Chapter 53: Defense, Banquet, Fallen Nobility
At that moment, outside the main urban area of Wu City, countless workers were busy constructing a massive defense line, leveraging buildings on both sides. They worked tirelessly, aided by thousands of trucks, mixers, and cement pump trucks, pouring tens of thousands of tons of high-strength concrete into molds.
These were reinforced with steel frameworks, creating a series of interconnected fortresses.
These grand and sturdy defensive structures were the Thirteenth Army's bulwark against the insect horde's expansion, set to be tested in ten days.
Qin Hu sat in the passenger seat, rolling down the window, confidence shining in his eyes:
"The entire line stretches 20 kilometers, divided into three layers. This is the outermost circle, with a main fortress every 200 meters—100 in total. They're being built simultaneously, with plans to station 15,000 troops."
"With crossfire support, even against hundreds of thousands of Black Spinal Bugs, we can hold the line."
"Five kilometers back, past the circular river, a second, shorter 10-kilometer line is being prepared. The final line is in the western district of Wu City, protecting the frontline command, spanning five kilometers."
"Even if the Empress reaches the city gates, bypassing the defense, capturing Wu City is impossible. She'd face attacks from all sides."
"Low-tier bugs lack ranged attacks, making them sitting ducks. In this defense battle, the Federation will triumph."
Qin Hu enthusiastically briefed Lin Feng and Han Yuxin, partly to boost morale.
Losing over a dozen cities overnight and 100,000 square kilometers of coastal land was a devastating blow to the Federation and humanity on Blue Star.
The low spirits needed rallying.
Strong defenses were a source of confidence.
Lin Feng and Han Yuxin, witnessing the grand scale of construction, were left speechless in awe.
They couldn't help but express their admiration.
The industrial power and organizational capacity of modern society were on full display.
Like a precision machine executing commands swiftly.
Most of the conscripted workers were refugees from coastal city suburbs, along with many Wu City residents who hadn't evacuated, totaling over a million.
They united in a common cause.
Such numbers were necessary to support these colossal constructions.
Working around the clock, they aimed to finish before the insects arrived, within six to seven days.
Lin Feng took a deep breath, realizing that if such efforts were widespread, the Federation might actually repel the insect onslaught.
As he had mentioned before, relying solely on defense was too passive. Supply lines were an issue, and the insects could bypass and strike the rear.
While taking a longer route would delay them, it rendered Wu City's defenses ineffective.
These impregnable fortifications held more symbolic than practical value.
Unless located at a strategic pass, leveraging natural terrain for defense, they were not as valuable.
Unfortunately, the Jiangnan province was flat, with vast fields and wetlands. The bugs could easily tunnel underground, bypassing to strike at Jincheng.
However, Qin Hu mentioned that the Wu City battle's strategic purpose was to cover the industrial relocation from Jincheng.
Without these defenses, the bugs would reach Jincheng's outskirts in two weeks, severely impacting the Federation's war potential.
If they could delay the bugs for a month, forcing a detour, the strategy would succeed.
Everything else was just morale-boosting propaganda.
Lin Feng quickly grasped the underlying truth but kept it to himself.
Some things were best left unspoken.
In this life-and-death crisis, only a few could truly see the situation clearly.
With this in mind, Lin Feng's initial awe faded as he looked at the determined masses, a hint of pity in his indifferent gaze.
Soon, their jeep passed two checkpoints, arriving at a remote, deserted area, stopping outside a five-star hotel.
The banquet venue was finally reached.
Lin Feng got out first, helping Han Yuxin, and they entered together.
Qin Hu handed over a beautifully green invitation:
"I need to change at your sister-in-law's. Go ahead and grab a bite."
Lin Feng accepted the invitation, bidding farewell, then turned to Han Yuxin:
"Honestly, my main reason for coming was for a good meal."
Han Yuxin chuckled, saying as they walked:
"This building is a renowned five-star hotel in Jiangnan province. The cuisine here won't disappoint; Mr. Lin can indulge."
They approached, passing security checks smoothly.
Through a revolving door, they entered a luxurious lobby, where cheerful hotel staff greeted them warmly.
Lin Feng, unaccustomed, relied on Han Yuxin's experience to navigate smoothly.
Guided by the staff, they reached the hotel's second-floor hall, already bustling with around 700 guests.
Besides elegantly dressed women, over half were men, mostly Level 7 or higher enhanced individuals, including several awakeners.
Most wore military uniforms, their ranks displayed on their epaulets. They were primarily low-ranking officers, with a few higher-ranking ones mingling with dignitaries heading upstairs.
Lin Feng glanced around, then focused on the banquet tables laden with various cuisines.
Dishes from all regions were available, leaving Lin Feng spoiled for choice.
As it was a buffet, he picked up a plate and joined the soldiers in their feast, drawing curious glances.
Someone dressed like Lin Feng shouldn't be so eager for food.
Unfazed, Lin Feng prioritized filling his stomach, uninterested in the social games at the center of the hall.
After devouring a braised pork knuckle, two grilled steaks, and plenty of lamb, Lin Feng returned to Han Yuxin, who offered a wine glass.
Lin Feng shook his head:
"No, I don't drink."
Han Yuxin smiled:
"Let's go; many guests have moved upstairs."
Lin Feng nodded, offering his arm for her to hold as they ascended the stairs.
Showing their invitation to the doorman, they passed through smoothly.
This drew puzzled and envious looks from the main hall, with a hint of regret in their eyes.
Entering the VIP area, it was noticeably quieter, lacking the lively openness below. The buffet offered light, cold dishes.
However, Lin Feng noted the abundance of seafood, now a rare delicacy as the world's coastlines were under insect control.
Seafood would become scarcer, serving as breeding grounds for the bugs.
In the hall, officials and dignitaries gathered in small groups, discussing private matters, while a symphony orchestra played soothing music.
Determined not to waste the opportunity, Lin Feng grabbed a plate, sampling each exquisite dish.
Han Yuxin, more purposeful, scanned the crowd for potential business clients, unlike her reserved demeanor downstairs.
Among the Thirteenth Army's mid-to-high-ranking officers were prominent figures Lin Feng had only seen on TV, along with major business leaders.
Lin Feng even spotted some in lavish, vintage attire, resembling ancient nobility.
Most wore indifferent expressions, their gaze towards others tinged with arrogance, making them stand out.
As Lin Feng swallowed a piece of tuna, about to inquire, Han Yuxin whispered:
"They're nobles from nearby small countries and some fleeing overseas. These nations still have monarchies, with some royal families retaining power."
"Unfortunately, lacking the Federation's strength, they fell in a day."
"They're prime clients."
"They fled with treasures!"
Han Yuxin eyed them like delectable prey:
"I'll chat with them; want to join or keep eating?"
Lin Feng, focused on his meal, indicated his resolve with some Arctic shrimp, prompting Han Yuxin to peck his cheek before leaving with champagne.
Uninterested in the nobility, Lin Feng awaited Qin Hu, hoping to meet military leaders, especially strong awakeners.
Shortly after arriving, he noticed several officers with awakening levels above Lv17.
While Lin Feng savored his meal, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl in a luxurious gown appeared beside him.
She gracefully lifted her skirt, bowing politely:
"Hello, Mr. Lin."
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