The previously vigilant gun barrels aimed at the Warp Point frantically swiveled, weaving a dense interception network of point defense cannon fire across the sides and rear of the warships.
Countless dazzling energy beams and explosive flashes tore through the original darkness.
In the haste, some small frigates and destroyers began maneuvering to provide cover for the flagship, creating brief chaos and gaps in the entire defensive system.
Meanwhile, the Federation's "Swift" fighter craft groups, like sharks smelling blood, skillfully navigated through the less-than-tight interception fire net.
They launched precision-guided fusion missiles and high-velocity armor-piercing shells toward vulnerable areas emitting tempting energy signals.
Engine nozzles, radar domes, communication array bases...
The flames and explosions of the first wave of strikes suddenly illuminated the night sky on the outskirts of S-22.
Qin Bei Wang's first strike didn't target the expected Warp Point, but instead delivered a heavy blow to the defenders' weak flank.
Aboard the Obsidian Fleet's flagship, "Unbreakable Bulwark."
When the emergency report came in about the Beryl and Emerald Fleets being ambushed from the S-22 direction.
Lancaster stared at the tactical screen, remaining completely silent for a full five seconds.
Shock washed over him like ice water.
S-22!
That farthest preset Warp Point, over four billion kilometers from the Elvira boundary line!
Qin Bei Wang's main fleet had actually penetrated deep into that position without detection!
"How did he do it?"
The Chief of Staff exclaimed involuntarily.
"Was the boundary monitoring network completely blind?
Or were those engine traces..."
Lancaster instantly understood.
Those scattered high-energy reactions along the boundary weren't minor infiltrations or feints at all.
They were the traces left by Qin Bei Wang's main fleet crossing the boundary - evidence they couldn't completely conceal despite their best efforts!
His decision to consolidate forces and defend the Warp Points had actually allowed the enemy's main force to slip right under his nose and travel deep into the most unexpected position!
A chill ran down his spine.
Such a bold deep penetration, placing the entire fleet deep within enemy territory - if discovered and encircled, it would be certain death.
This young man was either a mad gambler, or he had absolute confidence in his stealth capabilities and intelligence advantage.
But after the initial shock, cold fire and the sharpness of an experienced hunter quickly ignited in Lancaster's eyes.
Qin Bei Wang had made a mistake.
He had revealed the exact location of his main force, and he had attacked Lancaster's deployed fleets.
"Order the Emerald and Beryl Fleets!"
Lancaster's voice regained its usual steadiness and decisiveness, speaking rapidly.
"Provide alternating cover while withdrawing toward the general position of the Bloodblade Fleet!
Note: Maintain withdrawal speed at the tactical minimum, keeping contact with the enemy.
Make it appear as a forced and panicked retreat - make them think you're prey that can be 'devoured'!"
He wanted to ignite Qin Beiwang's desire to pursue, luring him deeper in.
Immediately after, he turned to the communications officer.
"Connect to the 'Gorgon' at once!
Order Colonel Zane Barrett to mobilize all Bloodblade Fleet units that have arrived in the Savannah Star System.
Full speed toward the S-22 Warp Point area!
Have them clamp down hard on Qin Beiwang's tail, pressuring him from the flank and rear, preventing him from easily disengaging!
Tell him the prey has taken the bait—it's time to close the net!"
Finally, Lancaster looked at the main fleet formation chart.
"All remaining sub-fleets.
Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst, and all units of the Directly Subordinate Fleet.
Immediately adjust course, target S-22!
We will press forward from the front at maximum speed!"
His finger traced a vast arc on the star chart, as if to completely envelop the S-22 area.
"Emerald and Beryl are the bait, fighting while retreating, drawing him in pursuit.
Barrett's 'Bloodblade' is the chain, entangling him from behind.
And our Obsidian main force will be the hammer, smashing down from the front."
A cold, hunter's smile appeared on Lancaster's face.
Qin Beiwang's bold penetration had indeed been unexpected, dealing him a heavy blow.
But now, since this cunning fox had voluntarily leaped into the relatively open S-22 area and greedily bitten the bait he had thrown out,
he was confident he could turn this star domain into a graveyard for the Pluto Fleet.
"Entire fleet, maximum combat speed, advance!"
He ordered in a low voice.
"Let's give this young Federation Commander a proper lesson in what it means... to enter the depths easily but struggle to get out!"
The massive Obsidian main fleet, like a waking behemoth, began to turn and accelerate, carrying an aura of crushing everything in its path as it surged toward S-22.
A net woven from experience, numbers, and fury began to rapidly tighten.
Lancaster was determined to use an indisputable encirclement and annihilation to thoroughly wash away the earlier passivity and the current shock.
Savannah Star System, S-22 area, combat airspace.
The first wave of "Swift" fighter craft strikes fell like hailstones into a wheat field, causing shocking devastation within the loose defensive formations of the Emerald and Beryl Fleets.
Four destroyers on the periphery, in the midst of emergency maneuvers, had their relatively thin broadside armor penetrated by precise fusion missiles.
The flash of engine detonations instantly tore them apart into four expanding clouds of metal and fiery wreckage.
Two cruisers attempting to advance to cover the flagships were targeted by multiple fighter squadrons, their concentrated high-velocity armor-piercing shell chains sweeping across their superstructures and weapon arrays.
This triggered chain explosions, causing severe hull tilting and the loss of most combat capability, with thick smoke and electrical fires gushing from the breaches.
Piercing damage reports and crew casualty figures instantly flooded the bridges of the "Jade Crown" and "Soul of the Deep Forest."
Emerald Fleet Commander Cole West gripped the edge of the command console, his knuckles white.
Watching on the tactical screen as the icons representing his fleet's ships dimmed one after another or flashed yellow indicating heavy damage, he gritted his teeth.
"This firepower... this penetration speed... these are definitely not ordinary Tier 3 or even Tier 4 fighter craft!
They're Tier 5! They must be the Federation's latest Tier 5 'Swifts'!"
Beryl Fleet Commander Mason Barnes also wore a grim expression.
In the communication channel, point defense cannon operators could be heard roaring one after another.
"Point Defense Cannon interception efficiency below forty percent!"
"Their speed and maneuverability are absurdly high!"
"Extremely difficult to predict evasion patterns!"
After just one round of attacks, before even encountering the enemy's main force, they had already suffered such heavy losses.
This exceeded their psychological expectations for what should have been a "sudden encounter."
At this critical moment when they were overwhelmed and desperately needed to stabilize their formation, Lancaster's command came through.
"...Provide alternating cover and retreat toward the Bloodblade Fleet."
"Maintain speed at the tactical minimum standard. Keep contact with the enemy and lure them into pursuit."
Both commanders almost simultaneously felt a chill run down their spines.
"Lure the enemy?"
Emerald Commander Barnes nearly shouted into the communicator.
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