Season 1 Chapter 3: "Operation Phoenix Resurgence Part 1"

(Location: Somewhere in the Northeast Pacific)

(Time: Early Thursday Morning, 1st Week of January 1930, 2 Hours Ago)

The morning sun had barely risen over the Pacific, casting a soft glow on the gentle waves. However, the tension aboard the three Eagle Union destroyers cut through the serenity like a knife. These ships—Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven, Destroyer Mahan-Class Cassin, and Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes—were on a critical supply run, carrying essential ammunition to their Azur Lane base. The task, simple on paper, was fraught with danger, especially in these waters where the threat of the Sirens lurked beneath the surface.

Petty officers, privates, and their trusted manjuus—small, helpful birdlike creatures—manned the ships. Despite their duties, a sense of unease hung in the air. They knew that the Sirens, their deadly adversaries, could strike at any moment.

(Aboard Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven)

Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven let out a sigh of unease. "I hope we don't encounter any Sirens out here," she said, her voice reflecting the crew's collective worries.

Destroyer Mahan-Class Cassin, who had been silent up until now, nodded. "With our abilities and the supplies we're carrying, even a minor skirmish could cripple us. We'd be sitting ducks."

Nearby, Petty Officer Emily Collins was overseeing the operation. Sensing the tension, she turned to Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes, who was stationed at the radar.

"Ms. Downes," Emily called out, "Could you check the radar again? Make sure we're still in the clear."

Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes squinted at the radar screen, her sharp eyes scanning for any signs of trouble. "I've rechecked it twice already, Petty Officer," she replied, her voice steady but cautious. "Still no enemy ships in sight."

Private Jacob Rodriguez, who was leaning against the bulkhead, exhaled in relief. "Thank goodness. If any enemy ships appear, we might be done for. With what we're carrying, it's not going to be a pleasant fight."

Petty Officer Olivia Foster, always the voice of calm, added, "Don't worry, Jacob. I sent word to the Azur Lane base earlier, requesting an escort. If any enemy ships show up, we won't be alone for long."

Craven smiled faintly. "That's good, Petty Officer Olivia. Your quick thinking will definitely earn you some extra contribution points for the operation."

Olivia chuckled softly. "It's not about the points—well, maybe a little. But mostly, I just want to make sure everyone gets back safely."

(An Hour and 30 Minutes Later)

The atmosphere aboard the destroyers had settled into an uneasy calm as they continued their journey across the vast, empty waters of the Pacific. Private Ethan Murphy, the radarman aboard the Destroyer Mahan-Class Cassin, kept his eyes glued to the radar screen, scanning for any anomalies. He was tired but alert—trained to notice the smallest blips.

And then it happened. Ten red dots appeared on the radar, moving quickly towards them. His stomach sank.

"Eagle Union vessels, this is Private Ethan Murphy of the Destroyer Mahan-Class Cassin," he called out urgently over the comms. "I've spotted ten enemy ships heading directly towards us. Repeat, ten enemy ships closing in!"

The crew snapped to attention as the gravity of the situation hit them. Petty Officer Ava Bennett, a seasoned member of the crew, sighed heavily. "Well, just our luck," she said, shaking her head. "It looks like avoiding them isn't an option."

(Aboard Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes)

Private Noah Parker, tasked with keeping watch, scanned the horizon with binoculars. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the enemy ships approaching rapidly. Five enemy destroyers and five light cruisers were now visible on the horizon.

"This is Watchkeeping Private Noah aboard the Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes," he reported urgently into the comms. "I've identified five enemy destroyers and five light cruisers heading our way. Repeat, five destroyers and five light cruisers inbound!"

(Aboard Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven)

Panic began to set in as the reality of the situation hit. They were outnumbered and carrying critical supplies. Petty Officer Mia Watson, the head of command aboard the Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven, quickly attempted to send a call for reinforcements to the Azur Lane base, but her comms crackled and went dead.

"What the—?" Mia cursed, banging her fist on the console. "The comms just cut out! I can't get through to base!"

Meanwhile, Private Noah Parker squinted through his binoculars again. Something else caught his eye—a ship that didn't fit the profile of any standard vessel.

"This is Watchkeeping Private Noah," he reported again. "There's a Siren ship—an Executor Explorer-Class Siren—behind the enemy formation!"

A hush fell over the ships as the crews processed this new threat.

"A Siren?" Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven echoed, her voice laced with worry. "Of all things to show up now…"

"We can't let them damage our supplies," Petty Officer Emily Collins declared. "Are we prepared to take the hits if needed?"

Petty Officers Olivia, Emily, and Mia responded in unison. "Yes, Ms. Craven. We'll protect everyone with magic. We're ready."

(The Fight Begins)

With their resolve firm, the petty officers and privates prepared their magical defenses. The crews quickly transferred to Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven, giving Destroyers Cassin and Downes room to engage in combat.

The transformation of the two destroyers into combat mode began, powered by Wisdom Cube Technology—an advanced system unique to the world of Azur Lane. The ships shimmered as their systems activated, their profiles growing sharper, deadlier.

The moment the transformation was complete, the two destroyers launched their attack. Destroyer Mahan-Class Cassin fired her naval artillery and deployed torpedoes, sending volleys of destruction towards the enemy destroyers. Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes followed suit, her artillery blazing and torpedoes slicing through the waves.

The result was immediate and decisive. The initial attack caught the enemy off-guard, and all five enemy destroyers were sunk within moments of the first strike.

(An Hour Passes - Intense Fighting)

However, the battle was far from over. The remaining enemy light cruisers and the Executor Explorer-Class Siren retaliated with a vicious counterattack. Although the destroyers fought valiantly, the battle was beginning to wear them down. The crews, exhausted, were running low on ammunition and energy. The Siren was proving far tougher than the enemy destroyers, and its strange abilities were wreaking havoc on the defensive magic.

After what felt like an eternity, the last of the light cruisers were sunk. But the destroyers were in no shape to continue the fight. Heavily damaged and on the verge of collapse, they could barely hold their ground against the Siren.

And then the worst possible scenario unfolded—the Siren summoned reinforcements. More enemy destroyers and light cruisers appeared on the horizon. Fear rippled through the crews. They were at their breaking point.

(The Final Blow Approaches)

The Siren launched a volley of projectiles toward the Destroyer Mahan-Class Downes, piercing through the weakened magical defenses. The impact was severe—Downes let out a cry of pain, her hull buckling under the force.

"Are you alright, Downes?!" Petty Officer Olivia shouted, rushing to her aid.

Downes winced, trying to stay composed. "Barely hanging on…"

(A Mysterious Wavelength)

Amidst the chaos, Private Jacob Rodriguez, the sonar technician aboard Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven, detected something strange on his equipment.

"This is Sonar Technician Private Jacob Rodriguez aboard Destroyer Gridley-Class Craven," he announced over the comms. "I've detected an unusual wavelength coming from the southwest. It's getting stronger, heading straight toward us. I repeat—something is coming."

"What now?" Petty Officer Mia muttered anxiously. "Is it another enemy, or something else entirely?"

The enemy ships fired another volley of projectiles. It was too late to dodge. Petty Officer Mia braced herself. "Everyone! Take cover!"

As the enemy fire hurtled toward them, something appeared—a flash of light before them, blocking the deadly barrage.

(End of Part 1... Upcoming Part 2...)