Heavy Assault

Heavy Assault is a long-form science fiction military novel by the web author Metal Crack, serialized on Qidian from April 24, 2013 to its completion on July 6, 2015, totaling roughly 3.8591 million characters across 1,579 chapters. Set in an era when humanity has entered the interstellar age, it chronicles humanity's expansion from the Solar System into the wider galaxy and the conflicts between interstellar fleets and alien civilizations. The book adheres to a hard science fiction approach with "no superpowers": no paranormal abilities, no magic or battle aura, and no superhuman feats of crossing the void with one's body; battles are won by mecha, warships, weapon systems, and tactical coordination. The main thread follows protagonist Ye Fei's military career from raw recruit to senior commander, beginning with daily life in the training camp and moving through reserve selection, rescue missions, the Death Star Zone, planetary contests, and cross-galaxy expeditions, gradually shifting into command roles where he stands on his own. Defense Minister Xu Shijie, subordinate Ji Xiaotong, and other characters together form a multi-layered portrait of military life. Centered on collective will and strategic wisdom, the book is praised for military traditions such as "writing a last letter before every mission," and its opening quotes Tsiolkovsky's line that "Earth is the cradle of humanity," setting the tone for a narrative of humanity reaching for the stars.