Combat Training 1

"A civilian vessel is under attack by an unidentified ship ahead."

With the report from Markes at the navigation and communications station, combat training began.

"Understood. Initiating rescue signal transmission and closing in on the target at maximum combat speed."

"Understood. Activating fire control system... confirmed, no anomalies in the system. Unlocking armaments."

During this training, Shinosuke will focus solely on supervision and guidance, Marks will handle navigation and communications, and all other duties will be managed by Milena and Seira.

Although launching actual missiles would be a waste during training, simulated firing will be conducted from lock-on to the shooting action. However, all other weapons, including the main cannon and beam weapons, are planned to be fired for real to destroy the target craft.

"Approaching target. Identified two unidentified vessels, civilian ship Omega, no identification signal detected."

"Understood. Sending warning."

"Confirmed. Forcing laser communication connection to the vessel... Proceed."

Milena begins transmitting the warning.

This is the escort vessel Fukuki, affiliated with the Salius Stellar Province of the Akneria Galactic Federation. Civilian vessel Omega, report your status to this vessel. Unidentified vessels, immediately transmit navigation identification signals and move away from civilian vessel Omega!

Two unidentified vessels are approaching without transmitting identification signals. From this point onward, we will refer to them as hostile vessels A and B.

Understood. This vessel will now reduce speed to combat level.

Milena slowed down Fubuki to prepare for combat maneuvers.

"Sending a warning shot to the enemy vessel. Serah, I'm counting on you."

"Transferring communication to Seira."

"Y-yes, understood."

Seira adjusted the gatling gun, aiming it in a direction that wouldn't hit the enemy ship.

"Warning to the approaching unidentified vessel. Your actions violate international law. Comply with our instructions. We will now proceed with signal fire."

The warning was a bit too lenient, almost too accommodating, but it fulfilled its purpose—passable.

Seyla pulled the trigger.

For exactly two seconds, the beam Gatling cannon unleashed fire.

This was Seyla's first attack.

"Enemy vessel still approaching. Enemy ships A and B have opened fire! Evade immediately!"

"Understood!"

As Mark's report came in, Milena initiated evasive maneuvers.

A photon laser grazed the side of Fubuki.

"Enemy vessel attack confirmed. Self-defense is justified."

"Understood. Initiating training and combat signal. Celia, no need to hold back from here on out! Finish them off!"

"Y-yes, understood."

Seyla assessed the distance and speed of the enemy vessel, then selected her weapons accordingly.

"Engaging enemy vessel A with main cannon."

Seyla switched to the main cannon, locked onto enemy vessel A with the targeting system, and pulled the trigger.

The main cannon fired, piercing the enemy vessel A ahead.

"Enemy vessel A destroyed. Proceeding to enemy vessel B... uh, attacking with anti-ship missiles."

Locking onto enemy vessel B, fingers resting on the missile launch button while the safety is still engaged.

"Missile launch one!"

Although no missile was actually fired, the fire control system calculated and displayed a hit confirmation.

"Enemy vessel B confirmed destroyed."

Supervisor Shinosuke confirms the destruction of enemy vessel B.

This brings the total to two enemy vessels destroyed.

The first scenario has ended.

The target designated as enemy vessel A was destroyed by Fusou's main guns, but the civilian vessel Omega and the target designated as enemy vessel B remain operational.

Preparing for the next scenario, one target remained near Fusou while the other flew away.

Shin nosuke was scheduled to give commentary after the first scenario ended, but the results were satisfactory.

There were no particular points to highlight, so they decided to continue the training as is.

The second scenario involved escorting a civilian vessel, with the objective being to protect and defend the civilian vessel Omega.

"Commencing training."

As Mark's report came in, the target aircraft playing the role of civilian vessel Omega began moving.

"Guard mission commencing. Fubuki, take position at bearing 6 plus 5—six o'clock direction, five degrees above—maintaining vigilance around the civilian vessel Omega."

Mireina positioned Fubuki behind and slightly above the designated target vessel.

This was the fundamental formation, ready to respond to threats from any direction.

Since this was training, the situation would change quickly.

"Four unidentified vessels approaching rapidly within bearing 10 to 8—likely targeting the civilian vessel Omega!"

Understood! I'll insert Fukuki between the unidentified vessel and the civilian vessel Omega. Sera, issue a warning to the unidentified vessel.

Sera activates the fire control system.

Understood... Warning being issued to the approaching unidentified vessel...

Unidentified vessel has fired! Self-defense and emergency evasion are justified. We'll refer to the unidentified vessel as Enemy Ship A through D.

Understood! Initiating training combat signal. Sera, we're going in!

Understood. Combat readiness.

With her weapons unlocked, Sera remained alert to the enemy ship's movements, preparing to counterattack.