The constant hum of the Fortress of Justice had become Li Wei's new home. Earth-199999, though saved from the imminent annihilation of Thanos and the Kree incursions, remained a wounded planet. Aegis's latest reports showed a faint but persistent rise in hope among the survivors, an echo of the "democracy" that the Helldivers had imparted.
"Commander, the primary mission on Earth-199999 has been 100% completed. Planetary stability parameters are within acceptable ranges. The probability of new immediate existential threats has drastically reduced," Aegis reported, its voice immutable. "The next dimensional mission is ready to be assigned."
But Li Wei did not respond with the usual expectation. He approached the main screen, which showed the desolate but now slightly revitalized Earth-199999. He had seen the despair, the immolation, the sacrifice of Helldiver-74. And he had felt the small spark of hope they had ignited.
"Aegis," Li Wei said, his voice deep, loaded with a resolve he hadn't even felt before. "We are not leaving this section of the multiverse. Not yet."
"Directive anomaly, Commander. Helldivers protocol prioritizes the eradication of existential threats across different universes to maximize impact on organized life. Remaining in a single sector is... inefficient."
"Inefficient or not, Aegis, this sector needs more than simple stabilization," Li Wei retorted, his eyes fixed on Earth. "We are not just going to save worlds, we are going to sow democracy. There are other planets near this Earth. Worlds that might have been affected by the Snap, by Kree influence, or by other cosmic threats."
Aegis was silent for a moment, an unusual processing pause for an AI. "Detecting multiple planets in the solar system and in nearby star systems with intelligent life signatures. Some show signs of social collapse or invasion. Do you propose a campaign of pacification and strategic colonization?"
"Exactly," Li Wei confirmed. "With our War Credits and the Technological Integration Module, we can use the resources of this system to build more bases. Fortify Super-Earth's presence. Establish a bastion in this region."
"Objective registered: Sector Democratic Expansion Campaign. This will involve a significant deviation from standard Helldivers protocol. It requires the assignment of considerable resources and a long-term commitment."
"I am committed," Li Wei said, his gaze hardened. The image of Lin Jian, manipulating and abusing his power, spurred him on. He would not be like him. If he had power, he would use it to protect, to build, to liberate.
First Objective: Mars – The Red Bastion
Li Wei's first objective was Mars. The red planet, though uninhabited, was a perfect strategic point for an advanced base. However, it was not deserted.
"Commander, residual energy signatures have been detected on the surface of Mars. Patterns consistent with Chitauri technology," Aegis reported. "Possible hidden operations base or outpost."
The Fortress of Justice positioned itself in orbit. Li Wei personally led the incursion. Upon descending, they found not an active base, but a vast underground complex, abandoned but full of Chitauri security drones in standby mode and booby traps.
Speeches in the Desolation:
"Helldivers," Li Wei said over the comms to his team as they delved into the dark Martian depths. "This place is a reminder of the barbarity that Super-Earth fights. These aliens seek slavery, chaos. But we... we are the light in the darkness. We are Freedom."
His words, simple but charged with the experience of the first world, resonated in the Helldivers' headsets. It was an impromptu speech, but full of the conviction that only experience could forge.
The combat was intense. The Chitauri drones were numerous and aggressive, their energy blasts filling the corridors. Li Wei, in his Helldiver armor, moved like lightning, using his new leadership skills and enhanced weaponry to coordinate his troops. He deployed an Eagle Airstrike (a stratagem he had unlocked) that swept away a wave of drones, and then a precise orbital bombardment that opened a path through a Chitauri barricade.
After hours of fighting, the base was secured. Li Wei and his Helldivers had purged the last traces of the Chitauri presence.
"Primary Objective: Establishment of Base on Mars – Completed. Vast resources and Chitauri technology have been recovered." Aegis displayed a new screen, a holographic map of Mars now marked with the Super-Earth symbol.
Reward: 2,000 War Credits. Bonus for Exceptional Leadership in Underground Operation: Reward: 500 War Credits.
"Total War Credits accumulated: 7,500. The option to build 'Minor Outposts' on stabilized planets has been unlocked."
Second Objective: An Icy World – The Ice Fortress
With Mars secured, Li Wei turned his attention to an icy moon in the Saturn system, before any other alien faction could claim it. Titan, perhaps, but an even more inhospitable version.
"Detecting a strong Kree energy signature on the ice moon," Aegis reported. "They appear to have established a small mining colony. Their objective: Extraction of Cryo-crystals, a fuel for long-distance travel."
Speeches on Tyranny:
Li Wei addressed his troops before deployment. "The Kree are a threat. Their 'Empire' is based on conquest and slavery. We have seen what they do to worlds. We will not allow them to turn this corner of space into their backyard. Super-Earth does not permit tyranny. Today, we will show them the price of freedom!"
The combat was brutal. The ice moon was a frozen hell, with blinding blizzards and treacherous ravines. The Kree soldiers were tough, well-trained, and equipped with armor adapted to extreme cold. They used cryogenic plasma turrets and heavy infantry units.
Li Wei led the assault on the Kree mine, the icy wind whipping at his armor. The Helldivers moved with impeccable coordination, using their 500KG Bomb Strikes to destroy Kree defenses and their Shrapnel Airstrikes to eliminate enemy concentrations. Li Wei even used his own rifle to freeze Kree with cryogenic shots, using the technology he had recovered from his victory against Thanos.
One of the incursions was especially dangerous. A Helldiver found himself isolated, surrounded by several elite Kree soldiers. Li Wei, without thinking, launched a close-quarters hammer-blow attack with his rifle, breaking through enemy lines to rescue him. The Helldiver, surprised but grateful, regrouped.
In the end, the Kree colony was dismantled. Li Wei had liberated a group of enslaved workers of various races that the Kree had captured.
"Primary Objective: Dismantling of Kree Outpost on Ice Moon – Completed. Slaves liberated and valuable resources secured."
Reward: 2,000 War Credits. Bonus for Leadership and Combat in Extreme Environment: Reward: 500 War Credits.
"Total War Credits accumulated: 10,000. Current Commander Level: Level 2. The ability to recruit 'Super-Earth Heavy Soldiers' (infantry units with more robust armor and weapons) has been unlocked."
As Li Wei consolidated his control in this sector, the Lin family in his home universe grew increasingly alarmed. Li Wei's long absences were inexplicable. The mansion, once his place of punishment, now felt empty without him. Lin Jian, despite his attempts to cover up his activities, felt growing pressure. Rumors of an "unexpected hero" in certain dark circles, and inexplicable financial losses in some of his illicit operations, began to point to a strange connection with Li Wei's absence.
Li Wei, unaware of the growing unease in his home world, observed the lights of the Fortress of Justice in the darkness of space. He was no longer the abused child. He was the commander of a crusade, a bearer of democracy, and a pioneer of a new era. His presence had expanded. The fire of his trauma had been transformed into a flame that now illuminated, and burned, oppressors.
"Commander, the next expansion mission is ready. Detection of a dimensional anomaly on an asteroid near the asteroid belt," Aegis reported.
"Good," Li Wei replied, a grim smile crossing his lips. "More work for democracy. More worlds to liberate. And more War Credits to earn."