The Imperial Database comparison completed, yielding the following information:
T4 Lynx-Class Interstellar Destroyer:
Armor Strength: 410 units
Dimensions: 1.3km × 330m × 262m
Speed: 260 knots in stellar velocity
Warp Engine: Class Four
Star Shield Energy: Class Four, 100% operational
Weaponry: Turbo Laser Main Cannon ×1, Rapid-Fire Point Defense Lasers ×80, Pulse Cannons ×4
This was a standard T4-class interstellar destroyer, lacking any specialized weapons. Its only standout feature was its stellar velocity of 260 knots.
Feng Mo exhaled with relief. His main concern had been a T4 warship outfitted with specialized weaponry that could devastate his fleet. As for the remaining thousand-plus enemy ships, they were just numbers on a post-battle victory report, soon to be reduced to cold, hard statistics by the T3 Punishers' bombardment.
This was a battle of medium scale, and Feng Mo was taking command personally. Though he had observed many small and medium-sized skirmishes, this was his first time leading a medium-scale space battle. His university studies on warfare tactics were ingrained in his mind, but nerves were inevitable. However, he could not afford to show any hint of anxiety to his crew.
Pulling up a holographic simulation, Feng Mo mapped out the enemy fleet's formation, dividing it into three segments: the front, center, and rear. Pointing at the enemy fleet's front, he addressed his captains:
"Gentlemen, the enemy T4 warship is positioned at the front. Instead of waiting to be picked off one by one, we'll concentrate our fire and go head-to-head. Follow my orders!"
"With the two T3 Punishers and one T3 Sealion-class carrier as our flagships, form a carrier battle group. Position the escort ships on the outermost defensive perimeter, pointing all guns at the enemy's front to intercept their advance."
"Have our T3-class destroyers stay close to the flagship, forming a second defensive ring. The T4 Lynx's main and secondary cannons will likely target our three T3 flagships. If necessary, we can sacrifice the eight T3 Mantis-class ships to absorb the hits."
"T3 Sealion-class carrier, show them what you've got!"
Feng Mo held back from immediately ordering the T3 Punishers to fire. He was waiting for the perfect moment to annihilate the enemy fleet in one decisive blow.
As Feng Mo issued his commands, the Stormbringer Coalition Fleet's 300 ships formed a circular formation, effectively cutting off any chance of retreat. On the bridge of the T4 Lynx, Liang Guan watched with a mix of disdain and curiosity. This type of clustered formation wasn't typical for a battle like today's.
The situation was clearly in their favor, with the enemy presenting a 'do-or-die' formation. It was peculiar, but Liang Guan had learned to never underestimate the Stormbringer Fleet. A formidable reputation was not earned by empty boasts. According to their prearranged strategy, he split the enemy fleet into three divisions: the first fleet at the front, the second fleet in the center, and the third at the rear. He issued his orders:
"First Fleet, advance and engage. T4 Lynx, target the enemy flagships with your main and secondary cannons. Second Fleet, hold position. Third Fleet, move to encircle from the rear."
Liang Guan committed two fleets, a total of 1,000 ships, to the fight. The formation was reminiscent of an ancient crescent moon tactic: strong at the wings and weaker in the center. In this case, the first and third fleets were the strong wings, and the second was the weaker core.
Just as the enemy moved to encircle the Stormbringer Coalition Fleet, Feng Mo gave his next command:
"T3 Sealion, release all T3-class drones and T3-class bombers. Target the enemy's front fleet. Unload all munitions and return immediately."
With that, 300 drones and 50 bombers shot forward at blistering speed. The drones created an immense web of firepower, conducting cross-attacks on the enemy. The bombers unleashed devastating shockwave missiles, igniting explosions that lit up the darkness of space.
The combined firepower of the 350 aircraft devastated the enemy's outer ships, tearing them apart. However, the enemy's point-defense systems retaliated, sending waves of orange laser beams that obliterated countless drones.
After three waves of bombardment, the drones exhausted their munitions and began retreating. Of the original 350, only 130 made it back. Despite the heavy losses, the exchange was worthwhile: 220 lost drones had taken down 130 enemy ships.
"All ships, prepare for a full volley! Fire main and secondary batteries!" Feng Mo commanded.
Nearly 300 ships unleashed a torrent of light, a thousand laser beams forming a net that engulfed the enemy. At the same moment, the enemy fleet completed its encirclement. On the T4 Lynx's bridge, Liang Guan, seeing that the trap had been set, gave his orders:
"First Fleet, activate all point-defense systems and intercept! Main and secondary batteries, fire!"
"Third Fleet, focus all firepower on the enemy's rear!"
Thousands of energy beams crisscrossed space, shattering and crippling ships on both sides. The T4 Lynx's main cannon obliterated the shield of a T3 Mantis-class ship, with two secondary shots rendering it dead in the water.
The battle was brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Yet, Feng Mo's moment had arrived!
"Punisher One, fire a full missile barrage at the enemy front! Punisher Two, target the rear! Don't hold back—empty the launch tubes!" Feng Mo shouted, his rare outburst of anger revealing the stakes.
This was the most devastating battle the Stormbringer Fleet had faced. The T2 Black Bear escort ships were nearly decimated, and even the T3 Mantis ships were taking severe hits. Space battles always demanded a price, and only overwhelming force—like that of a T5 ship—could guarantee a one-sided victory.
Following Feng Mo's command, both T3 Punishers unleashed every missile in their arsenals. The sky filled with flames as hundreds of missiles streaked toward the enemy's front and rear lines.
Missile warfare was the Punisher-class ships' specialty. It was an expensive tactic, but Feng Mo was willing to spend. If need be, he'd figure out a way to swindle the Bai Family once more.
The enemy's front line, already reduced to less than 300 ships, only managed a 40% interception rate. The remaining 300 missiles landed, detonating in a series of brilliant explosions that tore apart 80 to 90 T2 ships.
The enemy's rear fared better. With 500 ships defending, they achieved a 73% interception rate, suffering minimal damage. Still, several dozen T2 ships were destroyed.
"Sealion, deploy all kamikaze drones! Target the enemy front fleet and wipe them out in one go! Punisher-class ships, keep firing until e
very last missile is spent!" Feng Mo ordered, determined to finish the fight.