The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 97: Balzac Fleet

I really think I'm not good at writing a battle after all.

I also don't really understand how communication works between SDF members TvT

- ワイアード

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Sea off the coast of the Kingdom of Eir

Unaware that the Empire was facing an unprecedented disaster, Admiral Aquas leading the Balzac Fleet was preparing to join forces with other fleet groups and attack the Kingdom of Eir with even greater military strength.

500 gunships, 200 flying battleships, and triplane fighters flew in the sky, working alongside the fleet.

Among this massive fleet, one particular gunboat stood out for its enormous size—the strongest gunship of the Hardique Empire, the Hekatonkheir. Her rumbling steam-powered magical engine, black smoke pouring from her chimneys, and towering gun turrets—more than double the usual size—evoked the image of the giant Hecatoncheires from mythology.

From the bridge of this formidable gunship, one man stood watching the grand fleet—Admiral Aquas of the Hardique Imperial Navy. He was reflecting on the original goal: the grand fleet, a product of Hardique's technological power, was to defeat Japan's warships and use the Kingdom of Eir as a strategic base for the invasion of Japan.

'Considering the reports from the vanguard... to be honest, I can't picture victory. This is definitely a bad sign.'

At that moment, his aide, Commander Ergan, approached and saluted Aquas before reporting.

"We are almost at the sea where the vanguard fought Japan's naval forces!"

Aquas, holding onto the railing, gazed at the fleet and murmured.

"Look, Commander, at this magnificent sight... Just a few months ago, we had nothing but wooden and iron mixed warships with inefficient steam engines... and now, we have achieved such evolution... It makes me proud, don't you think?"

Aquas intentionally expressed the opposite of his true feelings. In response, Ergan, maintaining his salute, replied confidently.

"Indeed! This fleet is a pinnacle of a mighty advanced civilization! With this fleet, we could defeat even the Great Valkian Empire!"

He answered with unwavering confidence, looking straight into Aquas' eyes.

"I see... but the enemy is the one that utterly defeated the vanguard, remember? What do you think about that?"

"The vanguard was simply caught off guard! That carelessness led to significant losses... and I believe that is why such exaggerated reports were made! This cannot be forgiven! However! Now is the time to demonstrate the might of the true great power—Hardique! With this supreme and most powerful fleet, I am certain the Japanese forces will be decisively defeated!"

Listening to his words, Admiral Aquas felt a growing sense of unease, realizing that many soldiers dismissed the vanguard's report as garbage nonsense.

'Japan's strength... is probably not as they imagine. They may possess even more power than we encountered before... or perhaps even more.'

Still, deep down, he felt somewhat relieved. Aquas had once thought that the Hardique Empire was the strongest, before Japan made its appearance. But now, that belief was slowly beginning to shift.

The thought that this nation might lose...

"I feel the same way."

"Yes, sir! I am honored!"