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193: Worst-case scenario
"Fire," Xiao Adam ordered decisively. "According to Mr. Xu's instructions, engage as soon as we enter range. Let the enemy see our power."
Little John grinned, "Just as I wished."
As his finger pressed down heavily on the launch button, the first shell whistled out, creating a spectacular water column on the sea surface.
Unfortunately, it did not hit the target.
Seeing this, Xu Ning immediately issued a new command: "Full fire, strike the enemy with all your might."
Immediately, earth-shattering roars echoed across the entire deck, countless shells streaked across the sky, flying rapidly towards the distant target.
Only at this moment did the enemy realize the truthfulness of the previous warning.
Facing such a sudden offensive, their reaction seemed somewhat caught off guard.
Although they tried to activate defensive measures to resist this wave of attack, it was clearly too late.
The dense firepower suppression from the aircraft carrier put the escort ship in a passive position, and after a few volleys, the Star Moon City escort ship suffered heavy damage:
First, the hull was pierced, emitting thick smoke; then the radar facilities were destroyed, instantly losing precise guidance capability.
Just as victory seemed within reach, Vokoso's face suddenly changed drastically, and he reported in panic: "Mr. Xu, the radar shows another unknown vessel is approaching."
This battle is far from over, and a new challenge is about to arrive.
Xu Ning narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp: "Is it the enemy?"
Vokoso's face was as grim as an iron plate: "I can't be sure yet, but the situation is not optimistic.
This ship suddenly appeared in front of us, forming a pincer attack with the escort ship behind us."
"Then what should we do now?" Xu Ning asked.
Vokoso shook his head, saying helplessly: "There is no retreat."
Xu Ning's eyes narrowed, and he said firmly: "Since there is no way back, then we can only face the challenge head-on.
When paths cross, the brave wins.
Why fear it?"
He quickly grabbed the walkie-talkie, his resolve unshakable: "Fire at them, don't hold back."
As soon as he finished speaking, the tank group on the deck let out deafening roars, and shells rained down.
After the previous calibrations, this round of shooting was incredibly accurate.
In the distance, the Star Moon City escort ship attempted to retreat, but it was too late.
Several shells accurately hit its broadside and bow.
The sky above the ship, which had previously only had wisps of smoke, was now replaced by thick, rolling smoke.
Through the binoculars, Xu Ning could even see the hull slightly sinking.
Seeing this scene, a smile played on Xu Ning's lips.
He knew that the enemy ship had lost the ability to continue fighting, and with one more volley, the opponent would surely be buried at the bottom of the sea.
In this naval battle, they achieved victory with overwhelming superiority.
The Star Moon City escort ship underestimated the opponent's determination, missed the first opportunity, and coupled with the destruction of its radar leading to a weak counterattack, it ultimately could only fall into a passive position of being beaten.
With the Poor Oddity Tanks' continuous attacks, the enemy ship didn't even have a chance to escape before rapidly sinking into the depths of the sea.
Nevertheless, the battle was not over.
Xu Ning quickly adjusted his state and ordered: "Attention everyone, turn the ship towards the bow and prepare to meet the next challenge."
"Understood," came the soldiers' spirited reply over the radio.
The small victory just achieved greatly boosted morale.
Just as Xu Ning thought the situation was settled, Vokoso's voice broke the brief silence: "This is bad, Mr. Xu, it's not just another one, this time three have arrived."
Xu Ning suddenly turned his head to look at the radar screen, only to see three bright spots gradually approaching.
At this moment, even he, who had been through many battles, couldn't help but swallow.
The previous victory came so easily; the global enemy had never expected that an aircraft carrier could unleash such a rain of shells.
However, replicating that glory now would be much more difficult.
The massive body had become the aircraft carrier's biggest weakness; even if the enemy only sent one warship to attack, whether with missiles or torpedoes, it would be enough to send this maritime behemoth into the abyss.
Just as Xu Ning was frowning and contemplating a countermeasure, the radar screen flickered again, and after the three light spots, two new signals appeared.
The opponent was clearly determined to fight to the death, actually sending five warships at once to encircle and suppress them.
Facing such a lineup, even the most optimistic person couldn't help but feel despair.
"How fast are they?" Xu Ning asked urgently, although he had already prepared for the worst.
Vokoso shook his head helplessly: "Give up the idea of turning around and escaping.
Leaving aside the difficulty of this behemoth turning around, judging from their current speed, it's at least 38 knots or more.
Even if we ran now, they would catch up within a day."
"Then what about meeting them head-on with a fierce attack?" Xu Ning pushed up the frames of his glasses, a hint of determination flashing in his eyes.
Vokoso was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, then his face became extremely solemn: "If we really do that, we will likely only sink.
This is the center of the Mediterranean Sea, and once we are sunk, everyone will be buried at the bottom of the sea.
Have you really thought this through?"
"If I cannot control it, I would rather let it perish with us in this vast ocean than let it become a weapon for the enemy," Xu Ning said calmly.
Vokoso looked at this young man, who appeared gentle on the outside but was firm on the inside, and couldn't help but feel admiration.
"Alright," he finally nodded.
"I will prepare the lifeboats as soon as possible and try my best to ensure everyone's safe evacuation."
Just as the tension reached its peak, a crew member suddenly stood up from the radio, "Reporting to Officer, the fleet ahead is asking for our nationality."
"Tell them to open their eyes and take a good look at the flag flying above our heads.
We are from the Eastern Rabbit."
Xu Ning's reply was strong and resonant.
A moment later, an unexpected voice came from the radio, "Report, the other party is asking if we know Xiao Jianhao."
Xu Ning took the headset in confusion, only to hear a familiar yet hearty voice from inside: "Haha, what a coincidence!
I am also a member of that Gongda Family."
At this moment, it was as if the air was filled with the unique tacit understanding and warmth between comrades.
November 23, 1990, this date was etched into Xu Ning's heart.
On this day, he finally set foot on the organization's homeland again, ending two and a half months of wandering and waiting.
On the iron bridge, the Gongda Family and their companions walked down from the ship one after another, joy of returning home written on everyone's face.
Xu Ning was no exception; when his feet, which had endured many storms, touched the solid ground of Qingdao Port, an indescribable sense of security instantly surged into his heart.
For the past month, life at sea had made him almost forget the sense of stability that land provided.
Just as the aircraft carrier slowly sailed into the port, Uncle Chao had already been waiting there for a long time.
Years seemed to have carved a few more lines on his face; although he was smiling, a hint of worry was vaguely revealed between his eyebrows.
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