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 overwhelming: an array of fleet carriers, light carriers, destroyers, and submarines, all poised in a formidable blockade formation. The ratio was staggering—ten to one, a seemingly insurmountable 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 under his breath, his voice laced with bitterness. "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."

His grip tightened on the railing as he stared at the tactical display. The Chinese fleet was a formidable opponent, and he knew that underestimating them would be a grave mistake. The thought of what awaited his men and women if things went wrong gnawed at him.

"Rear Admiral, the fleet will enter Irnetia Sea in an 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, masking the turmoil inside him. "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 210,000 tons, it was an imposing sight, bristling with weapons and magical Reloadable Vertical Launching Systems that could strike enemies from over five thousand kilometers away.

The ship's main battery consisted of six massive 20-inch guns, each barrel nearly the length of a small destroyer. These guns were capable of unleashing devastation across the seas, hurling shells imbued with explosive magical energy that could obliterate entire city block. The ship's secondary armament, a network of 155mm rapid-fire cannons, was designed to deal with smaller, faster targets, ensuring that no enemy could get close without facing a storm of fire. And then there were the 256 magical missile launchers, capable of firing enchanted warheads that could outmaneuver any conventional missile defense system. Each of these weapons was a masterpiece of magical engineering, combining ancient spells with modern technology to create a level of firepower that no other nation could match.

But what use were all these capabilities if they were to be sacrificed on the altar of political maneuvering?

He turned to the tactical 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. Each vessel, at 350 meters in length and displacing 200,000 tons, was a fortress on the sea, bristling with spell cannons capable of unleashing devastating barrages. Their main guns—eighteen colossal 20-inch barrels—could launch shells enchanted with spells that amplified their destructive power manifold. These shells, capable of striking targets 500 kilometers away, could tear through the toughest armor and explode with the force of a volcanic eruption, leaving nothing but wreckage in their wake.

Following them were the Celestium-Class magic battlecruisers, HMES Caelestis Ignis and HMES Astraea Lucis. These ships, slightly smaller at 280 meters and displacing 100,000 tons, combined speed and firepower. Their enchanted hulls, reinforced with layers of magically enhanced alloys, gleamed under the sunlight, giving them an almost ethereal appearance. Each battlecruiser was armed with eighteen 16-inch spell cannons and a network of 155mm rapid-fire cannons. These weapons could unleash a storm of destruction, raining down fire and brimstone upon any foe foolish enough to challenge them.

The Aetherium-Class guided-missile battlecruisers, HMES Aetherius Custos and HMES Ventus Dominator, also displacing 100,000 tons, carried a vast array of 180 magic-guided missile launchers and six 16-inch spell cannons, their sleek, angular hulls designed for speed and stealth. These vessels were the fleet's assassins, capable of striking from afar and disappearing before the enemy could retaliate. Their missiles, enchanted with spells that allowed them to alter their trajectories mid-flight, were almost impossible to intercept. A single volley from these ships could devastate an entire enemy formation, turning the tide of battle in an instant.

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. Each submarine was armed with magical torpedoes that could penetrate even the most advanced hulls, two 155mm spell cannons for littoral combat as well as mines that could be laid in strategic locations to create deadly traps for enemy ships. The submarines were also equipped with advanced cloaking spells, making them virtually invisible to enemy sonar and radar systems.

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. Their main armament consisted of eighteen 12-inch spell cannons, capable of firing rapidly and accurately. The cruisers also carried an array of anti-aircraft and anti-missile defenses, including magical shields that could deflect incoming projectiles and beams of concentrated magical energy that could shoot down enemy missiles.

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."

Commander Laelia, ever perceptive, caught the undercurrent of frustration in his tone. "Admiral, do you think they'll take the bait?" she asked, her voice low, meant only for him.

Morvannis met her gaze, his eyes hard. "I hope they don't," he replied quietly. "But we must be ready if they do."

The crew moved with practiced efficiency, though the tension was palpable. The hum of machinery and the soft clattering of boots on the deck were the only sounds as the fleet closed the distance to the Chinese blockade. 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."

The Chinese fleet was arrayed in a crescent formation, their ships spread out to maximize their firepower while minimizing exposure. It was a textbook tactic, one that Morvannis himself would have employed in their position. He knew that behind those steel hulls were weapons and technology that rivaled, and in some cases even surpassed, Milishial's own. Their long-range missiles were particularly concerning—capable of striking targets well beyond visual range, and their electronic warfare capabilities were among the best in the world.

"Admiral, we're picking up electronic signatures from the Chinese fleet," reported one of the technicians at the sensor console. "They're scanning us."

"Let them look," Morvannis said, a trace of steel entering his voice. "We're not hiding anything."

The Invictus Arcanum and her sister ships were designed to be seen, to intimidate. The magical shields that shimmered around the fleet were more than just protection—they were a statement of power. But Morvannis knew that power alone wasn't enough to win a battle. It was how that power was used that mattered.

"Commander Laelia, keep an eye on their missile platforms," Morvannis ordered. "If they so much as twitch, I want to know about it."

"Aye, sir," Laelia responded crisply, her fingers dancing over the controls as she relayed the orders to the rest of the fleet.

The tension on the bridge was palpable, a thick, almost tangible presence that pressed down on everyone. Morvannis could feel it, the weight of responsibility, the burden of command. Every decision he made now could mean the difference between life and death for the thousands under his command.

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

The moonlight bathed the Holy Milishial Empire's Special Task Force in a cold, silvery glow as it pressed through the treacherous waters of the South Irnetia Sea. The tension on the bridge of the HMES Invictus Arcanum was almost palpable, each officer keenly aware of the high stakes. The tactical display cast an eerie light on Rear Admiral Kaelith Morvannis, who stood at the helm, his steely gaze fixed on the horizon.

Suddenly, the ship's radar operator leaned forward, his face blanching. "Incoming strike packages!" he shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.

Morvannis turned sharply to the viewport, the sky above the fleet now swarming with dark, fast-moving shapes. The enemy aircraft were a mix of J-15 Flying Sharks and J-35 Gyrfalcons, sleek and deadly, cutting through the night air with predatory grace. Their presence was unsettling, like sharks circling a wounded prey. But there was something even more disturbing about them—Morvannis couldn't sense them.

Mana signatures, the lifeblood of the Milishial Empire's technology and weaponry, were notably absent. To a skilled mage like Morvannis, the lack of magical vibrations that usually accompanied any object or being was like looking into a void, a black hole that swallowed all sensation. He could feel the discomfort gnawing at him, an emptiness that threatened to destabilize his nerves. These Chinese aircraft were like ghosts, invisible to his magic-infused senses and nearly undetectable even to the ship's sophisticated EnchantaScan 10th-generation magic conductive magnetic radar.

"Report!" Morvannis barked, the edge in his voice betraying none of the unease he felt.

"Sir," his executive officer, Commander Laelia Vortis, responded with the precision of a metronome, "twenty-four aircraft at bearing 270, speed 800 knots. A mix of J-15s and J-35s, making low passes within 500 meters of our formation. Visual confirmation shows them heavily armed with external mounts. Missile types are unknown at this range, but we're detecting significant payloads."

Morvannis gave a tight nod, his mind processing the information at lightning speed. The Chinese pilots were showing off their capabilities, making a statement. At this distance, he could see the missiles hanging ominously from the aircraft, their sleek, lethal forms silhouetted against the night sky—a potent reminder of the firepower arrayed against his fleet. The J-15s, with their sharp lines and aggressive posture, were formidable enough. But the J-35s, with their angular design and radar-absorbent coatings, were an entirely different beast—stealthy, nearly invisible, and incredibly lethal.

"So far, so good," he muttered to himself, though the situation was anything but comfortable. The Chinese hadn't attacked yet. Perhaps their orders mirrored his own: Do not fire first.

"Maintain formation," Morvannis ordered, his voice steady. "Stay alert, and prepare to engage if necessary. Let's show them what the Holy Milishial Empire is capable of."

The fleet continued its advance, the massive warships cutting through the waves like blades through water. The air was thick with tension, each passing moment drawing the two forces closer to a confrontation that seemed inevitable. Above them, the Chinese fighters circled like vultures, their presence a constant, ominous threat. Morvannis knew 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.

A sudden burst of static on the communications channel snapped Morvannis out of his thoughts. The comms officer turned to him, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. "Incoming transmission from Admiral Li Pengcheng of the Chinese fleet, sir."

Morvannis nodded, his expression hardening. "Put it through."

The main display flickered to life, revealing the face of Admiral Li Pengcheng. His expression was as cold and calculated as a glacier, his eyes sharp with a barely concealed hostility. "Rear Admiral Morvannis," Li began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "I advise your fleet to stand back. We are conducting a naval exercise, and ahead of you lies a minefield."

Morvannis suppressed the bitter laugh that threatened to escape his lips. A naval exercise? A minefield? The charade was almost laughable. Did they really think he would believe such a transparent lie? This was nothing more than a show of force, a bluff meant to intimidate him into backing down. But he was a son of the Holy Milishial Empire, the most powerful magical nation in the world. They did not cower before threats, especially not from a country that sought to challenge their supremacy.

"Admiral Li," he replied, his tone polite but laced with steel, "thank you for the warning, but rest assured, my task force is more than capable of minesweeping. We will proceed."

Li's eyes narrowed, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. "Proceed at your own peril," he warned. "You have been advised."

"Understood, Admiral Li. We will take the necessary precautions. Invictus Arcanum, out."

The screen went dark as the connection was severed, leaving a tense silence in its wake. Morvannis turned to his officers, his expression unreadable. "Full speed ahead. Let's clear this path."

The task force surged forward, the engines of the Invictus Arcanum roaring to life as the massive ship plowed through the waves. But it wasn't long before the first mine struck. The sea around them erupted in a violent explosion as a Te-3 2000 kg rocket mine launched from the ocean floor, its tandem HEAT warhead homing in on its target with deadly precision. The first mine slammed into the Invictus Arcanum with a deafening roar, followed by two more in rapid succession. The force of the blasts rocked the ship, sending shockwaves through the hull.

Morvannis gritted his teeth as the ship shuddered under the impact. "Damage report!" he snapped.

"Shields absorbed most of the blast," Laelia reported, her voice tense but steady. "Minimal damage to the hull, but we've lost some of our outermost magical barriers. Reinforcing now."

Morvannis nodded. The Invictus Arcanum was a fortress of a ship, its enchanted armor equivalent to 4000 mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armor (RHA). It could withstand tremendous punishment, but even it had its limits. "Slow to one-tenth speed. Commence minesweeping operations."

"Aye, Admiral. Reducing speed to 11 knots," Laelia confirmed, relaying the orders to the helm. The fleet adjusted its speed and formation accordingly, adopting a more cautious stance as they navigated the treacherous waters. The ship's mages, stationed at strategic points across the deck, began casting spells to detect and neutralize the mines. Ice magic was their weapon of choice, freezing the water around detected mines and forcing them to the surface where they could be safely detonated or destroyed.

It was a slow, methodical process, one that required precision and patience. The mages worked tirelessly, their spells crackling with energy as they hunted for the deadly devices lurking beneath the waves. But Morvannis knew they couldn't afford to be too slow. The Chinese were playing for time, hoping to delay the task force long enough for the Kingdom of Irnetia to fall.

On the bridge of the Nanjing, Admiral Li Pengcheng watched the scene unfold with a wry smile. He opened a channel to Morvannis once more. "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. He had to find a way to break through, to fulfill his orders without falling into a trap. The longer they lingered in this minefield, the greater the risk of catastrophic damage to his fleet.

As the minesweeping continued, the tension on the bridge of the Invictus Arcanum mounted. The mages were doing their job, but the process was agonizingly slow. Each minute that passed felt like an eternity, the threat of another mine strike looming over them like a dark cloud.

"Sir," Laelia interrupted his thoughts, her voice tight with urgency, "we've detected a second wave of enemy aircraft approaching."

Morvannis turned sharply, his eyes narrowing. "How many?"

"Another two dozen, sir. Same composition as before—J-15s and J-35s."

"Prepare the AA defenses," Morvannis ordered, his voice cold and unyielding. "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. The mages aboard the Invictus Arcanum and her sister ships channeled their power into the spell cannons, infusing the weapons with destructive magic. As the second wave of Chinese aircraft approached, the Milishial task force was ready.

The Chinese jets made another close pass, their engines screaming as they streaked by at low altitude. This time, they dropped flares and chaff near the ships, the decoys glowing brightly against the dark sky as they fell. Morvannis watched them closely, his eyes narrowing. They were testing the fleet, probing for weaknesses, trying to provoke a reaction.

"Orders, sir?" Laelia asked, her hand hovering over the control panel for the ship's main spell batteries.

"Hold fire unless they engage first," Morvannis said, his voice firm. "We're not giving them the satisfaction."

The Chinese jets peeled away, banking sharply as they pulled back into the night sky. The message was 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, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

Morvannis sighed, bracing himself for what was sure to be another round of thinly veiled threats. "Put it through."

Li's face appeared on the screen once more, his expression smug, almost taunting. "Admiral Morvannis, your persistence is admirable, but futile. Turn back now, and we can avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

Morvannis' expression hardened, his eyes narrowing to slits. "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."

Li's smile faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. "Very well," he said, 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 burning in his eyes.

"All ships, prepare for evasive maneuvers," he ordered, his voice resolute. "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. But the threat of another wave of attacks loomed large. 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 Holy Milishial Empire would not be intimidated.

As the first rays of the moons began to break over the horizon, casting a pale light over the battlefield, 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.

For the Empire.