Chapter 1122 - 592: Dismembering the Federation

Carmenia Federation.

Desha State.

This is the second largest state in the Federation, and also the largest in the south.

In the Federation’s social culture, Desha State is considered the most typical "redneck" state.

Historically, agriculture and ranching, particularly cowboy culture, have been vital economic pillars for this state, with a significant populace engaged in outdoor physical labor.

Due to long hours working under the blazing sun, the skin on the neck gets sunburned red, hence "redneck" became a figurative term for such laborers.

As times changed, "redneck" gradually became a symbol of regional identity, values, and cultural conflict.

Being a redneck state, Desha State’s societal ethos is conservative, with values leaning toward tradition, thus not favored by the mainstream Federation groups.

For various reasons, the rednecks of Desha State have become the most secessionist-minded group among the states.

Before the Age of Calamity, the "independence" slogan among Desha’s population was mere rhetoric, as the Federation’s power was immense, easily subduing any separatist forces.

As the Age of Calamity approached, numerous disasters occurred on Canglan Star, and the Desha People required the Federation Army’s protection, seldom voicing independence rhetoric.

During the Demon rule era, the Desha People dared not speak out lest they become horrifying desiccated corpses on the Blood Sacrifice Altar.

Since last night,

The entire Desha State has become agitated.

Due to a shocking rumor spreading wildly: "The Federation Army perished over a million troops on the southern border, the entire border defense line was broken by the powerful Great Xia Army."

Initially, many Desha People didn’t believe this as losing so many soldiers overnight seemed exaggerated, like a false rumor.

But by the early morning hours, many Desha People saw vehicles retreating from the border.

Since Desha State borders the Azik Alliance, with a border length reaching two thousand kilometers, the Federation deployed over 600,000 troops in Desha State, so the retreating troops were naturally numerous.

These soldiers looked exhausted, their eyes vacant, their expressions visibly tense and uneasy.

Local residents heard from soldiers a more shocking news: "The war started only half an hour, and half the soldiers guarding the border defense were dead. Federation high command ordered the surviving soldiers to urgently retreat."

This is undoubtedly not just a defeat, but an unprecedented grand catastrophe.

Early morning.

Odin City, capital of Desha State.

An important emergency meeting was held in the state capital building.

Jason, the highest official, gazed at the gathering of subordinates and began, "Gentlemen, I trust you are aware of the tragic events on the southern border."

Although the official spoke of "tragedy," there wasn’t the slightest hint of sadness on his face, his pupils even faintly showed excitement.

The subordinates nodded uniformly.

Jason continued, "Now the southern border defense is nonexistent, the Federation’s south is completely open to the Great Xia Army.

"If the Great Xia Army launches an attack on the Federation, Desha State will undoubtedly become their prime target."

He paused, deliberately intensifying his tone: "Once this scenario happens, Desha State will become a burning wasteland, countless Desha People will die on the cruel battlefield, more will be forced to become displaced."

Suddenly, Jason punched the air, "As the governor of this state, we must do everything to prevent such a tragedy from happening and save more Desha People."

All participants knew Great Xia already delivered an ultimatum to all states; if unwilling to secede from the Federation and become independent, they will face the Great Xia Army’s attack.

Upon hearing this, any participant who wasn’t foolish already understood the governor’s personal inclination.

The Federation Army couldn’t defeat Great Xia, Desha’s Guard certainly couldn’t withstand the Great Xia People.

The only way to "prevent the tragedy" is—secede from the Federation and declare independence.

Jason glanced around, feigned a question, "Does anyone have opinions?"

A high-ranking official named "Alfa" was the first to speak: "Sir, for many years the Desha People have had enough of the foolish measures from the Azure Palace, always hoping to become an independent nation. I believe Desha State has reached the moment to declare independence."

Many could instantly tell Alfa was collaborating with the governor in an act.

Specifically, Alfa was prompted by the governor to publicly express his intentions.

Alfa hadn’t finished: "Desha State possesses the most oil and gas resources in the Federation. Each year, the Federation taxes away immense wealth from this state, essentially plundering.

"If Desha State gains independence, the Desha People can autonomously manage these resources and use them to develop our cities, and citizens can enjoy better benefits."

These words are well-worn, everyone present had heard them repeatedly growing up.

Jason acted as if hearing this for the first time, vigorously clapped his hands loudly and praised, "Absolutely right!"

The governor leaned slightly forward, and said, "I’d like to hear others’ opinions."

Anyone with a working mind had already reasoned the governor was asking participants to declare their stance.