Hundreds of meters in the air, the NAC flag waved.
The first ray of light scattered in the darkness of the night. The light of the dawn lit up the steel monster.
Airship (AS) Order.
The word was engraved on the polished steel surface.
It was a monster that conquered the sky. The steel chimney on its back blew out white clouds and the extended cannon barrel on the bottom fearsomely aimed straight ahead!It was a specialized electromagnetic pulse cannon designed for AS Order, known as "The Hammer of Order." It could launch bombs up to 100 kilograms in weight with a firing angle of up to -70 degrees. The fire suppression range could reach an astounding 350 kilometers!
It was the primary long distance weapon used by AS Order!
The bottom was equipped with hive-shaped "Fireball-1" launchers capable of unloading 200 rounds of missiles per minute to unleash devastating attacks on long distance ground targets while making the friendly logistic team cry and suffer. Four 12.76mm anti-air machine guns made up for deficiencies in close-range combat. Two anti-missile laser devices could intercept most missiles.
These were all the weapons on AS Order.
Due to its massive size, low mobility, and lack of protection in the air, AS Order could only provide limited firepower at a great distance from the battlefield. But aside from providing firepower, this steel monster's strength was in providing long-range transportation. As an aerial aircraft carrier, it allowed for the quick deployment of land forces.
On the danger-filled soil, no other unit flying above the clouds was suited for long-distance travel.
Power armors, kinetic skeletons, rifles, RPGs, ammunition…Countless numbers of weapons were loaded into the belly of the monster through slings to complete battle preparations.
Out of space-saving considerations, the airship was only supplied with liquid food. The nutrient supply produced in Ange Island had far superior taste and nutrients compared to the nutrient supply made out of "zombie juice" and mutant fruits from the Sixth Street.
"Be careful! You're loading combustion bombs! If you make any mistakes, I promise you'll turn into fine dust!" A supervisor with an official cap yelled at the elevator. He ordered the few slaves to load the missiles onto the sling before pressing the bell.
Following a weak electric static noise, the sling was hauled onto the airship.
At the top of the observation tower in Camp 27, Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes while observing the airship from afar.
"Why don't we use robots?"
Wang Zhaowu stood by the general. He immediately responded to the question.
"Based on what Wang Qin said… in order to prevent problems, we need to find things for the slaves to do."
Jiang Chen nodded.
It made sense.
But compared to the rapid expansion of the modern world, the apocalypse possessed technology without the ability to convert it into production. Just looking at the people manually transporting the supplies, it was hard to imagine that this was the 22nd century.
For example, with continuous supplies from MLL Island and New Malaysia District, Ange Island's robot factory could produce up to half a million robots per month. Although the housework robot's technological capabilities weren't "high," compared to the service robots from Sixth Street, it could be considered a functional toy.
But the factories on Sixth Street weren't anywhere close to producing up to half a million units.
It was the same for the Phantom Helmet.
If they didn't use 3D printing and without considering the cost, they could, at most, produce one million units per month, but the production in the modern world was twenty times that number!
At the same time, the modern world's technology couldn't produce the T-series power armor and K1 kinetic skeleton. While the production capabilities of the apocalypse were low, the process and manufacturing technology was ridiculously high.
"How are preparations for the conquering going?" Jiang Chen asked.
"We can depart at any time," Wang Zhaowu answered while standing tall.
Jiang Chen nodded again.
He was pleased with Wang Zhaowu's work and it made feel more assured about this long distance journey.
From the beginning of the year, NAC conducted spring recruitment with each division expanding from 2000 people to 5000 people. The entire NAC's force now consisted of 15,000 people which made them a substantial force in Asia.
After his return, he adjusted the deployment of the three divisions.
From the Sixth Street to Shenxiang Town, the First Division, led by Cheng Weiguo, was responsible for the defense of the entire Wanghai region. Cheng Weiguo was one of the first survivors who followed him and he became the division leader of the Fishbone base.
Jiang Chen didn't need to worry with him guarding the home base.
The Third Division was led by Zhao Gang, another survivor who followed Jiang Chen since the inception of the Fishbone base. He seldom spoke and prioritized relationships above all. Jiang Chen helped him and in return, he swore allegiance to Jiang Chen. After this adjustment, he was stationed in Jia City and guarded the southwest corridor to Wanghai as well as important trade routes to the south.
This mission was given to the Second Division.
While the 500 tons of payload wasn't small, the load associated with every individual soldier approached 200 kilograms. This included the equipment, ammunition, and supplies, not to mention the weight of the soldier.
In order to maximize its battle capabilities, the massive airship was only made up of 400 soldiers, 50 crew members and 20 logistics members. At the same time, the supplies of the steel airship were carried by non-combat blimps.
All the soldiers chosen to participate in the conquering were the elites of the Second Division. They previous participated in the mutant flood, rescued Fishbone base, attacked the city center, and were all seasoned veterans. They were equipped to their teeth with kinetic skeletons with impeccable equipment and morale.
Jiang Chen acted as the captain with Wang Zhiwu second in charge.
After the end of the conquering, the next captain and second in charge would be chosen based on their achievements in battle. At the same time, the airship would be preserved as an independent battle unit outside of the three divisions, like the Hunter Division.
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed as he watched the ascending dawn and airship in the middle of preparations. His mind was filled with mixed emotions with a curvature appearing on his mouth.
"General, please examine the soldiers." Wang Zhiwu stood firmly beside Jiang Chen.
It was the third time Jiang Chen nodded.
He turned around and faced the uniformed soldiers in the square of Camp 27 as well as their countless raised heads…
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Suddenly, his eyes widened.
He allowed the raging blood in his chest to unleash with his roar.
"Gentlemen!"
"I like war!"
Without extraneous words, without uplifting commitments, Order's curtain was brutally ripped apart.
"To bring civilization to shambles!"
"To put the shackle of order on the barbarians there!"
"To use the weapons in hand to spread the flag of NAC to the heart of the wasteland!"
Jiang Chen was met with thunderous roars as well as rifles raised high!
"War—"
