After the warship fleet disappeared over the horizon, cargo ships and troop transports slowly ascended into the sky, lazily forming a formation as they flew off into the distance.
There were nearly a hundred levitating transport vessels, each group consisting of ten, flying in a long line towards the designated assembly point. The fleet was so extensive that while the first batch took off at noon, the last set of airships still remained on the launch field until midnight. Compared to the unexpectedly formidable warship fleet of Darkflame, these supply transports were far inferior, mostly civilian vessels with mediocre climbing speed and flight performance.
However, this was quite normal. If the Neutral Grounds could pull together a void squadron with elite military vessels even for logistics, it would not just be the Heavenly Palace that would be restless.
Even with the most meticulous organization and dispatch, such a fleet could not compensate for the shortcomings of individual vessels. In the pirate-infested Neutral Grounds, it was an irresistible target. News of the fleet’s movements spread like wildfire, reaching every dark corner.
Most pirates, after assessing the situation, did not dare to act rashly. But with the immense wealth at hand, a few ruthless desperados were tempted, planning to make a big score.
Yet, under the watchful eyes of many, they set out and vanished, never to be seen again.
Qian Ye and Song Zining had already positioned themselves far behind the transport fleet. This trap was originally intended for the Heavenly Palace and other forces in the Neutral Grounds, but only a few pirates fell for it.
The journey was not without losses; three cargo ships were destroyed by pirates, and one troop transport suffered a malfunction and crashed. For the massive fleet, these losses were minimal. Simultaneously, no attacking pirate survived. No matter how skilled they were, they could not escape the Empire’s new and formidable war cruisers.
Some pirates fought to the bitter end, while others surrendered in desperation. This exchange resulted in the addition of several pirate ships and over a thousand prisoners to the already substantial fleet of Darkflame. According to the rules of the Neutral Grounds, these pirates would be used as cannon fodder, the first to be sent into battle. Only those who survived would truly be pardoned.
In the command center, Song Zining and Qian Ye convened the senior officers of Darkflame to announce the battle plan.
According to the Empire’s overall strategy, the fleet would first reach the designated outer space assembly point, establish contact with the Imperial fleet, and then choose the right moment to head to the predetermined battlefield for a decisive confrontation with the Evernight fleet.
In this campaign, the Darkflame fleet would play the role of a surprise attack from the rear. They would wait until the main Imperial fleet firmly engaged the Evernight fleet before appearing, striking at weak points, or directly attacking the rear of the Evernight fleet, or destroying any high-value targets that might be deployed behind the Evernight lines.
This mission, while not particularly dangerous, suited the characteristics of the fast-moving Darkflame fleet. There was no reason to refuse, and no need to do so.
After the tasks were assigned, the faces of the Darkflame high command brightened considerably. During conflicts between the Evernight and the Empire, the neutral forces in the surrounding areas often got involved, voluntarily or otherwise. Many of the Darkflame leaders were seasoned mercenaries and had encountered such situations more than once.
Their greatest fear in such battles was being sold out by the Imperial military, unwittingly becoming sacrificial pawns. Now, with assignments based on strength and positioning, they had nothing to complain about.
Seeing no objections, Song Zining dismissed everyone to their respective warships.
A short while later, six Imperial frigates and several warships of varying ages, but all capable of keeping up with the fleet, led by the war cruisers, set off towards the designated assembly point.
On the bridge, Qian Ye and Song Zining stood together, gazing into the endless void. Qian Ye suddenly said, “Is this alright? Should we use that?”
“Let’s see how it goes.”
Qian Ye frowned, pausing for a moment before saying, “At least from the overall battle plan, there doesn’t seem to be any conspiracy. At least not at this stage.”
Song Zining sighed softly, “It’s precisely because there is no apparent conspiracy that I’m most worried.”
“One step at a time. Worrying won’t help. We’ll solve problems as they come,” Qian Ye said steadily.
“True.”
In the vast depths of space, an enormous fleet slowly approached the floating land. Two prominent war cruisers leading the wings were especially noticeable. In the center, six battleships and a warship carrier, clustered together, resembled a floating city in the void, exuding an indescribable sense of oppression.
On the central battleship stood a man with a clear, elegant face, seemingly calm and composed, yet exuding a commanding presence. This was the Right Chancellor, who wielded great power in the Empire. Usually, he was steady and reserved, with a gentle demeanor bordering on weakness. Even in anger, he never raised his voice. It was only now, standing on the warship, that people sensed a different side of him.
On the bridge, all were the Right Chancellor’s confidants, and they held their breath in silence, feeling immense pressure.
Finally, the Right Chancellor broke the silence with a soft sigh, muttering, “So, this is the taste of combat. Hmph! No wonder the military generals don’t take the courtiers seriously.”
The surrounding men exchanged glances, unsure of what the Right Chancellor meant. They knew that he never spoke lightly, and every word he said carried deep meaning. Each pondered the statement, trying to grasp its true essence.
One old minister, emboldened by his long service to the Right Chancellor’s family, dared to speak, “Your Excellency, with the current formation, this warship will be leading the charge. Your life is invaluable. How can you risk such danger? If something happens, it would be a significant loss for the Empire. This old minister believes it’s time to change the formation.”
Another rebuked, “His Excellency serves the country loyally and does not fear death. Your words are inappropriate. However, the current formation is indeed unfavorable for engagement. The Evernight fleet could appear at any moment, and it would be better to change the formation now.”
This statement was more diplomatic, and the first minister did not argue, waiting for the Right Chancellor’s decision.
Both men were flattering, one with moderation, the other with blind loyalty, both of equal caliber.
The Right Chancellor finally turned, smiling. He raised his right hand but said nothing. Everyone knew he was about to make a crucial decision. Before each important decision, he would deliberate thoroughly, ensuring that his thoughts were flawless before speaking.
The longer the silence, the more critical the decision.
This time, the Right Chancellor’s silence was unusually prolonged, long enough that his smile seemed twisted. The waiting men felt their necks stiffen, yet the Right Chancellor remained silent.
Finally, the Right Chancellor’s gaze swept over each face, saying, “The Empire has mixed the second and third guard fleets, making this vanguard fleet’s actual combat strength exceed that of the central army. Since the Empire has entrusted me with the vanguard, I must ensure all is well. The current formation needs to change.”
Many attendants looked relieved, whether for the Right Chancellor’s safety or their own lives, was uncertain.
Pausing, the Right Chancellor declared, “Order! Change the fleet formation to an assault formation. Move this ship to the front of the fleet!”
The old minister was shocked, shouting, “Your Excellency, you mustn’t put yourself in such danger!”
The Right Chancellor raised his hand, stopping the dissuasion, and said calmly, “As the commander, if I want the troops to follow, I must lead from the front. That is the true meaning of vanguard.”
The order was passed, and the massive fleet’s formation slowly changed, while the Evernight fleet began to appear at the other end of the void.
Standing at the window, the Right Chancellor watched as the warships on the flanks retreated, leaving only the endless void and the approaching Evernight fleet.
The Evernight fleet, though slightly smaller, was still substantial, especially the two enormous ships, larger and more menacing than the Imperial battleships, clearly grand duke-class vessels.
Although the Imperial vanguard fleet held an advantage, it was limited, and a fierce battle was inevitable. The Right Chancellor’s face remained as calm as ever, watching silently. As the fleets drew closer, he issued the second order, “With this ship in the lead, all units, full assault!”
Everyone was shocked. This tactic, even if successful, put the flagship at great risk. With no top-tier experts on board, the ship relied entirely on its firepower.
Seeming to read their minds, the Right Chancellor turned and said, “I may excel in strategy, but at this moment, I have no schemes!”
Without a scheme, was he really going to lead from the front? The advisors were truly panicked. They were adept at attacking political rivals and framing others, but leading from the front was something none of them would do or be willing to do.
Opposition was too late, as both fleets accelerated, entering firing range in moments. From the porthole, they saw the Evernight fleet light up like fireworks, each point of light a main cannon firing.
Though beautiful, the advisors saw these as death knells. On the Imperial side, countless fire arrows crossed the flagship, heading towards the enemy, each a projectile sowing destruction and death.
As expected, the flagship, with its massive size, attracted the most firepower. Countless arrows formed fiery trails, striking the ship and exploding in brilliant fireballs. In moments, the flagship was engulfed in a rain of fire, its hull invisible.
In an instant, all Imperial captains held their breath, staring at the inferno.
Then, the flagship emerged from the fire, like a phoenix reborn!
Like an enraged immortal bird, it plunged into the Evernight fleet, releasing jets of flame from its sides, turning several enemy ships into fireballs.
After a moment of stunned silence, each Imperial warship’s bridge erupted in cheers. Captains, in roaring voices, issued orders for the assault. The Imperial fleet, like a herd of angry bulls, charged fiercely at the Evernight fleet!
The Evernight fleet, recovering from the initial shock, focused their firepower on the Right Chancellor’s flagship.
The flagship, like a bison leader surrounded by lions, fought fiercely, heavily damaged. Outside, the other Imperial ships desperately attacked, trying to rescue the flagship.
The battle raged in a chaotic stalemate.
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