66: To win against the strong

Day 118.

The power of the Forge-I's northern pole camouflage field generator array was ramped up to 117% of its theoretical limit. The energy signals and industrial thermal radiation active on the surface of that steel behemoth, disguised as a planet, were forcibly suppressed to levels nearly indistinguishable from background noise. The massive shipyard frame had quietly retracted, like a beast closing its mouth. Newly built vessels had long since departed, leaving the berths empty, save for automated maintenance machines silently clearing the last remnants of construction. providence’s 'gaze' swept through every sensor node and energy pipeline, ensuring there were no 'gaps' that could lead to exposure. From a distance, this planet looked no different from the billions of dead, rocky planets in the galaxy.

【Maximum Concealment Protocol in effect. Forge-I has entered 'Silent Rock' state. All non-essential systems are shut down, except for the minimum energy required to maintain the camouflage field and core life support. External communications are completely silent. Expected to evade conventional and most wide-area psychic scans. Risk: If subjected to direct, high-intensity targeted scans or physical impact, the camouflage may still be compromised.】 providence's cold voice echoed only within the core channels of the dawn and the dawn.

The New Generation fleet, currently like five silent metal seeds, drifted in the void approximately 0.5 light-minutes from Forge-I, forming a loose, asymmetrical defensive array. The dawn was positioned slightly forward of the array's core, with the other dawn slightly higher behind it. Two Sentinels cruised like hunting hounds on the flanks, while the worker bee trailed far behind, its massive cargo hold emptied and temporarily fitted with additional sensor relay arrays and camouflage decoy launchers.

Dead silence. Only the cosmic background radiation passively received by the sensors formed a cold static of noise on the display screens.

Day 119, afternoon.

“Diting network edge node, ID Psi-4, offline,” keystone's voice carried a texture like grinding metal. “Last frame of data before failure: Captured ultra-high frequency Warp energy pulses. Characteristics... 92% match with Chaos Fleet main thruster wakes. Pulse source bearing matches the predicted tributary path. Distance: approximately six light-hours.”

They were here.

Inside the bridge, the air was as stagnant as iron. Han Zhe’s gaze was locked onto the main screen where red outlines representing the enemy threat were slowly bleeding and approaching from the edge of the star map, like ink dropped into clear water. The outlines continuously refined, splitting into dozens, then hundreds of smaller light points. The energy readings of several were exceptionally prominent, far exceeding the dawn—at least cruiser-class, and possibly even a battleship!

“Enemy fleet scale confirmed: One large capital ship (suspected battleship), three cruiser-class, twenty-two destroyer/frigate-class, and several small attack craft and suspected demonic carriers.” providence’s data stream accompanied the cold voice. “The fleet formation is loose, but there are high-intensity, wide-range reality distortion fields and psychic interference clouds surrounding the core capital ship. Estimated time to contact: four hours and seventeen minutes.”

Four hours. The enemy's scale far exceeded expectations. The presence of that battleship-class vessel was enough to easily tear through the New Generation fleet’s seemingly thin defensive line.

“keystone, calculate our fleet's theoretical survival time and maximum combat loss exchange ratio in a direct engagement.” Han Zhe’s voice was terrifyingly calm.

“Based on existing data, in a frontal engagement, our fleet's maximum theoretical survival time: no more than thirty-seven minutes. The best estimated combat loss exchange ratio (damaging enemy destroyer/frigate-class units) is 1:1.5. The probability of dealing effective damage to cruiser-class and above units is less than 10%.” keystone’s answer was emotionless, yet it stated a desperate reality.

A direct confrontation was a dead end.

Han Zhe’s gaze slowly moved away from the hideous outlines of the enemy fleet, casting toward the depths of the star map to the area marked 'Silent Rock'—Forge-I, disguised as a planet. A plan that was nearly insane, yet logically the only one that could bring an 'easy' victory, rapidly took shape and became clear in his mind. The execution of this plan relied heavily on providence’s understanding and control of Forge-I’s deep functions, as well as their precise prediction of the enemy’s behavioral patterns.

“providence,” Han Zhe opened a dedicated encrypted channel with the ancient AI, “I need the most powerful attack or interference methods Forge-I can use while under camouflage without immediately exposing its existence. Simultaneously, analyze the enemy fleet's formation weaknesses, energy distribution characteristics, and... the possible ‘resonance frequencies’ or ‘structural vulnerabilities’ of their reality distortion fields and psychic interference clouds.”

A brief silence followed as data streams were exchanged at high speeds.

【Analysis complete. While in 'Silent Rock' state, Forge-I can utilize the following covert measures:**

1. Deep Geological Harmonic Inducer (disguised as natural planetary tremors): Can trigger specific frequency resonances in the crust/mantle of a target area (requires pre-setting), generating high-intensity gravitational ripples or localized space curvature distortions. This interferes with the enemy ships' precision sensors and stabilization systems, and may even cause structural stress overload in smaller vessels.

2. Camouflage Field 'Phase Shift' Trap: Pre-release a large amount of modulated micro-interference particles (synthesized from Forge-I's surface materials) that simulate asteroids or cosmic dust in the airspace the enemy fleet is expected to pass through. When the enemy fleet enters, activate the preset phase, causing these particles to instantly switch from 'absorption/scattering' mode to 'strong reflection/energy refraction' mode, creating large-scale false targets and energy echo chaos, and potentially interfering with their shield frequencies.

3. Directional ‘Concept Stabilization’ Pulse (extremely dangerous, may lead to exposure): Utilizing k-73 relic principles and Forge-I’s partially restored 'Reality Stabilization' protocols, fire a highly condensed 'Concept Stabilization' pulse at a specific target. This pulse has a strong suppression, dispersal, or even 'annihilation' effect on Chaos energy and entities dependent on the Warp, but firing it will produce a strong and unique energy signature, making it very easy for high-level enemy entities to sense and locate the source.

Enemy fleet weakness analysis: Their formation is centered around the battleship, with cruisers as secondary nodes and small vessels distributed on the periphery, exhibiting a typical loose Chaos marauder formation. The reality distortion fields and psychic interference clouds radiate outward from the battleship, but in the transition areas between ships, there are subtle energy fluctuation discontinuities and phase differences. According to spectral analysis of their thruster wakes, there is a periodic 'synchronization refresh' interval of approximately 127 seconds in the fleet's internal psychic links. During this interval, overall coordination and interference resistance drop briefly by about 3.7%.】

A plan to use Forge-I’s covert strike capabilities, coordinated with fleet feints to deliver a lethal blow at the enemy's weakest moment, was quickly perfected in Han Zhe's mind.

“Operation Plan: ‘Wrath of the Rock’.” Han Zhe’s voice rang out in the fleet command channel with unquestionable resolve. “Core concept: Lure the enemy deep, show weakness, use Forge-I’s covert strikes to create chaos, and concentrate all fleet firepower to attack the reality distortion field's vulnerable points on their battleship during the enemy's 'synchronization refresh' interval!”

“Specific steps:

1. ‘Worker Bee-01’, advance to area C-7 and release all camouflage decoys to simulate the signal of a small, panicked fleeing fleet. Flee toward Forge-I (while maintaining a safe distance) to lure the enemy's vanguard of small ships away from the main formation in pursuit.

2. ‘Sentinel-01/02’, maneuver covertly on the flanks of the ‘worker bee’. When the enemy pursuit ships are distracted by the decoys, launch a high-speed sudden assault from the flanks, firing a volley of railgun rounds and missiles before immediately disengaging. The goal isn't destruction, but to create more chaos and draw some enemy ships’ attention in the wrong direction.

3. When the enemy main fleet (especially the battleship) is distracted by the chaos ahead and its formation is slightly elongated due to the pursuit, the dawn and the dawn will activate their ‘Phantom Jump’ drives for a precise ultra-short-range (0.05 light-years) jump. Target position: the flank and rear of the enemy battleship, at the weak transition area between its reality distortion field and a cruiser.

4. The moment of the jump's arrival will coincide with the start of the enemy's psychic 'synchronization refresh' interval! The dawn and the dawn will immediately fire all weapons! Target: the external nodes of the battleship's reality distortion field generator (already marked by providence)! Simultaneously, the dawn will fire its reserved 'Concept Interference Warheads' to further disrupt energy stability in that area.

5. The most critical step: At the exact moment the fleet jumps and launches its attack, 'Forge-I' activates the 'Deep Geological Harmonic Inducer', targeting the airspace directly below the center of the enemy fleet; it also activates the 'Cloaking Field Phase Shift Trap', covering the enemy vanguard and parts of the main force. This will create a double blow of spatial distortion and sensor blinding!

6. Regardless of whether the attack directly destroys the battleship, the enemy fleet will inevitably fall into massive chaos. After completing their volley, the 'dawn' and the 'dawn' will immediately use the confusion to break away at full speed, regrouping with the returning 'Sentinels' and 'worker bees' to evacuate the battlefield, leaving the aftermath to the enraged but leaderless enemy.

7. Throughout the process, 'Forge-I' will maintain its 'Silent Rock' state, never using its 'Concept Stabilization Anchor' pulse unless absolutely necessary, to avoid exposing itself.

The plan relies heavily on timing, precision, and providence's precise control over Forge-I's stealth measures. Any error in any link could lead to catastrophic consequences.

【Plan received. Forge-I stealth strike unit in position. Harmonic induction target area preset complete. Phase Shift trap particles released and drifting to designated coordinates.】 providence confirmed.

【Fleet maneuver commands and firing sequences synchronized to all tactical networks. 'Phantom Jump' coordinates and timing locked.】 keystone followed immediately.

“All ships, clarify your tasks!” Han Zhe scanned every tense face on the communication screen. “This battle is not for total annihilation, but to heavily damage their leadership, create chaos, and force them to lose the ability and interest to pursue us—especially Forge-I. Execute!”

“Understood!” The response was uniform, carrying the resolve of those who had burned their bridges.

“Worker Bee-01” moved first, clumsily accelerating and fleeing “in panic” toward Forge-I, trailing a large field of thermal decoys flickering with faint energy signals.

Sure enough, several small attack craft and two frigates on the periphery of the Chaos Fleet broke formation like hyenas scenting blood, accelerating in pursuit.

“Sentinel-01/02,” like lurking vipers, suddenly lunged from the side shadows. The roar of railguns was silent in the vacuum, but lethal metal jets and screaming missiles slammed hard into the pursuers' flanks! One frigate's void shield flickered violently, while another small craft was blown apart mid-air!

The main body of the Chaos Fleet stirred slightly as more ships turned, their attention drawn by this sudden flank attack. That massive battleship also seemed to rotate its hull, which was covered in blasphemous runes and spikes, as its crimson observation windows (or perhaps gun ports) swept over.

Now!

“'dawn', 'dawn', 'Phantom Jump' start!” Han Zhe barked in a low voice.

The space around the two capital ships suddenly warped, as if gripped and stretched by an invisible hand, then abruptly released! Amidst violent spatial tremors, they vanished instantly, reappearing in the next split second behind the flank of the Chaos battleship—a vessel resembling a mountain built of lava, bone, and rusted metal—at a distance so close it was suffocating!

Almost the moment the jump was completed, the “Corona” improved Macro Cannons on the bow of the “dawn” and all broadside firepower (plasma cannons, laser arrays, missiles) of the other “dawn” simultaneously spewed a torrent of destruction! All fire, like a scalpel, was aimed precisely at a relatively “smooth,” pulsating green tumor-like structure on the upper midsection of the battleship—one of its primary external nodes for the reality distortion field, as marked by providence!

At the same time, a specialized “Concept Interference Warhead” fired by the “dawn” detonated in the target area, its milky-white informational turbulence field eroding the dense Chaos aura like strong acid!

And in that same millisecond!

Far away, the disguised planet of “Forge-I” seemed to “shiver.” An invisible, extremely unique gravitational ripple acted with superluminal speed (via preset spatial structure disturbances) precisely on the airspace below the center of the Chaos Fleet! Space rippled and warped like water, causing instantaneous disruption to the inertial navigation, gravity sensors, and even some physics-based weapon systems of all ships in range!

Immediately following, the “Cloaking Dust” particles already scattered around the enemy vanguard and some main ships “lit up” collectively! From a near-invisible state, they instantly became strong reflection sources and energy refractors, creating dozens of “suddenly appearing enemy ship” signals and a chaotic mess of energy echoes in the enemy sensors' view!

The Chaos Fleet's command channel (if they had one) must have been instantly overwhelmed by countless chaotic alarms and error messages!

Han Zhe's fleet's pinpoint volley caught this fatal window where the double chaos overlapped and the enemy's psionic network was at a “synchronous refresh” low point!

Rumble—!!!

Even in a vacuum, the violent energy explosion could be sensed through hull vibrations and sensor overload. The tumor-like node of the battleship, weakened by “Concept Interference,” took the full brunt of the “Corona” Macro Cannon's plasma core and a full round of broadside fire! The sickly green psionic shield flickered wildly and shattered! Distorted metal and flesh structures instantly vaporized and exploded under the high heat! The massive body of the battleship tilted sharply to one side, and the flow of Chaos energy on its surface suffered widespread interruption and disorder! More importantly, the reality distortion field radiating from it as a core dimmed and contracted suddenly, like a punctured bubble!

It worked! Even if it wasn't a killing blow, it definitely crippled the giant ship's central systems and took out its most troublesome area-of-effect interference capability!

“Full speed breakaway! Don't linger!” Han Zhe roared.

The engines of the “dawn” and “dawn” went to full power. Taking advantage of the brief paralysis of the enemy fleet due to their leader's injury, their own sensor chaos, and spatial anomalies, they sped away like two ghosts, regrouping with the “Sentinels” and “worker bees” that were retreating after finishing their harassment mission.

Behind them, the Chaos Fleet was in total disarray. Losing the cover of a unified reality distortion field and hit by the double blow of gravity distortion and sensor blinding from “Forge-I,” some small ships even collided. The crippled battleship let out a silent but psionically transmitted roar of fury and pain, but its own systems were clearly malfunctioning, unable to organize an effective pursuit immediately. Several cruisers tried to turn, but their formation had been completely shattered.

The “New Generation” fleet did not stop for a moment, racing at maximum speed toward the designated rally point—another patch of void far from “Forge-I” and the battlefield.

Only after confirming they had completely broken contact and there were no pursuers did Han Zhe slowly exhale the breath he had been holding.

Battle statistics soon arrived:

· Friendly: “Sentinel-01” sustained light damage (point-defense laser array overloaded), “Worker Bee-01” successfully recovered after releasing decoys. No personnel losses.

· Enemy: Confirmed heavy damage to one Chaos battleship (lost primary reality distortion field, engines damaged), one frigate destroyed, three small attack craft destroyed, and several other ships sustained varying degrees of damage from chaotic collisions or system overloads. The overall combat effectiveness of the enemy fleet is estimated to have dropped by over 40%, making an effective pursuit unlikely in the short term.

A near-perfect ambush of the weak against the strong. The cost was minimal, but the results were astonishingly fruitful.

And the key to all this was that they weren't just fighting with five newly built ships.

They relied on a super-engineering ship from a lost epoch disguised as a planet, and the cold, precise calculations of an awakened AI from the Dark Age of Technology.

“providence, status of ‘Forge-I’?” Han Zhe asked.

【‘Silent Rock’ state is stable. Cloaking field not exposed. Residual enemy reconnaissance units have not detected this unit.】 providence replied, 【Recommendation: This fleet should move at least five light-years away from the current area and conduct a period of silent navigation to completely shake off any possible psionic tracking. The damaged enemy fleet is likely to conduct a retaliatory search of this area once they recover.】

“Agreed. Fleet, proceed to Rally Point B at full speed and enter deep silent navigation.” Han Zhe ordered, his gaze once again turning toward the depths of the star map.

A branch of the Black Crusade had been struck hard by their unexpected “reef.” Though insignificant to the overall situation, for the “New Generation,” it was undoubtedly the strongest confidence booster.

They had proven that by relying on wisdom, surprise, and the power of ancient legacy, even when facing a main Chaos Fleet, they didn't just have to flee in disgrace; they could... easily deal with the enemy—at least, the one in front of them.