What the Black Rose aims for is

"Target, Steinfrygel at maximum combat speed!"

"Understood."

Having broken free from the Black Rose Fleet's encirclement, the Nightmare turned its bow toward the space where the Holy Rimlian Imperial Fleet and the Rimlian Galactic Empire were locked in battle.

"What about the pursuit by the Black and White Roses?"

"Currently, we're executing maximum-power jamming, but due to damage to the main radome, our detection range has also been reduced. As a result, we can't lock onto each other, but there's no doubt they're pursuing us."

"…That's right. It's annoying not being able to predict their movements, but our primary objective remains the Steinflügel alone. For now, capturing the Steinflügel takes priority."

"Understood."

The original Nightmare is an electronic warfare vessel with exceptional detection capabilities.

Even when conducting wide-ranging jamming operations, it never loses track of its own position, and can continuously target enemies while disrupting the enemy's detection systems.

However, due to damage sustained by its main radome, its electronic warfare capabilities have diminished, resulting in a significant reduction in jamming range and detection ability during jamming operations.

In such a state, Shinosuke and his crew had to evade the enemy fleet while nearly blind, searching for their target, Steinflügel.

Using Shinosuke’s experience and skill as a pilot, combined with Marks’s analytical prowess, they compensated for Nightmare’s diminished capabilities and raced through the darkness of space toward their unknown objective.

【BLACK ROSE】

"We can't capture the ghost due to jamming interference."

Even after hearing Zackburn's report, Bellroza maintained a composed expression as she kept her grip on the steering column.

"There's no doubt he's beyond this jamming. If we stray off course and exit the jamming range, we'll be moving away from him. As long as we're within the jamming field, we can't possibly lose him. Besides, his target is the same as ours—Elran's Stahlflügel. Since our goals are identical, we'll eventually find him. There's no need to rush."

Even if they can't catch each other, Black Rose is certainly pursuing Nightmare without pause.

"But if the ghost's target is Steinflügel, why not simply let the ghost handle it? If we use the ghost as a hunting dog to eliminate Steinflügel, we save ourselves unnecessary effort. Even if the ghost is defeated, we can strike while it's vulnerable—there would be no problem with that."

Belrosa glared at Zackburn.

"Don't be foolish. Steinflügel is my prey. I'm no weakling who'll just stand by and watch someone steal my prey!...And besides."

"And besides?"

"That man is mine too! I won't let him slip away this time. This time, I'll reduce him to cosmic dust!"

Belrosa wore a cruel smile.

The Black Rose steadily closed the distance between itself and Nightmare.

【Nightmare】

"Approaching the Holy Lemurian Imperial Fleet. Target acquired at the rear, right flank."

"What's the enemy's movement?"

We're currently engaged with the Lemurian Galactic Empire at the front line, though specific details remain unclear. Although the jamming prevents them from pinpointing our exact location, the fact that we're jamming suggests they're aware of our presence as a potential threat—meaning they've likely detected our approach. The enemy's right wing has launched multiple patrol vessels to strengthen their vigilance.

If we continue like this, even a stealthy Nightmare hidden within the jamming could be detected.

Once spotted, it would be difficult to conceal ourselves again.

"Understood. We'll direct the jamming toward the right while cutting engine power. The flagship will use inertia to navigate, cooling the engines as we maneuver from the left to approach the enemy's rear forces."

"Understood."

The Nightmare moves leftward, drawing the enemy's attention toward the right.

Engine cooling complete. Disrupting jamming and proceeding with stealth navigation to strike the enemy flagship from behind.

Understood. Enemy flagship Steinflügel's position confirmed. Combat is currently underway in that sector.

This is an attack by the Black Rose Fleet's independent unit. Good, this works to our advantage. I'll maneuver around while exploiting the chaos of battle to target Steinflügel.

Confirmed. Contact with Steinflügel in forty minutes.

Understood... but if we're spotted by the enemy beforehand, that'll be troublesome.

After cutting the jamming, Nightmare entered stealth navigation using minimal power, creeping closer to its final target, Steinflügel.

Ahead, the Holy Rimurian Empire and the Black Rose Fleet's independent task force were locked in battle.

And the White Rose Fleet, tasked with defending Steinflügel, would certainly be present as well.

A single Nightmare sailing into that battlefield.

If we fail, we'll be overwhelmed by concentrated fire from every enemy fleet on the battlefield—game over.

Volume 1 (digital edition) of this series' manga adaptation

Released on September 12.

Feel free to take a look if you'd like.

I impulsively bought four books on each e-book site (why?).

I read everything, but naturally, the content was the same.