Aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 2, Holy Mirishial Empire
The situation outside is shown on the floating display in the bridge while reports are made all across the ship. The Pal Chimera was expediting preparations for their attack on the enemy fleet.
“Energy replenishment at 100%. Magical power replenishment complete.”
“Targeting medium-sized ships closest to Number 2. Calculation complete. Retouching calculation error +2, -4…”
“No abnormalities found on the gun stabilizer systems.”
“No abnormalities found on all systems. Attack preparations complete.”
Monotonous voices indicate that their preparations for attack are complete. Meteos gives the order, sounding a bit annoyed.
“Get on with the attack.”
A strange-looking battleship floats over the clear skies. Its ring begins to rotate as the magic cannons mounted underneath it belch out smoke and deafening roars. The aerial battleship has commenced its attack.
Cruiser Tethys, Gra Valkas Empire
“The enemy’s ring has started turning!!”
“Our anti-air guns are missing them!!”
“Enemy ship firi-Ack!!!”
Bam! Dun! Dun! Kabooom! BOOOOM!
High-pitched sounds and magical rounds fired in quick succession accurately find their mark on the Gra Valkas Empire cruiser Tethys, which was the closest to Pal Chimera Number 2. They could have withstood the attack if it were just 1 or 2 shots, but the bombardment was not only accurate but quick, improbable for a large caliber gun. The Tethys, unable to withstand such attacks, exploded and went up in flames.
The Pal Chimera continues to fire.
A rain of anti-aircraft fire was hurled from the outer edges of the imperial fleet towards the seemingly empty sky. The destroyers seem to be occasionally using their main batteries, but they weren’t able to land effective hits on the monster flying at 200kph delivering bombardments with unparalleled speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Pal Chimera, taking advantage of the difference in speed, diminished the numbers of the fleet by attacking accurately from outside the fleet.
An enemy ship in flames is shown on the levelled display within the bridge of the aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 2. Meteos looked at the scene particularly uninterested.
“Captain Meteos!! Transmission from Captain Walman of Pal Chimera Number 1!”
The communications personnel reports in.
“Walman, huh… Get him through.”
The feed on the display was changed. A slender man wearing a mask, Walman, appeared on the screen.
“Meteos… It has been a long time…”
“What is it, Walman? We’re in the middle of a battle… Make it short, will you?”
“Hmph… I did say that I will lend a hand in this operation but… the enemy ships are right in front of us…”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Attacking them… from outside the accurate range of their large caliber guns is a sure way of defeating them. This strategy really does reek of you… However, this will take too much time.
If we were to immediately strike the enemy flagship, their command structure would fall into disarray so much so that even without these ancient weapons, our magic battleships would be enough to defeat them. We must attack the flagship at once.”
“You don’t get it, do you, Walman? There are only 7 Pal Chimera ships within the empire and only 5 of these precious… superweapons of the ancient sorcerous empire are operational.
The mercy of His Excellency has allowed us to deploy with these machines… We cannot, not even for a one in ten thousand chance, allow them to get damaged.”
“You’re the one who doesn’t get it, Meteos! We are in control of the ancient superweapons… With armor reinforcement made better by the immense magical power output and this baffling speed, their large caliber cannons will never hit!
According to the magical processing units, if we were to send their enemy flagship to the depths with just a single ship, the possibility of getting damaged is a mere 0.02%!
The magic fluids aren’t infinite and these machines consume so much fuel they make magic battleships look efficient! If we’re going to do it your way, we will just be wasting time.”
He continues to speak.
“What’s more is… This is also a political problem. We mustn’t let the ship that single-handedly destroyed Leifor, the enemy flagship, a living legend, live for any longer! The determination of every country and occupied territory are depending on us! We must immediately sink it!”
“In any case, the enemy flagship will be sunk. However, what happens when you raise the possibility of damage in the pursuit of cutting off a few hours and fuel costs? Your reasoning is meaningless.”
Meteos tells Walman, who is then enraged.
“Whatever!! Number 1 will sink the enemy flagship alone! I’ll give them a taste of the super magic bomb Jibil!”
The transmission was one-sidedly cut short.
“What an idiot… In the off chance that the Pal Chimera gets damaged, what will you do then?”
Pal Chimera Number 1
“Set course for the heart of the enemy!! Target the enemy flagship, the Grade Atlastar!!! Attack the enemy ships along the way while simultaneously firing in succession at the target! Once we’re above the target, release multiple super magic bombs!!! Activate the bombing mode of the magical processing units!!!”
“Affirmative. Implementing orders.”
The aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 1 faces towards the direction of the Gra Valkas Empire’s largest and strongest battleship, the flagship Grade Atlastar, and begins to advance.
・・・
Battleship Grade Atlastar
“Hm?!”
Commander Caesar notices a change on the enemy aerial battleships. Among the 2 ships attacking from positions where the anti-air guns on the center of the fleet couldn’t reach, 1 of them has visibly changed its course.
A rain of anti-air gunfire focused on the enemy ship that had entered their firing range. Within some of those shells activate their proximity fuzes, exploding close to the enemy ship, showering it with extremely fast metallic fragments.
However, the enemy ship, seemingly unfazed, continued to head straight for them.
“Tsk! They’re intending to attack us, aren’t they?!”
Commander Caesar glares at the monster. Captain Luxtal next to him speaks up to the commander.
“Commander Caesar… My apologies, but I’d like to ask you to prepare for the worst.”
“Captain, I am more than prepared since I first entered the military.”
“My apologies.”
Luxtal’s expression changes.
“Hard to port!!!”
“Hard!!! To!!! Port!!!”
The helmsman repeats the order as he turns the rudder left. The massive ship slowly began to turn. Luxtal then continues.
“Get the ship perpendicular to the aerial battleship in front and unleash a broadside from the main batteries!! Ready the main batteries!! Load armor piercing ammunition!!!”
The armor piercing rounds are munitions with high penetrating power that are meant for use against enemy battleships. The subordinates were surprised at the captain’s decision.
“A… armor piercing ammunition?! The enemy is a high-speed aerial battleship… The chance of hitting them is exceedingly low! I suggest we use the anti-air ammunition for the main batteries!!!”
The anti-air main battery munitions meant for use against aircraft were developed by the Gra Valkas Empire… With proximity fuzes built into the rounds, they capture the reflection of radar emitted by the rounds themselves and explode midair. By installing these ammunition usually mounted on anti-air cannons on the main batteries, their explosive radius and general power are dramatically improved. Since their hit rate is also far better than those of armor piercing rounds, the subordinates offered their opinion on Luxtal’s decision.
“Didn’t you hear me?! What if I repeat it?! Load armor piercing ammunition!!! Taking into account the enemy’s advancing speed and the maximum angle of elevation of our main batteries, we only have one chance.
Anti-air munitions do damage through fragmentation and so have exceedingly no penetrating power against highly armored targets with almost no chance of being effective at all! If we hit with armor piercing ammunition, there will be an effect!!!
Do I have to repeat myself?!”
“N… no, sir!!! Preparing the main batteries! Loading armor piercing ammunition!!!”
The largest and most powerful guns in Gra Valkas Imperial history… Even in the history of the Earth, the guns of 2 of Imperial Japan’s Yamato-class battleships, which possess similar firepower, are unmatched. The empire’s proud 45 caliber 46cm guns slowly begin to turn.
・・・
“Prepare the main batteries. Target: massive enemy battleship in front. Ammo type: armor piercing. Perform full broadside. 32 degrees to the right with an elevation of 21 degrees…”
Commands are delivered from the messenger.
“Hitting a target midair with armor piercing rounds… The captain sure is taking drastic measures…”
Bragston, a veteran gunner, was properly performing his duties as he felt some thrill engaged unreal enemies similar to the stories he had read long ago.
“Gunners, this is Captain Luxtal.”
Bragston listens to the voice through the speaking tube.
“All of the exercises you have spilled blood over are now coming to fruition. That is something I have sufficiently come to recognize. That’s why I would like you all to put in the fruits of your hard work into this next attack.
If the attack that all of you will soon fire hits the mark, you will have saved the empire. If it doesn’t, then the Eastern Fleet will suffer major casualties. There is at the least, a very high chance that this flagship will be sunk.
Whether the empire will rise or fall rests in this strike. Show them the fruits of your habitual hard work and hit the target to the millimeter. That is all.”
Silence…
“Wha… what’s with that decision?! The captain sure is putting extreme pressure on us…”
Life flashes before the eyes of Bragston, the gunner with the best hit rate in the empire.
“I… will be the one firing this next strike… It feels like I was born for this moment. We’ll definitely hit them! This attack, for the empire’s salvation, will hit!!!”
Bringing with him the best concentration he has ever accumulated in his life, Bragston carries out his duties.
At the bridge
“Cruiser Proxion hit!!!”
“The enemy aerial battleship is coming for us!!!”
As reports are made with agitated voices, the ship has already begun turning to the left. The timing of the bombardment rests on the ones in charge. Captain Luxtal, believing that their strike will hit, glares at the enemy ship.
“Enemy ship firing!!”
The aerial battleship fires a salvo towards the Grade Atlastar. Glowing bright blue at extremely fast speeds, the enemy shells come into view… and are set to hit the battleship!!!
Bam!!! Kaboom!!!
The enemy shells hit the section below the bridge, releasing explosive flames followed by a bright light and intense sounds. The bridge itself rocked as ear-piercing sounds reverberated within the ship with flames obscuring the view from the bridge.
“Aaaaaahhhh!!!”
The soldiers screamed a bit from the intensity, but Captain Luxtal simply glared at the direction of the enemy unfazed.
Displacing over 72,809 tons when fully loaded, the massive ship’s thickly armored sections simply repelled the attacks of the enemy.
A voice from the messenger is heard across the bridge. They were the orders to the gunnery captains in the turrets frantically calculating the relative distance to the aerial battleship.
“+2 correction to Turret 1’s elevation… +3 to the left and +1 to the elevation of Turret 2… Turret 3…”
They put all of their strength into their work, sufficiently knowing the impact the next strike has on the empire and on the survival of everyone.
“Turret 2 is ready to fire!!!”
“Turret 3…”
Preparations were being adjusted.
“Have the main cannons ready!! Firing in 17 seconds! 16! 15! 14! 13!…”
The countdown began.
“Enemy ship firing!!!”
Bright blue lights traced from the enemy ship as they fired another salvo. At the moment they’re about to hit…
“FIRE!!!”
Enormous jets of flame manifested from the muzzles of 9 cannons.
Gigantic shells flying at over 2808kph are fired from the 45 caliber 46cm guns possessing a maximum range of 42km.
Shockwaves form from the tip of the rounds sloping towards the back. Air within the boundary layer of the shockwave becomes viscous and heats up. The 9 shells fly ahead wrapped within these shockwaves.
・・・
It was as if a miracle had happened. Later on, it was lauded in history books as the miracle shot or the shot that changed history.
Among the 9 of the biggest and most powerful ammunition in Gra Valkas Empire history that were fired, 1 found their mark on the aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 1. The rounds, which were developed with the intention to pierce through the thickest armor on a battleship, caved into the mighty magically-reinforced armor… further penetrating the most important sections with ease and hitting the high-output magic engine installed at the center of the ship, blowing it up.
The explosion expands radially, particularly piercing through the weaker sections on the armor. The flammable magical fuel was also set on fire, increasing the power of the explosion.
After a fierce light was emanated, a colossal flame in the shape of a cross appeared in the sky.
Big explosive flames manifested in the sky. The arms that extend in three directions from the Pal Chimera’s bridge which support the ring are torn apart, falling out of the sky in flames.
Since the entire hull was massive, it visibly fell in a horrifyingly slow manner.
The Pal Chimera Number 1 crashed into the sea in a single massive explosion, sinking into the depths of the ocean.
・・・
Aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 2
WOOOooooooo…
The deep, gut-wrenching sound of the magical agony of death of Number 1 resounded across the bridge.
“Pal Chimera Number 1… sunk with all hands.”
A monotonous voice reports.
“Woooooaaahh!!!”
“N… no way!!! That’s preposterous!!! They sunk a Pal Chimera with a single shot?!”
The government executives were losing their mind…
A scene which seemed to be disconnected from reality continued to play out from the display.
The superweapon of the ancient sorcerous empire…
One of the empire’s sole 7 superweapons was shot out of the sky in pieces.
Meteos looks at the scene unfolding and shouts out.
“GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! GRRRRRR!!! GRAAAAAAAAHHH!!!”
The composed Meteos shook in fright.
The superweapon of the ancient sorcerous empire… Their exceedingly advanced technology is considered to be the standard of technology one must strive for. The dreaded and even respected ancient weapon of the Ravernal Empire has been shot down.
“That… that… that… that’s insane!!! How will I explain this to His Excellency?! Ah!!!”
Meteos remembers the order given to him.
“In the very unlikely event that even one of the ships is shot down, fall back.”
“F… fall back!!! Let’s get out of here!!! 90 degrees to the left! Engines at full speed!! Carry out bombardments as we retreat!!”
The aerial battleship slowly begins to turn.
“To… to sully my reputation… This Gra Valkas Empire… I will not forgive you… And this ship, the Grade Atlastar, I will definitely shoot you down like an animal! By my own hand!!!”
The aerial battleship Pal Chimera reversed its course, setting off for the Holy Mirishial Empire. The determination for revenge burned within Meteos.
・・・
Battleship Grade Atlastar
“The aerial battleship has reversed their course and is retreating!”
“YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!”
The bridge erupted in great joy.
“So they’re running away now? It was a bit of a gamble but I’m glad it worked out.”
Luxtal silently mutters.
All the soldiers of the Gra Valkas Empire Eastern Fleet’s main force shouted in delight.
“As expected of the empire’s proud guns, the most powerful in the world!! They were sunk in a single hit!!!”
“I heard that the Grade Atlastar’s gunners have divinely supernatural skill! For them to hit a target midair… The rumors are indeed true!!”
“With the unsinkable battleship, the Grade Atlastar, in its possession, the empire will push on undefeated!”
The imperial troops each gave their impressions. However, there was a single man that grew pale at what happened. It was commander Caesar.
“Captain Luxtal, well done.”
“Thank you. It’s because I put my faith on my subordinates.”
“However… How many of those ships does the enemy have in their possession?”
“I don’t know. If even you do not know, then the Intelligence Bureau also doesn’t…”
“The empire’s air power hardly made a dent on that thing. We only inflicted damage on 2 of their ships and managed to sink only 1… We have been able to do it since we were at sea, but in the possibility that they show up over land… We wouldn’t have any means of resisting it, don’t we? It would be a problem if they mass produced it.”
“It’s something that will affect the empire’s operations moving forward.”
“Those who know nothing of the military… If only those politicians and citizens that are not in the position to analyze military power would understand…
Perhaps the Grade Atlastar will be deified by this battle and they will come to stop fearing the Holy Mirishial Empire… ”
“Even when it comes to being a commander, politics will always end up getting involved. How troublesome…”
“I’m sorry for airing my complaints. However, the enemy monsters aside, their fleet still remains. Furthermore, we have lost more than one-third of our air power.”
“According to the submarine fleet, they are dealing substantial amounts of damage against the enemy. Almost all of their aircraft carriers have taken quite a lot of damage, but the enemy’s advance continues. At this rate, it will be a decisive battle between our fleets.”
The empire’s fleet pushes forward.
・・・
Sounds of explosions echo across the sea. A great fleet created on the basis of cannonism on huge ships and a fleet from those who reign supreme on the summit of magical civilization. The Holy Mirishial Empire’s main fleet is about to clash horns with the main force of the Gra Valkas Empire’s Eastern Fleet.
Large caliber magic cannons catastrophically damage many cruisers while the Grade Atlastar’s massive guns wreck the magic battleships.
With masses of ships hurdled together, the damage on both sides increased dramatically. Carrying their respective nations’ fates, the willpower of one clashed against the willpower of the other.
The artillery battle lasted for more than 4 hours. With both fleets suffering massive losses and exhausting their ammunition, they simultaneously reversed their courses and left the maritime region in which they fought.
・・・
Superpower Mu, Second Civilization Area
One car was speeding through the main street.
“Chief!! We will soon arrive at the Japanese embassy!”
“The negotiations must absolutely push through!!!”
“But isn’t it rude to show up at morning without any appointment?”
“I’m sufficiently aware that it’s rude… However, this is a matter of life or death for our country! If we push some of the terms over the phone, we might end up getting put off for later. If a section chief visits them directly and waits until the person in charge comes, we may be able put things into motion just a tiny bit faster.”
The car arrives in front of the Japanese embassy. The building is white and has a Western-style to it but it is simple and dignified.
Audigs, Section Chief of the Superpowers Department of the Country of Mu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, determined to push through with the negotiations, knocks on the door of the Japanese embassy.
Aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 2, Holy Mirishial Empire
The situation outside is shown on the floating display in the bridge while reports are made all across the ship. The Pal Chimera was expediting preparations for their attack on the enemy fleet.
“Energy replenishment at 100%. Magical power replenishment complete.”
“Targeting medium-sized ships closest to Number 2. Calculation complete. Retouching calculation error +2, -4…”
“No abnormalities found on the gun stabilizer systems.”
“No abnormalities found on all systems. Attack preparations complete.”
Monotonous voices indicate that their preparations for attack are complete. Meteos gives the order, sounding a bit annoyed.
“Get on with the attack.”
A strange-looking battleship floats over the clear skies. Its ring begins to rotate as the magic cannons mounted underneath it belch out smoke and deafening roars. The aerial battleship has commenced its attack.
Cruiser Tethys, Gra Valkas Empire
“The enemy’s ring has started turning!!”
“Our anti-air guns are missing them!!”
“Enemy ship firi-Ack!!!”
Bam! Dun! Dun! Kabooom! BOOOOM!
High-pitched sounds and magical rounds fired in quick succession accurately find their mark on the Gra Valkas Empire cruiser Tethys, which was the closest to Pal Chimera Number 2. They could have withstood the attack if it were just 1 or 2 shots, but the bombardment was not only accurate but quick, improbable for a large caliber gun. The Tethys, unable to withstand such attacks, exploded and went up in flames.
The Pal Chimera continues to fire.
A rain of anti-aircraft fire was hurled from the outer edges of the imperial fleet towards the seemingly empty sky. The destroyers seem to be occasionally using their main batteries, but they weren’t able to land effective hits on the monster flying at 200kph delivering bombardments with unparalleled speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Pal Chimera, taking advantage of the difference in speed, diminished the numbers of the fleet by attacking accurately from outside the fleet.
An enemy ship in flames is shown on the levelled display within the bridge of the aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 2. Meteos looked at the scene particularly uninterested.
“Captain Meteos!! Transmission from Captain Walman of Pal Chimera Number 1!”
The communications personnel reports in.
“Walman, huh… Get him through.”
The feed on the display was changed. A slender man wearing a mask, Walman, appeared on the screen.
“Meteos… It has been a long time…”
“What is it, Walman? We’re in the middle of a battle… Make it short, will you?”
“Hmph… I did say that I will lend a hand in this operation but… the enemy ships are right in front of us…”
“What are you trying to say?”
“Attacking them… from outside the accurate range of their large caliber guns is a sure way of defeating them. This strategy really does reek of you… However, this will take too much time.
If we were to immediately strike the enemy flagship, their command structure would fall into disarray so much so that even without these ancient weapons, our magic battleships would be enough to defeat them. We must attack the flagship at once.”
“You don’t get it, do you, Walman? There are only 7 Pal Chimera ships within the empire and only 5 of these precious… superweapons of the ancient sorcerous empire are operational.
The mercy of His Excellency has allowed us to deploy with these machines… We cannot, not even for a one in ten thousand chance, allow them to get damaged.”
“You’re the one who doesn’t get it, Meteos! We are in control of the ancient superweapons… With armor reinforcement made better by the immense magical power output and this baffling speed, their large caliber cannons will never hit!
According to the magical processing units, if we were to send their enemy flagship to the depths with just a single ship, the possibility of getting damaged is a mere 0.02%!
The magic fluids aren’t infinite and these machines consume so much fuel they make magic battleships look efficient! If we’re going to do it your way, we will just be wasting time.”
He continues to speak.
“What’s more is… This is also a political problem. We mustn’t let the ship that single-handedly destroyed Leifor, the enemy flagship, a living legend, live for any longer! The determination of every country and occupied territory are depending on us! We must immediately sink it!”
“In any case, the enemy flagship will be sunk. However, what happens when you raise the possibility of damage in the pursuit of cutting off a few hours and fuel costs? Your reasoning is meaningless.”
Meteos tells Walman, who is then enraged.
“Whatever!! Number 1 will sink the enemy flagship alone! I’ll give them a taste of the super magic bomb Jibil!”
The transmission was one-sidedly cut short.
“What an idiot… In the off chance that the Pal Chimera gets damaged, what will you do then?”
Pal Chimera Number 1
“Set course for the heart of the enemy!! Target the enemy flagship, the Grade Atlastar!!! Attack the enemy ships along the way while simultaneously firing in succession at the target! Once we’re above the target, release multiple super magic bombs!!! Activate the bombing mode of the magical processing units!!!”
“Affirmative. Implementing orders.”
The aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 1 faces towards the direction of the Gra Valkas Empire’s largest and strongest battleship, the flagship Grade Atlastar, and begins to advance.
・・・
Battleship Grade Atlastar
“Hm?!”
Commander Caesar notices a change on the enemy aerial battleships. Among the 2 ships attacking from positions where the anti-air guns on the center of the fleet couldn’t reach, 1 of them has visibly changed its course.
A rain of anti-air gunfire focused on the enemy ship that had entered their firing range. Within some of those shells activate their proximity fuzes, exploding close to the enemy ship, showering it with extremely fast metallic fragments.
However, the enemy ship, seemingly unfazed, continued to head straight for them.
“Tsk! They’re intending to attack us, aren’t they?!”
Commander Caesar glares at the monster. Captain Luxtal next to him speaks up to the commander.
“Commander Caesar… My apologies, but I’d like to ask you to prepare for the worst.”
“Captain, I am more than prepared since I first entered the military.”
“My apologies.”
Luxtal’s expression changes.
“Hard to port!!!”
“Hard!!! To!!! Port!!!”
The helmsman repeats the order as he turns the rudder left. The massive ship slowly began to turn. Luxtal then continues.
“Get the ship perpendicular to the aerial battleship in front and unleash a broadside from the main batteries!! Ready the main batteries!! Load armor piercing ammunition!!!”
The armor piercing rounds are munitions with high penetrating power that are meant for use against enemy battleships. The subordinates were surprised at the captain’s decision.
“A… armor piercing ammunition?! The enemy is a high-speed aerial battleship… The chance of hitting them is exceedingly low! I suggest we use the anti-air ammunition for the main batteries!!!”
The anti-air main battery munitions meant for use against aircraft were developed by the Gra Valkas Empire… With proximity fuzes built into the rounds, they capture the reflection of radar emitted by the rounds themselves and explode midair. By installing these ammunition usually mounted on anti-air cannons on the main batteries, their explosive radius and general power are dramatically improved. Since their hit rate is also far better than those of armor piercing rounds, the subordinates offered their opinion on Luxtal’s decision.
“Didn’t you hear me?! What if I repeat it?! Load armor piercing ammunition!!! Taking into account the enemy’s advancing speed and the maximum angle of elevation of our main batteries, we only have one chance.
Anti-air munitions do damage through fragmentation and so have exceedingly no penetrating power against highly armored targets with almost no chance of being effective at all! If we hit with armor piercing ammunition, there will be an effect!!!
Do I have to repeat myself?!”
“N… no, sir!!! Preparing the main batteries! Loading armor piercing ammunition!!!”
The largest and most powerful guns in Gra Valkas Imperial history… Even in the history of the Earth, the guns of 2 of Imperial Japan’s Yamato-class battleships, which possess similar firepower, are unmatched. The empire’s proud 45 caliber 46cm guns slowly begin to turn.
・・・
“Prepare the main batteries. Target: massive enemy battleship in front. Ammo type: armor piercing. Perform full broadside. 32 degrees to the right with an elevation of 21 degrees…”
Commands are delivered from the messenger.
“Hitting a target midair with armor piercing rounds… The captain sure is taking drastic measures…”
Bragston, a veteran gunner, was properly performing his duties as he felt some thrill engaged unreal enemies similar to the stories he had read long ago.
“Gunners, this is Captain Luxtal.”
Bragston listens to the voice through the speaking tube.
“All of the exercises you have spilled blood over are now coming to fruition. That is something I have sufficiently come to recognize. That’s why I would like you all to put in the fruits of your hard work into this next attack.
If the attack that all of you will soon fire hits the mark, you will have saved the empire. If it doesn’t, then the Eastern Fleet will suffer major casualties. There is at the least, a very high chance that this flagship will be sunk.
Whether the empire will rise or fall rests in this strike. Show them the fruits of your habitual hard work and hit the target to the millimeter. That is all.”
Silence…
“Wha… what’s with that decision?! The captain sure is putting extreme pressure on us…”
Life flashes before the eyes of Bragston, the gunner with the best hit rate in the empire.
“I… will be the one firing this next strike… It feels like I was born for this moment. We’ll definitely hit them! This attack, for the empire’s salvation, will hit!!!”
Bringing with him the best concentration he has ever accumulated in his life, Bragston carries out his duties.
At the bridge
“Cruiser Proxion hit!!!”
“The enemy aerial battleship is coming for us!!!”
As reports are made with agitated voices, the ship has already begun turning to the left. The timing of the bombardment rests on the ones in charge. Captain Luxtal, believing that their strike will hit, glares at the enemy ship.
“Enemy ship firing!!”
The aerial battleship fires a salvo towards the Grade Atlastar. Glowing bright blue at extremely fast speeds, the enemy shells come into view… and are set to hit the battleship!!!
Bam!!! Kaboom!!!
The enemy shells hit the section below the bridge, releasing explosive flames followed by a bright light and intense sounds. The bridge itself rocked as ear-piercing sounds reverberated within the ship with flames obscuring the view from the bridge.
“Aaaaaahhhh!!!”
The soldiers screamed a bit from the intensity, but Captain Luxtal simply glared at the direction of the enemy unfazed.
Displacing over 72,809 tons when fully loaded, the massive ship’s thickly armored sections simply repelled the attacks of the enemy.
A voice from the messenger is heard across the bridge. They were the orders to the gunnery captains in the turrets frantically calculating the relative distance to the aerial battleship.
“+2 correction to Turret 1’s elevation… +3 to the left and +1 to the elevation of Turret 2… Turret 3…”
They put all of their strength into their work, sufficiently knowing the impact the next strike has on the empire and on the survival of everyone.
“Turret 2 is ready to fire!!!”
“Turret 3…”
Preparations were being adjusted.
“Have the main cannons ready!! Firing in 17 seconds! 16! 15! 14! 13!…”
The countdown began.
“Enemy ship firing!!!”
Bright blue lights traced from the enemy ship as they fired another salvo. At the moment they’re about to hit…
“FIRE!!!”
Enormous jets of flame manifested from the muzzles of 9 cannons.
Gigantic shells flying at over 2808kph are fired from the 45 caliber 46cm guns possessing a maximum range of 42km.
Shockwaves form from the tip of the rounds sloping towards the back. Air within the boundary layer of the shockwave becomes viscous and heats up. The 9 shells fly ahead wrapped within these shockwaves.
・・・
It was as if a miracle had happened. Later on, it was lauded in history books as the miracle shot or the shot that changed history.
Among the 9 of the biggest and most powerful ammunition in Gra Valkas Empire history that were fired, 1 found their mark on the aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 1. The rounds, which were developed with the intention to pierce through the thickest armor on a battleship, caved into the mighty magically-reinforced armor… further penetrating the most important sections with ease and hitting the high-output magic engine installed at the center of the ship, blowing it up.
The explosion expands radially, particularly piercing through the weaker sections on the armor. The flammable magical fuel was also set on fire, increasing the power of the explosion.
After a fierce light was emanated, a colossal flame in the shape of a cross appeared in the sky.
Big explosive flames manifested in the sky. The arms that extend in three directions from the Pal Chimera’s bridge which support the ring are torn apart, falling out of the sky in flames.
Since the entire hull was massive, it visibly fell in a horrifyingly slow manner.
The Pal Chimera Number 1 crashed into the sea in a single massive explosion, sinking into the depths of the ocean.
・・・
Aerial battleship Pal Chimera Number 2
WOOOooooooo…
The deep, gut-wrenching sound of the magical agony of death of Number 1 resounded across the bridge.
“Pal Chimera Number 1… sunk with all hands.”
A monotonous voice reports.
“Woooooaaahh!!!”
“N… no way!!! That’s preposterous!!! They sunk a Pal Chimera with a single shot?!”
The government executives were losing their mind…
A scene which seemed to be disconnected from reality continued to play out from the display.
The superweapon of the ancient sorcerous empire…
One of the empire’s sole 7 superweapons was shot out of the sky in pieces.
Meteos looks at the scene unfolding and shouts out.
“GRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! GRRRRRR!!! GRAAAAAAAAHHH!!!”
The composed Meteos shook in fright.
The superweapon of the ancient sorcerous empire… Their exceedingly advanced technology is considered to be the standard of technology one must strive for. The dreaded and even respected ancient weapon of the Ravernal Empire has been shot down.
“That… that… that… that’s insane!!! How will I explain this to His Excellency?! Ah!!!”
Meteos remembers the order given to him.
“In the very unlikely event that even one of the ships is shot down, fall back.”
“F… fall back!!! Let’s get out of here!!! 90 degrees to the left! Engines at full speed!! Carry out bombardments as we retreat!!”
The aerial battleship slowly begins to turn.
“To… to sully my reputation… This Gra Valkas Empire… I will not forgive you… And this ship, the Grade Atlastar, I will definitely shoot you down like an animal! By my own hand!!!”
The aerial battleship Pal Chimera reversed its course, setting off for the Holy Mirishial Empire. The determination for revenge burned within Meteos.
・・・
Battleship Grade Atlastar
“The aerial battleship has reversed their course and is retreating!”
“YEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!”
The bridge erupted in great joy.
“So they’re running away now? It was a bit of a gamble but I’m glad it worked out.”
Luxtal silently mutters.
All the soldiers of the Gra Valkas Empire Eastern Fleet’s main force shouted in delight.
“As expected of the empire’s proud guns, the most powerful in the world!! They were sunk in a single hit!!!”
“I heard that the Grade Atlastar’s gunners have divinely supernatural skill! For them to hit a target midair… The rumors are indeed true!!”
“With the unsinkable battleship, the Grade Atlastar, in its possession, the empire will push on undefeated!”
The imperial troops each gave their impressions. However, there was a single man that grew pale at what happened. It was commander Caesar.
“Captain Luxtal, well done.”
“Thank you. It’s because I put my faith on my subordinates.”
“However… How many of those ships does the enemy have in their possession?”
“I don’t know. If even you do not know, then the Intelligence Bureau also doesn’t…”
“The empire’s air power hardly made a dent on that thing. We only inflicted damage on 2 of their ships and managed to sink only 1… We have been able to do it since we were at sea, but in the possibility that they show up over land… We wouldn’t have any means of resisting it, don’t we? It would be a problem if they mass produced it.”
“It’s something that will affect the empire’s operations moving forward.”
“Those who know nothing of the military… If only those politicians and citizens that are not in the position to analyze military power would understand…
Perhaps the Grade Atlastar will be deified by this battle and they will come to stop fearing the Holy Mirishial Empire… ”
“Even when it comes to being a commander, politics will always end up getting involved. How troublesome…”
“I’m sorry for airing my complaints. However, the enemy monsters aside, their fleet still remains. Furthermore, we have lost more than one-third of our air power.”
“According to the submarine fleet, they are dealing substantial amounts of damage against the enemy. Almost all of their aircraft carriers have taken quite a lot of damage, but the enemy’s advance continues. At this rate, it will be a decisive battle between our fleets.”
The empire’s fleet pushes forward.
・・・
Sounds of explosions echo across the sea. A great fleet created on the basis of cannonism on huge ships and a fleet from those who reign supreme on the summit of magical civilization. The Holy Mirishial Empire’s main fleet is about to clash horns with the main force of the Gra Valkas Empire’s Eastern Fleet.
Large caliber magic cannons catastrophically damage many cruisers while the Grade Atlastar’s massive guns wreck the magic battleships.
With masses of ships hurdled together, the damage on both sides increased dramatically. Carrying their respective nations’ fates, the willpower of one clashed against the willpower of the other.
The artillery battle lasted for more than 4 hours. With both fleets suffering massive losses and exhausting their ammunition, they simultaneously reversed their courses and left the maritime region in which they fought.
・・・
Superpower Mu, Second Civilization Area
One car was speeding through the main street.
“Chief!! We will soon arrive at the Japanese embassy!”
“The negotiations must absolutely push through!!!”
“But isn’t it rude to show up at morning without any appointment?”
“I’m sufficiently aware that it’s rude… However, this is a matter of life or death for our country! If we push some of the terms over the phone, we might end up getting put off for later. If a section chief visits them directly and waits until the person in charge comes, we may be able put things into motion just a tiny bit faster.”
The car arrives in front of the Japanese embassy. The building is white and has a Western-style to it but it is simple and dignified.
Audigs, Section Chief of the Superpowers Department of the Country of Mu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, determined to push through with the negotiations, knocks on the door of the Japanese embassy.
