in sight.
But soon, some drifting warship wreckage was spotted at sea.
There was even a warship that had run aground, sitting on the rocks, letting the waves relentlessly pound against it.
There are still signs of attack on the hull of the warship.
The pilot glanced at the warship; it wasn't a JF-17 Thunder.
Continue flying forward.
More and more warship wreckage can be seen.
Some are just fragments, while others are relatively complete.
But strangely enough...
As we approached the Middle Sea Islands.
They didn't even see a complete fleet of the Doyle Empire's navy.
What's going on?
The crew members still had some vague worries.
Then they saw the island.
Those are the outermost islands of the Middle East archipelago.
"That's Island Number Nine, the largest island on the outskirts."
There's also a runway up there.
However, due to its proximity to the battlefield, takeoffs and landings depend on battlefield conditions," the observer said.
"Call the radio and contact the garrison above," the driver said.
"yes!"
"This is transport aircraft Y018 of the JF-17 Thunder transport aircraft fleet."
We were ordered to come and deliver supplies.
Please reply upon receipt!
There was no response on the first call.
"This is transport aircraft Y018 of the JF-17 Thunder transport aircraft fleet."
We were ordered to come and deliver supplies.
Please reply upon receipt!
There was still no response to the second call.
The communications officer looked at the pilot.
If we continue to move forward...
Based on their current altitude, if the troops on that island are not from the Dragon Kingdom, but rather from the Doyle Empire.
They might then enter the range of the enemy's anti-aircraft guns, which would put their transport planes in danger.
"Continue calling," the captain said in a deep voice.
It did not change course or increase altitude.
"This is transport aircraft Y018 of the JF-17 Thunder transport aircraft fleet."
We were ordered to come and deliver supplies.
Please reply upon receipt!
Three to five seconds passed after the third call.
"This is the garrison on Island No. 9 of the Zhonghai Islands."
Our runway here has not yet been repaired.
Please proceed to the airport runway on Island Thirteen.
I could hear some intermittent communication sounds.
The crew members cheered instantly.
"Very good!
I've finally gotten in touch with you.
"How have things been going for you lately?" the communications soldier couldn't help but ask.
"The Doyle Empire Navy launched its final attack not long ago."
They still haven't captured our position in the Central Sea Islands.
Perhaps it was due to insufficient logistical supplies.
They withdrew from the encirclement and chose to retreat to the other side of the South China Sea islands.
"Our supplies are running low, but we can hold out for another week," the other party replied.
"Great!" The crew members cheered and high-fived upon hearing the news.
"Shall we send the message back now?" the communications soldier asked anxiously.
“There’s no rush yet.
"Let's wait until we land before we talk about it." The captain was quite cautious.
After applying for landing clearance.
The heavy transport plane finally landed on the airport runway of the archipelago after nearly a month.
"Oh, it's Old Zhang."
haven't seen you for a long time."
Upon seeing the captain's appearance, a ground staff member immediately greeted him warmly.
Upon seeing this familiar face, the captain finally felt relieved.
"It's good to see you still alive, old man," the captain joked.
"How is the situation on the mainland?"
We received news earlier that three super typhoons were sweeping across mainland China.
After that, I lost contact with them.
"I just bought this house last year, and I haven't finished paying off the mortgage yet," the ground staff member couldn't help but say.
"It's nothing serious."
There is some water accumulation in the low-lying areas, but post-disaster reconstruction work is already underway.
"Your mortgage can still be saved," the captain joked.
The captain disembarked from the plane.
I hugged this old friend whom I had met a few times.
"It's good to be alive."
"It's good to be alive."
The two of them said the same thing without prior arrangement.
Afterwards, I learned more about the situation of the Central Sea Islands.
The Central Sea Islands did indeed experience several dangerous situations during this month.
Due to the disruption of supplies, the intensity of all firepower was greatly reduced, and even the takeoff and landing frequency of land-based fighter jets was significantly decreased.
Seeing this, the enemy can increase the frequency of their attacks.
Fortunately, in the middle of the journey, two upgraded JF-17 carrier battle groups arrived at the Central Sea Islands with merchant fleets.
Not only did they give the enemy a sound thrashing, but they also brought them a lot of supplies that they desperately needed.
It was after this resupply.
The situation in the Middle East Islands has become clear.
The Doyle Empire's navy launched several more attacks, but to no avail.
They chose to abandon the plan and retreated to the other side of the Middle East islands.
soon.
Remote communication between the Dragon Kingdom and the Middle Sea Islands has been re-established.
"This is our latest communication equipment."
"This ensures uninterrupted communication between the Central Sea Islands and the Dragon Kingdom, eliminating the need for aerial rendezvous." The staff member reported to Marshal Medusa.
Then, Marshal Medusa heard Zhao Chen's voice.
"Your Majesty." Marshal Medusa straightened up.
"How is the situation?"
"Are you alright?" Zhao Chen asked with concern.
Marshal Medusa reported on the battle situation over the past month.
The total casualty rate of the six carrier strike groups was 30%.
Among the losses were one aircraft carrier and two battleships.
The rest are mostly destroyers and frigates.
The casualties were relatively good; many warships followed regulations and evacuated in an emergency when they saw the situation was unfavorable.
Therefore, the number of casualties was not very high.
After listening to these reports...
Zhao Chen was finally relieved.
"You will rest and recuperate here for the next two weeks."
We will restore your air supply lines and cargo ships will deliver the strategic supplies you need.
Two weeks later.
Two more carrier strike groups will arrive in the Middle East islands region.
After we meet up with you.
Your mission is to completely control the Central Sea Islands region within three months and annihilate as much of the Doyle Empire's naval forces as possible here.
Establish a sea springboard for our journey to the Doyle Empire.
Upon hearing the request made by Emperor Xiaolong.
Marshal Medusa knew that the expedition to the Doyle Empire was already on the agenda.
Their move was very important.
Starting from the Dragon Kingdom and going directly to the Middle Sea Islands, then to the Doyle Empire, will save a lot of time.
It saves at least one-third of the time compared to traveling through the Northern Continent and then to the Eastern Continent.
Furthermore, the sea is safer.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
"We guarantee to complete the task you requested!" Marshal Medusa did not complain at all about being assigned to another battle after just finishing a fierce one.
"Um.
Let us know if you need anything.
The Doyle Empire is now in its final stages, and it's possible they might resort to desperate measures.
Therefore, you must consider your own safety when you are fighting.
Never engage in a one-for-one battle with the enemy.
"That will only hurt us," Zhao Chen warned.
Zhao Chen was worried that the Doyle Empire would take another bite out of their Dragon Kingdom at the last moment.
That's not worth it.