Chapter 157: Penetration
“Titan Hit”
“Titan, Damage Control has commenced!”
“Grrr…”
The breath attack unleashed by the Wyvern caused several missiles that Titan had launched to explode nearby. The vertical launch system and its surrounding exterior were blown apart.
Fortunately, the breath attack itself did not cause significant damage. It was the missiles that took a direct hit, detonating their warheads and fuel due to the intense heat.
“Confirmation of fire spread due to scattered fuel.”
“Activating fire suppression systems! Forced purge of missiles in the launch tubes!”
Missiles loaded in the adjacent vertical launch system were released in a locked state. This was a precaution to prevent secondary explosions from the fire. Additionally, the carbon nanotube wires that crisscrossed the interior of the ship adjusted their tension, reinforcing the structures around the breach.
“Fire suppression complete. Damage dispersion mechanisms are functioning normally.”
“Wire tension is within acceptable limits. Emergency repair systems have begun to respond!”
Of course, they were not leaving the Wyvern unchecked during this time. The undamaged Oceanus continued to unleash its full firepower, while the turrets on Titan that had not sustained damage continued to rain down shells.
“Surely, a few missiles won’t bring it down…”
Commander Eve was well aware of the Titan Series’ resilience and its damage control technology. The carbon nanotube wires that reinforced the entire ship’s structure, along with the localized damage dispersion function achieved through wire tension adjustments, were key to its durability.
While carbon nanotubes had a weakness to heat, the ship was filled with flammable materials. The fire suppression systems were adequately equipped.
Moreover, the rapid repair capabilities provided by the track rails that allowed for swift movement throughout the ship, along with the deployed machinery, meant that while replacing the exterior was impossible, reinforcing the damaged structures was feasible. Even if they sustained some damage, they could likely prevent catastrophic structural failure.
“Titan’s attack power has decreased by 36% on its current trajectory. We will change course to secure a firing line.”
“…Ugh, this is hard on the heart…”
The relentless bombardment continued, with missiles occasionally flying in. The Wyvern was being tossed about in the air, struggling to evade the onslaught.
Nevertheless, its basic flying speed remained unaffected, and it had sustained little injury. It was proving to be a very troublesome opponent. Considering the power of that mysterious breath attack, a direct hit could pose a serious threat even to a Titan-class vessel.
“The previous breath attack had enough power to evaporate Titan’s heat-resistant structure. If it receives continuous exposure to the same spot for more than 0.3 seconds, it will penetrate the exterior.”
The Titan-class exterior was coated with heat-resistant paint to withstand fires. It seemed that the breath attack was evaporating that heat-resistant coating. Beneath the coating was a thin layer of aluminum alloy, which had no heat resistance. Once the coating evaporated, penetration would be easy.
“Perhaps because it’s a flying type, it has high defensive capabilities against long-range attacks, sister. If it can fly at that speed and respond to long-range attacks, it’s practically invincible.”
“…Are you suggesting it’s adapted to its environment? Still, yes. That Rain Kroin was incredibly tough, but this Wyvern was injured by a missile earlier.”
“While the Rain Kroin was exceptionally resilient from its outer skin to its internal tissues, calculations based on missile power suggest that the Wyvern likely does not possess that level of strength.”
Nodding at RINGO’s report, she acknowledged the situation. While the Wyvern was wrapped in a troublesome defense membrane, it seemed to have a hardness that could be dealt with.
If they could strip away that defense membrane, victory would be within reach.
“Fighter Squadron B has reached the designated distance. All units have launched AAMs (Air-to-Air Missiles).”
“At this distance, terminal velocity will reach Mach 6! With a barrage of missiles, we’ll neutralize the defense membrane, and then bombard it with the coilgun!”
Asahi seemed to be enjoying herself as always. Thanks to the tactical data link, she was watching in real-time. The sense of immersion from within The Tree’s display was incomparable.
While their commander was nervously pounding her heart, Asahi remained carefree.
On the screen, missiles struck the Wyvern one after another. The shells and missiles from Titan and Oceanus converged on the predicted trajectory based on the Wyvern’s previous evasive maneuvers.
“Confirmation of defense membrane disappearance; Oceanus has fired the coilgun.”
A brilliant flash of light pierced through the Wyvern.
“Penetration confirmed.”
The projectile, heated by aerodynamic forces, left a trail in the air.
“Was the power too high…?!”
The Wyvern writhed in pain. Ideally, the impact should have been just enough to leave a trace of the projectile inside, maximizing damage. However, if they reduced the initial velocity any further, the hit rate would drop drastically.
While getting closer would mitigate that issue, the Local Strategy AI was wary of further proximity.
“Indeed, the defense membrane is recovering in about a second. Compared to the records of the Rain Kroin, its durability and recovery seem to exceed expectations. Penetrating wound confirmed. Damage near the right leg joint, no internal damage. It seems the shot aimed at the torso missed.”
“After firing that many shells and missiles, we only landed one effective hit…”
Once again, the fighter squadron unleashed another wave of missiles. The missiles detached from their hardpoints, igniting as they accelerated.
“Titan, emergency repairs on the coilgun are complete. Targeting is finished.”
The main cannon of Titan, which had been rendered inoperative by the breath attack, was now operational again. It aimed to fire shells at the Wyvern, coordinating with Oceanus to strike at the moment the defense membrane vanished.
“Second wave of missiles, impact in 5 seconds. 4… The Wyvern is changing its trajectory, beginning its descent.”
The Wyvern, seemingly aware of the approaching missiles, finally took a descending path. It had been relentlessly pursuing Titan, but it seemed to have finally given up.
Twisting its body dramatically, it let out a roar.
“It appears to be a sonic attack. Missile losses: 8.”
A deafening sonic wave struck the missiles pursuing the Wyvern. Due to the sheer physical shock, the first three missiles misfired. The scattered debris damaged five more missiles, sending them careening off in unintended directions.
Then, the remaining forty missiles charged straight at the Wyvern.
Silver scales danced in the sky.
“Impact confirmed. Right shoulder penetrated. Left abdomen penetrated.”
The silver dragon staggered. It seemed that vital muscles had been injured, causing its right wing to lose power.
The anguished scream of the Wyvern echoed through the airspace.
“Did… did we do it?”
“Sister!?”
At her involuntary exclamation, her understanding sister, Asahi, immediately chimed in.
The Wyvern, having restored its defense membrane, began to descend further, converting the impact of the incoming shells into acceleration.
“The Wyvern’s flying speed has exceeded 1,200 km/h.”
The speed, already over 1,000 km/h, accelerated further due to its descent. The sudden change in velocity caught the barrage off guard, and the missiles were swallowed by the empty sky.
And the Wyvern did not miss that opportunity.
Once again, it unleashed its breath attack.
This time, it was neither from extreme range nor a desperate measure; it was a well-aimed strike. The breath passed from below to above at sub-light speed.
A scream of despair echoed in the command room as Commander Eve cried out.
“Titan, hit!”
The air plasma slammed into the exterior, penetrating it in 0.3 seconds. It seared through the internal structures, exiting on the opposite side. The slightly deviated breath attack expanded the breach even further.
A massive wave of radiant heat spread catastrophic damage to the surrounding structures.
Flames erupted from both the back and belly of Titan.