Chapter 6

Fleet battles are an art. Some eccentric person once said that. But, it's not entirely wrong.

Green beams are fired from the Union fleet, while the mercenary fleet fires beams of red, blue, and yellow, coloring the universe. Additionally, long-range missile exchanges are taking place.

At first, the battle seemed evenly matched, but gradually the performance and skill differences began to show. However, the battle has just begun, and it's uncertain when or where the tide might turn.

"Prepare to launch aircraft. Create an entry route for the enemy fleet. All fleets, begin concentrated fire."

The Smile Dog fleet and other mercenary fleets start concentrated fire to allow their aircraft to penetrate the enemy fleet. Ideally, they should coordinate, but their stubbornness prevents them from working together. At the very least, they try to synchronize their entry timing.

The hatch opens, and the vast universe is visible through the monitor. Behind the Union fleet is the planet Bennett, standing like a guardian. It makes us feel like invaders, doesn't it?

"Corporal Kisaragi, you're clear to launch."

"Understood. Shu Kisaragi, launching in the Salgan."

I operate the Salgan, which was launched from the catapult. By the way, this Salgan is a brand new one I got by trading the transport aircraft and Madock I acquired last time at the black market.

The Smile Dog fleet uses the Salgan series, so it's better for maintenance. Additionally, for this space battle, the Salgan is equipped with several additional boosters and weapons. To enhance mobility and maneuverability, boosters are installed on the legs, shoulders, and back. Additional armor is added to the chest, arms, and legs. A 250mm cannon is mounted on the right shoulder, and a twelve-barreled multi-stage missile launcher on the left shoulder. A 55mm rifle and a multi-purpose shield are equipped as handheld weapons, and a saber for close combat is attached to the waist.

Unlike ground battles, space battles allow for more extreme equipment in AWs. Therefore, any AW in space is a formidable opponent. This is especially true when facing a mid-sized company.

"First, the fighter squadrons will charge to create an entry route. Then, the AW squadrons will destroy the enemy fighter squadrons and AWs, and penetrate deep into the enemy fleet."

"Easy for you to say. Talking is easy, but doing it is another story."

The main fleet's unreasonable request. However, there are few complaints. This is because the lead is held by the Elfs' ultra-high-performance AW squadron.

There are thirty-six units, one of which is an ultra-high-performance machine. The remaining thirty-five units are equipped with two large beam cannons on their backs. In other words, it's a very formidable unit.

By the way, Salgan and other AWs can use beam weapons if they want. Most can be equipped on the back. However, they need to carry heat dissipation and large cooling systems, which significantly reduce mobility. Therefore, freelance mercenaries and bounty hunters rarely use them.

However, the Elfs' AW squadron is equipped with ultra-high-performance machines. This shows that even standard units are highly advanced.

As we charge into the entry route, the Union's fighter squadrons and AWs are preparing a grand welcome. However, the Elfs are wreaking havoc.

The Elfs start firing beam weapons without hesitation. Thanks to their excellent cooling systems, they can fire like demons, destroying the Union units one after another. Even the Madocks with shields are penetrated and explode.

"Unbelievable power and rate of fire. The Elfs have no mercy, do they?"

Well, thanks to them, the hate directed at us has decreased, which is a relief. By the way, the ultra-high-performance machine is using its superior mobility, defense, and firepower to disrupt and destroy the enemy units.

That's definitely a cheat, a cheat.

"Attention all AW units. The Union fleet is launching more AWs. Be on guard."

"Seriously? This is already tough enough."

"Hurry up with reinforcements. You're usually so confident, but now you're slacking off."

"You're just a bunch of cowards. I never counted on you guys anyway!"

The Union forces are regaining momentum. But our mission remains the same: defeat the enemy in front of us.

"Haha, can't get enough of this. It really feels like an SF or game world."

At first, I became a mercenary just to pilot an AW. I thought my gift would be useful. So, I have no regrets about being here.

However, I sometimes wonder. If I just wanted to pilot an AW, there were other jobs, like a proper soldier or a junk dealer. But such thoughts usually disappear quickly because I'm usually in the middle of a battlefield.

Three Madocks in formation approach. They aim their 45mm assault rifles and prepare to fire. But I can see it coming, so it's no problem.

"Sorry, but I have my own cheat."

Before the Madocks can attack, my 250mm cannon fires. The 250mm shell heads straight for the lead Madock and hits it directly, causing it to explode.

"Captain! You'll pay for this! I won't forgive you!"

"What won't you forgive? We're both in a crappy situation."

"! Die, die, die, die, die?!"

The two remaining Madocks launch missiles. But I fire my 55mm rifle twice. The 55mm bullets intercept the missiles just after they are launched, causing them to explode and trigger a chain reaction, destroying the Madocks along with the missiles.

"Well, next, let's take down a cruiser. That should earn me a bonus or two!"

I accelerate the Salgan towards the cruiser. There are enemy AWs around the cruiser, and the Union cruiser confirms my approach.

"Enemy unit approaching from two o'clock, below. All gun stations, prepare to engage."

"Beam cannons, locked on."

"Missiles locked on."

"All gun stations, free fire. Attack begins."

The cruiser launches a coordinated attack. Green beams head my way. But I knew they were coming, so I avoid them with minimal movement.

Missiles approach, but I launch my own missiles set to explode one second after launch. When the missiles cross paths, they detonate, causing the cruiser's missiles to miss and clear my path.

"Enemy unit closing in. Prepare anti-air defenses."

"AW squad, intercept the enemy AW immediately."

The enemy AWs finally react. But it's too late. I lock onto them with missiles and launch. The enemy AWs try to evade.

"Fools. That was a decoy."

I jettison the additional armor to reduce weight and manipulate the control panel to remove the booster limiter. The Salgan accelerates towards the enemy cruiser.

"Enemy unit accelerating! It's breaking through the AW squad!"

"What are the AWs doing? Intercept and shoot it down!"

Anti-aircraft fire and beam cannons head my way. I destroy the most threatening anti-aircraft guns with the 250mm cannon. I dodge the beams, knowing their timing thanks to my gift.

"Goodbye."

As I pass by, I fire the 250mm cannon at the cruiser's bridge. Then, I circle around and hit the engine section. I disengage and reset the limiter. The enemy AWs try to pursue, but the cruiser's explosion and debris cause them to flounder. I can't help but think they are incompetent.

"Even with good equipment, the pilots are lacking?"

Well, in a mid-sized company, it's relatively safe. Most of the time, you can intimidate the enemy without fighting. And this Union fleet isn't all here. I bet the experienced soldiers are mostly at Union headquarters.

At this rate, we might win.

"I used to think that. Whoa! Intense pursuit, Yabatanien!"

I was about to move to a resupply point to replenish ammunition and propellant, but many Union F-86 Mackheads are pursuing me. From their communications, it seems they are from the cruiser I sank earlier.

"Absolutely don't let him escape! Avenge our comrades!"

"Formation B. Don't give them a chance to attack."

"If they join up with the enemy, it will be troublesome. Take them out immediately."

Against twelve Mackheads, I only have the 55mm rifle and the 12.5mm machine gun on my chest.

"I don't fight battles I can't win. That's the iron rule for surviving on the battlefield. So, Operator, the rest is up to you."

"Understood. Frigate and Graf's secondary batteries are locked on. Please evade. By the way, my name is Nanae."

"Sure, I'll evade. Go ahead and fire."

"Understood. Secondary batteries, fire."

The frigate's anti-air missiles and the battleship Graf's secondary batteries open fire. The enemy fighter squadron, caught off guard, is quickly shot down.

"Wow! Impressive. Taking out twelve at once. You're the best, Operator."

"Please return to resupply. And, I'm 'Nanae, you know.' ... If you know, call me Nanae."

"Huh? You're Operator, right?"

I give Nanae a look that says, "What are you talking about?" Her cheeks twitch slightly, but it must be my imagination.

"Anyway, I'll return to resupply. Prepare for landing."

"Understood."

She immediately returns to being the usual Operator. Yeah, that expression must have been my imagination. I return to the battleship Graf, thinking that.