After removing these unnecessary weapons, the Phoenix Guard mech now enters its strongest close-combat state.

This can be considered Song Keke's all-or-nothing gamble. If she makes a mistake in the battle, she won't even have a chance to regret it.

If it were any other starfighter mech pilot, they probably wouldn't have such terrifying courage!

And now, a killing spree by red-gun mechs will be staged here!

...

Dragon Emperor Star Command Ship - Bridge

"Report: Two Golden Scarab-class heavy interstellar dreadnoughts that have penetrated deep into enemy territory are engaged in fierce combat with the target Drought Demon King-class heavy strategic interstellar destroyer at very close range."

Both sides' close-in weapon systems can even directly attack the other's hull.

"These are live combat footage." The subordinate placed several combat videos in front of Zhao Chen.

The three super starships captured in the battle video all looked extremely 'disheveled' at this moment.

Without the protection of Star Shield, they almost always rely on the ship's armor to defend against attacks.

While ship armor is indeed very strong, it is impossible for even the strongest ship armor to remain intact when faced with high-intensity, high-frequency attacks.

This has resulted in the surface of the armor of these three interstellar warships now being mostly pitted and uneven.

It has lost its previous imposing demeanor.

Despite this, the two Golden Scarab-class heavy interstellar dreadnoughts were completely oblivious to the fact that they were now surrounded by a large amount of enemy firepower.

It was relentlessly pursuing its target, the Drought Demon King-class heavy strategic interstellar destroyer, determined not to give up until it was destroyed.

"In addition, the second and fifth Golden Scarab-class heavy interstellar dreadnoughts have already deployed their interstellar heavy marine corps, sending a large number of interstellar combat mechs to board and sabotage the enemy interstellar warships."

The main type used is the T6-level Phoenix Guard-class medium-sized multi-functional interstellar combat mech.

And according to current battle reports, it has been very effective.

Multiple groups of interstellar heavy marines have entered the interior of the Drought Demon King-class heavy strategic interstellar destroyer and caused damage to it.

"This will greatly accelerate the efficiency of destroying this Drought Demon King-class heavy strategic interstellar destroyer," the subordinate reported in detail.

Phoenix Guard Mech.

Zhao Chen was still somewhat stunned when he recalled this T6-level starfighter mech.

In the current JF-17 interstellar legion fleet, there are very few combat situations where it is necessary to use starfighter mechs to deal with enemy interstellar warships.

After all, the current Xiaolong Legion fleet possesses the most advanced and powerful Xiaolong-class interstellar warships in the known universe.

Many battles are already over by the time the interstellar warships fire their cannons.

There was never a need to use starfighter mechs on the front lines; they were mostly used for cleaning up the battlefield.

Therefore, although the T6 Phoenix Guard mech has been in service for a long time, Zhao Chen doesn't have much of an impression of it.

Zhao Chen investigated the introductory information for this interstellar combat mech.

Phoenix Guard-class Medium Multi-functional Interstellar Combat Mech

Type: Starfighter Mech

Technology Level: T6

Armor strength: 400,000-410,000 units

Star Shield Energy: 1.6 million units

Aircraft height: 43 meters

Mass: 1288 tons

Number of positions: 1

Weaponry: 300 Phoenix-class interstellar drones

1000-unit Fire Phoenix-class mecha-type interstellar missile

1000 Fierce Phoenix High Explosive Bombs

Phoenix Guardian Machine Gunner Mode - Six 89-barrel Gatling-style Medium Beam Cannons

Phoenix Guardian Shield Soldier Mode - A Phoenix Scale Alloy Shield

Phoenix Guard Heavy Artillery Mode - Two Shoulder-Mounted Twin-Headed Phoenix-Class Particle Cannons

Phoenix Guard Long Spearman Mode - One Phoenix Dances Through the Nine Heavens Spear

Phoenix Guard Swordsman Mode - Two Flame Chain Swords

Phoenix Guardian Soaring Mode】

It must be said that the Phoenix Guard mech is extremely powerful in every aspect.

This is also why the captains of the two Golden Scarab-class heavy interstellar dreadnoughts were willing to close the distance with the enemy ships in order to allow these interstellar heavy marines to complete the boarding operation.

As a multi-functional mech, the Phoenix Guardian mech alone has five regular combat modes. In addition, it can also be customized according to the preferences of the starfighter pilot.

Of course, most starfighter mechs don't use any customization, because the six existing standard combat modes are sufficient for them.

These six different combat modes each have their own unique characteristics.

The most common one is naturally the 'Phoenix Guardian Marine Mode'. As the name suggests, Marines are Starfighters equipped with machine guns or cannons. This is the most common weapon on Starfighters and also the most cost-effective weapon.

The Phoenix Guard mech is equipped with six medium-sized beam cannons with eighty-nine barrels each. These numbers alone are enough to show how terrifyingly powerful it is in machine gunner mode.

The six 89-barrel Gatling-style medium beam cannons use energy projectiles, which means it has a strong ability to sustain combat.

If physical shells are used, although the power may be greater, the ability to sustain combat will be weakened, and a reserve ammunition magazine is often required, which has other ways of delivering the ammunition magazine.

The second standard mode is the 'Phoenix Guardian Shield Soldier Mode', which, as the name suggests, involves carrying a phoenix scale alloy shield. This shield has an astonishing defensive capability, and the materials and technology used are much stronger than the hardest hull armor on a starship.

The third standard mode is the 'Phoenix Guard Heavy Artillery Mode', which is equipped with two shoulder-mounted, twin-headed Phoenix-class particle cannons. These are two heavy cannons that were originally hidden inside the machine body. When this mode is activated, these two heavy cannons can be extended.

As for why they were hidden, it's because the energy required to activate these two heavy cannons accounts for almost 90% of the machine's energy.

Furthermore, the mech cannot move while firing.

This is one of its few weaknesses.

The fourth standard mode is the 'Phoenix Guard Long Spearman Mode', which is one of only two melee combat modes available for this Phoenix Guard mech. The weapon it is equipped with is a Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens Spear.

The fifth regular mode, 'Phoenix Guardian Swordsman Mode', is another melee combat mode, equipped with two flaming chain swords.

These two melee combat modes are suitable for different combat environments.

The spear is naturally suitable for mid-to-long-range combat in close-quarters battles, and can also be used for throwing attacks when necessary.

Dual swords, on the other hand, are suitable for close-quarters combat, offering great convenience and speed.

The sixth regular mode is quite special, the 'Phoenix Guardian Soaring Mode', because this Phoenix Guardian mech is actually equipped with the ability to fly. However, in flight mode, it consumes a lot of energy and cannot be maintained for a long time.

Therefore, it is not recommended to use this 'Phoenix Guardian Soaring Mode' unless absolutely necessary.

However, considering the interstellar combat environment, the ability for a starfighter mech to fly is an essential performance characteristic.

In other words, this performance is something that mech pilots can do without, but they cannot do without!

The Phoenix Guard mech boasts so many combat modes.

It can adapt to most battlefield environments and also possesses considerable combat firepower.

Its short burst of firepower is comparable to that of a starship.

It can be said to be an excellent starfighter mech!

"It seems that our two captains are truly unstoppable."

"They won't be willing to withdraw until they capture the enemy's Drought Demon King-class heavy strategic interstellar destroyer," Zhao Chen muttered helplessly.

"But our fleet is equipped with the T6 Phoenix Guard mech, a type of interstellar combat mech."

"This boarding maneuver should give us a significant advantage," Lilith said from the side.

Zhao Chen said, "The combat advantages of the T6 Phoenix Guard mechs are undeniable, but their two Golden Scarab-class heavy interstellar dreadnoughts are fighting surrounded by the enemy."

Even with retreat routes already cut off, this is extremely risky.

“But you didn’t stop them, which shows that you still trust them in your heart,” Lilith said with a smile.

Zhao Chen shrugged helplessly and said, "These are all captains we chose ourselves, how can we not trust them?"

Sudden!

At that moment, an alarm sounded on the bridge.

"Warning! Warning! Warning! Abnormal spatial fluctuations detected!"

"Warning! Warning! Warning! Abnormal spatial fluctuations detected!"

"Warning! Warning! Warning! Abnormal spatial fluctuations detected!"

Upon hearing the sudden alarm, Zhao Chen and Lilith did not show much emotional reaction.

Instead, they each perform their respective duties.

Zhao Chen looked at the locations of the spatial fluctuations marked on the starship radar. They were roughly on the flanks of the battlefield, and there weren't many of them.

"It's probably a reinforcement fleet from the Troll King's Legion fleet that was sent from the other side."

"Based on the intelligence provided by the ghost scouts, the number should be around 40,000," Lilith said, drawing on the intelligence she already possessed.

"Forty thousand interstellar warships."

"Or is it an elite fleet like the Troll King's Legion?" Zhao Chen frowned slightly.

To be honest, this situation is putting some pressure on their current battle.

But Zhao Chen already knew all this beforehand; he was here to act as bait, and now it's clear he's doing a great job as bait.

It did attract some big fish.

These are the 40,000 interstellar warships of the Troll King's Legion fleet.

"Prepare contingency plans before starting the operation."

"Try to hold off these 40,000 interstellar warships as much as possible," Zhao Chen said in a deep voice.

Lilith nodded and ordered the activation of the battle plan that Grand Marshal Charlotte had prepared for them long ago.

Although the opposing side has 40,000 elite interstellar warships, the Xiaolong Legion fleet still has the ability to fight back, not to mention that there are three Golden Scarab-class heavy interstellar dreadnoughts to support them.

And also the T6 Dragon Emperor interstellar command ship where Zhao Chen was located.

With these elite interstellar warships present, they are more than capable of temporarily holding off the opposing 40,000 interstellar warships.

Even if some special circumstances do occur, Zhao Chen still has some trump cards that he hasn't used yet.

"We've drawn away 40,000 enemy interstellar warships here, so the battle plan for another battlefield can be changed."

"That will make things much smoother." Zhao Chen even had a smile on his face at this moment.

He paid no attention to the 40,000 interstellar warships rushing towards him.

Lilith rolled her eyes at Zhao Chen from the side and said irritably, "What emperor acts like you?"

He always leads from the front in every battle, always placing himself in the most conspicuous place, as if afraid that the enemy wouldn't know that he, the Dragon Emperor, is here.

It's practically like they've written "Come and kill me if you dare" written all over your head.

Lilith's tone was somewhat resentful.

Zhao Chen naturally understood why. Although Lilith had agreed to these battle plans and details, she was still worried about Zhao Chen's safety.

Lilith was actually quite averse to any action that put Zhao Chen, the Emperor of the Dragon, at risk, and each time she just reluctantly agreed.

Zhao Chen even knew early on that Lilith had secretly prepared several contingency plans behind his back.

At this moment, among the petty officers working around him on the bridge, there were personnel who had acted in accordance with this emergency plan.

The content is simply that Lilith activates this emergency plan when she judges that Zhao Chen, the Emperor of the Dragon, is in mortal danger.

Take Emperor Xiaolong away immediately and bring him to a safe place.

During this period, whatever thoughts or attitudes Emperor Xiaolong may have, we need not concern ourselves with them.

The safety of Emperor Xiaolong is the top priority, and it doesn't matter how many people have to be sacrificed at this time.

Zhao Chen was fully aware of this.

But he didn't stop her, because he knew that if he didn't let Lilith do these things, Lilith would never feel comfortable letting him take risks.

Zhao Chen understood the principle that it's better to guide than to block.

Naturally, they didn't pay any attention to Lilith's little tricks.

"This is how it was for those who served as lords in the past, and it is also how it was for those who served as the supreme commander of the fleet."

Now it's all about the Dragon Emperor, but it's still the same old thing.

I really don't know when you'll start prioritizing your own safety.

"You know, you're a father of three now," Lilith said resentfully.

"I understand, next time... I promise I won't do it again." Zhao Chen patted Lilith's shoulder, comforting her.

“Every time I say I won’t do it again next time.”

"You never tell the truth." Lilith rolled her eyes again.

But Lilith quickly changed the subject and didn't dwell on the issue any further.

——————

In a dilapidated cabin

The three starfighter mechs were destroyed and lying on the ground, all bearing marks of being pierced by spears.

The Phoenix Guard mech stood not far away, holding a broken spear. There were some scratches on its body, but fortunately, these attacks did not significantly affect the mech's performance.

Hehehe.

Your mech is quite powerful, I don't deny it.

"But now your spear is broken, and you've already disarmed your ranged weapons. Let's see how you fight us now." The remaining two enemy mechs were now positioned to attack Song Keke from both sides.

Song Keke glanced at the broken spear in her hand. Even the hardest alloy couldn't withstand such intense combat after several clashes with the enemy and collapsed a moment ago.

Hearing the provocation spoken directly by the other party.

Song Keke sneered and said publicly, "It's too early to say these things now."

Even without my spear, I can still kill both of you.

"Hmph, I'd like to see."

"How dare you kill us!" Two enemy starfighter mechs immediately closed in.

The next moment, Song Keke threw the broken gun in her hand at one of the starfighter mechs, and then she controlled the Phoenix Guard mech to pounce on another enemy starfighter mech.

"You think you can fight me with your bare hands?" The enemy starfighter's melee weapon was a long sword. He saw the crimson mech charging towards him.

He brandished his long sword and slashed at the crimson mech.

If this strike were to hit the Crimson Mech's body, it would definitely cause severe damage!

But the next second, something unexpected happened.

Two crimson chain swords popped out from the sides of the Phoenix Guard mech's arms.

Song Keke manipulated the Flame Chain Sword in her mecha, drawing it across the enemy mecha's longsword. The two collided in a flash.

Song Keke's Phoenix Guard mecha maintained its speed and sank.

Then, he charged straight at the enemy's longsword.

The long sword pierced into the upper left shoulder of Song Keke's Phoenix Guard mecha, even going so far as to go right through it.

However, because the longsword was supported by two flaming chain swords crossed below it, it had no way to extend downwards to attack and cause more damage.

Instead, as the two mechs approached, Song Keke spun the Flame Chain Sword in her hand, and the blade plunged directly into the enemy mech's cockpit.

Having already destroyed the three enemy starfighter mechs in front of her, Song Keke had already located the cockpit of this enemy starfighter mech.

This attack was fatal with a single blow.

Blood flowed from the spot where the Flame Chain Sword pierced the enemy starfighter mech's chest, and the enemy starfighter mech remained motionless.

But Song Keke is not letting her guard down at all, because there is still an enemy waiting for her.

Song Keke drew her Flame Chain Sword and then pulled out the enemy's longsword.

When the long sword was drawn, an electric current could be seen appearing on the left shoulder of the Phoenix Guard mech.

"Warning! Warning! Warning! The left shoulder armor has been pierced, resulting in partial loss of function in the left shoulder and damage to some of the machine's circuitry."

The left arm lost 36% of its mobility.

The mecha's AI prompts rang out, and Song Keke listened to them.

Looking at the information diagram displaying this Phoenix Guard mech, a red area and a yellow area appeared around the shoulder, which was shaped like the Chinese character "人".

That means the Phoenix Guard mech is damaged.

Fortunately, this did not have a significant impact on the Phoenix Guard mechs' combat capabilities.

This time, Song Keke used this method of exchanging injuries in order to end the battle as soon as possible.

The sound of a blade slicing through the air came from behind.

Song Keke did not turn around, but instead controlled the Phoenix Guard mecha to kneel down, with the Flame Chain Sword held horizontally above her head.

The next second, the longsword of the enemy starfighter behind him landed on the Flame Chain Sword.

It was caught steadily by the Phoenix Guard mech.

Although separated by the mech, Song Keke could almost see the terrified look in the eyes of the enemy starfighter mech pilot.

This was the last chance, and we didn't even seize it.

In the upcoming battle, do I have a chance of winning in a one-on-one situation?

Of course, there isn't any at all.

Soon, Song Keke piloted her Phoenix Guard mech back to the cabin where she had fought before.

The battle here has ended.

"Captain." Someone heard footsteps behind them and immediately turned around, only to see the captain's Phoenix Guard mech.

Song Keke glanced around.

On the ground, they saw the remains of some of their comrades, as well as some of their wounded comrades.

Meanwhile, a Phoenix Guard mech leaned weakly against the wall next to it, with obvious dents on its chest and black residue marks from being hit by heavy artillery.

"How is the battle going here?" Song Keke asked bluntly.

The pilot of Unit 1, who had been entrusted by Song Keke, immediately reported in the command channel: "We have encountered three squads of enemy interstellar marines here, totaling nearly three hundred people."

Among these 300 people, there are three heavy firepower squads equipped with individual laser cannons, individual rapid-fire cannons, and individual railguns, which is why we were previously unable to move an inch.

After a period of standoff with enemy fire, we broke through the enemy's fire blockade thanks to the valiant charge of Unit 3.

They then successfully broke through the enemy's firepower and wiped out all of them.

In the process, we also lost some people.

Unit number three also suffered heavy enemy fire and eventually fell.

After listening to these reports, they seemed very simple and understated.

However, Song Keke knew that there must be a lot of pressure behind this, and if she was not careful, everyone here might perish.

"I see.

"Let's take stock of our remaining combat strength." Song Keke said, taking the opportunity to open the star map.

This is the outline of the interior of this interstellar warship drawn by the interstellar heavy marines who infiltrated this Drought Demon King-class heavy strategic interstellar destroyer.

At this moment, many blood-like lines appeared on the starship, covering various parts of the starship, and in some places even forming a spider web.

These red lines represent locations that have already been explored.

Their progress was not as fast as expected because they were ambushed by the enemy.

They didn't even achieve the basic goal of meeting with other groups.

Her Thresh squad was divided into ten combat teams during the operation, and she was in one of them, which was also one of the main attack routes.

The reason they were targeted by the main attack was because the direction of their attack was very close to the bow of the ship.

It was suspected that the enemy's bridge was located there, so naturally the enemy wouldn't allow them to get close to the bridge easily.

This led to the battle that took place here.