Counterfeit Hero
Chapter 117: Volume 3 - 27 Pre-war Dispute

Chapter 117: Volume 3 Chapter 27 Pre-war Dispute

In the semicircular command room of the Gazalin Empire, Stephen stood respectfully behind Liebgoet. The small, thin old man before him transformed into a different person the moment he took his position to command the battle — from a genial and ordinary mentor to a decisive and ruthless general, making everyone who looked at the command post filled with awe. Stephen had followed Liebgoet for three years. He wasn’t afraid of this old man, but it was better to remain a bit respectful towards someone who could be such a powerful ally.

"Teacher, why did we let them come in through the Space Jump Port?" Stephen, though roughly understanding the reason, couldn’t help but ask for confirmation.

"Since we can’t block them, we should just let it go," Liebgoet said lightly, as if such a question didn’t even need to be answered.

"I don’t understand. Isn’t it more advantageous to occupy the Space Jump Port?" This was Stephen’s genuine thought. If he were in command, he would never voluntarily give up this position. Even if they had to give it up, he would retreat fully rather than leave some forces and create a vulnerability for the Federation Army to exploit.

Liebgoet sighed. He knew his student’s weakness, a fatal flaw rarely exposed. Even as his teacher, he took a long time to see through it. Habitually, he used a guiding tone: "No matter how formidable an intelligence department is, the only thing they can’t grasp is the whereabouts of the enemy fleet. A hundred fleets, hundreds of thousands of warships, are just a speck of dust in the universe. Since the enemy has mastered the secret Space Jump Points, they can launch attacks from there at any time. More fleets can bypass the Public Star Domain and directly strike into the heart of Galileo. In that case, what use is it to have a fleet stationed in space?"

"Yes, Teacher, I understand all that. But no matter how much the Leray Federation struggles, they still need to transport their ground forces and troops through the Space Jump Port of the Newton Star System. As long as they can’t clear this point, they can’t move. While bypassing the Public Star System could also deliver troops, it’s too risky. The supply line would be too long, hindering their assault and potentially leading to the campaign’s failure due to supply issues. Isn’t that right?" Stephen respectfully replied.

Liebgoet smiled slightly, "You need to think more long-term. Let me ask you a few questions."

Stephen bowed slightly, "Please guide me, Teacher."

Liebgoet gestured for Stephen to sit down and said slowly, "You don’t need to be so formal. This battle is your best internship opportunity. Asking more questions and thinking more will help you. What do you think of the domestic situation?"

Stephen was taken aback. He didn’t expect Liebgoet to bring this up. After thinking about it, he decisively answered, "Not good!"

Liebgoet stared at the virtual interstellar map on one side of the command post and said, "Speak according to your analysis."

Stephen said, "The Military Department is about to undergo a purge led by my father. The domestic political situation shows signs of instability. Years of war have consumed too many resources without corresponding returns. The wartime economy has reached its limit. From both an economic and political standpoint, everyone is on edge. However..." He looked at Liebgoet. Upon receiving his signal to continue, Stephen said, "The Galileo Star System is our biggest achievement taken from the Leray Federation. With this place, over twenty Resource Planets can alleviate domestic economic pressure, and Western Alliance aid will continue to increase. If we lose this place, the Empire might truly have no way out."

Liebgoet couldn’t help but laugh. This student’s flaw had surfaced again. Waving his hand, he said, "I’m not here to help you lose the Galileo Star System." Stephen lowered his head in fear, "I misspoke, Teacher. Please don’t take it to heart. What I meant..."

Liebgoet waved his hand, laughing, "You don’t need to explain; I understand. Actually, your analysis was quite good. The Gazalin Empire does indeed have problems at present, and..." He stood up, walked to the interstellar map, and pointed at the Leray Federation’s territory. "When the Empire faces this opponent, these problems will be magnified infinitely."

Stephen was very confused but held back his doubts. Liebgoet had always been thorough in his guidance, never half-explaining. As expected, Liebgoet paused and then continued, "Gazalin has been beset by internal and external troubles for years. Prolonged warfare has pushed the economy to a dangerous level. Resistance on various planets has been rising. You know this better than I do. More importantly, you shouldn’t provoke the Leray Federation at this time. Though they might be just a medium-sized power, in this region, their strength far surpasses yours. Especially since their wartime economy has fully activated, the power they can muster is beyond what the Gazalin Empire can withstand!" He looked at Stephen’s somewhat humiliated expression and continued, "Perhaps their military might is not as impressive as Gazalin’s, but they now have enough time to catch up. And with Russell siding with them, you should understand the principle of one’s gain being another’s loss."

"What do they lack? Compared to Gazalin, almost nothing! Economic strength, military command capabilities, troop resources, weaponry, technology, even domestic political stability and public morale! That’s why I say, when Gazalin faces such an opponent, the Empire’s problems will be magnified infinitely!"