| 035 | Withdrawal

Abraham quietly watched Leviathan Alpha fall back to the rough waters with an explosive splash down. Despite its size, the giant sea monster was fast and agile. Some rather problematic traits for the United Navy.

'Nothing's left from the Pinguis Arca.' He thought while observing the leftover pieces of the wooden merchant ship. 

Even though it was significantly smaller than the warships of the United Navy, the fact that Leviathan Alpha could destroy it with ease disturbed him.

"Sir, the radar signature of Leviathan Alpha has disappeared!" One of the radio operators tensely reported as the flickering big dot of the sea monster vanished.

They were practically blind against it, which made the naval personnel in the Combat Information Center of the UNS Light Bringer somewhat nervous.

However, before they could delve deeper into the disappearance of Leviathan Alpha. Another problematic report resounded in the Combat Information Center.

"Two incoming radar signatures detected. Target group 132 degrees. Distance 2,500 meters and closing. Depth 187." The leftovers of the Leviathan Herd have arrived.

"Target group identified! Alpha Track Number. Alpha 101111 and Alpha 100111!"

"Fire torpedoes to target Alpha 101111 and Alpha 100111." Abraham calmly ordered while Captain Lux was busy coordinating the withdrawal of the United Navy Fleet.

"Affirmative, Sir." An intelligence officer responded and another weapon's release was done.

"Unlatching torpedo tube, Foxes open."

"Firing mark 54 lightweight torpedoes in 3…2…1…"

"Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes launched. Designated target, Alpha 101111 and Alpha 100111." The torpedoes were released almost immediately upon command.

With each moment under the pressure of battle, the efficiency of the naval personnel increased.

The torpedoes escaped the metallic confines of their torpedo tubes and dropped into the rough waters of the high seas. Upon contact with the tides, it burst into its target and sunk deeper into the ocean.

"Foxtrots distance to the target, 1,954 meters!"

"Distance closing in! 1,222…321… Impact!"

Abraham carefully observed the ongoing engagement with scrutiny, inspecting every possible movement from their adversaries. 

"Target Group Status. Alpha Track Numbers. Alpha 101111 and Alpha 100111 confirmed hit! Two hostiles sunk." The current engagement was a success and the remains of the Leviathan Herd were defeated.

But nonetheless, no one in the Combat Information Center cheered. 

The threat of Leviathan Alpha loomed over their mind as they spread their awareness into various radar arrays to find it. 

The same could also be said with their friendlies, UNS Zarya and UNS Guardian of the High Seas.

In the confines of the Combat Information Center of UNS Zarya, Vokshod was busy directing his naval personnel to find Leviathan Alpha. 

Even though they should have incredible sonar capabilities, none seemed to be able to find the gargantuan sea monster. 

Vokshod had a serious expression as he had a hard time believing the disappearance of the abomination. It was practically a moving hill, how could they not find it?

Despite his unrelenting complaints, Vokshod continued to be patient and maintained his calm. He was the captain of the UNS Zarya, so he shouldn't be panicking like a child.

"Comrade, have any of our companions sent some intelligence through the data link?" Vokshod inquired as their colleagues might have discovered something about the monster.

"Sadly none, Captain Vokshod. Our comrades are also asking for intelligence about the monster." A Russian intelligence officer responded with a saddened voice.

"I see… It looks like we aren't the only ones blind from this abomination. I guess this sea shouldn't be underestimated." Vokshod sighed in disappointment.

Before, he was elated by their victory against the herd of sea monsters. But now? He can't even cheer for what they have won because of the impending threat. 

"Maintain strict vigilance. We must never let our guard down." He sternly ordered his comrades, not wanting an unfortunate fate to befall upon them because of carelessness.

On the other hand, in the interiors of the bridge belonging to the UNS Guardian of the High Seas, Captain Howard was in the same predicament as the other captains.

Becoming blinded towards an unknown and giant sea monster didn't feel good. But no matter how much he urged his subordinates to find Leviathan Alpha, there were no signs of its existence.

'The UNS Guardian of the High Seas is in a problematic circumstance. We are the lowest, largest, and least equipped warship against sea monsters.'

'If it was a land invasion or operation, the Guardian would have been helpful. But in a sea engagement against sea monsters, it's hard to support other ships.'

The UNS Guardian of the High Seas was a San-Antonio Class Amphibious Transport Dock. Its main use was the support and transportation of marine companies into highly contested zones.

It was a warship of great capabilities as without it. A naval force wouldn't be able to do much to land forces other than pummel them to the ground with superior firepower.

"I hope that the United Navy can leave this sea unscathed." Captain Howard muttered in his breath while preparing himself for the worst that could happen to them.

If they do lose, he will do everything to rescue the Fleet Admiral and evacuate him to the so-called Port of Dawn. At the very least, they wouldn't be the fleet that would bring the highest of command to his death.

But regardless of his depressing thoughts, the reality was in itself complex. There was no use in provoking what-ifs inside one's mind for something that hadn't happened yet.

To avoid a doomed fate, one must merely work hard for themselves and others around them. 

With this in mind, Captain Howard had some relief from the stress the lurking sea monster brought.

Meanwhile, back in the UNS Light Bringer was Laplace wearing her newly-acquired clothes that took some time to be adjusted because of her beastly proportions.

Mainly, her thick dragon tail that required newbie tailors to work hard to have it excellently adjusted to her.

Anyhow, Laplace's clothes were merely ordinary everyday modern clothes. Practically, black shorts and a white T-shirt. If not for her black dragon horns and tail, she would have resembled a modern model.

"Their clothes are interesting…" Laplace waved her thick dragon tail back and forth as the newbie tailor perfectly adjusted her shorts to fit them.

However, as much as she wanted to enjoy looking at her beautiful and unique clothes. There was a troublesome issue she needed to solve. 

Since Abraham had saved her from becoming sold to the annoying magus, it was natural to pay the favor by helping him in his troubled state.

"For every herd of Leviathan, there is its leader. Bigger, stronger, better, and older than the rest. An Elder Leviathan." 

In all honesty, Laplace hadn't fought against such a gargantuan sea monster. A Leviathan was manageable and perhaps easy, but the same couldn't be said with an Elder Leviathan.

The logic of their bodies doesn't work the same as an ordinary Leviathan.

Besides, Laplace wasn't interested in fighting to death against such an abomination. Though… As said before, she must help her savior.

And so, Laplace looked in a particular direction and walked towards it without any hesitation. She smashed through the metallic wall, leaving behind a hole leading to the main deck of the destroyer.