Finally, after discussion between Zhao Chen and everyone, a strategic plan for the next step was formulated.

First, both the Serpent Clan and the Thorn Group will remain on high alert, with all interstellar warships undergoing rapid repairs in preparation for the next battle.

Meanwhile, Zhao Chen's interstellar fleet returned to the Lion King system for a day of rest.

Tomorrow, Zhao Chen will personally lead his own interstellar fleet, along with a portion of the Serpent Clan's interstellar fleet, on an expedition against the interstellar fleet of the Starshine faction's supporters.

After the meeting ended.

Zhao Chen followed his interstellar fleet to the Lion King Galaxy.

"How much strategic resources do we have left?" Zhao Chen asked Lilith, who was standing next to him.

An interstellar war depends not only on the number of interstellar warships possessed by the two sides, but also on the amount of strategic resources they have.

Lilith quickly obtained a statistic.

"By the end of June, we had four billion Star Dollars in funds and raw material reserves, but at the same time we had a construction plan for the next quarter, which would cost seven billion Star Dollars."

Then, we transferred raw material resources worth 5 billion star coins from Li Yaqi's Beiyan Starship Technology Group. At that time, we also completed a military trade with the Serpent Clan, obtaining 2.3 billion star coins in funds and raw material resources.

Without affecting our future construction plans, we currently have a total of about four billion Star Coins available, of which three billion Star Coins are strategic resources.

In this battle to defend the Serpent King Fortress, we consumed 1.5 billion star coins of strategic resources.

Therefore, we only have strategic resources worth 1.5 billion Star Coins left.

With Lilith, such a capable housekeeper, Zhao Chen's life became much easier, as all the data was clearly presented to him.

"How long will it take to convert that billion star coins of cash flow into raw material reserves?" Zhao Chen asked.

“If we consider secrecy, it will take at least a month,” Lilith replied.

Zhao Chen scratched his head.

He originally thought he was already very wealthy.

After winning a lucrative battle, he discovered that... his wealth seemed insufficient for his own schemes.

The main problem is that the combat costs of the T3 Judgement-class heavy interstellar missile ships are simply too terrifying. Just five ships in one battle cost nearly one billion star coins!

This isn't a war, this is literally burning through money.

You could even say that burning money wouldn't have happened this fast, although the scale of the event was quite large.

"So when you gave me that wink just now, it was because you were considering that our strategic reserves wouldn't be enough to meet our operational plans for the entire Reef Starfield, right?" Zhao Chen asked.

Lilith nodded: "Yes, based on the current situation."

The entire operational plan for the Reef Starfield can only be maintained up to the second phase.

"Which stage?" Zhao Chen asked in return. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"After clearing out the Starshine Faction's several interstellar forces, the remaining strategic resources are sufficient for defense but insufficient for offense against the Warhammer Faction's interstellar forces."

Not to mention the regular fleets of the two empires that may be faced later.

"If you hadn't given me that look just now, I wouldn't have agreed to this battle plan," said Secretary Lilith.

Zhao Chen had no choice; at the time, he wanted to maintain some authority in front of his two new 'agents'.

He was really putting on a ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) show, trying to appear more important than he was.

But there's nothing we can do about it.

"Is there any proper way to handle this?" Zhao Chen asked.

There are three channels to cover this shortfall, but each has certain risks and limitations.

First: By collecting a large amount of strategic resources through the Serpent Clan and the Thorn Group, we expect to be able to gather around one billion strategic resources.

The problem is that this will expose our lack of strategic resources.

Second: Continue to obtain raw material reserves from Li Yaqi's Beiyan Xingjian Technology Group, based on the group's accounting information we obtained.

Without affecting its business operations, we can also bring in about 3 billion yuan worth of raw material reserves.

But this will take some time, about half a month to a month.

Third: Go through Governor Chuhe's channels, using the same reasons as before, and ask Governor Chuhe for the so-called 'research and development funds' again." Lilith finished explaining to Zhao Chen point by point.

"How much strategic material will we need to finish this war?" Zhao Chen asked.

Lilith pulled up a simulation dataset and continued, "Including this battle, if we only consider the combat costs of integrating the various forces in the Reef Starfield, the estimated cost is four billion Star Coins."

However, if one were to engage in combat with the regular fleets of the two empires, the combat costs would vary depending on the intensity of the engagement.

In the best-case scenario, it would be a small-scale operation, with the combat costs estimated at 3 billion star coins.

The worst-case scenario, of course, would be a major war, with the goal of annihilating the enemy fleet, which would require strategic reserves of at least 10 billion star coins!

Zhao Chen smiled helplessly: "In other words, my strategic goals are great, but reality is harsh... We might not have the money to fight then."

“Yes,” Lilith said.

After thinking for a moment, Zhao Chen said seriously, "Let's put the first point aside for now. We've only just started cooperating with the Snake People, and it's time to build our prestige. We can't let them know about our weaknesses."

Recommendation 2 and Recommendation 3 can be implemented simultaneously.

Although time is a bit tight, let's get it done first.

“Yes,” Lilith, the secretary, replied.

This is the only option right now.

"I'm leaving the Lion King system to you and Charlotte. Complete the fleet's rest, maintenance, and resupply within a day."

"I need to return to the Xiaolong system first," Zhao Chen instructed.

"yes."

Zhao Chen specially switched to a T3 Blizzard, which was in better condition, and immediately returned to the Xiaolong star system.

There's still something else I need to deal with over there.

"Reporting to Commander, Blizzard 023 has arrived at the designated coordinates as instructed, and the shuttle is ready."

"Please give your instructions." The ship's female captain stood ramrod straight and reported to Zhao Chen, who was resting on the sofa next to her.

Zhao Chen yawned: "Okay, I understand. You all stay put."

After saying that, Zhao Chen left the bridge.

After Zhao Chen left, the entire bridge erupted in cheers.

This was the closest they had ever been to Zhao Chen; they felt so lucky.

At this moment, Zhao Chen was traveling in a shuttle towards a starship docked in the highest military restricted area of ​​the Xiaolong system.

And that ship was...

T4 Reborn-class clone starship!

This will be the first time this interstellar warship has carried out its operational mission.