I Reincarnated as the Captain of a Battleship in a Robot Anime, but at This Rate, I’m Going to Be Assassinated – Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Even if I’m Told Not To Chatter During Battle, There Are Some Opponents I Just Have To Throw a Word At
[space_man][space_man]With the sudden warp reaction, Shougo also grasped the appearance of the black Trismegistus. At the same time, Shougo felt like clicking his tongue at the fact that the hypothesis he and Yuuki had made had hit the mark perfectly.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”As expected, there was another unit of the same type……!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]He had thought that the ability to warp such a large fleet and huge structure from Earth in an instant could only be attributed to the Trismegistus’s capabilities, but it being a direct hit felt like a bad joke.
[space_man][space_man]And this meant that their absolute advantage had been neutralized, which was a cause for concern. At the same time, he judged it was time to withdraw.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”The enemy’s new model has appeared! We don’t know what it’ll do and it’s scary, so let’s run!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]His words were decisive.
[space_man][space_man]And not a single member of the Mirandora’s crew objected. This was because the surprise attack was intended as a prank from the beginning, and they had decided to escape when the time came. In fact, it could be said that everything was going according to plan.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Fire the retreat signal flares! And let’s go pick up our Trismegistus while we’re at it! Mirandora, divert energy to the barrier. We’re charging into the enemy lines!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]While launching signal flares emitting colorful lights, the Mirandora fully deployed its bow beam barrier. The ship’s barrier, boasting an output exceeding that of mobile weapons, could extend for several kilometers if used effectively. The Mirandora deliberately kept it at a level that only partially concealed the hull, but this actually made the barrier’s membrane thicker.
[space_man][space_man]The Savona and the remaining ship followed behind the Mirandora, charging forward like a single bullet.
[space_man][space_man]What was pirate-like about this was that they were advancing and not stopping their attacks even after firing the signal flares.
[space_man][space_man]Rather, a clear space opened up after the Mirandora and the others passed through. Leaving behind depth charges or the Teurugia squad’s barrage of harassing fire in that space would be a nuisance.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Run, run! Let’s run like hell! Hahaha!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Even for Mark, this was the first time he’d experienced such a delightful battle. Even for him, charging into the heart of the enemy formation was a nerve-wracking experience, but it was also fun to be able to move freely while the enemy was so unstable.
[space_man][space_man]He didn’t enjoy tormenting defenseless opponents, but the enemy were soldiers, not civilians. So, it was alright. It might be a double standard, but he also had the excuse that he was better than the other side. Above all, it was a satisfying battle to put those arrogant bastards in their place.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Hm?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]But at the same time, he was a man who never let his guard down in battle.
[space_man][space_man]At that moment, he noticed something strange about the enemy units’ movements. About ten Rabi Reivus were making incomprehensible maneuvers. They started charging straight into the area where the mines had been scattered.
[space_man][space_man]Some of them were randomly firing machine guns and the like, but it resembled a suicide attack.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”What the……?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Such bullets wouldn’t hit anything. Most of them would hit the mines and be deflected.
[space_man][space_man]However, what was frightening was that the enemy’s movements also seemed incredibly decisive. They were clearing the mines with gunfire and charging through the explosions.
[space_man][space_man]This wasn’t a maneuver that could be easily executed. Despite the explosions, the fear of the remaining scattered mines, the secondary damage from debris and explosions, and above all, the instinctive fear of charging into a minefield should have been overwhelming.
[space_man][space_man]Yet, the enemy Rabi Reivus showed no fear. They simply advanced mechanically.
[space_man][space_man]It was incredibly eerie.
[space_man][space_man]In fact, two out of the ten units had already exploded upon contact with the remaining mines.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Captain! Retrieve our Teurugia squad immediately! Something’s wrong!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Mark’s shout was justified.
[space_man][space_man]This was because he had detected malfunctions in the radar and sensors of their units. It resembled the phenomenon they usually inflicted on their opponents. That’s why he was able to react.
[space_man][space_man]Mark’s shout reached Shougo. Shougo immediately deployed anti-beam smoke and reduced the fleet’s speed. This would allow the Teurugia squad to return if they accelerated.
[space_man][space_man]And Shougo also understood the danger Mark had sensed.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”It’s because it’s the Trismegistus, isn’t it?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Displayed on the bridge’s main monitor were the opposing white and black Trismegistus units. Despite not being identical, their appearance somehow made it clear that they were machines of the same lineage.
[space_man][space_man]The monitor showed the white unit attacking the black one. Shougo didn’t know what the outcome would be.
[space_man][space_man]He felt that this encounter was inevitable.
[space_man][space_man]And……
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”We’re going to support Yuuki! After the Mirandora retrieves the Teurugia squad, we’ll charge at that black one, recover the Trismegistus, and get out of here!”
[space_man][space_man]
✼✼✼
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]He knew that the black machine in front of him was the enemy. Upon hearing Fauden’s incredibly selfish voice through it, Yuuki, enraged, had lashed out without thinking. He clad the oversized Trismegistus’s fists in beams and thrust them forward.
[space_man][space_man]However, the black Trismegistus, called Goetia, nimbly moved its body, dodging the beam punches by a hair’s breadth, despite not having any visible thrusters.
[space_man][space_man]Yuuki didn’t care that his first attack was dodged, but when the second and third were also evaded, he recognized that the enemy was no ordinary opponent.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”This…… This elusive movement……!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]At the same time, Yuuki decided that he had to subdue this black machine.
[space_man][space_man]He thought it was a formidable foe. If he let it run wild, the operation might fail. He had that fear.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Fire the robe’s beam cannons!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]He fired the robe-shaped armor’s beam cannons, which could fire countless beams in a diffused manner. However, without even needing to dodge, Goetia simply raised its arm and activated a barrier, easily blocking them.
[space_man][space_man]Then, as if to retaliate, Goetia swung its rod. Particles of light scattered, transforming into countless beams that flew towards the Trismegistus.
[space_man][space_man]However, his machine was also a Trismegistus.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Thoth! Show them what you can do!”
[space_man][space_man]”Roger that!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]An expression appeared on the faceless Trismegistus, and lights lit up in various parts of its body as the incoming beams were bent as if repelled in odd directions. Beams were ineffective against each other.
[space_man][space_man]In that case, he would have to subdue it in close combat. Yuuki tried to initiate another grapple, but his attempt was thwarted by an attack from a different direction using live ammunition.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Anish!?”
[space_man][space_man]『──!』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was a bazooka attack from Anish’s unit.
[space_man][space_man]The muzzle was aimed precisely at the Trismegistus. Without the added armor, it would have been a complete surprise attack, resulting in severe damage.
[space_man][space_man]Fortunately, the reinforced Trismegistus’s armor could withstand a direct hit from a bazooka, at least once.
[space_man][space_man]However, more importantly, why had Anish shot at him? It wasn’t a betrayal. There was noise mixed into the communication, but he could still hear her bewildered voice in fragments.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Anish, could it be!?”
[space_man][space_man]『──Can’t──control──Run away.』
[space_man][space_man]”Yuuki, could it be that Anish’s machine is!?”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Franny also understood the situation.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”This guy! He’s controlling Anish’s unit, but our support is……!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]They knew the enemy would do the same if it was a Trismegistus.
[space_man][space_man]That’s why Yuuki had taken measures against jamming. Yet, it seemed Anish’s unit had almost completely lost control, as it launched a second barrage.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Damn it……!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]He blocked the bazooka with a beam-powered fist.
[space_man][space_man]But the attack wasn’t over.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Their numbers have increased!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]The other units, disregarding any damage they had sustained, approached with their weapons ready.
[space_man][space_man]Above all, Goetia was also approaching, its rod raised.
[space_man][space_man]Yuuki eliminated the weaker units with beams while using his remaining fist to parry Goetia’s rod.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Thoth, we’re losing! What are you doing!?”
[space_man][space_man]”I can’t do it!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Thoth shouted, seemingly agitated.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”You piece of junk! Whoa!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]He took another direct hit from the bazooka. Even with the beam barrier, it was a waste of energy. And on the other side was Goetia’s attack. Moreover, he had to deal with the other controlled machines using beam cannons.
[space_man][space_man]The Trismegistus was in a bind.
[space_man][space_man]In such a situation, Yuuki wished for some convenient ability to manifest.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Vivivivi!”
[space_man][space_man]”No way, that’s right! At a crucial moment like this!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Thoth seemed overwhelmed with some kind of processing.
[space_man][space_man]Perhaps they were under some kind of attack they couldn’t comprehend. Perhaps they were about to lose control. That was something they had to avoid at all costs.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”What should we do, Yuuki?”
[space_man][space_man]”……! We run!”
[space_man][space_man]”Huh?”
[space_man][space_man]”It’s scary, so we run! We take Anish with us, no, that’s the priority. Thoth is freaking out right now, and I don’t know the enemy’s capabilities, but we can’t win with the Trismegistus in its current state! So, we run! That’s what the heavy armor is for!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]With that, Yuuki purged the Trismegistus’s left fist, which was blocking Goetia’s rod. It was essentially a rocket punch. He gave up his left fist, along with Goetia, who was pressing against the rod.
[space_man][space_man]However, it worked. It seemed Goetia, whatever its capabilities or intelligence, hadn’t anticipated a rocket punch.
[space_man][space_man]Goetia was pushed back by the fist. But it was only for a moment.
[space_man][space_man]Before that, Yuuki focused the output of his remaining right beam-powered fist. Then, he spread a giant palm of light and sliced through the controlled Anish’s unit with a horizontal chop. This not only severed the upper and lower body but also both arms and the bazooka.
[space_man][space_man]And before the explosion occurred, Yuuki grabbed the upper body containing the cockpit and quickly retreated from the scene.
[space_man][space_man]It was a reckless move that was possible because Teurugia, including Rabi Reivus, generally had their cockpits in the head or neck.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Anish! Are you alright!?”
[space_man][space_man]『Of course it hurts! The airbag deployed at a weird angle……!』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Her voice sounded energetic, but it also seemed slightly strained. And for some reason, the video communication wasn’t working.
[space_man][space_man]He wondered why, but he didn’t have time to worry about it.
[space_man][space_man]Yuuki reactivated his only remaining right beam-powered fist and swung the Trismegistus’s right arm as if fanning a large uchiwa.
[space_man][space_man]This scattered fine particles and a film of the beam around them.
[space_man][space_man]It served as a good smokescreen.
[space_man][space_man]At the same time, the light also served as a signal to the Mirandora.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]『Trismegistus! Return! We’re getting out of here quickly!』
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]It was Clart’s voice.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”Roger that!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Yuuki replied loudly.
[space_man][space_man]Looking back at their escape route, he saw the Mirandora and the others rapidly approaching.
[space_man][space_man]They were firing countless missiles, creating a wall. The Trismegistus deliberately charged through it, using the beam barrier on its right fist. The explosions and flames further blinded the enemy, allowing the Trismegistus and the wrecked Anish’s unit to somehow return.
[space_man][space_man]And the Mirandora fleet’s charge didn’t end there. They once again deployed their high-output beam barrier and faced Goetia.
[space_man][space_man]The approaching Mirandora fleet. Goetia, forced to intercept.
[space_man][space_man]Just as they were about to collide head-on……
[space_man][space_man]Goetia’s form distorted and vanished.
[space_man][space_man]But that was no longer a concern.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”We’re escaping like this!”
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]Shougo shouted.
[space_man][space_man]It was too late, no matter what the enemy did.
[space_man][space_man]They had done what they needed to do, and all that was left was to escape.
[space_man][space_man]The Mirandora fleet left behind a trail of machine gun fire and depth charges as they accelerated straight ahead.
[space_man][space_man]And…… they activated their warp drive and successfully escaped.
[space_man][space_man]As if replacing them, Goetia also warped out. It appeared in the location of the Babel Big Cannon’s control room.
[space_man][space_man]However, there, Goetia tilted its head like a living creature.
[space_man][space_man]Then, recognizing the Mirandora fleet’s warp signature, it turned its head as if to stare intently in that direction.
[space_man][space_man]
[space_man][space_man]”……Fu…… Fun? Oh, it’s fun, efficient, efficient!