The doctrine of the Moon Elf star empire's navy stated that the battle should be waged when both sides were ready, and the commanders introduced themselves before opening fire.
However, the Kinokians didn't give a damn about that and opened fire immediately, hitting the elven ships' shields as they approached.
Seeing this, Lysara, who was the fleet commander of the elven fleet, was surprised, as this was the same way the Lantean fleet fought, with total disregard for honor and glory.
Despite Arien's warnings, she still held to the doctrine that was drilled into her in the academy, and now her fleet was paying the price for it.
-All ships fire at will. Focus fire on the heavy ships first.
She ordered, snapping back into reality and finally understanding why their allies fought the way they did.
The elven fleet immediately sprang into action, opening up with everything they had, sending a devastating barrage of energy weapons fire, followed by missiles and torpedoes, that ripped through the funganoid fleet like a tidal wave of destruction and allowed the elves to regain the initiative.
The difference in the technological level of the ships became painfully obvious as almost half of the enemy fleet was destroyed or lost its shields after just this one barrage, and the elves were not done yet, as they fired again as soon as it was possible, focusing on the heaviest ships, which till now were the cruisers.
Arien observed the elven fleet's progress, ready to plug the hole in their defense at the first sign of the elves being in real trouble.
But the elven fleet pleasantly surprised her when, after tanking the first shots of the enemy, they fired back with devastating results.
The admiral was not the only one who was surprised at this development, as the emperor and Teleren were also closely monitoring the situation.
-Didn't you say that your officers have a hard time adapting to the situation?
Arien asked over the comms.
-They do, and believe me, I'm as surprised as anyone that Lysara adapted so fast.
Teleren said, still in disbelief at what he was watching on the screen.
-Maybe the change is so drastic because this is a real battle and real pressure.
Dorothy suggested.
-What do you mean?
The elf asked.
-It's simple.
In a simulation or a game, if you lose, then you simply restart, and you can try again, not losing anything but time.
This, however, is a real battle, and if she makes a mistake, as she did in the beginning, her fleet will suffer for it, and her subordinates will die.
This might be enough to force her to adapt to the conditions of the battlefield, despite what she was taught in the academy.
Additionally, I suspect that all of your officers might have the same reaction to the real battle.
The data analyst explained.
-Let's hope that this is true, or my empire might be in trouble if the War period is really on its way.
Teleren said, praying for the woman to be right.
As the discussion continued in the command center, Lysara was contacted by Arien.
-Fleet commander, send the corvettes from your left flank back to recharge their shields.
The admiral ordered.
-Yes, ma'am.
Lysara answered and ordered the ships to the back immediately, while wondering how the admiral knew that these ships' shields were below twenty percent.
In the end, Arien had thousands of vessels under her own command.
However, this was not the time to ask such questions.
The weakening of the firepower allowed the Kinokians to start slowly moving forward again; however, right in the next moment, they were decimated by a barrage of big torpedoes that slammed into them from the side.
-You should also remember that you are not fighting alone and have allies to help you when you need them.
Arien's voice sounded as soon as the attack tore up the Kinokian vessels.
-But, Admiral, you said that it is our job to destroy the ships that slip through.
The elven commander said.
-Yes, I did, but I never said that you can't ask for support.
There is a difference between fighting when you are alone, and there is no one to help you, and when you are a part of a bigger force that can aid you when you are in trouble or need a moment to rearrange your forces.
Additionally, you should pay more attention to the state of your forces to minimize your losses by rotating them when needed.
Right now, your subordinates just got their first real taste of combat, which, according to Lord Terelen, makes them incredibly valuable, not only to him and the princess but to your whole empire, so try not to get them killed.
-With all due respect, Admiral, why do I feel like I'm back in the academy, listening to a lecture about the basics of combat?
Lysara finally could not hold back the question she wanted to ask from the beginning.
-Maybe because you are here not only to aid us in battle, but also to gain combat experience, and I was tasked to help you acquire said experience and teach you how to survive in a real battlefield.
Arien explained.
-I understand, Admiral.
The elf answered, trying her best to sound neutral.
-Good.
Now leave the command of the fleet to your second in command and come to the flagship.
Arien said, deciding that it was time to have a little face-to-face with the elven commander, while letting her second in command get the true taste of command in battle.
-I'm on my way, Admiral.
Lysara said and did as she was ordered, despite not understanding the reason for being summoned to the flagship.
However, in her experience, being summoned by the admiral was not a good sign.
Not to mention that it was highly irregular to summon a fleet commander in the middle of a battle.
-Arien, what are you planning?
Andrew asked over the comms when he heard her last order.
-Nothing much.
It's just that Lysara reminds me a lot of myself right after I left the academy, and I want to try to convince her to avoid some of the mistakes I made back then, which won't be easy, since she seems quite stubborn, and if I'm not mistaken, she is a total perfectionist with something to prove, which is a dangerous combination.
She has the potential to be a great fleet commander or even an admiral, but with her way of doing things, it will take a lot of time and unnecessary casualties before her potential is fully realized.
I want to speed it up and avoid the casualties if it's possible.