Chapter 5

### Smile Dog Headquarters Flagship Graf

A warp relay station located far from the planet Bennett. The headquarters and flagship of Smile Dog were stationed at a nearby space station.

They had just returned, having been successfully retrieved by a transport ship dispatched from headquarters.

"So? You came back alone, did you? You coward."

"No, sir. It was the result of quick thinking. Besides, it all started because of the Union's mistake, didn't it?"

I was giving a brief explanation of the recent incident involving the Union and the Elves in the luxurious CEO's office. Of course, the CEO didn't seem to trust me much.

By the way, the CEO is famous for being extremely stingy. He looks like a chubby, money-loving old man.

This time, the mercenary company Smile Dog suffered considerable damage. Therefore, it wouldn't be worth it unless we received a substantial amount from the Union. Moreover, the distrust towards the Union isn't limited to Smile Dog alone.

"If your story is true, that's fine. In any case, we need to negotiate with the Union. And it's also concerning that the Union has gotten involved with the Elves."

"Personally, I recommend getting the money and running, sir. Though I doubt you'll take my advice."

"Then, get the preparations for the units done quickly. We will likely engage in battle with the Union. Of course, the same goes for other mercenary companies."

"Is it because the Elves might join them?"

"…Just get the preparations done quickly!"

"Understood. I'll take my leave then."

I left the luxurious CEO's office. That room is completely filled with the CEO's taste. Honestly, I have my doubts about his sense of style.

"Well, well, how will things turn out? If we do go to war, it'll probably be in about three days. Sigh, I may look tough, but I'm a pacifist at heart."

Of course, that's not what someone who fell in love with a humanoid weapon and became a mercenary would say. Besides, I understood that my gift could be useful on the battlefield.

I headed to the hangar to adjust my unit.

The main AW of the mercenary company Smile Dog is the ZC-04 Salgan. It is highly productive, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.

As an AW, it has more than enough performance and can be considered a renowned machine used by various factions throughout history.

The Salgan I pilot doesn't have any personal colors or customizations. That way, I won't be targeted unnecessarily by the enemy.

Besides, I tend to break my Salgan a lot, so a standard one is fine.

Five days after the conflict between the Union company and the mercenary companies began, the Union fleet and the mercenary fleet were facing off in orbit around the planet Bennett.

The Union fleet and the mercenary fleet were in a standoff. The force ratio was 2 to 1 in our favor, but the quality of their fleets, fighters, and AWs was superior on the Union side. On the other hand, the mercenary side was a motley crew.

Moreover, the Union company is a well-known mid-sized company in the vast universe.

Therefore, there are quite a few companies that side with the Union.

In contrast, we are just a bunch of thugs. It's obvious to anyone which side they will choose.

So, I've been subtly reaching out to other mercenaries.

If our situation becomes advantageous, we might get some reinforcements. Still, the mercenary fleet is at a disadvantage.

However, this is only if the Elf fleet isn't part of the mercenary fleet.

"Listen up. This battle is to make the Union company admit their mistake. They violated a treaty and tried to push the cleanup onto us."

The CEO was giving a brief explanation over the communication line.

In simple terms, the Union company tried to capture the Elves for human trafficking and used mercenary companies as decoys to make the business go smoothly. Of course, the Elves, being no fools, saw through it immediately.

The mercenary companies, however, are the ones who got the short end of the stick. After all, we were forced to play the decoy role without our consent. Naturally, there are many who prioritize their reputation over profit.

By the way, our CEO was calculating the money until the end. I don't hate that about him!

After the CEO's brief explanation, we were put on standby for combat. Finally, the fleet-to-fleet bombardment began. There was almost no coordination between the mercenary companies and the Elves. At most, they discussed their positions.

### Flagship Graf, First Bridge

The Smile Dog fleet, centered around the battleship flagship Graf, had five destroyers and five frigates positioned at the front. Other mercenary companies had similar formations.

The Elf fleet, consisting of one battleship and six cruisers, was surprisingly positioned in the center.

They must have some plan, but it's best to leave them alone for now. Getting involved unnecessarily could lead to them withdrawing from the battle, which would be disastrous.

On the other hand, the Union fleet had a super-battleship as their flagship in the center, with battleships evenly distributed on the right and left wings. They also had a significant number of cruisers and destroyers.

"Sir, the battle is about to begin."

"Hmph. Show them what happens when they make us mercenary companies their enemies."

"Understood. Main gun, prepare to fire."

"Main gun, ready to fire."

The main guns of each fleet were aimed at their targets.

"Energy shield operating normally."

"Main gun energy charge at 60, 68, 78."

"Energy transfer to all gun turrets is normal."

"Fighter launch preparations are complete."

The time for the battle to begin arrived.

"Target: Union fleet, front destroyer squadron."

[Target: Mercenary fleet, front destroyer squadron.]

By coincidence, both sides aimed at the same destroyer squadron. They must have judged that reducing the enemy's strength by even one unit would be advantageous.

"Main gun energy charge complete."

The main guns on the battleships and cruisers were aimed at their respective targets.

"Attack, begin!"

[Fire, begin!]

Under the orders of the captains, high-power beams were simultaneously fired from the main guns.

Thus, the fleet battle between the Union company and the mercenary companies began.