Mob No.136: “Then, to celebrate this victory and pray for triumph in battles to come—cheers!”
Approximately six hours after witnessing the argument between the three women…
We arrived in the Solle Space Sector, where the battle against the Nekirelma Star Kingdom awaited.
The battlefield itself was still a short distance away, but tension radiated from the entire fleet.
The only sounds echoing through the ships were the bare minimum—maintenance checks, polishing, and hushed voices.
Then, the voice of Vice Admiral Roynes-Vescolés, commander of the 4th Fleet, broadcast across all ships’ comm screens:
“Listen up, everyone. We’ll be entering the combat zone in about 50 minutes, and the battle will begin immediately. It’s not much of a ‘strategy,’ but our first move is to concentrate firepower on the enemy’s center to split their fleet. Once divided, the main fleet will surround and annihilate the right wing. Meanwhile, the mercenary units will suppress and harass the left wing to buy time. Do not pursue retreating enemies. If they’re kind enough to flee, just let them go. Once we stabilize the right wing, we’ll redirect forces to the left—so hold the line no matter what.”
Admittedly, it wasn’t much of a strategy, but it was far better than mindlessly charging in.
Shortly after, orders came from the aircraft carrier Kearle-Smith:
“All mercenary units, launch and deploy forward. Repeat: All mercenary units, launch and deploy forward.”
The ship buzzed into action.
Some launched immediately, while others double-checked their gear. The same scene was likely playing out across the other carriers.
Meanwhile, I sat aboard the Patchwork, reading a light novel.
Since it’d take at least ten minutes for everyone to launch, I had time to relax.
As long as I launched shortly after the last person, there’d be no issues.
Once the mercenaries had fully deployed… Vice Admiral Vescolres’ command rang out:
“All regular fleet units—target the enemy’s center! Fire until they’re split in half!”
The moment the order came, unmanned artillery ships, missile ships, and the entire 4th Fleet unleashed a simultaneous barrage at the enemy’s center.
It wasn’t so much a rain of beams and missiles as it was a deluge—like pouring water onto a fire.
When the enemy forces split and retreated to the sides, she followed up:
“Now! Fleet, engage the right wing! Mercenaries, take the left! And don’t you dare slack off!”
Finally, our battle as mercenaries had begun.
The fleet spread wide, encircling the enemy’s right wing to prevent them from rejoining the left.
Meanwhile, the mercenary units harassed the divided enemy fleet with hit-and-run tactics, gradually whittling them down.
As for me? I stuck to a single battleship, circling it and methodically dismantling its weapons.
Plenty of others used the same tactic, successfully immobilizing a significant number of enemy ships.
Elsewhere, some mercenaries dueled enemy fighters in close combat. Others specialized in targeting unmanned artillery and missile ships. A few intercepted ships trying to regroup with the right wing. Everyone fought desperately to survive.
About an hour later…
Enemy ships began fleeing—first small craft, then destroyers, cruisers, and even escape pods from larger vessels.
This was just my speculation, but unlike the Empire (which relied on volunteers), the Nekirelma Star Kingdom used conscription.
Maybe discontent had boiled over into mutiny. Or perhaps competent officers, recognizing defeat, had ordered a retreat. Or maybe the officers had abandoned their crews and fled.
Either way, their retreat was a welcome sight.
While most mercenaries ignored them, a few eagerly gave chase—including Tenon Karalema’s unit.
But just before they could pursue…
“The enemy’s right wing has been annihilated! Fleet, pivot right and attack the left wing! Ignore fleeing ships—no deep pursuit!”
The main fleet, having crushed the right wing, turned its attention to the left.
Even the most reckless mercenaries knew pursuing through that crossfire would be suicide, so they abandoned the chase.
With that, the battle in the Solle Sector ended in the Empire’s favor.
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After the victory…We waited for reinforcements to secure the sector before heading to our next battlefield: the Neott Sector.
The journey would take about 26 hours—a decent rest period.
Upon returning, I immediately checked my ship, resupplied fuel and ammo, reviewed combat reports, and submitted them.
I’d planned to hit the carrier’s baths first, then eat, but the baths weren’t ready yet. So I showered aboard the Patchwork and headed to the carrier’s mess hall instead.
Inside, mercenaries were feasting noisily.
Since we had time before the next battle, they’d been given a small alcohol ration (one 350ml beer can per person).
I got mine, but I wasn’t in the mood to drink. As I hesitated…
“Hey! Over here!”
A voice called out.
When I looked, I found—somehow—an entire table of acquaintances.
Molise and Bernard (the old-timers), Levin and Dan, Arthur and Seira—fine, expected.
The problem? The “Winged Helm” duo (Lambert and Rosweisse), Shiora Dilopers, and Kati Alptet were also there.
I nearly turned on my heel to leave, but Molise Rotolua grabbed my shoulder hard.
“Where you goin’? Let’s toast together!”
It’d feel rude to refuse, so I reluctantly took a seat.
We raised our drinks—juice for me, Arthur, Seira, Levin, Lambert, and Dilopers (courtesy of Arthur), while Rosweisse, Molise, Bernard, Dan, and Alptet happily claimed our unused beers.
Then, with drinks in hand…
“Then, to celebrate this victory and pray for triumph in battles to come—cheers!”
The toast was given by Miss Alptet.
Well, the war wasn’t over yet—no time for real celebration.
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