Chapter 159

The US carrier fleet was heading directly for the Japanese mainland.

“The United States has made up its mind.”

Kang Yuseong’s tone was chilling.

Even after witnessing China’s collapse, they were still making their move.

Kang Yuseong immediately grasped the implications of the situation.

‘Their calculations are complete. Dirty bastards.’

The great powers’ ambitions for the Korean Peninsula, the Japanese Federal Government, and the Chinese Provisional Control Government were beginning to surface.

The United States was never acting alone.

They must have cunningly and shrewdly finalized their plans, just as they had in the past.

From the looks of it, a deal seemed to have been struck: the US would take Japanese territory, while Russia or the European Union would move into China.

“What about the European side?”

At Kang Yuseong’s words, the satellite displayed the European region.

Though the Middle East stood as an intermediate zone, there was a very high probability that the powerful European Union would forcibly open a path.

“Not yet. However, our military is also keeping a close eye on that area, preparing for a potential invasion.”

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff replied.

“Keep a constant watch. They will surely come.”

In truth, the immediate threat wasn’t the United States.

Rather, they were merely a decoy to divert attention.

Kang Yuseong had already discerned that the European Union’s attack was the real threat.

Elizabeth III was a queen with such mettle and charisma.

“What about the Dongfeng missiles?”

Dongfeng.

In fact, while dismantling China, the Republic of Korea government’s most crucial objective had been to secure the Dongfeng Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).

Nuclear missile bases were scattered across China, and securing them was a far more difficult task than anticipated.

However, guild masters, veteran Hunters, and operatives from the Special Warfare Command—the nation’s most elite forces—were currently engaged in this operation.

“We have already secured three Dongfeng launch sites. Fierce engagements are occurring at other bases, and we understand that control has not yet been fully established.”

Kang Yuseong nodded.

Even securing three was a significant achievement.

It was expected that the remaining nuclear missile bases, currently embroiled in intense battles, would soon be secured.

The problem was the Black Wind Unit.

With Wang Hao-ping’s death, their overt movements had ceased entirely, but their formidable power had not vanished.

It was highly probable that, true to their nature, they were hidden somewhere, biding their time.

“We need to ensure the Dongfeng missiles are fully secured, Mr. President.”

The President furrowed his brow at that.

He understood the implications of those words.

“Dongfeng… do you foresee a situation where we might have to use them?”

Kang Yuseong nodded.

“Yes. Given the current circumstances, the probability is very high. If such a situation arises, the primary target will be the Alaska Missile Defense Base in the United States, and…”

The Dongfeng missiles possessed by China were precisely aimed at Alaska in the United States.

If they neutralized the Alaska Missile Defense Base first, the US would then have to defend against missiles launched from the mainland, which would place an immense burden on them.

Kang Yuseong was well aware of this.

It was the only way to repel a US attack.

If they diverted troops to block the American invasion, they wouldn’t be able to withstand an attack from the European Union invading from the west.

It would be better to strike the United States, even if it meant sacrificing Japan.

However, since a nuclear retaliation from the US was obvious, they intended to keep it as a last resort.

But if a Dongfeng missile was launched, it would never be just one.

Kang Yuseong intended to unleash all the Dongfeng missiles on the US mainland.

Incoming nuclear missiles would have to be intercepted by Hongqi interceptor missiles.

Regardless, that was a matter for later.

For now, securing control of the Dongfeng missiles was crucial, as was stopping the carrier fleet approaching Japan.

Kang Yuseong continued.

“One will be used… to annihilate the US carrier.”

“…!”

At his words, everyone in the situation room wore expressions of shock.

“N-no… Commander Kang Yuseong. That would…”

Even the President looked astonished, staring at Kang Yuseong.

A gulp.

Even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, known for his hawkish tendencies, could only swallow dryly, unable to utter a single word.

“If we do that… it could lead to a world war…”

Someone among the staff murmured.

But Kang Yuseong coldly swept his gaze across the room.

“Come to your senses. We are at a crossroads, facing life or death. We have subjugated China and Japan, expanding our territory, but the crisis of survival still persists. In such a situation, do we have the luxury to think otherwise?”

“Uhm…!”

“War has already begun. Even if we don’t respond, they will ravage, plunder, and seize the Korean Peninsula. Our children and mothers will die miserably, and blood will flow like a river across this land. Is there any reason to hesitate? We possess power, and I intend to wield it where it is most needed. Against the enemies who threaten our land and our lives.”

Enemies.

The United States, which had been a strong ally of the Republic of Korea until now, had become an enemy nation.

Though the unfamiliar reality made the staff shudder, they gradually began to nod.

What had happened until now was no dream.

The Republic of Korea.

That weak and vulnerable nation had risen up, toppled Japan, then subjugated North Korea, and even swallowed China.

It had become a great power.

Yet, looking back at themselves, yielding to fear in such a situation, felt pathetic.

The world order had already collapsed due to the Mega Shock, and now only the simple law of the jungle applied.

In such circumstances, was there any room to show mercy to an enemy?

Kang Yuseong’s words conveyed precisely that.

“With our power.”

The President, who had been listening silently, spoke.

“Let’s stop them. Whatever the means.”

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff nodded gravely.

“I agree. We cannot simply… stand by, can we?”

“I agree as well. After all the opportunities we’ve seized… I will not back down.”

“Me too! Just give the order!”

The atmosphere in the situation room shifted.

“Are there any Dongfeng missiles ready?”

At Kang Yuseong’s words, the Strategic Planning Officer nodded.

“Yes, we have three Dongfeng missiles whose launch codes have already been secured.”

Kang Yuseong nodded.

“Good. Prepare one for launch towards the Pacific. And aim two at the Alaska Missile Defense Base, standing by.”

“Yes, I will issue the command.”

“What about securing China’s missile defense system?”

“The Hongqi missiles were secured relatively easily. They are capable of intercepting intercontinental ballistic missiles. Their range covers the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea.”

The Hongqi interceptor missiles were designed to intercept US intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Hongqi missiles had continuously evolved, significantly expanding their effective range. Calculations indicated they could cover the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea.

Unfortunately, the Japanese mainland was excluded, but that was unavoidable.

“And I will cross over to America.”

“What? You, Commander?”

Kang Yuseong gave a cold smile.

“Since they’ve provoked us, we must make them pay the price. I will shatter their heart.”

“Are you targeting the White House?”

Kang Yuseong shook his head.

“No. In a situation like this, there’s a more critical target.”

After the Mega Shock, a significant portion of America’s power had shifted from the White House to other entities.

As a military superpower, often called the ‘Empire of Heaven,’ it was inconceivable that no one within their ranks would have seized the opportunity.

The military-industrial complex.

And there was a place that received their direct orders.

“The Pentagon. I will strike there.”

If the White House was the head, the Pentagon was the heart.

Kang Yuseong intended not to blow off the head, but to rip out its heart.

To ensure they could never recover.

“The Penta…gon!”

The room stirred once more.

If that place fell, the current United States would suffer a devastating blow.

“After I depart with my unit, please closely monitor the European Union’s movements. They will surely launch an attack.”

“Understood.”

“Hmph, it’s so complicated… At least we have Commander Kang Yuseong.”

Kang Yuseong offered a slight smile.

“Then, I’ll leave the rest to you.”

“Don’t worry. I will coordinate with the various guild masters to ensure they can never set foot on the Korean Peninsula.”

The situation room buzzed with activity once more.

Kang Yuseong observed them, then turned to leave.

The biggest challenge in repelling the US invasion was time.

The European Union would undoubtedly launch their attack after some time, once the US invasion had begun.

Because they would have the luxury of time.

There was only one chance to turn the tables.

Annihilate the US carrier fleet in a single strike, destroy the Alaska Missile Defense Base, and simultaneously seize the Pentagon.

If the Alaska Missile Defense Base disappeared, the Dongfeng missiles could immediately fly towards the US mainland, and the pressure they would feel would be unimaginable.

Furthermore, if the Pentagon fell, the command structure would collapse entirely, and the United States would no longer be able to sustain the war.

While variables like state militias or nuclear submarines, whose captains held direct authority to launch nuclear missiles, existed, those were issues to address when they arose.

For now, they first needed to halt the enemy’s advance, and quickly infiltrate the United States.

And the method had already formed in Kang Yuseong’s mind.

* * * * *

“Move it! We need to hurry if we want to take off in an hour!”

“Hey, be careful there! Do you have any idea how much that’s worth if it breaks?”

Seongnam Airbase, Republic of Korea.

This was an air force base, but now it was a logistics hub for exports, lined with Star Pharmaceuticals’ private jets, shipping medications, including enhancers, to various countries.

The United States was, of course, among the recipient nations.

This meant the plane could enter the US without issue.

Moreover, Kang Yuseong had purchased a state-of-the-art aircraft, and its speed was exceptional.

It was a significant difference from commercial passenger planes.

The flight to Virginia, home of the Pentagon, would take approximately 10 hours.

Among the numerous boxes filled with medicine, there were dozens of specially treated boxes.

They were coated with a special material that rendered them undetectable by scans.

And naturally, inside those boxes, Kang Yuseong and his Stardust operatives were hidden.

The US would never anticipate this operation.

Because it was wartime, medications like enhancers and Healing Potions needed to be continuously supplied. Therefore, they had neither the justification nor the will to halt Star Pharmaceuticals’ flights.

*Thump.*

“Star One, requesting flight clearance.”

“Clearance granted.”

*Vrooom—*

Star One, packed tightly with medical supplies, slowly began to taxi down the runway.

*Whoosh!*

And then, in an instant, it spat fire and soared high into the sky.

The United States.

It was its destination.