Cherreads

Chapter 8 - Chapter 7: Clash of the Waves

Ch 7 Chapter 7: Clash of the Waves

The early morning fog hadn't fully lifted, but the tension was already thick across the Royal Navy base. Reports from scouts indicated a Siren fleet approaching — far larger and more coordinated than the Abyssal Muse from before.

I stood at the edge of the dock, my upgraded staff in hand, watching the waves churn. The system hummed faintly in my mind, reminding me of my growing synchronization.

> Host, current synchronization: 25%.

Combat readiness: 85%.

I glanced at Belfast, standing tall beside me, her eyes sharp and focused. "Milady, today's engagement will test not only your abilities but your decision-making. Sirens are cunning. They adapt quickly to standard tactics."

I swallowed nervously. "I understand… I'll do my best."

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Upgraded HMS Unicorn

Before we launched, the system displayed my current equipment and upgrades:

Main Weapon:

Fairy Wand Mk II – Lv. 5

Enhanced staff with stronger barrier projection, multi-fairy deployment, and minor offensive beams. Can now synchronize with nearby shipgirls' systems for combined support.

Support Drones:

Fairy Squadron (5 units) – Lv. 3

Autonomous units capable of healing, shielding, and minor energy attacks. Can attach to allies for direct enhancement.

Chassis/Armor:

Prototype Rigging Alpha – Lv. 3

Lightweight, reinforced armor that increases agility and energy absorption. Allows short bursts of flight and energy redirection.

Aircraft/Planes:

Recon Fairy Planes x2 – Small scout drones for enemy detection.

Light Support Fighter x4 – Quick, agile drones capable of minor attacks and escort duties.

Healing Fairy Bombers x2 – Deploy energy waves that heal allies or shield multiple targets at once.

Ships Under Command (Fleet Composition)

HMS Unicorn-Prime (me) – Support flagship

Javelin – Fast destroyer, front-line offense

Laffey – Agile destroyer with stealth focus

Illustrious – Carrier, providing aerial support and fleet buffs

Enterprise – Heavy aircraft carrier, long-range firepower

> System Notice: Equipment evolution potential detected for HMS Unicorn-Prime. Fairy Wand Mk II may evolve to Mk III after sufficient combat experience.

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The Sirens emerged from the fog like shadows, their black hulls glinting with eerie red light. This time, there were multiple fleets — scouts, mid-range attackers, and several elite-class Sirens gliding above the water.

> Warning! Enemy detected: Siren Scout Squadrons, Elite-Class Siren Destroyers, and unidentified battleships.

Belfast raised her arm. "Formation Delta! Milady, deploy your fairies immediately. Keep the frontline supported."

I activated the Fairy Wand Mk II. Light erupted from the tip, and five fairy drones zipped into the sky, forming a protective shield over the fleet.

> Fairy Squadron deployed. Synchronization bonus active.

"Everyone, stay close!" I shouted, feeling my confidence rising with the System's guidance. "I've got shields and healing — let's keep the front strong!"

Javelin zipped ahead, firing rapid bursts at the nearest Sirens. Laffey disappeared into a shadow of stealth, striking unseen from behind. Illustrious and Enterprise launched their aircraft, forming a defensive aerial net to prevent enemy reinforcements.

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The Battle Begins

The first clash was brutal. Sirens struck with precision, targeting weaker ships first. I directed my fairies to intercept, forming a barrier that absorbed multiple blasts. The light from the shields sparkled like fireflies across the misty waves.

> System Update: Combat proficiency +3%.

Fairy Wand Mk II XP +10.

"Focus on the larger targets!" Belfast commanded. "Unicorn, your beams can disrupt enemy formations — aim for their core energy units!"

I took a deep breath and thrust the staff forward. A beam of pink energy sliced through the nearest destroyer-class Siren, causing sparks and electrical surges. My synchronization rose noticeably — the System hummed with approval.

> Warning: Enemy Elite-Class Siren targeting HMS Unicorn-Prime.

One of the larger Sirens, a sleek battleship with glowing red eyes, bore down on me. Its energy beam aimed directly at my position. I activated the Prototype Rigging Alpha's flight burst, dodging to the side while my fairy drones intercepted part of the blast.

> Fairy Squadron skill upgrade unlocked: Coordinated Assault Level 1.

I nodded to myself. With the new skill, the drones simultaneously attacked multiple targets, breaking apart a Siren scout squadron and giving our fleet precious seconds to regroup.

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Strategic Decisions

The System prompted me with options:

1. Focus entirely on defense – Protect the fleet, minimize damage, slower combat growth.

2. Balance offense and defense – Support allies while striking targets, moderate growth.

3. Full offensive synchronization – Risk overexertion, gain maximum system experience and equipment evolution potential.

I hesitated, feeling the weight of responsibility. Then I looked at my fleet — Javelin and Laffey risking their lives in the frontlines, Enterprise providing massive firepower, and Illustrious supporting from above.

"I… can't just hide," I whispered. "Balance it is."

> System acknowledged. Engaging Balanced Combat Protocol.

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Gaining Control

As I coordinated attacks, the waves themselves seemed to respond. My energy pulses became sharper, shields stronger, and beams more precise. The system prompted me to upgrade mid-battle:

> [System Upgrade Proposal: Fairy Wand Mk III]

Requirements: Combat XP 500, Enemy Units Defeated 50, Fleet Synchronization 80%

The upgrade glowed in my vision — a promise of new power. "I'll get there… soon," I muttered, focusing on controlling the chaos around me.

By now, the Sirens were retreating, unable to break through our formation. I directed my fairy bombers to heal damaged ships, while beams and fighter drones harassed the enemy fleet.

> System Notice: Combat complete. Enemy fleet neutralized.

HMS Unicorn-Prime XP +150, Fairy Wand Mk II progression +50, Synchronization +10%.

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Aftermath and Growth

As the waves settled, the fleet regrouped. I floated above the water, breathing heavily, feeling the weight of the battle — but also the thrill of growth.

> System Alert: Equipment evolution now available.

Fairy Wand Mk II → Mk III ready after next engagement.

Belfast approached, her eyes calm but proud. "Milady, your command decisions were exceptional. The fleet performed better because of you."

I smiled faintly, exhausted but determined. "I… still have so much to learn, but… I think I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Above, the sun broke through the fog, glinting off the waves. My upgraded rigging sparkled in the morning light, my fairy drones buzzing softly around me.

I was no longer just a player from another world. I was HMS Unicorn-Prime, a shipgirl of the Royal Navy — growing stronger with every battle, evolving with every challenge, and ready to face the mysteries of the Azure Sea.

> Quest Updated: Survive First Fleet Engagement. Prepare for Next Mission.

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This chapter shows:

Active combat with Sirens, including strategic decisions.

Growth of the main character, with system prompts and synchronization increases.

Equipment upgrades and the first glimpse of evolution paths.

Fleet composition and planes, making the story more tactical and RPG-like.

Sets up the plot for future missions and further evolution of HMS Unicorn-Prime.

The battle map is at the comment if you want

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End of Chapter 7

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