"Combat begins!"
At the same time, the voice of the chief referee announcing the start of the battle echoed through the Bridges of both the Blizzard Zero and the T2 Bald Eagle-class Light Interstellar Cruiser.
In the Duel Arbitration Zone, those supporting Victor cheered excitedly.
"Go, young master Victor!"
"Young master Victor, teach that overconfident guy a good lesson."
"I hope that Zachary can struggle a bit longer. Otherwise, if the battle ends in a few minutes, it would be too much of a waste for us who specially came to watch, wouldn't it… Hahahaha."
These speakers were all Victor's cronies, and they completely believed that the victory of this starship duel belonged to Victor.
Among the spectators, Jessica Shae was naturally present.
She coldly watched the broadcast video, which was transmitted via battlefield drones. It showed both starships departing from their 'spawn points' and beginning to advance toward the enemy starship's direction, assuming their courses remained unchanged. After ten minutes, both starships would enter each other's firing range.
Zachary, this time you're overestimating yourself. If you get expelled, you'll be reaping what you sow. Don't blame me, Jessica thought to herself.
In her mind, this duel naturally had no suspense. Besides Victor winning, were there any other possibilities?
Blizzard Zero · Bridge
"Maintain a cruising speed of 40 knots in the current direction of travel."
Vice Captain Charlotte, under Zachary's authorization, was now responsible for the combat deployment of this starship.
"40 knots? You're planning to play dumb to catch a big fish," Zachary said with a light chuckle, looking at Charlotte.
Charlotte said indifferently, "I just don't want to waste time on trivial matters."
Zachary, feeling bored, raised his hand and pulled up the data page for the Blizzard Zero via holographic projection.
Blizzard Zero
Ship Type: Star Cruiser (Interstellar Destroyer, Interstellar Battleship)
Technology Level: T2
Hull Armor Strength: 210 units - 270 units
Cruising Speed: 100 knots
Warp Drive: Level 3 Warp Drive
Mass: 85,000 tons
Crew Capacity: 50 people
Starship Weapons:
One T2 Heavy 1200mm Devil Alligator Cannon (one shot at a time, 300-second interval)
Five T2 Medium Hyena Laser Cannons (one shot at a time, 180-second interval)
Thirty T2 Medium 130mm CIWS Turrets (two shots at a time, no interval)
The three types of weapons equipped on the Blizzard Zero—the latter two were directly mounted on the hull surface, while the first one had a hidden design. This was a trick Zachary had up his sleeve.
"Can I guess your combat plan?" Zachary rubbed his chin, looking at Charlotte.
"You are the captain. You can reclaim my command at any time. Here, your words are oracle," Vice Captain Charlotte said.
Zachary raised his hand and opened another, slightly simpler, starship data file. It was for the opposing T2 Bald Eagle.
T2 Bald Eagle-class Light Interstellar Cruiser (Estimated)
Weapon Systems:
Five T2 Medium 180mm rapid-fire cannons (10-second interval)
Twenty T2 Medium 150mm quad-barreled CIWS turrets (four shots at a time, no interval)
One T2 Medium Bald Eagle Laser Main Cannon (one shot at a time, 210-second interval)
Zachary's eyes gleamed: "First, our advantage lies in the fact that they have no understanding of our starship's performance. You just ordered to maintain a speed of 40 knots, which is to create a false impression for the opponent that our starship's maximum speed is only around 40 knots. But when the actual engagement begins, we'll surprise them.
"The T2 Bald Eagle's five T2 Medium 180mm rapid-fire cannons have good destructive power, but their range isn't far. The only real threat to us is their Laser Main Cannon.
"So, at that time, we can seize the opportunity. When the enemy's Laser Main Cannon fires, we can suddenly accelerate and pull away, evading their attack. The trajectory of the Laser Main Cannon's attack is predictable, and the time it takes to hit is also enough for us to dodge. Once this Laser Main Cannon enters its charging and cooldown period, that's when we can bully them."
Charlotte looked at Zachary: "You didn't waste your time at the military academy. I've never seen a starship among T2 starships that can reach 100 knots. That's why I previously evaluated this Blizzard Zero as an 'undefeatable starship within T2.'"
Having predicted the general combat plan, Zachary leisurely sat in the Captain's chair, waiting for the show to begin.
Soon, the Blizzard Zero and the T2 Bald Eagle appeared within each other's starship radar detection range.
Charlotte glanced at the time and muttered, "Ten forty-five."
At the same time, she set a countdown, which was holographically projected between her and Zachary.
"Countdown 10:00"
This girl was serious—she had told Zachary earlier that the battle would end in ten minutes.
Meanwhile, the T2 Bald Eagle also made a move.
"Report, target detected. The target is approaching our position at a speed of about forty knots," the Radar Officer reported.
"Full speed ahead! Blast that shabby starship!" Victor said excitedly.
Vice Captain Cheng Wang glanced at Victor. Logically, advancing at full speed without understanding the enemy starship's performance was a major taboo on the interstellar battlefield. But then he thought about how the opponent was just a student, and that odd-looking starship really didn't look impressive from the outside. The weapons equipped on its hull weren't much to look at either. Presumably, there wasn't much threat.
Moreover, this T2 Bald Eagle had a high speed of 65 knots, so if any unexpected situation arose, they could completely rely on their high speed to react accordingly.
"Captain's order: Our ship will proceed at full speed toward the target. All weapons are to enter standby mode." Although this was an order directly issued by Cheng Wang, he still gave face to Victor, using Victor's name, as he was working for him after all.
"Use our T2 Laser Main Cannon. Once we're within attack range, give them a shot first to let them witness the power gap between starships. Hahaha… I estimate that Zachary will be so scared he'll fall off the Captain's chair then."
Victor seemed to have already envisioned Zachary's comically frightened expression.
"Yes." Vice Captain Cheng Wang had no objection to this arrangement, as this was merely a duel with a predetermined outcome.
Soon, both starships were about to enter their maximum firing range.
Charlotte's eyes were fixed on the starship radar map, as if waiting for something.
"Warning! Warning! Detecting ongoing laser weapon attack!"
"Warning! Warning! Detecting…"
"Warn…"
Zachary noticed the slight upward curve of Charlotte's lips, and the ripples appearing in her eyes, which had previously been as still as dead water.
"Full speed hard right!" Vice Captain Charlotte barked.