Counterfeit Hero

"What if I want to bully him?" Hastings smiled, taking a sip of tea. He reached out and placed a piece on the most critical part of the chessboard.

"Although we’re about the same age, you are in a wheelchair." Li Cunxin didn’t even lift his eyelids, "I can make you cry within a minute. Do you believe it?"

Hastings gave a bitter smile, looked up at the time, and waved his hand, "Get out."

Li Cunxin cheerfully messed up the chessboard and stood up, striding towards the door.

As the automatic sensor door opened, he turned his head to the contemplative Hastings and said, "Your granddaughter is not bad. When will our Fatty get to hold the wedding ceremony? Whatever bride price you want, I’ll cover it!"

"Go away!"

Laughter drifted away as the automatic door closed. The room returned to silence.

Hastings quietly looked at the now chaotic chessboard in front of him, rested his head against the back of the chair, and closed his eyes.

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The news of Leray Federation Vice Admiral Tian Xingjian being attacked and his uncertain life status quickly spread throughout Chuckna.

Most of the public simply believed this to be a disguised spy attack by the Western Alliance, not caring much if the surrendering Fatty was dead or alive.

Currently, the hot topic on the streets was the news of the large-scale arrival of the Allies.

The victory in the Canglang Star landing battle and the arrival of Allied forces made all of Chuckna exuberant. Streets were meticulously cleaned, and jubilant decorations were hung in shops and by the roadside. Every pedestrian on the road seemed refreshed, feeling as if the sky was bluer and the air purer than before, invigorated throughout.

Today’s TV programs and news reports centered on the war. Now that the Alliance forces had arrived, everyone’s focus was naturally on several units from Feiyang.

Especially the renowned 31st Army from the Leefer Legion, which drew the attention of all.

As the leading figure among Feiyang’s Five Tiger Generals, Leefer’s reputation was not much smaller than that of Hastings. Numerous tales circulated about this pale-skinned Feiyang great general in the city. It’s said he revealed his military talent at twelve and graduated seventh in the Military Academy entrance exam at sixteen.

He was a born soldier among peers four or five years his senior. He was the most gifted yet the most disciplined in military talent. He never engaged in fighting or squandering, dedicating everything to learning. Whether in studies or training, he was meticulous.

By graduation, the six students who ranked above him upon entrance had been left far behind.

Thus, he earned the sole advanced opportunity from the Military Academy.

After another three years of monk-like advanced study and two years of practical cultivation, he formally joined the army. Within half a year, he led a battalion to defeat two enemy regiments, shining brilliantly in the entire campaign.

It was then that the Feiyang military recognized this young military genius. From division to army, then to army group, military region, military department, Leefer ascended smoothly through battle achievements.

However, upon encountering Hastings, things didn’t unfold as expected.

The Military God Hastings, for unknown reasons, directly suppressed him. Among the military department’s generals, Hastings was the coldest towards him.

It was said this was because Leefer paid too great a price for his victories over the years.

Notably, in his early dazzling battle, though he defeated two enemy regiments, his leading battalion suffered a loss as high as sixty percent.

This claim invited ridicule. Know this—until now, that battalion is the core of Leefer’s forces. Everyone was proud to fight alongside Leefer. And during a grand battle thirty years ago, Hastings sacrificed units far exceeding Leefer’s comparisons. Without sacrifice, there is no victory—this is the Military God’s motto!

Regardless of why Leefer was rejected by the Military God Hastings, at least now, he has unquestioningly shown his brilliance.

During the Catalonia information battle, Leefer Legion’s strict discipline and mighty combat strength drew countless awe. Reportedly, even Binart’s Judgers dared not confront the Leefer Legion head-on, instead choosing to retreat after a fierce conflict. Had they not fled swiftly, this Binart elite unit might have been left on the Evergreen Vine Star.

Leefer’s renown soared at once.

During Mikami Yuto’s raid on Canglang Star, aside from cursing their own troops for incompetence, Chuckna’s citizens idly expected the Leefer Legion’s arrival in their usual discussions.

Upon capturing this sentiment, the media snowballed the Leefer Legion infatuation among Chuckna’s populace by incessantly reporting on the Ryan Battlefield’s Leefer Legion.

Now, not only has Feiyang dispatched several ace divisions—including the mysterious Double-headed Eagle Unit—but even the 31st Army has arrived. You must know, this is the Leefer Legion’s Level 1 Forces!

This news instantly drove Chuckna to madness. Worshiping Leefer and bearing a long-standing Leefer Legion complex, citizens incessantly probed for information on the 31st Army. When they saw the TV clips of the welcoming ceremony featuring the awe-inspiring precision military appearance of the 31st Army, everyone was shocked and amazed.

Naturally, the 31st Army became the talk of the town.

Unified in their agreement, people believed such a force was unbeatable. If ever the 31st Army was completely wiped out, it would only be because it faced ten times more enemy forces!

In various ways, people expressed their amazement at the 31st Army.

Whenever discussing this army, it usually resulted in universal praise and joint accord. On TV, clips of this army assembling were saved by people and repeatedly watched. In every casual chat, individuals couldn’t help but shake their heads vigorously and exclaim in shock, as if failing to do so would betray their inner excitement.

Just as everyone lived peacefully and joyfully, waiting for the Alliance forces and Chuckna’s third batch of troops to depart for Resk, full of hope and vision for the Resk Battle, one day, people in the capital suddenly found fleets of high-end military vehicles from various countries speeding towards the Army General Hospital.

Dozens of fleets simultaneously appeared, bringing undeniable impacts on Chuckna’s traffic.

On enclosed roadsides, people stared dumbfounded at these rarely seen fleets hurrying under Mecha escort. Everyone was clueless about what was occurring.

Then, news broke that two bandit army armored divisions entered Chuckna City via the third highway, continued onto the first highway, and were collectively advancing towards the Army General Hospital. Amid this grand procession, hundreds of Transport Mecha escorted at the center like a long dragon.

What happened?

As people near the Army General Hospital congregated at the plaza in front, suddenly all TV screens on Chuckna’s streets flickered violently before turning into an identical image.

The news anchor held a microphone, glancing back at the hospital building, and spoke rapidly: "Now broadcasting emergency news. All major TV stations have just received a report: Due to the assassination attempt on Leray Lieutenant General Tian Xingjian, his bandit forces and the Feiyang 31st Army clashed violently. In three hours, the 31st Army was entirely captured and is now being escorted by bandit forces to the Army General Hospital."

The people stared blankly at the TV screen, and after a moment of silence, all of Chuckna exploded.

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. I continue writing, March’s final twelve hours, launching a last sprint for the monthly ticket ranking, requesting everyone’s support! Regardless of victory or defeat, let’s go for a bayonet fight till we’re red with effort!

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. (To be continued. To know more, please visit www.qidian.com. More Chapters available, support the author, support legitimate reading!)