Chapter 164: Extermination Battle Start (2/2)

“That’s really amazing, Mei-san. You can really hit the enemies from this distance.”

“Yeah, it sure is. Lasers are one thing, but hitting stuff with an EML at this distance is normally impossible y’know.”

Although the projectile speed of an EML is many times faster than your typical multi-cannon or ballistic cannon, it still wouldn’t compare to laser projectiles that basically launch out at lightspeed. Since we’re in outer space where there’s no atmosphere or the influence of planetary gravity, you don’t need to worry about laser shots being attenuated and losing power, but there’s still a chance of them changing trajectories. You don’t really need to care about this factor much in close-range battles where small ships usually engage in frantic dogfights. But during long-range bombardments, you’d have to really pay attention, since a slight deviation will greatly influence the laser projectile’s, uh, impact point, or something. Anyway, it’s the spot where the projectile will hit.

“I wonder if it’s thanks to the combination of an advanced independent AI and a high-performance positron brain? Man. I’m surprised the old empire didn’t get decimated when they took on opponents like Mei.”

“That’s right.”

“Ah, yeah. You have a point.”

Mimi obediently nodded her head in agreement while Elma seemed a bit reluctant for some reason. So, am I correct in thinking that they really didn’t manage to prevent their destruction, but were allowed to survive instead? I think there’s a good chance I’m right.

While I mulled over such things, the imperial ships along with some mercenary ships continued their heavy barrage, and the number of Guardian Crystals was steadily decreasing. However, it seems that the small-types were gradually managing to get past the bombardment.

“Instead of the Guardian Crystals, it looks like the small-types are the ones that would pose a problem later.”

“Are we heading out now?”

“Yeah. They would probably engage the corvettes and destroyers soon, so we better head out there as well.”

“I’ll contact Mei-san.”

As Mimi contacted Mei to inform her of our decision, I fired up the thrusters and headed up to join the interception team composed of corvettes, small mercenary ships, and destroyers.

『Oh, if it ain’t the top Ace with the Silver Sword Wings Assault medal.』

『You’ve already earned enough achievements, right? Can’t you just leave some for us, man?』

“C’mon guys. Ain’t it a mercenary’s style to earn as much as you can, whenever you can? It ain’t like me to stay nice and cozy in the back.”

『Uh, yeah, you certainly don’t like to stay in the back, alright.』

『Or rather, doesn’t he keep charging in every damn time? Even going crazy has its limits, bro.』

『I feel bad for the nice girls with him. Poor things.』

『Hey girls, how about you ditch that crazy guy and come with me instead?』

『Hey, don’t steal a march on the rest of us. And besides, I earn more than–』

“Hey, you idiots. Did your mother not teach you never to talk about stealing a guy’s women right in front of him? I’m gonna murder you, y’know.”

『『We’re sorry!!!』』

I don’t mind if it’s just ordinary fooling around, but joking about something like that is an absolute no-go. They’d look down on me if I didn’t say anything after hearing all that.

“A guy’s women, huh?”

“Ehehe.”

When I heard the two’s reactions, I realized that I actually blurted out something pretty bold, but it was too late to take it back.

“……”

“Alright, don’t get all embarrassed because of something you said.”

“You’re really cute, Hiro-sama.”

“Be quiet. You’re distracting me. A moment of carelessness can be fatal.”

“The enemies are still a good distance away though.”

It was a counterargument I couldn’t retort to.

There’s still some time before the interception battle commences.

Now let me briefly explain why I went with May instead of Mei when I TLd the previous chapters. The names of the characters in both the WN and LN are spelled in Katakana. Katakana characters are often used to spell out foreign loan words in Japanese (and completely made-up fictional words and names as well). That’s why I went with May. It was a Western name that I felt suited the overall theme of the WN. But alas, the Japanese hath spoken, and they want to call her Mei. And so it shall be.

This isn’t the only change though. Earl Daleinwald has become Earl Dareinwald now. I’mma use this spelling from now on as well, so take note guys. It sounds pretty awkward, but oh well.

If you guys wanna see the latest novel illustrations, head on over to the ToC page. I’ve uploaded the colored illustrations there, so you can finally ogle Mei’s assets to your heart’s content, you pervs XD