Chapter 58: "Aggressive Strategy"

The first space gate opened on June 5, 1993, and the second one on July 23, 1994. As of today, September 7, 1995, 825 days have passed, equivalent to two years and three months.

Over these two years, not only has Atlas undergone drastic changes, but even Zero One Earth, which should have been gradually recovering from the Mimic threat under the guidance of the United Nations and the United Defense Force (UDF), has plunged into deeper chaos, teetering on the brink of world war.

Dalton Brigham, the UDF's European commander—the British general who stripped Major William Cage of his rank and threw him into the recruit camp in *Edge of Tomorrow*—was brought before a military tribunal by the United Nations for charges of corruption and abuse of power during the Human-Mimic War.

Despite Brigham's vigorous defense, it was to no avail, as the authorities only needed a figurehead and an incident to justify the upcoming large-scale disarmament.

The disarmament, while reducing fiscal expenditure, greatly exacerbated the situation in Europe. Aside from the UK, 70% of infrastructure and buildings were destroyed, and millions of unemployed soldiers flooded into civilian society, further intensifying the chaos.

Moreover, without the common enemy of the Mimics and compounded by widespread public discontent, Zero One Earth found itself in an even more chaotic state than before the war.

However, the Atlas branch in Zero One France managed to rebuild Paris, taking in large numbers of refugees from former France and Germany.

They employed nearly two thousand laid-off UDF soldiers, who had extensive combat experience, under contracts slightly above market rates. These soldiers became the main force maintaining order and stability for the branch.

As conflicts on Zero One Earth escalated, New Paris instead began to resemble a peaceful haven.

On the other hand, Atlas, using detailed data stored at the RDA's Hell's Gate base, acquired a wealth of advanced technology.

For example, in the underground production facility of the Accra complex, spider-like robots—formally known as Hexbots or "Swarm Assemblers"—were constantly on the move. These robots had strong mobility, a biomimetic structure that allowed them to climb vertically into every corner, and were capable of welding, transporting, manufacturing, and maintenance tasks. In *Avatar 2*, it was shown that a sufficient number of Hexbots could complete the construction of a building within six days.

This was indeed the case. The rapid expansion of the Accra complex and the comprehensive upgrade of the production lines at Atlas were largely thanks to these Hexbots.

Although the timeline of Samuel Young's opening of the second space gate is set during *Avatar 1*, the Adventure Star's landing pod, which is now part of Atlas' assets, housed many prototype Hexbots. Additionally, Hell's Gate's light industrial factory contained six 3D printing lathes.

For colonizing and exploring unknown planets, heavy equipment and supplies are essential.

However, transport routes that take years cannot support colonization and exploration tasks, so the best solution is self-sufficiency through "local sourcing."

RDA's 3D printing lathes can quickly manufacture vehicle parts, weapons, robots, and building components, which can then be fed into automated assembly lines.

In addition to these, all the technologies contained within Hell's Gate and the Adventure Star have been absorbed, mastered, and utilized by Atlas.

It is estimated that early next year, the first nuclear fusion reactor independently produced by Atlas will be installed at the Accra complex, replacing traditional energy sources. However, progress on antimatter research has been slow, as humanity in Universe Zero Two is also in the early stages of development.

The current Accra complex is a large-scale integrated base for the experimentation, testing, research, and production of mechanical exoskeletons, aerial, and armored vehicles.

As the company's power continues to grow, so does the physical strength and psychic abilities of Samuel Young and his sons.

However, the rapid expansion of Atlas' power has made a direct confrontation with Vought—and by extension, with Homelander—inevitable.

Thus, upon successfully obtaining samples of Soldier Boy and Compound V, Samuel immediately instructed the Bioengineering Department to attempt reprogramming Soldier Boy's brain and develop a temporary version of Compound V.

But when investigators discovered that Vought International was secretly preparing to threaten arms dealers, including Atlas, Samuel decided to take the initiative.

Rather than researching Compound V on their own, they would "acquire" the existing data and materials.

Calling his three Primarch sons into his temporary office and displaying a holographic map of Zero One Earth was part of his plan to further enhance their power.

At this moment.

Samuel focused his gaze on Robert and asked in a deep voice, "Robert, the company is about to fully intervene in the situation on Zero One Earth. Where do you think we should start?"

Robert considered the holographic map for a few seconds before looking at Samuel and offering his opinion: "The situation in Europe on Zero One Earth is already beyond repair, with countless refugees. The slow approach of infiltration is outdated.

First, we now have cutting-edge technologies like the Swarm Assemblers (Hexbots) and 3D printing, which have exponentially increased the efficiency of the Engineering Department compared to last year.

Second, we possess weapons and equipment superior to the UDF's, and the retired soldiers, who bear resentment toward the UDF, are the best recruits the company can immediately utilize.

Therefore, I believe the company should adopt an aggressive strategy. While replicating the New Paris reconstruction in Zero One Europe, we should also recruit soldiers quickly and take control of Zero One Europe as soon as possible.

During this time, we can try negotiating with the UDF and the United Nations, then deploy aerial vehicles to capture or eliminate the most resistant generals and officials during negotiations to intimidate the UDF."

"Mm... mm... Not bad."

Samuel nodded approvingly after hearing the analysis without any objections. "Your suggestion suits the situation on Zero One Earth. Very well, you will be appointed Chief Military Officer (CMO) of Atlas' Zero One division, responsible for stabilizing the situation in Zero One Europe and eventually all of Zero One Earth. How does that sound?"

This statement surprised not only Robert but also Saint Gilles and Leon.

"What? You don't want to?" Samuel asked with a slight smile.

"No." Robert hurriedly shook his head. "I just didn't expect Father to assign me such a responsibility so soon."

Samuel placed his left hand on Robert's shoulder and said earnestly, "Saint Gilles needs to stay in the main universe to deal with Homelander, Leon is still young, and with the third space gate about to open, I can't attend to the affairs of Zero One Earth.

But you, my son, are the most suitable candidate. Besides, this is a great opportunity for you to familiarize yourself with the company's operations and management."

"I understand, Father!"

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