Prelude to War

The exercise proceeded as scheduled, and none of the Pegasus Group personnel involved knew about the maneuvering behind the scenes.

In truth, this had been a routine inspection meant to assess the fleet's preparedness, execution, and combat readiness.

Sudden inspections could uncover certain problems.

Especially with new warships entering service and training, exercises like this were actually held more frequently.

One of the detached fleets, led by a single new battlecruiser, arrived at the designated area.

According to the exercise plan, they had been ordered to carry out a sniping mission, so they were fully armed and ready for battle at any moment.

No one treated it as a drill. Every one of them took it extremely seriously, running all kinds of hypothetical simulations.

Then, a distress signal suddenly came through.

The fleet detachment commander nearly thought it was a surprise attack arranged by headquarters.

However, after the communications officer checked the code, his expression turned tense.

"Commander, it's a genuine distress signal. We need to prepare for engagement."

The commander reacted quickly—or rather, the instincts drilled into him by training had already become a conditioned reflex.

"Combat status. All warships, enter combat status. This is not a drill. This is not a drill."

"Cruiser 001 is ready."

"Frigate 006 is ready."

Report after report converged on the command center. Having composed himself, the commander calmly gave the order, "Move out. Move out."

Piloting brand-new warships and encountering the enemy for the first time, it was impossible not to have thoughts about it.

Maple Leaf Mining had suppressed Pegasus Group in several battles. There was no way they did not harbor some resentment.

Very soon, they spotted the patrol ships under siege.

This patrol fleet consisted only of destroyer formations. Their rapid maneuverability was strong, but their firepower and