Chapter 20: The United States Has Launched a Feint to the East and Strike to the West

Above the Yellow Sea, on the peninsula’s land, tension reached a breaking point.

Over two hundred countries worldwide held their breath, watching the moves of these three powers.

This was no minor skirmish.

Three great nations were on the verge of open conflict over the Southern and Northern Sticks.

Sensing that the United States seemed intent on going all the way, the Northeast quietly mobilized half a million troops along the Northern Stick border.

Of course, aside from the naval fleets, the land forces of these three parties did not react as swiftly.

However, if this continued, within a month, two million troops would be amassed on the peninsula!

Should even a spark ignite, the consequences would be catastrophic.

Moreover, this time, the Northern Stick was clearly provoked to anger.

Southern Stick soldiers had slaughtered Northern Stick civilians without cause. The Northern Stick, a sovereign nation, was no dog like the Southern Stick—how could it tolerate this?

That very afternoon, despite numerous UN pleas, Northern Stick artillery units opened fire on South Korean garrisons!

South Korea immediately retaliated, and the bombardment lasted for two full hours.

Casualties quickly soared to 400!

Around the 38th Parallel, both sides began laying minefields.

The Northern Stick’s Mars Society issued a solemn declaration to the world:

“Our innocent people have suffered massacre. The Southern Stick has effectively declared war on us. As of today, our nuclear missiles are aimed at Washington and the U.S. carrier fleet. Should American imperialism make any move, we will not hold back!”

Alongside the declaration, a video played.

It showed Mars-series ballistic missiles poised on their launchers.

Once released, tension escalated sharply.

Even America’s allies urgently called to warn the U.S. not to escalate matters.

Playing with nuclear weapons would mean mutual destruction.

It seemed the Northern Stick’s threat had struck home—or perhaps the U.S. realized it had gone too far.

At a Chinese press conference, a stern warning was issued to a certain nation, urging both sides to cool down and ease tensions on the peninsula.

The United States also changed its tone.

At their own press briefing, they sternly warned the Northern Stick, stating the fleet’s deployment aimed to prevent Northern Stick invasion of the South and to maintain fairness and order. The U.S. intended to mediate the conflict.

Furthermore, the U.S. proposed inviting diplomats from China and Russia to gather at the 38th Parallel for joint talks with the Northern and Southern Sticks on resolving the crisis.

Over two hundred countries pressed the three, or rather five parties, to agree to this rare proposal.

After consideration, China and Russia saw no traps and gladly consented, setting July 29 for a joint meeting at Panmunjom.

Thus, the “prelude to World War III” seemed to fizzle out unexpectedly.

…

As the world’s gaze, including China’s, fixed on the peninsula,

In the south, on a secluded beach, several crates drifted ashore.

A group of white-skinned, high-nosed white “tourists” quietly arrived at this deserted stretch.

Opening the crates revealed weapons.

“Everyone, the mission is set. Our main goal is, after the inside man fails, to await orders to storm in and seize the data.”

The white leader raised his arm, whispering instructions.

“We understand!” the group responded in unison.

They equipped themselves one by one. The leader, Ex, spoke with somber resolve:

“We are all victims whose families were taken. This mission is almost certainly a one-way trip.”

“Let’s hope they truly spare our families.”

“May the next life be free of America. Amen.”

After their prayers, the twelve-member team quietly boarded a prepared van.

From its appearance, it was clear the assault plan had been long in the making.

The van was old and plastered with ads for refrigerator repair and TV servicing—exuding a mundane, everyday vibe perfect for concealment.

At the designated spot, Ex checked his communicator and glanced at the leisurely pedestrians outside, filled with guilt.

“Hope that spy succeeds…”

…

At the bay, inside a computer research center’s secret room,

The space had been converted into an operations command center.

Chen Limin sat with a colonel clad in combat uniform, both solemnly watching the screen.

“Intel from our intelligence unit reports an armed group spotted by drone on the beach.”

“Damn it, what do these people want?” Chen Limin was baffled.

Is the U.S. insane?

If the spy fails, we’ll know their true intentions.

China has already guarded the data secretly; what can they do now?

Can we stop this?

“This is a warning: if the plan continues, they will stop at nothing.”

The colonel sneered coldly.

America’s calculations were clear.

Whether they get the data or not is just a pretext now.

What mattered was the attitude—they had to show resolve.

“If they’re willing to stop at nothing, why shouldn’t we?”

The colonel was visibly furious.

Just because America throws a tantrum? We’re going to launch that spacecraft no matter what. No one can stop us!

“I’ll contact the Northwest immediately to restart the nuclear test program. Let the U.S. dare to try.”

Pointing at the van on the screen, he turned to his deputy, sternly ordering:

“Evacuate nearby civilians. Let the exoskeleton armored troops handle them. No one gets left behind.”

“Yes, sir!”

The deputy saluted and hurried off.

“Colonel, restarting nuclear tests—won’t that cause too much stir?” Chen Linong was taken aback.

Going all in—could it be too much?

“The international situation has changed. Peace is no longer the norm. Old and new powers clash; friction is inevitable. We must prepare,” the colonel smiled wryly.

“People have been too comfortable for years, thinking the world is truly peaceful.”

“Don’t worry, this tactical nuclear warhead has low yield. No need to fear.”

“This will show the U.S. that they’re not the only ones willing to pay any price.”

“As for providing them with an excuse—we’ve already been pushed to the brink. What’s there to fear?”

“I understand!” Chen Limin nodded repeatedly.

This time, China was no longer the impoverished, weak nation of a century ago.

In terms of strength, the United States no longer had the right to look down on anyone.

“Alright, commence operation!”

“Rat-a-tat-tat—”

Several helicopters soared toward the beach.

Meanwhile, plainclothes police began dispersing onlookers near a park.

A large restricted zone was established around the bay computer institute.

From behind the building, three squads of nine men each, clad in exoskeleton armor, rapidly advanced toward the van.