CH 251

Encounter

“Interceptors huh……..as expected, they won’t let us get close to the Empress that easily.”

Diaroze groaned while staring at the radar screen. The screen was filled with noises from the jamming but at this distance, it is still somewhat useful. Thanks to this, now they can confirm the position of the enemy fleets.

However, if they can confirm their enemy’s location it means that the enemy can see them as well. A large number of strikers have been dispatched from the enemy fleet and are approaching them.

“It’s been a while so I want to see the [Odercrois] myself but I guess there’s no helping it.”

If possible, she wanted to get closer to visually confirm that the Empress’s ship is within their ranks but she doesn’t want to push her luck. With her arms crossed, Diaroze glanced at Kisei’s complexion.

“That [Odercrois], it’s the flagship of the Noredian army right.”

“Umu, it’s the Empress’s personal battleship. It’s the same type as my,………, no, it’s no longer mine but it’s the same type as the [Odervansen].”

“The same as that ship huh………fighting that kind of ship from the front would be harsh on our fleet right.”

Knowing how great of a threat the [Odervansen] was, a bitter smile floated on Kisei’s face. The current flagship of Calencia side is the [Radiant] is a huge battleship that looks like a cruiser.

Of course, they also have the [Odervansen] on their side so it won’t be so one-sided but the crew currently operating it is poorly trained and honestly, as it is right now, the ship is not all that reliable.

“Just like earlier, we can focus on disabling their FC radars though…….”

If they can destroy the enemy radars then they will gain a significant advantage in the upcoming battle. The reason why they were able to rout the Angel fleet was also due to the great drop in enemy accuracy. If their FC radars were still intact, even without the duchess, the Angel fleet would still be able to put up a decent fight.

Destroying the FC radars is a tried and true tactic. With the confidence she gained from defeating the Angel fleet, Schleer casually proposed they do it again.

“No, give up on that. The Empress is very cautious and her subordinates are all elite…….it would be too risky to try that even for Master.”

Diaroze did not say that ‘it would be too risky for us’ she said ‘it would be too risky even for Kisei’. In truth, they couldn’t have pulled the earlier operation off without him. Attacking a fleet with a solid defense with only a few strikers is nothing but a suicide. Schleer and the others were simply safe because the enemy AA turrets were focused on Kisei’s flashy maneuvers.

“Muuh…….”

Being told that, Schleer felt like she just got splashed with cold water. She thinks about it for a moment but she didn’t have much time as the AI has already started warning them about the approaching enemy strikers.

Interrupted by the cold [Enemy approaching, Enemy approaching] from the AI, Schleer switched her way of thinking. If they are defeated here then the Calencian fleets would be defeated just as easily as the Angel fleet. They can not pointlessly risk it all here.

“Let’s retreat for the time being. It’s enough that we know where the enemy is coming from.”

The Calencian fleets are currently withdrawing toward Galea-E. Just as the Noredian staff had reported to the Empress, their ammunition truly is runny low. Even in a favorable situation, their fleets are in no condition to fight at full power. With that being the case, there’s no other way but to accept it for what it is.

“Withdrawing is good and all but it seems we won’t be able to avoid fighting these Empress’s lackeys you know.”

Valentina said with a stern look as she gazed into the distance. The light of the stars is mixed with a number of blue flames from enemy thrusters.

“They’re fast. It would be hard to shake them off at this distance……”

Kisei said with a grin. Only the strikers with relatively high-powered thrusters like [Ex-Caliburn] and [Colebrand] would be able to escape but the slow ones like the [Jettas], [Claymores], and Schleer’s [Mistilteinn] won’t be able to so engaging the enemy is unavoidable.

“All of them should belong to the Imperial guard. Of course, they are probably using the Imperial-guard-issued model, [Renion] and [Renion-Bogen], a fire-support specialized variant. Be careful.”

Valentina’s words made a smile spread on Kisei’s face. His enemy will be strong this time.

“In short, there are a lot of pilots and strikers on the same class as Diaroze’s personal guards coming our way right. This is going to be fun!”

“That’s right but don’t overdo it okay. These guys are only one of the Empress’s trump cards. You can’t allow yourself to get exhausted here.”

“But we can’t run either right. It can’t be helped so let’s do this.”

“Geez……..”

Diaroze let out a deep sigh at Kisei’s complexion which no matter how she looks at it, is far from good. Moreover, it doesn’t sit right with her how he’s not trying to put up a brave front but genuinely excited for his next battle.

“Valentina, Schleer. It’s time for you two to show how womanly you are okay. Do your best and protect him.”

“You don’t have to tell me!”

“Of course!”

Hearing the two enthusiastically shout their reply, Diaroze exhaled a little. It was an expression that says [These two are just too easy].