Counterfeit Hero

”Order the [Emmon] battleship to follow battle group plan number 2 and quickly seize the left front combat position D7. Order the [Truli] battleship to navigate along channel T2 to combat position C5, threatening the tail of the enemy aircraft assault group, in coordination with [Folinka] and [Red-tailed Sparrow] for joint defense! Tell them, fight while squeezing. Use everything they got, just hold on for ten minutes, victory will be ours!”

”Order the [Feiling] Space Carrier to accelerate towards my position, release all carrier-based aircraft, and maneuver through channel L7 towards airspace N21, be sure to stall the Feiyang Fighter group!”

Hanfrey’s fingers quickly danced across the tactical computer. Commands were issued without a moment’s hesitation. Under his command, the entire carrier battle group rapidly changed formation.

”Order the squadron of aircraft left on the carrier to enter the launch channel, ready up. In thirty seconds, the [Scorpion] will provide tactical cover, they have fifteen seconds to complete the release!”

”Twenty seconds countdown... ten seconds countdown... nine...”

Above the Feiyu Aircraft Carrier, the streamlined hull of the [Scorpion] cruiser gracefully shifted in the void. Countless energy gun towers formed a dense firepower network, driving off the bandit army’s aircraft like a swarm of bees.

”Eight... seven... six...” Hanfrey casually watched as the battleships on the control screen changed positions according to his intentions.

Two bandit army aircraft broke through the defense, flashing past the porthole. Moments later, electronic alarms from the central console indicated hits with red lights lighting up at the bow and aft port side of the carrier. Amidst the vibrations, Hanfrey seemingly unaffected continued calmly counting down: ”Five... four... three...”

Another bandit army aircraft breached the defense circle, amidst flaming spheres and intense vibrations, the central console alarms screamed urgently. Above the carrier, the [Scorpion] cruiser finally reached its intended position.

”Two... one... fire control data junction, joint defense of two ships’ turrets, launch intercept missiles!” Hanfrey lightly tapped the table of the command post, ”Deploy the aircraft!”

At his command, the rotating turrets on the port and starboard of the Feiyu Aircraft Carrier aligned, coordinating swiftly with the turrets above on the [Scorpion] cruiser. The fire control system distributed the blockade of surrounding airspace absolutely, while intercept missiles leapt into space from the ship’s launch ports.

At the same time, the last squadron of forty [Thunderbolt] Space Fighters on the carrier was sequentially launched from four channels.

These fighters accelerated urgently via the enclosed passage formed between the cruiser above and the carrier. When they emerged from the firepower network, their speed had increased to Level 7, allowing for dogfights with bandit army aircraft.

”Duke, the Scorpion can’t hold on, they’re shifting left!” the Combat Coordinator shouted. Outside the window, the gigantic steel body of the cruiser was tilting, sparks from hits flickering continuously.

”That’s enough. Order the Scorpion to disengage from the cover position and maintain distance!” Hanfrey took a sip of coffee, watching the command screen where forty released [Thunderbolt] fighters accelerated out of the enclosed passage, a playful smile appeared on his lips.

”Report, [Emmon] battleship has entered the designated combat position!”

”Report, [Truli] has positioned, [Folinka] completed its turn, positioned, [Red-tailed Sparrow] positioned...”

”1021 fighter squadron engaged with enemy aircraft.”

”Enemy aircraft were repelled!”

Reports came in succession.

Hanfrey watched the command screen impassively. On the virtual screen, the last destroyer steadily and slowly pivoted its bow, entering the designated combat position while firing.

Two seconds later, amidst the admiring glances and suppressed cheers from all the carrier’s officers and crew aimed at Hanfrey, the last gap closed by the steel body of the destroyer sealed shut the final iron gate. The battle group of the carrier blocked the flying aircraft and dazzling energy cannon light outside.

The [Feiyu] was completely enveloped within the escort fleet.

Surrounding ships, like satellites, enclosed the carrier at the center. These battleships not only shielded the carrier from attack angles but also occupied vital combat positions around it. The fleet’s firepower, coordinated by the SkyNet, was utilized to the extreme. Combined with the four squadrons of roaming [Thunderbolt], even if they couldn’t completely guarantee the carrier was unscathed, they could hold out until other battleships returned!

”An A-level defense pattern, quite simple, isn’t it?”

Hanfrey sneered at the bandit army aircraft hindered by concentrated fire and intercept missiles outside, muttering to himself, ”Did they really think that without the energy shield, the Feiyu Aircraft Carrier is ripe for slaughter? Lose the Feiyu Aircraft Carrier and I can only sit waiting for defeat?! Now, you have five minutes, let’s see how you win against me!”

”Tell Kohen and Brid to prepare their Judgement Mecha. Activate the core defense capsule. Shortly...” he stood up, coldly gazing at the madly attacking bandit army aircraft in the void, ”let’s witness the disappointment on these flies’ faces!”

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The [Athena] Space Carrier silently advanced forward under the escort of ten battleships.

The asteroid belt bathed in energy cannon light grew closer. Douglas’s brow furrowed tighter.