I can upgrade the shelter-Chapter 743 - 641: Germany’s Calculations

"What are our scientists doing?" This question is not only on the minds of Charlie and Renault; the leaders of France, England, and Germany are all wondering the same thing.

Seeing the Flame Country pull out fleets that, though called land ships, actually soar through the sky; the exoskeletons and electromagnetic rifles already starting to be equipped in their armies; the Titans, power armors they’re using themselves; and their 3D printing technology used for building bases...

All these advances have left the leaders of various European countries in awe of the Flame Country’s technology, while also compelling them to grab their own scientists by the collar and ask what all their research funding is actually being spent on each year.

Why have the Flame Country’s floating warships taken to the skies, yet they can’t even produce a single functional exoskeleton?

"I think we need to urge those scientists; they received samples of the Flame Country’s exoskeletons and electromagnetic rifles at the first opportunity, yet so far, they haven’t even reverse-engineered the technology, let alone created our own versions of exoskeletons and electromagnetic rifles. We have to wonder what exactly they’re doing." The French expressed their opinion, not forgetting to emphasize, "We allocate so much research funding to them every year, and even under the current circumstances, we continue to ensure their material supplies and meet all their needs. I think we need to consider if this expenditure is worthwhile."

The French feel that the investment in the research departments is not worthwhile, which is quite understandable.

Before the catastrophe, European countries were on the same level as the Flame Country in terms of scientific research. Although the Flame Country has clearly surpassed them in recent years, old Europe isn’t completely out of the race, surely the gap shouldn’t be this wide.

Yet now, while the Flame Country boasts land ships and power armor, old European scientists can’t even reverse-engineer the readily available exoskeletons and electromagnetic rifles. This indeed frustrates the leaders of European countries.

Even if the disaster caused by falling meteors set back the technological level of all nations, it shouldn’t have widened the gap between Europe and the Flame Country to such an extent, should it?

"I don’t think we can blame the scientists; it’s just that the Flame Country’s technology has indeed surpassed us by a generational gap." The English were less concerned about this, taking off their glasses to wipe them before speaking, "I’m more concerned about when the Flame Country can provide us with the relevant technology, even if it’s just their export version."

For the English, who have already lost their national territory, whether they can develop it themselves is no longer important. As long as they can obtain the technology to produce and equip their troops to resist the aliens, that’s enough.

"Unfortunately, that’s not possible for the time being. The Flame Country has set forth some trade conditions, and we need to discuss whether to agree..." The German explained, but it was evident that they were not too inclined to agree to the Flame Country’s terms.

Yet before he could finish, the French were already slapping the table, saying, "Agree to them! Agree to whatever conditions they have! What we need now are more exoskeletons! More electromagnetic rifles! And their power armor and that humanoid mechanical armor called Titan! With those, we can combat those alien creatures, not fill the battle lines with soldiers’ lives!"

"But many of the things the Flame Country demands are under the Wassenaar Agreement embargo, we need to disc..." The German still tried to explain, but it was clear these were just excuses.

In fact, regarding the assistance provided by the Flame Country, the Germans were not particularly willing to accept it.

Even though they agreed to let the Ruhr Industrial Zone be used as a base for the Flame Country’s fleet and provided them with resources for equipment production to supply the front lines, the Germans felt that was sufficient.

On the front line, England and France, along with other countries, were holding off the alien attacks thanks to Germany’s support, and the Flame Country’s help was just an added bonus. Maintaining the war situation in this way was actually the best scenario for the Germans.

In a massive war where former enemies constantly bled, while not directly engaging but supplying resources to other nations for profit, what could be better?

Wasn’t the Federation in such a position during World War I and II? As a participating country without direct engagement, mostly providing materials, which is precisely why the Federation became the world’s leading superpower post-World War II.

Now, it’s finally Germany’s turn to do this!

However, this was unacceptable for England, France, and other countries.

The Italians slammed the table, expressing their dissatisfaction: "If Italy’s frontline army can’t receive enough exoskeletons and electromagnetic rifles, as well as other weapons that effectively kill those alien beasts, then Italy’s army will no longer resist the alien attacks and will vacate the defense lines they are currently holding!"

Behind Italy’s defense line is Germany, and once the Italians vacate it, the aliens will drive straight into Germany.

"No, you can’t..." Hearing the Italians’ threat, the Germans panicked a bit. How could the Italians vacate the defense line? Were these pig teammates crazy?

Yet, the other attending representatives expressed their support for Italy’s stance.

"If Italy vacates the frontline, as long as it’s not the Swiss direction, you can retreat to Switzerland," expressed the Swiss.

"If Italy’s army vacates the defense line, the Austrian army, unable to stop the alien advance, will choose to retreat," Austria took this opportunity to drive a knife into Germany.

Germany was bordered to the Mediterranean by Switzerland and Austria in front, and Italy in front. If these three countries vacate their defense lines, Germany would face an alien advance straight from the Mediterranean.

The English put on their glasses again, speaking in a calm but oppressive tone: "Perhaps you have your own plans, but no matter what you’re scheming, we need every bit of help we can get to win this war! Regardless of the cost to obtain such help!

You need to understand that this war isn’t an internal human conflict where survival can be achieved through surrender; it’s a life-and-death struggle between humans and aliens. If we lose, the existence of Germany, England, and France won’t matter! Humanity as a whole will be doomed!"