I can upgrade the shelter-Chapter 748 - 646: Progress of the Eastern European Defense Line Construction

The brief stay in Stalingrad did not delay Chen Xin’s itinerary. After replenishing supplies, the Guardian Land Ship set off once more, heading towards Europe.

However, after the Land Ship took off, Chen Xin left the cabin and came to the deck to overlook this city, which had made a significant mark in World War II history.

During that catastrophic war, the Suyia and Germans engaged in fierce battles over this city, with both sides dedicating heavy forces, resulting in more than two million combined casualties, making it one of the bloodiest and most brutal battles in modern history.

Yet now, from above, it’s difficult to trace any remnants of that war.

On the contrary, the city has long been rebuilt, and now it serves as a vital logistical node for Lucia, transporting supplies to the developing Eastern European Defense Line, appearing very bustling.

Stalingrad is a key producer of food, coal, and fuel for Lucia. The Germans attacked here back then precisely to seize the abundant resources in southern Lucia.

Now, these valuable resources are being transported here and then sent to the Eastern European Defense Line to support its construction.

Witnessing this, Chen Xin asked the officer accompanying him, "What is the current construction progress of the Eastern European Defense Line? Do you think this line will be utilized?"

"Currently, 60% of the main construction of the Eastern European Defense Line has been completed, and several key defensive strongholds are under construction. But I only hope that this line becomes a Maginot Line." To Chen Xin’s surprise, the officer’s response was unexpected.

Hearing the officer mention the famous French defense line in military history, although Chen Xin understood his meaning, he still asked, "Why do you say that?"

"A defense line that costs a significant amount of resources and effort to construct but never gets utilized fits the purpose of the Eastern European Defense Line, doesn’t it?" Naturally, the officer hoped it would never be used: "Though we all know the necessity of constructing the Eastern European Defense Line, if it really were utilized, it would mean that all of Europe had already fallen, and I suppose this isn’t the outcome Dr. Chen would wish for?"

The Maginot Line, built by France during World War II to fend off potential German attacks, intended to prevent the horrific warfare like the First World War and the dire situation of being attacked up to the capital’s doorstep.

However, the Germans did not attack this line head-on but bypassed it through the forests on its flanks, rendering it a mere showpiece, and in over a month, forced France to sign the surrender.

When the officer mentioned this line, he certainly expressed the hope that the Eastern European Defense Line wouldn’t be utilized like the Maginot Line.

After all, if this line were put to use, it would mean that France, Italy, Austria, and other frontline countries had been defeated by alien beings, perhaps even Germany had fallen; otherwise, the alien forces wouldn’t reach here.

However, Chen Xin had another concern, asking the officer, "What’s the situation in the Black Sea? Have those aliens broken through the Turkish Strait?"

Although the Eastern European Defense Line could block the aliens’ offensive from the land, if they broke through the Turkish Strait and attacked from the Black Sea, they could bypass the European Defense Line and strike into the Asian continent, rendering the entire line a mere showpiece similar to the Maginot Line.

"As it stands, the situation is ideal; Turkey isn’t the main focus of alien attacks, though the offensive is fierce. However, due to the resolute resistance from several countries on the Balkan Peninsula, they have managed to fend off the aliens outside the Black Sea." When mentioning this, the officer couldn’t help but show respect for those countries: "Lucia is currently trying to support them, extending the Eastern European Defense Line to the Turkish Strait and integrating it within the defense plan. This area is currently the only combat zone on the entire line."

Hearing the officer’s words, Chen Xin couldn’t help but raise his eyebrows.

The Balkan Peninsula, as the origin of the First World War, was once dubbed the Balkan Powder Keg, constantly embroiled in conflict due to ethnic, religious issues, internal fighting, and foreign interference...

This land hasn’t seen much peace, even towards the end of the last century, the Flame Country’s embassy here was bombed...

Although over twenty years have passed, many have forgotten this part of history, but as someone born in that era, Chen Xin had personally experienced these occurrences, even joining street protests back then.

Now, the Federation responsible for the embassy bombing has been destroyed by natural disasters, and countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are now allies needing support and unity.

Reflecting on all of this, Chen Xin felt an indescribable irony, yet it was a reality driven by current circumstances, provoking the thought that if there were gods manipulating damn fate, they’d be irredeemable idiots.

Though holding such thoughts, Chen Xin didn’t plan any revenge or sabotage against the European countries, as now they’re allies resisting alien invasion. Undermining them leading to defeat, European Defense Line collapse, allowing alien forces to breach, was certainly not what Chen Xin wanted.

Yet, sparing them didn’t mean not allowing them to suffer or bleed a bit, after all, Flame Country’s support wasn’t free. If they sought Flame Country’s resources and equipment, offering favorable exchange terms was only fair, right?

As for free aid... Flame Country might dare provide it, but they’d probably dare not receive it; the world’s priciest thing is free stuff.

Contemplating these issues, Chen Xin was still quite concerned about the Turkish Strait, hence he asked the officer, "Could we detour to the Turkish Strait on our return? I’d like to assess the defense construction there, for if it’s breached, all we’re doing would be futile."

"Understood, I’ll apply to the homeland. If granted permission, we can make the trip." The officer nodded, not denying the request, needing to prevent Chen Xin’s recklessness while ensuring his safety, yet not prohibiting visits to certain places.