Chapter 377: Ch

The pirates shared laughter of their own, unaware in their reverie that someone had already breached their encryption! Mat’s team heard everything they said—and even more that went unspoken, recovered from the data banks of the ships carrying the technicians. They had their eyes settled on them; an encounter was inevitable.

Back onboard the light battle cruiser, Mat had already reviewed the most critical data that Hyperion had sorted. The pirate fleet was working under the directive of the Orc Empire’s new overlord.

However, hidden in the shadows, it seemed larger powers like the Star Empire were making moves, collaborating with others of the same status for a common goal.

While nothing was mentioned that would divulge their entire scheme, what was recovered was enough for Mat and the others to make some guesses of their own.

“Planning to build a one-time hyper portal, huh?” Mat muttered, a hint of rage in his voice.

“If I had to guess, the Orcs and their allies plan to use this portal to send a vast, powerful fleet to strike us directly! They must be think that as long as the mana storm rages around us and the Sol region, we’ll feel protected from any form invasion and won’t accepting this happening.

They think we’ll be unprepared so they can wipe us out in one fell swoop—gaining control of the Sol region before anyone else even knows! So, that is your plan…” He laughed with bitter sarcasm.

“It’s a rather good plan, don’t you think, Captain Mat?” Hyperion said, tilting his head as if confused, though Mat knew the AI understood the gravity of the situation perfectly.

“But,” Mat admitted, “While it is indeed a good plan. And it might have evenI would have worked with a near one-hundred-percent success rate if it were anyone else… but unfortunately for them, it’s us.”

“They likely think we aren’t ready for their ’surprise’ attack—which isn’t a surprise anymore now that we know about it already. Not to mention, we’re already prepared for any kind of attack they might throw at us—surprise or not, it’s all the same to us !” Mat said with total confidence.

Hyperion and the others echoed that sentiment. They praised their Imperial Commander’s foresight in deploying substantial portions of their forces along the outer edge of the Sol Region.

“Going as far as to build eight major defense outposts around the outer zones, with each system having its own forces deployed… if that isn’t preparedness, then what is?” Matt said.

Ignoring the praise of imperial commander who he also revered, Mat’s expression turned serious. “Hyperion, send all the data you’ve recovered back to 6th defence Command immediately. Ensure it lands in the hands of the Commander ASAP. This is a matter of extreme importance; we need to make both Command and the Imperial Commander aware of this.”

“As you command, Captain Mat!” Hyperion saluted before vanishing, leaving only a flicker of sparks behind.

Once Hyperion disappeared, Mat turned to the officers below. “Engage main thrusters to maximum! Move toward the port-side asteroid belt. We shall welcome our ’guests’ at their destination.”

“Execute a Three-Point Formation!” he continued without stopping. “The flagship will lead the charge as the vanguard. The left and right flanks, led by two destroyers each, will split and expand while on the move, maintaining close range with the battle group.

Those destroyers will be screened by three frigates on both the flank following them. The battle carrier will follow the flagship, with two additional frigates covering it and the research vessel.”

Confirmations quickly began flooding the comms as the officers acknowledged their orders.

“Destroyers Stormlance and Stormchaser of the left flank, copy that, Captain! Moving to designated vectors based on the formation!”

“Destroyers Viper and Cobra confirming orders. Right flank breaking from the battle group and moving toward their designated vectors!”

“Frigates One, Two, and Three moving toward Stormlance and Stormchaser to join the left flank.”

“Frigates Four, Five, and Six moving toward Viper and Cobra to join the right flank.”

“Battle Carrier Pegasus acknowledging orders, Captain. Following behind the flagship with two frigates at the front acting as escorts; research vessel positioned at the rear of the fleet.”

A Lieutenant on the flagship reported, “Captain, the three-point formation spacing is at ninety percent! All ships are at their designated points.”

“Good,” Mat said with a nod of approval. “Battle Carrier, prep Squadrons A, B, C, D, and E, along with Mech Divisions One, Two, and Three.”

“Fighter Squadrons A and B will take the lead on both flanks,” Mat commanded. “Squadrons C and D are to remain on the periphery of the left and right flanks to act as an additional screen against potential enemy interceptors.”

He continued his instructions without a pause. “Squadron E will provide close-range protection for the carrier and the research ship, supported by the two escort frigates. Mech Divisions One and Two, you are to join Fighter Squadrons C and D and provide cover for them.”

“Finally,” Mat added, his voice sharpening, “Mech Division Three will join the flagship. You are our vanguard; provide cover, and if needed, charge the enemy!”

In rapid succession, Mat finished passing his orders, the bridge humming with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine.

Quickly, a mesmerizing voice came over the comms—it was Lieutenant Lily. “Acknowledging the order, Captain. Squadrons A, B, C, D, and E are preparing for deployment as we speak. The status is the same for the three divisions of mechs. They will be in their positions in no more than five minutes!”

Mat nodded. “Good. Move out and hold the formation.”

While Mat and his battle group of fifteen ships prepared to welcome their ’uninvited guests,’ the urgent intelligence sent by Hyperion had landed on the desk of the 6th Outer Rim Defense Commander, Alex. He scanned the data and frowned.

“Aren’t these people bold?” Alex muttered. “Setting their sights directly on the top. Now that I think about it, I’ve been hearing from the Grand Admiral deployed in the former Minotaur clan system that the border region—specifically the Fang Star—is encountering constant attacks. Not just from Orcs, but from multiple Tier-2 powers and even pirates from beyond the system.”

He leaned back, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Much of the trade passing through the Fang Star had been disrupted. Merchants no longer dared to move through the systems beyond it, as many had already been destroyed or seized by so-called pirates.

When a small battle group moved to intercept those pirates, they were ambushed by a fleet of a hundred ships. Had it not been for their superior technology, that group would have been lost.

“Clearly, those pirates are bait,” Alex realized. “A lure to draw out small contingents of our ships and do them harm. It was a way of diverting our forces elsewhere so they could strike us from the back of the mountain, straight toward the palace: the Sol System. I have to admit, they planned it through.”

He sighed. “But it’s all for nothing. Things around here are even more brutal than in the Minotaur system, and now we know their game. This is an opportunity to strike hard at the Orcs and those pulling their strings.”

He paused, a look of calculation on his face. “But we have to hold to our plan regarding the Genomes Empire… I should contact the Imperial Commander for advice. Let’s see what he thinks about this new development and if my strategy is feasible.”

“Troubled times ahead… It looks like we’ll have a chance to flex our muscles after all, won’t we?” Alex smiled. Even though he called them troubled times, he felt a surge of excitement at the potential need to exercise his command. To be honest, he had been itching for action ever since he heard about the incredible feats achieved by Ryan and the others—achievements he could only envy while sitting in his battle fortress.

Quickly pushing those thoughts aside, he composed his expression and sent a high-priority request to the Empress.

Back within the Celestial Void World, in the Imperial Palace of the Central Continent, Kallus was still struggling in his office. The pressure on him had tripled; the Empress stood so close that he could feel her presence, her red eyes staring at him with a gaze he dared not meet.

But suddenly, a change occurred. The Empress, who had been wearing a fierce, focused expression, suddenly blinked. “Oh!” she said, as if completely forgetting her current interrogation. “Commander Alex just reached out to me. He has something interesting to report. Shall I connect him to you now?” she asked, a curious expression playing across her face.

Kallus blinked. Perfect timing, Alex! You’ve done me a massive favor, and for that, you shall be rewarded heavily! Don’t worry, I’ll reach out to you, he muttered in his mind.

Out loud, he said in a hurry, “An interesting find? Of course! Connect him immediately. We must discuss this discovery of his! Connect him!” He spoke quickly, fearing the Red Empress might return to her fury at any second.

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