Battle Commences

【Black Rose Fleet】

On the bridge of the Black Rose, flagship of the Black Rose Fleet, Belrose wore a broad smile.

"I've found them—White Rose and the Phantom. To catch both prey at once? How delightful. Isn't this the perfect scenario!"

Speaking, Belrose gripped the steering wheel of the Black Rose from the captain's chair.

"Lord Belrose, if we divert our attention to them, we risk losing our original target."

Belrose nodded in response to Zackburn's advice.

"I know. The opponent on this side is more than enough for the Black Rose and the 12 direct escort vessels. The rest will head toward destroying the flagship Steinfriigel of the Elran fleet under the command of Rear Admiral Eldra!"

"But even with our ship included, we're still vastly outnumbered by the White Rose Fleet."

"It's fine, just watch closely."

Belroza smiled confidently.

[White Rose Fleet]

"The majority of the Black Rose Fleet has changed course. They're heading toward the flagship, Steinflügel."

Ezaria received the report without changing expression.

"Indeed, Bellroza is targeting Erlan. But I won't allow that. Erlan still has a role to play as the Emperor of the Holy Empire—he can't be allowed to sink here. Fleet maneuver! Leave the White Rose Fleet and twenty escort vessels behind, and the main force will proceed to support Steinflügel."

Under Ezaria's command, the White Rose Fleet split into two divisions.

With this, in this sector of space, the Black Rose Fleet consisting of 13 ships including the flagship Black Rose, the White Rose Fleet of 21 ships including the flagship White Rose, and Shinnosuke’s Nightmare will engage in a three-way battle.

【Nightmare】

"Both the Black Rose Fleet and the White Rose Fleet have split up. Our advantage in force has narrowed."

Shinnosuke sighed in response to Marks' words.

"What is the enemy fleet's combat strength, and what is our current strength difference?"

"The Black Rose Fleet has 13 fast battleships. The White Rose Fleet has 8 fast battleships and 13 cruisers. Our strength ratio is one to thirteen to twenty-one."

"There's no change in this hopeless situation! In the end, we're facing thirty-four ships with just one!"

"It's an impossible situation, sir."

"Right? Moreover, in this battlefield, the idea that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' doesn't apply. Everyone around us is an enemy, no matter which way we turn... that's the reality."

Beep! Beep!

As he spoke, alarms blared across the Nightmare's bridge.

"While we're talking, we're being targeted by both fleets! It seems their intention is to eliminate us first."

Shin nosuke pushed the throttle lever forward while adjusting the helm.

"Guess so... Marks, leave combat control and auxiliary weapon operations to you. Decide your attack targets based on your judgment—no need for constant reports!"

"Understood."

Shin nosuke nodded.

"Then, this ship shall proceed as originally planned—sinking the enemy flagship, Steinflügel! White Rose, break through the包围 of the White Rose and Black Rose fleets by force!"

Shin Nosuke turned the bow of the Nightmare toward the White Rose fleet.

"The White Rose fleet ahead has initiated an attack. Target: this vessel and the Black Rose fleet behind us... The Black Rose fleet has also begun attacking. Target: this vessel and the White Rose fleet."

"We're being attacked from both sides! Well, whatever—let's dodge the incoming fire and use our energy shield to deflect the attacks while charging straight into the White Rose fleet!"

Shinnosuke dodged attacks from both front and rear while increasing Nightmare's speed.

"The White Rose fleet flagship, White Rose, is retreating—moving to the rear of the fleet!... Enemy fire is concentrating on our ship. Charging straight in like this is too dangerous."

"Understood. Marks, prepare jamming—maximum output!"

Understood, but due to damage to the Redome and electronic warfare systems, our electronic warfare capability has dropped by 60 percent. We can't expect any dramatic effect!

Never mind! Begin jamming! No holding back on any weapons—let's push through in one go!

Confirmed. Maximum jamming output, targeting the center of the White Rose Fleet with anti-ship missiles. Following that, simultaneous rapid-fire and Gatling gun barrage will commence.

Alright, let's do this!

Nightmare charged forward toward the White Rose Fleet.

【Black Rose】

"He's not even glancing our way. His target is the same as ours—Erlan's Steinflügel. But I won't let him have it so easily. Zackburn, the ghosts are mine to deal with. You and the other ships focus on attacking the White Rose Fleet. Don't let your numerical disadvantage make you hesitate—don't back down!"

"As you wish."

Belroza ordered her fleet to attack the White Rose Fleet, while she personally aimed the Black Rose at Nightmare.

"If I let that man do as he pleases, it'll only end badly. It's time to settle this grudge once and for all."