the Democratic Counterattack and the Forging of Vengeance
The victory against the Kree Empire resonated throughout the Earth-199999 solar system. Not only had he saved the planet from a second annihilation, but he had demonstrated Super-Earth's ability to defend itself. Li Wei, now a seasoned strategist, was thinking not only of defense but of offense. The rage from his past, the helplessness he had felt, was transforming into a powerful tool for action.
"Commander, Kree intelligence reports confirm the strategic withdrawal of their forces and the re-evaluation of their strategy in this sector," Aegis reported, its voice now slightly more... pleased. "Your War Credits have significantly increased, and your Commander Level is ready for a new ascent."
"Total War Credits accumulated: 6,500. Current Commander Level: Level 2. Next Level: Level 3."
"Excellent," Li Wei smiled, a rare expression on his hardened face. "It's time for the Kree to understand the true meaning of democracy. It's not just an ideal; it's an unstoppable force. And we need an army to carry it."
"Commander Level 3 unlocked. New recruitment options available: 'Elite Super-Earth Soldiers' (infantry units with advanced training) and 'Super-Earth Combat Vehicles'," Aegis projected the new options.
Li Wei didn't hesitate. "I want to recruit 200 Elite Super-Earth Soldiers. And I want the largest fleet of Super-Earth Combat Vehicles we can build. Include tanks, APCs, and aerial units."
"Confirmed. 200 Elite Super-Earth Soldiers: 10,000 War Credits. Initial Combat Vehicle Fleet: 15,000 War Credits. Current War Credits are insufficient."
Li Wei frowned. He had focused so much on the battles that he hadn't considered the large-scale economy. "Aegis, what resources do we have available in our mines on Mars and the icy moon? Can we accelerate production? Are there any nearby planets with untapped resources we can claim?"
"Resource analysis: Current mines operate at maximum capacity. However, a dwarf planet in the asteroid belt has been detected with vast deposits of rare metals and energy crystals. Its strategic location makes it ideal for a 'Resource Collection Base'. Construction cost: 2,500 War Credits."
"Build that Resource Collection Base immediately," Li Wei ordered. "And once it's operational, maximize production. We need every credit for this offensive."
The Forging of the Democratic Army
While the new base was built and resources flowed, the Super-Earth Military Academy buzzed with activity. Super-Earth Instructors dedicated themselves to training the Elite Super-Earth Soldiers, giving them discipline and combat skills that rivaled those of lower-tier Helldivers.
But they weren't the only ones. The recruits from Earth-199999, those who had answered Li Wei's call and the promise of freedom, also trained tirelessly. Their spirit was forged in the ash of their own world. They had seen what chaos had done to them, and now, armed and trained, they were ready to fight for something greater.
Li Wei spent time in the Fortress of Justice's hangar, observing the construction and deployment of the Combat Vehicles. M-105 'Liberator' tanks with dual plasma cannons. M-110 'Patriot' armored personnel carriers (APCs) capable of deploying entire squadrons. And the S-90 'Democrat' aerial attack craft, agile and heavily armed. The cold metal of the machinery was the promise of a justice that the old Lin Wei never dreamed of.
"Commander, resources are sufficient. Recruitment of 200 Elite Soldiers and construction of the initial Combat Vehicle fleet confirmed. The first class of 100 recruits from Earth-199999 has completed their training and are ready for deployment," Aegis reported with its usual efficiency.
Now, with a force of 200 Helldivers, 50 basic Super-Earth soldiers, 200 Elite Super-Earth soldiers, 100 Earth-199999 recruits, and a formidable fleet of vehicles, Li Wei had an army. An army he had forged himself, with the scars of the Snap and the hope of democracy.
The Counterattack: Assault on the Kree Base on Kepler-186f
Revenge was a dish Li Wei was willing to serve cold. Aegis had located a sizable Kree base on Kepler-186f, a habitable exoplanet several light-years away. It was a key outpost for their operations in this sector.
"Aegis, prepare a dimensional jump to Kepler-186f. Objective: Completely neutralize the Kree base and establish a new Democratic Protection Zone," Li Wei ordered, his voice vibrating with the determination that had grown within him. "We will deploy everything. It's time to bring the war to their doorstep."
The jump was massive. The Fortress of Justice appeared in orbit around Kepler-186f, a green and blue jewel in the vastness of space. But on its surface, a colossal Kree base rose, with defensive towers and assault ships patrolling the sky.
First-Person Aerial Combat:
The cockpit of my S-90 'Democrat' vibrated under my hands. The sky of Kepler-186f was an emerald green canvas, now broken by the fire of Kree cannons. Beside me, a dozen 'Democrat' ships piloted by Helldivers and Elite soldiers. Below, the Super-Earth tanks and APCs advanced in formation, their heavy weaponry roaring. This was not a desperate defense; it was an invasion. It was our invasion. "For freedom, Helldivers! For Democracy!" I shouted over the comms, my voice resonating with an authority that even surprised myself. I banked sharply to dodge a plasma burst from a Kree fighter, the hot air of the explosion licking my ship. I activated my sweep missiles, releasing a volley that turned the enemy fighter into a whirlwind of fire and metal. I felt a strange euphoria. Every Kree explosion was a discharge of the rage I had accumulated for years. This was my punishment for the oppressors. This was the price of tyranny.
Ground Assault and Speech of Just Vengeance:
Li Wei led the ground assault, directly to the heart of the Kree base. 'Liberator' tanks breached the walls with their plasma cannons, while 'Patriot' APCs deployed the Elite Soldiers, the Helldivers, and, for the first time in an assault of this magnitude, the recruits from Earth-199999, their eyes filled with a mixture of apprehension and fierce determination.
In third person: The Kree base was a labyrinth of fortifications, automated turrets, and shock troops. Kree soldiers, though surprised by the audacity of the counterattack, fought fiercely. Li Wei moved amidst the roar of explosions, coordinating assaults, his eyes scanning the battlefield, identifying weak points and key threats. Combat Engineers worked tirelessly, breaching defenses and neutralizing traps.
A gigantic Kree Assault Sentry, a ten-meter-tall war machine, opened fire on a platoon of Elite Soldiers, causing heavy casualties. Li Wei didn't hesitate. "Helldivers, concentrate fire on the Sentry! Suppressing fire! 'Liberator' tank, position and fire at its leg joints!"
As the tank fired, Li Wei, with impressive agility, charged the Sentry, using a Cluster Bomb to disable its targeting system. Then, with an incredible leap, he climbed onto the robot, opening an emergency hatch and firing directly into its energy core, disabling it. The Sentry crashed down with a deafening roar.
He stood on the smoking wreckage of the robot, his armor dented but intact. He looked at the remaining Kree soldiers, who hesitated, seeing the fury in his eyes, the resolve in his stance.
"This is the price of tyranny!" Li Wei shouted, his voice amplified and echoing throughout the base. "You come to destroy, to enslave. But Super-Earth tells you: No! No more. Freedom is defended with blood, and today, it is your blood that is spilled!"
"You, who once despised the weak, now face the fury of the oppressed! This is not just a battle; it is vengeance! The vengeance of all who suffered under your boot! DEMOCRACY has arrived on Kepler-186f, and it will not leave!"
The remaining Kree, despite their ferocity, began to retreat before Li Wei's intensity and the determination of his army. The recruits from Earth-199999 fought with unexpected ferocity, their anger for what Thanos had done to their world fueling their determination. It was an unstoppable force. The Kree base was captured, its resources secured, and its troops, captured or eliminated.
"Commander, the Kree base on Kepler-186f has been neutralized. A planet with valuable resources has been liberated from imperial control. Expansion campaign objectives: in progress." Aegis displayed the new base, illuminated with the Super-Earth symbol.
Primary Objective: Neutralize Kree Base on Kepler-186f: Completed. Reward: 5,000 War Credits. Bonus for Successful Offensive Campaign and Establishment of New Base: Reward: 2,000 War Credits.
"Total War Credits accumulated: 8,500. Current Commander Level: Level 3. Next Level: Level 4. Access to Elite Helldivers unlocked! 'Super-Earth Star Base' and 'Super-Earth Officer' recruitment also unlocked."
Li Wei, now a true Warlord of Democracy, looked at the new planet under his control. Vengeance was sweet, yes, but there was also a deep sense of justice. He had taken the freedom from his past and turned it into the hammer that struck down oppressors.
Meanwhile, in his home universe, the Lin family was on the verge of collapse. Lin Jian's businesses crumbled under a series of unexplained "accidents" and "losses," as if an invisible hand were weaving his ruin. The sporadic and increasingly disturbing news of space battles and mysterious new factions emerging on the frontiers of known space, though distant, began to sow panic in their circle of influence. Li Wei's parents, desperate to find their son and understand the chaos surrounding them, were about to take drastic measures. Lin Jian's shadow, once a protection, was now a threat.