Chapter 85

The interior of the mercenary guild was teeming with a considerable number of mercenaries.

It was like the venue for the biannual events.

There might be some acquaintances of mine here, but with this many people, it would be impossible to find them.

As I was pondering what to do, a staff member with a megaphone appeared and gave the following instructions:

"Attention all mercenaries! Please proceed to the main hall immediately! I repeat, please proceed to the main hall immediately!"

The main hall was a place used for ceremonies and the like, and it had also been used before the Kaides pirate group's extermination.

Upon entering the main hall, I saw several figures in military uniforms standing on the stage, and a few more stationed around the walls where the mercenaries were.

Once all the mercenaries had entered, one of the soldiers made a call on a generic terminal and then requested a microphone.

"Ah. From this moment on, we will receive a message from His Majesty the 38th Emperor, Armilia Flannodol Ouvors. Please listen carefully."

As the soldier said this, a beautiful woman with silver-blue hair, jet-black eyes, and fair skin was projected before us.

It was none other than His Majesty the 38th Emperor, Armilia Flannodol Ouvors, known as the 'beautiful emperor.'

It seemed that this was being live-streamed to all mercenary guilds across the country.

"To all soldiers and mercenaries, thank you for gathering. As you may have heard, some nobles have grown discontent with me and have even launched a full-scale coup. This is due to my own shortcomings. Moreover, they have demanded that I abdicate the throne.

They have even threatened to attack the planet again if I do not comply. But! I cannot hand over the throne to people who treat the citizens as resources and justify their murder and oppression as consumption!"

I had heard her voice on TV a few times, but it was indeed beautiful.

It might be impolite to say, but if she were to learn acting, she could probably make it as a voice actress.

"Fortunately, thanks to the 7th Fleet's vigilance, a new invasion has not yet begun. We must take this opportunity to surround them and prevent any further damage! This time, I will join the front lines with the Imperial Guard. Command will be entrusted to the Commander of the Breskin Central Fleet's Extermination Force. I am a young woman with no combat experience, so please rest assured. Soldiers and mercenaries! I ask for your strength!"

As she said this, the emperor bowed.

This action must have surprised everyone watching the live stream.

After all, the Galactic Empire's emperor had bowed and made a 'plea' rather than a 'command.'

From the perspective of authority, this was quite risky. However, being 'asked' by the 'beautiful emperor' did not feel bad, so the soldiers and mercenaries were highly motivated.

Taking advantage of this momentum,

"You, the members of the Itz branch, will come under the command of the 11th Fleet. You are to arrive at the planet Gathaga, the site of the conflict, within 72 hours from now! Depart now!"

The instructions from the soldier on the stage were given.

Immediately, everyone rushed to the docking area like an avalanche.

In the midst of this, I waited for the main hall to empty to avoid the crowd and then leisurely headed to Mr. Loanz's place to gather more information.

"You're taking it easy while everyone else is rushing out."

"It would be dangerous to rush out in the middle of a crowd. Anyway, I need information and maps of the area around the planet Gathaga."

I already had the maps from Gonzales, but comparing them with maps from other sources would provide more detailed information.

"I thought you'd come for this. Here, it even includes some military secrets. It cost me a lot, you know?"

As he said this, the old man handed me a memory device.

"Thanks. This is on Roah, right?"

As I took the memory device, I said this half-jokingly.

"Shut up! You'll pay me when you get back!"

He said this in a bad mood.

"Alright. I'll add some Iro too."

After this exchange, I boarded the 'Patchwork' which was left alone in the now empty docking area.

Thus, I set out for the Zon space region where the planet Gathaga was located, to carry out the request from His Majesty the 38th Emperor, Armilia Flannodol Ouvors, to suppress the rebels.

I have fought alongside the military several times, such as in pirate suppression and terrorist elimination, but this time it was on a much larger scale.

The Imperial Guard, led by the emperor, and six of the twelve Central Fleet Extermination Forces (1st, 2nd, 7th, 8th, 11th, and 12th) were mobilized. Not just the usual 10,000 ships on patrol, but with off-duty personnel, unmanned drones, and remote-controlled unmanned artillery ships, the number of combat ships was increased to about 350,000.

Furthermore, with the mercenaries gathered from across the empire, the total number of mercenaries alone was likely around 300,000 to 400,000.

Moreover, if the remaining six Central Fleet Extermination Forces and the planetary defense fleets, which are said to be the private armies of the allied nobles, were added, the number would increase even further.

Half of the Central Fleet Extermination Forces remained in the capital in case of emergencies.

Additionally, supply fleets and accommodation-focused work colonies were densely packed in the distant space regions.

After using several gates and traveling for about 9 hours, we arrived at the scene, and the 11th Fleet Commander gave instructions to the Itz branch and other mercenary units, including me.

"Attention all soldiers and mercenaries. We will primarily attack the enemy's right flank. I will not dictate individual combat methods, but you must absolutely follow my instructions. If any changes or anomalies occur, report them immediately, even if they turn out to be mistakes. The worst thing is to overlook them. When moving or pursuing within the friendly lines, always follow my instructions. For now, we will remain on standby. Good luck to all of you."

This 11th Fleet Commander, Major General Maylings Earlyhenge, is a fashionable man with glasses who has even been featured in fashion magazines.

He is also known as a 'wise commander.'

Incidentally, during the summer and year-end events,

- Kirect Erendiba, the Imperial Guard Commander

- Salamus Tontchide, the 7th Fleet Commander

- Maylings Earlyhenge, the 11th Fleet Commander

are often the subjects of thinly veiled books that would be dangerous if discovered.

The 11th and 12th Fleets were positioned on the left flank, the center was the Imperial Guard, 1st Fleet, and 2nd Fleet, and the right flank was the reinforced 7th and 8th Fleets.

Of course, without refueling and resting, satisfactory combat would not be possible.

Therefore, it was decided to supply those who had traveled long distances first.

During this standby period, it was confirmed that some of the enemy fleet had opened fire in the direction of the center of our forces.

I managed to edit the bits and pieces I wrote while in the hospital.

I would appreciate any comments, feedback, and reports of typos.