War Begins

At the same time, the Earth Alliance fleet had also fully deployed.

Dense swarms of fighter jets poured from their massive carriers and escort ships like bees. Screaming sharply through the air, armed with short-range air-to-air missiles and autocannons, they formed waves of black steel and closed in at full speed on Orb's low-altitude defensive perimeter with overwhelming force, preparing to tear apart Orb's outer defenses from the sky and provide fire support for the forces fighting along Orb's coastline.

But Orb did not rely solely on its surface fleet.

Along Orb's crescent-shaped coastline, countless brightly painted M1 Astrays, like living sculptures, had already lined up side by side. Like a solid wall forged from steel, they formed a defensive line that struck fear into the heart.

Every M1 Astray raised its Beam Rifle, their muzzles gleaming dangerously in the morning light as they reinforced their positions for the coming ground defense battle. Orb's defensive system was like an impenetrable, sturdy net, waiting for the invaders to arrive.

Deep within Orb's territorial waters, a massive white warship was making its final preparations. It lay silently submerged beneath the surface like a white whale waiting to break free from its cocoon. It was the Archangel.

The atmosphere on the bridge was equally tense, yet everything remained orderly. The instant the Orb Army relayed the news of "war" to the Archangel's bridge through the encrypted communications system, every crew member tensed.

Captain Murrue Ramius kept her eyes fixed on the water-level readings and depth sensors ahead.

After confirming the authorization to commence hostilities from Orb's high command and the condition of her own ship, her calm, composed voice rang clearly and powerfully through the bridge with unquestionable authority. "Archangel, move out!"

The moment the order was given, the heavy drainage system beneath