Chapter 75

“Huh? Did you say battleship?”

Ryuje’s flustered question.

“Yes.”

“…Edu, does that mean we’re in a really dangerous situation?”

Freya also asks me with a serious expression.

“Well… right?”

“???”

At my questioning response, Freya and Ryuje tilt their heads in unison.

“Edu, your answer doesn’t seem very certain.”

“Yeah, does that mean it’s not dangerous?”

“Of course, if we simply compare firepower, it’s true that we’re at a disadvantage. But the situation isn’t like that right now.”

“Stop circling around and explain in detail.”

“Yeah, stop dragging it out and hurry up!”

Ryuje and Freya urging me on.

When I turn my head slightly, the crew members of the command bridge are glancing at me with interest in what I have to say.

“Hmm, it’s because it’s strange for that battleship to be moving alone. It is strange for a ship of battleship-class to be acting independently, right?”

“That’s right. It’s similar to having tanks move without any infantry.”

“Yes.”

Every weapon has its own proper method of use and its strengths and weaknesses.

People often mistakenly think that having one big and powerful weapon means it can replace weaker weapons.

However, no weapon can be perfect in every situation.

For instance, in the case of tanks, often called the ‘princes of the battlefield,’ their prowess is outmatched by mortars in long-range bombardments, and they cannot keep up with anti-air equipment in ground-to-air combat.

Thus, each type of weapon has specialized parts, and the correct method of utilizing them is to operate various weapons together to cover each other’s weaknesses.

“In addition, the distance between that battleship and the cruisers seems abnormally wide?”

“That’s right.”

“Certainly, there’s no need for them to create such a gap.”

After we sent a transmission to the cruisers, it took approximately 20 minutes for them to arrive here.

If we consider the battle to have started generously around 40 minutes later, the total would be about an hour.

In other words, the distance between the cruisers and that battleship spans between one to one and a half hours.

Considering they’re not involved in any major operation, this distance is too far, even if the fleet were split.

“So the conclusion is only one: there must be a reason why they couldn’t avoid creating this distance.”

“If that’s the reason, then according to Edu, why do you think that battleship has come here?”

“Maybe… is it trying to earn itself some credit?”

“Credit? You mean to say they’re trying to boost their record?”

“Yes.”

The Ustansha are creatures that think and have desires just as we do.

Moreover, as we’ve mentioned many times now, the Third Interstellar Navigation Fleet has been humbled by a significant defeat.

Such a monumental change in circumstances inevitably brings changes to the surroundings.

Until now, under the command of the admiral, all members have moved with one heart and mind, but there’s no telling when that suppressed mindset might rise up again.

For example, the desire to gain achievements mentioned just now.

“That makes sense, the more primitive the desire, the more likely it is to push people forward.”

“Yes.”

“Just because of that, it doesn’t mean the enemy isn’t dangerous, does it?”

“That’s correct.”

Battleships.

Until the end of World War II, they were considered strategic weapons on the sea and were a powerful arsenal.

Their formidable armor can withstand most attacks, and their overwhelming firepower annihilates all enemies.

Because of this, battleships were symbols of overwhelming power, representing an era of combat vessels.

However, even battleships are not without their own weaknesses.

Due to their inherent focus on firepower, there inevitably arises a gap between attacks, and while they can efficiently strike large targets or surfaces, they are vulnerable against small, fast-moving weapons or precise attacks.

This weakness was starkly revealed during World War II.

The emergence of small but powerful aircraft turned the once thought invincible battleships into relics of an older era.

Afterward, the battleships that once cut through the seas disappeared into the records of history.

“Well, still, they won’t just bombard our allies, so there are ways to respond.”

“Then what’s your plan?”

“First, we need to understand our opponent.”

With that, I issue an order to the crew.

“First, do we have any information on the speed of the enemy battleship?”

“Give me a moment, please.”

As the crew member operates the equipment, after a short wait, he turns back to us.

“The enemy battleship is moving at approximately 40 knots.”

“Ah.”

At this number, a smile naturally spreads across my face.

The average cruising speed of the Truyget-class from the setting guidebook is 32-34 knots.

The fact that it’s increased to 40 knots suggests one thing.

All the ship’s power must be focused on the engine to achieve maximum output.

The abnormally wide distance.

To that, the urgency to divert all internal power to the engine.

This has confirmed it.

At least, this battleship is not sharing information with the cruisers.

If they were sharing information or operating as the cruiser fleet’s reserve force, they wouldn’t divert power from their armaments to the engine.

Then…

“Vice captain, could you bring Torik to me?”

“Do you mean the alien?”

“Yes.”

“Understood, Commander.”

When the vice captain leaves the command bridge, Ryuje turns his gaze towards me.

“Have you thought of something, Edu?”

“Hehe, you’ll see.”

…

The battleship hurtles through the air at a speed that seems improbable for its massive frame.

But the ship’s captain, watching the situation from the command bridge, tappings his fingers on the armrest of his chair while frowning.

“Tch, can’t we increase the speed any further?”

“We’re already diverting all power to the engine. Going any faster is impossible.”

“Tch, speed is important, I’m telling you!”

The captain gets irritated at the vice captain’s firm reply.

Perhaps the distance they maintained to avoid being detected while tailing was a bit too expansive, and it remains stubbornly far.

The captain had disregarded the admiral’s orders due to his competitiveness and greed, but with no progress and time merely flowing by, he couldn’t help but feel restless.

“So, is there still no communication with the cruiser fleet?”

At the captain’s irritable question, the communication officer flinches but quickly responds.

“Ah, yes! We’ve been trying ever since, but there’s been no response.”

“Could they be observing radio silence?”

The vice captain adds to the communication officer’s response.

Radio silence.

A tactic in warfare where personnel or forces intentionally cut off wireless communications to reduce the chances of unexpected variables.

While plausible, this situation didn’t sit well with the captain, making those words nothing more than unpleasant noise to him.

“What could be so important that they’d resort to radio silence?”

“That, I do not know, but there must be some reason.”

“Damn….”

The captain, openly expressing irritation.

The atmosphere aboard the command bridge dampens, and the soldiers grow busy trying to gauge the captain’s mood.

The first officer silently sighs upon witnessing this.

While it’s uncertain what might happen, the captain’s behavior is making the soldiers unnecessarily tense.

“Nevertheless, increase the speed! Right now!”

The captain again urges the soldiers.

Meanwhile, the antennae on the communication officer quiver.

“Huh?”

The first officer immediately inquires of the communication officer in a voice low enough that the captain doesn’t hear.

“What is it?”

In turn, the communication officer answers in a quiet voice.

“First officer, a transmission has come in.”

“Transmission? Did the cruiser fleet respond?”

“No, it seems to be from the ground operation force’s 44th destroyer.”

“Huh?”

The first officer ponders this.

Clearly, most of the destroyers within the fleet must be on land.

Did something happen there?

“Let’s connect it for now.”

“Understood.”

The communication officer passes over the headphones and operates the equipment. After a short while, a voice comes through on the other side.

[This is the ground operation force’s 44th destroyer, Captain Torik speaking. Battleship approaching, can you hear me?]

“We can hear you. What is the matter?”

[Ah, I’ve established communication with you as I noticed a ship approaching while transferring back to the fleet after relieving the cruisers. Why is your ship…?]

“Ah, well…”

The first officer fumbles for words at the sudden question.

At that moment, a hand lands on the first officer’s shoulder.

“What’s this? What are you whispering about?”

“Captain?”

“Move aside.”

Ripping the headset from the first officer’s ear and placing it on his own, the captain begins speaking.

“Who’s this? A destroyer? So, what’s the matter?”

The conversation begins.

“Hmm, hmm… heading towards the fleet? Oh, really, is it alright?”

The captain’s face noticeably brightens.

On the contrary, the first officer’s face grows filled with concern.

What could he have heard to exhibit such a reaction?

The brighter the captain’s face becomes, the more ominous the first officer feels.

“Thank you! You’re Torik, right? I won’t forget this favor. Well, we’ll wait here.”

Returning the headset to the communication officer, the captain explains.

“Ah, Torik’s captain has made a generous proposal.”

“Generous proposal?”

“Exactly, they’re transferring to us the prisoner transport mission they were assigned as they return to the fleet.”

“…?”

The first officer tilts their head at the captain’s words.

“Prisoners?”

“Yeah. They caught some livestock during their duty at the city border, and it seems there’s some rare and useful ones among them.”

The captain explains enthusiastically.

But the first officer is left skeptical.

‘Useful, rare ones?’ Has he captured a king among the native organisms?

With that thought, the first officer gives a reply.

“Is that so…?”

“The cruiser fleet headed towards the ground to rescue that valuable livestock, as well.”

The captain nods while explaining.

However, while the first officer finds it plausible, he still has an unsettling feeling.

“Is that so…?”

“What is it? Your answers have been strange since just now. Are you really listening?”

“No, no sir.”

The first officer hastily responds.

Though he’s greedy, the man occasionally shows a keen sense, so caution is necessary.

Thinking this way, the first officer starts to read the captain’s mood.

Contrary to his worries, the captain, having brightened up, does not vent any more complaints.

Instead, he gives commands.

“They’ll send a shuttle soon, so stop the ship and open the arsenal. I’ll be heading over there, so the ship’s operation is in your hands.”

Leaving only those unilateral orders, the captain walks out of the command bridge.

“What… Captain?”

Even as the first officer raises their voice, the captain does not look back.

“Huh…”

Another deep sigh.

Something feels amiss.

No matter how one thinks about it, this seems like an overly careless action, but the order has already been given.

Since the captain is ultimately the highest authority aboard this ship, there’s no choice but to follow.

“Uh… Captain?”

“There’s nothing to be done here. Stop the ship, open the arsenal, and prepare to guide in the allied shuttle.”

“Understood.”

…

“Captain?”

“Why are you…?”

As crew members approach to speak, the captain waves his hand to shoo them away.

“Leave me alone and get back to your work.”

“Ah, yes.”

“…Understood.”

The crew members step back, leaving the captain alone again.

Despite being watched by all present in the arsenal, the captain remained stationary.

At that moment, a sound echoes through the arsenal.

[Allied shuttle entering the ship. All personnel in the arsenal, please take note of your safety.]

‘Here they come!’

The captain grins and looks around.

At the corner, the silhouette of a shuttle entering the arsenal becomes visible.

The captain moves quickly that way.

Was some order given by the first officer? There were a few soldiers gathered around where the shuttle was landing.

“Ah, Captain!”

“Ah, there you go.”

Saluting briskly upon seeing the captain, the soldiers greet.

“Hm, good.”

The captain gives a casual nod in return.

Meanwhile, the shuttle lands on the ship.

Its doors slowly open.

However, the figures that step out into the arsenal are far different from what the captain had expected.

“Hey, could this really work?”

“Yeah, you’re right. They really have no sense of caution.”

“See? I told you.”

Grown female livestock and their young, looking around bewildered.

Contrary to Torik’s words that they had been captured, there were no restraints on their bodies.

“Eh?”

“Halt!”

The soldiers react swiftly.

At the same moment the soldiers aim their rifles, Ryuje’s voice rings out.

“Deny.”

A swift slash of the great scythe.

The soldiers’ heads separate from their bodies, and vivid-colored blood spurts out cleanly from the severed ends.

“Kiiiiiiii!”

The captain lets out a startled cry and collapses to the ground.

Towards him, Ryuze slowly approaches.

“Huh, this one seems to be quite high-ranking.”

“Indeed, could he be the captain?”

Freya tilts her head from the side.

Seol, perched on her back, peers over her shoulder to observe the captain.

“Ah, that’s right. This one is the captain.”

“So it seems?”

Freya grabs the captain by the collar.

“Urgh?!”

“Sorry, you’ve been duped.”

However hard he tries to escape, the hand around his neck doesn’t budge, no matter how much he struggles.

“Hey, Edu, what should we do?”

“Since battleships are large and it might become dangerous if left alone, we might as well deal with him?”

“Got it.”

Freya’s fist pulls back.

At that moment, the fear that dawns in the captain’s mind.

Even if he doesn’t fully understand, he’s certain he’s going to die.

He’s sure he’ll die if that hits him!

“Wait, wait! I’ll give you anything! The ship, anything you say, I’ll do it, just spare my life!!”

A desperate cry.

However, upon hearing this, Freya and Ryuju turn towards Edu.

And Edu smirks.

“It’s already ours now.”

“That’s right, so see you.”

In an instant, the fist approaches.

With that strong impact as his final sensation, the captain’s world sinks into darkness.