Chapter 550: Ch The battle -1

Captain Shiba rapidly began operating the Osprey while simultaneously issuing orders to the rest of the squad.

Having been well prepared for the attack, Shiba and the Osprey were the first to face the incoming barrage, as his ship was leading the formation. He easily dodged some of the incoming projectiles while using the Osprey’s ten-generation point-defense weapon systems to intercept those he couldn’t avoid.

BAANG! BAANG! BAANG!

After neutralizing the immediate threats, he quickly locked onto the enemy targets and launched a missile salvo.

Lieutenants Baku and Patrick, whose ships were following behind Captain Shiba, immediately followed suit, unleashing a saturated missile bombardment of their own.

RUMBLE! RUMBLE! BOOM!

The Red Bull Gang, now reduced to just eight ships, was suddenly struck by a barrage of more than two dozen missiles. The missiles slammed directly into their shields, triggering a series of violent explosions.

As the blasts illuminated the otherwise dark expanse of space, the enemy ships’ shields shimmered brilliantly beneath the bombardment, creating a dazzling spectacle that lasted only a few moments.

Interstellar operations and battles against pirate groups were always sudden and unpredictable, especially in environments like this, where the enemy held multiple advantages.

The Osprey Squad had most likely been under the Red Bull Gang’s surveillance from the moment they exited hyperspace. After all, it was hardly surprising for pirates, especially wealthy groups like the Red Bull Gang with powerful backing, to have countless detection devices scattered throughout a star system.

They would conceal themselves while patiently waiting for their prey to let its guard down before suddenly pouncing on it for an easy feast. This was, in fact, a common but highly effective tactic used by many pirate groups.

Had the Osprey Squad not remained vigilant and kept a constant watch on their surroundings, the consequences could have been disastrous. They might even have suffered serious losses in this encounter.

"Spread out, all of you! Lieutenant Baku, take Second Lieutenant Chase with you. Flank and attack those rats from the right! Lieutenant Patrick, take Second Lieutenant Daku with you and attack them from the left flank. Additionally, prepare your mech squads as well. They might be needed for deployment."

Captain Shiba paused briefly before continuing, his tone firm and decisive.

"I’ll take Second Lieutenant Anu with me, along with two mech squadrons, and draw as much of their firepower as possible. The four of you must seize this opportunity to deal a decisive blow from both flanks!"

He then explained the reasoning behind his orders.

"Remember, we’re in a relatively open area compared to the enemy, who’s trapped inside that asteroid belt, surrounded by countless asteroids that can serve as shields. But while this environment gives them an advantage, it’s also a disadvantage.

The asteroids may provide cover, but they also obstruct their line of sight. And with our ships’ built-in stealth systems, their detection radars won’t be able to lock onto us easily."

Captain Shiba’s eyes narrowed as he delivered his final words.

"This is your chance. Make it count!"

"Understood?" Captain Shiba asked.

"Sir, yes, sir!" everyone in the squad immediately replied in unison.

Captain Shiba nodded and continued, "Then destroy the enemy for me! CHAAAARGE!"

With a roar, he led the Osprey as it rapidly broke away from the formation and surged forward. Lieutenant Anu’s Phantom Dagger quickly followed close behind.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Baku and Lieutenant Patrick each took Second Lieutenant Chase and Second Lieutenant Daku with them, respectively, and immediately rushed toward the enemy’s flanks, preparing to launch their attacks from both sides.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A Few Days Earlier

"Colt, do you know what’s happening?" Cade, the leader of the Red Bull Gang, asked with a gloomy expression. "How come there’s another fleet operating around this star system? How were we not aware of it? Who are they, and why are they targeting us? Why didn’t the higher-ups inform us about this? Are they not aware of what’s going on?"

"L-Leader, I haven’t received any such information!" Colt hurriedly shook his head and replied. "There was someone tracking our location and monitoring our movements, but I dealt with them easily."

"Hmph!" Cade snorted coldly before turning his gaze toward Colt. "Look into it after we finish dealing with these people!"

He then turned toward the three figures standing just below the command deck.

"Karg, Rork, Stagg, pay close attention to these people. Since they’ve come all this way to hunt us, we must welcome them properly and show them who’s the real hunter here!"

"Yes, Leader!" The three men nodded and grinned evilly.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present Time

"Dammit! H-How did they find us?!" Cade exclaimed in disbelief.

His Tier-3-class assault ship, whose firepower rivaled that of a destroyer thanks to its numerous weapon systems, shook violently under the enemy’s attacks.

Just then, a figure materialized before him.

"I have no idea, Leader, but that shouldn’t be our main concern right now! They’re charging toward us at incredible speed, and we’ve just lost contact with two more targets on our detection radars!

Not to mention, we’ve already lost two assault ships and two frigates in their surprise attack! What are your orders?!"

"What orders?!"

Cade shouted before finally calming down a little, as if remembering that they still had a few advantages on their side.

"Take advantage of the surrounding asteroids and use them as cover against these people! Launch a counterattack and put as much pressure on them as possible. If you get the chance, destroy their ships as quickly as you can!"

As he spoke, Cade suddenly turned toward Colt’s holographic figure.

"As for the four targets that disappeared from our radar, have Rork pay close attention to them. They must be trying to close in on us from the flanks. We can’t let that happen! Is that clear?"

"Understood, Leader!" Colt nodded. "I’ll forward your orders to them immediately!"

"Good!"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back on Captain Shiba’s side, just as they were charging ahead, several attacks from the Red Bull Gang suddenly rushed toward his ship.

"Second Lieutenant Anu, stay behind me and provide cover. When the opportunity arises, be ready to act. Your canister cannons will play a crucial role in this battle," Shiba ordered.

"Yes, Captain!" Second Lieutenant Anu immediately replied.

Back aboard the Osprey, Captain Shiba nodded and issued another order without hesitation.

"Commander Gale, prepare to deploy with your squad at any moment!"

After delivering the order, he focused entirely on controlling the Osprey and launching a counterattack.

The 2 SE-203 Generation 2 Pulverigers, along with eighteen dual plasma cannons, unleashed a devastating barrage of firepower toward the enemy.

Meanwhile, Lieutenants Patrick and Baku, each leading a formation that included one of the second lieutenants, had already reached the edge of the asteroid belt. Once they advanced a little deeper, they would be in position to strike the pirates from their blind spots.

Both lieutenants knew that timing was crucial. Without wasting a moment, they each deployed a squadron of mechs, sending approximately twenty-four mechs along each flank.

Using the asteroids for cover and relying on their stealth systems and speed, the mech squadrons swiftly advanced through the asteroid field, closing in on the Red Bull Gang from both sides.

Captain Shiba continued his assault, pushing the Osprey’s propulsion system to maximum power. As if boosted by a sudden burst of energy, the Osprey darted through space like an antelope racing through a forest, swiftly weaving between obstacles and dodging incoming attacks.

Although Lieutenant Anu’s ship was trailing slightly behind, he managed to keep pace with Shiba and continued charging forward.

"Commander Gale, it’s time to deploy! Remember, don’t let those pirates slip away from you! The leader of the Red Bull Gang is also a mech pilot, so he’ll most likely charge into battle himself. I want you to deal with him personally! If possible, capture him alive!"

Inside the Osprey’s hangar bay, approximately twenty-four mechs stood in neat formation. Leading them was a mech that looked slightly different from the others. Although it shared their silver-gray color scheme, it possessed a distinct aura that set it apart.

Inside its cockpit sat a young man with an ordinary appearance, black hair, and brown eyes.

Hearing Captain Shiba’s orders, he responded calmly, "I can’t guarantee anything, Captain Shiba, but I’ll do my best to hold back and keep that person alive for you!"

Hearing this response, Captain Shiba was momentarily speechless.

What do you mean, hold back?! Just keep him alive, will you?!

However, what he actually said was, "I won’t blame you if there are any... accidents. But that man is important, you understand?"

"Well, all right, then!" With that, Commander Gale cut off the communication.

"It’s time for us to join the others. Let’s rock and roll!"

Speaking in his usual overbearing manner, Commander Gale led the way out of the hangar bay, with the other mechs quickly following behind him.

The twenty-four mechs soon split into two teams of twelve, each of which further divided into two groups of six. Using the surrounding asteroids as cover, they swiftly advanced toward the Red Bull Gang’s ships stationed at the center of the asteroid field.