Chapter 10

The Zardul star system. A place where a large part, centered around the planet Damuraka, has vanished. While the entire star system is not under lockdown, the economic value has declined due to the lockdown order issued by the Earth Federation Unified Government.

Furthermore, the security situation rapidly deteriorated as mercenaries and unsavory thugs gathered there, originally to wage war. Now, most of the civilians have left the Zardul star system, leaving behind only the impoverished and those who operate for profit, such as merchants and companies.

And, of course, the private armies centered around the planet Damuraka, who have lost their homelands.

About fifty years have passed, and the area has transformed into a dangerous zone where space pirates and the mafia have taken up residence. The worsening security situation has been exacerbated by the impoverished joining the space pirates or the mafia for food.

"Finally, we've arrived at the Zardul star system. If I had to describe my feelings in one word, I'd say I'm feeling a fierce flutter in my chest."

In other words, it's going to be a full-on intense battle. It's clear that we're about to engage in fierce combat.

The Elvian fleet, with the battleship Albeo at its center, was maintaining formation as six cruisers surrounded it, heading toward the Halma space station. The plan is to gather information there first.

As a side note, actually, the destroyer and frigate classes are not counted as main forces by the military of the three major countries. This is because the three major countries possess enormous military power.

In other words, they have an abundance of cruisers and battleships. Moreover, they own fortresses and super-class warships, making the existence of destroyers unnecessary. Of course, they can be used against AWs and for reconnaissance, but since the military also possesses AWs and there are dedicated reconnaissance ships, they are not needed.

In short, these two classes are not counted as part of the main forces. They have low firepower and subpar damage control. While they have mobility, cruisers and battleships are also quite fast.

The only advantage, if any, is their low cost. Considering all this, the conclusion is that destroyers and frigates are not necessary.

However, the situation is different for border patrols and places like the Zardul star system. Using regular forces for border patrols is not cost-effective and would be a waste. Regular forces should be used against the major countries.

That's where destroyers come into play. Military destroyers can handle old-style cruisers used by pirates. After all, they are part of a military that competes for galactic hegemony. It's inevitable that the performance of destroyers and frigates would be high.

"Well, the presence of destroyers means we're either in the border regions or a dangerous area."

Just now, I passed by a patrol fleet of Earth Federation Unified Military destroyers visible through the window. This means we've entered a battlefield.

"Well, it looks like my job is about to start. I'll do my part for the reward."

Even now, in an unfamiliar place, someone is dying. Whether by beam or bullet, or even in bed. While thinking about trivial matters, I continue to gaze at the stars without getting bored.

A few hours later, the ship's alarm sounded.

The crew members hurried to their stations, and it's no different for us mercenaries. I put on my pilot suit, went to the hangar, and boarded my machine, the Salagan.

"I think I'll go with the D equipment. I don't want my skills to get rusty without engaging in some ship-to-ship combat."

D equipment is for large-scale combat in AWs. It varies slightly by faction, but it's mostly romantic designs.

The highlight of this equipment is the handheld ship-to-ship beam cannon. It's equipped with a cooling system and a plasma generator for the beam cannon on the back. Additional boosters are also installed to ensure mobility, though it's slightly less than a standard machine. The armament consists of one ship-to-ship beam cannon, a 12.5mm anti-personnel weapon, and a saber for close combat.

"Understood. Sergeant Kisaragi will sortie with D equipment. The enemy fleet is primarily composed of civilian ships modified into warships. There are twenty of them, and we've also confirmed what appears to be a flagship cruiser."

"So, the main dish is that princess, huh? In that case, I'll take the appetizer."

"It doesn't matter. Sergeant Kisaragi's callsign is Trigger 5."

"Trigger? A trigger? Is this some kind of jab at us mercenaries?"

The various boosters, additional armor, and weapons are being equipped to the machine. Then, it moves to the catapult.

"That's not the case. But this is a decision."

"I'm not angry. I don't know who decided it, but it's a pretty good name with a sense of style."

The display on the monitor shows the catapult connection. The hatch opens, revealing the vast, pitch-black universe.

"Shu Kisaragi, Trigger 5, Salagan, launching."

"Good luck."

The red light turns blue. Immediately, a tremendous G-force hits me, but I don't mind. I actually love this feeling. Gradually, the other Elvian units and mercenaries catch up.

"Trigger 1 to all Triggers, report your machine status."

It seems Jumbo is now Trigger 1. But his machine is strange. For some reason, a white lightweight machine is shown as Trigger 1.

"Jumbo, why are you in a lightweight machine? With your build, you should be in a heavy or large machine! It doesn't fit your image! And are you entering the cockpit?"

"Shut up! Besides, how long are you going to keep calling me Jumbo, brat! I'm Lieutenant Aaron Rascal! And the cockpit is custom-made!"

"Alright, Lieutenant Aaron. Not a bad name. It fits you pretty well."

"Why are you nitpicking my name? Cut it out, brat."

"Sorry, hehe."

I lightly clench my right hand and tap my head. Instantly, lock-on warnings sound from all directions.

"Oh no, did I mess up? I'm really sorry."

"There's no time for trivial talk. We don't have much time, so let's finish this quickly. Trigger 3, no issues."

"Trigger 2, no issues. I'm a sniper, so I'll move to the rear."

"Trigger 4, no issues. I prefer the center."

"Trigger 5, no issues. I'll be doing ship-to-ship combat, so I'll be in inertial navigation for a while. Take care of the front."

I move up. After all, for ship-to-ship combat, it's best to be directly above the enemy. I want to be in a position where I can say, "I'm right above you!"

"By the way, Lieutenant Burgs is in a sniper-configured Madock. Lieutenant Mikuni is in a tricky-configured Madock. Lieutenant Cherie is in a rare variable machine, the FA-14 Fortnight, from the Gardia Empire."

"Trigger 5, don't act on your own. First, form a formation."

"What are you talking about? Do you expect us to coordinate? That's nonsense, Trigger 1. We're all strong-willed individuals."

"Ah, you're strong-willed too, Trigger 5?"

"Yeah. If I wanted to coordinate, I wouldn't have come out in a ship-to-ship configuration."

Besides, most of the enemy ships are based on civilian vessels. It's inevitable that the one who gets to the prey first wins.

"I'm going ahead. Good luck to everyone."

With that, I accelerate the Salagan upward. I'll observe for a while, hoping not to be detected by the enemy.

"Starting the cooling system. If I blend in with the debris, I won't be easily detected."

Meanwhile, the battleship Albeo and cruisers begin firing. The pirate fleet, with many fast ships, is trying to close the distance using their mobility.

The pirate ships, whose shields are quickly depleted by the cruiser's fire, retreat to recover their shields. At this point, the AW squadrons from both sides engage in combat.

"Overwhelm them with numbers! If there are Elvians, it's a treasure trove! It's worth risking our lives!"

"If we hold our ground here, reinforcements will come. Then it'll be a real treat."

"It seems there are mercenaries on their side too. But the numbers are different! The numbers are different!"

The pirate AW squadrons outnumber ours. However, unfortunately, most of their AWs are simple space combat models.

While the performance of AWs in space combat can be somewhat compensated with add-on equipment, simple models can't perform high-level combat maneuvers. It would be better to use fighter jets.

As a result, the Elvian and mercenary AW squadrons are overwhelming the pirate AW squadrons.

"It's an Imperial Fortnight! Damn, why is such a machine here?"

"Shoot before you think! If you create a barrage, they can't get close easily!"

The pirate AWs create a barrage with their submachine guns and assault rifles. However, Lieutenant Cherie skillfully maneuvers the Fortnight, outmaneuvering the pirates.

"I don't intend to burden Lieutenant Cherie alone. Trigger 1, let's go."

Then, the white lightweight AW, the XBM-001A Raptor, piloted by Trigger 1, Jumbo, charges at the enemy, closing the distance quickly with a 45mm submachine gun in hand.

The enemy, noticing Trigger 1, begins to attack. However, the bullets miss. The Raptor closes the distance in an instant with minimal evasive maneuvers. Then, the 45mm submachine gun attacks the enemy at close range.

"Is this guy an ace?!"

"Keep your distance! Keep your distance! You'll hit your allies!"

"A, a, aah! Don't come, don't come, don't come aah?!"

"Three down in an instant. Damn, what a joke?!"

Then, Lieutenant Cherie, in flight mode, charges at the enemy, destroying them in a fluid motion. She then transforms into human form, deploys a plasma saber, and slashes through the enemy.

"Good job, Trigger 1."

"You too, Trigger 3. Let's take down the next one."

"Got it. Trigger 3, moving in."

"Leave the rear to me. I'll provide support."

They form a makeshift coordination, taking down the pirate AWs one after another.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Burgs and Lieutenant Mikuni are putting up a good fight against the pirates.

"Sniper! Where are you?"

"Who is this guy? Using wires and nets. Are you a magician?!"

"What's with that custom machine? Die!"

Amid the floating debris of many AWs, Lieutenant Mikuni attacks the enemy. The enemy tries to evade and counterattack, but their aim is off. It takes a few seconds longer to lock on than usual, but in those few seconds, many allies are taken down.

"Trigger 2 to Trigger 4, let's take out the one on the left next."

"Understood. I'll stop its movement."

Lieutenant Mikuni approaches the enemy. The enemy doesn't let her get close easily. But if they focus on her, they get sniped from somewhere.

"ECM device, no issues. I'll keep them confused."

Lieutenant Mikuni's machine is equipped with an ECM device, which is highly effective against nearby enemies. It not only slows down the enemy's systems but also disrupts communications, preventing reinforcements. Her machine also has various gimmicks, continuously outmaneuvering the enemy.

"Nice job. I've got a lock on you too."

Lieutenant Burgs' accurate sniping is causing great fear among the enemy. Especially since their radar is unusable, they can't pinpoint the sniping position.

"I don't want to die! I'm getting out of here!"

"Idiot! Showing your back to the enemy, you're just dying in vain. Useless!"

"Just take down the one in front of you. That will restore communications. Charge!?"

"Sniping again. Hide behind the debris. The only way is to take out the enemy when you get a chance."

The pirates are forced into a losing battle by just two machines. The battle clearly shows the difference between superior weapons and numbers and inferior weapons.