Dream Demon Operation

"Second Fleet and Ninth Fleet have taken their positions. M19 Fleet is also on standby in its designated sector."

Admiral Allenbar, seated at the command chair aboard the Astreaire, nods in response to the副官's report.

"Very well. What is the enemy fleet's status?"

"Yes, approximately 500 warships from the Holy Rimlarian Empire fleet, with around 200 vessels from the former Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth deployed ahead of them."

Their forces are quite formidable, but if we win this battle, the tide will turn decisively in our favor. We’ve had more difficulty than expected, and frankly, I’m worn out from this expedition. I just want to wrap things up quickly and return home to enjoy the meals my wife prepares. Ah, and recently my daughter’s taken an interest in baking—she usually doesn’t share her treats with me, but she said, 'When you come back, I’ll bake you cookies,' so I’m really looking forward to that.

"Admiral, that is a rather dangerous statement. I'd advise you to be more careful."

Allenbarr chuckled at his aide's exasperated warning.

"An unofficial regulation of the Akneria Federation Space Force. It's a long-established tradition that was already in place when I graduated from the academy. But my own superstition—'looking forward to my wife's cooking'—isn't half bad either. After all, it's never once failed me."

(Then, if there had been even one instance, the admiral wouldn't be here anymore... )

The副官 muttered inwardly.

Arenval, who had been chatting casually with the crew on the flagship's bridge, grew increasingly tense as the enemy fleet drew nearer.

"Battlecruisers will enter effective range of main guns shortly. All ships with flagship capabilities, prepare aircraft launch. Eight minutes until engagement distance."

Allenbal nods.

"Very well! Fleet, continue forward as planned. All ships, prepare for gunnery combat. After the first salvo, launch fighter craft to secure control of the skies and support the M19 fleet's advance! Finally, issue strict orders to all fleet vessels—strictly adhere to the basic principles of this operation!"

Allenbal checks the time.

"Ten, nine, eight... three..."

Allenbal rises from the command chair.

"Operation Nightmare initiated! Maintain your current course and speed—hold your breath and cover your eyes!"

Under Aranval's orders, every vessel in the fleet shut down all electronic equipment, including communications and radar.

Not only the combat radar but also the navigation radar are disabled, and most of the bridge monitors go dark.

For the next five minutes, the fleet will advance blindfolded and with ears and mouths sealed, leaving it completely vulnerable to enemy attack—yet this is an absolute necessity for the operation's success.

[Sacred Lemurian Imperial Fleet]

The Sacred Lemurian Imperial Space Fleet's 3rd Fleet is the core unit of the Sacred Lemurian Imperial Front Forces.

While the main fleet of the empire is the 1st Fleet, it primarily serves as the emperor's personal guard, rarely engaging in frontline combat.

Next, the 2nd Fleet, though formidable, is a small, temporary formation with limited ship numbers, making it inevitable that the 3rd Fleet assumes the role of the primary frontline fleet.

On the bridge of the flagship Firebird, flagship of the 3rd Fleet, Rear Admiral Lionel watched intently as the enemy fleet's movements scrolled across the monitors, preparing for battle.

Ahead of the 3rd Fleet, the 'Shield Fleet' of the former Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth was deployed.

Having risen through the ranks as a noble of the Empire and a seasoned military officer, Lionel had reached the rank of rear admiral and become a fleet commander, yet he disapproved of the tactics employed by this Shield Fleet.

Though proud as an imperial noble, he could not condone such inhumane actions—but as an imperial officer, he suppressed his personal feelings, adhering to the military principle that "results are everything," bound by the emperor's decree.

"An anomaly in the enemy fleet! Their response is weakening!"

The operator reports, and indeed, while the enemy fleet remains detected on radar, their reactions have noticeably slowed.

"Determine the cause!"

"Wait!... We estimate the cause to be the enemy fleet cutting off their communications and all detection functions!"

Communication is essential for fleet operations, but even more critical is radar and other detection capabilities.

Spaceships use various radar and detection functions not only in combat but also during routine navigation—these functions are like eyes and ears to the vessel.

The enemy fleet disabled them just before the outbreak of hostilities.

This is tantamount to suicide.

"What are you thinking... All ships, prepare for any eventuality—maintain maximum alert!"

There must be a reason why the enemy is employing such reckless tactics.

It can't just be to confuse our vision.

"Five minutes until engagement. Shall we observe the enemy's movements?"

Lionel nodded in agreement with the chief of staff's suggestion.

"There might be hidden forces lying in wait. All ships, maximum radar output. Search the surrounding airspace!"

Lionel, usually cautious and pragmatic, makes a fatal mistake this time.

"Understood!... We've detected something! An unidentified vessel is rapidly approaching from the fleet's starboard side! Weak response—likely a stealth vessel!"

"Inform the right wing unit immediately...!"

'...EEEEEEEEK!'

At that moment, a shrill, deafening sound erupted from the bridge's speakers, drowning out Lionel's voice.

Even the crew wearing headsets couldn't bear it and tore off their headsets, hurling them away in frustration.

"What's going on?! Jamming? Confirm it immediately!"

Lionel shouted, but it was already too late.

The jamming originating from an unidentified vessel that had broken through the fleet's starboard side had destroyed communications, radar, and all other equipment on every ship affected.

The intruder was Nightmare.

The Dream Demon Operation had begun.