Chapter 98: The First Confrontation

Chapter 98: The First Confrontation

Raizen's gaze locked onto the incoming ships on the holographic display. Their formation was tight, their movements calculated. These weren't simple scavengers—they were trained, professional, and dangerously aware of what they were approaching.

"Identification?" he asked.

Liana's fingers flew across the console. "No known transponder signals. Their hull configurations suggest mercenary or private military. Definitely not a standard trade fleet."

Joran leaned back. "So, do we fight or run?"

Raizen smirked, his Draconic Aura pulsing faintly. "Neither. We observe."

Activating the Draconic Flagship's stealth systems, he maneuvered the ship silently through the darkness, keeping them just outside enemy sensor range. The unknown ships continued their slow approach toward the abandoned shipyard, unaware they were already being watched.

Kain analyzed the fleet. "Six vessels. Two corvettes, a mid-range frigate, and three small attack craft. They aren't expecting resistance."

Raizen's eyes narrowed. "Then let's give them a reason to be cautious."

The First Move

One of the smaller attack ships broke formation, drifting closer to the shipyard. Raizen watched as its sensors scanned the wreckage, likely searching for salvage or remaining technology.

"They're testing the waters," Liana muttered.

Raizen made his decision. "Disable it."

Without a sound, the Draconic Flagship shifted forward. The cloaking system held, keeping them invisible to all known detection methods. Raizen focused on the targeting interface—

A silent command. A pulse of energy.

A precision EMP blast surged from the flagship, striking the enemy craft directly in its reactor core. The ship flickered, its systems crashing instantly.

"Direct hit," Liana confirmed. "They just lost all power."

Joran grinned. "Bet that scared the hell out of them."

The remaining ships suddenly halted, their formations tightening as alarms blared across their systems. Their leader, the mid-range frigate, broadcasted an open transmission.

"Unidentified vessel, state your intent. This sector is under private jurisdiction."

Raizen chuckled. "So now they want to talk." He opened the comms. "Under whose authority?"

The voice on the other end hesitated. "That information is classified."

Raizen smirked. "Then so is mine."

Before the enemy commander could respond, Raizen fired another EMP pulse, this time striking one of the corvettes. Its shields flared, then collapsed, sending the entire ship into a dead drift.

Panic spread through the enemy fleet. They couldn't see him. They didn't know where he was attacking from.

Kain grinned. "They're scared."

Liana nodded. "They should be."

Raizen's golden eyes gleamed. "Let's see how they handle real fear."

The hunt had begun.