After discovering *The Unnamed One of Egrum*, Ella quickly organized the fleet to tow the legendary warship back to the base—a massive space assembly yard hidden deep within the asteroid belt. The X10 engineering ship abandoned its mining task and instead assisted in the towing, with steel cables firmly securing the colossal vessel. The FG3000 multi-purpose frigates circled around, their engines humming in quiet vigilance. The AC721 carrier-based destroyers and the *Luminous Cone*-class missile cruiser brought up the rear, while ray-like drones hovered above the fleet. Ella stood on the bridge of the *Luminous Cone*, her eyes fixed on the holographic display as *The Unnamed One of Egrum* slowly moved, confirming that the towing progress was proceeding smoothly.
Midway through the journey, the sensor array suddenly emitted a piercing alarm. Two massive silhouettes emerged from the outer edge of the asteroid belt, moving at an astonishing speed. The holographic display locked onto the targets, and data revealed them to be two *Sun Whale*-class aircraft carriers. Ella's pupils narrowed as she whispered, "They're here."
"Report!" Kira shouted. "Enemy ships are within attack range, weapons are charged!"
On the screen, the details of the *Sun Whale* were clearly visible. Each carried two BG-2450A twin-barrel heavy cannons, their muzzles menacing; every six seconds, two MK3-BM-8x320 missiles were launched from their missile bays, covering a wide area. On the carrier decks, fighter jets stood ready for deployment.
"Full combat status!" Ella ordered. "FG3000 intercept the fighters, AC721 and the *Luminous Cone* engage the *Sun Whales*, protect *The Unnamed One of Egrum*!"
The fleet adjusted formation, engines roaring to life.
The battle erupted instantly. The *Sun Whale*'s BG-2450A heavy cannons opened fire first, shells tearing through the void and striking one of the FG3000 frigates. The ship was torn apart, explosions scattering across the battlefield. Immediately after, the missile bays launched two MK3-BM-8x320 missiles directly at the fleet. Ella reacted swiftly. "Raya-class drones intercept!" The AC721 released its Raya escort vessels, and several drones rushed toward the missiles, detonating them mid-air, sending shockwaves through the fleet.
The enemy offensive did not stop. The *Sun Whale* launched its fighter squadrons—dozens of jets diving toward the FG3000s. The SG-1500B cannons fired in rapid succession, shooting down several enemies, but the frigates were outnumbered, one by one consumed by the relentless firepower. Ella turned to Kira. "Lock onto the *Sun Whales*, launch all missiles!"
The *Luminous Cone* repositioned, multiple-warhead missiles screaming forward, impacting one of the *Sun Whales*' shields. Explosions raged, the enemy's shield flickering but remaining intact. The AC721 joined the fight, SG-2275D cannons and Raya drones suppressing the enemy fighters, but the second wave of *Sun Whale* missiles targeted the X10 engineering ship.
"Protect the engineering ship!" Ella shouted. A FG3000 rushed forward to block the missiles, only to be engulfed in fire moments later. She clenched her fists and ordered, "All ships, cover *The Unnamed One of Egrum*, retreat to the base!"
The fleet fought while retreating, the *Luminous Cone* and AC721 concentrating fire to delay the enemy. The *Sun Whale*'s BG-2450A cannons fired again, hitting the *Luminous Cone*'s stern, damaging the propulsion system and causing a sudden drop in speed. Missiles came every six seconds, bombarding the fleet and shaking their formation. Ella stared at the holographic display. "Hold on for one more minute—the base artillery can support us."
The asteroids became a barrier, the fleet maneuvering through narrow passages to evade fire. The *Sun Whale*'s fighters pursued relentlessly, and the Raya drones fought desperately, their numbers rapidly decreasing. Just as the fleet teetered on the brink of collapse, the remote artillery of the space assembly yard activated, firing shells that struck one of the *Sun Whales*' bow. The enemy's shield collapsed, its engine damaged. The other *Sun Whale*, seeing this, retreated with its remaining fighters.
The fleet, dragging the wreckage, returned to the space assembly yard. Mechanical arms from the general dock received the damaged ships. Ella stepped off the *Luminous Cone*, her gaze scanning the fleet—three FG3000s destroyed, two X10 engineering ships written off, the AC721 and *Luminous Cone* heavily damaged. She turned to look at *The Unnamed One of Egrum*, which now lay still, its hull unscathed, the armor of the Holy Empire impervious.
In the bridge, Kira reported: "The fleet has lost half its strength, but *The Unnamed One of Egrum* has safely returned."
Ella nodded. "Immediately repair the fleet. Activate *The Unnamed One of Egrum*'s power systems. Prepare for the next operation."
The space assembly yard was illuminated, machinery coming to life. Ella returned to the command center, her gaze fixed on the holographic projection of *The Unnamed One of Egrum*. A complex emotion stirred within her.