Chapter 65
Return of Mu's Fleet
The Celestina Empire, 2nd June 1527 / 228
Mu saw a lot of change following the modification of their fleet. Celestina upgrades both La Kasami-class Battleships and changes the designation to La Kasami-class Battlecruisers. Four armored cruisers were upgrading into a Destroyer. Eight light cruisers received new Anti-Aircraft guns and three twins 203mm main guns. For the Aircraft Carrier, Mu receives upgrades to accommodate up to 70 Aircraft, including 10 upgraded Marin each carrier. Additionally, Mu received Mu-class Battleship, named Mu, as a gift from Celestina.
New specification for Mu's La Kasami's Battlecruiser
3 x twin 381mm Main Guns
6 x twin Bofors 40mm Anti-Air gun
4 x twin 127mm gun
2 x triple 533mm anti-ship torpedo tube
2 x twin 380mm anti-submarine torpedo tube
2 x depth charge launcher
With the propulsion of 4 steam turbines that generate power up to 120MW, it boasts a speed up to 75km per hour. It has better armor to withstand at least one 533mm torpedo attack without flooding.
The four La Delta-class were also receiving an upgrade, changing its classification into a Destroyer. New specification includes
4 x single 127mm Navy Gun
3 x twin Bofors 40mm Anti-Air gun
6 x single .50 cal machine gun
3 x quadruple 533mm torpedo
2 x single hedgehog platform
4 x depth charges
The destroyers receive a new steam turbine and improve steering gear, allowing the ship to make a fast maneuver when conducting a swift attack on the enemy's warship. Additionally, the warship was fitted with acoustic sonar to detect incoming enemy torpedos and submarines up to seven kilometers.
The eight La Shikibe-class Cruisers are modified to fit the combat for anti-air role and support for La Kasami-class Battlecruiser. The new specifications are:
4 x twin 203mm Navy Gun
8 x triple Bofors 40mm Anti-Air gun
6 x twin .50cal machine gun
6 x quad Flakvierling 38 Anti-Air gun
2 x twin 533mm Torpedo Tube
4 x depth charges
Mu's entire warships have their acoustic sonar installed on each class of the warships. Celestina did this to ensure all Mu crew could perform an independent action when tracking the Gra Valkas Empire's submarine and its torpedoes. From the acoustic sonar installation, Destroyer receives more range since it will be a front line and spearhead of Mu's Navy.
Admiral Brendas was happy to see this new specification, as he could finally put the fundamental skills that he and his entire crew gained from the War Games into actual combat.
"The last War Games is quite a tough one."
"I agree with that, Admiral." Captain Minilar agrees with the Admiral's statement. The last War Games pitted Mu's Navy in defense of the Folk Strait against the Gra Valkas Imperial Judgment Navy with six additional submarines. The result was satisfactory, as Mu Navy managed to sink the Grade Atlastar and sink over half of the Gra Valkas Imperial Judgment Fleet, including four submarines. Mu only lost thirty aircraft and two cruisers, while both battlecruisers are damaged.
"Still…. We have to remember every lesson we've received here. We can't use our doctrine for this war."
"I think the War Games we attend for a year is worth remembering it. They drill everything to us so that we can get used to these new arsenals in no time."
"True."
On the carrier, they saw dozens of Firefly Bombers, Sea Hornet Fighter, and Firebrand Torpedo Bomber lined up at both surface and inside the hangar. There were also ten Marin for each carrier, which Mu will say goodbye to for their active career as combat fighters. Celestina redelegates Marin's role as Mu's state-of-the-art aircraft will now take its role as a reconnaissance Aircraft.
"All right, then. Let's move out! We will return to Mu with pride!"
"Yeah!"
Mu will receive an escort from Celestina Empire's Defense Fleet all the way to the Third Civilization. Once passing through Third Civilization, Mu are on their own to sail back to Otaheit.
Even though they have their entire fleet upgraded, they must not forget that the Gra Valkas Empire possesses arsenals that can sink the whole fleet if they were careless. Admiral Brendas did not want the lessons they received in Celestina to end up in a vain effort.
Sailing from Mechania, Mu Navy is scheduled to refuel at the Kingdom of Verlaine, Celestina's Battle Base at the Vestal Continent, and another Battle Base at the island between First and Second Civilization. Celestina established a Battle Base at the Vestal Continent to keep an eye on the Annonrial Empire and the Branchel Continent, while the base is set up between the first and second civilization was made as a supply base. They will keep their base hidden from the Holy Milishial Empire and the Gra Valkas Empire, practically since Celestina did not trust the Holy Milishial Empire and currently waging war against the Gra Valkas Empire.
The Kingdom of Verlaine, Naval Base, 5th June 1527 / 228
Mu Eleventh Leadership Conference Fleet finishes their refuel resupply, and they will be escorted to the edge of the Third Civilization by Celestina's Third Civilization Defense Fleet. Shiki looked at the ship as he saw the specification for Mu-class Battleship, La Vania-class Aircraft Carrier, La Kasami-class Battlecruiser, La Shikibe-class Cruiser, and La Delta-class Destroyer. It seems Feena and her gang manages to complete the modification in time for Mu to strengthen the defense at Mu's coast.
"Admiral Brendas. How's your experience at the War Games against the Gra Valkas Empire?"
"It's difficult, but we appreciate the Main Council's decision. We can't take this lightly since every battle doctrine we learn through War Games is completely new to us."
"Safe journey out there. You're on your own once our fleet reaches the edge of the Third Civilization. Always send aircraft for patrol and keep an eye on the Gra Valkas Empire's activity. We will have a Prowler standing by to give you some intel. You do the patrol, and we will keep an eye on any hostile movement."
"I appreciate your offer, Your Highness Shiki. We will take our leave now."
"If there are Gra Valkas Empire soldiers, make sure you know what to do. Don't let our lesson be in vain."
"Understood."
Admiral Brendas sets off, and escorting them are Celestina's Third Civilization Defense Fleet; with a Scharlwarltz-class Superheavy Battleship, the Mechania takes the lead in escorting Mu's fleet.
Edge of The Third Civilization, 7th June 1527 / 228
"Admiral Brendas. You're on your own from here on out. Maintain patrol at all times."
"Understood. Thanks for guiding us all the way here. We will not forget the lesson your Empire taught us."
"Will do."
The Captain of Mechania, Rear Admiral Barrell Caskett, walks out from the bridge to the forefront of the ship to see them off. Feena Minazuki assigns Barrell Caskett to command Scharlwarltz-class Superheavy Battleship, Mechania, while Feena is not on the bridge to command the warship.
As soon as Mechania turns around, Mu deploys combat patrol to scout the surrounding area. They will maintain their patrol for two weeks of sail between Third Civilization and Second Civilization.
The Gra Valkas Empire, Wolfpack Combat Group, 12th June 1527/228
Captain Wolfram didn't forget the humiliation he received when dealing with Celestina's 1st Master Convoy Fleet that carries tons of supplies and personnel to Mu. He already lost over half of his fleet, and right now, he was reinforced with the 94th Naval Blockade Fleet to resume the Naval Blockade between Celestina and Mu.
He receives four Orion-class Battleship, three Pegasus-class Aircraft Carrier, three Taurus-class Heavy Cruiser, Five Canis Major-class Cruiser, and three Destroyers for each class, such as Scorpio-class, Equuleus-class, and Canis Minor-class Destroyer. Twenty-four warships belonging to the 94th Naval Blockade Fleet are deployed after Captain Wolfram delivered a report to the Navy Headquarters regarding failed ambush at the Mu Eastern Sea months ago.
"Is there any news from our spies about the next deployment of the convoy?"
"There has been no report about it. The Navy believes that Celestina decided to send all of the supplies in a single convoy."
"Curses…."
Ever since Celestina sent their personnel to Mu, the tide of the battle changed at Mu Mainland. Celestina successfully repels the Gra Valkas Empire's invasion from the north, but the good news is they had just seized Alue yesterday. Both Wolfram and the radio operator were unaware that the Wild Dogs is currently attacking the Gra Valkas Imperial Army at Alue.
"Extend the patrol. I want all fleet to remain vigilant and on alert."
"Yes, sir."
Soon enough, they receive news that the ground invasion has been delayed at least by two weeks after the Wild Dogs mercenary successfully annihilates a quarter of the Gra Valkas Empire's fighting strength at the Central Front. Additionally, the advance at the Northern Front was delayed due to the monster's interference, as General Fattale is requesting reinforcements from Subjugation Army.
Mu Eastern Sea, 640km East of Mu, 19th June 1527 / 228
"Admiral, we've received a report from Celestina's Prowler. They found the enemy's fleet 400km to the west. A total of fifty vessels are approaching our fleet."
"That's too many. Can we identify all of them?"
"No, sir. They recommend us to send some Marin for better identification."
"Alright. Send out the Marin to scout."
Aware that they would face the Gra Valkas Empire's Imperial Navy, Admiral Brendas send a squadron of Marin to conduct reconnaissance while preparing another squadron for the second scout.
Although the range was ninety minutes away, the aircraft was in the range of the airstrike. According to the naval battle rules Mu learned during their time at Celestina, every battle will start from the air, meaning the carrier will deploy aircraft to conduct the first strike. The warships can finish off the rest of the fleet that survives the air attack.
Celestina planned for another convoy by using the 2nd Master Convoy Fleet to conduct the second massive convoy. However, they will monitor the situation first, as the 1st Master Convoy Fleet is currently sufficient to supply Mu.
The Gra Valkas Empire, 94th Naval Blockade Fleet
"Sir. We've received a report from our scout. We found a fleet is heading to Mu."
"Which country is it?"
"Apparently, it belongs to Mu, but we need more confirmation."
Captain Wolfram scratches his chin. He remembers that he misses the moment to catch Mu's fleet heading to the Celestina Empire a year ago. Wolfram knew that upgrading the ship would take more than a year. If it was a rudimentary upgrade, then defeating them should be a piece of cake.
"Send another recon airplane to scout their speed and get me the exact information."
"Yes, sir!"
The Aircraft Carriers are sending scout planes to confirm the presence of the Mu's Fleet when Wolfram gives the order. Captain Wolfram can't hide his anxiety when he hears Mu is traveling back to their homeland on their own as the scout planes are taking off from the carrier. Celestina doesn't want to escort them, or maybe they want to put Mu's Navy to test?
Two hours later, he receives news from the scout planes for the fleet's presence heading towards his fleet.
"Captain Wolfram! We have confirmed that the fleet heading towards our fleet belongs to Mu! They've also preparing their fleet to fight against us!"
"What?! Everyone! Battle station! Send the assault squadron immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
The alarm rang as the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy was preparing themselves for battle.
Mu's Fleet, 200km from Gra Valkas Imperial Fleet
"Admiral! Our Marin scout squadron has found their fleet two hundred kilometers away from our position! They've found three Battleships, eight Cruisers, nine Destroyers, three Aircraft Carriers, and twenty-eight Submarines!"
"So they've come. All aircraft, battle stations! Remember our objective!"
"Yes, sir!"
Admiral Brendas assigns all assault squadrons to sunk the Gra Valkas Empire's carrier as a top priority. He will keep around thirty Fighters if the Gra Valkas Empire sends their aircraft to attack his fleet.
"Remember the drill from the War Games! We can't let Celestina down!"
Admiral Brendas and Captain Minilar had already set priority to sunk. The first is an Aircraft Carrier due to carrying air power for contesting air superiority. The second is Destroyers to eliminate threats from torpedoes, the third is Battleships to whittle their fighting strength, and the last is submarines. Brendas will ignore Gra Valkas Cruisers since it boasts heavy anti-air capabilities and lacks proper firepower to deal with Mu's Fleet.
"Prepare for anti-air combat!"
All warships prepare themselves for the anti-air combat and distancing themselves to create an anti-air network within a kilometer from each ship.
Six thousand feet above the sea, Aviation First Class Degnan
Degnan is operating one of Celestina's lend-lease aircraft, the Sea Hornet Fighter, to intercept any Gra Valkas Empire's Aircraft and escorting Firefly and Firebrand Bombers to bomb the carrier.
"This aircraft flew faster than Marin!"
"Hey! Don't get cocky, Degnan! Celestina lend-lease this to us, so we can have a fighting chance against the Gra Valkas Empire!"
An Aviation Second Class Tuffy reminds Degnan while watching the squadrons from the rear seat as he watches the fellow Sea Hornet Fighters and Firefly and Firebrand Bombers. Each of them has its own assignment to accomplish.
"The Gra Valkas Empire's Aircraft will be in range soon! They will be using the sun as a cover!"
"Hey! Look at that!"
One of the pilots with good eyesight spot a squadron of Antares Fighter is going up to the sky.
"Well, you jinxed it! Disperse!"
Mu Aircraft are dispersing in multiple directions.
The Gra Valkas Empire, 55th Aviation Squadron
A group of twenty-five Antares Fighter, ten Luna Interceptor, and forty Vega Bomber, totaling eighty aircraft, are heading towards Mu Fleet. The firepower should be sufficient to destroy Mu's fleet. After they heard Mu's Fleet on the east of their position, some of the Aviation crew were eager to score a kill against a weak fleet.
The Gra Valkas Empire successfully destroy the Holy Milishial Empire's Zeroth Fleet, the strongest known fleet in the world. They want to do the same thing again for Mu's Fleet.
"Why Celestina didn't want to escort these weaklings?"
"Probably they want to test Mu."
"Hmph. Let's make sure we crush their fleet! We will destroy their Fleet and bring the shame to the Celestina Empire!"
The Antares Fighter started to raise its nose, but a pilot saw a group of aircraft heading towards them.
"How did they get here so fast! We can't ambush them now!"
"What!? How!? Goddamn it! Let's attack them upfront!"
Aborting their attempt to attack Mu's Aircraft using the sun as a cover, the Antares Fighter attacks them head-on.
Forty Thousand Meter above the battlefield, Radar-class Prowler, Arcus
"Here they come."
Commander Faira watches the battle as Mu starts engaging the Gra Valkas Empire's Imperial Aviation Squadron.
"Don't disappoint me, boys."
"Ma'am. Combat Fleet Flauvel is going to join the battle from the west."
"Tell Vice-Admiral Randgris to restrain herself for the time being. If Mu can't handle this battle, then we will send them in."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Faira will continue to monitor the battle between Mu and Gra Valkas Imperial Navy through the holo table.
Four thousand feet above the sea, Contesting for Air Superiority
"That's another one down!"
"Firefly Bomber manages to break through their blockade!"
"Don't let those Fighters reach our bombers!"
Some of Mu's Firebrand and Firefly Bombers are breaking through the Gra Valkas Aviation Squadron blockade. The Gra Valkas Empire had difficulty breaking through Mu's Aviation Squadron blockade as they never saw Mu's new abilities to pilot their aircraft before.
"How did Mu can pilot those aircraft better than us!"
"You must be joking! How did they can get used to the aircraft in just a year?!"
The Gra Valkas Empire was disoriented following Mu's performance surpassing Gra Valkas Empire's pilot contesting air superiority. Mu manages to have some of the bombers break through the Gra Valkas blockade while the Gra Valkas Empire can't break through Mu's blockade.
"No!"
"Tilios!"
The Antares pilot, Tilios, was shot down by Mu's Sea Hornet Fighter.
From eighty aircraft deployed from the carrier, the Gra Valkas Empire has ten Antares Fighter, five Luna Interceptors, and twenty Vega Twin Bomber left, while Mu only lost three Sea Hornet Fighter and one Firebrand Torpedo Bomber. It was a staggering reduction, and the Gra Valkas Empire was caught off guard as they underestimated Mu's capability after Celestina reinforced Mu's fleet with better technology.
After the dogfight for thirty minutes, Mu secured air superiority and continued to assault the Gra Valkas Imperial 94th Naval Blockade Fleet.
Aviation First Class Degnan breathes relief after Mu successfully destroys almost all Gra Valkas Aviation Squadron. Now it's up to his fleet to finish everything off.
"They sure put up a tough fight."
"Let's continue to the objective."
Mu saw the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy after seventy kilometers traveling. They disperse once again to commence the assault.
Mu 1st Assault Squadron
Aviation First Class Degnan, with the other two Fighters, is leading five Firebrand Torpedo Bombers to the destination. He breaks formation to attack the ship from the side, while some Mu pilots attack the ship from the front, forcing them to make maneuvers to take a clear shot for torpedo bombers.
"They haven't dispersed their fleet properly! Attack!"
Celestina offers them multiple strategies, with one of the most effective being a dispersal strategy, aiming to disperse and separate the AA gun concentration to reduce the damage on the Aviation Assault Squadron.
"Focus fire on the enemy carrier! We will secure air superiority once we knock out their flight deck!"
Mu only has thirty Dive Bomber, and they have to separate it accordingly to score enough damage in order to render the Gra Valkas Aircraft Carrier disabled. Since the Gra Valkas Empire has three Aircraft Carrier, Admiral Brendas separated the bombers into Six Squadrons, with five aircraft assigned to each Squadron. The fighters' job is to keep the Gra Valkas Antares off from the bomber's back.
"Distance at five kilometers!"
The AA gun from the Gra Valkas Navy warships is firing towards the Dive Bombers, who aims to cripple the Aircraft Carrier. Mu fighters are doing their job to keep the Antares off from its back. They were unaware that the Torpedo Bombers were heading towards the Aircraft Carrier.
"Target is at the effective range!"
"Turning the propeller on!"
"Drop zone in 3… 2… 1… Drop!"
Mu's Firebrands are releasing the Torpedoes from the aircraft, heading straight towards Gra Valkas Empire's Pegasus-class Carrier.
Mu deploys twenty-five Torpedo Bombers, with the same composition as Dive Bomber, five aircraft each Squadron. They are heading towards the Gra Valkas Empire's Aircraft Carrier, and Admiral Brendas initiate a pincer attack to limit the carrier's maneuverability.
The Gra Valkas Empire, Canis Major-class Cruiser, Catalystic
"Incoming Dive bomber!"
"Fire! Fire! Protect our carrier!"
The observer continues to look from above, but someone spots Mu Firebrand Torpedo Bombers from the port side.
"Enemy Bombers! Port side of the ship!"
"W-what?! How did they!?"
"Stop them!"
But some of the Anti-Aircraft operators ignore the order as they focus fire on the Dive Bomber. When they realized the Firebrand Aircraft moved low and suddenly went up, they were too late to intercept as the Firebrand Torpedo Bomber moved away from the battlefield.
"There it is! Dive bomber!"
"The enemy's Aircraft at the port side moving away from us!"
"Then the threat is… Shit!"
They were one step behind by the time they turned the AA gun to the Firebrand Torpedo Bomber.
"Torpedoes! Five of them!"
"Hard right rudder! We can't get ourselves hit!"
"Aye, sir! Hard right rudder!"
The Gra Valkas Cruisers and Aircraft Carriers are going right to evade torpedoes heading for their ship. However, their nightmare did not end as another wave of Torpedo Bomber came in to drop the Torpedoes towards the Carrier fleet. The attack this time comes from the starboard side.
"S-shit! We're pincered!"
"That torpedo is too fast for us to track!"
"Brace for impact!"
Some ships quickly rush in as a body shield for the carrier. However, the torpedo moves faster than they can expect.
Mu Dive Bomber
"We're at five thousand!"
"Commencing the Dive Bombing!"
Mu's Firefly Bombers are heading towards the Gra Valkas Empire's carrier, noticing that Mu's Firebrand Torpedo is also attacking the carrier.
"Hey! That's our squadron going to attack the carrier as well!"
"We can't let ourselves outdone! Altitude at four thousand!"
Mu's Dive Bomber continues to attack as the barrages of the anti-air guns are firing towards them. The second group of the Dive Bomber is keeping the Gra Valkas Fighter and Interceptors off from their back.
"Our Torpedo Bomber is flying away!"
"Three thousand!"
"Prepare to drop the bomb!"
Under Celestina's guidance, if Mu can disable the carriers, they will be able to secure air superiority over the Eastern Sea of Mu.
"Two thousand!"
"Drop!"
The bomb drops to the carrier, and coincidentally, since two carriers are heading exactly to where the Dive Bombers were predicted, the Gra Valkas Carrier suffers heavy damage. Only one carrier suffered two torpedoes attacks but escaped the Dive Bomber attack.
"Damn, we miss one. We have to get back to rearm."
"Sir! Radio from the ship! Admiral Brendas is requesting reinforcements from the mainland to prevent the fleet from escaping!"
"Excellent! Let's head back! We will regroup and rearm!"
The Gra Valkas Empire lost seventy-four Aircraft from the recent dogfight, with three Antares Fighter, one Luna Interceptor, and two Vega Bomber surviving the dogfight. Mu lost three Sea Hornet Fighter, four Firebrand Torpedo Bomber, and two Firefly Dive Bomber. The distances between both fleets are under one hundred and fifty kilometers away.
The Gra Valkas Empire, Pegasus-class Aircraft Carrier, Tricorn
The Gra Valkas Empire crew aboard Tricorn were struggling to extinguish fire and flooding inside the ship. Black smoke is puffing fiercely as the deck inside the ship is burning—the mighty red reigns over the Gra Valkas Empire's Aircraft Carrier.
"The gasoline is vaporizing! We need to get the Carbon Dioxide working!"
"We don't have power! Our pumps aren't working!"
"Someone get the manual pump!"
"How we're going to power it up! All of our engine rooms are flooding! Our manual pump room also got flooding!"
"Goddamn it! Abandon ship!"
But, just as they were about to set the escape boat, the fire reaches the bomb, and the explosion rises from the carrier, destroying it before it succumbs to the sea under the funeral of the thick black smoke. Captain Wolfram, witnessing the destruction of two out of three Aircraft Carrier, only gritting his teeth. The surviving carrier, Bicorn, can only move at 18 kilometers per hour due to massive flooding on the starboard side. The crew is working hard to contain the flooding and sealing the compartment.
"Let's use the submarines to sink their fleet."
Determined to prevent Mu from reaching its homeland, Wolfram intends to sink all of Mu Warships with the remaining ship.
Fifty Minutes Later, 50km between both fleet
"Fleet sighted!"
"Deploy the Aircrafts! They only have one carrier left! Remember the drill!"
One of the lookouts saw the Gra Valkas Aircraft Carrier is limping, but the deck seemed to send out more aircraft.
"Damn it; this is not going to end well…."
Admiral Brendas knew that the Gra Valkas had one Aircraft Carrier survive the attack. According to the strategy he learned during his stay at Celestina, the carrier would be on the rear line with minimum support. Intelligence from the Celestina Empire indicates a large presence of enemy submarines. If the information is correct, then the submarines may go after Mu's carrier rather than either Mu Battleship or Battlecruiser.
"Split the fleet in two!"
"Sir?"
"Have two Destroyers and four Cruisers protect our Carriers! The rest of the fleet, you will be with us! Destroyers, take point and prepare the torpedoes! Keep your ears on since we may have submarines aiming for both of our fleets!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Launch the aircraft and target the carrier first! Once it's sunk, we can aim towards the Battleship and Cruisers!"
The radio operator relays the order to the other warship. As soon as they distribute information to the other warships, the ship breaks their formation into two small fleets. The first fleet will engage the Gra Valkas Empire Navy, and the second fleet will intercept any submarines and air attacks.
"Quickly deploy all aircraft for the second strike!"
Mu did not want to waste any time, as the Gra Valkas Empire could launch a retaliation strike.
The Gra Valkas Empire, 94th Naval Blockade Fleet
"Launch all aircrafts!"
"Depart!"
The entire Antares Fighter, Luna Interceptor, and Vega Bomber are launching from the surviving carrier. The carrier itself was put behind, inside the sighting range of the Gra Valkas Navy 94th Blockade Fleet. The submarines are dispersing to conduct an attack from all sides.
Captain Wayward, commanding from the bridge on the Battleship, saw Mu disperse its fleet in two through a telescope.
"Captain Wayward! Mu's fleet is dispersing to two fleets!"
"What the hell are they doing?"
The Gra Valkas Empire keeps the carrier behind, defended only by two cruisers as the rest of the fleet joins the assault fleet. In Wayward's perspective, this is the first time they saw Mu dispersing its own fleet to combat them with less than half of their numbers. In their doctrine, the Battleship is the one they should protect, but for Mu, their doctrine is to defend both Battleships and Carriers.
"Seems they're just an amateur, after all. All units, Battle Station!"
The crews are entering their station on the ship, preparing to attack Mu's Fleet as the Antares Fighter, Luna Interceptor, and Vega Bomber are preparing for the second wave of the attack from the carrier to regain air superiority should they lost air control. However, Gra Valkas soon realize that they have made a big mistake.
Mu, Eleventh Country Leadership Conference Fleet
"Target in range in ten minutes!"
"Prepare the cannon!"
Admiral Brendas wants to test out its new 380mm cannon, and the Destroyers are taking point six kilometers ahead of the fleet. The destroyers will draw fire from the Gra Valkas Navy, while the Battleship will suppress the enemy warships.
"Hard port to twenty degrees! We got torpedoes inbound!"
"Adjust the firing angle!"
Thanks to the sonar installed inside every Mu's Warship, they can take evasive maneuvers as soon as possible.
"Prepare for Anti-Air Combat! We got enemy aircraft inbound!"
Dogfight breaks out as soon as Gra Valkas Naval Squadron and Mu Naval Squadron clash, contesting for air superiority.
"Two periscopes spotted at seven hundred yards, bearing one-two-two and eighty-five!"
"Ready the mortar!"
With the addition of the Depth Charges as an anti-submarine weapon, Celestina gives Mu a set of 24 anti-submarine mortar with six reloads for each Destroyer. The anti-submarine mortar, known as Hedgehog, is ready to fire on command.
"Sonar tracks down Gra Valkas Submarine submerging at three hundred meters ahead!"
"Open fire!"
The crew launches the mortar from the Destroyer's front deck, creating a circular pattern before entering the sea. Ten seconds later, they can hear the sound of the explosion, and two pillars of water emerge from the sea.
"We sunk two of them!"
"Keep it up, boys! There's still more submarines to beat!"
"The Gra Valkas Battleship is firing at us!"
"Evasive Maneuvers!"
Following the drill, the Destroyers perform evasive maneuvers while reloading the mortar for anti-submarine operation. Any submarine that went past through sonar will drop some of the Depth Charges to suppress them. Mu's Battleship and Battlecruisers are also performing evasive maneuvers while their guns are aiming towards the Destroyers.
"Prioritize in sinking the Destroyers!"
"We've predicted the target of where the enemy Destroyers will be!"
"Fire at will as soon as the guns reach twenty kilometers!"
"Torpedoes away!"
The pillar of water emerges as the Battleship shells lands around the Destroyers, and in retaliation, Mu Destroyers are launching Torpedoes towards the enemy Cruisers and Battleships.
Above the air, Mu Fighters and Bombers are breaking through Gra Valkas Empire's air blockade, aiming straight to the enemy's Aircraft Carrier and Battleships in two different groups. Aviation First Class Degnan will lead the attack on the last Gra Valkas Empire's Aircraft Carrier, bringing eight Sea Hornet Fighter, eighteen Firefly Dive Bomber, and six Firebrand Torpedo Bomber.
Mu Cruisers are creating the Anti-Air Network, aware that the Gra Valkas Empire's main target is Mu's Battleships and Battlecruisers.
"Don't let them pass!"
"Some of them have broken through our defenses!"
"Watch out for the Destroyers! They've just turned around!"
"Destroyers! Ears on sonars!"
Anti-Air batteries are firing relentlessly to the incoming Gra Valkas Aviation Squadron. Some aircraft were shot down by the Anti-Air Network defenses, but some managed to get through.
"Hard Starboard!"
"Aye, sir! Hard Starboard!"
"Fire!"
BOOM!
Before turning hard starboard to avoid Gra Valkas Vega Bomber, Mu's Battleships and Battlecruisers fire their guns to the Gra Valkas Destroyers. Celestina already installed multiple features and upgrades during their stay at the Celestina Empire, including a gun stabilizer to keep the aiming steady.
KABOOM!
"We got damage in the superstructure!"
"Fire has broken out on Deck Five Port Side!"
"We have no significant damage reported!"
"I bring news! Our Squadron manages to disable their carrier, and our reinforcements are thirty minutes away!"
"Keep it up! We're not going to lose at this rate!"
The Gra Valkas Empire, 94th Naval Blockade Fleet
"Sir! We've lost contact with four more Submarines and two Destroyers!"
Captain Wayward was astonished to see Mu's capabilities in sinking their ship. The question lingers on his head: How did Mu become an elite unit in just one year? Such a feat is impossible, even for the Gra Valkas Empire's Navy has its own fleet exclusive for elites. Fleet Admiral Caesar's former fleet, the 88th Fleet, is considered the most elite fleet amongst the elites of the Gra Valkas Empire's Navy. What they are facing now has the capability of facing the 88th Fleet head-on.
"How did they get so much skill in a short time?! That's absurd!"
"Sir! We've lost our carrier!"
"What was that?! We won't have air power left if our carrier was disabled!"
"It seems they are aiming solely for our carrier and battleships while ignoring others!"
"Could it be…"
Wayward realize that Mu has understood the concept of Modern Warfare. If Mu can secure air superiority, all warships will be vulnerable to air attacks. He's, once more, shocked to see how Mu was able to change their battle doctrine in just one year.
"Radio the Headquarters! Inform them that Celestina has armed Mu with new technology and knowledge!"
"Sir! We've lost contact with Captain Wolfram!"
"W-what!?"
Two Minutes ago, Mu's Carrier Fleet
"Sink that carrier out of the sea!"
Captain Wolfram was enraged after receiving a report that the Gra Valkas Empire had lost their last carrier to combat Mu's Naval Air Squadron. But, he's unaware that Mu has laid a trap for him, as Mu Destroyer firing its gun towards his submarine, realizes that his position has been compromised. The loud sound of the Gra Valkas submarine makes the sonar operator aboard Mu Destroyer able to pinpoint his position through triangulation from Mu Cruisers.
Mu deployed their Marin, armed with Depth Charges to sunk the Gra Valkas Empire's Submarines. Destroyers and Cruisers opened fire to any submarines that were on the periscope depth.
"How did they can find us so quickly?! That's impossible!"
"We've finished reloading the torpedoes!"
"We've lost another submarine!"
"Begin countdown!"
The crew triggers the stopwatch while one of Mu Destroyers is charging to his submarine.
"Fire!"
Captain Wolfram originally intends to sunk Mu Battleship and Battlecruisers. However, after witnessing formation dispersal and previous engagement, sinking the Aircraft Carrier is his top priority.
Launching the torpedoes, the crew continues to make the countdown as he orders the crew to dive.
"Dive quickly!"
But, much to his horror, Mu Destroyer is launching mortars towards his position. Three shells score a direct hit, with two on the bow, and one at the stern, causing massive flooding on both sides. They don't even know that Mu can attack ahead of their position, as they usually have to get through where they were first before dropping the Depth Charges.
"Uwaaah! We're hit! We got breach on the bow and stern!"
"We need to go to the surface or enter the escape pods!"
"That's impossible! We can't escape! It's flooded!"
Panic spread inside Wolfram's submarine, and when the submarine is ripping itself apart due to water pressure, it creates a water pillar due to a sudden change of pressurization, confirming the submarine's destruction.
Mu's crew was delighted to see the submarines succumb to the ocean, as they had already scored four kills before Wolfram's submarine came to intercept.
"Excellent work! Do we have any sign of enemy submarines?"
"Negative."
"Let's link up with the main fleet."
Mu's Carrier Fleet is linking up with the main fleet, which was about thirty kilometers away.
The Gra Valkas Empire, 94th Blockade Fleet
"Fire on multiple decks!"
"Port side of the AA guns are disabled!"
"Incoming Dive Bomber!"
"Shoot that Torpedo Bomber down!"
Disorientation erupts as soon as Captain Wolfram is confirmed Killed in Action in the hands of Mu Fleet earlier. The Battleships and Cruisers are suffering damage after volley of Mu Battleships and Battlecruisers, in addition to the Torpedoes that managed to reduce the Orion-class Battleship speed to nineteen kilometers an hour. One cruiser sunk as soon as three of five Armor Piercing shells fired from Mu-class Battleship hits the citadel, sinking it instantly.
"No! This is impossible! We're supposed to be the strongest Empire!"
If the blockade were destroyed, Celestina would have free access to Mu and send more convoys. The Gra Valkas Empire intends to isolate Mu, but they were steps behind Celestina as the First Master Convoy Fleet had already supplied Mu with provisions and equipment to fight Gra Valkas Empire at Mu Continent.
"Sir! We've got company! Mu's Marin from their homeland is arriving!"
"We need to get out of here!"
If Mu's Eleventh Country Leadership Conference Fleet is not here or without any upgrades, they can blockade Mu supplies from the east relatively ease. However, they didn't expect that Mu would receive a sudden upgrade to the higher tier, much to their dismay that Celestina possesses technology that can surpass them. According to the intelligence from the Information Bureau, Mu doesn't have aircraft that can either combat them toe to toe or surpass their aircraft. The Gra Valkas pride of Antares Fighter is surpassed by the power and maneuver of Mu Sea Hornet Fighter, which is unacceptable according to their doctrine. Nobody is superior to the Gra Valkas Empire's reciprocating engine. This battle, however, sealed the fate of the Gra Valkas Imperial Navy as they were now on the brink of destruction.
Hundreds of Mu's Marin are coming to bomb the Gra Valkas Empire's remaining fleet, as the surviving submarines are already fleeing the scene once they witness the arrival of Mu's Marin.
In that battle, the Gra Valkas Empire only has four submarines survive the battle. The entire surface ship of the Gra Valkas' 94th Blockade Fleet is sunk to the ocean while Mu lost eighteen aircraft, Mu-class Battleship received moderate damage, and La Kasami-class Battlecruiser received light damage.
Mu, Otaheit Naval Base, Drydock
After Mu-class Battleship went into the drydock for damage assessment, Celestina Engineers arrived to deliver a damage report to Admiral Brendas.
"We can fix this in around a month or two. For the Battlecruisers, it could be less."
"Then fix it. We're grateful that we can combat the Gra Valkas Empire with better capabilities now."
The report of Mu manages to destroy the Gra Valkas 94th Blockade Fleet without assistance from Celestina nor Holy Milishial Empire for combat soars the morale of the entire armed forces. Even though they knew that Celestina was aiding them in advancing the technology and providing intel, Mu defeating the Gra Valkas Blockade Fleet after receiving intensive training at the Celestina Empire was a fruitful effort.
"I'm looking forward to our next cooperation with the Celestina Empire. We'll send another fleet as soon as it's ready for upgrading."
"It could take a while if I have to be honest."
"No worries. I will talk to my superior about this."
Admiral Brendas and Captain Minlar are satisfied after the battle result. The training at the War Games is paying off. They make some throwbacks where they were complaining during the beginning of the War Games session.
South of The Ardennes Forest, 22nd June 1527 / 228, 0700 Hours
A recon group from the White Knights Regiment found the Gra Valkas Imperial Army is five kilometers away from the forest's edge. Once the Gra Valkas Imperial Army is out from the forest, Ardennes' town will belong to them.
Mu did not have adequate defenses here due to the nature of the Ardennes Forest will make the invasion towards the north impossible.
"Seems we're on the right track."
Sasha Sylwinder, the Commanding Officer of the 15th Regiment "White Knights," prepare to close the Ardennes Pocket. With the ambush units from the Battle Group Valkyrie in place, they launch the attack as soon as the first soldier is out from the forest.
"Now!"
With the attack commences, the Battle of Ardennes Pocket begins.
Author's Note:
I'm sorry for being away for a month. I've managed to finish the Dissertation and I got an Internship.