Chapter 334 - The Confrontation II
The bold appearance of the spacecraft wasn't something unplanned.
It is part of their strategy and Ace understands that it is very dangerous. However, he's sure that the Empire wouldn't just destroy his spaceship without any form of communications.
Especially at this time in which he hadn't activated any of his turrets, cannons, or any of their destructive weapons…
The Excellence didn't take any actions aside from revealing itself from the enemies…
This may have confused the Meredith Empire's fleet…
As expected, they decided not to underestimate this unknown spacecraft.
They immediately formed a defensive formation and activated another layer of their energy shields.
After completing all of this, Ace received a communication link from his open channel.
"Where is it coming from?"
[ It is from the 3rd Conqueror Starship we marked. ]
"Not from the flagship, huh… Very well, just open the voice link."
[ Affirmative… ]
As soon as they were connected, Ace heard the representative of the fleet speaking to him…
He couldn't understand it…
[ They are using the Ancient Empire's Official Language. ]
"Are they trying to test me?"
Ace thought for a while, Avalon can help him translate it and communicate back with them but he doesn't like it…
'Instead of using the Meredith Empire's language, they are using the Ancient's…'
"Mhmm…" Ace smirked at this and decided on what to do…
"We'll use the Galactic Federation's…"
Using their language might be more effective against the Empire. If there is a single force that can fight equally against this powerful invader, they are the Federation's forces formed by the four Major Races and many influential Minor Races…
"You are entering the Galactic Federation's Economic Zone. Leave now or face the consequences!"
He used Avalon's neutral voice to send the message.
Ace would probably be surprised if they actually turned around and leave.
However, that's impossible to happen.
There was no way that they would stop at this point… They have used expensive devices to create the wormhole and probably spent a lot of other resources just to pass through the galaxy's natural defense.
It was quite on the other line perhaps they are trying to consider whether to answer with the same language.
[ Activation of Missiles, Lasers, Cannons, and other weapons has been detected. ]
"Haa~ So they are not bothering to answer, huh… Alright, bring it on!"
Anyway, Ace just wanted to get some information from them, that is why he decided to open a communication channel.
Even if the Empire started firing at him in his first appearance, he wouldn't mind it at all as he was already prepared at this…
"Avalon… Take care of our defenses…"
Ace said as he glanced at ESN1 Asteroid where the Providence should be hiding.
He noticed that none of the Empire's weapons were targeting it so he calmed down a bit…
The offensive maneuvers were only seen at the two Starship in front of him…
"It's not enough… They should bring in more… Avalon, let's give them a warning shot."
[ Affirmative. ]
The A.I. swiftly acted as it triggered one of their Mana Tech Arsenal.
The activation sequence of their Positron Impulse Cannon only took about 10 seconds…
[ Positron Impulse Cannon: Ready ]
"Fire!"
There was no hesitation as Ace ordered to shoot the cannon…
The two Starships in front acted like a real vanguard as they deployed not only a huge barrier but fired their missiles followed by their beam cannons.
They were quick to act as Ace has expected.
Boom!
There was a huge explosion and the Starship was visibly shaken…
They have not expected that his Positron Impulse Cannon would carry so much power behind it.
[ Incoming Missiles: CIWS Activated ]
Their close-in weapon systems were mixed with Machine Gun with a rapid-fire projectile accelerator and Mana Artifacts that they have developed through their Elysium's help.
The missiles were cleared but the two Starship has already started sending out their Mech Knights…
'Mhmm… It's earlier than I expected…'
Instead of getting help from other spacecraft. They have decided to just send out their Mech Knights.
[ 10 Serpent's Marauder and 40 Wolf's Sledger has been detected. ]
"Very well… Ignore them and let's start targeting all their spaceships."
It is now time for one of their Mana Skills to be displayed in front of the Empire.
[ Affirmative. ]
Ace didn't like how the Empire is responding to their brave actions… Although it's still within their expectation, it feels like they are not being taken seriously.
He has to change their minds and appear like a dangerous hostile spaceship.
***
Zhilina and the rest of the pilots were watching the battle unfold in front of them.
They are still waiting for the signal so they remained in their positions. They have to be patient if they wanted to successfully destroy a part of the enemy's forces…
'It seems that Sir Wallace is about to use that Artifact…'
'Mhmm… I can feel it even from here…'
'If I'm in the enemy's side, I would order to scatter immediately.'
'Well, they can't detect Mana… So they are not responding appropriately.'
The Mana accumulating within the Excellence didn't escape their sensitive senses.
Everyone within Providence has an Arcane Link so they have realized Wallace's plan immediately…
Then, a burst of light blinded them like a sun just appeared nearby… Their visions were immediately corrected as they filtered the blinding light.
It is a Mana Wave mixed with Mana Burst!
The Mana Artifact capable of doing this massive attack was powered by Wallace's own CMN Reactor. The same reactor that powers their Float Drive System so the burst of energy was familiar to the Magicians.
The Mana Wave took a huge part in disabling the Arians when they decided to occupy the Omen IV. Now, it is being used again not to sneak inside their spaceships but to threaten the Empire's forces…
The Mana Burst on the other hand was mostly to strengthen the Wave they needed to affect all the Spaceships.
As expected, all the 31 Spaceships created another layer of force field to defend against the unknown attack…
The Mech Knights stopped moving for a moment… It lasted for about 20 seconds or so before they started moving again.
'They really have a better physique than the Arians…'
Ace concluded after seeing how the pilots quickly recovered…
However, this was enough… Ace has successfully drawn their attention as they activated their weapons system and targeted him.