Chapter 7

The battle had reached its midpoint. The Altair, a super-dreadnought serving as the flagship of the Union fleet, was equipped with a super-energy contraction cannon at its bow.

The Union fleet and the AW unit moved to clear the area to ensure the Altair had a clear line of fire. Noticing this, the mercenary fleet concentrated their attacks on the Altair, but their efforts were thwarted by the thick defensive shields.

In this era, the larger the battleship, the more energy capacity it had, which in turn increased its durability and firepower. Of course, the hit rate would also increase, but as long as it could be defended, it wasn't a problem.

There were other disadvantages, but if the environment allowed for maintaining a super-dreadnought, it was almost as good as possessing a symbol of power.

This could be said to be the result of the times advancing.

The mercenary fleet, realizing their attacks were ineffective, immediately took evasive action. However, one fleet remained stationary.

It was the Elven fleet.

"High energy reaction confirmed from the enemy flagship Altair. The deployment of the energy contraction cannon has also been confirmed."

"Is that so? Then let's settle this. Deploy the prototype gravity cannon."

"Prototype gravity cannon deployment ready."

The flagship of the Elven fleet was about one size larger than the Graf. In contrast, the super-dreadnought Altair was about 3 to 4 times the size of the Graf.

The bow of the Elven battleship opened into four prongs. Then, as black lightning streaked, a sinister black mass began to form. It gradually grew larger, and the Union and mercenary fleets began to feel a sense of crisis.

[High energy reaction confirmed from the enemy battleship. This... the energy density is rapidly increasing.]

[What about the contraction cannon's charge?]

[It's at 40%.]

[Attack the enemy fleet in front when it reaches 50%.]

[Is it alright for the other fleets?]

[The rest can be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. There won't be a problem if the Altair moves forward.]

The captain of the Altair judged that the Elven fleet was planning something. If so, it was best to crush them before they could act. It was a logical decision.

However, the battle situation monitor showed the mercenary fleet increasing the distance from the Elven fleet. Moreover, the alarm on his own ship was sounding due to the abnormal energy reaction.

[That's enough. Fire the super-energy contraction cannon.]

[But it will be complete in just twenty seconds.]

[It doesn't matter. The order stands. Fire the super-energy contraction cannon!]

[Acknowledged. Firing the super-energy contraction cannon.]

A massive amount of energy, a violent force, was unleashed from the flagship Altair towards the Elven fleet. At the same time, a black, sinister mass of energy was released from the Elven battleship.

The two attacks collided. The black mass gradually grew larger, seemingly absorbing the super-energy contraction cannon's attack, and continued towards the Union fleet.

"Huh... It's absorbing the beam?"

The unexpected turn of events made it difficult to fully grasp the situation. Just before the black mass hit the flagship Altair, a change occurred.

Suddenly, the black mass began to discharge electricity and rapidly expanded, engulfing the bow of the flagship Altair. Not only that, but it also began to draw in the destroyers and cruisers around the Altair, as well as the AW unit. The alarms on the instruments began to sound.

[All units, a strong gravitational wave has been detected from the black mass. Be cautious not to be drawn in. Most of the Union fleet near the mass will likely not survive.]

"In other words, it was a pretty nasty attack. And it's affecting us too. This is the result of messing with the Elven kin. Well, my condolences to the Union Corporation."

The black mass continued to absorb the Union fleet, but then a massive explosion occurred. The shockwave was intense, and debris and other objects from the explosion were hurled towards the Union fleet.

Moreover, the strong gravitational wave had already drawn them in, making the situation even more pitiful. Even as an enemy, it was hard not to feel sympathy.

Incidentally, the mercenary fleet also had to hurriedly intercept the debris that was flying towards them at high speed.

As a result, this attack became the decisive blow. The flagship Altair suffered damage beyond half, and its command capabilities were lost.

Furthermore, the Union fleet's morale was completely shattered after witnessing their comrades being sucked into the black mass. In the end, the Union fleet declared their surrender to the Elven and mercenary fleets.

Through this battle, a considerable amount of money was extracted from the Union Corporation. The details were unknown and of no interest, but it was said that the conflict between the Union Corporation and the Elves would continue.

"If they just handed over their kin, it would be better. If this situation becomes public, the Union Corporation might fall to a small company. It would be better than being dismantled."

While resting in my room and contemplating the future of the Union, a call came through my terminal. Thinking it was someone else, I saw it was from the president.

I stared at the terminal for a while, then casually threw it and flopped onto the bed.

"Sorry, President. I was sleeping and didn't notice. So, please forgive me♡"

I added a heart at the end, so it should be fine. Thinking about watching a bit of a mature, adult movie, I started operating another terminal when the ship's intercom came on.

"Corporal Shu Kisaragi, report to the president's office immediately. Repeat, report to the president's office immediately. If you don't come within three minutes, your bonus will be cut." *Click*

"Oh no! I love the president! Don't be so mean~"

"If you had come in the first place, this wouldn't have happened. Sigh, dealing with you is exhausting."

"Are you okay, President? Do you need a headache pill?"

"I have my own, so I don't need one."

After hearing the intercom, I immediately headed to the president's office. Really, what a serious employee I am.

"You will be assigned to the next mission. The client is the Elves."

"I decline. Thank you for the offer."

I turned around and tried to leave the president's office. Just as I was about to open the door, the president spoke.

"If you accept the mission, it will be paid in full upfront. I will also give you a special bonus, also upfront. The amount is on the terminal. Come and check it."

"…Just a moment."

I moonwalked over to the terminal on the president's desk and checked the amount.

"One, ten, hundred, thousand… ten thousand… hundred thousand… one million credits?! Is this really the full payment upfront!"

"It's not a lie. However, this mission may take a long time, so they are hiring the aces from various mercenary companies."

"Aces… am I an ace?"

"You single-handedly brought down a destroyer last time. And the name 'Lucky Boy' isn't just for show, is it?"

"Well, I admit I'm a Lucky Boy."

If I were just a Lucky Boy, that would be fine. In fact, it would be much better if they thought I was just a Lucky Boy. If the truth about the Gift were revealed, my mercenary career would be over.

"Which mercenary companies will I be working with?"

"Four others will join. They all seem to be attracted by the upfront payment."

"So, the company will also get a cut as the intermediary. Nice! It's a win-win for both the president and me. The only thing I'm worried about is—"

"The amount, and the fact that it's paid upfront. The mission is to rescue a VIP, as you can see."

I checked the mission details on the terminal. It only said "rescue a VIP." Not even basic personal information was provided.

"Did an important Elven official make a mistake or get set up? Personally, I hope it was a mistake, as it would be easier in the long run."

"I don't want to give information to outsiders. This means it's also dangerous. Kisaragi, don't take any reckless actions."

The president's expression was unusually serious. It seemed he was genuinely concerned. Well, I don't really mind.

"Oh, the president is worried about me. The debris field will hit the Smile Dog fleet tomorrow. Farewell, President, may you rest in peace."

"Don't go around killing people. Idiot. And your departure is tomorrow."

"That's quite sudden. With the high reward and upfront payment, it's already a red flag. I don't like the idea of more trouble being added on top of that."

"I don't know what a red flag is, but the possibility of a dangerous situation is indeed high. Also, you are to prepare your own equipment. They seem to want to prevent their technology from leaking as much as possible."

"Prevent technology from leaking? Haha! The Elves are good at making people laugh! After showing off their technology, it's a bit late now, isn't it?"

They must have their own considerations. However, once something is shown to the public, it will inevitably be targeted. Whether by thugs, companies, or even government intervention.

"Well, it is what it is."

"Right. If you understand, start preparing."

"Ah, one more thing. Can I ask why we accepted this mission? It's pretty suspicious, no matter how you look at it."

The mission brought by the Elves. The details are unknown, but they are offering an unprecedented amount of money, and it's paid upfront.

It's a very tempting offer, but the risk is also doubled. Even a money-hungry president should understand that.

"…This is just my monologue, but if we refused, we would end up like the Union Corporation."

"Wow, that's harsh. Understood. Corporal Shu Kisaragi will begin preparations for the next mission."

"…Sorry."

I dismissed the president's monologue and left the room.

But maybe the president is getting old. To talk so much in a monologue.

What? It wasn't a monologue? No, no, the president himself said it was a monologue. I'll be a bit nicer to him next time we meet.

"Oh, what a kind and good young man I am!"

The mission from the Elves. Working with other mercenaries. And getting involved in the dark world of human trafficking.

The Elves must be in a tight spot if they are trying to forcibly conscript available forces.

Well, it's better to think of it as a good thing that a large reward is being offered.

"Yeah, it's not just a minor issue."

Still, there's no choice but to go. After all, I accepted the mission, blinded by the large reward.