Chapter 1217 - 1081: Unbearable

Chapter 1217: Chapter 1081: Unbearable

In real combat, "textbook operations" are basically impossible.

Real battles and theories are fundamentally different concepts; all situations on the battlefield are complex and change rapidly.

And the opponent’s performance was too perfect, causing Little Lake to instinctively judge: it must be unmanned!

Strictly speaking, the opponent’s operations are slightly inferior, but Big Head Butterfly doesn’t believe anyone’s operations can be stronger than its own!

Even in the field of artificial intelligence, it wouldn’t be inferior to anyone.

So the opponent must be unmanned... there’s no other explanation, that’s how confident it is!

Qu Jianlei also agreed with its assumption, "Let’s just assume that, there’s no need to verify, any result won’t affect our counterattack."

Since we’ve already decided to counterattack, the truth doesn’t matter.

Given the opponent’s strong digital control, it would be bad to expose Little Lake’s presence due to this.

As the starship struggled to maintain control, the seven pursuing attack ships approached within five hundred thousand kilometers.

One large and three small starships suddenly counterattacked simultaneously, targeting two small ships.

In battles led by Little Lake, rarely would it focus fire on one starship, as that would reduce attack efficiency. It prefers one-to-many attacks. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

However, in ordinary space wars, concentrating superior forces to attack the opponent at one point is the most common tactic.

Injuring ten fingers is not as effective as breaking one; accumulating small victories into a large one is the right path.

The previous opponents were too weak to force out Little Lake’s true strength.

This time is different; since the opponent has high intelligence, it will take it seriously.

The starship, which had been fleeing, suddenly launched a counterattack, catching the pursuers off guard.

Although they improved their protective shields and evaded in response to the firepower, they couldn’t completely avoid damage.

One attack ship was directly hit and exploded in the air.

The other small ship targeted by concentrated fire was relatively lucky, hurriedly avoiding the most critical parts, but was still hit.

However, the damage was severe enough to render it combat ineffective.

Luckily, these attack ships were indeed unmanned; if they were manned, the crew would have to abandon ship to escape.

Nevertheless, the pursuers behind were shocked, "How... is this possible?"

These small ships, though unmanned, have extremely powerful data processing capabilities.

The intelligent programs within these control systems are tied to extensive databases, having undergone long-term training and learning.

On the battlefield, though temporarily disconnected from the database, the operations developed are top-notch.

Within their related projects, these ships are used for elite personnel training.

Indeed, these unmanned attack ships play the role of instructors, designed to cultivate elite Warrior space combat capabilities!

Of course, instructors can make mistakes too, but losing two ships in an instant is still jaw-dropping.

The most crucial point is that the opponent didn’t use saturation attacks—which would make certain losses acceptable.

But with just two simple two-on-one maneuvers, such losses were caused, which felt somewhat unexpected.

However, some reacted quickly, "Beware of further attacks from the opponent!"

Unfortunately, even though they thought of it, the gap in strength wasn’t something preparation alone could remedy.

Soon after, Little Lake attacked two more small ships, one was hit and anchored, while the other’s damage was also severe.

This time, the people behind got anxious, "Send out more ships, we must hold them down!"

These small ships, trained over a long period, are few and each one is extremely valuable.

Of course, these intelligent systems can be duplicated. Once the operations are open, the duplicated systems won’t be much inferior.

However, in discussing this, the concept of "effective control" must be revisited.

Duplicated control systems can quickly form substantial combat power, but the rules disallow this.

Those researching these artificial intelligences strictly control associated risks, never indulging such behavior.

If every incident allowed unrestricted duplication, chaos would ensue quickly.

Everyone loves possessing vast combat power, but without understanding how to control ambition, it won’t go far.

Therefore, the number of small ships they carry is limited; each one is invaluable.

But at this point, fueled by anger, they couldn’t care less, determined to entangle the opponent.

To most, this command seemed a bit baffling—why waste our resources on an obviously tough opponent?

Nonetheless, in Star Wars, the commander’s will overrides all; even if people don’t understand, they must comply.

Until three more attack ships flew out, someone suggested, "I wonder if we can capture the opponent’s system?"

"Don’t consider that now," the commander replied solemnly, "Let’s first focus on entangling the opponent, that’s the priority."

Someone couldn’t hold back and asked, "What if the opponent’s system gets damaged?"

The commander was silent for a moment before answering, "If it were so easily damaged, there’d be no need to capture it!"

This is how warfare appears in the eyes of the ruling class: destroy everything that can be destroyed, and the survivor is king!

That which can be destroyed is not worth cherishing too much.

However, it is clear that relying solely on their four starships plus a few attack ships makes it very difficult to corner the enemy.

The commander called for reinforcements and then stated, "...Now our attack must force the opponent towards the direction of the reinforcements."

Qu Jianlei and his team were still fleeing desperately, and unbeknownst to them, they had already taken out five small ships.

But the remaining five were much more cunning, deliberately pulling back a distance, just harassing from afar.

Among these five small ships, two were also carrying quite some damage, unmanned, otherwise they would have already lost their combat power.

As the opponent launched inducive attacks, not only Qu Jianlei, but even Flower Scorpion gradually sensed something was amiss.

"They seem to be... driving us in a specified direction."

There really was such a possibility! Qu Jianlei nodded and secretly asked Little Lake, "What are the chances we’re being ambushed?"

Big Head Butterfly rotated its body, "Two million kilometers ahead, there are no significant star bodies, which is good news but also inconvenient."

Without the cover of star bodies, it is difficult for them to counterattack freely and boldly.

If not relying on data invasion, they could win a victory, but the whole process would not be easy, and there would be risks.

"Especially troubling is their mimicry ability; some ambushes may not be discovered until they’ve approached closely!"

Qu Jianlei nodded, then decided resolutely, "Attack the area where the space fluctuations occur!"

Little Lake was somewhat surprised upon hearing this, "Attacking there could lead to unpredictable consequences!"

The only certain thing about places where space fluctuations can occur is the existence of significant uncertainty.

If attacked, even if the distance is far, the interaction of energy fluctuations does not completely guarantee safety.

Qu Jianlei sighed, "But is there any other choice now?"

Big Head Butterfly rotated its body, "Isn’t this a bit extreme? This space fluctuation... might be an opportunity."

Still the same old miser! Qu Jianlei silently asked, "Does the opponent clearly have support? Can we seize the opportunity?"

No matter how good the opportunity, if you can’t grasp it, it isn’t yours!

Qu Jianlei isn’t particularly narrow-minded; he’s not someone who begrudges others’ good fortune, nor is he interested in destroying others’ opportunities.

However, with the opponent ambushing here, it’s evident they’re eyeing the benefits of the space fluctuation.

Under such circumstances, if the opponent makes a sudden move against him, how could he generously let the opportunity go?

At worst, everyone leaves empty-handed; he refuses to believe the opponent would truly ignore this!

The next moment, Omen Ship released two beams of yellow light, aiming at the space fluctuation area.

The range of the space fluctuation is actually not small, with a radius exceeding a thousand kilometers—this is only relative to the core area.

In such a large area of space, with the intent to attack, it’s impossible to miss.

Omen Ship’s two strikes left all the chasing ships dumbfounded, some instantly exploded in outrage, "Damn it, how dare they!"

Their ambush around here was aimed at observing this space fluctuation and seizing any potential opportunity.

Dealing with these few unexpected starships was merely a spontaneously conceived idea.

The opponent’s response was a bit overly intense, so they naturally chased, which is a normal reaction.

Originally, they just wanted to capture the opponent to figure out what was happening.

But the opponent appeared overly guilty and forcibly terminated communication, leading them to decide "regardless of life or death."

Of course, such a decision doesn’t involve right or wrong; they had already revealed their identity and emphasized "bear the consequences."

Violence machines are just like this; they only consider their own stance and cannot possibly reason with everyone.

Until now, they discovered the opponent started attacking the fluctuation point, and they suddenly couldn’t tolerate it!

Be aware, the current space fluctuation is very slight; if without special equipment, it’s difficult to make accurate judgments.

And although the opponent’s arrival was inexplicable, they didn’t display having similar equipment.

Of course, these ambushers are certainly still suspicious that the opponent might have discovered the space fluctuation.

Precisely because of such speculation, their actions were ruthless—this is about making errors without leniency.

But now, after the opponent had fled for a period, they actually began to clearly attack the fluctuation point!

This really makes them unable to accept it; it’s not about the opponent’s guts but rather—you’re not losing ground now!

Ten small attack ships were disabled, and the main ship found it difficult to catch up with the opponents.

In this situation, still choosing to destroy the fluctuation point—what on earth are you thinking?

In fact, this deliberate damage to resources is detested by all normal-thinking individuals.

Even Hunters understand not to kill pregnant females unnecessarily, which would cause needless resource waste.

The opponent is insane enough to destroy the common wealth of the Imperial society; how can this be endured?