Empire Conquest

Chapter 523 - 519: Reinventing the Wheel

Should we continue to attack Transfer Island, or give up in a timely manner?

This time, Bai Zhizhan did not trouble Zhou Yongtao and his staff with this difficult question, instead keeping it to himself.

On the night of August 1, after receiving a telegram from Liu Changxun, Bai Zhizhan locked himself in the Commander’s cabin.

Li Mingbo was very aware that this was an extremely difficult decision.

The situation was quite clear, if they continued to fiercely attack Transfer Island, the Tiaoman army would likely lose Malta, then lose the already occupied North Xuan area. The Bulan Royal Navy, having recaptured Malta, would take back control of the maritime dominance in the Land Heart Sea.

The result would be a return to the situation at the beginning of the year, rendering all efforts of the past half-year wasted.

More importantly, after reopening the Land Heart Sea route, the Bulan Royal Navy would inevitably reinforce the Fan Flame Ocean, strengthening the defences of Jibu Fortress.

Even if the Empire’s Navy still advanced to Boss Bay according to plan, and controlled the oil fields there, it might not necessarily be able to transport the produced oil back to the homeland.

At the very least, a battle would still need to be fought in the Mua Sea.

Furthermore, the situation on the battlefield of the Giant Continent would also become even worse. As there was no longer a need to worry about threats from the west, the Luosha Federation would inevitably place heavy troops on the east side, launching a reprisal from Leaf Castle, posing a threat to the supply lines of the Empire’s Army and deterring the Empire’s Army from rashly advancing westward.

At this stage, the operation to attack Baku would inevitably end in failure, at least it could not be completed on time.

By the end of the year, not next year, the Empire would face a shortage of fuel.

In fact, both Raleigh and Luosha would have already been doomed before this.

According to the latest statistical data, the oil reserves of the Raleigh Kingdom would last until the end of November at most, after which all oil-burning equipment would have to stop operating.

If the Tiaoman Empire were willing to provide aid, they could hold on for a few more months.

But the problem was, the Tiaoman Empire might not provide aid.

Even if the Ter Republic could offer some help, the oil transported by land would be too little too late, definitely insufficient to address the urgent need.

Additionally, even if they continued to attack Transfer Island, and managed to capture it as planned, it would not greatly aid the military situation on both the Fan Flame Ocean and the Land Heart Sea.

To put it bluntly, even having captured Transfer Island, the Empire’s Navy would still need at least a year to occupy the entire Howay Islands. To launch an attack on the Newland mainland from the Howay Islands, disregarding other issues, just the initial preparations would require at least 1 year.

Not to mention the allies, the Empire itself wouldn’t last that long!

But should we just give up?

As mentioned repeatedly before, if we give up attacking Transfer Island now, even if Bai Zhizhan isn’t blamed, it would mean that all the efforts of the past half-year had been in vain; it would also mean missing the opportunity for a decisive victory and causing the duration of the entire war to extend for more than three years.

This cost was indeed too great.

The situation was clear, there was no need for discussion, or rather, there was no need for a discussion. What was needed now was for Bai Zhizhan to make a decision.

Li Mingbo was very aware of Bai Zhizhan’s mood, so he did not disturb him nor let anyone else disturb him.

The next morning, Li Mingbo personally delivered breakfast to the Commander’s cabin.

One night was enough for Bai Zhizhan to think it over.

More accurately, it was enough for Bai Zhizhan to let go of his obsession, calmly face reality, and make the most rational decision that was also in everyone’s best interest.

After entering the Commander’s cabin, Li Mingbo was startled.

He then realized that he still did not quite understand Bai Zhizhan, or perhaps he had underestimated Bai Zhizhan.

Inside this single-person cabin, which was the largest cabin on the entire ship, the floor was covered with maps and numerous icons needed for strategic simulations.

Additionally, the floor was strewn with used draft papers.

Clearly, Bai Zhizhan had not been idle the previous night.

"You mean..."

"You came at just the right time, wait while I grab something to eat; I’m almost fainting from hunger."

Li Mingbo was at a loss for words, but still passed the meal tray to Bai Zhizhan.

However, his attention was fixed on the world map in the middle of the room.

It was a brand-new map, focused on the Empire’s homeland, covered with many shipping routes, the main ones highlighted in red ink with specific labels.

Any Navy officer could easily understand these routes and labels.

There were no doubts about Bai Zhizhan’s abilities.

Before becoming a commander, he had spent over a decade as a staff officer, managing map work and other essential staff tasks with ease.

Whatever a staff officer could do, Bai Zhizhan could do.

As Li Mingbo studied the map, Bai Zhizhan wolfed down his breakfast and still looked unsatisfied.

"How is it?"

"Do you think we can make it?" Li Mingbo looked up at Bai Zhizhan.

"Theoretically, it’s possible."

"But that’s just theoretical; realistically, there are bound to be all sorts of problems," Li Mingbo clenched his teeth, continuing, "This isn’t like last time’s raid in the Southwest Fan Flame Ocean, just a few thousand kilometers. According to your plan, after this trip, all battleships would probably need major repairs at the shipyard."

"So what?"

Li Mingbo was stunned momentarily before saying, "Can you guarantee there won’t be any mishaps during the voyage? Even a single carrier breaking down could compromise the entire operation."

"Then we’ll find a way to ensure carriers don’t break down."

"You..."

Bai Zhizhan laughed before saying, "Undoubtedly, if we draft a plan based on this idea, not to mention others, Liu Changxun definitely won’t agree. He’ll react the same way you did, thinking I’ve gone mad. However, it remains the only reason for us to leave the Transfer Island battlefield."

"You mean..."

"Is there more to eat?" As he asked, Bai Zhizhan vigorously rubbed his stomach, still unsatisfied.

Li Mingbo rolled his eyes but didn’t say more, grabbing the phone hanging beside the bed to ask the staff left on the Command Bridge to bring another breakfast from the cafeteria.

Getting more food was simple.

The Imperial Navy never skimped on food quality for officers and soldiers; it was undoubtedly the best in the world.

"Have you ever considered what the Newland Navy is truly aiming for with all these maneuvers?" Bai Zhizhan wasn’t teasing Li Mingbo; he had been busy all night and was genuinely hungry.

"What else could it be?"

Bai Zhizhan smiled ruefully, shaking his head before adding, "In other words, if you were Nizi or Spur, after the Southwest Fan Flame Ocean Battle, would you still consider the Bulan Kingdom a trustworthy ally and risk or sacrifice your interests for them?"

Li Mingbo immediately furrowed his brow.

Clearly, this was a pertinent question.

In the Southwest Fan Flame Ocean Battle, the "Fenjin" took severe damage and almost sank; fundamentally, the responsibility lay with the Bulan Royal Navy.

Setting aside whether victory was possible, if "Fenjin" hadn’t been gravely damaged, the Newland Navy’s situation would not have been so dire.

Interestingly, the Bulan Kingdom shifted the blame to the Newland Navy and even demanded that the Newland Federation compensate them for their losses.

"Let’s temporarily assume that’s not established; then what’s the point of the Newland Navy sending a fleet to the Land Heart Sea?"

Li Mingbo’s expression was somber as he pondered this question; during this, the duty communications officer delivered an extra-large breakfast.