Operation Start!

The Akneria Galactic Federation Fleet, having launched to reclaim the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth from the Holy Rimilia Empire, found itself stalled.

Unable to advance as planned due to suicide attacks and kamikaze assaults carried out by the remnants of the former Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth's fleet, now under the control of the Holy Rimilia Empire, which used human lives as shields.

Not every front is stagnant, but overall, the advance has certainly slowed down.

That is precisely the enemy's intention—understanding that slowing our attacks plays right into their hands—but the mental burden on the soldiers at the front cannot be ignored.

At this point, the Holy Rimurian Empire is not yet in a position to reverse the tide of battle, but the prolonged stalemate is an unacceptable situation for the Akneria forces, who came on this expedition hoping for a swift victory.

Prolonged conflict risks shortages of supplies, further diminishing morale, and if the enemy severs their supply lines, the worst-case scenario could force them into a retreat.

Regardless, we've prepared multiple layers of contingency plans for such scenarios, but the battlefield always carries the risk of unforeseen events occurring.

In the conference room of the Astraier, the flagship of the Acreria Federal Space Fleet, staff officers were discussing matters before Supreme Commander General Alenbar.

"Who would have thought we'd stumble at this point..."

It's an inhumane tactic, yet remarkably effective. If it managed to halt us—despite our overwhelming advantage—then it must be powerful indeed.

"But just because we're facing inhumane tactics doesn't mean we can afford to do nothing, nor can we waste time condemning the enemy's cruelty. Doing so won't improve the situation—it'll only make things worse as time goes on. We must strengthen our advance and bring the conflict to a swift conclusion. That's the only way to minimize casualties. Wasting more time like this will only increase the exhaustion of our soldiers."

While the divisional commander's argument is sound in theory, the mental burden on the soldiers actually fighting at the front cannot be ignored. Yes, this operation has the noble cause of liberating allied nations, but the soldiers are risking their lives not for their own country's defense, but for the sake of others. Under such circumstances, employing such a fighting strategy would break their spirits.

"However, to put it bluntly, we have only three choices: stagnate here and waste away, press forward despite the difficulties, or retreat after coming this far. Given that, there's only one choice worth making."

General Arlenbal rarely speaks during such meetings.

He listens quietly to his staff's discussions, synthesizes everyone's opinions, and makes the final decision—bearing full responsibility for it all.

Arenbal, as silent as usual during the meeting, nodded deeply upon receiving a report mid-meeting, then stood up.

"Excuse me for interrupting, but I've just received a report that has determined our course of action."

"......"

The silence that followed was absolute—everyone froze at Arenbal's words, rare as they were, especially at a time when he typically only spoke to make the final decision.

"In fact, I have devised a strategy to break this deadlock and have been secretly implementing it. To maintain confidentiality, only a select few, besides myself, were aware of this operation. Now that the preparations are complete, I will explain it to everyone present."

This operation had been known only to Admiral Arenbal, the Chief of Staff, and the Senior Staff Officer—those on the front lines.

"This... is certainly a viable approach, but it carries considerable risks."

"Indeed, if there's even a small flaw, it'll collapse immediately, and if the enemy takes countermeasures, it won't hold for long."

The staff officers quickly identified the weaknesses and gaps in the proposed strategy upon seeing it.

Yet Arenbal had already accounted for these very shortcomings in the plan.

"This is undoubtedly a risky operation, but the chances of success are significant. Of course, if we repeat the same tactics, the enemy will eventually adapt. That's why this operation must achieve maximum impact before the enemy can respond. Therefore, the first phase of the operation will be carried out as part of a large-scale offensive centered on the Second Fleet. We will activate Operation Plan 21 of the Space Force. With this operation underway, we will refer to this campaign as the Lymria Nightmare—'The Dream Demon Operation'."

If the commander has made the decision, the staff will do whatever it takes to ensure the operation's success.

The Aknelia Fleet had begun its operation.

At that very moment, Nightmare had veered far off its usual route and infiltrated the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth territory.

Though its exterior is stealth-treated, the mission requires it to avoid detection by the enemy, so it is taking every precaution.

At the Nightmare Bridge, Marks intercepted communications from the Akneria Fleet.

"Notification to all deployed units from the Akneria Second Fleet Command: Supply delays have occurred. The supply convoy will arrive no sooner than 96 hours from now."

Though using military encrypted frequencies, the message was merely a routine unit-to-unit update.

Yet this was a communication directed at Nightmare.

Marks, having intercepted the communication, inputs the encrypted message into the operational independent terminal.

"Nightmare Operation has been activated. First-phase operation details have been decrypted, and the operational zone has been designated. Estimated start time: 32 hours from now."

Shinonsuke lets out a sigh after reviewing the contents.

"A full-scale battle right away? They're really pushing hard. Probably planning to use us up while we're still effective?"

Still, I expected something like this, so I'm not particularly surprised.

"We need to arrive in orbit and go into hiding within eight hours of the start of hostilities."

"That's cutting it close. Let's get moving. If we're late or fail in our first mission, or worse, get sunk—well, I wouldn't be able to face anyone."

"Indeed. It would be utterly embarrassing if we had such a grand prelude and then ended abruptly."

"Right, that would be a disaster....Let's go!"

Shin nosuke adjusted the course toward the target airspace.