300: Fleet Convergence ※

This chapter is told from Vee's perspective.

Please note.

"We'll be rendezvousing shortly. All crew, please prepare for impact just in case."

One week had passed since escaping the Vanilla Side system using an unconventional method.

The moment had finally arrived.

While Satu said it wasn't impossible for the Emperor and his entourage, I still felt a twinge of doubt—could a rendezvous within hyperspace truly be achieved?

After all, a deviation of even one-hundredth of a degree in entry angle, one meter in entry point, or one second in entry timing—would mean emerging in an entirely different location, or continuing to navigate within hyperspace.

Even if the Emperor's instructions were accurate and we followed them precisely, there would be no possibility of rendezvous if the meeting point itself didn't move as instructed.

This is how it works.

"Lord Vee. After the rendezvous succeeds..."

"I understand. I'll handle the negotiation. That said, they should already have information about our arrival or something equivalent, so I don't think that will be an issue."

Still, success would bring significant advantages.

Not just time savings, but the enormous benefit of being able to infiltrate deep into the enemy's territory without being detected.

In truth, humans in real space can only detect faster-than-light spacecraft through specialized mods, which is essentially the same as setting up a fixed net in one place.

While it might be manageable near the star systems that serve as bases, spreading such a net across interstellar space is utterly impractical—there's simply no comparison between the size of the net and the vastness of space.

The reason space pirates can catch ships traveling faster than light is because they've set their nets in places they know the ships will pass through.

Therefore, if this rendezvous and the subsequent movement go smoothly, we can approach near the Siltrilich system without the enemy noticing.

I should add the caveat that, aside from Funaqa, whose depths even my eyes couldn't fathom.

"Rendezvous incoming!"

"「「「!?」」」"

Likely due to interference between hyperspace regions—the 'Shakeborder' trembles slightly.

And as the tremor subsides, the monitor displays the outside scene.

"Truly spectacular, this is."

"Indeed. It's almost unheard of to see so many objects moving simultaneously within hyperspace."

What came into view were twenty-four capital warships, accompanied by more than a hundred smaller and medium-sized vessels of various types and sizes.

Though not visible now, in battle, fighters would surely emerge from each ship, and there are also smaller vessels carried within the capital ships—truly a massive fleet, one could say.

Also, the Shakerbolder's size is medium among smaller vessels, so it should easily fit into a standard-sized battleship.

"Vee-sama, a communication call."

"Connect me."

"This is Imperial Forces on a special mission. We request that you disclose your ship's registry, affiliation, and name."

"Understood. I'll send the data to you now."

Following my words, Joharis transmits the data to the other side.

And I, too, will introduce myself.

"I am Vilijaniira En Banilagengroot, affiliated with the Imperial Military Intelligence Corps. May I join your fleet?"

"...Please wait a moment."

It seems my arrival was not part of the original instructions.

So I will wait a little.

"My name is Dragstarque Count Fernébel. I am the commander of this fleet. Miss Vilijanira, I grant you permission to accompany us. In light of that, I would like to meet with you in person. Would you be so kind as to come to the flagship?"

A man with blonde hair appeared.

Following the instructions of the man who claimed to be in command, one of the battleships is guided toward us.

Understood. Joharis.

Got it!

There's naturally no reason to resist, so the 'Shakebolder' will proceed toward you... and dock without issue.

"Then I'll send troops your way. Please follow the instructions of that person."

"Understood."

Now that we've met face to face, at least we can proceed smoothly to the Siltrilich system...

...

"Vee? What's wrong?"

"No, it's just... I sensed something unpleasant. A threat, perhaps."

"..."

Sata, Mekoshi, and Joharlis remained silent, yet their bodies tensed at my words.

"Details?"

"I don't know. But this battleship... something needs to be resolved while we're aboard it."

"Ah, the 'Tamaimazekawa,' right?"

"Yes. While we're aboard the 'Tamaimazekawa,' there's something we must resolve. If we don't, we won't be able to win the battle in the Siltrilich system."

"I see. Then I'll do my best to maintain vigilance. Lord Vee."

"Thank you."

Imperial soldiers arrived all the way to the 'Shakeborder's' entrance and opened it through proper procedure.

Thus, we stepped out boldly onto the exterior of the 'Shakeborder.'

Well, what awaits us now?

A mix of good and bad—Tamaimazekawa