The fleet assembled by the M'tok Union was made up of various mercenary fleets to begin with, with no coordination between them whatsoever.
So once they began losing, once a single ship broke away from the battlefield and fled, the resulting chain reaction would turn defeat into a total rout.
"We've lost! Get out of here!"
The chain reaction began when the first mercenary fleet's flagship withdrew from the battlefield, making a sweeping turn under fire and racing toward the Hyperlane.
Unwilling to lay down their lives for the M'tok Union, the mercenary leaders withdrew their fleets one after another to preserve their own forces.
The M'tok fleet lost its will to fight and disintegrated on the spot into scattered groups of ships.
"They've lost! M'tok has lost! Victory belongs to humanity!"
Some captain shouted excitedly over the comms, immediately setting off a thunderous wave of cheers.
"Under the Marshal's protection, humanity shall prevail!"
"Banzai!!!"
Wild joy spread through the entire Second Fleet over the comms. Even the Surrendered Mercenary Fleet was overjoyed.
Our honored human masters have won! Next, they'll surely establish a puppet M'tok Union and let us share in the spoils!
Commander Ningdi Lingling, however, threw cold water on their enthusiasm over the comms. "Fellow officers, don't celebrate just yet. This isn't over."
"Begin pursuit immediately! Destroy them where they stand, or drive them back into the Shazka System!"
The commander forcibly suppressed the fleet's urge to celebrate and ordered them to continue the pursuit.
"Exactly. This was just an ordinary battle. The real war is still far from over."
Having watched the entire engagement from the bridge, Xi Yan couldn't help praising the coolheaded commander.
"Thank you, Marshal..."
Ningdi Lingling was a little embarrassed. "That's only the most basic principle..."
"Regardless, you've earned your share of