Decision

The black rose's barrage pierced Cerberus.

"Screech!"

A violent shock ran through the bridge.

The bridge lights went out, emergency lights flickered on, and a deafening alarm blared.

The beam pierced the energy shield on Cerberus's port side, passed through the hull, and was absorbed by the starboard-side energy shield, narrowly missing the passenger ship Starmine at the rear of the convoy.

"Main engine hit, severely damaged. Third engine also damaged. Internal defense systems have cut off power supply! Explosion and sinking have been avoided."

Shin nosuke nodded in response to Marks' report.

"Indeed, a ship from Psychoj Industries. Damage control is impeccable."

As he spoke, he assessed the extent of the damage.

The main engine was lost, and the third engine was damaged, drastically reducing thrust. Power supply to internal facilities had also diminished significantly, resulting in damage severe enough to hinder not only combat operations but even normal navigation.

"Shin nosuke, are you alright?"

"Hey, this doesn't look good, does it?"

Aira and Zany asked simultaneously, but in an emergency, Shin nosuke communicated directly.

"Main vessel has sustained serious engine damage, affecting both combat operations and navigation, but we're holding on for now. Focus on convoy escort and eliminating enemy ships."

"It's alright. We've eliminated most of the enemy ships. Seven have been sunk, and the rest have fled. Even those that survived aren't unscathed, so we're safe."

Indeed, the battle had already ended. The remaining Lymrian vessels and space pirate ships were rapidly departing the area, and given their current movements, there seemed little risk of a renewed attack.

"Understood. Let's withdraw immediately as well."

Shin nosuke double-checks the damage status to confirm whether the ship can still proceed.

The alarms inside the vessel continue to sound without pause.

(Main engine damaged. The third engine is also damaged, but increasing output risks explosion. With only the second engine operational, the fleet will be unable to keep up.)

The Cerberus is in an extremely dangerous condition.

To make matters worse, a confidential message from Marks was sent to Shinosuke's glass monitor.

It read: 'An unidentified vessel suspected of launching a long-range attack is approaching. Before Seira could notice, the communication control station's radar monitor was blocked.'

Upon seeing Marks' message, Shinosuke made his decision.

"Given the current situation, it's impossible to continue escorting the convoy.... From Cerberus, I'm transferring command to A884. I can no longer maintain command of the escort squadron, so I'm handing over command to A884. For auxiliary command support, I'll be transferring Seira and Milena from this vessel to A884."

"Is it really okay with Shinosuke and the others?"

"No problem. This vessel carries two small shuttles. In case of emergency, we'll evacuate as well."

"…Understood. Since time is precious, let's hurry with the transfer of the two of them."

After ending the communication, Shinosuke looked at Seira and Milena.

"As you heard. The two of you will transfer to A884 and assist Ira."

"Wait a moment. Just the two of us…?"

"Captain's order. No objections. Only I, Marks, and Milena can pilot the shuttle. That means Milena and Seira are the only ones who can evacuate first. Wasting time endangers the entire fleet. Move quickly!"

Seira was speechless at Shinosuke's unusually stern tone.

"......Yes."

Milena silently stared at Shinosuke with her forehead eye.

(Milena's ability is precognition and mind reading. Has she noticed?)

Yet, though she looked uneasy, Milena quietly nodded.

"Shinosuke-sama. I believe in you."

"Ah... yes."

"I understand. Seira, let's go."

Seira began walking as prompted by Milena, but just before leaving the bridge, she turned back to look at Shinosuke.

"Shinosuke, please come after us."

"Got it. I'll definitely follow. Go ahead and wait for me."

As he spoke, Shinosuke deliberately turned his back on the two people.

Shinosuke and Marks remained on Cerberus, watching until the shuttle they had boarded was safely secured at A884.

"Ships departing from Cerberus, from now on you fall under A884's command. Leave the orbital zone promptly... Leave the rear to us—go ahead!"

Both Ira and Zany correctly understand the situation at Cerberus and Shinnosuke's intentions, but as escort vessel crew members on duty, neither says a word.

Led by Ira's A884, the refugee convoy accelerates away toward Acneria, leaving the orbital zone behind.

Shinnosuke and Marks watch the convoy depart.

"You'd better wait. I'll catch up—go on ahead. Both of those actions violate Article 2, don't they?"

Shinnosuke gave Marks a confident smirk in response to his words.

"Guess so. That's pretty much it."

"Indeed."

"Sorry, Marks, but I'm going to need you to come with me all the way to the depths of the Underworld."

"I, being a doll, cannot enter the spiritual realm at the bottom of the Underworld."

Shinnosuke sighed at Marks' words.

"No, I'm definitely dragging you along. Even if you say no, I'll carry your memories with me!"

"I understand. I'll accompany you wherever you go."

The two laughed and took their positions.

"Main vessel is heading toward the approaching unidentified ship. Let's go, Marks."

"Understood."

The Cerberus began running in the opposite direction of the fleet.