[ Empire's Fleet ETA: 11 days ]

Ace analyzed the battle plan that Escanor has suggested.

It only took a day for him to create this plan as if he has been waiting for this all along.

Of course, although he let the young man create this strategy, he would still have to check the feasibility of this plan…

In truth, planning the quick elimination of the conqueror starship is a huge task considering that they'll face dozens of spacecraft.

There is also the huge flagship that is ten times larger than the other spacecraft…

That one was not in Avalon's database so they just called it Imperial Starship for now… It must be one of the Empire's finest spacecraft.

Ace thought that the Omen IV in the Lagrange Point was already large, but the Imperial Starship was on a whole different level…

They can only wonder just how many people were inside that spacecraft…

'Mhmm… Utilizing the Mech Knight's Stealth System, huh… However, although the Stealth system they have was powered by magic or mana, the Mech Knights were still partially machine…'

Ace thought after he read the part where they have to rely on Stealth Mode… The Magic Spell itself is quite powerful but what was worrying him is that the Mech Knight might still be detected due to the machinery included in it…

They can't think too lightly about their radar technology…

The only reason that the mana-based Observer was still not being detected is that because it is purely made of materials related to mana…

It is unlike the Mech Knights that still rely on the machinery in most of its core parts.

'Using 30 Positron Impulse Cannon at the same time after disrupting their defenses using Mana Wave or Traceless Oscillation, huh… Well, that's not a bad idea.'

Escanor was also expecting that the Empire's Starship has a forcefield similar or stronger than the Dorssia Empire in the virtual game.

However, because he knows that they have Magic Spells to disrupt or weaken it, he didn't hesitate to boldly use this strategy.

The improved Positron Impulse Cannon was also something that can be easily equipped by all the Mech Knights if they wanted to do so… Aside from this, Escanor also planned several more Grade 3 Magic Spells to support the operation…

"Mhmm… Interesting… Avalon, what do you say?"

[ This is theoretically possible. However, we will be facing a total of 31 spacecraft, we have to consider the actions of the others or we might be cornered in a tight spot. ]

"I get your point. How about we increase the diversion planned here?"

[ What kind of increase? ]

"We will time it with the space mines that we planted. Or perhaps increase the number of missiles to disrupt their communications?"

Ace voiced his thoughts. Since their number is smaller, Ace had created several strategies to compensate for it…

They are the inclusion of the automatons, traps, Mana Artifacts, and others Adept Mages piloting the Mech Knights…

Of course, one of his best strategies for this was his method of disrupting their communications.

If they stopped their coordination, they could easily hunt their target spacecraft especially with their fast-moving Mech Knights including Providence that is both powered by Mana and Aether.

Ace and Avalon worked together to create an improved version of Escanor's plan.

That's right, they will be eliminating the Conqueror Starship as quickly as possible… It may sound ridiculous but it should be possible considering the number of resources they will be pouring to accomplish this.

Aside from this, Ace hated that Starship as well. After all, it looked like the spacecraft that destroyed their Red Star Town.

[ Empire's Fleet ETA: 10 days ]

Ace looked at the various Mana Artifacts in front of him.

Although they have spacesuits and other such advanced technology, the Artifacts were still integral parts of their force.

"Ehem… Ehem…"

Ace called everyone within the gathering hall of the Moon Base to make an announcement…

After Avalon confirmed that everyone has already entered, he greeted everyone to get their attention.

He thanked them for gathering and immediately went straight to the real reason why he asked them to convene here. This is quite an unusual event since Wallace wouldn't normally call for them like this and would just message them through a device or perhaps use Avalon to relay his message.

"Everyone, you will have to take one of these Mana Artifacts with you at all cost… This may save your life especially to the pilots that will be battling in the front lines."

As soon as he said this, the crowd became quite excited.

What was in front of them is a metal ball of unknown purpose… Although Ace said that it could save their life, no one can easily appraise the item as it was blocking their senses…

Perhaps only an Arcane Artificer or experienced magician can help them to identify this… Nevertheless, everyone celebrated… Who doesn't want a free Mana Artifact?

Anyway, this is just one of the perks of passing Wallace's evaluation and be included in this Space Mission.

***

The meeting didn't last long and ended after Ace confirmed that everyone has taken their Mana Artifact.

"Zhilina… The war is approaching… Have you contacted your family on the surface?"

"Yes… I already spoke with them… Ha~ It seems that my little brother wanted to apply at the recruitment. I wanted to tell Wallace not to accept him but I'm really feeling bad for it…"

"Whoa! He's so brave?!"

"Ha! Of course! But that's not it… I think he got too engrossed in playing the Alien Invasion Game… He now wants the real deal. Sigh~"

"Well, I know a lot who got addicted within this game... He'll calm down after a while, don't worry... Anyway, the game is pretty well made and it has a good community, he should be fine."

Zhilina's friend replied. Everyone here played the game at some point before becoming a crew in this mission, so they could somehow understand each other.

The Chief Engineer nodded at this as she grabbed the Metal Ball Mana Artifact to study it… She wanted to busy her mind so she planned to study this Artifact.

'Haa~ As expected of the Traceless Hands, he even created a Magic Node to gift us…'

'Eh?! This is a Magic Node? Aren't they meant for creating a city-wide Magic Barrier?"

"Yes… This is a simplified one… This is quite scary… He truly lives up to his reputation." Zhilina expressed her true feelings after realizing how amazing this item was.