Sorry for the long pause.

- Ishiwara

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Day 24 Month 4 Year 1642 Central Calendar

Despite the Mirishial Empire's request for the diplomats to evacuate for the sake of securing safety, it ended in a deadlock due to resistance from various countries.

The following day, due to a very strong request from the Mirishial Empire, the evacuation of diplomats was accepted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gra Valkas Empire's Grade Atlastar

"Enemy fleet in sight, leading with 8 cruisers! Appears to be Mirishial ships!"

A report came in from the lookout on the bridge.

"We somehow made it in time..." murmured Luxtal, the Grade Atlastar's commanding officer.

The current location is 35 kilometers to the Folk Strait.

"Actually seeing that they can reach such a distant place with artillery... I can't help but admire the Empire's technological prowess," remarked Cielia, standing next to Luxtal.

"Lady Cielia, the purpose of this battle is to showcase our country's overwhelming power to the world, correct?"

"Exactly. The native countries who claim to be civilized or great powers believe themselves invincible. Through this battle, we will show them that it's nothing but an illusion and make them bow to our Empire."

This battle, unlike before, reeked afoul of propaganda. On this occasion where major nations gather, by gathering their forces and crushing them, they can clearly demonstrate the difference in power and smoothly advance their conquest activities. As part of this, the Grade Atlastar WILL single-handedly blockade the Folk Strait and annihilate fleets attempting to escape.

"But still, it was quite a strange sight."

Cielia reminisced about the scene she saw in the port of Cartalpas, inadvertently smiling.

"Just because they can build sailboats, they are treated as powerful nations. The low level of civilization in this world is truly ridiculous."

"The fleet approaching consists of Mirishial, Mu, and Japan in the lead, the others are left behind," Luxtal responded while scanning the strait with binoculars.

In response, laughter filled the bridge.

Amidst the relaxed situation, Luxtal suddenly tensed.

"Lady Cieria, I apologize, but please evacuate to the conning tower."

"What's the sudden urgency? Are you implying that this Grade Atlastar will be damaged?"

Cielia recognized that due to the low technological level of this world, the myth of the Grade Atlastar's invincibility was partially established.

"No matter where it is, the battlefield is always a place where lives are at stake. This Grade Atlastar is no exception. As someone responsible for your safety, I would like you to move to the safest place here."

"I see. It wouldn't be fair to burden you unjustly. However, speaking from the standpoint of a diplomat, the significance of this battle lies in propaganda. I would like detailed records of the battle for future diplomacy."

"Don't worry, we'll take care of that too. Guide Lady Cielia to the conning tower!"

'What an obedient and helpful girl.'

Luxtal recalled the battle with the Kingdom of Irnetia a year ago.

Since then, including the diplomat in charge at the time, there has been an increase in those who behaved arrogantly, relying excessively on the military's power after transitioning to a hardline approach post-transference. He himself had been weary of the pressure from the decision-makers who loudly advocated the invincibility myth of the Empire's military, and he was quite impressed by Cielia's rational behavior.

"Now, what's the enemy's situation?"

"The Mirishial cruisers are approaching in a single abreast formation. Following behind them is the Japanese fleet."

"A single-row formation? What are they planning?"

A horizontal formation is not suitable for modern artillery battles. In medieval-level civilizations, where ramming or boarding is the main tactic, this formation will be effective, but at least the Mirishial Empire is a modern nation.

"Anyway, let's start by dealing with the Mirishial ships. Fire at a distance of 30."

"Yes, sir! Firing at a distance of 30, adjusting aim!"

The main turrets moved, the warning buzzer sounded, and the deck crew hurriedly evacuated inside the ship.

. . .

Holy Mirishial Empire Regional Force

"The Grade Atlastar confirmed ahead! Distance, 35 kilometers!"

"It's finally here!"

Pattes pumped himself up for the unprecedented challenge.

"Japanese Fleet to the Mirishial Regional Force, your vessel is already within the enemy's effective range. Be advised."

A transmission from Japan elicited an involuntary click of the tongue.

"Commander, what shall we do?" Nium inquired.

"We'll continue to approach and engage in artillery combat."

"But, sir, the enemy is a colossal battleship equivalent to at least Mithril-class or above. With only eight cruisers, we can only buy a little time."

"You cowardly fool... what kind of Mirishial soldier are you!?"

Suddenly turning around and shouting, Pattes' eyes were slightly bloodshot.

"Our Mirishial Empire bears the proud responsibility of safeguarding the world! If we let barbarians from beyond the civilization areas tarnish our reputation, and if we fall behind these periphery countries, it will be a shame for generations to come! As the guiding light of the world, our Mirishial cannot afford to fall behind any further! If we fail to achieve any results in this battle, it won't just mean losing our place, it will mean the entire world will begin to look down on the Holy Mirishial Empire!"

Gathering the major countries of the world and being unable to do anything while being attacked by other nations would not only damage the prestige they had maintained but also a demerit to national interests. Though unable to argue against this, Nium saw through Pattes' jealousy of Japan's achievements.

"All ships, assume a single-row formation! Continue to approach and engage in artillery combat!"

Everyone present couldn't believe their ears.

"A single-row formation? Not a single-column formation, sir?" Nium asked on behalf of the group.

"That's right, and do not let anyone pass beyond this point!"

'Holy hell... who the fuck appointed this retard as a commander!?'

Understanding the meaning of "do not let anyone pass," everyone silently cursed the naval personnel's decisions.

"Why are you not reciting the order!?"

"S-sir!"

Even so, without defying the order, they formed the single-row formation.

. . .

Japanese Fifth Fleet

"What are they planning?"

Fujimoto was puzzled as he observed the Mirishial Regional Force forming a single-row formation on the radar.

"The main guns of the Grade Atlastar have started operating. The target appears to be the Mirishial Regional Force."

"10th Flotilla (Surface Strike Group), prepare to engage as planned. Electronic warfare initiated, ECM activated."

The 10th Flotilla, advancing ahead of the 5th Flotilla (Carrier Strike Group), was trailing behind the Mirishial Regional Force in a double-column formation, and as they exited the strait, they began to spread out to the left and right. Fujimoto pressed the switch for manacomm.

"Japanese Fleet to the Mirishial Regional Force, our fleet will also engage in combat with the Grade Atlastar from this point onward. We will support your unit."

"Mirishial Regional Force to the Japanese Fleet, no assistance required."

"...Hah?"

In response to the unexpected reply, everyone's gaze wandered.

"This is the Japanese Fleet, Mirishial Regional Force, the audio was unclear, please repeat."

"Mirishial Regional Force to the Japanese Fleet, I say again, no assistance required. From this point onward, the local squadron will engage with the Grade Atlastar alone."

An awkward silence fell over the bridge.

"Enemy aircraft are approaching, requesting permission to intercept."

"...Permission granted."

Since there was no mention of anything other than the Grade Atlastar, interception of the approaching air group, presumably sent as reinforcement, was initiated.

. . .

Gra Valkas Empire's Grade Atlastar

"Trouble at a time like this... Frequent malfunctions in the latest technology are quite inconvenient," Luxtal sighed as he was dismayed by the increasing number of reports to be submitted after the battle.

While the Gra Valkas Empire possessed a technology system similar to the former Japanese military, its electronic technology was comparable to that of the US military at the time, enabling radar targeting. However, the radar screen had suddenly gone blank, forcing them to resort to traditional methods for targeting.

"Allied air units approaching from the six o'clock direction," a report came in from the rear lookout.

"What? I didn't hear anything about that! Is there no transmission from the main fleet!?"

"No, sir."

"Go to the telegraph room immediately and confirm!"

As one crew left the bridge, Luxtal approached the window to assess the situation.

"The Japanese fleet is spreading out to the left and right."

"Are they planning to support the Mirishial fleet?"

"Probably, as our ship is likely within the range of the Japanese fleet's main guns. I'm just guessing, but their gun barrels seem to be 60 calibers long."

"Indeed, with barrels that long, their range may exceed our equivalent caliber guns, but they're 5-inchers, right? I doubt they have a range exceeding 30 kilometers."

"Japan does have technology that surpasses the Empire in some aspects. It's possible that their main guns have performance beyond our imagination."

"That's a fair point, indeed. However, they're still just 5-inchers. Against this Grade Atlastar, damaging her lightly will probably be the best they can do."

"True, that's a possibility. However, despite having such advanced technology, their military power seems so weak it's not natural. The world Japan came from must have been peaceful enough to suffice with that level of military power."

"In a sense, I envy them, but it also means they're forced into a reckless fight. We must ensure our military is properly equipped."

As they debated, the second buzzer blared. The conversation halted, everyone covered their ears, mouths agape, preparing for the artillery barrage.

BOOOOOOOM!

The 46 cm artillery fired, dispersing an immense shockwave capable of crushing a human body.

. . .

Holy Mirishial Empire Regional Force

"Incoming gunfire!"

"So, they do have a range comparable to our magical battleships!" muttered Pattes.

"Commander, about rejecting the offer from the Japanese fleet..."

"Do not say anything, anymore."

Nium's suggestion was met with an immediate glare, silencing him.

Immediately afterward, the sea surged.

"Gah... gaargh...!"

"Ngh... such power!"

"This might exceed the Mithril-class."

Although no direct hits were made, the cruisers were tossed about like small boats by the massive waves created by the shells striking the sea surface.

"Tch, from the first shot..."

Pattes, upon confirming the impact point, was astonished to see the shots bracketing them from the first volley.

"What's the distance to the enemy ship!?"

"26 kilometers!"

They were soon to be within maximum range, but hitting the enemy ship at this distance was unlikely.

'We have no choice but to endure for now...'

A vague sense of unease began to envelop Pattes as he faced the enemy's overwhelming strength beyond imagination.

"Incoming second volley!"

'Just don't hit!'

Everyone prayed, but a huge explosion erupted.

"Direct hit on the seventh ship! The hull is ruptured!"

The seventh ship, struck near the bridge, immediately succumbed to secondary explosions, breaking in two and sinking.

".........!"

No one could say anything. The magic cruiser, pride of the Holy Mirishial Empire, the strongest of the great powers, sank with just one shot. Confronted with a horrifying sight beyond imagination, everyone trembled in fear.

"The enemy ship is firing again!"

"Direct hit on the second ship! Bow destroyed!"

While there was no secondary explosion, the hit bow of the struck ship disappeared completely, and it began to rapidly sink due to flooding.

"All ships, commence random maneuvering! Transition to evasion maneuvers!"

With a pale face, Pattes shouted, and the remaining six ships began to move in various directions.

. . .

Gra Valkas Empire's Grade Atlastar

"Confirmed hit on the enemy ship! We got her bow!"

"Hmm, as expected."

Luxtel praised the gunner's skill.

"Though they're cruisers, they're not as formidable as I thought."

"The enemy ships have begun evasive maneuvers."

"Too late of a decision. No, what was the point of that single-row formation they had?"

They had been wary of the activation of some unknown magic, but it turned out that the enemy was panicked and disrupting their formation. Everyone present was struggling to comprehend what the enemy had been trying to accomplish. As the bombardment continued, another ship was sunk.

In the midst of this, an officer returned from the communication room.

"Report! All communication devices are malfunctioning!"

"What? What do you mean?"

"All communication devices are picking up nothing but static on any frequency. Furthermore, the radar operator suspects that the radar screen anomaly is likely due to external factors."

"External factors? I've heard that sporadic magnetic storms occur occasionally, but did it really happen at this timing?"

"The exact cause is unknown, but that's the likely possibility, sir."

"The timing couldn't be worse... of all times for a communication breakdown..."

"Smoke spotted from the Japanese fleet! Probably an accident—no, what is that!?"

"What are you saying!?"

While shouting in frustration at the incomprehensible report from the lookout, Luxtal gripped his binoculars.

"...What? Smoke is rising from the Japanese ships towards the sky?"

"Incoming flying objects! Incredibly fast! They will reach our ship shortly!"

...whooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH

An unheard-of roar echoed, causing those present to reflexively cower.

"All hands, brace for impact!" Luxtal shouted, and everyone crouched down, grabbing onto nearby objects.

"...Huh?"

But the sound passed to the rear, and there were no signs of being hit.

"What was that?"

Judging that the danger had passed, they stood up, perplexed.

"The friendly air units to the rear are exploding! Nearly half of them have been shot down!"

"What! Report the details!"

"We saw what appeared to be flying objects crashing into the planes just before the explosion!"

Hastening to the back of the bridge and looking up into the sky.

"No..."

Even without binoculars, the multiple columns of black smoke made it clear that the air group had suffered tremendous damage.

"What is happening?" Luxtal muttered without hesitation, despite the presence of his subordinates.

"Smoke detected again from the Japanese fleet! Flying objects approaching!"

Soon after, the remaining aerial squadrons were engulfed in flames.

"The air units have been wiped out..."

Silence dominated the bridge.

'What's going on? What in the world is happening?'

Everyone was bewildered by the succession of inexplicable events, unable to determine their next course of action. In the meantime, time passed, and the Mirishial Regional Force was reduced to just one ship.

. . .

Holy Mirishial Empire Regional Force

Continuously subjected to the one-sided attacks from the Grade Atlastar, only the Gáe Dearg remained.

"........."

Pattes, the momentum from before the engagement completely vanished, fell into silence.

"Should we retreat or request assistance from the Japanese fleet?" Nium suggested, but Pattes, who had taken a cavalier attitude earlier, hesitated.

"The commander is not in a condition to command. From now on, I will temporarily take command. Take the commander to the medical room!"

"What...! What are you curs plotting!? Hey, let go! This is insubordination! Let me go!"

Ignoring Pattes' protests, the sailor following Nium's orders forcibly removed him.

"Alright, reverse at once, retre—"

At that moment, the Gáe Dearg was consigned to the flames.

. . .

Japanese Fifth Fleet

"The Mirishial Regional Force has been completely annihilated."

After wiping out the approaching air squadron, the Japanese fleet remained as mere spectators until the Mirishial cruisers were finally eliminated.

"Engage in anti-ship combat. Target: Grade Atlastar."

With the 10th Flotilla's deployment complete, they were in a position to aim at the flank of the Grade Atlastar.

"Open fire!"

Upon receiving the command from the gunnery officer, anti-ship missiles were launched from the launcher in the center of the ship.

. . .

Muish Mobile Task Force

The mobile task force, which arrived at the entrance of the strait after the Fifth Fleet, was struggling with its options.

"The Mirishial Regional Force has been annihilated!" The lookout shouted. The massive water columns and explosions visible in the distance testified to the intensity of the battle.

"Commander, your orders?" The XO said to Brendas.

"...Deploy the air group and provide support to the Japanese fleet. The fleet will not advance. We'll remain on standby so as not to interfere with the Japanese. Is that clear?"

"Are you sure about this, sir?"

The XO seemed surprised by this order, prompting an irritated response from Brendas.

"You want me to look incompetent? Given what we've seen, it's delusional to claim that our country is stronger than Japan. Hurry up and prepare the air squadron for launch!"

"Muish Mobile Task Force to the Japanese Fleet. We will launch the air squadron to support your forces."

. . .

Gra Valkas Empire's Grade Atlastar

"Smoke detected from the middle of the Japanese ships!"

"Again? What are they planning this time!?"

One of the staff members exclaimed half-hysterically.

'Tch, that settles it! Japan possesses unknown means of attack that we haven't understood. It's not cannons or aircraft, but an entirely new weapon concept that the Empire hasn't even considered!'

Quickly concluding, Luxtal was about to devise a countermeasure, but he soon interrupted himself.

'Huh? Wait... Even though the air group has been completely wiped out, the Japanese fleet has resumed its attack. And if we consider who their target might be at this moment...'

"All hands, brace for impact!"

As everyone in the room turned towards Luxtal, an impact struck.

BOBOBOBOBOBOBOOOOOOOMM!

A tremendous explosion, bordering on rupturing eardrums,