Chapter 830: Arrangements from All Sides (2)

Xiuluo Holy Star, "Tianqiong" Shipyard Area, "Indomitable" Dreadnought-class Light Cruiser, lower deck, Close-in Weapon System array control compartment.

The heavy alloy floor transmitted the steady vibration of the engines accelerating.

Afudao, wearing a dark green uniform, sat before the control console of a triple-barreled laser Close-in Weapon System; the visor of his helmet reflected the scrolling data and external surveillance footage on the screen.

His rough palms moved across the virtual keyboard and physical joystick, performing the final pre-battle system self-check.

"Gun Crew Three, energy transmission stable, servo calibration complete, target locking algorithm loaded. Ready to fire at any time."

Afudao's voice came through the built-in Communication Device, steady and powerful.

"Received, Afudao. Maintain vigilance, stand by."

The reply from the gun crew leader came through the channel.

At an observation station not far behind him to the side, Dekashi was also wearing a dark green uniform, sitting with a straight posture.

Before him was a holographic tactical situation map and a remote sensor interface.

Dekashi quickly scanned the various colored light spots and data streams on the screen representing the airspace around the ship, not letting any anomaly slip by.

"External airspace scan, no abnormal approaching objects. Energy background readings stable... wait!"

Dekashi's voice rose a notch abruptly.

"Port side of the hull, outside sector F7, detected a cluster of tiny, high-speed fragments! Quantity seventeen, relative velocity extremely high! Could be interstellar dust thrown out by previous warp disturbances, or it could be... micro-probes!"

"Mark the position! Activate Close-in Weapon System automatic tracking! Afudao, sector F7, prepare to Intercept!"

The gun crew leader ordered immediately.

"Understood! Sector F7 locked!"

Afudao gripped the joystick, the turret base emitted a slight hydraulic rotating sound, the muzzle adjusted its direction slightly, and the target lock box on the screen steadily captured the high-speed moving light spot cluster.

"Hey, old partner."

Afudao said to Dekashi on the internal squad channel, his tone carrying a hint of relaxed banter, trying to ease his tense nerves.

"Remember the 20-kilometer cross-country three years ago? The last ten didn't get to eat, and we almost bit the dust. Thinking about it now, that bit of suffering was nothing! Sitting in this hunk of iron, moving my fingers to blast those pieces of trash trying to get close into slag, this feeling... is damn exhilarating!"

As he spoke, Afudao stroked the turret control panel.

The corners of Dekashi's mouth also curled up, his gaze still fixed on the screen.

"Yeah. Back then, I only thought about not losing face for the Emperor. Now..."

He paused, his tone becoming serious.

"Now, our gun muzzles guard this ship, and the ship guards Xiuluo Holy. The Emperor's ideal lies in every aim and shot. With roots beneath our feet and home behind us, if we hold this gun position, that is victory."

He adjusted the sensor parameters, filtering out background noise.

"Well said!"

Afudao responded in a muffled voice, his fist subconsciously clenching.

"Whatever is coming from outside, wanting to gnaw on this hard bone called the 'Indomitable'? Ask my gun first if it agrees!"

Just then, the ship's internal broadcast sounded, its voice drowning out the hum of the engines.

"Attention! Attention! All personnel attention! War Hounds Legion Third Company and Alicia Airborne Troops, immediately proceed to the Assault Boat launch port to assemble! Repeat, War Hounds Legion Third Company and Alicia Airborne Troops, immediately proceed to the Assault Boat launch port! Prepare to execute orbital assault and boarding Task!"

As the broadcast ended, heavy footsteps came from deep in the corridor. Afudao and Dekashi subconsciously turned their heads to look.

They saw a team of tall figures quickly passing through the corridor of the compartment they were in.

Leading them was Zandaer, Third Company Captain of the War Hounds, his blue and white Ceramite Armor carrying a heavy aura, the War Hounds emblem on his shoulder armor reflecting luster under the lights, a huge Chainaxe carried on his shoulder.

Behind him followed dozens of equally tall Space Marines with the War Hounds emblem on their armor, their steps heavy and uniform, exuding a suffocating sense of oppression.

Closely following the Space Marines was a team of Alicia Airborne Troops wearing Carapace Armor, with Gravity Umbrellas on their backs.

These elites had clear objectives; after engaging the enemy ship at close range, they would act as the sharpest Sharp Knife, piercing into the enemy ship to paralyze their vessel.

Afudao and Dekashi withdrew their gazes and looked at each other.

In Afudao's eyes was pure awe and a hint of envy.

"Man... look at those big guys and the airborne troops... this is the real 'spear tip'! Really hope one day I can also..."

"Don't get distracted, Afudao!"

Dekashi interrupted him immediately, his voice serious.

"Our battlefield is right here! Guard this gun, guard this ship! Let those 'spear tips' pierce out without worries, that is what we should do! Keep your eyes on your screen!"

"Yes! You're right! Damn it, the F7 fragment cluster is still approaching! Prepare to Intercept!"

Afudao took a deep breath, his fingers resting steadily on the fire button.

"Target trajectory stable, threat assessment: low. But maintain the highest alert level. Those elites go to tear open the enemy's throat, we... are responsible for crushing any fleas that want to bite our hull into pieces!"

The ship's alarm sound became more urgent!

"All combat stations attention! Barrier fluctuations are violent! Detected large-scale hyperspace jump! Confirm enemy ship signals! Quantity 8! Large ships! Enter level-one combat status! Repeat, level-one combat status!"

The last trace of relaxation on Afudao's face vanished, and he roared into the Communication Device.

"Gun Crew Three! Combat preparation! Target lock standby! For the Emperor! For the Star Alliance!"

"For the Emperor! For the Star Alliance!"

Dekashi and the other gun crew members responded in unison.