Chapter 14: Chapter-14
The battle began, and then it was over.
"The battle begins!" echoed the voice of the chief referee over the intercom.
On the bridges of the Blizzard Zero and the T2 Bald Eagle class light interstellar cruiser, the announcement signaled the start of the high-stakes duel.
In the spectator zone, supporters of Zhang Haoran erupted in cheers.
"Come on, Young Master Zhang!"
"Show that guy what happens when you overestimate yourself."
"I hope Zhao Chen puts up a good fight. If this ends in a few minutes, what a waste of our special trip... hahahaha."
Among the voices, one familiar name stood out—Jiang Shasha. Her expression remained indifferent as she watched the live footage from the battlefield drones. Both starships were already moving toward each other. If they kept their current course, they would be in firing range in less than ten minutes.
Zhao Chen, you overestimated yourself. Jiang thought, her confidence in Zhang Haoran's victory unshaken. This battle is a foregone conclusion.
Blizzard Zero Bridge
"Speed set at 40 knots, Captain. We're on course," Deputy Captain Charlotte reported, following Zhao Chen's orders.
"40 knots? You're trying to pretend we're weak?" Zhao Chen chuckled, eyeing Charlotte.
Charlotte's face remained stoic. "I don't want to waste time with unnecessary moves."
Bored, Zhao Chen flicked his fingers, and the ship's data projected onto the holographic screen.
Blizzard Zero
Ship Type: Starship cruiser (Star Destroyer, Star Battleship)
Technology Level: T2
Hull Armor Strength: 210-270 units
Cruising Speed: 100 knots (star speed)
Warp Engine: Level 3 warp engine
Mass: 85,000 tons
Personnel: 50
Weapons:
1 x T2 Heavy 1200mm "Devil Crocodile" Cannon (single shot, 300-second cooldown) 5 x T2 Medium "Hyena" Laser Cannons (single shot, 180-second cooldown) 30 x 130mm T2 Medium Close Defense Turrets (two shots, no cooldown)
Zhao Chen ran his fingers through his hair. "I can guess your battle plan already." He glanced at Charlotte.
"You are the captain," she responded coolly. "You're free to take back the command at any moment."
Zhao Chen tapped the controls again, bringing up the T2 Bald Eagle's information.
T2 Bald Eagle
Weapons:
5 x T2 Medium 180mm Rapid-Fire Cannons (interval: 10 seconds per shot) 20 x 150mm T2 Medium Quadruple Close-Range Defense Cannons (four shots, no interval) 1 x T2 Medium "Bald Eagle" Laser Main Gun (single shot, 210-second cooldown)
Zhao Chen's mind sharpened. "The biggest threat is their laser main gun. But... we have the advantage. They don't know the full specs of Blizzard Zero. By pretending to move at 40 knots, we'll lull them into a false sense of security."
Charlotte raised an eyebrow. "I see. So the plan is to avoid their laser main gun by speeding up at the right moment, and then we'll counterattack when it cools down."
Zhao Chen nodded. "Precisely. And they're going full speed ahead—into our trap."
Charlotte smirked, impressed. "You weren't just studying the academy's tactics; you've figured out the weaknesses of T2 starships."
Zhao Chen leaned back in his chair, relaxed. "Let's see how long they last."
T2 Bald Eagle Bridge
"We've locked onto the target! Their starship is moving at 40 knots," reported the radar officer.
Zhang Haoran grinned, eager for action. "Full speed ahead! Fire everything at that ship!"
Vice Captain Wang Cheng exchanged a cautious glance with Zhang Haoran but held his tongue. Despite the risks of rushing in without intel, Zhang Haoran was the captain. The Bald Eagle was faster, and the battle was meant to be a formality.
"Full speed, all weapons on standby. Target the Blizzard Zero with the laser gun as soon as we're within range," Wang Cheng confirmed, unwilling to defy Zhang Haoran's orders.
Blizzard Zero Bridge
The countdown ticked down as both ships neared the moment of truth. Charlotte's fingers hovered over the controls. Her gaze didn't leave the radar as she anticipated the Bald Eagle's next move.
"Warning! Laser weapon detected!" the radar system blared.
The alert was immediately followed by more warnings, each growing more urgent.
Charlotte's voice cut through the tension. "Turn right, full speed!"
Zhao Chen's eyes gleamed with anticipation as he tightened his grip on the captain's chair. The game was about to begin.