Macaria, inside a church in the upper levels of the Hive City.
Sister Captain Sabina was leading the other Battle Sisters in a devout prayer ritual.
After a while, the prayer ended.
The Battle Sisters slowly exited the church, leaving the scene for the servants to clean.
Stepping out of the church, a scene of perfect order met the eyes of the Battle Sisters.
The Crusaders, who had been temporarily organized before, had been disbanded, and their members had returned to being Hive City residents.
And now, these people, under the guidance of Alliance engineers, were beginning the Transformation of the upper levels of the Hive City.
A large number of temporary residences had been built, greatly improving the previously overcrowded situation.
Reasonable sewage treatment systems and air purification systems had also been completed.
For the first time in a long while, Sabina even smelled the fresh air she had only ever encountered in a Garden World.
"Sister Superior, are we just going to let these fellows build factories on the holy land of Macaria?"
Behind Sabina, a Battle Sister, displeased with the Universal Union's grand actions, spoke out in indignation.
"Only this way can everyone survive."
Sabina said calmly.
During this time, the improvement in the living standards of Macaria's survivors was visible to the naked eye; no one could deny it.
"Sister Captain Sabina, Avarax has sent another batch of reinforcements."
An Alliance soldier, seeing the Battle Sisters exit the church, immediately stepped forward and said.
"This batch of reinforcements will establish factories for food and medical supplies in the lower levels of the Hive City, and we need more manpower to assist."
"I will arrange for manpower immediately."
Sabina agreed at once.
Outside the Hive City, another convoy appeared from the wormhole.
Aboard it were personnel from The Wandering Earth World's UEG.
"This is the place where you will be staying for a period of time, Macaria."
the Universal Union staff reiterated the UEG's mission objective this time, "You need to build factories to help the survivors on this planet live on."
"Survivors?"
"This planet was invaded by Orks not long ago, and it was the Universal Union that defeated the Orks."
the Universal Union personnel did not explain much.
"Alright, we've arrived. This is the lower levels of the Hive City."
The convoy stopped, and the UEG construction workers jumped out of the vehicles.
They then began to clear the ruins and debris in the lower levels of the Hive City according to plan.
And on the cleared ground, they started to build the factory frames.
Liu Peiqiang and other combat personnel were tasked with supervising the order of the site alongside the Universal Union's soldiers and guarding against various potential dangers.
"This world is truly strange."
Looking at the tall Gothic buildings around them, and the towering statues visible everywhere.
Someone couldn't help but sigh.
Over the past half-month, they had first passed through the world gate to Avarax, where they stayed for a period to receive training.
Only now did they have the chance to see the true face of this world.
Just as the UEG workers were toiling with great enthusiasm, a commotion of human voices came from not far away.
Liu Peiqiang exchanged glances with his teammates, then, holding their guns, rushed towards the direction of the sound.
A large group of local residents of Macaria were heading towards the construction site.
These were the personnel dispatched by Sister Captain Sabina.
"Why do these people all look so frail?"
The UEG personnel noticed this group of thin Macaria residents; they knew that only years of accumulated hunger could turn people into this state.
"The common people of this world are generally like this."
An Alliance soldier beside them said indifferently.
The Commander leading the UEG personnel and the Commander leading this group of Macaria residents completed their handover.
Subsequently, this large number of Macaria residents began to clear the surrounding ruins and debris.
During this time, they were also slowly familiarizing themselves with the operation of various engineering machinery, all in all.
Although due to unfamiliarity, the residents of Macaria initially caused many blunders.
But as time went on, these residents of Macaria were learning and adapting to the use of various tools at an extremely fast pace.
With the help of these local residents, the speed at which the UEG workers built the factories increased significantly.
"At the current speed, we will only need half a month to complete our target."
Half a month later.
An entire factory complex was successfully completed.
This complex occupied a vast area, within which were many factories used for synthesizing organic food.
According to estimates, when operating at full capacity, the output of these factories would be sufficient to supply the daily consumption of billions of Macaria's residents.
Since the first mission was completed, the UEG workers did not stay in Macaria for much longer.
Instead, they boarded the arriving spaceship and departed from this planet.
They had truly important tasks to do.
That was to build Planetary Engines.
The star system where Macaria was located had only this one life-bearing planet and no other planets.
However, the entire star system was filled with a large number of small and medium-sized moons.
The task of the UEG workers was to build Planetary Engines on some of these moons.
Then, they would push them to designated positions to construct a defensive line.
"Currently, aid from the Biohazard World, Avatar World, Pacific Rim World, and The Wandering Earth World has all arrived and begun the task of building Planetary Engines.
According to the plan, we need to build defensive systems in seven star systems. Judging by the current progress, it will take at least a year to achieve this goal."
Alexia was reporting to Marcus.
"One year…"
Marcus looked at the star map in front of him; he knew this was already the ideal speed.
"How is the Primal Zerg Isolation Zone plan progressing?"
"All Primal Zerg in the star sector have been gathered and are boarding spaceships, heading towards the isolation zone."
"Hmm."
Marcus nodded, then looked at the star map.
"I hope those Orks don't arrive too quickly."
At this, Marcus suddenly remembered something and asked.
"Oh, by the way, how is the exploration mission of the MonsterVerse progressing?"
Several years ago, Marcus had already used the World Card he had drawn from the previous nine-consecutive-draw.
He had opened up a new world for the Universal Union.
The humans in that world were nothing worth mentioning; they hadn't even developed space travel technology.
What was most noteworthy were obviously the powerful Titan Behemoths capable of affecting the planet's ecosystem.
Godzilla, Mothra, Rodan, Ghidorah… "Most of the Titan Behemoths have already signed contracts with us."
Alexia calmly glossed over the process of the Universal Union sending out hundreds of Titan Mechs to search the world for Titan Behemoths and give them a good beating.
The Titan Beasts in the MonsterVerse each possess unique characteristics.
Beyond their formidable combat power, they are also capable of large-scale environmental changes.
For example, the Titan Beast named Behemoth, resembling a mammoth, can release special radiation that promotes rapid plant growth, and its droppings serve as excellent plant nutrients.
The Universal Union invested significant effort to subdue these Titan Beasts and sign Psychic Contracts with them, not to use these precious Titan Beasts as weapons of war.
Instead, it was to leverage the unique properties of these Titan Beasts, combined with the Universal Union's existing technology, to transform the natural environments of certain planets.
The first experimental subject was the Wandering Earth, which had already embarked on its journey.
The reason for choosing the Wandering Earth was the second-stage mission objective provided by Marcus's system panel.
Detected that the host has completed mission objective 2. Performing mission assessment. Assessment passed. Issuing mission rewards. Obtained random lottery chance × 1. Obtained title "Civilization Savior." Title effect: The Universal Union has saved a civilization from the brink of destruction. When opting for peaceful negotiation, the target faction is more likely to consider the Universal Union's various suggestions. Detected that the host has completed the first-stage main mission objective. Performing mission assessment. Assessment result: Perfect. Obtained random lottery chance × 2. Initiating second-stage main mission. Beginning to issue second-stage main mission: Restore the Wandering Earth's ecological environment, making it suitable for human survival on the surface. Mission objective 1: Help the Wandering Earth UEG government re-establish at least one settlement on the surface. Reward: lottery chance × 1, title "Frostpunk." Mission objective 2: Restore the Wandering Earth's ecological environment, making it suitable for human survival on the surface. Reward: lottery chance × 1, title "Environmental Transformer."
This new second-stage mission objective was perfectly suited for the Titan Beasts of the MonsterVerse to utilize.
Transported by Universal Union-specialized spacecraft, some Titan Beasts beneficial for rapid ecological recovery arrived in the Wandering Earth World.
There was Rodan, capable of generating molten hot winds to melt vast areas of ice and snow.
There was Behemoth, capable of accelerating plant germination and rapid growth in a short time.
There was Scylla, capable of secreting large amounts of liquid nitrogen to slow down sea level rise through freezing.
Each one had been carefully selected by the Universal Union.
The UEG government was, of course, aware of the Universal Union's plan to transform the surface environment.
This matter was of great importance, and all UEG representatives gathered at a temporary base on the surface.
"These are the Titan Beasts from another world?"
Although they had received data from the Universal Union in advance,
the UEG representatives still found it hard to believe that these giant beasts possessed the power to change an entire planet's environment.
"To change the entire Earth's environment, we certainly cannot rely solely on them; our own transformation efforts are also needed," the Universal Union scientist explained.
"As the Earth has officially embarked on its journey, its original atmosphere is gradually being stripped away. The most severe issues are the decrease in atmospheric oxygen content and the harsh low temperatures.
What we need to do is solve these two problems.
We will be responsible for solving the latter, and Eywa will be responsible for solving the former."
"Eywa?"
The UEG representatives showed puzzled expressions.
As they conversed, several spacecraft landed before them.
The spacecraft carried Sacred Tree seeds from Pandora, as well as a selection of special crops cultivated jointly by the Universal Union and Eywa.
These could rapidly release large amounts of oxygen to restore Earth's oxygen content and emit special chemical substances to repair the damaged atmosphere.
In addition, soldiers on the spacecraft used cranes to unload a huge storage tank.
Inside, an amorphous biological tissue was immersed in a complex nutrient solution.
"Hello, everyone."
To the horror of the UEG representatives, a clear voice emanated from the loudspeaker above the storage tank.
The Universal Union scientist stepped forward, adjusted various devices on the storage tank, and explained,
"This is Eywa, or more precisely, a consciousness avatar of Eywa."
Through the Precursor Civilization's advanced biotechnology and the cooperation of Pandora's planetary will, Eywa herself,
the Universal Union successfully cultivated biological tissue capable of carrying a small fragment of Eywa's consciousness, which can be simply understood as a self-aware avatar.
This avatar possesses some of Eywa's main abilities, namely promoting the rapid growth of a large number of plants by secreting special substances and emitting special radiation in a short period.
Its function is very similar to the Behemoth Titan Beast next to it, but its effect is stronger.
"A planetary will—such a magical existence," the UEG representatives all looked curiously at Eywa's avatar after hearing the explanation.
"Does our Earth also have a planetary will?" One representative began to ponder, thinking of their own Earth.
"No, sensed, similar, existence," Eywa's avatar still maintained her main body's linguistic habits.
The UEG representatives were not particularly disappointed by this result. Rather, they thought, what if Earth had self-awareness and woke up to find humanity had taken it and run off—what then?
"Eywa, please begin the environmental transformation."
"Understood, will, abide, by, agreement."
Just as Eywa was communicating with the Universal Union scientist, several Titan Beasts nearby suddenly let out impatient roars.
"Roar!"
This immediately caused some panic among the UEG representatives below; they were right there, and if they were accidentally trampled to death, there would be no one to complain to.
The Universal Union mechs guarding these Titan Beasts were about to issue a warning to make them behave.
Eywa's avatar suddenly said,
"Can, appease, these, little ones."
"Please wait, Eywa."
Upon hearing this, the Universal Union scientist, knowing his authority was insufficient, immediately opened his communicator to contact higher-level leadership.
Only after receiving approval did he agree to Eywa's avatar's plan.
An invisible pulse signal began to spread outwards from Eywa's avatar.
Those present only felt a barely perceptible breeze brush past their bodies.
But the Titan Beasts' sensations were entirely different.
Eywa's avatar's mental power, carried by this pulse signal, entered the brains of these Titan Beasts.
She began to soothe these Titan Beasts, who had suddenly found themselves in a changed environment and had recently been severely beaten by the Universal Union.
As a long-lived planetary will capable of sensing the minds of all creatures on Pandora through the Sacred Tree,
even though this was just an avatar, Eywa was still able to successfully calm the emotions of these Titan Beasts.
Rodan, with a wingspan of hundreds of meters, spread his wings covered in flames and magma, instantly soaring into the sky and flying towards the distance.
Under the effect of the violent hot wind, the previously ice-bound land was rapidly thawing, revealing the soil beneath the snow and ice.
Universal Union personnel quickly planted various plants into the ground.
Eywa's avatar and Behemoth began to emit special radiation, rapidly promoting the growth of these plants.
In a few breaths, these plants broke through the soil and quickly grew to several people's height.
Immediately after, these plants began to produce oxygen at an extremely fast rate, increasing the oxygen content of the surrounding environment.
For a long time, the Pacific Star Region had been completely ignored by the Imperium of Man's administrative departments.
A large part of the reason for this stemmed from the New Terra schism event during the 35th Millennium.
At that time, a planet named Constantinium renamed itself New Terra and publicly declared its secession from Terra and the High Lords of Terra, claiming sovereignty over the Pacific Star Region.
Subsequently, the New Terra regime, centered in the Pacific Star Region, embarked on a prolonged civil war with the Imperium of Man.
Its influence even extended to the Storm Star Region and the Nebulous Star Region.
It wasn't until the Dark Angels captured the leader of New Terra that this nine-hundred-year-long Age of the Two Emperors finally came to an end.
After that, the various resources and administrative personnel allocated by the Imperium of Man to the Pacific Star Region were the fewest among the five star regions.
Vegast, a Hive City world in the Pacific Star Region.
This planet is located northeast of Macaria and is the most peripheral planet within the Universal Union's current territorial scope.
Approximately six or seven hundred years ago, this planet was occupied by a Chaos warlord who instigated a war between two Hive Cities on Vegast.
Under the joint siege of Astra Militarum forces and Imperial Fists Astartes, this Chaos warlord, along with the Hive City he corrupted, was ultimately consumed by flames.
And Vegast, naturally, suffered heavy damage as a result.
The High Lords of Terra even refused to provide any assistance to Vegast, citing its previous occupation by a Chaos warlord.
It was in such an environment that the humans on Vegast, after several centuries of slow recovery, gradually restored order.
A year ago, Vegast was rescued by the Universal Union from the Green Skin Fleet's rampage, and now, the Universal Union has designated the star system where Vegast is located as a frontline defensive zone.
A large number of small and medium-sized engineering ships jumped into Vegast's orbit.
More ground personnel and supplies entered the surface of Vegast through pre-established wormholes.
Before the mission began, the Universal Union Commander responsible for Vegast reiterated the mission objectives.
"Your mission is to build planetary engines on these three moons and push them into designated positions to construct a strong defensive line."
Among the UEG construction team, many began to whisper.
"I didn't expect us to go back to our old job."
"Isn't this great? We don't even have to go to the front lines."
"Exactly, exactly."
Although Vegast is a Hive City world, due to the Chaos warlord's occupation several centuries ago, its current population is only a few billion.
Under the Universal Union's coordinated planning for nearly a year, these billions of Hive City residents have all transitioned into construction workers.
Their only goal is to do their best to strengthen Vegast's defensive capabilities.
the Universal Union intends to transform Vegast into a Fortress World.
Therefore, there are three wormholes located on Vegast.
Every day, a large number of Alliance troops, material supplies, and construction materials enter the Vegast star system through the wormholes.
In addition to these regular forces, the Universal Union has also deployed a large number of Primal Zerg gathered within the sector to several other star systems adjacent to Vegast.
Under a continuous supply of biomass and essence, these Primal Zerg swarms are rapidly expanding.
To form a Primal Zerg quarantine zone.
In the Vegast star system, on a moon that originally orbited a frozen planet.
The UEG construction team, equipped with engineer uniforms, has completed the preliminary construction base planning.
And they moved a crucial piece of equipment from the spaceship, "Connect the 550W to the automatic construction system."
It is clear that the UEG construction team, with only a few hundred thousand people, certainly cannot rely entirely on manual labor to build planetary engines.
To speed up construction, they brought the latest 550 series quantum computers and their accompanying automatic construction system.
The construction team members only need to supervise and correct small loopholes in the construction process.
Quantum computers themselves do not possess artificial intelligence; they are merely tools.
The probability of being corrupted by Chaos is very, very low.
the Universal Union's senior leadership believes that taking this small risk is worthwhile to accelerate the progress of fortification and planetary engines.
Rather, it could be said that throughout the entire Warhammer World, only humanity has ever experienced an AI rebellion.
For example, the Votann League, or Space Dwarfs, have the existence of "Ironkin."
The T'au Empire also extensively uses artificial intelligence.
None of these civilizations have ever experienced an AI rebellion.
the Universal Union naturally does not need to worry too much.
Moreover, to minimize risks, the Universal Union has installed self-destruct devices on every 550W unit and equipped them with a large number of real-time monitoring personnel and tools, and even National Religion Priests.
Should any special circumstances arise, Alliance personnel will activate the self-destruct device immediately.
Under the coordination of the 550W, a large number of automatic construction robots began to operate.
From mining minerals nearby for refining, to transporting them to designated locations, and finally shaping them by specialized construction robots.
"The 550W is truly fast."
Even though they had witnessed the powerful computing power of the 550W on Earth, the UEG construction team couldn't help but exclaim.
"Keep a close eye on every link; absolutely no mistakes are allowed!"
Although this is not Earth, the UEG construction team still maintains a very rigorous attitude.
According to the Universal Union, their mission concerns the safety of billions of lives on the planet named "Vegast" behind them.
Therefore, no one will slack off.
Next to a planetary engine currently under construction.
Liu Peiqiang was talking with several UEG combat personnel.
"Do you think we will really encounter the Green Skin Fleet that the Universal Union mentioned?"
Liu Peiqiang looked up at the boundless space, "I heard that the Orks' warships are all cobbled together from various junk."
"It's best not to see them. Why, do you want to fight those things to the death?"
Another person shivered.
"Don't forget, during training before, even with several of us together, we couldn't kill an unarmed Green ork in a short time. What if they also have weapons?"
"It's best to finish the work quickly and return to our Earth."
Another person pouted.
"Living in an underground city is better than being on edge in this world."
As the group was talking, a Unyielding-class Heavy Frigate flew over their heads.
Several small Titan Mechs descended from the sky.
"It's a Pilot!"
Liu Peiqiang and the others exclaimed.
They had seen the combat capabilities of these small Titan Mechs during their previous training.
Unlike the large Titan Mechs, which are generally eighty to ninety meters tall.
These small Titan Mechs mostly rely on their high mobility for reconnaissance or special missions.
"What are they doing here?"
Liu Peiqiang and the others wondered as they walked forward.
"Immediately notify all personnel to prepare for battle!"
Before they even got close, Liu Peiqiang and the others heard the Pilot's shout from inside the Mech.
"A small tyranids splinter fleet has been detected approaching the star system!"
"What?!"
the Universal Union had educated UEG combat personnel about potential enemies they might face in the Warhammer World, and the tyranids had been particularly emphasized.
Liu Peiqiang still clearly remembered the very solemn expression of a former PDF veteran, who had fought the tyranids on Avarax, when he described the tyranids.
A few days ago.
Vegast received a vague Astropathic message.
Through the diligent deciphering efforts of the Astropaths, a terrifying conclusion was subsequently reached.
That is, a neighboring star system was under attack by the tyranids.
This news, naturally, quickly alarmed the Universal Union's high command.
An emergency meeting was immediately convened.
"Immediately dispatch warships to the location from which the Astropathic message originated for reconnaissance."
Marcus gave the order decisively.
Logically, worlds invaded by the tyranids would be unable to transmit any signals to the outside world due to the Shadow in the Warp cast by the Hive Mind.
However, although the veracity of the message could not yet be confirmed, he had already heightened his vigilance.
Among the Universal Union, only he had truly faced the tyranids and deeply understood the terrifying nature of these xenos. "Our ships will not be affected by the Shadow in the Warp of the Hive Mind and can Warp at will. Once any signs of tyranids activity are discovered, immediately return and report!"
Under Marcus's command, an Unyielding-class Heavy Frigate immediately activated its Warp drive and flew towards the target star system.
Time returns to the present.
Appearing above Liu Peiqiang and the others was that same Unyielding-class Heavy Frigate, which had returned.
Evidently, it brought very bad news.
The tyranids had truly arrived.
This news quickly reached the ears of the Universal Union high command.
"This is the footage captured by our ship."
A video recording from an onboard camera was being played.
In the footage, dozens of Tyranid bio-ships of various sizes were hovering above a Hive City world.
Countless spore pods were descending, bringing death and destruction to that world.
"That world is near the Storm Starfield. We speculate that this Hive Fleet came from the Storm Starfield."
The tyranids cared nothing for star system divisions; as long as they received the psychic signals emitted by the Gene Stealer, they would head straight for it.
Marcus, familiar with the tyranids invasion stages, immediately saw that the Hive Fleet's invasion of that Hive City world was still in its mid-stage.
That is, it had not yet completely conquered the entire planet and converted all its inhabitants into biomass.
This meant that the Universal Union still had some time to react and prepare.
"Immediately reallocate the fleet to the Vegast star system and accelerate the construction of local planetary engines."
Marcus said immediately.
"Also, immediately recall all Primal Zerg forces in all star systems in that direction."
If the Primal Zerg developed and grew strong, they might be able to contend with the tyranids.
But it was clear that the Primal Zerg, having only just been spread, would only become biomass fodder if they encountered the tyranids fleet.
"I didn't expect that we would be attacked by a tyranids fleet first."
Alexia frowned as she watched the footage.
the Universal Union's defense focus had previously always been on the Orks empire to the north. They had not anticipated that a Hive Fleet would attack from the direction of the Storm Starfield.
"This is the Warhammer World. We could be attacked by any faction at any time."
Marcus said in a deep voice.
"In any case, we must do everything possible to prepare for battle."
After a full five years, the Universal Union had grown into a star-system-level political power.
The massive war machine began to operate.
Aside from leaving a necessary defensive fleet to guard against the Orks to the north, almost all warships arrived at Vegast.
Three wormholes constantly spewed out more troops.
At the same time, all civilians on Vegast received an urgent notice.
Billions of civilians began to evacuate urgently to planets further back through the three wormholes.
Only a portion of the population remained to build planetary engines at the fastest speed and assist the troops in strengthening Vegast's defenses.
Under immense pressure, in less than half a month, the planetary engines on the three satellites were all completed.
Fifteen planetary engines were built on each satellite to provide power.
On one of the satellites, the first ignition test was underway.
"Quick, quick, quick! Start the ignition test!"
Under the control of the 550W quantum computer, the fifteen planetary engines began to adjust their attitudes simultaneously.
Then, they ignited with a roar.
Fifteen massive plumes of thrusting flames shot into the sky.
"Ignition successful!"
All UEG construction personnel breathed a sigh of relief.
Since receiving the news of the tyranids attack, they had been anxious and under immense pressure for the past half-month.
Now that the planetary engines were officially completed, their mission was accomplished.
"Adjust the planetary engines to maximum output power and dock them in the designated positions as quickly as possible."
Over the past half-month, the Universal Union had been militarizing these three satellites, accumulating a large number of troops on them.
Once these three satellites entered their designated positions, they could, together with Vegast, form a solid defensive line.
"Received!"
And so, under the gaze of everyone, all the planetary engines on the three satellites started simultaneously.
This forced the satellites to stop their original orbit around the frozen planet.
Instead, they broke free from gravitational constraints and flew towards Vegast.
"Finally, we can leave this godforsaken place!"
The UEG construction teams on the satellites cheered.
Numerous spacecraft descended from the sky, picking them up and transporting them to Vegast.
"All non-combat personnel are to evacuate immediately. Combat personnel are to remain on Vegast and await further orders."
Due to the fierce advance of the tyranids fleet, the Universal Union had already issued further war missions to the Wandering Earth World.
Combat personnel like Liu Peiqiang, who had undergone training, now also had to become a fighting force against the tyranids.
For this purpose, the Universal Union would issue new weapons and equipment to these personnel.
"This is the CMC-300 Powered Exoskeleton Armor! It is also the basic defensive equipment you will need to wear!"
An Alliance Soldiers stood before Liu Peiqiang and other UEG combat personnel, briefly introducing the CMC armor.
"The armor contains a life support system powered by a cold fusion reactor, and its back stores a large amount of combat stimulants, as well as flesh restoration agents.
In case of any dangerous situation, you will need to use them in combination.
As for your weapons, you can choose freely from the individual armory.
From C14 Impaler Rifles, to Railguns, to Heavy Bolter Rifles, and even more powerful Focus Rifles, Kinetic Rifles..."
Under the guidance of the Alliance Soldiers, Liu Peiqiang and the others immediately eagerly put on their custom-fitted CMC-300 armor.
"This body armor is your first life in combat!
Remember, your current identity is a soldier!
A soldier fighting against the enemies of humanity!
Behind you are the lives of countless civilians!"
Above Vegast's orbit, Dugall was reporting to Marcus.
"Recently, the seismic anomalies on Vegast have been surging, which has somewhat affected the progress of our various defensive deployments."
Marcus knew what this meant.
"Frequent earthquakes indicate that the Narwhal-class ships have locked onto Vegast. Vegast has been targeted by that tyranids fleet, and the tyranids fleet is on its way."
Next, Marcus inquired about the overall defensive strength in the star system.
Currently, the Vegast star system has gathered thirty Unyielding-class Heavy Frigates, six Olympus-class Space Carriers, and three semi-fortified armed satellites.
These were only the space forces.
As for ground troops:
Through continuous transport via three wormholes for over half a month,
Vegast alone had tens of millions of Tactical Robots, a cannon fodder unit.
There were 100,000 Tyrants and 100,000 Pursuers, and 3,000 Na'vi soldiers.
Alliance Soldiers, fully equipped with CMC-300 armor and 5-4 type armor, numbered over a million.
Furthermore, to inflict the maximum possible damage on tyranids units, every Tactical Robot, Tyrant, and Pursuer had a high-power self-destruct device installed inside it.
Once these units were surrounded, the Universal Union would immediately activate the bombs within them, annihilating everything in the vicinity.
This was to prevent the tyranids from recovering any biomass.
Besides these basic infantry units, the number of armored units on Vegast was also considerable.
Not long ago, Alliance scientists completed the research project for the XV8 Crisis Battlesuit and KV128 Broadside Battlesuit, enabling their mass production.
These Titan Mechs from the T'au Empire could output terrifying long-range firepower.
Coupled with the ion small Titan Mechs from the titanfall World and the giant Titan Mechs manufactured by the Pacific Rim World,
It could be said that the defensive power gathered on Vegast was already sufficient to fight a war second only to an apocalyptic level.
"The Tyranid Hive Fleet could appear at any moment; we must always be ready for battle."
Marcus looked at Dugall.
"I hope you are ready to fight the bugs again."
This seemed to stir Dugall's memories, causing him to fall into a brief silence.
Then, a resolute voice came.
"This time, I will not fail again."
The Tyranid Hive Fleet's faster-than-light travel was not through the Warp.
Instead, it used special bio-ships called Narwhal-class ships to lock onto a star system from a great distance and use the star system's gravity to create a "corridor" that could compress space.
Using this corridor, Tyranid bio-ships could quickly travel to the target star system.
Although this method of travel was slower than traveling through the Warp, it was stable.
However, this method of travel also had some flaws.
Due to the immense gravity of a star system already interfering with the Narwhal-class ships' senses, the Tyranid Hive Fleet would decelerate and exit faster-than-light travel as it approached the target star system.
It would then switch to conventional travel, entering the star system from its boundary.
This gave worlds that predicted the Tyranid Hive Fleet's arrival some reaction time to call for aid and deploy defenses.
Several more months passed.
The anomalous environmental phenomena on Vegast had disappeared, meaning the Tyranid Hive Fleet had arrived at the edge of the star system.
At the edge of the star system, the Universal Union fleet had already assembled.
In front of them, vast minefields were laid out.
Dugall decided to fight an ambush engagement here, fully utilizing the speed and flexibility advantages of the Universal Union warships.
"General! Reconnaissance ships outside the star system's edge report observing Tyranid Harpy Frigates!"
"Notify all forces to prepare for battle!"
Dugall watched ahead with a serious expression.
Soon, large numbers of small Tyranid Harpy Frigates, like living organisms, drifted in from the edge of the star system.
These Tyranid Harpies were equipped with various biological weapons.
Some Tyranid Harpies were less like warships and more like super-giant biological artillery that could travel in space, capable of firing giant flame-acid cannons that corroded all metal.
Other Tyranid Harpies were covered in extremely thick chitinous carapaces, equipped with no long-range weapons, and specialized in charging into close range to devour enemy ships with terrifying giant mouths on their bows.
Even more Tyranid Harpies were filled with massive numbers of Tyranid organisms, which would be loaded into bio-torpedoes to launch boarding actions against enemy ships.
Besides these numerous small Tyranid Harpies, generally only a few hundred meters long, further behind, larger, void beast-like Tyranid main battle ships were arriving in succession.
The foremost Tyranid Harpies seemed to sense the Universal Union fleet at the edge of the star system. A moment later, they swarmed forward, charging towards the Universal Union fleet.
"Target about to enter the minefield!
3!
2!
1!"
Dazzling firelight continuously flashed.
Space mines containing Anti-matter Bombs continuously exploded, engulfing everything around them.
Even in space, these explosions could not produce powerful shockwaves, but the sheer terrifying power of the explosions alone was enough to instantly destroy one or even several Tyranid Harpies.
If warships of a typical race suffered such heavy damage, there would be a high probability of them retreating in panic.
But the tyranids are ultimate biological weapons, far more fearless and ruthless than Orks.
These explosions had no effect on the Hive Fleet's advance speed.
More Tyranid Harpies rushed directly into the minefield, using their bodies to literally carve out a safe passage.
Seeing this, Dugall, seated on the flagship, narrowed his eyes and immediately gave an order.
"Control all mines for a large-scale collision!"
the Universal Union had installed propulsion devices in all the mines; at necessary moments, these mines could directly transform into missiles, attacking targets that had not approached them.
"Understood!"
The unexploded mines all activated their thrusters, rushing towards the nearest bio-ships.
Instantly, the firelight of explosions flashed again.
Even with the numerous Tyranid fleet, it suffered heavy losses for a time.
Almost all of the Tyranid Harpies that launched the first wave of charge were annihilated.
Not a single one managed to reach the Universal Union fleet.
But Dugall showed no joy or complacency.
Having fought the bugs many times, he knew very well that these creatures were almost impossible to completely kill.
When you kill one, two will emerge.
When you kill two, four more will emerge.
This was true for the Zerg in starcraft, and even more so for the tyranids in the Warhammer World.
Sure enough, the main force of the Hive Fleet outside the star system's edge released even more small Tyranid Harpies, launching a second wave of charge.
The silent and brutal battle in space lasted for several hours.
Under Dugall's brilliant command, every Alliance warship fully utilized its advantages of long range, high speed, and strong flexibility.
They continuously harassed the Tyranid Hive Fleet with long-range tactics.
During these hours, the Universal Union fleet achieved excellent results.
A large number of small Tyranid ships were directly destroyed, meaning the tyranids would not be able to recycle and rebuild these bio-ships, at least not in the short term.
Unfortunately, the Universal Union fleet was always limited in number and could not hold back the Tyranid Hive Fleet for too long in a direct confrontation.
The truly massive Tyranid capital ships had already crossed the edge of the star system and were heading directly towards Vegast.
"Begin retreat."
Dugall calmly gave the order.
Every Alliance warship was precious, and they could not afford heavy losses.
Returning to the vicinity of Vegast and forming a joint defense with the anti-air forces on the three armed satellites was a better option. Upon receiving the order, the Universal Union warships began to withdraw, continuously firing at the Tyranid Hive Fleet from a distance as they retreated.
Unyielding-class Heavy Frigates could accelerate hundreds of tons of shells to five percent the speed of light, possessing immense power and extreme range.
Just a few concentrated volleys could completely destroy a Tyranid Harridan.
However, the truly important Tyranid capital ships were surrounded by a large number of Tyranid Harridans, preventing the Unyielding-class Heavy Frigate group's attacks from directly hitting them.
Especially the ten-kilometer-long Tyranid bio-mothership, which was completely encased by a large number of escort bio-ships.
Neither torpedoes converted into missiles nor artillery bombardments could touch it.
"The Tyranid Hive Fleet is crossing the edge of the star system and heading straight for Vegast. Everyone, prepare for battle!"
On the armed satellite, newly renamed "No. 1."
Liu Peiqiang, along with a large number of soldiers from the UEG and Alliance Soldiers, guarded a giant planetary engine.
Besides the planetary engine, which continued to emit propulsion beams, the Universal Union had also built a large number of defensive facilities around it.
Rows of giant laser cannon arrays almost covered every area around the planetary engine.
Under the control of 550W, each laser cannon array pointed its barrel towards the sky.
And beside these fixed anti-air defenses, there were also a large number of Goliath Armed Robots.
These Goliath Armed Robots, capable of launching Hellfire anti-air missiles, were a crucial force for destroying Tyranid drop pods.
Inside a reinforced steel bunker.
Liu Peiqiang, clad in CMM-300 armor, gripped his C-14 Impaler Rifle tightly, constantly looking out at the sky through the bunker's observation port.
Seeing his tension, an Alliance veteran in the bunker, wearing a Marauder-style Type 5-4 armor, spoke up.
"Once those damned bugs land, you only need to do one thing."
"What thing?"
"Pull the trigger, and don't stop for even a second."
As the two were talking, another Alliance soldier in the bunker suddenly said in a deep voice.
"They're here!"
The others quickly gathered at the observation port and looked up at the sky.
A large number of Tyranid bio-ships had already arrived above the satellite.
All the ground-based laser anti-air cannon arrays began to fire in staggered volleys, maintaining continuous output.
Countless scorching laser beams illuminated the dark space.
"If you don't want to go blind, put your helmets down."
Seeing Liu Peiqiang and the other UEG personnel still staring foolishly, an Alliance soldier reminded them.
Liu Peiqiang and the others, realizing their mistake, immediately lowered their helmet visors.
"There are just too many of them."
Watching the countless Tyranid bio-ships in the sky, Liu Peiqiang's body trembled slightly with fear.
No one could remain calm the first time they faced the tyranids.
"Remember what I said, just pull the trigger, and don't stop."
the Universal Union soldier's voice came again, slightly assuaging Liu Peiqiang's fear.
"Drop pods are coming."
The Tyranid Hive Fleet in space had clearly noticed the continuously firing laser positions.
They began to deploy a truly sky-darkening number of drop pods to the surface.
Each pod contained dozens of ferocious Tyranid Gun Worms and Hormagaunts, led by a Tyranid Warrior.
"Laser cannon arrays continue to attack Tyranid bio-ships! Goliath Armed Robots, open fire!"
To allow the laser cannons to continue attacking the truly threatening Tyranid bio-ships, the Goliaths on the ground locked onto every drop pod falling from the sky.
Missile launchers equipped on their shoulders immediately fired a large number of Hellfire anti-air missiles.
Countless explosions, representing death, appeared in the sky.
But this was still not enough to clear the massive number of drop pods.
the Universal Union Commander in charge of this area immediately gave an order.
"Viking Fighter squadron, deploy!"
Hundreds of Viking Fighters immediately took off, launching Breaker missiles, further supplementing the anti-air firepower.
The tyranids also dispatched a large number of Gargoyles and Biovores, along with other flying combat units, to fiercely engage the Viking Fighters.
Although the Goliath Armed Robots on the ground continued to fire, many drop pods still crashed to the ground. The tightly closed flesh-and-blood hatches immediately opened, and ferocious Tyranid creatures swarmed out.
In the bunker, Alliance Soldiers held back Liu Peiqiang and other UEG soldiers who were about to open fire.
"Don't waste ammunition, it's not our turn to attack yet."
"Boom! Boom!! Boom!!!"
Behind the bunker position.
A dozen KV128 Stormstrike Gunsuits, standing tall, opened fire with a vengeance.
Their massive pulse autocannons unleashed terrifying firepower.
Instantly, a large number of Tyranid creatures that hadn't even had time to charge were completely annihilated.
And at the feet of the Stormstrike Gunsuits.
Main battle tanks from various worlds also opened fire with a roar.
Although these tanks were from the third millennium, they could still effectively harm Tyranid creatures.
the Universal Union's long-standing pursuit of long-range firepower was well rewarded at this moment.
For a short time, no Tyranid creature could break through the deadly bombardment.
However, the tyranids were not mindless beasts.
Seeing the ground battle reach a stalemate, the Norn-Queen, presiding over the center of the Tyranid bio-mothership, decided to unleash more decisive units.
Such as Tyranid Hive Tyrants and Tyranid Bio-Titans.
Another massive wave of Tyranid drop pods was deployed, breaking through the Goliaths' anti-air fire network and crashing onto the ground.
"Get ready, they're about to charge through."
In the bunker, the Universal Union veteran, constantly observing the battlefield, said in a deep voice.
"Clear your minds, you only need to do one thing: pull the trigger at that pile of bugs, and don't stop."
"Roar!!!"
The Tyranid Hive Tyrant's psychic roar echoed across the entire battlefield.
Even with the protection of their armor, the soldiers in the position felt a dull ache in their ears.
"They are everywhere!"
"Then fire everywhere!"
The roar of gunfire and the hissing of the tyranids combined to form a symphony of death.
The arrival of the Tyranid Hive Tyrant changed the battlefield situation.
The tyranids, which had been in a stalemate with the Universal Union's position and unable to break through the firepower net, began to employ various tactics such as splitting, outflanking, and burrowing.
They attempted to find any tiny loophole in the Universal Union's defense and then expand it.
In addition, along with the Tyranid Hive Tyrant, a large number of Tyranid siege units also arrived.
biovores began to scatter wandering Spore Mines in the air and drove them towards the Universal Union's position.
Poison Smoke Beasts sprayed out thick, poisonous smoke that blotted out the sky, attempting to provide cover for the charging Tyranid.
Plasma Gun Worms set up the giant living Plasma cannons on their backs and fired death shells from extreme distances.
Besides these, Haruspex, Ravener, and Termagant Broodmother—
All sorts of powerful Tyranid were changing the tide of the battle under the command of the Tyranid Hive Tyrant.
Inside the Steel Fortress.
Liu Peiqiang, clad in armor, gripped the trigger tightly, not daring to show the slightest slack.
Beside him, soldiers from the UEG, ICA, United Government, Earth Government, and other worlds were unleashing firepower upon the charging Tyranid.
Under the cover of thick green poisonous smoke, Tyranid were constantly breaking through the firepower net formed by the KV128 Stormsurge Battlesuit, tanks, and artillery units in the rear.
First, a massive number of Hormagaunt and Gun Worms.
Then came the strong Tyranid Warriors.
Followed by living biological tanks like the Haruspex.
Some Hormagaunt had already bypassed numerous obstacles and charged to the front of the Steel Fortress, leaving deep claw marks on the fortress with their chitinous claws.
The acid bullets from the Tyranid Gun Worms were also corroding the Steel Fortress's armor.
This was a gamble.
Would the tyranids run out of troops first?
Or would the Universal Union's position hold firm?
In the command post.
Seeing that the tyranids had successively broken through the firepower net, the Commander immediately gave the order.
"Release the Titan Mech! Let these bugs feel the wrath of the Universal Union!"
"Understood!"
The enormous support frames of the planetary engines had been reinforced by the Universal Union to house troops.
Upon receiving the order, one of these support frames began to slowly open, revealing a giant gate.
From behind the gate, five colossal Titan Mechs, each a hundred meters tall, marched out in formation.
The firepower of each Titan Mech was several, even more than a dozen, times that of a KV128 Stormsurge Battlesuit, which was only a dozen meters high.
The appearance of the Titan Mechs once again turned the tide of the battle.
In an instant, countless Tyranid were engulfed in the terrifying, earth-shaking firepower of the Titan Mechs.
Even the poisonous smoke released by the Poison Smoke Worms was completely dispersed.
The tyranids were once again exposed.
The Tyranid Hive Tyrant, or rather, the Norn-Queen commanding the forces, evidently did not expect the Universal Union to possess such terrifying Titan-class units.
For a time, the tyranids suffered heavy losses and were once again pushed back.
Seizing this opportunity, a large number of engineers immediately rushed to the front of the position under the cover of the Titan Mechs and began emergency repairs on the heavily damaged fortresses.
And the soldiers inside the fortresses finally had a moment to breathe.
"Cough, cough—"
Liu Peiqiang lowered his spike gun, opened his armor visor, and took a deep breath.
"Beep, beep, your combat stimulant reserves are low, please replenish them in time."
A crisp alert sounded from the armor.
Medics, who had also entered the bunker during the tyranids's suppression, immediately replenished the soldiers' combat stimulants.
On such an intense battlefield, combat stimulants, which enhance reaction time and concentration, could be said to be a guarantee for the soldiers' lives.
"You did very well, for a rookie facing the tyranids for the first time."
the Universal Union veteran in a 5-4 type armor beside him looked at Liu Peiqiang.
The latter had perfectly executed what he had said earlier in the battle.
"Pull the trigger, don't stop."
Liu Peiqiang, whose spirit was somewhat listless after prolonged concentration and the sudden lack of combat stimulants, was now a bit weary.
But he still forced himself to give a thumbs-up.
This was for his comrades in the fortress, and also for himself.
"Combat stimulants have been replenished, soldier."
After replacing the new combat stimulants, the medic specifically reminded Liu Peiqiang before leaving.
"Don't just inject combat stimulants; I see you haven't injected any recovery agents."
Liu Peiqiang awkwardly rubbed his head, vaguely hearing the medic's murmuring outside the fortress.
"Is this the soldier I brought out? Isn't he afraid of sudden death on the battlefield?"
After quickly injecting himself with a recovery agent, the previously listless Liu Peiqiang immediately felt much more energized.
He was almost ready to shout, "I'm back in the fight!"
Resting time is always short.
Especially when fighting the tyranids, such time is almost fleeting.
"Roar!!!"
A terrifying roar, echoing through the sky, swept towards the Universal Union's position.
"It's a Bio-Titan! Those bugs are getting desperate!"
Since the Universal Union had Titan Mechs, the tyranids chose to use Titans to counter Titans.
Several Bug Saint Titans, equipped with two giant bio-cannons, entered the battlefield.
Their massive claws stomped on the ground, and even the soldiers in the fortress could clearly feel the earth shaking.
"Boom! Boom!"
Several green corrosive light orbs arced through the air and slammed into the Universal Union's position.
Instantly, two KV128 Stormsurge Battlesuits were engulfed by the corrosive poison.
Their pilots, along with the mechs, were immediately corroded away.
"Damn it, kill these bugs for me!"
Seeing this, the Titan Mech pilots immediately became enraged.
Under the Commander's order, they all turned their cannons and aimed them at the Bug Saints.
They had to deal with these Bug Saints in a short amount of time.
Otherwise, the Universal Union's position would eventually be overwhelmed by the bio-cannons.
The monumental battle between Titan units thus erupted.
Particle cannons and Plasma collision cannons fired continuously, the firepower of the Titan Mechs was enough to tear through the thick chitinous armor covering the Bug Saints, making blood splatter.
"Hiss, roar!!!"
From the Bug Saint Titan's wounds, a large amount of highly toxic smoke immediately dispersed.
This poisonous smoke could both provide cover for the Bug Saint and rapidly repair the immense damage it sustained.
"Hmph, trying to escape? Give me a full bombardment!"
Since the Bug Saints chose to hide behind the poisonous smoke, the Titan Mech pilots chose to directly cover all areas permeated by the poisonous smoke with their firepower.
Until the Bug Saints were forced out.