Chapter 24: The Irnetia Crisis Part 5
Milishial Special Task Force
Rear Admiral Kaelith Morvannis stood on the bridge of the HMES Invictus Arcanum, his eyes fixed on the tactical display screen. The silhouettes of the Chinese 1st Expeditionary Fleet loomed large, their numbers a daunting sea of red dots compared to his own task force's more modest array of blue markers. The sheer number of ships was daunting: an array of fleet carriers, light carriers, destroyers, and submarines, all poised in a formidable blockade formation. The ratio between him and the Chinese was ten-to-one, a staggering disparity. Normally, the Milishial Empire's unmatched magical technology would have alleviated any concerns. However, recent intelligence on Chinese naval capabilities suggested they were no ordinary adversary.
Morvannis's thoughts churned with frustration as he considered his orders. Prince Caspian, the youngest and most ambitious son of Emperor Milishial VIII, had been eager to involve himself in this conflict, seeing it as an opportunity to make a name for himself. In contrast, the Imperial Senate, dominated by the dovish faction, had imposed strict rules of engagement: under no circumstances was the fleet to fire first. The reasoning was clear—an open war in the Second Civilization Area could destabilize the region and threaten Milishial investments. The task force was intended to be a show of force, a bluff to intimidate the Chinese into retreating.
Morvannis, a commoner mud blood who had clawed his way to his current rank through sheer merit, knew better. Despite his 400 years of service, his status as a commoner had always been a barrier to further promotion. His requests for reinforcements were met with disdain from the noble-dominated Navy Headquarters. The aristocrats laughed at his caution, believing a task force of this size was more than sufficient. They failed to understand that China was far stronger than their usual adversaries.
"Those pure-blood pretentious fools," he muttered. "They don't understand the danger we're facing. They laugh at me because I'm a commoner, but they don't bother to read the reports. China is much stronger than Leifor. They might even be more powerful than the Commune of Mu. They're undoubtedly the second strongest nation in this world."
"Rear Admiral, the fleet will enter Irnetia Sea in a hour," reported Commander Laelia, his second-in-command, her voice cutting through his thoughts. She was a seasoned officer, a pure-blood Milishial elf with a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue. Despite their differences in background, she respected Morvannis for his skill and leadership.
"Good, Commander," Morvannis replied, his voice steady but his mind a whirlwind of frustration. "Maintain current course. Ensure all hands are at their stations and ready for immediate action."
He glanced out the large viewing port, taking in the sleek, formidable lines of the Orichalcum-Class magic guided-missile battleship. The HMES Invictus Arcanum, the "Unconquered Magic," was the pride of the fleet, a symbol of Milishial's unrivaled magical technology. At 350 meters long and displacing 144,000 tons, it was an imposing sight, bristling with weapons and magical arrays that could strike enemies from over five thousand kilometers away.
But what use were all these capabilities if they were to be sacrificed on the altar of political maneuvering?
He turned to the holographic display that detailed the rest of his task force.
Two Adamant-Class magic battleships, the HMES Fortis Bellator and HMES Ultor Infernus, stood ready, their names evoking bravery and vengeance, their massive hulls bristling with spell cannons capable of unleashing devastating barrages. These battleships, each 350 meters long and displacing 144,000 tons, were the backbone of the fleet's firepower. Each was nearly as mighty as the Invictus Arcanum, with 20-inch guns that could devastate enemy fleets from 500 kilometers away.
Following them were the Celestium-Class magic battlecruisers, HMES Caelestis Ignis and HMES Astraea Lucis, slightly smaller at 280 meters but no less deadly. These vessels combined speed and firepower, their enchanted hulls glimmering under the sunlight. The Aetherium-Class guided-missile battlecruisers, HMES Aetherius Custos and HMES Ventus Dominator, carried an array of magic-guided missiles, their purpose clear in their names.
Below the surface, the Silver-Class magic cruiser submarines, HMES Silvanius Nox, HMES Unda Submersa, and HMES Tenebrae Venator, moved silently, their presence undetectable to all but the most sophisticated detection methods. These 190-meter-long submarines were the silent predators of the deep, ready to strike from the shadows. Rounding out the fleet were the Titanium-Class magic heavy cruisers, HMES Ferrum Imperator, HMES Gladius Maximus, and HMES Arcus Validus. These 240-meter-long ships were versatile and heavily armed, capable of both offensive and defensive operations.
Yet all these advantages were to be sacrificed. The Senate's orders required Morvannis to close the distance with the Chinese fleet, nullifying their superior range and technological edge. Prince Caspian wanted a provocation, hoping the Chinese would strike first and provide a pretext for a larger conflict. Morvannis's task force was the bait, a sacrificial lamb to ignite the flames of war.
"Admiral," came the voice of his second-in-command, breaking his reverie. "The fleet is approaching the blockade."
Morvannis nodded, his expression grim. "All hands, prepare for engagement," he ordered. "Maintain formation and hold fire unless fired upon. We will execute our orders with precision and hope that reason prevails."
The crew moved with practiced efficiency, though the tension was palpable. Morvannis felt a pang of responsibility for the lives under his command. The men and women aboard these ships trusted him to lead them to victory, yet he was bound by orders that jeopardized their safety.
As the fleet advanced, the gap between the two forces closed. The Chinese ships, though numerous, remained silent and still, their intent unreadable. Morvannis could only hope that the display of Milishial might would be enough to deter them without bloodshed.
"May the gods help us," he whispered. "And may they grant me the wisdom to navigate these treacherous waters."
But hope was a fragile thing. Morvannis knew that the ambitions of princes and the calculations of politicians often came at a cost. In the calm before the storm, he steeled himself for whatever lay ahead, resolute in his duty despite the storm of conflicting orders and the ever-present shadow of doubt.
Type-075 Amphibious Assault Ship Anhui
Lieutenant General Cheng Xiaogang stood in the well lit operation room aboard the Type-075 Amphibious Assault Ship Anhui, his gaze fixed on the screens displaying the progress of the 7th Marine Brigade 'Floods Dragon.' So far, everything was going according to plan. Reports from Captain Li Na's Reconnaissance Company 'Ghost Stalker' confirmed that Captain Sun Tao's Artillery Battery 'Thunderstorm' and Major Li Wei's Armored Company 'Steel Fang' had executed their diversions flawlessly. Their frontal assaults had drawn the bulk of the Irnetian military forces to the outskirts of Kilcrus, paving the way for the heliborne operation to capture King Irtis XIII and force Irnetia's surrender.
The calm of the operation center aboard the Type-055 destroyer was abruptly shattered by an urgent transmission from Lieutenant Zhao, one of the radar officers. "General Cheng, this is Lieutenant Zhao reporting. We've detected an unidentified aircraft breaching Irnetian airspace. It's a massive airborne asset, measuring over 300 meters in length and maintaining a steady velocity of 700 kilometers per hour."
Cheng's eyes narrowed. "Display it on the main screen," he ordered. The radar image that appeared was staggering. Only one nation could deploy such a colossal machine: the Holy Milishial Empire, the supreme magical civilization of this world. The object, designated "Flying Wing 1," representing a significant threat.
"Lieutenant Wang Xin, deploy our UAVs to shadow Flying Wing 1 immediately," Cheng commanded. "We need continuous visual on that aircraft. Keep me updated on its movements and any changes in its course."
Two Wing Loong-10 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), military designation WZ-10, launched into the sky, their engines humming as they ascended to 15,000 meters. The high-resolution cameras on the UAVs soon captured an unbelievable sight: a colossal seaplane, dwarfing everything in its vicinity, was dropping paratroopers.
"Zoom in," Cheng ordered. The image sharpened, revealing that these were no ordinary paratroopers. "What on earth is that?" Cheng muttered, leaning closer to the screen. The Milishial were deploying mechas, reminiscent of those in Japanese anime like Code Geass.
"How is this possible?" Cheng exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and anger. "The Milishial have deployed mechas?"
These mechanical warriors stood four meters tall but immediately dropped to all fours upon landing, reducing their height to 1.8 meters and moving with the speed and agility of insects. There were 500 of them.
"General, your orders?" a communications officer asked, breaking Cheng's momentary stupor.
Cheng's mind raced. The stakes had just escalated dramatically. "Contact Major Liu Yang's Assault Helicopter Flight 'Night Raven' and the Special Assault Teams immediately. They must commence their mission to capture King Irtis XIII before those Milishial reinforcements arrive."
"Aye, General!" The officer relayed the orders with precision.
"Inform Captain Hu Jun's Attack Helicopter Flight 'Steel Talon' to prepare for immediate support of 'Steel Fang' and 'Thunderstorm,'" Cheng continued. "And get me Lieutenant Colonel Liu Hua and his 2nd Special Operations Battalion 'Storm Serpent.' Tell him the enemy is coming and to brace for engagement."
"Yes, sir!"
Cheng's voice echoed over the comms, calm but edged with steel. "This is it, people. We take King Irtis XIII now, or we face a full-scale engagement with the Milishial. There is no room for error. Execute with precision. Cheng out."
On the flight deck, rotors of the Z-20 helicopters from 'Night Raven' began to spin up, and the armed silhouettes of the Z-10 attack helicopters of 'Steel Talon' took position. Special Assault Teams checked their gear one last time, their faces set in grim determination.
The Z-20 helicopters were equipped with advanced avionics, stealth technology, and mounted with 20mm cannons and rocket pods. The Z-10 attack helicopters bristled with weaponry, including 30mm autocannons, HJ-10 anti-tank guided missiles, and TY-90 air-to-air missiles.
"Night Raven, this is Command. Commence Operation Skyfall. You are clear to engage and capture the target. Repeat, commence Operation Skyfall."
"Roger that, Command. Night Raven lifting off," Major Liu Yang's voice crackled over the radio. The helicopters lifted off into the night, their engines roaring with the promise of decisive action.
Cheng watched as the helicopters disappeared into the horizon. The last hints of the sun were beginning to set, casting an eerie darkness over the battlefield. "Lieutenant Wang Xin, keep those UAVs on the Milishial mechas. We need to know their every move."
"Yes, General."
The screens flickered with live feeds from the UAVs, showing the mechas advancing methodically. Cheng's heart pounded. "Get me a secure line to Captain Li Na. We need Ghost Stalker's eyes on those mechas."
"Connecting now, General," the communications officer replied.
"Captain Li Na, this is General Cheng. We have confirmed Milishial mechas in the AO. Relay their movements and provide intel to Night Raven and Steel Talon."
"Understood, General. Ghost Stalker will shadow the mechas and report their positions."
Cheng took a deep breath, steeling himself for the coming storm. "All units, this is General Cheng. The Milishial reinforcements are here, but we will not falter. Execute your missions with precision and courage. Cheng out."
The Z-20 helicopters of 'Night Raven' flew low, using the terrain to mask their approach. Inside the cabins, Special Assault Teams performed final checks on their equipment. They carried QBZ-191 assault rifles, QJY-201 medium machine guns, QJZ-171 ultra-lightweight heavy machine guns, QLU-11 grenade launchers and QSZ-92 pistols, ready for any resistance.
"Night Raven 1 to Command, we are approaching the LZ. No enemy contact so far," Major Liu Yang reported.
"Copy that, Night Raven 1. Proceed with caution," Cheng replied, his eyes glued to the screen showing the UAV feeds.
Meanwhile, the Z-10 attack helicopters of 'Steel Talon' hovered at a distance, ready to provide fire support. Their pilots scanned the horizon, fingers on the triggers of their deadly arsenals.
"Steel Talon, this is Command. Be prepared to engage any hostile forces. Night Raven is proceeding to the target."
"Roger that, Command. Steel Talon standing by," Captain Hu Jun responded.
Back in the command center, Cheng monitored the situation intently. The UAVs tracked the Milishial mechas as they advanced towards the Irnetian capital. Their movements were precise, almost unnatural in their efficiency.
"Captain Li Na, this is General Cheng. Provide a detailed status report on the Milishial mechas," Cheng demanded, his voice steady.
"General, Ghost Stalker reports the mechas are advancing in a coordinated formation at approximately 80 kilometers per hour," Captain Li Na replied crisply. "They are maintaining a tight grid, with intervals of 50 meters between units. The formation suggests they are preparing for an assault. Thermal imaging indicates their weapon systems are active and ready. They are armed with 30mm autocannons, 300mm mortars, and shoulder-mounted bazookas, likely equipped with HEAT rounds."
"Understood. Have Ghost Stalker maintain constant surveillance. I want updates every five minutes on their positions and any changes in formation or speed. Make sure we have full visual and thermal tracking on all units," Cheng instructed.
"Yes, General. Ghost Stalker will shadow them continuously and report any significant movements or tactical changes immediately," Captain Li Na confirmed.
Cheng's mind raced with contingency plans. "Captain Li Na, also coordinate with our electronic warfare units. I want to know if we can disrupt their communications or guidance systems. We need every advantage we can get."
"Understood, General. I'll have our EW teams begin an assessment and get back to you with their capabilities against these targets," Captain Li Na responded.
"Good. Keep me informed of any developments. Prepare a detailed report for Captain Sun Tao, Major Liu Yang and Captain Hu Jun. They need to be fully briefed on the capabilities and current positions of these mechas," Cheng said, his tone decisive.
"Aye, General. I'll ensure they receive all the necessary intel," Captain Li Na replied.
Cheng took a deep breath, steeling himself for the coming storm. "All units, this is General Cheng. The Milishial advanced mecha units will enter operation zone soon. We must adapt and respond with precision and determination. Thunderstorm and Steel Talon, be prepared to engage these units if necessary. Maintain your objectives but be ready for immediate tactical adjustments. Cheng out."
The operation room buzzed with activity as Cheng's orders were relayed. The fate of the mission, and perhaps the entire operation, hung in the balance. As the night cast its shadow, the world held its breath, waiting to see who would emerge victorious from the impending clash.
Milishial Special Task Force
As the Milishial task force approached the Chinese blockade, the tension on the bridge of the HMES Invictus Arcanum was palpable. Rear Admiral Kaelith Morvannis stood tall, eyes narrowed, as he watched the tactical display. Suddenly, alarms blared throughout the ship, signaling the approach of enemy aircraft.
"Incoming strike packages!" the radar officer shouted.
Morvannis moved to the viewport, his keen eyes scanning the skies. Within moments, two dozen fighter jets roared past the fleet at extremely close range. They were a mix of fourth-generation J-15 Flying Sharks and fifth-generation J-35 Gyrfalcons. Both aircraft types lacked mana signatures, making them nearly invisible to magical detection. Even with his considerable mage talents, Morvannis couldn't sense them. The air around him felt empty, devoid of the usual magical vibrations that signaled the presence of objects or beings. It was an unsettling sensation, one that set his nerves on edge. The Gyrfalcons, in particular, were almost ghostly blips on the ship's 10th generation magic conductive magnetic radar.
"Report!" Morvannis barked.
"Sir, twenty-four aircraft at bearing 270, speed 800 knots," his XO reported with precision. "Mix of J-15s and J-35s, making low passes within 500 meters of our formation. Visual confirmation shows they're heavily armed with external mounts. Exact missile types are unknown at this range."
Morvannis nodded, his mind racing. The Chinese pilots were showing off their capabilities, making a statement. At this distance, the missiles hanging from the aircraft were clearly visible, a potent reminder of the firepower arrayed against them. The J-15s, with their sleek lines and menacing presence, were formidable enough, but the J-35s were an entirely different beast—nearly undetectable and incredibly lethal.
"So far, so good," he muttered to himself, though the situation was far from comfortable. The Chinese hadn't attacked yet. Maybe their orders mirrored his own: do not fire first.
"Maintain formation," Morvannis ordered. "Stay alert, and prepare to engage if necessary. Let's show them what the Holy Milishial Empire is capable of."
The fleet pressed on, the tension mounting with each passing moment. The Chinese fighters circled like vultures, a constant, ominous presence. Morvannis knew that this was just the beginning of a high-stakes game, one where any misstep could lead to devastating consequences. But he also knew that his resolve, and that of his men, would not waver. They were ready for whatever came next.
The comms officer signaled, "Incoming transmission from Admiral Li Pengcheng of the Chinese fleet."
Morvannis nodded. "Put it through."
The face of Admiral Li appeared on the screen, a stern yet calm demeanor. "Rear Admiral Morvannis, I advise your fleet to stand back. We are conducting a naval exercise, and ahead of you lies a minefield."
Morvannis suppressed a bitter laugh. A naval exercise? Minefields? The charade was almost laughable. Do they really think we would believe such a transparent lie? This is nothing more than a show of force, a bluff meant to intimidate us into backing down. But we are the Holy Milishial Empire, the most powerful magical nation in the world. We do not cower before threats, especially not from a country that seeks to challenge our supremacy.
"Admiral Li," he responded with a polite smile that didn't reach his eyes, "thank you for the warning, but rest assured, my task force is more than capable of minesweeping. We will proceed."
"Proceed at your own peril," Li warned. "You have been advised."
"Understood, Admiral Li. We will take the necessary precautions. Invictus Arcanum, out."
Morvannis turned to his officers. "Full speed ahead. Let's clear this path."
The task force surged forward, but it wasn't long before the first mine struck. The Te-3 rocket mines, an advanced Chinese-Russian joint development, launched from the ocean floor and homed in on their targets with deadly precision. Three slammed into the Invictus Arcanum in rapid succession, massive explosions rocked the ship, but its enchanted armor, equivalent to 3,300 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA), absorbed the blasts with minimal damage.
Morvannis gritted his teeth. "Slow to one-tenth speed. Commence minesweeping operations."
"Aye, Admiral. Reducing speed to 11 knots," Commander Laelia confirmed, relaying the orders to the helm. The fleet adjusted its speed and formation accordingly, adopting a more cautious stance to navigate the treacherous waters. As the fleet slowed, mages aboard each vessel cast ice magic, enclosing detected mines and forcing them to emerge. The process was slow and methodical, but it was necessary to avoid further damage.
Admiral Li watched from his flagship, the Nanjing, a wry smile on his lips. He opened a channel to Morvannis again. "Admiral Morvannis, you're a persistent one. But persistence won't help you here."
"We'll see about that," Morvannis replied coolly. "Your minefield won't stop us."
"Perhaps not," Li conceded, "but it will slow you down. And that's all we need."
Morvannis ended the transmission, his mind racing. The Chinese were playing for time, hoping to delay them long enough for Irnetia Kingdom to fall. He had to find a way to break through, to fulfill his orders without falling into a trap.
As the minesweeping continued, he silently cursed the Senate and Prince Caspian. They had sent him into this quagmire with one hand tied behind his back. But he was determined to succeed, not for their glory, but for his own honor and the men and women under his command.
"Sir," the XO interrupted his thoughts, "we've detected a second wave of enemy aircraft approaching."
Morvannis turned sharply. "How many?"
"Another two dozen, sir. Same composition."
"Prepare the AA defenses," Morvannis ordered. "And alert the fleet. We're not here to play their games."
The fleet's anti-aircraft defenses sprang to life, magical energy crackling along the decks of each ship. As the second wave of Chinese aircraft approached, the Milishial task force was ready. The Chinese jets made another close pass, this time dropping flares and chaff near the ships.
"They're testing us," Morvannis thought aloud. "Trying to provoke a reaction."
"Orders, sir?" the XO asked.
"Hold fire unless they engage first. We're not giving them the satisfaction."
The Chinese jets pulled away, their message clear. They were watching, waiting for any sign of weakness. Morvannis knew they couldn't afford to show any.
"Sir, another transmission from Admiral Li," the comms officer said.
"Put it through," Morvannis sighed, bracing himself.
Li's face appeared again, smugness etched into his features. "Admiral Morvannis, your persistence is admirable, but futile. Turn back now, and we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed."
Morvannis' expression hardened. "Admiral Li, we are not here to provoke a conflict. We are here to uphold our commitments and protect our allies. If you think a few mines and some flashy maneuvers will deter us, you're mistaken."
"Very well," Li replied, his tone icy. "But remember, you were warned."
The transmission ended abruptly, leaving Morvannis staring at the now-blank screen. He turned to his officers, determination in his eyes.
"All ships, prepare for evasive maneuvers. We're breaking through this blockade, no matter what it takes."
The task force continued its slow advance, the mages working tirelessly to clear the minefield. Morvannis knew they were in for a long, grueling fight, but he also knew they had no other choice. They had to break through, to show the Chinese and the world that the Empire would not be intimidated.
As the first rays of the moons began to break over the horizon, Morvannis took a deep breath, steeling himself for the battle ahead. He would not let his men down. He would not let the Holy Milishial Empire down. They would prevail, against all odds.
And so, the Milishial Special Task Force pressed on, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
