Above the Galaxy-Chapter 1026 - 662: Bring Tang Fei Out to Face Death!
Undying Army. Command Ship Tianqi. ππ«πππ¨ππ―ππ πππ.ππΌπ
Shen Annan stared fixedly at the rapidly extinguishing red dots on the star map, his eyes veined with blood, appearing like a towering zombie filled with violent energy.
"Marshal, retreat now. If we donβt leave, we wonβt be able to."
"The Aus Empire has betrayed us, colluding with the Flame-Bathed Legion... we have no hope left."
"As long as the green hills last, thereβs no fear of running out of firewood, Marshal. We will escort you back... We will have another chance."
------
The numerous staff officers and guards of the General Staff urged persistently.
Because of the Aus Empireβs betrayal on the battlefield, the situation collapsed in an instant, the hundreds of thousands of troops of the Undying Army were being divided, disintegrated, and annihilated...
Now, βretreatβ is the only way out.
The only way out for these people in high positions.
The front-line soldiers didnβt even have the chance to escape, waiting for them was their bodies melting away in the fierce firepower and the endless steel jungle formed by Star Disc Battleships.
Surviving is the most extravagant thing.
"Retreat? Retreat to where?" Shen Annanβs voice was hoarse, as if a part of his vocal cords had been ripped out.
"We can retreat while fighting, return to Qi Mountain, the Military Minister there will certainly assist."
"We could also station in Sea City, establish a second line of defense..."
"Marshal, if you donβt make a decision now... itβll be too late."
------
"Do you remember what I said?" Shen Annan still stared at the real-time star battle map on the virtual screen, watching the red and green dots intertwine, collide, and disappear, and said without turning his head: "Before I left, I issued a military order to the Military Minister... As long as Luo City exists, I exist. If Luo City falls, I fall."
Everyoneβs hearts trembled.
Is this aimed at our heads?
Of course, they couldnβt forget these words, which was also why they were desperately persuading Shen Wuxiang to βleave temporarilyβ.
If the commander fled, what wrong would there be if they fled too?
But now, not only is the commander not fleeing, heβs bringing up this nonsense again... does that mean no one will have it easy?
No one dared to speak, instead quietly shifting their gaze towards an elder standing at the front.
Su Tonghe sighed lightly; as Chief of Staff of the Undying Army, it was appropriate for him to speak up.
But he also understood the marshalβs temper...
"Marshal... this defeat is not due to combat error."
Su Tonghe spoke to reveal the reason for the defeat, in hopes of resolving Shen Annanβs inner turmoil.
Everyone could see the Undying Army fought desperately, the defense was very strong.
They had tough exchanges with the bandits, both sides suffering heavy casualties.
Later, orders came from Qi Mountain for the Luo City troops to launch a full-scale attack...
They awaited reinforcements, only to find they were the bandit reinforcements.
Thatβs why they ended up in this precarious, collapsing defensive position.
Of course, he didnβt dare delve into deeper reasons... Could he say Qi Mountain had been tricked by the Aus Empire?
"Neither you, Marshal, nor Qi Mountain could have foreseen Aus Empireβs treacherous, two-faced action."
Su Tonghe continued to choose his words carefully, not daring to overly provoke this famous general of the Empire: "With the powerful fire support from the Aus Empire, our situation became extremely dire... the longer we hold on, the greater the sacrifice."
"General Li Hu made a good point earlier, as long as the green hills last, thereβs no fear of running out of firewood... Retreating is not admitting defeat, but compromising, preparing to fight again in a better state."
"We believe as long as you, the Marshal, the Military Minister, and Qi Mountain exist... victory will belong to us."
"After all, we only need to win once, while they must win continuously."
"Throughout history, where is there a general who is undefeated in every battle? Donβt you agree?"
Shen Annan remained silent.
His emotions were complicated, filled with grief, humiliation, hatred, and exhaustion, yet powerless.
He had risen through the ranks with military merit, reaching this eminent position today step by step.
What he coveted was not merely the current riches and honor but enduring renown after death...
This battle had ruined everything.
He couldnβt retreat, nor did he want to retreat.
He wished he could die in battle wrapped in horsehide.
Yet, if he died, what would happen to his brothers around him?
He knew they didnβt want to die.
As long as they can live, who would be willing to die?
The reason he couldnβt retreat was...
The Military Minister had not ordered him to retreat, so he could not retreat.
A thousand-mile horse is often found, but a talent scout not often.
He was raised single-handedly by the Military Minister, and now, facing such a great defeat... he was willing to sacrifice himself to preserve the Military Ministerβs illustrious reputation.
After all, someone had to take the blame.
"Military Minister..."
Shen Annan interrupted Su Tongheβs further persuasion, speaking up: "My decision is made..."
At that moment, he was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.
His personal phone had gone off.
He glanced at the caller ID, immediately straightened up, his face tinged with grief, and said in a voice of shame: "Military Minister, Iβm sorry, itβs my failure to command, I am willing to accept your disposition."
To first admit to the mistake, taking all the responsibility on himself, only then could he gain the leaderβs βforgivenessβ.
Sure enough, the expression of Shen Wu in the virtual image softened a bit, looking at Shen Annan with a gentle voice: "Annan, this fault is mine, blame my blind faith, for believing the deceptive individuals of the Aus Empire, leading to their betrayal."
"I harmed you, and the Undying Army, it was I who led you into the abyss of mire. You... have done exceptionally well."
"Military Minister..."
"Annan, come back. Return with your brothers. Abandon Luo City and retreat to Qi Mountain. Only the living have a chance. Once dead, you become history."
