Chapter 3, The Prey

Ma Rufeng issued a Level 1 alert order, while the Lancelot continued its relentless pursuit. All the soldiers aboard the warship recognized the significance of this chase; their excitement returned, and each one stood firm at their posts, eagerly anticipating the battle with the pirates, ready to let the pirates experience the power of the Lancelot's quantum energy cannon

No one stands on the deck gazing anymore; once the initial excitement has passed, life has returned to the dull and tedious routine of the warship's cruise. What reassures Ma Rufeng somewhat is that Mohan Yisi does not urge him and is not in a hurry. Ma Rufeng reports the situation to Lanxing once a day, each time receiving instructions from General Mohan Yisi, though they consist of only a few simple words: continue the search

Soon, a three-dimensional image was transmitted to the screen. It was a light cargo ship, which typically does not carry much cargo and is mostly used for travel. However, it cannot be ruled out that it might be carrying some contraband listed in the new alliance directory. In this era, the severe shortage of supplies has led to rampant smuggling. The spacecraft was rapidly advancing along the universal trajectory, its direction almost diagonally approaching the Lancelot. Following this trajectory, it would soon encounter the Lancelot head-on.

New Alliance, March 17, 5th Year. Commercial Navigation Corridor, Lancelot.

It is almost certain that this is a smuggling ship. It is rapidly advancing along the orbit of a planet, utilizing the planet's gravitational pull to trace an arc, disappearing on the other side of the planet, and then flying out from the tangent point of the planet's orbit, heading towards another planet. This remarkable flying skill resembles a gibbon swinging between trees. Small spacecraft typically employ the gravitational forces of planets in their flight paths to execute complex trajectory changes, conserving both fuel and time, much like a sailing ship skillfully harnessing wind power at sea. This ship flies with such finesse and ease, as if it were a fish in water, clearly commanded by a captain with considerable experience, perhaps an experienced pirate. Ma Rufeng thought silently. This ship flies with such finesse and ease, as if it were a fish in water, clearly commanded by a captain with considerable experience, perhaps an experienced pirate. Ma Rufeng thought silently.

All ships, attention. Level 2 alert. Determine its course and continue to send signals

What happened? Ma Rufeng furrowed his brows into a knot, his face pale, as his mind raced.

This seemingly monotonous tug-of-war continues, with the Lancelot unwilling to give up its prey, and its prey seemingly willing to engage in a bit of a chase. Ma Rufeng feels that the smuggling ship is doing this intentionally, as if trying to lure the Lancelot to a certain location, perhaps a trap, or maybe a place where many pirate ships are waiting for their arrival. However, rather than feeling afraid, Ma Rufeng is quite pleased. It is important to note that the formidable power of the Lancelot is beyond the imagination of ordinary people. How could a trap set by a pack of hounds possibly defeat a lion?

The quantum wave disturbance has ended, and three-dimensional imagery is about to arrive. The observation post reported

Finally, the smuggling ship was forced to the outskirts of the star system, where the gravitational pull became weak. In the vastness of outer space, the advantages of the Lancelot's conventional engines gradually became apparent, inching closer to the smuggling vessel. The smuggling ship showed no hesitation, suddenly altering its course, tracing a graceful arc, with the dazzling blue light at its rear flashing brightly as it darted into the asteroid belt at the very edge of the star system. At the outskirts of the star system, there lies a wide asteroid belt, where countless asteroids of various sizes have been sleeping year-round. Occasionally, one or two comets penetrate the asteroid belt, only to vanish into the dark depths of the universe. Here, it is like a sea filled with hidden reefs; ordinary ships would not recklessly venture in, as it would be akin to suicide. Any asteroid could easily pierce the hull, turning a high-speed traversing ship into a sieve.

Thus, one flees while the other pursues, engaged in a continuous tug-of-war. The small cargo spacecraft has leaped past the last planet of the star system and begins to quantumize in the vastness of space, with faint glimmers of light appearing around the ship

Ma Rufeng faintly sensed that this was no ordinary spaceship. It seemed unhurried to shake off the Lancelot, unlike the typical smuggling ships that would hastily flee from pursuing warships. Instead, it maintained a considerable calm and patience, relying on its excellent pilot to play a game of hide-and-seek with the Lancelot. Ma Rufeng began to admire the captain's courage and exceptional piloting skills. Having previously piloted such small spacecraft himself, he knew that very few, even in military academies, could maneuver as perfectly as this. Ma Rufeng increasingly believed that this spaceship had some connection to the pirate Abani, perhaps even Abani himself. Thinking of this, Ma Rufeng felt a surge of excitement; he knew that Abani was not only a notorious pirate but also a recognized excellent captain.

The smuggling spaceship is still darting ahead, but the distance is closing. A smile once again appeared on Ma Rufeng's face

Another test. Ma Rufeng did not hesitate and issued the command: "All hands, attention! Enter alert flight mode and activate the energy shield"

Suddenly, at that moment, the dark and lifeless Lancelot emitted a blue glow, a light so beautiful and noble, flowing as if it were alive, surrounding the Lancelot in a mysterious and unfathomable manner, as if it were not a product of humanity, but rather a miracle of the universe. At this time, the Regas-class warship revealed its true form, an image that was both exhilarating and dizzying. That blue light, the super energy shield of the Regas-class warship, was an energy shield generated by pure and refined quantum waves, a powerful energy shield originating from its unique quantum engine, the mechanism of which is known only to a select few. At this time, the Regas-class warship revealed its true form, an image that was both exhilarating and dizzying. That blue light, the super energy shield of the Regas-class warship, was an energy shield generated by pure and refined quantum waves, a powerful energy shield originating from its unique quantum engine, the mechanism of which is known only to a select few. Most human spacecraft are based on classical equations, but the Regas-class warship is not; its engine's combustion equations seem to stem from a more wondrous principle, completely different from the classical equations understood by humanity. Even after the war ended, this secret remained firmly controlled by the military, and the vast majority of people were unaware of the existence of such an engine, the truth of this marvelous equation.

In stark contrast to the lively scene of the departure of the Lancelot, this place appears rather quiet. The Lancelot drifts alone in the empty expanse, its body outlined by the flickering white navigation lights, resembling a fierce beast lurking in the darkness, ready to pounce at any moment and deliver a fatal blow to its prey

The Lancelot accelerated, drawing closer to the spaceship. Soon, Ma Rufeng was astonished to discover that the spaceship also increased its speed simultaneously, maintaining a certain distance from the Lancelot, carefully staying out of the range of its conventional shipborne cannons. Whenever the Lancelot accelerated, it too would quickly speed up; at times, due to course adjustments, the Lancelot would slow down. Strangely, at those moments, the peculiar spaceship would also decelerate, resuming a leisurely pace ahead. After several attempts, Ma Rufeng finally realized that in this narrow channel, the Lancelot did not possess a speed advantage. He ordered a few test shots from the conventional cannons, prompting the spaceship to cautiously increase the distance again, yet it showed no signs of fleeing.

In the days that followed, the Lancelot cruised along commercial shipping lanes, traveling at a conventional speed along a series of planetary orbits. At first, the strong determination to capture Abani inspired all the officers and soldiers, each eager to join the watch, tirelessly monitoring the deep radar and meticulously searching every corner of the universe. Everyone wanted to be the first to discover Abani, even straining their eyes in vain during breaks, hoping to spot some suspicious glimmer in the distance. Morale was unprecedentedly high, and almost everyone believed that the arrogant and ruthless Abani would emerge, deploying his pirate fleet to engage in a decisive battle with the Lancelot.

Suddenly, at that moment, the Lancelot emitted a series of urgent and intense warning sounds

The Lancelot suddenly began to brake in reverse, and the immense inertia caused everyone to lose their balance. Unsecured items scattered across the floor, producing a chaotic and piercing sound

It has been confirmed, Colonel, that there is still no response

Ma Rufeng looked up. A spaceship appeared among the asteroid field, just having exited light-speed travel, positioned directly in front of the Lancelot's flight path. What surprised him the most was the visible damage on the spaceship, with gashes running east and west, as if it had been torn apart by some sharp steel claws

The Lancelot began to accelerate, propelled by the powerful thrust generated by its exceptional conventional engines, closely pursuing behind. The Mare Wind continuously emitted various signals; however, regardless of how the Lancelot signaled, it remained indifferent and unresponsive, only evading, indicating that it was aware of the Lancelot's presence

The greatest advantage of the Rayagas-class warship is its ability to perform quantum field jumps, making it impossible for any other spacecraft to surpass the Rayagas-class in terms of light-speed travel. However, as a pursuer, the Lancelot cannot initiate a quantum field jump first, as it does not know the destination of the cargo ship; once it jumps, it loses the tracking coordinates. Ma Rufeng has to exercise patience, waiting for the smuggling ship to reappear on the other side of the universe. Indeed, the advanced detection waves picked up new spatial disturbances, locking onto the coordinates, and the Lancelot immediately began its quantum field jump. When the Lancelot reappeared in space and exited the quantum field, it quickly rediscovered the ship. The ship was still flying rapidly, now in another star system within the commercial shipping lanes, navigating through the planets using a complex gravitational system. Ma Rufeng adjusted his strategy, slightly altering the course in an attempt to take a shortcut and encircle the target. The smuggling ship also sensed the Lancelot's intentions, emitting a pale blue flame from its rear to accelerate forward, continuously changing its trajectory to confuse the Lancelot.

Report, quantum wave disturbances detected, quantum wave disturbances detected! Urgent action required to initiate operations!

Report, a spacecraft has been discovered

After a while, the radar operator reported: "Identification signal has been sent, but the other party did not respond"

"Confirm once again," said Ma Rufeng

The signal recognition once again received a silent response. At this moment, the spacecraft seemed to have become aware of the presence of the Lancelot and ceased its approach, altering its course to trace a long arc and head in the opposite direction. Ma Rufeng was almost certain that this was a smuggling ship unwilling to be inspected by the military

However, as time passed, this excitement gradually turned into disappointment, slowly permeating throughout the entire ship. Clearly, Abani was not in a hurry to challenge the Lancelot; instead, he vanished without a trace, allowing the Lancelot to swagger into his operational star domain. Ma Rufeng knew that Abani was certainly not a reckless simple pirate; he seemed to understand the terrifying power of the Reagis warship very well, patiently hiding in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity. After more than ten days, the Lancelot's achievements were merely the interception of a few smuggling ships. Not to mention Abani, not even a single suspicious warship resembling a pirate ship had appeared, as the pirates seemed to have developed a certain tacit understanding, disappearing together into the vast universe. Ma Rufeng suspected that this was the influence of Abani's power at work, and the situation might be even more serious than initially estimated. In the beginning, the pirates, who were like a loose collection of sand, each fighting and plundering on their own, had gradually formed a group with a tight organization and a well-established intelligence network, posing a greater threat. If such a group truly existed, then their leader could only be one person: Abani.

Send a signal, identify the identity. Ma Rufeng commanded, to be honest, he did not hold much hope, as every day several small merchant ships could be seen traversing this waterway

The Leyagas-class warship began to roar, its quantum engine outputting energy at full power. Everyone could feel the exhilarating vibrations, akin to the tremors produced by a beast tensing its muscles. The Lancelot not only did not slow down but instead increased its horsepower, charging headlong into the asteroid field. Ma Rufen immediately saw a dense swarm of asteroids hurtling towards the warship at a terrifying speed, coming from all directions, and then suddenly flashing terrifyingly before him, whistling past and disappearing behind. This horrifying sight caused everyone in the command room to involuntarily take a step back. In ordinary circumstances, such a sight was synonymous with death, and even aboard the Leyagas, which was protected by a powerful energy shield, the fear within humanity momentarily gained the upper hand.

"Smuggling ship," Ma Rufeng said softly, frowning slightly. It was the same small-time characters all day long; anyone would find it somewhat tiresome.

Report, entering range, should we proceed with the shooting solution

The central audio warning system intermittently emitted short warning sounds, as meteorites struck the Lancelot one after another. The deeper one went inside, the denser the meteorites became, and clusters of blue flowers appeared on the surface of the energy shield. The ripples generated by the impacts had merged into a continuous expanse, resembling a torrential downpour on a lake's surface. Nevertheless, the Lancelot remained steadfast like a rock, impervious to even the slightest tremor from the terrifying impacts. Behind the Lancelot, a clear passage was left, as it forcefully carved a path with its very hull. The ripples generated by the impacts had merged into a continuous expanse, resembling a torrential downpour on a lake's surface. Nevertheless, the Lancelot remained steadfast like a rock, impervious to even the slightest tremor from the terrifying impacts. Behind the Lancelot, a clear passage was left, as it forcefully carved a path with its very hull.

No, at this moment, Ma Rufeng changed his mind and decided to continue the pursuit. He wanted to capture this spaceship alive, as destroying it might lead to the loss of the clues regarding Abani. Perhaps, at this time, that reckless captain was regretting opposing the Lancelot.

Transmit the image, and send the signal again to indicate our identity, requesting the other party to dock immediately

"You will appear, Abani," Ma Rufeng muttered to himself, "I have more patience than you, and you still need this shipping lane to make a living, as well as to maintain your reputation." Ma Rufeng knew that once the pirates, eager for a robbery, began to stir, Abani would have no choice but to confront the Lancelot in battle, and the initiative would always be on his side

However, the spacecraft decisively penetrated inside, maintaining its speed without the slightest reduction, skillfully dodging the meteors, turning left and right, as if the captain was quite familiar with every single meteor in this area. The incredible flying skills were as leisurely and relaxed as taking a stroll down the street

Ma Rufeng stood on the bridge, quietly gazing at the profound universe, his expression remarkably calm. He did not enjoy noisy scenes; when the Lancelot set off, he frowned slightly at the enthusiastic crowd below. This was a farewell event specially arranged by Mohan Yi, and to perform this touching spectacle well, Ma Rufeng had to endure the restless clamor. It was only when the Blue Star disappeared from view that he let out a gentle sigh of relief. Ma Rufeng understood that this exaggerated atmosphere was meant to inspire, serving as a shot of adrenaline for the anxious merchants and residents, aimed at restoring the prosperity of commercial routes. However, to truly achieve this prosperity, he needed to take some concrete actions.

What a remarkable captain, Ma Rufeng thought to himself

"Report, we are approaching the asteroid belt, Colonel," the navigator signaled.

Detect the trajectory of light speed movement. Ma Rufeng issued the command

The spacecraft began to accelerate, skillfully navigating along a fixed route, occasionally changing its trajectory, clearly familiar with this star region. Ma Rufeng noticed that its appearance was somewhat different; the flames emitted from its tail were a bright color, not the usual orange-red of commercial engines, but rather a light blue. He knew that this was a small cargo ship that had been illegally modified, and that special engine must have been installed at some underground dock. This piqued Ma Rufeng's interest; he instinctively felt that the spacecraft seemed to have some connection to pirates. After all, smuggling ships sometimes engage in smuggling, and at other times, they turn into pirates, robbing other cargo ships. He knew that this was a small cargo ship that had been illegally modified, and that special engine must have been installed at some underground dock. This piqued Ma Rufeng's interest; he instinctively felt that the spacecraft seemed to have some connection to pirates. After all, smuggling ships sometimes engage in smuggling, and at other times, they turn into pirates, robbing other cargo ships.

Ma Rufeng stood firmly, not moving an inch. He straightened his body, with his hands crossed behind his back, a slight cold smile at the corner of his mouth, looking disdainfully at the meteors falling like rain. Indeed, countless meteors struck the hull of the Lancelot, but before they could reach the hard alloy shell of the Lancelot, an invisible energy barrier blocked their advance. The meteors crashed violently against the void energy shield, suddenly shattering under the intense impact, splattering into smaller particles that scattered behind the Lancelot. The surface of the Lancelot only stirred up a small blue explosion ring, like a pebble thrown into calm lake water, creating ripples that expanded in all directions from the hull, quickly dissipating. The blue energy shield resumed its flowing brilliance, surrounding the Lancelot. Ma Rufeng knew that not to mention small meteors, even the ion railguns of conventional warships could not breach that layer of energy shield. It was this powerful shield that allowed the Reyags-class warships to charge freely through enemy fire, moving as if in a no-man's land.