I'm the boss because I have a harem of anime characters.

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This is very simple economic geography.

Do you now understand the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative? It uses geopolitics to influence the economic development pattern, thereby enabling the economy to encompass vast territories, unite all forces that can be united, and achieve the division and encirclement of enemies.

The European Union is indeed an ally, and Qin Shan is not the kind of country that would casually use allies like the United States. However, while one should not harbor malicious intentions, one must be wary of others. The West particularly likes to emphasize that "there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests."

Very well, I'll let the scales of interest swing back and forth, forcing you to fight amongst yourselves. As long as you can't break this economic structure, we can keep playing this game forever.

Now, the internal selfishness of the European Union has led to serious consequences. Spain and Portugal, which should have served as defensive outposts, posed no effective threat to the Imperial Fleet, allowing the enemy to directly threaten the Normandy region of France and pose as if they were about to make a random landing, which greatly attracted the armed forces of the European Union.

Western Europe has always been the core region of the European Union, wielding immense influence. Now is the time for them to realize their political power. Those Western European parliamentarians who cannot leave have quickly united, sharing a common hatred and demanding that the European Union concentrate more resources on the front lines to fight the empire to the death.

The most agitated among them were the members of parliament from the British mainland. Every single one of them harbored a deep-seated hatred for the British royal family that had gone to America. If the Empire were to land on the British mainland or attack it, it would inevitably be a bloody war of reckoning. They knew very well that others could surrender, but they had no choice. Therefore, they transformed into war fanatics at the European Union meeting, roaring with bloodshot eyes that they would carry the war to the end, as if they wanted to devour all their opponents.

While other regions of the European Union did not widely agree with this, they also did not oppose it, but rather tacitly supported it. After all, in the eyes of the Empire, the European Union was a unified whole, and there was no situation where someone would attack only one side and not another. If war broke out, all personnel would be dealt with together. Therefore, in any case, at least for the time being, aid to Western Europe was still necessary.

Just as the European Parliament was making its decision, explosive news arrived: Gibraltar had fallen.

The Empire deployed airships, which, supported by dense naval main guns, withstood Gibraltar's anti-aircraft fire and reached its top. They dropped specially made 10-ton armor-piercing bunker-buster shells, targeting Gibraltar's core fortified areas. Once the mainstay firepower in these areas was destroyed, the Empire's landing fleet swarmed in and captured this important gateway to the Mediterranean.

Immediately afterwards, the Imperial Fleet ordered its engineering corps to repair the Gibraltar fortress and build a temporary port, while simultaneously sending the Imperial Fleet through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea.

This has really hit the ball in the Europa League's basket.

The Mediterranean belongs to the European Union, and no one is allowed to interfere; it is the core interest of the European Union.

But now, this ironclad rule has been broken. The Imperial Fleet has entered the Mediterranean and is threatening the rear supply lines of the Afrika Korps, something the European Union cannot tolerate under any circumstances.

"Gentlemen, we must immediately aid the Afrika Korps. Don't forget, they are our main force in land warfare, while the Empire has already committed a massive military force to the Mediterranean and Africa, making it impossible for them to launch an effective attack on Western Europe!"

This argument makes sense at first glance. After all, the empire has committed such a level of armed force, and there are limits to how many troops can be deployed. Now that the enemy's main force has appeared, it is time to engage in a decisive battle with it.

Yes, the empire has entered the Mediterranean, but at the same time they must face a desperate situation with enemies on all sides!

The advantage is mine!

However, the European Union overlooked a critical issue: while the Empire did deploy a massive force, it failed to launch amphibious landing operations at key points in the Mediterranean and North Africa. Naval forces and airships alone cannot effectively control an area; true control or occupation requires ground troops. But where was the Empire's army?

There is an engineering corps working around in Gibraltar, but it's only a division at most.

So after the massive fleet attracted the attention of the European Union, they subconsciously overlooked the Empire's army.

Meanwhile, in the empire's homeland, in ports along the Atlantic coast, landing ships were advancing towards Europe.

However, before the actual landing battle begins, a more intense preliminary landing battle is needed to attract the Europa League.

The location was chosen in Rabat, Morocco.

Section 198: Those involved are unaware of the situation, while outsiders enjoy the spectacle.

On the battlefield, depending on strategic needs, there are usually main attacks and feint attacks.

If both sides are already clear that there is only one option, then a feint attack is not very meaningful. A direct, fierce attack or a change of attack route will often have surprising effects.

In short, just as there are no fixed formations in warfare and no fixed shapes in water, in the life-or-death battlefield, do not let common sense bind you.

However, sometimes, constantly using common sense to mislead the enemy can have unexpected effects.

For example, although the European Union had already realized that the Empire was about to launch a landing operation against them, they were still quite confident that the Empire would not take action in Western Europe, or that even if the Empire did take action in Western Europe, they had enough power to ensure that the Empire would not return.

It's just a mere white horse; I'll steam it and eat it tonight!

Schneizel also took advantage of the confidence of the European Union leadership and, according to their plan, launched a landing operation in Rabat, Morocco, which at least appeared to be large-scale. A massive naval fleet approached Rabat and began preparing its firepower.

As an important coastal city in Morocco, it has many bathing beaches and beaches, which means it is very suitable for a beach landing. In addition, the Empire is making it a real feint. Only a very few high-ranking officers know the full picture of the plan. The vast majority of middle and lower-ranking officers, as well as the soldiers who are carrying out the mission, have no idea that they are actually launching a semi-feint attack.

What does this mean? The troops given to them are not enough to be the main attack, but if they really can't break through in Western Europe, then after attracting enough of the enemy's attention, they can switch to this as the main battlefield. However, that would require the army in Rabat to hold out for a while longer, and the plan would also be subject to some changes.

However, these are all acceptable costs for now. Schneizel has also made it clear that he will bear all the consequences if they fail. The Empire needs a glorious victory to stabilize the situation and gain a greater advantage for future peace.

Of course, Schneizel, or rather most of the Empire's high command, did not say it, but they were well aware that if the Central Alliance were to break off relations and take action when the European Alliance was in crisis, the occupation would immediately develop in a direction that was even more detrimental to the Empire.

After all, during the Three Kingdoms period, the most taboo thing was having a powerful neighbor eyeing the country covetously.

This situation was not originally possible. The previous Zhonglian had already entered a period of decline, but who would have thought that such a ruthless character as Qin Shan would appear, quickly resolve the internal problems of Yan Guo, stabilize the domestic situation, and then start to provide financial support to the European Union, openly and secretly taking sides, and even unleashing a world-destroying nuclear bomb.

These events all occurred in a very short period of time, so short that the Empire had no time or opportunity to adjust its strategy.

The old forces have vanished, and new forces have yet to emerge. At this critical juncture, having been struck at a vital point, the empire has no choice but to endure.

In theory, if the empire at that time had quickly ended the war with the European Union, allowing the three countries to enter a relatively balanced state, or even paid a huge price to unite with the European Union, it could have maintained the situation. However, this is in theory. The conditions for achieving the optimal solution are often harsh, so harsh that neither side is willing to believe in and cooperate with it.

The most typical example is the Xi'an Incident. If it weren't for Zhang Xueliang, Chiang Kai-shek would have continued to adhere to the strategy of resisting foreign aggression and pacifying the country, and would have fought the Red Army to the death. As for whether the Japanese would be happy, a creature prepared to be a dog wouldn't care.

But it's too late to say all this now. Even if it's a tough decision, the empire has to go through with it.

At the same time, the latest intelligence was delivered to Qin Shan, not by intelligence personnel, but by satellite.

In the surveillance footage from reconnaissance satellites, the Imperial fleet was divided into two groups, which appeared to be of similar size, except that one fleet had a larger number of landing ships. This fleet was heading towards the European Union, and if nothing unexpected happened, its final destination would be the Normandy region.

Lexington pointed to the map and said, "Admiral, based on the current data analysis, the Empire's goal is most likely to be to directly land in Western Europe and open a second front."

Qin Shan nodded, then asked, "What's the European Union's reaction?"

Saratoga replied, "There's been no reaction; at least in Western Europe, things are still peaceful and prosperous."

"This shows that our 'allies' don't really believe the Empire will land in Western Europe. In that case, send them another intelligence report saying that an Imperial fleet is moving toward Normandy. Don't say anything else."

"Yes."

At this point, Qin Shan could already predict that the European Union would most likely suffer a great loss this time. The European Union's home region had been peaceful for too long, to the point that the locals firmly believed that the European Union's army and the conscripted immigrant troops could successfully stop the Empire's military advance outside their homeland. Previously, when provincial officials from the Central Union went to Western Europe to look for project cooperation, they were invited to visit the Atlantic Wall project. The level of secrecy was truly laughable.

What's even more ridiculous is that when the official returned to report, he clearly stated that the Atlantic Wall project in the European Union was progressing slowly. In many places, only the outline had been completed, and it looked like something. Light infantry could be deployed quickly, but no heavy weapons were seen. The construction of roads and railways behind the defensive line was only five percent complete. Moreover, the local officials did not take it seriously and believed that the Empire was not capable of attacking Western Europe. Even if it did attack, it would only be a symbolic harassment, and a landing was absolutely impossible.

These things can be easily found out by asking around. The all-pervasive imperial spies must have already collected a lot of intelligence about the Atlantic Wall. Admittedly, some parts are well-constructed and everything is in place, making it look quite impressive. But don't forget, the rear transport lines are only 5% complete. This massive defensive line, covering almost the entire western coast of France, can't be maintained by just 5% of its transport capacity.

Yes, yes, cars can run in the wilderness, but the wear and tear is quite severe. The difference in transportation efficiency between having roads and not having roads is huge, not to mention that car transportation cannot compare with rail transportation, at least not with the technological level of World Six.

This means that it is very likely that after the front line quietly fires a barrage of bullets, the heavy weapons will run out of ammunition. What use are they then? Heavy weapons without ammunition are no better than sticks for burning.

However, this is also a good opportunity to dismantle the Europa League, and it's time for the Chinese League to step in and do something.

So the Central Alliance's army began to move. Since the Central Alliance had a precedent of cross-regional military exercises, and had done so many times before, and there were reports about it, neither the Empire nor the European Union noticed anything amiss. However, the real Central Alliance troops were already waiting at the assembly point through the teleportation portal.

This is the most unsolvable part. If Qin Shan wants to end the war quickly, he can simply open portals in the enemy's capital and other important areas, and then send troops there. He can crush a great power in no time.

But Qin Shan wouldn't do that, because war can constantly wear down the enemy's lives, while all he would consume is a pile of metal from an assembly line. Quality warfare is the simplest way to win; use steel to exchange for the enemy's life.

The European Union received intelligence from the Chinese Union, but then ignored it.

Since things have come to this, what else is there to say? We should respect other people's choices.

At this time, almost all of the European Union's attention was focused on the Moroccan region. After all, if the Empire successfully landed there, a large number of European Union troops would be cut off from their supply lines. Then, the Imperial fleet, which had already entered the Mediterranean, would cover the Imperial landing forces as they sped along the Mediterranean and stormed into the European Union's vulnerable rear.

To prevent the enemy from exploiting their weakness, the European Union is urgently redeploying troops to the Mediterranean coast. The already depleted forces on the Atlantic wall are now in even greater need.

With that, the Empire had done all it could. Schneizel closed his eyes on the flagship Imperial Glory and adjusted his chair to a very comfortable position.

"Do not disturb me until the battle is over." "Yes, Your Highness."

After everyone left, Schneizel murmured, "I've done everything I was supposed to do. Now, should I pray?"

After thinking for a moment, Schneizel did not move; he fell asleep and slept soundly.

Meanwhile, the massive Imperial fleet had approached Normandy. European fishermen who were fishing spotted these terrifying behemoths, which revealed the European Union's complacency, as their first reaction was to wave, assuming it was their own fleet.

Then these fishermen and their fishing boats were torn to pieces by the dense barrage of bullets.

With the roar of battleships, the Normandy landings officially began.

The European Union naturally received the intelligence immediately, but the European Union leadership did not believe that this was the main direction of attack, because Morocco had already fallen completely, the Imperial army's frenzied offensive, and the Imperial Mediterranean Fleet's move toward the North African coast all proved that that was the Imperial's main direction of attack, and the enemy in Normandy was just harassing them.

It's no wonder the European Union's top brass is foolish. Without a God's-eye view, the information seen by those involved is often influenced by multiple factors. In the process of eliminating these influences, it's difficult to capture all the correct answers, let alone the essence. The European Union's intelligence work is clearly not as strong as the Empire's, and the final result is the current situation: the Empire is making good progress, while the European Union has misjudged the situation.

But while explanations are one thing, the European Union still needs to bear the consequences.

To ensure the success of this landing operation, the Empire specially manufactured more than 10,000 rocket-propelled devices, each capable of carrying two soldiers and possessing a certain degree of gliding capability. These devices would be launched from airships, rapidly moving towards the target location, and then parachuting in using parachutes during the gliding phase.

Well, this is a bold and crazy plan. The weapons these people carry are mostly light weapons, and their anti-armor force is rocket launchers. If they cannot capture some of the enemy's heavy weapons, they will be easily slaughtered when facing heavily armed enemies, even if they are now outdated tactical mechs.

That's how it should have been, but at this time, in Western Europe, or more precisely, in France, a large number of troops were withdrawn and deployed to the Mediterranean coast. Originally, the European Union forces in the region numbered as many as 800,000, but during this period, they were gradually reduced to only one division. Using one division to defend the entire western coast of France is not strategic defense; it's a move to challenge the Guinness World Records, a farce.

The Europa League didn't realize how abstract its actions were, or rather, from the perspective of those involved, their actions appeared perfectly normal, based solely on correct judgments made according to the current situation. Yes, correct judgments, but whether they were truly correct needs to be proven by the actual circumstances.

The suicide squad members who parachuted into the Empire, with a mindset of facing death without fear, completed simple tasks that were completely inconsistent with their awareness. The control of many strategic locations was incredibly easy, so easy that the suicide squad members even wondered if they had fallen into an enemy trap or were experiencing a death hallucination.

Otherwise, how can this situation be explained?

The most outrageous incident involved two individuals who, completely off course, stole a car and drove hundreds of kilometers along the highway before reaching their target location. Upon entering, they discovered that the best-equipped enemy was armed with stun guns. Well, this strategic location wasn't guarded by any troops, only by police and workers routinely patrolling and maintaining the area.

This is the current reality in Western Europe; it's not that there are no defenses, but rather that it's a complete vacuum.

In this way, the empire successfully controlled a large area of ​​strategic transportation routes and smoothly completed all its tactical objectives. This was not just about seeing under the skirt of the goddess of victory, but about going straight to bed with the goddess of victory.

Is this all there is to the Eurozone's Atlantic barrier?

Section 199: Our troops moved unimpeded, and the enemy collapsed in disarray.

"Our unit is unimpeded!"

This isn't a joke; it's a fact, the actual situation reported by the Imperial frontline commander.

They are unstoppable, they are invincible, they have a huge advantage, and they are approaching Paris.

Given that the European Union only includes the French region and not France, they could absolutely occupy Paris before France surrendered.

As long as France doesn't exist in this world, France will never surrender (pride).

Stop being so arrogant! The enemy has already advanced into your heartland! Defend! Defend! What are your troops doing?! You can't just stand by and watch!

When the telegram requesting assistance from Paris and the live broadcast simultaneously arrived in Berlin (the capital of the European Union), the European Union leadership realized the enormous strategic mistake they had made. The Empire had successfully landed in Normandy and begun its assault into deeper regions.

"Why didn't we have any intelligence from the Empire before? What were the intelligence agencies doing?!"

"Stop trying to shift the blame! Zhonglian has reminded us several times already; it's our own fault for not paying attention!"

"Move troops! Move troops immediately! Send all troops to Paris!"

"Let our air force fight for air superiority first. Those lunatics in the Empire have committed almost all of their air power to Western Europe, and our air force has suffered heavy losses!"

Yes, the Empire really emptied its coffers for this battle. Many airships were forcibly sent over while they were still in the trial phase, and their internal integration was not yet in place. As a result, there were many problems on the battlefield, including unexpected forced landings, and the scene was extremely chaotic at one point.

But sometimes, it's not that you're so great, but that your enemy is even worse than you, so you win.

The European Union is now in an even worse state. They react very quickly, but the European Union doesn't have a teleportation portal, so their troops can't be teleported there instantly. Therefore, they have to draw troops from various fronts.

That would be simple enough. At the same time, they also had to control public opinion and prevent news of the fire in the rear from reaching the front. The collapse of Western Europe was already maddening enough. If the African front collapsed as well, the EU would be like Runren who bought US stocks, with only one path left: suicide.

To avoid the fate of the aerial acrobats, the Europa League put in 1000% effort, but at this point, their troop movement speed depended not only on how fast they could run, but also on the enemy's reaction speed and destructive efficiency.

Don't forget, most of the key transportation routes in the French region are now under the control of the Empire. The Empire's soldiers are rapidly deploying various explosives. If they can hold out until their main force arrives, there is no need to detonate the explosives. But if the enemy arrives first, they will retreat quickly, blow up the roads and bridges, and then open up the road.

Therefore, the troops that can reach the front line the fastest at this time are not the European Union's army, but their air force and their transport units, which are the only troops they can deploy quickly at the moment.

What to do? What to do? What to do?!

"Why don't we apply for and purchase drone services from Zoomlion, allowing Zoomlion to directly deploy these weapons on the battlefield? We only need to pay for them to delay the enemy."

This is a proposal from a member of the European Union parliament.

After a brief silence in the meeting room, discussion immediately broke out.

From a face-saving perspective, this is indeed a very shameful move, but in this situation, which is more important, face or substance?

Will the Central Powers join the war?

"It's highly unlikely, but they certainly won't refuse if we buy their services."

"The price will probably be..."

"Let me be frank, giving the money to the Central Federation to buy weapons is still less than the reparations we'd have after defeat!"

The European Parliament demonstrated remarkable efficiency by quickly contacting the United Nations and requesting to directly purchase its weapons leasing services. In other words, the United Nations would provide personnel and equipment, while we would provide the funds to hire you to fight.

At first glance, this seems to implicate the Central Alliance in a war, but if it were a full-scale war, even if the Central Alliance did not take any action, the Empire would take the initiative to start the war. If the Empire did not have the courage and confidence to start the war, it would mean that the Central Alliance could continue to act recklessly, and they would have to suppress their opinions no matter how great they were.

"In response to the Europa League, yes, but for now we can only deploy the air force."

Qin Shan's meaning was clear: loitering munitions and drones would be plentiful, as these were the easiest to use in cross-battlefield operations. However, land warfare would have to be handled by the European Union forces themselves; we hadn't even entered the war yet, so we couldn't participate. Even so, the European Union was so grateful they almost wanted to throw themselves into the ground and let them choose.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. If it were China Union facing such a crisis, the European Union would definitely not help, and might even take the opportunity to squeeze money out of them. But China Union only raised the price by 20% and was willing to help. That's what true allies are like.

Subsequently, the Polish region announced that it would establish friendly relations with the Central European Union, and other regional representatives of the European Union also took the initiative to shake hands with the Central European Union, wanting to establish sister city and sister state/province relationships with it, creating a scene reminiscent of a pilgrimage of all nations.

However, these are all minor details; the key point is when Zoomlion's drones will enter the battlefield.