DE: Chapter 1 Part 4 – Union Fleet VS Mercenary Fleet + Elf (2)

Fleet battles are like an art. Words said by some drunken fool, but it’s probably not entirely wrong.

Green beams were fired from the Union Fleet. While red, blue, yellow, and other colored beams shot from the Mercenary Fleet colored the universe. In addition, long-distance offensive and defensive battles with missiles were also unfolding.

At first, it was an evenly matched exchange of firepower, but gradually, the difference in performance and training began to appear. However, the battle had only just begun. No one knew when or where the tide could turn.

“Commence launch of onboard aircraft. Make an approach to the enemy fleet. All unit, begin concentrated bombardment on one point.”

The fleet of Smile Dog and the other mercenaries began a concentrated bombardment, each launching their own carrier-based aircraft to strike the enemy fleet. Normally, it would be better for them to work together, but their strong individual egos, due to their roguish nature, have led to each mercenary fleet acting independently.

In any case, even if they were to force cooperation, it would be pointless. Therefore, the plan was simply to synchronize the timing of their attacks at the very least.

The hatch opened, and the vast expanse of space came into view through the monitor. Behind the Union fleet lay Planet Bennett, standing like a guardian. I suppose we could be considered invaders, don’t we?

[Sergeant Kisaragi, you may launch.]

“Understood. This is Sergeant Shu Kisaragi, the Zargan is launching.”

Operating the Zargan launched from the catapult, I left the flagship. Incidentally, this Zargan was a brand new one that was acquired by trading the transportation aircraft and Madoc I acquired the other day on the black market.

Smile Dog usually uses the Zargan fleet, so for the sake of maintenance, the Zargan has always been the better choice.

Furthermore, since this was a space battle, this Zargan has been equipped with several additional boosters and weapons.

First of all, to improve mobility and maneuverability, boosters have been installed on the legs, shoulders, and back. Additional armor has been added to the chest, arms, and legs. A 250mm cannon was also mounted on the right shoulder, while a 12-barreled multiple missile launcher was equipped on the left. For handheld weapons, it was equipped with a 55mm rifle and a multipurpose shield. A saber for close combat was also suspended from the waist.

Unlike ground combat, it was possible for AWs to be equipped with somewhat more difficult equipment and gears in space. For this reason, any AW can be a formidable opponent in space battles that can’t be underestimated. This is especially true when your opponent is a medium-sized company such as this one.

“The fighter squadron will charge towards the breach point first. After that, the AW squad will eliminate the enemy fighter squadron and AW units. They will then proceed to infiltrate the heart of the enemy fleet.”

“Easy to say. As the saying goes, easier said than done.”

A reckless order was given from the main force. However, there was little complaint or dissatisfaction about it. This was because the first to attack was the ultra-high-performance AW squad owned by the Elves.

There were thirty-six units in total, and one of them was that ultra-high-performance unit. Furthermore, the remaining thirty-five units were also equipped with two large beam cannon turrets mounted on their backs.

In other words, they were a pretty vicious unit.

Incidentally, the Zargan and other AWs were capable of using beam cannon weapons if needed. It’s mostly possible if the cannons were mounted on their backs, as mentioned earlier. However, this requires carrying large heat dissipation and cooling systems, which leads to a significant decrease in mobility. For that reason, freelance mercenaries and bounty hunters don’t often have many opportunities to use them.

However, all of the AW units of the Elven squad were following the ultra-high performance units accordingly. In other words, even the regular units were highly functional.

As they charged towards the breach point, the Union’s fighter squadron and AW units were preparing to throw a grand welcoming party. However, that welcoming party was completely thrown into chaos by the Elf squad.

The Elves immediately unleashed their beam weapons without hesitation. Whether due to their excellent cooling systems or sheer power, they fired with terrifying rapidity, destroying the Union forces one after another. Moreover, the power of the beams was so high that even the Madoc, which had been defending with a shield, was pierced and exploded.

“That’s an insane amount of power and rapid-fire. Don’t those Elves have any sense of restraint?”

Well, thanks to that, the hatred towards us has decreased a lot, so we were saved for the time being. Incidentally, the ultra-high-performance machine was making full use of its impressive mobility, defense, and firepower, disrupting and destroying the enemy forces with ease.

That’s definitely cheating, cheating I say.

“Message to all AW units. Additional AWs are being dispatched from the Union fleet. All units, remain on high alert.”

“I can’t believe it. It’s already tough as it is….”

“I hope the reinforcements come soon. They are already so strong, but now they are chickening out at a time like this.”

“So they were just a bunch of chickens after all. Well, I never counted on those other guys in the first place!”

The Union forces were making a comeback. But what we needed to do remained unchanged. We must defeat the enemy in front of us. That was our primary mission.

“Haha, I can’t stand it anymore. This really feels like something straight out of a science fiction movie or game world.”

At first, I became a mercenary simply because I wanted to pilot an AW. I also thought my gift would be useful on the battlefield. Therefore, I have zero regret being here, not even a bit.

But sometimes, I couldn’t help but think. If all I wanted was just to pilot an AW, there were plenty of other jobs I could have taken. I could have become a proper soldier, or even a junk dealer. Then again, the thoughts would vanish from my mind right away. After all, these thoughts usually occur when I’m right in the middle of a battlefield, as if I was having some kind of reflection all of a sudden.

While I was deep in thought, I saw three units of Madoc charging in front of me. The 45mm assault rifles they were equipped with locked onto my position, about to fire. But it was not a problem for me, because I could see what was coming.

“Sorry. I’ve got my fair share of cheats.”

Before the unit of Madoc could attack, my 250mm cannon fired. The 250mm shell flew straight towards the leading Madoc, hitting it directly. The enemy Madoc instantly exploded on impact.

【You bastard! How dare you! I won’t forgive you!】

“What are you not forgiving? We’re both in shitty positions.”

【Aahhh! Why don’t you just die!?】

Two enemy Madocs launched missiles. However, right after that, I fired two shots from the 55mm rifle. The 55mm round bullet approached the missiles, hitting them just as they were launched. The moment the bullet came to impact, the missiles exploded, causing a chain reaction that detonated the other missiles as well. The Madocs, along with the other missiles, were obliterated in a massive explosion.

“Alright, next up, let’s take down a destroyer. That should net me at least a bonus or two!”

I accelerated the Zargan towards the destroyer. There were enemy AW units around the destroyer as well. The Union destroyer spotted us and locked onto our position.

【Enemy unit approaching from below at 2 o’clock position. All gun turrets, prepare for interception.】

【Beam cannon, targeting set.】

【Missile lock completed】

【All turrets, open fire. Commence the attack.】

The destroyers began attacking all at once. A green beam rushed toward us. But I knew what was coming. So, with minimal movement, I dodged the incoming fire.

As the missiles approached, we also launched our own missiles with the timer set to explode one second later. The moment the missiles crossed each other, the timer activated, and the missiles self-destructed.

The missile’s trajectory from the destroyer shifted and opened up a new way. It continued to charge forward, cutting through the explosion’s smoke without hesitation.

【Enemy aircraft approaching. Prepare anti-aircraft defense.】

【AW team, intercept enemy AW immediately.】

The AW squad finally began to move against us, but it was too late. We locked onto the enemy AW with a missile once again and launched. The enemy AW squad attempted to evade the missile.

“You idiot. That’s a decoy.”

The additional armor was jettisoned to reduce weight. Then, the control panel was adjusted, and the booster’s limiter was set. The Zargan accelerated rapidly, closing in on the enemy destroyer.

【Enemy aircraft has accelerated further! AW squad, disperse immediately!】

【What is the AW squad doing! Intercept the enemy aircraft and shoot it down!】

Anti-aircraft fire and beam cannon weapons approached us. I blew them away using the 250mm anti-aircraft gun, which was the biggest threat to me. The beams approached us, but I already knew the exact timing thanks to my futuristic vision, so I easily avoided them.

“Well then, goodbye.”

As we passed each other, I fired the 250mm shell into the bridge of the destroyer. Then, I moved around to the rear and fired at the engine section as well. After that, I withdrew from the enemy and reset the limiter. The enemy AW attempted to give me a chase, but the destroyer exploded, and the flying debris and smoke sent them stumbling around in confusion. Even though they were the enemy, I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic toward them.

“The aircraft was equipped with such good gears, but it seems the pilot wasn’t good?”

Well, it was relatively safe since it was a medium-sized company. Most of the time, it ends with intimidating the enemy without fighting. Also, not all of the Union fleet was present. I believe most of the experienced soldiers were likely stationed at the Union headquarters.

If we keep going like this, we might actually win.

“There was a time when I thought so too. Uwah! I’m in for a fierce attack!”

I attempted to move to a supply point to replenish my ammunition and propellant, but a large number of Union jets, Fighter F-86 Machhead, began pursuing me. When I listened to the enemy’s communications, it seemed to be a carrier-based aircraft belonging to the destroyer I had just destroyed.

【Don’t let them escape! You must avenge your comrades!】

【We’ll go with formation B. Don’t leave any gaps in the attack.】

【If they join up with the enemy, it will be troublesome. We’ll take them out immediately.】

Against twelve Machheads, all I had were a 55mm rifle and a 12.5mm machine gun mounted on the chest for anti-personnel use.

“Don’t fight a battle you can’t win. This is the golden rule for surviving on the battlefield. So, Opo-chan, the rest is up to you.”

[Understood. The frigate and Gruff’s secondary guns have locked on the enemy aircraft. Please evacuate. And please, my name is Nanai.]

“I’ll dodge them, so you can fire away.”

[Got it. Secondary guns commencing firing.]

The frigate’s interceptor missiles and the Flagship Gruff’s secondary guns began their attack. The enemy fighter squadrons, completely caught off guard, were shot down effortlessly without giving any chance to dodge.

“Wow! You did it. You killed twelve aircrafts in one go. No wonder you’re the Opo.”

[Please return for re-supply…]

“Now you’re going to say, my name is Nanai, aren’t you?”

[If you know that…. please call me that.]

“Eh? But Opo is an operator too, right?”

I gave Nanai a look as if to ask what nonsense she was talking about. The slight twitching of the operator’s cheek was probably just my imagination.

“Well, I’m going back to re-supply for now. Please prepare for landing.”

[Understood.]

She immediately returned to her usual self. Yeah, that expression earlier was probably just my imagination. With that thought, I headed back to the Flagship Gruff.

Footnotes

ZC-04 Zargan

The ZC-04 Zargan is a civilian-use AW (Armored Walker) based on the United Earth Federation of Unified Army’s mainstay machine, the ZX-07 Astray.

Although downgraded for civilian use, it retains good performance when transformed for combat use. Its operation is similarly easy and intuitive, like the ZX-07 Astray. It is also capable of combat in both space and ground battle. Due to its basic design based on the Astray, it boasts very high expandability.

As it is marketed for civilian use, it is more affordable than military AWs, making it popular among corporations, mercenaries, and even terrorists.

While the performance of the Zargan varies depending on its affiliation or location, if it receives high-quality component supplies, it possesses hidden specifications that rival the Astray in terms of performance.

Specifications:

Height: 12.5m

Weight: 47t

Armor Material: Special Multi-Ceramic Composite Alloy

Power Source: Plasma Generator

Weapon: Chest-mounted 12.5mm Machine Gun, 45mm Submachine Gun, 45mm Assault Rifle, 55mm Rifle, 250mm Cannon, etc.

F-86 Machhead

The F-86 Machhead is a versatile fighter capable of combat in both space and atmospheric conditions.

While the aircraft does not introduce any groundbreaking new technologies, it is designed based on proven technologies from previous generations. Its combat capabilities in space and air are high, and it also incorporates superior stealth, making it highly effective against older radar systems.

It can be used in a variety of roles, including transportation, interception, and combat missions. It is also capable of delaying AWs (Armored Walkers) for short periods.

Relatively inexpensive and easy to acquire, the F-86 Machhead is widely used by various factions, including regular military forces, space pirates, and terrorists.

The origin of its development is now unclear, as it is produced by multiple factions, it presents variations such as single-engine or twin-engine models, even under the same name.

There are various theories about the aircraft’s name, but it is believed to have been named after its developer, Machhead. It is said that the name has not been changed out of respect for the developer.

Specifications:

Length: 13m

Weight: 8.5t

Weight: 8.5t

Engine: MMB-1500 x2

Weapon: 30mm Gatling Gun, AW-targeting Missiles, Anti-aircraft Missiles, 30mm Gun Pod, etc.