150th Episode: All-Out Battle - Middle

A large number of torpedoes converge on the linked sphere and detonate.

"Hazard level approaching critical. Risk of separation and collapse increasing."

Dawson grimaces beneath his mask at Oine's report.

The linked sphere is breaking apart faster than Dawson had anticipated.

Even so, it is slightly better than the worst-case scenario.

"Use the决战 cannon defensively. Enemy will likely target the决战 cannon. No need to protect the Super Large Battleships."

Dawson prepares the决战 cannon on both Super Large Battleships, then orders all crew members to transfer to a different pirate vessel.

"Oine. Launch position and timing are yours."

"Initiating launch via hack of the Super Large Battleships. Confirmed."

"Second wave of enemy torpedoes incoming!"

Dawson gave Oine orders based on Kiwaka's report. He brought one of the two Super Large Battleships out from behind the coupling sphere and fired the decisive cannon.

The decisive cannon struck the approaching torpedo swarm. A massive explosion erupted. Some torpedoes passed through the decisive cannon's trajectory, but the coupling sphere absorbed their impact without collapsing.

"High-energy reaction from enemy lines. That was the decisive cannon!"

The enemy's decisive cannon struck the pirate Super Large Battleship that had just fired its own cannon—now exposed beyond the coupling sphere—causing severe damage.

One of the reserve assets was lost. Dawson's expression grew heavier.

"Push the sphere at full speed! Get as close to enemy lines as possible before the shield fails!"

Dawson's shout transmitted through communications. The pirates moved frantically, fighting for survival.

The pirates' propulsion lights intensified. The connection sphere's movement speed increased. The relative distance to the enemy decreased further.

The SU Space Force seemed to have anticipated Dawson's intent. It began retreating to increase the relative distance. But the retreat was under fire. Speed remained low.

The pirates, desperate in pursuit, maintained a significantly higher velocity. The relative distance continued to close over time.

"Torpedoes, third wave!"

"Oine. Take them down with the决战 cannon."

The approaching torpedoes exploded in dispersal once more, destroyed by the决战 cannon. At the cost, the pirates' final Super Large Battleship was destroyed by an attack from the Space Force.

There remained only the deteriorating connection sphere's defense. The pirates had no choice but to close the distance with the Space Force.

Under these conditions, the pirates have only one option: initiate close combat. The Space Force has three choices.

First, continue the attack as is. If the connection sphere can be destroyed before the pirates close in, the Space Force can overwhelm them through numerical superiority. But if the pirates succeed in closing the distance, casualties must be expected.

Second, reconfigure formation to intercept the oncoming pirates. By absorbing their momentum and countering, significant damage can be inflicted. But the risk of entering close combat remains.

Third, cease the attack and retreat at high speed, or perform a rapid displacement maneuver—warping. This allows for a complete reset. Once sufficient distance is established, the pirates cannot re-close. This is the most effective method for securing a safe victory.

Of the three, the navy chose formation change.

This was the option Dawson most wished they had not selected.

"Enemy capability is a problem, I've realized anew."

A decision to maintain the current formation would have allowed a simpler transition into chaotic combat. If the enemy had retreated, the navy could have manipulated the live feed streaming through the Orion Arm to falsely claim the pirates had fled in fear. A temporary advantage for the pirates would have been established.

Only formation change, however, placed the pirates in a one-sided disadvantage.

The navy had chosen precisely the worst possible option.

Dawson's complaints were justified.

"Not an ideal move, but unavoidable."

Proceeding as-is would result in encirclement and attack from all directions.

Entering the enemy’s midst, however forced, was the lesser of two evils.

Dawson made that judgment and chose to launch a charge from behind the linked mass alongside the pirates.

"Bela. Instruct the pirates to cease jumping approaches. If the emergence point is detected in advance, they’ll be ambushed the moment they reappear in normal space."

"Ah~ got it."

"Oine. Locate a point that appears relatively safe for entry."

"Already calculated. This location."

"Appreciated."

Dawson confirmed Oine’s data and committed to charging toward the designated point.

"Front line assault formation is <>. Use barrier function to protect the following units. Second position is <>. Switch places with the lead unit when entering the enemy line—your role is to tear through the enemy formation."

"Understood, Dawson-san. We'll do our best!"

"Confirmed! My heart trembles at the thought of leading the main force into assault!"

Dawson observed the two units' determined expressions. A sense of confidence rose—this assault would succeed. He tightened his focus again. Complacency was not permitted.

"After entering the enemy line, each unit will attack freely. But we—only the Amato Imperial Japan unit—will remain as one cohesive group. Keep <> in mind."

"Finally, you called. I was starting to think you'd forgotten about us."

As Major Jinku’s joke ended, Dawson led all the pirates from behind the connecting sphere, shouting toward the fleet.