282: War of Independence 7

Republic Capital, Airship Base.

Moonlight cascaded upon the neatly arranged new-model airships; these military-industrial pinnacles, the Republic's greatest pride, gleamed in the dark night.

Captain Ryan Howard stood on the deck of the "Freedom's Wing", gazing at this airship fleet, barely a year old, with a proud smile on his face.

"Sir, all airships are ready," the adjutant approached quickly, saluted, and added, "According to the President's orders, we need to depart immediately for the Crossbell border to support the frontline troops."

Ryan nodded in satisfaction: "Then order the assembly, depart at once."

Although these airships couldn't compare to the Stellard Knights' military airships, which were modified ancient artifacts, they were already the pinnacle of the Republic's military-industrial technology.

The latest orbment engines had replaced traditional steam power, not only increasing speed but also significantly extending cruising range. The hull used lightweight alloy materials, and the bombs carried were specially reinforced for enhanced power.

"The President's strategic vision is indeed unique," Ryan murmured, stroking the railing, "Do those Crossbell rebels truly believe that a few ancient artifacts are enough to defy us? It's nothing but wishful thinking."

"Once our airship fleet arrives, they will learn what true dimensional warfare means."

He turned and walked towards the command bridge, with soldiers saluting him continuously along the way.

Their young faces were filled with anticipation for the impending battle. With the Republic's cutting-edge technology, the combat capabilities of these airships were significantly superior to their predecessors.

"Inform all ships to maintain formation flight," Ryan ordered into the communicator from his command chair, "Estimated arrival over the Crossbell border in two hours."

Meanwhile, in the hangar of the "Freedom's Wing," mechanics were conducting final checks. The new orbment engines hummed steadily, indicating excellent working condition.

"These orbment engines are truly a miracle," an old mechanic said to the young apprentice beside him while checking the pipelines, "Much stronger than the old steam engines; not only more powerful, but also much quieter."

The apprentice asked curiously, "Master, I heard the technology for these engines was researched from ancient artifacts?"

The old mechanic smiled mysteriously: "Some things are better left unasked once known. In short, with these engines, our airships can fly faster and farther."

On another deck, bomb loading was proceeding in an orderly fashion. These specially designed bombs possessed astonishing power, specifically tailored for Crossbell's defensive fortifications.

"I heard some strange mechs appeared in Crossbell," a soldier loading bombs whispered, "I wonder if our airships can handle those iron guys."

"Don't worry," the veteran next to him patted his shoulder, "The President must have considered that long ago. Our airship fleet is not to be trifled with, and with these new bombs, those rebels are guaranteed to have no return."

As the takeoff time approached, the entire starport became bustling. Ground crew directed the airships to ascend in sequence, forming a fleet and flying towards the Crossbell border.

Ryan stood on the bridge of the "Freedom's Wing," looking through the window at the city's outline gradually receding below.

"This operation will surely become a classic battle in the Republic's military history," he thought confidently, "Once we occupy Crossbell, those rebels will learn the price of challenging the Republic."

"The Empire will also understand that we have surpassed them."

The airship fleet carved neat formations in the sky, steadily advancing towards its destination.

Inside the command bridge, Ryan re-confirmed the battle plan. On the map, Crossbell's border defense line was clearly marked.

"According to the plan, we will first support the Second Armored Division, help them break through the encirclement, and then bomb the border fortifications," Ryan said, pointing at the map, "Then we will advance with the ground forces."

"With air-ground coordination, those Crossbell rebels won't last three days."

"Let us use our might to remind them once again that Crossbell is the Republic's territory."

The adjutant respectfully recorded the orders, while Ryan began to envision the scene of reporting to the President after victory.

With the Republic's cutting-edge technology, this war seemed to have no suspense.

However, what they didn't know was that awaiting them ahead were not only Crossbell's Defense Forces but also mysterious entities from another 'dimension'.

These airships, representing the Republic's strongest technology, were about to lose their significance.

An hour later, the Republic's airship fleet, like a flock of steel giant birds under the moonlight, maintained a neat combat formation as it advanced above the clouds.

Ryan stood on the bridge of the "Freedom's Wing," his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze fixed like a torch on the faint battlefield fires flickering on the distant horizon.

"Sir, the Second Armored Division has sent another distress signal," the communications officer reported, turning around, "They are pinned down in the river valley by the Crossbell Defense Force and have lost at least ten tanks."

Ryan's lips curved into a cold sneer: "Tell those ground turtles that the true saviors are about to arrive."

He turned to face the combat command console, "Attention all, enter Level One combat readiness. Bombing squadron, deploy formation. Target — the Crossbell position on the east side of the river valley."

A piercing battle alarm immediately blared inside the airship. Soldiers quickly took their positions, gunners adjusted firing parameters, and bomb bay doors slowly opened, revealing neatly arranged colossal bombs.

"Let those bumpkins witness the Republic's power," Ryan said disdainfully, then picked up the communicator: "All ships, report status."

"'Thunder' is in position."

"'Storm' is ready."

"'Victory' bombs unlocked."

A series of confirmations came through the communicator. Ryan nodded in satisfaction, just as he was about to give the bombing order, the radar officer suddenly made a bewildered sound.

"Sir, radar shows an anomaly, some strange interference."

Ryan frowned: "What interference? Is it weather-related?"

"Doesn't seem like it..." The radar officer adjusted the equipment, "It looks like electronic interference, but the pattern is very strange, never encountered before."

Before Ryan could respond, the communications channel suddenly carried the tense voice of the 'Thunder' captain: "Freedom's Wing, we've detected a large-scale energy signature ahead! Readings are extremely high — this can't be Crossbell's technology!"

Ryan was about to reprimand his subordinate for overreacting when the radar officer suddenly gasped: "Captain! Multiple unknown signals have suddenly appeared directly ahead! Distance... Oh my god, only five kilometers! They're as if they appeared out of thin air!"

"That's impossible!" Ryan lunged to the radar screen, "What kind of target could evade our long-range detection until such a close distance?"

On the radar screen, a dense cluster of light points suddenly appeared, forming a massive fleet formation, positioned directly between them and the Crossbell battlefield.

"Energy readings are extremely high!" The radar officer's voice trembled noticeably, "The energy signatures of these targets far exceed our airships!"