"The Space Necron Dynasty currently has four awakened planets: Donetsk III, Azov V, Azov VII, and Zaporozhye IX," Alex explained to the Expeditionary Force's high command in the conference room, pointing to a large projection of the Sub-Sector's star system. "Among them, the Zaporozhye system already has an Imperial colony world, a mining world, which primarily extracts mineral resources to provide raw materials for the industrial production of the Rostov Sub-Sector.
This makes the strategic position of Zaporozhye IX particularly important. Although it's unclear why the xenos on Zaporozhye IX haven't attacked this colony world, we cannot leave it unchecked."
Seeing that others were listening intently, Alex continued, "The other three planets are located in the Donetsk system and the Azov system. Among them, Donetsk III is the core world of this Space Necron Dynasty and the focus of our current offensive.
According to intelligence, Donetsk III is one of the core worlds of the Space Necron Dynasty we are facing, and the other three awakened planets around it are all his territory.
If we can successfully capture this planet, it will greatly weaken their overall combat capability and may even lead to the collapse of the defense systems of the other planets."
"Commander Alex, why are we heading directly for the heavily defended core world of the xenos instead of first eliminating the other three peripheral worlds?" the Star Realm Army Lord General asked curiously.
He didn't object to the decision; he was just curious why Alex chose this approach.
After all, from a conventional tactical perspective, weakening the enemy's outer forces first and then concentrating forces to attack the core seems to be a more stable choice.
Alex nodded and replied, "This is a reasonable question. However, according to our intelligence analysis, the Space Necron Dynasty possesses a teleportation technology that can open warp gates between two different worlds to transport armies.
If we attack the peripheral worlds first, although we can weaken some of their forces, the core world will still be able to quickly mobilize resources for a counterattack, and can even send troops to support the peripheral worlds through the warp gates.
Therefore, although striking the core world directly carries greater risk, once successful, it will completely dismantle their defense system, laying the foundation for our subsequent actions."
The Star Realm Army Lord General nodded thoughtfully, clearly agreeing with Alex's explanation.
Other high-ranking Commanders also began to discuss in low voices, further evaluating the feasibility and risks of this strategy.
After briefly introducing his strategic thinking, Alex continued, "The Expeditionary Force currently does not have a numerical advantage. Only a swift and effective offensive, seizing the enemy's strategic strongholds, and establishing a strategic advantage, is the key to our victory.
The Space Necron's living metal self-repair capability is quite exaggerated; if we get dragged into a war of attrition or a prolonged stalemate, it will lead to terrifying casualties for the Imperial army.
Although we do not fear casualties, and our soldiers are not afraid to sacrifice for the Emperor, every life is the Emperor's currency, and we should use them in a more valuable way."
"For the Emperor!" the Cardinal Bishop of the Ecclesiarchy performed an Aquila sign, shouting the slogan while also asking Alex, "So are we heading directly for Donetsk III?"
"No, although I've decided to directly attack the enemy's core world, I still need a bit of strategy," Alex said, looking at everyone and smiling confidently, then began to explain his plan: "Currently, the Expeditionary Force is divided into four strike groups. The First Strike Group consists of two hundred Astartes Monks, one thousand Battle Sisters, fifty thousand Astra Militarum, one hundred Imperial Knights, and two hundred thousand Holy War Army.
Your mission is to launch an attack on Zaporozhye IX, diverting the enemy's attention and drawing a portion of the enemy forces out of Donetsk III.
The enemy's various worlds are connected by warp gates, so the speed of enemy troop deployment far exceeds any Imperial enemy we have encountered before.
It is precisely because of this that we must attack the enemy's core world, as this will prevent us from being struck by superior enemy forces when attacking other planets.
And now, the core element of this strategy is that the First Strike Group needs to attract the enemy's attention, shifting their forces, and creating an opportunity for the main force's attack on Donetsk III."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over every Commander present, ensuring everyone understood his intent: "The First Strike Group's actions must be swift and decisive. Your mission is to create enough pressure to force the enemy to divide their forces to support Zaporozhye IX.
As a peripheral world of the Space Necron Dynasty, Zaporozhye IX, although relatively weakly defended, its strategic significance lies in its ability to tie down the enemy's attention.
Your attack must be fierce and sustained, making the enemy mistakenly believe that this is our main direction of attack, thereby mobilizing their forces."
"At the same time, the Second, Third, and Fourth Strike Groups will launch surprise attacks on Donetsk III from different directions, utilizing the opportunity of the enemy's dispersed forces to break through their core defenses in one fell swoop," Alex continued, his tone firm and unquestionable: "Remember, our goal is a quick victory, to avoid getting bogged down in a prolonged war."
Alex's voice was deep and powerful, every word striking the hearts of the Commanders: "The Space Necron's living metal repair capability and troop deployment speed far exceed our imagination; any delay could make us pay a heavy price! We must achieve our objective with lightning speed, giving the enemy no chance to breathe!"
At this point, Alex looked at the Star Realm Army Lord General, who was in charge of the First Strike Group. The Star Realm Army Lord General straightened his body, his gaze firm as he looked back at Alex, clearly ready to meet the challenge.
"This is a daunting task, but please rest assured and leave it to me! I will not fail the God-Emperor's expectations!" The Star Realm Army Lord General clenched his fist and struck his chest once, then loudly made his promise. His voice echoed through the conference room, carrying an undeniable resolve.
The others also looked at Alex with fanatic eyes, awaiting his command. Their eyes burned with loyalty to the Emperor and a thirst for victory, as if they could already see the enemy's defeat.
Seeing this, Alex also straightened up again, cleared his throat, and said, "By the authority granted to me by the God-Emperor, I declare the Expeditionary Force's offensive has begun!"
Alex's voice resonated through the entire conference room like a great bell, carrying unquestionable authority.
As his command was given, the entire Expeditionary Force, like a precise war machine, began to operate rapidly.
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