Chapter 99: Silent Execution
The enemy fleet hesitated, their ships locked in formation, scanning for a ghost they couldn't see. Raizen's Draconic Flagship remained hidden, its cloaking systems bending light and energy, rendering it nothing more than a whisper in the void.
Inside the command deck, Liana monitored the enemy fleet. "They're shifting tactics. Tightening formation, preparing for countermeasures."
Kain scoffed. "Doesn't matter if they don't know where to shoot."
Raizen leaned back, watching the holo-displays. "Let's make them feel truly powerless."
He gave the command. The Draconic Flagship maneuvered with unnatural precision, slipping into a new attack vector. Another pulse of energy charged at its core—this time, not an EMP.
A focused ion beam lanced through the void, striking one of the smaller attack ships. The vessel's hull melted instantly, its shields unable to repel the concentrated burst. Within seconds, the ship ruptured, exploding into debris.
Joran grinned. "One down."
Panic spread through the fleet. Their transmissions spiked, frenzied orders scrambling to locate their invisible predator. But before they could act, Raizen struck again.
A high-velocity rail slug tore through the second corvette, punching a clean hole through its hull. The ship lurched, venting atmosphere before its systems failed entirely.
Liana smirked. "Two down."
The remaining ships desperately adjusted their formations, now shifting into full defensive mode. The mid-range frigate, their command vessel, took charge, deploying automated countermeasures—sensor drones, wide-range energy dispersals, and blind-targeting rail cannons.
"They're trying to flush us out," Kain noted.
Raizen chuckled. "Let's see how they handle a ghost."
The Decisive Blow
The Draconic Flagship moved unseen, darting through the battlefield with a grace no normal ship could match. The enemy's blind fire rained through space, missing by miles, their desperation evident.
Raizen locked onto the enemy's command frigate. "Let's end this."
His flagship surged forward. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed a burst of micro-missiles, each one twisting unpredictably through space, targeting the frigate's engines.
The impacts detonated in sequence, ripping through the frigate's propulsion systems. The ship lurched violently, half of its rear section engulfed in flames.
The comms lit up. A desperate transmission. "Cease fire! We surrender!"
Silence fell on the bridge. Joran exhaled. "Didn't think they'd crack that fast."
Raizen's golden eyes gleamed. "They just realized they were already dead."
He opened the comms. "Stand down and prepare to be boarded. Try anything, and I'll finish what I started."
There was no hesitation in their response. "Understood. We surrender."
Raizen smirked. The hunt was over. Now it was time to learn exactly who they were… and who sent them.