Chaos, melee, all-out battle

As the shield ship, Stenno, and Eurylea launched their attacks, counterattacks began from the enemy group.

"Enemy ships launching missiles—eighteen in total! Don't miss a single one!"

Under Dug's command, the three ships deployed anti-air fire curtains to intercept the incoming missiles.

Even one missed missile could cause damage to the convoy.

Of the three ships intercepting the incoming missiles, the most striking is Cynthia of Eurylea.

Not only is she deploying anti-aircraft fire curtains, but she's also using her main guns mounted at the bow to shoot down missiles one after another.

Although the twin-hulled Gorgon splits into two vessels, matching the designs of Stenno and Eurylea, their equipment differs significantly.

Alex's Stenno prioritizes destructive power, while Cynthia's Eurylea excels in rapid-fire capability, particularly in precision shooting using manual-operated rapid-fire cannons.

"Enemy group is firing missiles while closing in. All ships, stop them!"

"This is Stenno. We're overwhelmed—our hands are tied!"

The three ships gradually retreat while continuing their attacks.

From Typhoon II, shield ship—fall back behind the convoy!

Understood. Only Typhoon II will join us here.

Understood

Even with Typhoon II joining, the disparity in strength remains 10 to 4—no change in the unfavorable situation.

Hey, Doug! Shinosuke and Ira are here!

Two returns approaching rapidly from the flank of the enemy group on the radar.

Cerberus and A884.

"Though a bit late, we made it in time. Let's strike before they can regroup. Sera, tell Ira to follow up behind us."

Shinosuke turned the ship toward the enemy group's left flank.

"Understood... Cerberus to A884: We're charging into the enemy's left flank. Follow closely behind our ship."

"Got it!"

Cerberus and A884 plunged into the enemy formation from the left flank, disrupting their ranks.

Struck by continuous broadside attacks from Cerberus and A884 at point-blank range, two destroyers became unable to maneuver.

This was a tactic designed not to sink them outright, but to sow chaos among the enemy.

With Cerberus and A884 having broken through, the enemy formation's momentum faltered.

Zany didn't miss the opening.

"Alright! Now's my chance. Dag, is resupply complete?"

Dag sighed as Zany stood up.

"About 70 percent, but it's fine. Go ahead and wreak havoc."

"That's the spirit!"

Zany leapt from the shield ship's bridge and immediately launched into the fray with the Pirate Killer.

Eight enemy ships remained.

Opposing them were Cerberus and A884, the shield ship, the Pirate Killer, Stenno, Eurylea, and Typhoon II—seven ships in total.

The distance between the two sides had closed, and the battle was beginning to turn into a chaotic melee.

From afar, Velvet observed the unfolding chaos.

"Looks like they're getting nicely disorganized. Just a little more effort. Let's push them in."

"Ido!"

Velvet sent four pirate ships charging into the battlefield.

Even amid the fighting, Seira remained vigilant, detecting new approaching contacts on her radar.

"Radar detected new contacts. Four unidentified vessels approaching from bearing three, horizontal direction."

"Reinforcements?"

"Please wait....The additional four vessels are not Rimlarian warships—they're modified cargo ships and the like. They're space pirates!"

"Noted. Relay to all ships to remain on alert."

"Noted. Transmitting from Cerberus to all ships: Space pirates, four vessels, approaching. New threats—remain vigilant."

The newly arrived four vessels were space pirates.

The new group of enemy ships was entirely different from the first group, showing no signs of coordination between them, yet both targeted the same refugee fleet.

"This is going to be a chaotic battle."

Shin nosuke muttered, though that was precisely Velvet's intention.

A clash between the attacking Lymrian vessels and the pirate ships guarding the escort fleet.

A three-way melee, but the situation was progressing in favor of Shin nosuke's escort fleet.

Even amidst the chaos, Shin nosuke's ships continued to sink Lymrian vessels and space pirates one after another.

"Nice work. This is getting interesting. Time to get serious now."

"Aisa. I'm locking onto the target escort vessel."

"You idiot. The one you should be aiming at isn't that ship. If you aim directly at him, he'll sense it—he's too sharp. He'll dodge for sure. To take him down for certain, aim here instead."

Velvet aimed at a medium-sized passenger ship near Cerberus, at the rear of the convoy.

"Come on, protect it well."

Velvet pulled the trigger.

"Energy spike detected at bearing 15! Long-range artillery fire—targeting the convoy's rear! Rear ship, Starmine, evade immediately!"

Seyla warned the targeted passenger ship, but the sluggish passenger vessel couldn't evade in time.

A direct hit would mean sinking.

Shinnosuke reacted instinctively.

He positioned the Cerberus in the path of the incoming artillery fire.

"Marks, maximum energy shield output! We're taking the hit!"

"Understood. Maximum shield output on both port and starboard sides!"

"Ahh! Direct hit coming!"

Seyla screamed, her voice laced with panic.

"Everyone, brace for impact!"