Message for the fleet

"Entry into the atmosphere has begun ahead of the fleet."

"Contact Holybell. The first to descend will be Holybell."

"Understood. Instructing Holybell to proceed."

After receiving Seira's report, Shinosuke ordered Andy's Holybell to lead the descent, but Andy's reply came immediately.

" This is Holybell. Our vessel can also assist in escorting the fleet, so please allow the fleet to descend first."

Andy probably thought it was unwise for the heavily armed Holybell, even if it was a transport ship, to pull out of the frontline first.

But Shinnosuke's judgment was different.

"As long as the fighting continues, the first ship to descend is the most vulnerable. Andy, I can trust you with this. While Holybell draws the enemy's fire, I'll have the other ships land. I'm counting on you!"

"I see. Understood! Holy Bell, initiating atmospheric entry. Cover me!"

Holy Bell descended, lowering its altitude as it raised its bow.

A slow descent, as if provoking the enemy.

"Holy Bell has begun its descent. All ships in the formation stand by, ready to descend at any moment—wait for the right timing. Fukubuki and Javelin, protect the descending ships. Our flagship, Phantom, and Hammerhead will hold off the enemy while remaining vigilant against long-range fire from the White Rose Fleet."

The three ships—Yatagarasu, Phantom, and Hammerhead—began attacking the enemy fleet, which was wildly pursuing without order.

Ships breaking through toward the descending Holy Bell are certainly destroyed one by one, while those attempting to bypass the three ships from the front are met by Javelin's missiles.

Against long-range artillery fire from the White Rose Fleet's White Rose, Yatagarasu and Fubuki conduct precise counter-battery fire to suppress the threat.

While waiting for the convoy to begin atmospheric descent, it appears the escorts are successfully repelling the enemy pursuit, though the Shinosuke-class escort vessels are barely holding on.

The imperial fleet charges forward recklessly, seemingly heedless of damage, but even so, the enemy ships are genuine warships—destroyers, frigates, and corvettes—commanded by military personnel.

They're no pushovers, but Shinnosuke's escort squadron also boasts individual, experienced escort vessel commanders who have served on distinctive escort ships.

While their strength matches that of the enemy, they're at a disadvantage due to the sheer number of opponents and the need to protect the convoy.

"Three enemy ships have circled around and are targeting the rear of the convoy—the transport Albathros. Hammerhead is moving to defend Albathros... but the enemy fire is concentrating on Hammerhead."

Shin nosuke's expression darkens at Seira's report.

"Damn it! We're already stretched thin—we can't afford to open a gap in our defense line, so we can't provide support."

『Javelin to Yatagarasu—this vessel will provide support.』

Javelin, firing anti-ship missiles, moves to support Hammerhead.

Meanwhile, the convoy began entering the atmosphere one after another.

"Hammerhead destroyed...sunk! Three enemy ships that circled around were destroyed by Hammerhead and Javelin!"

Hammerhead was sunk under concentrated fire, and at that moment, Javelin attempted to close the gap.

"Lord Shinosuke! White Rose is incoming!"

"From Fubuki to Yatagarasu! Long-range artillery fire is coming!"

Mireena and Ash shout simultaneously.

It's a long-range artillery strike from the flagship of the White Rose Fleet, White Rose.

"Albatross, you're targeted! Evade immediately!"

Seira warns.

However, altering course is extremely dangerous for a ship entering atmospheric descent.

It's highly likely the ship will lose balance and burn up from gravity alone.

With no help from the escort ships coming in time, one vessel moved.

"Container ship Orion is retreating! Cutting in between Albatross and White Rose!"

Seira screamed in alarm.

'Not going to let that happen!'

Fubuki countered with a shot from beyond range, keeping them at bay.

The single hit slightly altered White Rose's artillery fire.

"Artillery incoming!"

But it was too late—White Rose's barrage pierced Orion's engine.

Although the explosion was avoided, Orion lost its propulsion and became unable to navigate, beginning to be pulled in by the planet's gravity.

At this point, rescuing Orion was impossible.

"Orion is falling into the atmosphere... Incoming message from Orion... Wait, what is this?"

Though Seyla had regained her composure and continued reporting via communications with steady resolve, the moment she saw the message displayed on the monitor, her words faltered and tears spilled from her eyes.

A message sent from Orion, now enveloped in crimson flames, appearing on the monitor.

【Thank you for all the escort missions we've shared. Please become a fine and worthy sailor: Captain Orion and the entire crew】

It was a final farewell message from Captain Orion and the crew to Seira—expressing gratitude toward Shinnosuke and the many missions they had shared since Seira's first assignment, as well as their heartfelt pride in her growth.

"O-Orion's hull is collapsing..."

Seira, tears streaming down her face, stared at the image of Orion's body disintegrating and burning away in flames, reporting the scene with trembling voice.

Amidst the ongoing battle, Shinosuke saluted Orion while piloting the Yatagarasu.

Seira and Milena also saluted Orion as they sent him off.