“The fighter squadron has deployed into formation and is rushing at full speed towards the designated airspace,” said Liuli.

“Tell them to prepare to deploy their stealth fields and activate quiet detection,” Yu Lian ordered. “Weapons Officer, deploy six jamming mines each to stellar points H11, J12, and L8!”

Daina’s “Understood” could be heard from the bridge.

“Lilia, open the side gunports, missiles loaded!”

Lilia, the First Gunnery Officer on the second level of the bridge, responded loudly.

As for the Second Gunnery Officer, Mota, the heaviest person on the ship, he had already silently opened the main gun's aiming scope.

“Alright, full speed ahead for the entire ship!”

As eighteen oval-shaped mines tumbled out of the armory and into space, the Red Tiger began to accelerate again. As her sub-light engine roared once more, the Blue Monarch just happened to burst forth from the spreading orange-red light waves. The blue hull was bathed in the splendid light, and for a moment, it truly seemed like a monarch leading the charge, being the first to cross the line of fire.

“Boom! Boom! Boom!” The Blue Monarch’s main guns also began to roar in unison. Ion cannon shells, condensed from clear cold light, whistled through the void.

Their timing for firing was incredibly precise; it seemed they had already anticipated the Red Tiger’s trajectory, as three shells were almost aimed directly at the opposite direction.

“Brace for impact!” Yu Lian shouted. “Bai Ziya, damage control teams stand by!”

In reality, the power of these ion cannons was also adjusted. Even if they did hit, not to mention the armor and shields of a warship, even striking an unmanned mining vessel would at most leave a scorched black mark. Of course, the directorate would also disable some ship functions based on computer assessment. At that point, Bai Ziya’s damage control team would have to step in.

“The railgun is fully charged, and the shells are ready!” The one reminding the bridge wasn't Weapons Officer Daina Jefferson, but Deputy Weapons Officer Tamir.

“I understand, wait for my command!”

“It seems it’s not my turn yet…” Gongsun Qing’s voice came through Yu Lian’s earpiece. As the (nominal) assault leader, she was getting a bit bored.

Yes, if you were two more Rings higher, I’d tie you to the deck and have you strike that blue ship with the ridiculously chuunibyou name. You might even be able to directly slice them with your sword qi.

This was no joke; a “Sword Dancer” of the Six Rings of Asura truly possessed such an ability.

Yu Lian pretended not to hear, and loudly added, “Annie, it’s up to you!”

“Understood!” Miss Annie Romanova adjusted the helmet she had put on at some point, plunged her hands into the pilot sensors, and let out a loud shout.

The thousand-meter hull swayed and rocked like a willow catkin in a strong wind, actually dodging two shells on the spot.

However, even so, one shell still hit the outside of the ship, triggering a shield reaction.

“Directorate assessment: Our shield functionality has decreased by 67%, B17 compartment is damaged, three turbine laser arrays are destroyed, and three crew members are killed in action!”

Those unfortunate “killed in action” individuals could only be confined to the temporarily sealed compartment until the exercise concluded.

Bai Ziya’s damage control team was dispatched. Despite the young master of the Bai family appearing frail and lacking charisma, he was actually the most hands-on person on the entire ship. He once demonstrated a miraculous skill in front of everyone, disassembling an external power exoskeleton into a pile of parts that even a girl could carry within three minutes, and then reassembling it perfectly.

Having him lead the damage control team was the best choice.

But even so, Yu Lian’s Hong Fang (Red Team) did indeed suffer casualties first.

It couldn't possibly be Kent; Wien's side also invited an expert!

“The opponent’s gunner can’t be Mr. Kent,” Lilia said. “I’ve fought him before, and he doesn’t have this kind of accuracy.”

Yes, a master of gunnery command is different from a gunner himself.

“Mr. Wien invited an exceptional main gunner,” Liuli whispered.

“…Yu Lian, continued long-range artillery combat is disadvantageous for us!” Zhi Xia whispered her suggestion to Yu Lian.

So, you want me to board? You idealists… no, you girls overflowing with martial prowess, are truly too aggressive!

“Your armor is overheating. The exercise directorate has determined that your side has lost the first layer of armor in area B6.”

Yu Lian was silent for a moment, looking at the screen at the swaggering blue warship. He could feel the blatant smugness from tens of thousands of kilometers away, as if he saw a Wien carrying a crossbow, wiggling his butt and singing and dancing in front of him…

Then, he laughed: “Alright, my brother Horatio! You’re even playing mind games with me now!”

“Yu Lian, he’s older than you,” Liuli said.

At this moment, in the audience stands of the Azure Princess, the atmosphere grew even more fervent. They were like Roman nobles in an ancient Roman gladiatorial arena, watching gladiators fighting to the death. Now, after several rounds of sword fighting and probing, blood had finally been drawn.

They were so excited they were almost contorted.

Not to mention them, even the officers and soldiers on the three escort destroyers were speechless for a moment watching the students’ engagement. The arrogance of seniors, their sense of superiority over these rookies, could no longer be maintained at this moment.

“If it were us in there, could we handle them?”

“We are professional soldiers, they are just rookies who haven’t graduated yet! We have actual combat experience!”

“…We don’t have much actual combat experience either!”

Yes, these three destroyers, and the crew on board, were all transferred from the Solar System Fleet, commonly known as the Native Fleet.

We have previously described the nature of this fleet. Its ships were intact, its personnel complete, and its funding ample. In times of war, such a formation could be seen as a strategic mobile force directly under the central command.

However, in such a (relatively) peaceful era, stationed in the prosperous central star region, they consistently failed to gain any reliable actual combat experience, and thus became somewhat like roadkill specimens.

“Perhaps only Major Da Shi’s people on the Feixue… could handle it?” someone said.

“Yes, if it were Major Da Shi, he would definitely show these smug young masters and the rookies on the other side a thing or two!”

The so-called “Feixue” referred to Feixue 42, the only one of these three destroyers with direct combat experience. Major Da Shi was its Captain, an elite Captain transferred from the Eastern Suspension Arm Fleet. He was no longer young but had participated in several actual battles, with a glorious record of leading a single destroyer to destroy a pirate’s modified old cruiser.

After being transferred to the Native Fleet, Major Da Shi quickly distinguished himself, becoming the top destroyer Captain in the fleet, and his crew were also trained to be vigorous and energetic. In several large-scale exercises with the Outer Rim Fleet, his efforts indeed saved some face for the Native Fleet.

Many people knew that Major Da Shi’s next assignment would be as the Captain of a new heavy cruiser. Of course, for this old salt who had no academic qualifications, no background, only ability and achievements, this was probably his last stop.

At this moment, on the bridge of the Feixue, Major Da Shi, who was already fifty years old, made the following assessment: “The Blue Faction’s main gunner and gunnery officer are much better than ours! If only they were our crew! Next time we have an exercise with the Outer Rim Fleet, we could choose a tactical advantage!”

“They are either Moon People or prodigies from other military academies. After graduation, probably within a few years, you and I will have to salute them,” Captain Duwen, the first mate, said with a laugh.

Major Da Shi chuckled, then said, “Well then, it would be nice to have a skirmish with them!”

“Both Captains?”

“Yes, both Captains! They are only in their early twenties, aren’t they? Simply unreasonably excellent, enviably excellent! I truly hope to have a skirmish! Of course, not this ridiculous, monkey-show-like performance… It’s a pity for such excellent young Captains. I can even imagine their helplessness and frustration right now!”

Captain Duwen pondered for a moment, then sighed, “…There will be such an opportunity. There definitely will be.”

The two exchanged glances and stopped talking. Silence spread across the bridge, because at that very moment, the Red Tiger also launched three fierce rounds of long-range bombardment.

Torrents of energy crossed the sky, tracing bright light trails across the dark heavens.

They didn't directly hit the evading Blue Monarch, but they did force its hull to move closer to a certain direction to some extent. At this point, its shields were finally grazed by an orbital cannon shell and an energy beam.

The Blue Monarch's exterior also emitted a strong light and vibrated violently, indicating that its shields had lost power for a short time and its armor had been hit.

This is the most suitable artillery tactic for ordinary people in space combat!

Yu Lian exclaimed loudly, "Lilia, you got the first kill this time! Well done!"

"I've read Marshal Kent's artillery treatises over ten times," Lilia said with a smile.

"And that other guy, that last shot was beautiful! I'm giving you credit!"

"My name is Mota!" The biggest Chubby on the ship, the second main gunner who still hadn't had a line until now, wanted to cry but was still delighted to be praised by the Captain.

"Where did you find such talent?" Yu Lian asked casually.

"Didn't Yu Lian say it? Don't be confined to military academies; go out into the vast society to find talent," Zhi Xia said with a slight smile.

The Captain said I'm talented! Mota the Chubby continued to be delighted, wiping his sweat vigorously, licking the corner of his mouth, and refocusing all his attention on the aiming device.

He knew that while he had hit the enemy, there was a certain element of luck involved, and it wouldn't be so easy next time.

Moreover, their ship's damage was more severe than the enemy's.

I still need to hit!

Mota told himself.

Cheers had already erupted on the Azure Princess.

This was equivalent to both sides in the engagement inflicting bloody wounds on each other. If it were truly in the Colosseum of ancient Rome, it would mean the gladiatorial combat had entered a white-hot, most exciting stage.

However, even in such an occasion, Duke Fisu, as a retired veteran, still calmly offered his commentary: "The Blue Faction executed a perfect artillery strike! The prediction, the firing timing, and even the precision were all perfect. Even the Empire's best gunners could only achieve this level. The Hong Fang (Red Team)'s response was also decisive and perfect! Clearly, they are a team full of vitality, courage, and excellent training!"

He paused, then, with a hint of envy in his tone, half-jokingly and half-seriously praised, "An excellent team must have an excellent leader. These two young Captains have boundless futures and will surely become world-renowned generals!"

...And they will also be a major threat to the Empire!

The Duke swallowed the rest of his words.

At this moment, Duke Fisu inexplicably felt a little tired. Every time he felt that the Moon People were about to become a complete part of the Empire, countless young heroes would emerge. How long would this go on?

"The Moon People are truly enviable! Congratulations, Mr. Chairman," Krel Belmont, the Alliance's trade representative, offered his congratulations to the Chairman.

Chairman Nockham felt his heart warm, almost bursting with laughter, and decided that afterwards he must call both Captains over, personally pour them drinks, and personally commend them.

"The young man you particularly favor, Yu Lian, seems to be performing a bit conservatively," Mrs. Lilia said to the Chairman with a smile.

"It seems so. Oh, I only talk about military matters on paper; any top student from a military academy has the right to mock me," the Chairman said with a laugh. "I can't just comment on others casually."

At this moment, Feifei, standing in the center of the stage, saw Yu Lian's Red Tiger in a disadvantageous position, but she didn't show any worry or other biased expressions. She continued to loudly introduce to everyone: "Just now, the Blue Faction's artillery strike has taken effect, and the Red Tiger's hull is damaged! If the Hong Fang (Red Team) doesn't have a counterattack plan, this artillery strike is very likely to decide the outcome!"

Some younger audience members began to applaud and cheer. They still didn't quite understand, but even in movies, the collision, tearing, shattering, and roaring of steel and fire are enough to make one's blood boil, aren't they?

What's more, to make the VIPs enjoy the show, the sensors on the outside of the hull were actually packed with electromagnetic packs and fireworks tubes, which could indeed simulate the effect of an explosion.

"That little girl is good. I remember, wasn't she also a graduate of the Defense University?" Chairman Nockham asked his secretary next to him.

"Miss Fina Li? She was also the former student council president of the Defense University!"

"Hmm, very good. If she still chooses to join the military after graduation, arrange her in the military's propaganda department," the Chairman felt this was making the best use of her talent. Such a beautiful girl going to the front lines would be a terrible waste.

Thinking of this, he then seriously considered the future of the two young Captains.

Well, Wien of the Blue Faction certainly lived up to his reputation, and he was also a son of the Wien family, so he could go to the General Staff Headquarters or the Native Fleet, where he would have a position of practical command but without as much danger.

Yu Lian of the Hong Fang (Red Team) seemed a bit lacking in command, but he was also very excellent, and he was also the first to charge in the Xiwei Star Region campaign, and a spiritual energy user. He could be assigned to the Blue Faction, and also hold a concurrent position in the Presidential Palace's attendant office.

Who wouldn't want to get promoted directly without having to fight on the front lines?

The Chairman felt his personnel arrangements were simply perfect, and this would surely be the starting point for him to gradually control the military.

But at this moment, in the exercise field, the situation suddenly changed.

The Blue Monarch, which had always had the upper hand in the artillery battle, was preparing to close in for another one or two rounds of main gun salvos. But at this moment, the mines that had already been thrown into the void, following the energy reactions, wrapped around it like maggots, immediately forming a dazzling ball of electric arcs.

After the electric arcs wrapped around it, the Blue Monarch's sub-light engine actually directly crashed.

In a real battlefield, how terrifying and deadly would such a scene be?

It was imaginable what kind of struggle the crew on the Blue Monarch were currently in.

And at this instant, the Red Tiger performed an almost perfect arc slide in space, finally aiming its frontal main guns at the Blue Monarch.

"Fire!" Yu Lian shouted loudly.

A torrent of anti-protons pierced the space between them, rushing towards the distant blue hull.

However, at this instant, the Blue Monarch, still entangled in electric arcs, unexpectedly opened all its gunports, unleashing a large number of energy projectiles in all directions.

The interference arcs, shields, energy fields, and the magnetic field that entangled all of this, actually succeeded in causing the kinetic cannon shells to be deflected.

The kinetic cannon shells were like sharp knives, directly cutting off a part of the hull, like slicing off the enemy's flesh. However, that was all it was. One must know that the sharp knives were originally aimed at the opponent's vital points.

"Admiral Lukenar's tactic from back then!" Zhi Xia reminded.

"Hmm, I know, magnetic interference bombs can cause kinetic cannon shells to deflect when they entangle, but it's a bit of a gamble."

Precisely because of this, this tactic is not widely used by regular armies now; pirates are much more proficient at it.

"They know that our main guns are kinetic weapons!" Zhi Xia added.

"That's normal; that's exactly what I want them to know!" Yu Lian sneered, ordering the Red Tiger to continue approaching the enemy's flank.

And at this moment, the Blue Monarch's sub-light engine finally started, having only been stopped for less than a minute.

Wien's carefully selected crew, even without the SRs Yu Lian had invited based on his future memories, were still very excellent.

The Blue Monarch, having just regained power, did not immediately avoid combat but instead charged directly forward, completely adopting a suicidal fighting style. This was like two cowboys in a duel, firing while still approaching each other, naturally, either could suffer a fatal injury.

And at this moment, any interference could have a decisive effect.

In an instant, Yu Lian suddenly felt the impact on the hull; this was the feeling of being hit.

"Nine o'clock direction! Enemy aircraft approaching! It's the Blue Faction's carrier-based aircraft."

Needless to say, it should be the Blue Faction's carrier-based aircraft squadron led by Miss Martha Deacon.

"Captain, that guy actually thought of the same thing as you!" Zhi Xia exclaimed.

"Yeah... what a damn good understanding!" Yu Lian was also a little dumbfounded.

Because almost at the same moment, Li Baolu's air fleet also launched an attack directly behind the Blue Monarch.