This time, the Expanse Covenant's forces outnumbered the Imperium Caelestis by multiples, their fleet bolstered by thousands of starfighter-class ships that rained relentless attacks down on the Imperial warships like a torrential storm.
At first glance, victory seemed within the Expanse Covenant's reach. But the real problems—far more complex—soon began to reveal themselves.
First, the weaponry on both sides was not on equal footing.
To bring down a single X-Wing or TIE fighter from the Imperium Caelestis, the Expanse Covenant had to expend resources worth multiple times—even tens of times—the cost of the enemy's craft. Yet despite that, in both firepower and maneuverability, the Imperium's starfighter-based ships maintained a decisive edge, with lethality that was undeniable.
"Attention, everyone! Regroup! Regroup!"
A flood of alien voices in a myriad of languages poured over the communication channels, making Lunubi's head spin. This was the second major problem the Expanse Covenant faced.
Since the Alliance had formed suddenly and plunged straight into battle, many civilizations within it did not understand each other's languages—and ironically, there were almost no adequate translators.
After Lunubi took command, each civilization fought almost independently, with no effective coordination.
As a result, the entire Expanse Covenant force was like a scattered grain of sand—disorganized and hard to control.
"Attention! Bombers, strike the enemy warship command positions! Remaining fighters, fall back and take cover!"
Command voices from each formation leader echoed through the Imperium Caelestis' comm channels.
With tight fighter cover, TIE bombers surged forward toward the enemy frigates.
"Bombs away!"
Two proton grenades and a thermal detonator, uncontrollable yet deadly, slammed right onto their targets.
"Explosion!"
The massive blast crippled the enemy frigate's combat power and capabilities. In an instant, it turned into debris scattering across the galaxy.
"Damn it! Where is the shield launcher?! Why isn't it activated yet?!"
The captain of a cruiser on another flank screamed in hysteria as he watched his comrades' ship explode helplessly.
"Sir, those weapons belong to the Central Ring Civilization. We haven't had much experience using them," answered an officer anxiously.
The third problem emerged from the rushed organization. Outer circle soldiers barely recognized the warships and weapons provided by the central ring. They had entered the battlefield without any training.
"Then go see for yourself! I refuse to be space garbage!"
The Expanse Covenant captain yelled desperately at the officer flipping through the operation manual. But it was already too late.
The second formation had targeted them. In a synchronized move, two bombers dropped proton grenades straight onto the enemy cockpit. Immediately, a huge fireball consumed the officers and captains inside.
"Target destroyed."
Other warships lost control, awaiting their turn to be wiped out by the deadly weapons of the Star Destroyer.
"Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn!"
One by one, their ships exploded, and the courage of the alien royal forces slowly eroded. In this decisive battle against the human empire, their resolve began to break.
---
The fourth problem was about human courage and the ability to cooperate. Without bravery, even the most advanced technology was worthless. But humans were not only brave—they also knew how to organize teamwork efficiently and wield technology effectively.
"Number 3, your left wing is damaged. The warship will repair it shortly!"
A TIE fighter from the fifth formation advanced boldly, its torn left wing trembling but holding firm.
"I'm TIE Fighter Pilot No. 3 from the fifth formation. My left wing has been hit, and I can't return. I repeat, I can't return. I'll open the path for the formation. Follow me!"
With incredible speed, the TIE Fighter dove sharply, targeting the enemy's largest fortress.
"For the honor of the Imperial Navy! For the Holy Emperor! Charge!"
Shouting, the fighter rammed into laser turrets and blew the fortress up with a massive explosion.
"Now! Move!"
There was no time to mourn fallen comrades. Every action was based on strategic purpose. As long as the war could be won, they were ready to do anything—even crash into each other.
"Attention all! Separate the enemy fleet and destroy them one by one!"
The scattered forces of the Expanse Covenant were now split apart by relentless starfighter attacks.
"Careless…"
Lunubi slumped in the pilot's seat, eyes empty as she watched her warships explode one after another across the galaxy.
They once believed the Imperium Caelestis would win easily. Aside from luck, they'd only bluffed a few smaller civilizations. When the enemy forces gained technology from the central ring civilizations, they could rival the Imperium Caelestis. But victory? That was still impossible.
This harsh reality struck them hard. They weren't just surrounded and pushed back—they were being crushed mercilessly.
---
"Fall back to the green hills—don't worry about running out of firewood."
The order to retreat was given. As Lunubi prepared to lead her team to Xelapin, she found her jump device wouldn't activate. Not just hers—every remaining warship suffered the same fate.
Lunubi immediately suspected that the Imperium Caelestis had developed technology to block enemy ships from jumping.
"There's no other choice. Engines, start up! To those brave enough—we'll win when we meet again on the narrow path! We must keep attacking and find a weakness!"
But Lunubi's voice, echoing across the fleet, failed to ignite courage. The remaining aliens hesitated, doubts creeping in as they questioned the orders.
They had already lost the will to continue a battle that was clearly over.