Chapter 15: Reinforcement

The unmanned mass-produced ship explodes with the enemy on it.

Although the situation works as Arthur planned, the plan does put everyone in danger.

"Commander, Kansens are ships, not humans," sighed Hood. Her quote indicates a Kansen does not die from mere explosions, especially a heavy cruiser.

Arthur's plan involves the timing of firing barrages, airstrikes, and AA guns. First, the vanguard scatters away to allow Renown to fire her barrage at the enemy without damaging her friendlies. When the enemy chases Renown, the Prince of Wales fires her barrage to draw her attention.

The enemy's actions throughout the entire combat provide countless crucial information.

First, the enemy seems to chase the last opponent that attacked her, even if the attack is meaningless.

Second, the enemy's objective seems to be killing everyone on sight.

Third, the enemy appears to be able to adapt the same pattern of attacks but lacks the intelligence to recognize the barrage fired is followed by a pattern.

From the massive black smoke, the enemy walks out slowly. Arthur can see her face, body, arms, legs are bleeding. Flames can be seen on her rigging. Her cannons bent to a 60-degree angle. It is a brutal sign to witness for many Kansens.

Well, as Hood predicted, the enemy has not ceased her actions yet. Fortunately, this enemy seems unable to perform actions anymore.

All that's left is to put a finish to her by attacking her head or her heart.

"Wait," Arthur calls everyone to stop. All Kansens look at him.

"This attack is Iron Blood's entire tactic? Sending one unit without any support whatsoever? I thought they were formidable opponents."

The rest thinks for a few moments, they surely did suspect Iron Blood may throw unexpected movements such as the WolfPack submarines but they have not appeared even now.

"Check her equipment and clothing. I don't want to see another self-destruction. When you are finished, restraint her and lock her in a room without windows."

Arthur still cannot abandon the possibility of self-explosion.

Ark Royal suddenly seems shocked, "everyone, well I believe we hit a lottery jackpot today. I see the Iron Blood flag in the east."

So Iron Blood does not want to let this battle be the end after all.

"Commander, enemy reinforcement incoming."

Arthur sighs. Is this a video game where enemy bosses have a phase 2 battle or something?

Anyway, the Royal Navy's battle is not over yet. Everyone feels like their bodies refuse to move. Some of them even daydream about eating dorm snacks, sleeping on the Royalty's finest bed, and reading the magazines that showcase destroyers (only one does this).

When Arthur begins to think about how to deal with the reinforcement, a radio receiver starts to buzz.

"Commander, this is King George V speaking. Her majesty sent us to assist you as requested."

The message instantly brightens everyone's morale. The Royal Navy's reinforcements also bring cargoes of food, ammunition, supplies, and even Manjuu labor as ordered by Queen Elizabeth.

With the reinforcements arriving on both sides, the battle evolves to a new phase. An all-out battle between the Royal Navy and the Iron Blood may take place right here at any moment.

Arthur thinks the Iron Blood sends their reinforcement probably to rescue the potential PR ship that took critical damage. He cannot understand, however, why they did not coordinate their attacks with the PR ship together and let it charge into the Royal Navy on her own.

King George V, Howe, Illustrious, Belfast, and Sheffield arrived at the commander's office. Arthur and Hood have been waiting for their meeting.

"I have heard that Commander Joseph was KIA by a Siren attack. It must be a difficult time for all of you," said Geroge to Arthur and all Kansens. "As much as I want to host a tea party for all of us, Iron Blood seems desperate with their actions."

"About that, I have something you need to see," said Arthur.

"Oh? What is it?"

Arthur and Hood lead George and the rest of the members to a guest bedroom. In the room, a heavily wounded Kansen silently lies on the bed with her hands and feets respectively bound by handcuffs and legcuffs. Her dull eyes and expression have been the same throughout the entire battle and until now.

"We believe this Kansen is probably Iron Blood's PR ship," introduced Arthur.

"Oh my…" The reinforcement members look awed for a few moments.

King George V thinks carefully. Depending on her and Arthur's decisions, the Royal Navy may yield unprecedented rewards but also possibly to lose certain opportunities.

There are lots of possibilities to consider, but right now thinking about it would take too much time.

"I am amazed at your result, but perhaps we should deal with the Iron Blood reinforcement as our priority," suggested King George V.