From Cannon Fodder to Star Conqueror

Chapter 2: Catastrophic Beginning

After multiple attempts to "wake up" or "log out of the game," Amber finally gave up.

He had really transmigrated.

And worse, he was now on this awkward planet at such a perilous time.

Amber began to contemplate how he was going to survive this catastrophic opening.

The other young federal officers in the armored personnel carrier, chatting and laughing among themselves, clearly had no intention of "socializing" with him. The situation—similar to being ostracized—didn't bother Amber. Instead, it provided him a quiet environment to focus on survival strategies.

After all, apart from his knowledge of future events, he hadn't discovered any other "cheat code" to rely on.

But as a seasoned Starry Sky player, Amber knew almost everything about this universe. At this moment, he felt like a prophet who had "opened the heavenly eye."

He could accurately predict that the Empire's expedition fleet would warp into the system three galactic standard days later, at precisely 3:42 PM—Robert IV's local time of 11:00 PM. They would disguise their approach using decoy cargo ships' signal beacons.

Following the sneak attack and total annihilation of the defense fleet, the Empire would seize control of the orbital spaceport and elevator. Then, drop pods carrying their invasion forces would rain down on key military positions like hail.

By 5:42 AM local time, the first Imperial orbital paratrooper would step onto Robert IV's soil.

Amber had seen these historical records and military data countless times in war museums.

The problem was, knowing this information ahead of time only made him more anxious.

The fall of the defense fleet and the Empire's landing were inevitable. Even if Amber were to write a warning report and submit it, the absurdity of its content would, at best, attract military attention. But there was no chance they'd raise their alert level based on the claims of a young officer with no background.

After all, while the Star Dragon Empire was the Federation's mortal enemy, both sides had lived in peace for 80 years since the last treaty. On the surface, relations were still cordial.

Instead, it was far more likely that the Special Security Bureau agents would come to "invite" him for a thorough interrogation to find out the source of his information.

"No way. If this isn't the game, I definitely can't survive their interrogation."

Amber sighed and mentally ruled out "reporting to superiors" as an option.

The remaining choices—escaping Robert IV or waging guerrilla warfare—looked equally unfeasible.

For one, he had just arrived on this planet and had no valid reason to leave. Even if he managed to steal a shuttle and escape, the planet's vigilant ground-based anti-air defenses would shoot him down immediately.

Those diligent defenses, ironically, became the Federation's last "fig leaf" after the defense fleet was destroyed. Though doomed to fail, they inflicted over 45% casualties on the Empire's descending paratroopers.

As for "fighting guerrilla warfare on Robert IV"? That was even more absurd.

Shortly after Robert IV fell, the entire star system was overrun by the Empire's fleet. Even if Amber and the other federal troops survived the initial assault, they'd have no reinforcements. In that situation, guerrilla warfare wouldn't last long.

The logistical nightmare of maintaining energy and supplies would force them to abandon their mechanized equipment. Light infantry alone could never threaten the heavily armed Imperial mechanized forces.

This wasn't some cheaply built "plywood coffin" they'd be fighting against.

The guerrilla fighters would be systematically hunted down and wiped out—just like the federal troops Amber had read about in the war museum. Those guerrillas on Robert IV had lasted only six months before their last unit was eradicated.

"So what am I supposed to do? Wave a white flag and welcome the conquerors in three days?"

Amber slumped into his seat, feeling powerless.

As the first planet attacked in this war, the Empire would never tolerate any loose ends.

Historically, the Empire refused to accept surrender from anyone with federal government or military ties on this planet. Youthful officers like Amber, who were more prone to acts of defiance or martyrdom, were the first to be executed.

"This start is truly a nightmare."

The armored personnel carrier moved quickly, giving Amber little time to think.

Just an hour and a half later, they arrived at their destination: the Yaxin Military Base.

The newly assigned officers would complete their adaptation period here while awaiting their final postings.

Yaxin was one of the largest military bases on Robert IV. It commanded much of the planet's mobile federal forces and housed the only interstellar communication center capable of contacting other planets and star systems.

Because of this, the Empire's invasion forces targeted the base heavily.

Two regiments of orbital paratroopers and their supporting mechanized units were dropped directly onto it. Additionally, a spy had infiltrated the base long before the attack.

Although the war museum didn't provide specifics, rumors and side quests within the game all pointed to this spy sabotaging the interstellar communication system at the exact moment the Empire warped into the system.

This delayed the Federation's response to the attack, creating a chain reaction that led to the fall of the entire star system.

"Maybe I can try to identify this spy or stop them from sabotaging the communication system?"

"If the attack is reported in time, and the Federation's forces can respond, perhaps the Empire's advance could be stalled?"

As he mulled over the idea, Amber followed the others off the transport and into the base hospital.

They were required to undergo their first physical examination after arriving on the planet to ensure they hadn't suffered any health issues from the prolonged space travel.

The other young officers walked ahead in groups, ignoring Amber. Wearing his expressionless, full-coverage helmet, Amber silently trailed behind them without a care.

In three days, how many of these officers would still be alive after the Imperial paratroopers landed?

The medical checkup was quick. With the help of advanced equipment, military doctors could obtain a full set of health metrics in no time.

Amber, the last in line, didn't have to wait long for his turn. The others didn't bother waiting for him and soon left the floor.

Amber stepped into the examination room, where a beautiful female military doctor sat reviewing the reports of other officers. One of her high-heeled shoes dangled playfully from her foot.

For a moment, Amber thought he noticed something strange. When her gaze swept over him, her eyes seemed to flicker unnaturally.

But he had no time to dwell on it, nor was he in the mood to pay attention to this stunning woman.

He pressed a button on the side of his helmet, and with a soft hiss of depressurizing valves, he removed it.

The moment he did so, the room was plunged into darkness with the sound of power circuits tripping.

In the brief seconds his eyes adjusted to the dark, Amber felt a faint fragrance brush past him.

A voice, carrying warm breath and a whispering tone, spoke close to his ear, making his skin crawl.

"Biometric verification complete. Welcome, Chick.

You'll need to assist me in sabotaging the communication center this time."

(End of Chapter)