DE: Chapter 1 Part 19 – Planet Ulysses

When Colonel Cecilia spoke again, everyone naturally fell silent.

“You all probably have many things you want to say. However, for now, prioritize the rescue of Princess Liliana.”

At those words, everyone’s focus shifted. Sensing this, Colonel Cecilia began to explain the outline of the situation.

“I will now explain the outline of Operation Valkyrie Lyces, which will begin in three hours. The first stage will involve launching an attack on the enemy fleet, centered around Sectorial…. no, Damraka, located in the Ulysses planet’s orbit and other forces gathered there.”

The screen displayed the scene of the Elven fleet launching an attack on the Damraka fleet in Ulysses orbit. At this point, it would be ideal to carry out a preemptive strike.

“In the second stage, missiles equipped with anti-beam attenuation particles will be launched. After dispersing them in front of the enemy fleet, the AW units will begin their infiltration. They will then proceed to attack both the enemy fleet and the enemy’s mobile forces.”

From the explanation, the plan was likely to have the AW units charging into the enemy fleets all at once and aiming to tear through from the inside. With the anti-beam disruption particles in play, the effectiveness of beam weapons would be reduced. In exchange, the performance of the enemy fleet’s beam attacks would also be significantly reduced.

However, it was still a fleet, after all. It has conventional shell-based secondary guns, anti-AW missiles, and anti-aircraft guns. If the approach was half-hearted, the damage on our side would likely be much greater.

“At this point, we will move our fleet to the front. While enhancing the firepower of the flagship Albireo and the cruiser’s beam turrets, we will provide support for the AW units. Of course, the destroyers and frigates will also provide additional support.”

The fleet would advance like this. For AW units like ours, it’s a welcoming development, but one wrong move could result in significant damage to our own fleet. It will truly be a critical moment in this battle.

“However, all of these actions are just a bluff. The real objective, starting at the same time as the second stage, is the descent operation from orbit to rescue Princess Liliana from the research facility.”

Two simultaneous operations would be at play. Of course, the enemy isn’t foolish. If their fleet is attacked, they will likely attempt to move and escape immediately. The purpose here is to prevent that from happening in advance.

“We will deploy the ground forces and some AW units for the descent forces. We will now select the units for the descent operation: Fang Squad, Mad Squad, and Trigger-5.”

A total of twenty-five AW units will be deployed. Additionally, the ground force’s tanks, armored vehicles, and enhanced exoskeleton powered suits will also be deployed… Huh?

“Who is Trigger-5 again?”

“It’s you. Looks like your luck has run out, Kisaragi. Don’t go dying on me.”

“What did you do? Did you harass Colonel Cecilia or something?”

“Rest in peace.”

“Um… Good luck?”

To be honest, I couldn’t really feel the reality of it. What exactly am I supposed to do without an AW? Am I supposed to return to being an infantryman like in the old days?

“The reason you were assigned to the descent unit is because of a recommendation from Captain Christina. Make sure you thank her later.”

When I looked at Captain Christina, for some reason, she blushed a little and turned her face away. What is there to blush about? What’s there to be grateful for?

I understand. Captain Christina must be holding a grudge against me because I took all the desserts, right?

Thinking back on my usual behavior, I could think of a few things that made me feel a little remorseful.

“Also, your mecha is currently being modified with Madock as the base, undergoing emergency repairs. Don’t make such a worried face. Your combat data will be reflected, making it easier to operate. Additionally, the plasma generator will be replaced with a military-grade one. You should be grateful.”

“Thank you for your wonderful support. Colonel Cecilia.”

This was going to be a tough fight. Colonel Cecilia began explaining the operation once again. As I listened to the plan, I thought about various things, but in the end, nothing changed about what I needed to do.

In other words, it’s just a cycle of shooting, dodging, slashing, and dodging again.

“Well, it’ll work out somehow.”

As always, I just needed to do what I do best. There’s nothing else I could do anyway.

* * *
In the orbit of Planet Ulysses, the Damraka fleet, the Sectorial fleet, as well as numerous space pirates and mercenaries had gathered, forming a formation.

Among them was also the battleship Gardie of the freelance mercenary group Silver Cerebrum. On the bridge, the leader of the group, Colonel Jean Gullet, sat, fidgeting slightly.

“I can’t stand this. The fight’s about to start, damn it. Ah, I just wanna get into it already! Aahh!”

“Don’t get too excited and intimidate your subordinates. More importantly, is that Kisaragi guy really as strong as they say?”

A beautiful woman hugged Jean from behind. Her skin was tan, and her silver hair flowed in waves. From her long hair, distinctive long ears protruded.

She was one of the so-called Dark Elves.

“Jane, you understand how I feel right now, don’t you? In just a little while, I’ll get to fight that Kisaragi guy. There’s nothing more exciting than that.”

“You’re really getting worked up. Sure, his skills might be impressive, but he’s just a mass-produced machine pilot, after all. I don’t think he’ll be a worthy opponent for someone like you, Jean.”

Jane moved closer to Jean, hugging him tighter before sitting down on his lap. She then gently rubbed her well-defined face against his stubbled cheek.

“I ended up in a draw with that mass-produced machine pilot. But if that guy were piloting the same type of machine as me, who knows what would happen? I’m seriously looking forward to it, I can’t wait.”

“It’s rare to hear you say that much, Jean. I think I’m a little jealous of that Kisaragi guy.”

“Hahaha! Don’t be jealous. The jealousy of an Elf is more intense than a loan shark’s debt collection.”

Jean kissed Jane, who was oozing with jealousy. Jane’s expression softened, and along with that, her jealousy seemed to melt away as well.

“And that reminds me. I’m pretty screwed up myself, but that guy is also screwed up. If we give him one more push, he’ll really transform.”

“Is he really that screwed up?”

“Yeah, he is. Kisaragi is…”

Jean shifted his gaze from Jane and looked out into the vastness of space visible from the bridge. Just then, alarms began blaring throughout the ship. Amidst the chaos, Jean grinned, a wicked smile curling on his lips.

“He said he became a mercenary to pilot an Armored Walker.”

The bridge grew chaotic as the order for Condition One battle readiness was transmitted to the entire fleet.

* * *

Colonel Cecilia’s fleet, along with the reinforcements from her home country, warped to Planet Ulysses.

“We have detected the enemy fleet.”

“Notify all fleets. Advance while forming the formation.”

“Understood. Notifying the entire fleet.”

“AW units, prepare for deployment. I repeat, AW units, prepare for deployment.”

The formation was established around the flagship Albireo. In this operation, the cruisers, destroyers, and frigates would take on the role of flagships, maintaining the front lines and carrying out command. Of course, destroyers and frigates were also positioned around Albireo to provide support.

“All fleet formations are complete. At the same time, we’ve entered the range of the destroyer fleet.”

“All fleets, commence attack! Open fire!”

Almost at the same time as the Elven fleet opened fire, the Damraka fleet also began firing. The blue beams of the Elven fleet and the red ones from the Damraka fleet, along with beams of various colors, painted the vastness of space.

Looking at the sight, Colonel Cecilia couldn’t help but feel, somewhat inappropriately, that it was mystical and beautiful.

“Just as expected from the regular army. Their coordination is impressive. Fortunately, the enemy fleet doesn’t have any super battleships, which is an advantage.”

“That’s true. However, since they’ve gathered space pirates and mercenaries, they’re not much different from a band of criminals.”

She spoke with her middle-aged subordinate. However, neither she nor her crew were the slightest bit careless. No matter the circumstances, the fact remained that the Third Princess, Liliana Calvata, had been abducted. They viewed her skills and espionage abilities as being far beyond ordinary, recognizing her exceptional talent.

Of course, back home, a forced investigation into the spies was ongoing, but they have yet to find any connection to Damraka.

“AW units are ready for deployment.”

“Prepare to launch anti-beam disruption particle missiles. Notify the AW units. The deployment will begin shortly. I expect great efforts from all personnel. Notify all fleets, transition to the second stage of the operation.”

“Understood. All fleets are to transition to the second phase of the operation. I repeat. Transition to the second phase of the operation.”

“Prepare to launch the descent force. Recalculate the landing route quickly.”

The screen displayed the resource processing facility where Liliana Calvata was being held captive. The distance to the fleet and the recalculated descent route were also shown.

“The timing for the descent seems good.”

“Indeed.”

“All ships have completed loading the anti-beam disruption particle missiles. We’re ready to go at any time.”

Hearing those words, she turned her gaze toward the enemy Damraka fleet in front of her. Gripping the brim of her hat, she adjusted her position.

“Launch anti-beam disruption particle missiles!”

At the same moment the anti-beam disruption particles were deployed, the order for the AW units to sortie was given.