While there were no significant casualties among the cutting-edge fighters of the vanguard fleet due to their unmanned nature, hundreds of personnel perished every minute as several vessels were destroyed by the Chimeraz spacecraft.
The UNF fleet, having received reports from and witnessed firsthand the plight of 100 fleets,
Divided into twenty fleets each, the vanguard fleet appeared to be coping well with the Chimeraz fleet’s ambush and surprise attacks, but they were sustaining considerable losses due to the emergence of the new Chimeraz spacecraft.
Furthermore, structures on the surface of planets and satellites, which had previously seemed like deserted colonies, such as ground-based anti-air weaponry, were interfering with the fleet engagement, while human-like gravity field generators were forcing the continuation of the relentless fleet battle.
To make matters worse, something was being constantly launched from the loathsome structures, which joined the fray in the fleet battle, and these were identified as newly spawned Cresecters.
Currently overseeing the entire situation alongside 200 fleets was the UNF’s gargantuan mothership. Aboard the bridge of the Eirene, a 22-kilometer-long spacecraft carrier-like vessel, a somber atmosphere prevailed.
A three-dimensional, real-time map materialized above a table resembling a round table. Gathered on this bridge were the supreme commander of the UNF fleet and ranking officers from subordinate organizations and commands spread across the fleet.
“How. . .”
A bead of sweat trickled down the forehead of the UNF fleet’s supreme commander.
“How could they possibly amass such a fleet? . . . It hasn’t even been a week since the Battle of Babylonia. . .”
The 100 fleets dispatched as the vanguard were each engaged in separate battles with different Chimeraz fleets.
Meanwhile, 200 fleets, stationed in the outermost orbit of Hecartra, remained as the UNF fleet’s main force and space-based garrison.
However, entities that had been cleverly concealed behind the planets and lurking within the dark nebula emerged without warning.
Although the main force here had not approached the peculiar planet, they were not subject to any gravitational constraints, but they could not move rashly from their current position.
47 Euryales.
498 Lemegetons.
830 Fleetcuppers.
501 Shockphonias.
And the number of Crepitus and Cresecters that had yet to be deployed would likely amount to several thousand. No, it could even exceed ten thousand.
“It seems they intend to engage our main force with their main force as well.”
“. . . Currently analyzing data from ships engaged in combat.”
A subordinate officer spoke with difficulty.
“. . . Chimeraz fleet. The estimated strength of the immediate enemy forces is approximately 370 fleets. Margin of error is. . . 50%.”
The Chimeraz fleet targeting the UNF’s 200 fleets was estimated to comprise around 370 fleets. Although the margin of error was quite high at 50% due to the opponent being the Chimeraz, even with the most optimistic calculations, the odds were 200 to 320.
Furthermore, this estimation not only accounted for the number of enemy vessels but also analyzed the firepower of each spacecraft constituting the enemy fleet.
“The combat simulation’s chance of victory is 0.38. The results of simulations involving retreat or prolonged warfare are similar. Do you wish to confirm them?”
“What is the chance of victory for the strategy with the highest odds of success?”
“There are five simulations. The maximum is 0.47, but considering the variables, it converges to an average of 0.38. And the figures are constantly fluctuating. . .”
“That’s enough.”
Everyone present on the bridge could not help but share the same thought.
‘Today, humanity’s greatest coalition in this region may fall.’
The average chance of victory was approximately 38%, a precarious figure. Moreover, considering that the opponent was the Chimeraz, there would undoubtedly be unforeseen adverse factors that human computers could not account for.
In such situations, it was up to the discretion of each command to overcome the challenges.
“A strike operation against the main Chimeraz colony. . . Depending on the situation, we may need to consider a tactical retreat. We cannot stake the future of the UNF on a 38% chance.”
“If we retreat, those countless creatures will attack humanity without resistance. It’s fortunate that we’re witnessing this now.”
“It would be wise to strategically retreat and seek alternative solutions.”
“There will be no retreat.”
“Isn’t that just a saying that applies to your country? Our military considers retreat as an option in certain circumstances.”
“It seems like an engagement is unavoidable for the time being. We’re already ambushed. . .”
“With the firepower of our 200 fleets, there are numerous operations we can employ. And the vanguard fleet has yet to set foot on the planetary surface. Shouldn’t we at least attempt it?”
“The vanguard can support the main force here after securing the planet.”
“It won’t be as simple as you say. They’re not mere insects. As intelligent beings, they’ll quickly grasp our intentions. Our conventional strategies, which they can anticipate, won’t suffice.”
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The engagement had also commenced here. Chimeraz fleets of astronomical numbers were approaching from nearly every direction, encroaching upon the outer perimeter of the main force.
Although the main force’s firepower was swiftly eliminating the approaching Chimeraz spacecraft, the number of attackers seemed to be growing exponentially compared to the numbers being decimated.
Ultimately, the supreme commander decided to seek answers in a different battlefield.
“Inform all fleets in the vanguard.”
“The supreme commander of the UNF fleet hereby authorizes all autonomous combat and operational actions of the vanguard command within the Hecartra star system, effective immediately.”
“Furthermore, the vanguard is to initiate orbital descent towards the target celestial body.”
At a similar juncture, Kreion, who was in a dark corner of space, spotted armies and spacecraft descending from the sky.
‘These foes prioritize the destruction of our colonies over our fleet.’
Twenty-one leaders, stationed throughout the Hecartra star system and the surrounding dark nebula, listened to his voice.
‘Do not let them set foot on our lands.’
Screech!
Crackle!
Clang!
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