Fleet Deployment

The Damura Stellar Cluster Commonwealth's Space Force's 3rd Fleet was a major component of the Commonwealth's space forces, comprising over five hundred warships.

Although delayed in joining the assault on the Rimulia Galactic Empire due to fleet positioning, the 3rd Fleet fought valiantly, repeatedly repelling the empire's fierce offensives in keeping with its reputation as a main force. Now that the Damura Stellar Cluster Commonwealth has fallen and become the Holy Rimulia Empire, most of the remaining citizens regard the 3rd Fleet, led by Major General Hazel, as traitors and cowards, harboring deep hatred toward them.

Although the 3rd Fleet had proven itself strong through countless battles with the imperial fleet, the situation had deteriorated to a point where no single fleet's strength could turn the tide.

Faced with the imminent defeat of the republic, Hazel made a decisive choice.

She fled abroad with most of her fleet.

Even though defeat seemed inevitable, Hazel and her followers were hated by the remaining citizens more than the Rimorian Galactic Empire and, later, the Holy Rimorian Empire, for abandoning the nation and its people they were sworn to protect.

The Rimorian Galactic Federation Fleet, including the Third Fleet of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, gathered in the space around the Sirius Stellar Province.

With the Astriaire, flagship of the 2nd Fleet of the Akneria Galactic Federation, commanded by General Allenbar, serving as the overall flagship, the fleet comprised 500 ships of the 2nd Fleet, 400 of the 6th Fleet, 300 of the 9th Fleet, 600 from the 11th, 14th, 15th, and 17th Fleets, and 250 ships of the M19 Fleet—totaling over 2,000 ships just from the Akneria Fleet alone, plus an additional 400 ships from the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth Fleet, forming a massive armada.

Allenval, seated at the command seat of the Astrea, delivers a pre-battle briefing to the entire fleet.

Now, we shall launch an invasion of the Holy Rimria Empire and reclaim the territory of the Damaru Constellation Principality! This operation is conducted pursuant to the mutual military assistance agreement between the Damaru Constellation Principality and our nation, granting us full legitimacy under international law. That said, although we command a large fleet, our forces are insufficient to conquer an entire nation. However, the Holy Rimria Empire is currently embroiled in civil war with the Rimria Galaxy Empire, forcing it to fight on two fronts—us and the Rimria Galaxy Empire. If we can achieve a swift decisive victory, our chances of success are very strong. Our strategy is divided into two phases. First, the recovery of the Damaru Constellation Principality’s territory—this is our supreme objective. Second, after restoring the principality’s sovereignty, we must maintain vigilance and deterrence against the Rimria Galaxy Empire. Some among you may question fighting to the death for another nation. Nevertheless, we are soldiers, and our duty is to obey orders and fight when commanded. I expect each fleet to follow the direction of its respective commanders, maintaining orderly conduct and achieving our operational goals. Now then, comrades—time to get to work. Let us begin the war. All fleets, launch!

Immediately upon General Arelbar's order, the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth Restoration Fleet launched.

With the massive fleet of the space navy now on the move, it became impossible to keep the information secret any longer.

The Aknelia Galaxy Federation government broadcast to the entire galaxy the commencement of military action against the Sacred Rymria Empire, along with its justification.

Naturally, this message reached both the Sacred Rymria Empire and the Rymria Galaxy Empire as well.

Even within Akneria, a large-scale fleet movement was underway, so Rymria couldn't possibly have been unaware of anything.

They must have been determining which Rymria to attack, but in any case, they surely had preparations in place to meet the assault.

Thus, the Akneria Galaxy Federation and the Sacred Rymria Empire entered a state of war.

When circumstances drastically shifted, Shinnosuke found himself caught in an awkward situation—just like always.

"Shinnosuke, let's go mining!"

As usual, Glenn and the others, oblivious to the atmosphere, came to invite him.

"Mining? Where exactly are we going?"

Shinnosuke, seated in the car driven by Aliasa, took the chance to confirm the mining site's location while being forcibly dragged to the union.

Given the circumstances, the situation could prove extremely dangerous depending on the location.

Although Shinnosuke has no intention of fleeing, Caeren is flanking his left side and Meriesa his right—this feels more like transporting a criminal than anything else.

"Hey, this place is a bit more dangerous than usual, but it's also where we'll make a fortune."

"W-where's the destination?"

"Hmm? We're here."

Checking the information sent from Glen in the passenger seat to Shinnosuke's terminal, the mining site was located midway between Akneria and the Holy Rimuria Empire.

Though not within the combat zones of either nation, the region's navigation safety had deteriorated alongside worsening conditions.

Even Shinnosuke was taken aback.

"Of all places, here? Isn't this a bit too dangerous?"

"There's definitely risk involved. But the asteroid belt in this region is currently aligned just right—this is our chance to strike gold on a rare mineral. If we miss this opportunity, we'll never get another like it. Of course, I'm not forcing anyone. I know this request is unreasonable, so take your time. Go check the guild's official details and decide for yourself."

"……"

He says that, but it's clear Shinno-suke doesn't even consider the possibility of him saying no.

Shinno-suke was dragged to the guild and headed straight toward the reception counter where Lina was waiting.

"Ah, Shinno-suke-san... Ah, you really got caught by Glen-san and the others, huh?"

Lina smiled upon seeing Shinno-suke, but her expression darkened when she noticed Glen and the others behind him.

"Yes. They dragged me here without so much as asking. So, could you show me the details of the request I was assigned?"

"Hah... I see. Here is the request content from Mr. Glenn and the others."

Rina displayed the data for the designated request targeting Shinnosuke, showing it to him with a resigned expression.

This marks the final update of the year.

I sincerely thank everyone who read my works, including this one, this year.

Next year, I hope to deliver this series in a new format— I'd be delighted if you'd read it too.

Happy New Year to everyone who has read this work.