DE: Chapter 1 Part 10 – Fighters of Death

The results against the space pirates were excellent. I’ve only managed to shoot down ships, but I don’t think anyone would complain.

“This is Trigger-5. Requesting permission to land for equipment changes and resupply.”

『This is Albireo, understood. Permission to land will be granted from the second catapult. Don’t damage it.』

“When you say that, it makes me want to dig my claws in. Meow, take that! Hahaha! Come on, at least laugh!”

『….』

Apparently, my joke didn’t get through to her. If it was the operator, she would have gotten it… No, she wouldn’t either.

“Most people don’t even know what a cat is.”

Sadly, I’ve never seen domestic animals like cats or dogs in person in this era. From what I’ve heard, they are occasionally sold in markets, but other than that, there are only beastment like Lieutenant Churi.

“That’s sad, nya. Anyway, I’m landing, nya.”

I was pretty sure the ‘nya’ at the end of my sentences was probably annoying. But I didn’t care. Of course, if I were on the receiving end, I’d be annoyed, so much so I’d gladly present him with a fist.

After landing on the Albireo, I decided to switch from D equipment to A equipment. Incidentally, A equipment was divided into shoulder-armed non-mounted type and B equipment was mounted type. Most of the people often sortie with A equipment. And the reason is that it’s easier to handle.

The equipment switch was quickly finished, so I took a short break while refueling the propellant and choosing my next weapon.

“This time we’ll be fighting against AW. I suppose I should go with two submachine guns. I’ll also equip some extra spare magazines just in case.”

I would shower them with an overwhelming barrage of bullets at close range. After finishing the resupply and reconfiguration, I headed out into space where the battle was still continuing. I connected the Zargan to the catapult and equipped two 45mm submachine guns.

“Sergeant Shu Kisaragi, Zargan is launching.”

I immediately re-entered the combat zone. Currently, Albireo, along with its fellow cruisers, was launching an offensive attack against the Sectorial fleet. Because the space pirates were destroyed, the attempted pincer attack has failed. Now, the Sectorial fleet has no choice but to engage in a firefight with the Elf fleet.

“If I were the commander of the Sectorial fleet, I’d be the first to escape. Facing off directly against the Elves? No way, I’d rather avoid that.”

However, the Sectorial fleet showed no signs of retreating and continued to press their attack. No wait, one cruiser and two destroyers have reversed course and forcefully warped away to escape. What was left were only one cruiser and four destroyers.

【Notification to all units. Permission to retreat has been given. Withdraw at your discretion and preserve combat strength.】

【This is Susan-5, negative on that order. We will defeat them here. That’s the only thing that matters.】

【This life has no meaning anymore. Then let’s fight to the end.】

【I’ve lost everything. At the very least, I’ll take as many of them down as I can with me.】

The attack by the Sectorial fleet and the AW units grew even more intense. However, the firepower of the Elf fleet was overwhelming, and one by one, the destroyers were being blasted to pieces.

『Trigger-1 speaking. These guys are moving surprisingly well for being the rear guard. Could they be regular soldiers?』

『Regular soldiers? Where are they from? There are no planets in this area.』

『But their movements are impressive. Their coordination is on point. The Sectorial are ultimately just a bunch of ragtag people. For them to have this much combat power, I just can’t quite believe it.』

『I agree with Trigger-1. There’s no reason to leave experienced soldiers as the rear guard.』

『Agree. But let’s focus on the battle at hand.』

A sense of discomfort sprouted within them. I couldn’t understand what they were discussing. So I quickly changed my thoughts and focused on the battle.

While the mercenary troops were thinking about various things, I continued fighting alone without paying any attention to them. Zargan and Madoc from Sectorial were taking turns firing and deliberately approaching.

“This is my range.”

Using my Gift, I predicted the attacks and avoided them, closing the distance with the enemy aircraft. Then, a barrage of bullets was fired from the two 45mm submachine guns. Zargan, who was in the lead, made an evasive maneuver, but I could see it, so it didn’t matter to me.

Without wasting almost any bullets, the enemy Zargan was blown to pieces. From the explosion’s smoke, Madoc charged at me, swinging a saber in one hand.

【What?! Impossible!】

“Too bad. I could see everything.”

Before the saber could be swung down, I put out my left foot to hold down his right arm. Then I aimed the gun at close range.

“Goodbye.”

【Where is Damraka⁉︎】

Without hesitation, I fired at Madoc’s cockpit. The enemy pilot transformed into space debris before he could finish his sentence. However, the words the enemy pilot left behind just before he died lingered in my mind, bothering me a little.

“Damraka, huh? Well, I guess it’ll only remain a speculation.”

A thought that crossed my mind for a moment. I quickly discarded it and turned towards another enemy. Thinking about complicated things is the employer’s job, not mine.

Looking at the radar, the Trigger Squad and the enemy forces were engaged in combat below the front. And they had teamed up with some good elements!

“What the hell, what the hell! Are you leaving me out? That’s lonely, you know!”

I released the limiter and charged straight at the Trigger Squad and the enemy AW forces. The enemy’s Madoc noticed me and launched an attack. Of course I narrowly avoided it and pointed the barrels of my two 45mm submachine guns at it.

“This is the power of the rate of fire! In the face of overwhelming firepower… what was it again? I forgot.”

【W-What the hell is thaaaaat⁉︎】

For now, I took down the enemy Madoc and charged straight into close-quarters combat.

『You bastard, Trigger-5! What the hell do you think you’re doing?! Knock it off already!』

“Sorry Trigger-1. I won’t look cool unless I get a few more AW kills.”

『Then go somewhere else, you brat. We’ve got money to make here too.』

Trigger-1 destroyed two enemy aircrafts while complaining. It seemed he was quite good as a lightweight pilot. And I could understand Captain Aaron’s complaints too. These guys were mercenaries just like me. If they don’t work hard enough, they’ll be looked down upon.

“That’s true. I’ve already shot down one cruiser and three pirate ships, so I’ll at least cover for you.”

『…Did you shoot them down alone?』

“Of course.”

『Do you have a Gift or something?』

Captain Aaron, aka Jumbo, glared at me through the monitor. No, it was not just Captain Aaron. The other mercenaries were eyeing me too.

“I’m very lucky. I’m called the Lucky Boy, after all.”

『You shot down a cruiser just by luck? Well, whatever. If you’re going to provide support, then join me and Trigger-3 in giving backup.』

“Okay. That being said, there aren’t many enemies here.”

『In the end, no one surrendered. It’s like they’re not afraid of dying.』

The words of Trigger-3 seemed to be right. Because, even after the battle that followed, we were only able to capture a dozen of prisoners.