December 17, Noon
At sea 40 km north of Lucinia
As during the naval battle 12 days earlier, four destroyers were lined up side by side on the sea. The 13th Escort Squadron was there to protect the city of Lucinia and its base. The citizens of Lucinia have once again been advised to evacuate through the Elmstacian government, and are being asked to retreat to the air base further inland. And as before, the coast of Lucinia was fortified by Elmstacian forces.
As for the F-2 fighters, they did not participate in the battle because they had exhausted their air-to-air missiles, and as for the 20 mm machine guns, they had already consumed more than two-thirds of their ammunition in the previous battle, and some aircraft had consumed all of their ammunition.
Flagship Shimakaze CIC
The crews of the vessels lined up at sea to intercept the approaching enemy were busy with their own thoughts. Their faces, as they watched the various radars, were somewhat tense and anxious. The mission this time was to buy time, so to speak, until the reinforcements arrived. However, against the enemy air force, which probably numbered more than 100, they had only their ship's guns and 11 anti-air missiles, which was not very encouraging.
"The enemy fleet will appear shortly."
From the positions observed by the P-3C Orion on patrol, the movements and positions of the enemy fleet were generally predicted. All that remained was to wait for the enemy to appear. Each ship's Harpoon tubes are loaded with a total of seven ship-launched Harpoons, the last anti-ship missiles that the Lucinia Base possesses. However, since the enemy had probably taken some countermeasures after yesterday's surprise attack, it was unlikely that they would be as effective as they had been at that time in sinking the dragon-carrying ships, so they would not be used in this battle.
"Surface search radar contact. Enemy fleet confirmed at 48 kilometers away."
The first to detect the enemy was the surface search radar (OPS-28B) located at the top of the Shimakaze's main mast. The crew became increasingly nervous as the enemy finally appeared. The planet Terralus is 1,4 times the size of the Earth. Therefore, the distance to horizon is longer than that of the Earth, and the radar's search area for water targets has expanded.
"As soon as the enemy ship or enemy air force is in range of our guns, we will begin our attack!"
The voice of the commander carries through the CIC. The men were like hunters waiting for their prey to be caught in a trap, waiting for the enemy fleet to enter the range of the ship's guns.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagship Civille
A fleet of 625 ships, reduced by 45 ships due to the missile attacks the previous day, was advancing at sea. The sight of 625 large sailing ships running with the wind in their sails was truly a sight to behold.
"We have spotted what appears to be enemy ships ahead!"
A sailor looking out over the horizon from the top of a mast spotted a structure on board a destroyer, peeking out from beyond the horizon. It was not one, but four huge ships he could see.
"At last, here we come! If we keep going like this for another two hours, we'll be in range of the enemy ship's guns..." Godfrow murmured.
He knew the rumors, albeit fragmentary, about the Japanese war effort and capabilities. In particular, the unmatched and accurate continuous fire of the ship's guns and Fire Control System had become a source of interest and fear for navies of all nations. Upon learning of the arrival of such a fearsome enemy, Godfrow gave his order.
"Alright... all ships, prepare for battle! Then, send the dragons from each ship... but at a very low altitude. After that, have them fly behind the enemy ship until they are within range, and after one hour, have them head for the enemy ship at top speed while flying at low altitude!"
"Yes, sir!"
The order from the commander was immediately transmitted to all ships. Upon receiving the order, the dragon riders plunged from the deck to the sea surface, moved directly to the rear of the fleet, and began to fly at very low altitude and very low speed.
His plan was as follows. First, he would be on the lookout for anti-ship missile attacks, so he would remove the dragons, an important air asset, from the ships. Then, to protect them from anti-air missile attacks, each ship would approach within range of the ship's guns, with the dragons behind them for cover. Immediately after that, the dragons will be separated from the rear of the fleet at top speed, in an attempt to get them closer to the elevation angle of the ship's guns, that is, further down the trajectory of the guns mounted on the destroyers, at one stroke.
He didn't know if it makes sense. But it would be better than following the theory of this world without any plan. Godfrow's plan, which he had devised with this in mind, was to cause confusion on the Japanese side that even he himself had not anticipated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagship Shimakaze CIC
"Surface radar contact. Enemy fleet at 23 kilometers away."
"Air search radar did not detect any enemy flying objects."
Reports are delivered from the radar operators monitoring the various radars. Since the air search radar did not detect anything, it seemed that the enemy had not yet launched their dragons. The enemy fleet was already at a distance of a little more than 20 km away. The guns on each ship, though of different types, have a range of less than 20 km, and if this trend continues, the enemy fleet will soon be in range.
"All ships, prepare for anti-surface combat! As soon as the enemy ships are in range, commence bombardment!"
The order from Captain Oura was delivered to each ship. Finally, dhow-type sailing ships in the vanguard of the fleet entered the range of the Type 73 5-caliber 5-inch single rapid-fire gun mounted on the Shimakaze. At that moment...
"...New contact on surface search radar and deployed to a wide area behind the fleet! Range 24 kilometers!"
"...!?"
The report from one of the operators, Petty Officer First Class Sousuke Sawamura, shocked the CIC personnel. To Sawamura's eyes, it appeared as if a new group of enemy contacts had suddenly appeared behind the approaching fleet.
"A new fleet!?"
Lieutenant Commander Eiji Nakasone, the ship's officer, demanded about the identity of the contacts captured by the surface radar. At this stage, however, it is still impossible to discern what they are. While the CIC is in turmoil, a new group of contacts appears, and more movement is observed.
"The new swarm increases its speed and begins to approach rapidly from the rear of the fleet! It has overtaken the enemy fleet and is heading this way."
"Air search radar contact. We also detected new enemy contacts."
"SPS radar contact. Targets are... less than one meter above sea level."
"!"
Based on the new information from the various radar sources, Nakasone realized the identity of the contacts that have suddenly appeared.
"The dragons...!"
Nakasone's words brought a startled look to the faces of Commander Ueno, the captain, and other top officers. Whether they knew it or not, the enemy dragons were flying at a very low altitude, the most effective way to avoid radar detection.
Due to the curvature of the planet, air search radar cannot adequately deal with flying objects flying at ultra-low altitudes. This is because they are hidden behind the horizon, which is the blind spot of radar. The missiles that exploit this weakness in radar are anti-ship missiles that fly at very low altitudes, known as sea-skimming. In order to detect these low-altitude approaching objects as soon as possible, the anti-surface radars of destroyers are equipped with a low-altitude warning function.
But even the sea skimming missiles are said to have a flight altitude of 5 to 15 meters. But the dragons now approaching the four ships was flying at an altitude of about 0,5 meters above sea level. Only living creatures are capable of flying at such a low altitude. The lower the flying altitude, the more it can hide behind the horizon, delaying radar detection. Furthermore, in this case, the fact that they were hidden behind the ships seemed to have played a role in delaying radar detection.
Upon learning of the enemy air unit's approach, Oura gave orders to all vessels.
"All ships, right rudder 90 degrees! Turn port side of the ship to face the approaching aerial enemies!"
"Ninety degrees, keep her steady!"
At the command's order, the four ships steered to the right almost simultaneously. However, each ship turned to the left jut as the ship turned to the right, keeping its turret pointed toward the approaching fleet from the north, waiting for the enemy dragons to approach.
"The range of the naval guns is less than 20 kilometers at maximum... If we don't let them get that close, we won't be able to intercept anything. We're just a bit late in spotting! It won't affect the operation in any way, so there's no need to rush..."
Unlike the crew members, who were mentally shaken by the sudden appearance of the dragons on the radar, Captain Oura did not lose her composure. After confirming that the ship had completed the order, she gave the next order.
"All ships, prepare for anti-air combat! As soon as FCS-2-22B catches sight of enemy aircraft, and as soon as they are within range of the ship's guns, open fire!"
The commander's new orders were delivered to all ships. Immediately after, the five turrets on the four ships adjusted their elevation angles to the 127 dragons flying just above the sea surface.
'...So late, what are they doing...?'
Oura gazed at the ceiling of the CIC, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the reinforcements that were supposed to be on their way here in a hurry. As yet, there was no sign of them. Soon, the enemy's dragon riders would enter within 20 km, the range of the ship's guns. At that moment, a crewman appeared at the CIC with a ragged look on his face. He rushed to Oura and whispered to her.
"...!?"
Oura's eyes widened at the words. The contents of the message were delivered by the reinforcements whose arrival were anxiously awaited.
"...Something's wrong, ma'am?"
The commander, who looked surprised, was approached by Nakasone, who had noticed the change in her expression. Oura shook her head and told him that she had received a call from the reinforcement.
"Planes have been launched from the reinforcements! They will be here shortly. However, we will continue to fire our guns until all enemy dragons are down, so don't let up!"
"...!"
Hearing these words, the personnel at the CIC expressed their relief and joy on their faces. The reinforcements included an aircraft carrier. If the planes on board the carrier would come to them, the balance will be tipped in their favor.
"If enemy dragons approach within 10 kilometers of us, we will start retreating at full speed. We will maintain a reasonable distance and wait for the planes!"
"...Understood!"
The color of anxiety and frustration faded from the faces of the crew. Oura herself strongly felt that her own mind had become more relaxed.
Shimakaze Fire Control Room
Cold sweat was dripping down the faces of the members of the Gunnery Department who were working in the fire control room. They had never imagined that the enemy in this world would try to fool the radar. As Oura said, it would not have a significant impact on the progress of the operation itself. However, it is true that the overwhelming advantage in technological capability may have made them somewhat complacent about wars in this world. The members of the team braced themselves.
'What a troublesome improvisation...' The chief gunnery officer, Lieutenant Commander Koutayu Hashimoto, swore inwardly.
This time, the enemy air power was all winged dragons. The top speed of this breed is around 70 km/h. Currently, the distance between the dragons and the four destroyers is about 18 km, so if left unchecked, the enemy will reach the destroyers in less than 20 minutes.
"Don't let them get too close... If they do, it will be quite troublesome!"
Hashimoto warned the gunnery department members. A few dozen seconds later, the low-flying dragons entered the range of the Shimakaze's Type 73 54-caliber 5-inch rapid fire gun. The FCS-2-22B also saw them as targets.
"Open fire!"
The order to begin the attack finally came from Hashimoto's mouth. Shells are fired from the two turrets on the Shimakaze with an eardrum-pounding sound of gunfire. Following the Shimakaze, the guns of the other three ships began firing as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sea
BOOOOOOM!
A shell fired from the Sawagiri's OTO Melara 76 mm cannon splashed down on the surface of the water, knocking one of the dragons off balance. Saumner Maceteric, the commander of the Lysanian dragon cavalry, called out to his subordinate, who has lost his balance.
"Are you all right!?"
"Yes, sir!"
His subordinate dragon rider immediately regained his position as soon as he replied. Looking around, the dragon riders are struggling to fly at a very low altitude, which they are not used to, and are exposed to bombardment, with expressions of pain and fear on their faces. The barrage of bullets launched from the five barrels of the cannon struck the dragons in an irregular rhythm. They were accurately aimed and fired at the dragon riders flying at a very low altitude.
"AAAAAAAGH...!"
One dragon rider was hit by a direct hit from the shell and turned into debris. One more dragon was shot down, and then another, and as they fell into the sea, there was a loud splash.
"Fuck...!"
Saumner's frustration was evident as he watched his men being shot down by shells. At that moment, something different from a shell was fired at them from the enemy ship.
"...Flying spear!" someone shouted.
A SM-1 Standard Missile was launched from the Shimakaze flew toward the dragons. Guided by the launcher ship, the missile tracked its target, and unlike artillery shells, it was impossible to avoid.
"AAAAAAAAH...!"
Soon after, one dragon rider fell prey to the missile. However, they were steadily closing the distance to the fleet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few minutes ago
100 km east of the combat zone
An aircraft was flying at high altitude, far to the east from the sea area where a fierce naval battle was taking place. At first glance, it appeared to be a small propeller-driven aircraft, but it had a huge disk-shaped radome on top of its fuselage, clearly distinguishing it from ordinary aircraft.
"This is Hawkeye, we have confirmed the presence of what appears to be enemy air units in the vicinity of the sea surface. Direction west, distance 102 kilometers, and the number is about 120. Four ships of the 13th Escort Squadron and 625 ships of the enemy fleet are in the vicinity."
Senior Chief Petty Officer Asahi Daimon, an operator of the E-2D Hawkeye flying at an altitude of 5.000 meters, reported through an intercom attached to his head about the battlefield they are heading toward. The clouds below the plane make it difficult to visually see over the ocean, but the AN/APY-9 radar deployed by the E-2D can see the target on the water 360 km away. Therefore, they were able to see the sea area where the battle was taking place.
. . .
Reinforcement Unit, Maya CIC
On the bridge of the Maya, the second Takao-class AEGIS missile destroyer, part of a 15-ship reinforcement force, the atmosphere was somewhat uneventful. The 15-ship fleet was still more than 200 kilometers away from the battlefield, so if they could not see the battle going on, they would not be able to see the enemy. Naturally, the ship's equipment such as guns, ship-to-ship missiles (SSM), and ship-to-air missiles (SAM) would not be able to cover the area.
Therefore, from its flagship, the aircraft carrier Amagi, the F-35C fighters of the 41st Air Wing have already been launched. The Amagi was the first aircraft carrier (fighter destroyer) completed in this world, and this battle was her first battle.
"Reports from the Shimakaze and the Hawkeye, which had just been launched, indicated that the battle had already begun."
"According to the data transmitted from the Hawkeye, the enemy air units approaching the 13th Escort Group is flying at a considerably low altitude."
The captain of the ship, Tadakazu Honda, listened to all the information coming from various sources.
"The flagship has finished launching its aircraft."
The Amagi informed all ships that it has finished launching the 33 F-35C fighter jets belonging to the 41st Air Wing. All of them were equipped with Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles.
"Good... we will stand by."
The ship's second-in-command, Commander Takeo Miyamoto, asked a question to Captain Honda, who had sent off his anti-air combat readiness.
"Are you going to conduct an intercept test of the beyond-horizon target?"
"........."
They are talking about the NIFC-CA, developed by the US military as an air defense system to intercept low-altitude targets approaching below the horizon. The Maya on which they are manning is one of the NIFC-CA-compatible Aegis vessels. In the past on Earth, they used the NIFC-CA to intercept beyond-horizon targets on several occasions. But they have never done it here on Terralus.
"There are no orders from the flagship. And the SM-6 is valuable. There will come a time when we will use it."
To the question from Miyamoto, Honda shook his head and answered. It was only a few minutes later that the Amagi contacted the Shimakaze.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagship Shimakaze CIC, Off the coast of Lucinia
"Enemy air units still approaching! Range 10 kilometers!"
"Less than 60 remaining!"
Oura heard all the reports from all sides. At last, the dragons had entered the 10-kilometer radius that was the standard for starting the retreat. Although the number of enemy dragons is steadily decreasing, the dragons are overwhelmingly slower than fighter aircraft, but has considerably higher mobility. Therefore, the accuracy of the guns was not as high as expected, and it was not possible to check them well.
"Begin retreat, full speed!"
The commander's order is transmitted to all ships. With reinforcements on their way, there was no need to persist as in previous battles, and all that remained was to buy time. The four destroyers, which had been facing port toward the enemy fleet, stopped firing their guns, turned their bows another 90 degrees to the right, and turned their backs completely toward the enemy, and began accelerating at once.
"After the supporting planes have swept away the enemy dragons, turn again to sweep the enemy fleet."
"Roger!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sea
The dragon riders dispatched for this battle were reduced from the initial 155 to 127 by surprise attacks with missiles, and then further reduced to 57 by anti-air barrage from the naval guns. The eyes of the knights holding the reins of the dragons reflected not only the physical fatigue of enduring the full-speed flight, but also the mental fatigue of the fear that they might be shot down next. Then, commander Saumner noticed a change. The sound of gunfire had stopped. Looking ahead, he saw that all four of the giant ships that had been shelling the area earlier had turned their bows and were now facing away from him.
"Enemy ships are reversing! They've started to retreat!"
"!!"
Saumner and the other dragon riders could hardly believe their ears when one of his men spoke.
"They're out of ammunition! It's our turn now!"
"...!"
Saumner shouted. The dragon riders, who had been mentally cornered, saw life returning to their eyes. Even though it was an accurate and unmatched continuous shooting, it was not infinite. Some of them smiled. Some took one hand of their reins and raised their fists to the sky. The sacrifice of their comrades was not in vain. They've did it!
However, their hearts, which were so open to the joy of the moment, were brought back to reality in the next instant.
BO-BO-BO-BOOM!
"!!?"
Intense explosions were heard in all directions. At the same time, their men, who had regained their spirit, suddenly exploded and disappeared into sea debris. Saumner was unable to swallow the situation due to the sudden occurrence.
"Wha—"
Looking out to sea, he saw his men floating in the water. The surviving riders looked as if they had been hit by a cannon. The enemy ship's guns were facing away from them, so there was no way that they were fired from the enemy ship. And the enemy's guns couldn't have done the trick of sinking the widely deployed dragons all at once, could they?
While Saumner's head was filled with confusion, he heard a roar from the left. They, the surviving dragon riders, turned their heads in the direction of the sound.
"...The flying spears!"
Saumner's eyes caught sight of 24 Sidewinder missiles approaching from the sky. At the same time, they learned what had killed more than 30 dragons at once.
"E-evasive maneuvers...!"
The dragon riders scattered and flew to evade the approaching missiles. However, there was no way they could outrun the speed of the missiles, and the remaining 24 dragon riders soon turned into lumps of flesh and crashed into the sea.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagship Shimakaze CIC
"All enemy air units have been shot down!"
The CIC is filled with excitement and joy at the report by Ikeuchi, who was observing the air search radar.
"...Good!"
Lieutenant Commander Nakasone couldn't help but strike a gut-punch in his joy. His gesture draws the attention of the entire CIC, and soon after, the thing they have been waiting for finally makes its appearance.
"Air search radar contact, there are objects approaching rapidly from the east!"
The words uttered by Ikeuchi as the chief radar operator were met with a reaction from everyone in the CIC. A group of flying objects approaching at subsonic speeds was detected in the direction of the east. Immediately thereafter, the navigation department, which had been visually observing the water from the bridge informed their true identity via a voice tube.
"Bridge to CIC. Fighters approaching from the east! It's the F-35Cs!"
A report comes in from the bridge. 33 roaring fighters have finally appeared. The commander's plane among them, radioed the Shimakaze's CIC.
Bzzt... "This is the 41st Air Wing, all enemy air units have been shot down."
"This is Shimakaze, thank you very much! We will deal with the enemy fleet."
"...Understood. We are returning!"
The communication ended. In just a few minutes, the 33 fighters, having completed their mission, turned their nose and returned to the eastern sky where their carrier awaited them. After confirming that the reinforcements were leaving the skies, Oura gave new orders to all ships.
"Enemy air units have been eliminated. All ships, turn 180 degrees again! Head straight for the enemy fleet!"
"Heading 180 degrees!"
The recitation echoes through the CIC. The four destroyers then turned their hulls 180 degrees, and proceeded toward the Lysania-Lievant combined fleet, which has lost its dragon riders and is silenced.
"We cannot afford to take so many prisoners. Therefore, we will not call for surrender, but will continue to fire until they voluntarily surrender! This time, we will also pursue them!"
The words from the commander's mouth were a cruel sentence for the combined fleet of Lysania and Lievant, which was now left with its hands tied behind its back. Surrender or be crushed, these were the only two options available to them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagship Civille
"...!"
Commander Godfrow was speechless. The enemy ship turned its back and ran away. Seeing this, he thought that the enemy had finally run out of ammunition. However, shortly thereafter, the remaining dragon riders were literally wiped out in the blink of an eye by enemy air power that suddenly flew in from the eastern sky.
"Reinforcements...!? Was this what their retreat had been waiting for!?"
The soldiers stared at the squadron of F-35C fighters returning to the eastern sky. It was here that Godfrow, for the first time, understood exactly what the enemy was planning. As if to push him over the edge, he received more sad news from the sound operator.
"The enemy ships have turned around again! They are rapidly approaching us!"
The four huge ships, which had turned their backs, began sailing toward them again. The distance between them and the 13th Escort Squadron was only about 20 km. They would soon be in range of the enemy ships' guns.
"They must have run out of ammunition...! No... that can't be it! They couldn't have ammunition left after all that bombardment!"
Godfrow pondered.
"That's right! Master Godfrow, let's move forward!"
"A fleet that has been in a naval battle once, and a unit sent to a remote location, does not have much ammunition stored up!"
"This is Holy War!"
Many of the staff around him were pushing for an assault. The actual fact is that even if the 13th Escort Group is defeated, they will surely be annihilated by the reinforcements afterwards, but they are not that concerned because they want the credit first and foremost.
"...Let's form a dense formation of shields in the center and take an arrow-shaped formation to break through from a single point!"
One of the staff members suggested a dense formation to crush the Japanese navy which has only four ships, but it would surely cause heavy casualties. First of all, even if they form a tight formation, they will not even be able to bring the enemy ships within range of their guns unless they withstand the gunfire for about two hours. Godfrow knew that there was no time left to regroup. In the first place, he had heard that Japanese warships boasted overwhelming speed. If the Lysania-Lievant were to attempt to approach, the Japanese would simply have to keep themselves at a safe distance.
'Would the enemy run out of ammunition...? No, that is just wishful thinking. Wouldn't reinforcements be approaching in the first place?'
The commander is troubled. The soldiers on each ship did not know how to act, and had no choice but to continue on toward the enemy as they had been doing so far. In the meantime, the four escort ships were closing in on the fleet's front line at a distance of 15 km. A moment later, the guns of the destroyers all emitted smoke at once.
"The enemy ships opened fire and the ships in front are hit!"
"!"
The sailor's words shook the flagship's staff. Immediately after, the sound of continuous gunfire shook their eardrums again. The Arabanne dhows, which they had brought along as shields to protect them from enemy fire, was hit all at once, scattering pieces of wood. The ships were hit by shells that exceeded the speed of sound, and they sank, crumbling on the sea surface. Compared to the flying dragon, a sailing ship floating on the sea was a mere target, and each shot from the guns was carefully sinking one ship at a time. It was no ordinary speed, and by the time they realized it, nearly 100 ships had been hit.
"The gunboat Elmengard is sinking!"
The shields began to collapse without warning, and the bombardment finally reached the main fleet. One by one, the main ships of the fleet went down.
"Report, the Lievant fleet is breaking off!"
"The shields are breaking off on their own! The line is breaking up!"
Some of the allied fleet, fearing the fire from the ships, begin to flee. In addition to the fact that more than half of the fleet was originally made up of prisoners of war and conquered peoples, it was a hastily formed coalition fleet of two countries under different command lines, so it was quickly losing cohesion.
'In the first place... the reason we came here was nothing but the king's prestige. And to begin with, we are merely involved in the mourning war for the Emperor of Crossnelluard. We have no reason to risk life and death to defeat the Japanese army...!'
Godfrow's fear of death was what sprouted in the back of his mind as he listened to the soldiers' screams echoing over the sea, appearing and disappearing. The natural feelings of a living person created reasons deep in his mind to justify his withdrawal. Finally, he made a decision.
"Tell the Wind Masters on each ship to give them full speed! We too will leave the battlefield and steer to Miket Tirith!"
"...Yes, sir."
The retreat order issued by the commander was accepted without resistance by the general staff, who had been advocating an advance until a moment ago. They had no obligation to risk their lives to fight the Japanese. The general staff's will to fight had mostly disappeared now that they were in a position to actually be attacked by the Japanese.
"But that would mean we would have to outrun the shield ships without the wind masters on board..." One of the staff members raised a concern.
The Arabanne ships, which had been brought along as shields to protect the main fleet from enemy attacks, did not have a wind master on board, which is a valuable asset. Therefore, if the ships of Lysania and Lievant were to go at full speed with the help of the wind masters, even if they were able to escape, they would still outrun the 150 or so Arabannese ships that remained.
"I don't care, they were originally intended as shields to cover against the enemy's guns! We're going to use them as pawns!" Godfrow replied somewhat forcefully.
His order to retreat was then sent to all the ships. Upon receiving the order, the ships turned the helm sharply, reversed their course, and began their escape.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flagship Shimakaze Bridge
From the blackened bridge, the lookouts of the navigation department, who were watching the enemy fleet through binoculars, noticed a change in the enemy's movements. Ahead of them, they could see the enemy ships that had been hit by bullets being crushed one after another like insects. The chain of command was also splitting up, and the appearance of loss of control was like a procession of deranged ants.
"The enemy fleet has begun to turn around from the rear! It appears to be retreating!"
Upon hearing the report, the captain and acting chief navigator, Commander Ueno, inquired about the enemy fleet's condition.
"Is there any ship that indicates surrender?"
To his question, the lookout replied with a simple, "no." In this world, the only way to indicate surrender in a naval battle is to cut off the sails of a ship. It is said that by making the ship they are sailing in unmanageable, they show the enemy that they have lost the will to fight.
'...Frankly, I would prefer if they don't surrender at this point.'
Unlike the Seiren Kingdom, the Lucinia Base on the Annan Continent, which is far from the Japanese mainland, cannot take such a large number of prisoners of war because of difficulties in supply and stockpiling. Therefore, Ueno was unintentionally hoping that the enemy would not surrender and would be annihilated.
"...As long as no ship surrenders, the bombardment will continue. If you see any ships taking away their sails, report to me immediately."
"Aye, sir!"
The lookouts intensified their surveillance in response to the captain's order. It was not long before the first enemy vessel that surrendered spotted.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Former Nasura Kingdom Navy Warship Abulhasan
The Nasura Kingdom, once a stable state as a satellite of the Arabanne Empire, was destroyed by the Duchy of Lievant about 20 years ago. For the next 20 years, the former citizens of Nasura, who had their fangs broken, continued to suffer discrimination from the government of Lievant as conquered people and infidels. Sometimes sold as slaves, sometimes conscripted as soldiers.
This ship, the Abulhasan, was forcibly conscripted by the government of Lievant for this expedition, along with 60.000 former soldiers. The ship is commanded by Abou Al-Qiraf, a former naval officer of the Nasura Kingdom, a general in exile, if you will.
"Is this what you wanted, sir...?" One of the soldiers asked him.
He looked at the main mast, which has lost its sails and turned into a strange cross.
"Yeah, that's better," Abou replied.
A few hours later, the captain and more than 200 crew members aboard the ship, which had lost its ability to sail, are safely accommodated by the Jintsū. Looking out to sea, ships that did not take surrender as a good idea were sunk one after another. The flagship of the Duchy of Lievant, their conqueror, could already be seen disappearing beyond the horizon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A few hours later
Flagship Shimakaze Bridge
The wreckage of the sunken ships floated in great numbers above the sea. The only ships that were allowed to float were those without sails. Captain Keiko Oura gazed out from the bridge at the sea where the enemy had disappeared. The sun was already slanting to the west and the sky was a deep red.
"We have completed the internment of the crew of the enemy ship who have indicated their surrender."
The captain of the ship, Ueno, informed her of the completion of the mission. It had taken about three hours to finally finish the internment of the surrendered enemy soldiers, with the help of reinforcements that had appeared on the battlefield since the final stages of the battle. Oura took a breath, and then gave her final order to the personnel gathered on the bridge.
"...Mission over! Return to the Lucinia Base immediately!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
The voices of the crew echoed. Their faces were filled with a sense of accomplishment. After that, all 19 ships, including the reinforcements, turned their bows to the south and headed for the Lucinia Base in the Elmstacia Empire, which was home for them. A few dozen minutes later, they caught sight of the port city and saw the citizens of Lucinia who had gathered at the port to await the return of the warriors after the evacuation order was lifted.
As a result of the Second Battle of Glenkia Peninsula, the Lucinia Base contingent, with the help of reinforcements, shot down 155 dragons and sank 601 enemy ships, captured the crews of 34 enemy ships, 7.102 men in total, while 35 enemy ships were missed. Thus, both battles off the Glenkia Peninsula ended in victory for the Lucinia Base, which was an important trading, resource development, and supply base for Japan. The citizens of Lucinia will always remember the success of the Japanese navy, which drove off a fleet of more than 1.000 ships with only four ships.