Combat Training 2

"Four enemy vessels are attempting to surround us from bearings 10 to 12. We estimate their goal is to halt our advance."

Shin nosuke struggled to suppress a laugh as he glanced at the scenario data set by Marks.

(Marks, you really are coming up with some devious scenarios...)

Unaware of anything at all, Milina and Seira remained focused entirely on the enemy ships ahead, completely oblivious to Marks' trap.

"We'll hinder the enemy's flanking maneuvers with our main guns and bow rapid-fire cannons!"

"Understood. We'll maintain our current position and course."

Seira continuously fired the rapid-fire cannons toward the left front of the ship's heading, keeping the enemy vessels at bay, then switched the main gun to precision bombardment mode and peered into the targeting scope.

The target isn't far enough away to require manual aiming, but since this is a valuable training opportunity, I'll deliberately attempt it manually.

Targeting enemy ship B, which is blocking the forward path.

The scope's marker has locked onto enemy ship B. I align the aiming point with the marker, lock it in, and place my finger on the trigger.

"Enemy ship B locked! Main gun firing!"

Seyla pulled the trigger, and the main beam shot forth, piercing enemy ship B with perfect accuracy.

(Oh, a manual hit. Not just luck, it seems.)

Even though the distance wasn't great, scoring a direct hit on the first manual shot was impressive.

Moreover, after sinking the target, it didn't neglect surrounding surveillance, deterring an enemy vessel attempting to approach from the port side using rapid-fire guns and a Vulcan cannon to prevent its advance.

Three enemy ships remained.

At this moment, Marks' trap was triggered.

"Three unidentified vessels approaching rapidly from bearing 4. No identification signals transmitted. Targeting civilian ship Omega."

A new threat emerging from the opposite direction of the currently engaged enemy vessels.

It's a standard tactic among space pirates, but dealing with it using just a single escort vessel is quite difficult.

"Positioning behind the civilian ship Omega."

Mireena lowered Fubuki behind the civilian ship Omega.

"Understood. Using launcher one against the enemy ship on the port side... Locking onto enemy ships A, C, and D. Launching missiles one through six!"

While hypothetically firing six missiles toward the enemy ship on the port side, he remained vigilant against three enemy ships appearing astern on the starboard side.

"Analysis. Enemy ship A destroyed. Enemy ship C severely damaged, unable to maneuver."

Shin nosuke's assessment.

Although the data indicated a moderate damage rating for enemy ship C, it was a generous outcome.

"Enemy vessel D is increasing distance. Switching targeting to three unidentified ships on the starboard side and civilian vessel Omega. Fire on civilian vessel Omega. Slight damage sustained, no impairment to navigation. New suspicious vessels designated as enemy vessels E, F, and G."

Markus calmly reporting the situation.

It would be pointless to sink the civilian vessel, their intended prey.

Withholding strong attacks on the targeted ship is a common tactic among space pirates.

Yet attacking the ship under escort was meant to provoke unease in Milena and Ceyla.

A malicious tactic by Marks.

"The enemy vessel D will maintain vigilance with its rapid-fire cannon's automatic attack function while preparing for a new threat. Suppress with the gatling cannon—launch missiles from launcher two, and from launchers one through four!"

The judgment wasn't poor, but the distance was too great.

"Analysis. Missile two hit—enemy vessel F critically damaged. Mobility reduced, but navigation unaffected. Other missiles missed."

Four enemy vessels remain, but due to focusing solely on preventing them from approaching the escort target, the enemy ships have retreated beyond range, resulting in a deadlock.

"We're in a difficult situation. With this, we're completely powerless."

"I'm sorry—I made a mistake in judgment. I should have attacked more decisively with rapid-fire cannons or space torpedoes before they moved out of range."

It's impressive how calmly she assesses her own shortcomings.

Since Fubuki can't move away from the escort target, continuing this stalemate would just waste training time.

Marks takes action to break the deadlock.

"Enemy ship D is moving. It's gradually approaching."

The enemy ship D on the port side is slowly approaching.

"Be careful, Serah. Given who they are—Shinonsuke and Marks—there's definitely something up."

"Yeah, you're right. When it's Shinonsuke and Marks, you can never tell what they're planning."

Milena and Seira aren't fooled by the obvious feint from the enemy ship D.

(Why me and Marks, anyway?)

Marks was the one who set the training scenario.

Shinonsuke silently protested in his heart.

"Enemy ships E, F, and G on the starboard side are approaching rapidly!"

"See? They're here now!"

"Yes, sir!"

Marks prepared to finish the maneuver.

"Two launch vehicles detected from enemy ship G—estimated to be similar to carrier-based aircraft. Designated as fighters one and two."

The simulated enemy ships moved with the typical behavior of average space pirates, but the newly appearing simulated fighters were in a league of their own—far superior in speed and maneuverability.

"I've never heard of space pirates using fighter jets like that!"

"Truly impressive—just like Shinosuke-san and Marks-san. Even in training, it's intense."

The two exclaim in surprise.

"Space pirates operating fighter jets isn't impossible."

(That's why Marks set it up like this...)

Whether they complain or not, the situation is already moving forward.

There's no time to dawdle.

Mylene and Celia respond immediately.

"Position Fubuki on the starboard side of the civilian vessel Omega to serve as a shield! Watch out for the enemy ship D on the port side."

"Understood. I'll establish a barrage using the anti-aircraft guns' automatic defense system, prioritizing enemy fighters and ensuring they're destroyed."

Celia targets two enemy fighters with the Gatling guns at the bow and stern of the ship.

Training is now reaching its final stage.