Convoy Escort 2

Although Shinnosuke's group successfully completed their first space jump, peaceful navigation didn't last long.

The next day, after finishing their space jump, the convoy traveling through international space was suddenly attacked by five unidentified ships.

"Unknown vessels, five of them. No navigation identification signals... Open fire!"

Upon receiving reports from Ceyla, Shinosuke unlocked the system while wearing the glass monitor, activating all weapons.

"Understood. Preemptive attack confirmed from enemy vessels. From here on, it's pure self-defense—no questions asked! Ceyla, transmit distress and combat signals."

Ceyla transmitted various signals to ensure the legitimacy of the escort combat.

"Transmit signal! From now on, we'll refer to the unknown ships as Enemy Ships A through E. The enemy ships will maintain a consistent distance from the convoy while firing upon it."

"Understood. From Cerberus, all ships: we are currently under attack by space pirates. From this point forward, our ship will assume command of the convoy. All ships, maintain your current course and speed until further instructions are given! Beetle, secure your course and engage the enemy independently as you see fit."

Understood. This vessel will maintain its position at the front.

For now, enemy attacks are sporadic and limited to beyond-range strikes, which our ships' energy shields can easily handle.

"Are they being unusually passive in their attacks? Are they trying to isolate the escort ships from the convoy?"

The aggression feels unnatural—too weak to be a genuine assault.

Moreover, the attacks are primarily concentrated at the front of the convoy.

"No, are they trying to slow us down?... Then, Serah, maintain vigilance at the very edge of the radar's detection range! Marks, redirect the main cannon of Cerberus to that position! You, Hub Weapon Control!"

"Understood. I Hub Weapon Control."

Shinosske entrusted the main cannon operations to Marks, while simultaneously using the rapid-fire and Gatling cannons to keep the enemy vessel pinned down and began scanning the surrounding space for threats.

"New unknown signal detected. Bearing 2±0, distance 300 (2 o'clock direction, horizontal position, distance 300). Unidentified energy signature! Signs of an incoming attack—estimated target is our ship!"

Seyla detected a new enemy vessel.

Shin nosuke turned the Cerberus to the right and aligned it directly with the new enemy vessel.

"Too far! Are you aiming for a long-range shot? Marks, open fire with full power from the main cannons at the new enemy ship F! It doesn't matter if you miss—disrupt their firepower!"

"Understood. My calculations are flawless. I'll hit it."

"Hey, you're exceeding the seventh condition—keep your mouth shut, Marks."

While ignoring Shinosuke's words, Marks pressed the main cannon launch button at the central operator station.

The pirate ship Black Rose had been targeting Cerberus from a long range.

A pirate vessel that had forcibly attached a high-power radar for reconnaissance ships and a battleship-grade main cannon to a civilian high-speed vessel.

"Can't fire the main cannon multiple times, so aim carefully. Once we take down that escort ship, we've got them beat."

Smirking from the captain's chair on Black Rose's bridge was Velvet, the pirate leader.

"Target: main cannon fire aimed at our ship! Out of range, but if we keep this up, it'll hit."

Velvet twisted the steering wheel, dodging the cannon fire from Cerberus, then fired the main cannon.

"Damn it! Not bad!...But you missed your shot."

The main cannon, forcibly mounted on a civilian high-speed vessel, was already hard to aim, and now she had to dodge enemy fire while shooting.

There was no way it could hit.

"Miss, the main cannon missed."

"Can't be helped. Hurry up and recharge! I'm firing again!"

"Yikes!"

Velvet adjusted the ship's orientation while aiming once more at Cerberus.

The pirate ship's main cannon grazed Cerberus's starboard side, but there was no sign of damage.

"Marks, what do you mean 'my calculations were perfect'? You missed."

"No, my calculations were perfect. The reason the attack missed is because the enemy ship dodged."

"That's what we call a missed shot. Well, never mind—continue the attack on enemy ship F! Don't give them a chance to strike back."

"Understood."

Markus pressed the main cannon's firing button once more.

Velvet dodged the fire from Cerberus while searching for an opening to counterattack with her own main cannon.

"Damn it! You're good. You're not giving me a chance to strike, are you?"

"Sis, main cannon energy charge complete."

"Got it. Firing!"

Velvet pulled the trigger.