Counterfeit Hero

Tian Xingjian uttered an astonished "oh" and asked, "Besides them, who else is there?"

Nia replied, "There's also former Gazalin Empire Admirals Gordon and Hailig. Relying on their trusted aides and the influence they've accumulated, they've raised a force under the banner of Prince George, maintaining a balance on both sides."

Fatty pondered deeply, nodded, and listened as Nia continued, "The domestic Supreme Command Department has now issued orders: once you're found, you're to lead the two mecha groups remaining in Mezrich and join the Freedom Front to open up a battlefield behind enemy lines. You decide who to fight and how to fight. Anyway, we can't return home."

During the conversation, the mecha team had already descended along a mountain ridge and entered a canyon in the mountains.

The canyon was deep and quiet; the surrounding trees, affected by altitude, transitioned from single gigantic shrubbery to diverse giant forests. Even in the withering winter, the towering canopies densely covered the sky above, making the entire canyon particularly hidden.

Trekking along a meandering stream, the giant feet of the mecha stepped in shallow water with a splashing sound. The group trudged through the quiet atmosphere; as they got closer to the encampment, the guards became stricter. Along the way, Fatty spotted at least ten visible and hidden sentries. After another half-hour of climbing a towering waterfall, they finally reached the place where the two Federation mecha groups were stationed.

This was a flat area in the valley centered by a small lake, surrounded by towering mountains and dense forests, providing excellent concealment for the encampment. On both sides of the lake, apart from the stretch of tents, it was filled with Federation military mechas — [Warrior] series Single Soldier Mechas, [Antenna] electronic mechas, [Anger] heavy mechas, and [Honor] series medium-sized mechas. Yet, in the center of both camps, there were dozens of human-shaped mechas Fatty had never seen before.

Witnessing Fatty and his mecha team appearing before the camp, all commanders from the two mecha groups, having already received the notification, came forward under the escort of several guard mechas.

Tian Xingjian fixed his gaze, and leading at the front was none other than his old partner from the Sixteenth Division, Rashid. Behind him, Torick and a group of warriors who had followed him in rescuing POWs were already adorned with officer insignia, eagerly watching this side.

And the burly man standing next to Rashid was also an old acquaintance — Stewart, the former Fierce Tiger Special Camp Major who had fought alongside him in rescuing Russell in the Low Ridge Jungle.

As soon as Tian Xingjian jumped out of the haggard [Magic Beast] mecha, everyone stood at attention and saluted, "General!"

Having never received such treatment from childhood until now, Fatty was heartened by the salutes but instinctively adopted the demeanor of a hardened soldier, graciously returning the salute and saying, "Brotherhood, there's no need for formalities, haha." His pride was fully revealed by his laughter.

The old brothers who had followed him through life and death knew his temperament and saw him as a general yet unchanged in demeanor. They exchanged smiles, relaxed, and gathered around him.

Rashid was the most intense; after saluting, he suddenly stepped forward and unceremoniously punched Fatty, exclaiming excitedly, "You rascal, how many lives do you have? You've taken all the credit, now I have to call you sir."

Everyone burst into laughter; only Nia felt sorry for Fatty, glaring at Rashid angrily for his heavy-handedness.

This time, two special forces groups were led by the newly appointed Captains Rashid and Stewart. Since initially staying behind to find traces of Tian Xingjian, after the Desic Empire's surprise attack, these groups couldn't return home. Hence, they lingered in Mezrich, established contact with the Freedom Front, and their daily mission was to dispatch teams for search and rescue.

The search and rescue progress was not smooth. In the vast mountainous areas, relying on the battle recording video scenes and clues from the Mixed Army to find where Fatty initially jumped off a cliff was exceedingly difficult. Later, a search team was discovered, leading to the Desic Empire Army's encirclement.

After several battles, the two special forces groups finally shook off the enemy's pursuit, retreated into the mountain jungles, and found this naturally hidden valley to camp. Even while remaining secluded and minimizing activities, this area was still unsafe; several reconnaissance aircraft circled overhead daily.

But the search couldn't stop. During Nia's participation in a search team, they encountered the Desic Empire Mecha Army executing a blockade nearby. If not for Fatty's timely appearance, it could have been disastrous.

Having been holed up in this place for over two months to maintain secrecy was truly torturous. Now seeing Tian Xingjian return, the impatient Stewart couldn't help but say, "General, we can't go home now. Food, water, weapons, and ammunition can't be solved in this mountain valley. What's the next step? The Command Department wants us to follow your lead, so you better decide."

Tian Xingjian was about to respond when suddenly a soldier came running, reporting to Rashid, "Captain, electronic communications squad reports that at around 11 a.m. today, two armored groups from the Desic Empire, joined by a group from the Gazalin Mythical Army, suddenly attacked the Freedom Front base. They have now occupied the base, causing heavy casualties among the Freedom Front, with their main force beginning to move into the mountains…."