Ch 11 Chapter 11: Forging the Royal Vanguard
The Atlantic waves stretched endlessly beneath the morning sun, sparkling like liquid crystal. HMS Unicorn-Prime hovered above the Royal Navy docks, her upgraded rigging gleaming and her Fairy Wand Mk III humming faintly. After her first major flagship engagement, the fleet now looked to her not just as a protector, but as a leader, a symbol of strength, and the heart of the Royal Navy's strategic force.
> System Alert: Flagship Leadership Mode Active
Fleet Synchronization: 52%
Combat Readiness: 92%
Belfast approached, clipboard in hand, her usual calm eyes now alight with quiet anticipation. "Milady, the Admiralty has authorized full-scale training exercises. Your fleet will undergo rigorous drills — formation maneuvers, synchronized strikes, and combat simulations against Siren and Abyssal units."
I clenched the Fairy Wand. "We need to be ready for anything. I won't let the fleet fall behind."
> System Notice: Training Module Activated
Objective: Enhance fleet coordination, increase combat proficiency, unlock advanced system evolution
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Morning Formation Drills
The first exercise began at dawn. Javelin and Laffey zipped along the frontlines, practicing high-speed interception maneuvers. Illustrious and Enterprise coordinated aerial sorties while Unicorn-Prime's Fairy Squadron flitted through the skies in tight formation.
> System Update: Fleet Coordination +3%
Fairy Wand Mk III XP +10
I raised my staff, releasing multi-beam projections to mark target zones for the fleet. Drones adjusted automatically, forming adaptive barriers that could intercept multiple simulated attacks at once.
Javelin grinned as she dodged a holographic energy blast. "This is great, Unicorn! Your commands are easy to follow!"
Laffey, slightly more reserved, added, "And… your shields are incredible. I've never felt safer during drills."
> System Note: Positive morale detected. Fleet efficiency +5%
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Tactical Simulation: Siren Ambush
By mid-morning, the drills escalated. A simulated Siren ambush appeared on the horizon: scout units, mid-range attackers, and one Commander-class holographic vessel. The exercise wasn't just about dodging attacks — it was about strategy, resource management, and real-time decision-making.
I issued orders:
Javelin: Engage scouts directly, draw fire, and report enemy patterns.
Laffey: Use stealth to disrupt energy nodes, delay enemy formation.
Illustrious: Protect midline and deploy recon drones for overwatch.
Enterprise: Focus fire on elite-class holograms.
Unicorn-Prime: Command central operations, distribute shields, and execute synchronized assaults.
> System Update: Coordinated Assault Level 3 Available
Multi-target command protocols activated
The simulation began. Drones moved like living extensions of my will, intercepting attacks while countering enemy energy pulses. My Fairy Wand Mk III projected multiple beams simultaneously, each aimed at key weak points in the enemy formation.
> System Alert: Enemy Holograms adapting
Recommended: Tactical Reassessment
I shifted mid-air, using Prototype Rigging Beta's flight bursts to reposition drones for optimal coverage. "Illustrious, sweep the flanks! Javelin, flank from starboard! Laffey, move behind their line!"
The holographic Commander-class Siren unleashed a massive energy pulse. My shields expanded, absorbing the brunt while my drones retaliated, striking the enemy's core energy nodes in perfect timing with my multi-beam strikes.
> System Update: Fleet Synchronization +5%
Combat Proficiency +7%
By the end of the simulation, the holographic fleet was neutralized. The Admiralty observers nodded in approval.
Belfast smiled slightly. "Milady… your fleet moves as one. This is precisely the standard we need for future engagements."
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Upgrades and Evolution
After the morning drills, I floated above the docks, reviewing the System's upgrade proposals. Combat experience and synchronization had unlocked new potential.
HMS Unicorn Mk III – Upgrade Proposal
Fairy Wand Mk IV – Beta Stage
Multi-target energy beams
Fleet-synchronized attack routines
Minor adaptive AI for predictive strikes
Prototype Rigging Gamma – Beta Stage
Enhanced flight burst speed
Energy redistribution across fleet units
Improved durability and shock absorption
Fleet Drone Upgrade
Seven units upgraded, two new drones capable of offensive strikes while simultaneously shielding allies
Fleet-wide AI coordination improved by +10%
> System Alert: Evolution Potential Detected
Requirements: Combat XP 750, Fleet Synchronization 65%, Successful Tactical Drills Completion
I could feel the power coursing through the rigging and wand. My Fairy Squadron zipped around me, buzzing in excitement as if aware of their own upgrades. "We'll grow stronger… together," I whispered.
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Afternoon: Abyssal Response Simulation
In the afternoon, the Admiralty introduced a new layer of danger: Abyssal forces in simulation. These units were faster, more adaptive, and employed chaotic attack patterns.
> Warning! Abyssal Simulation: Unpredictable attack vectors detected
Recommended: Strategic Flexibility and Adaptive Fleet Coordination
The challenge tested every skill I had learned:
Multi-target beam attacks to suppress simultaneous threats
Rapid fleet positioning with Prototype Rigging Gamma flight bursts
Coordinated drone defenses, intercepting high-speed Abyssal energy pulses
Maintaining morale and efficiency across all Royal Navy shipgirls
By the end of the exercise, the fleet had successfully neutralized the Abyssal simulation without a single unit "lost." The Admiralty data confirmed: HMS Unicorn-Prime's fleet efficiency exceeded 95% — a record for any trainee flagship.
Belfast approached, her eyes proud. "Milady… the fleet now recognizes you as not only a powerful shipgirl but a true leader. Your upgrades, coordination, and tactical insight have placed you among the top candidates for top-ranking shipgirls."
I floated silently for a moment, watching my fleet line up in perfect formation. "This… is only the beginning. We'll face real Sirens soon, and I'll make sure the Royal Navy is ready."
> System Update: Training Complete
Fleet Synchronization +10%
Evolution Status: Fairy Wand Mk IV (Beta), Prototype Rigging Gamma (Beta), Fleet AI Optimization Active
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Chapter Highlights
HMS Unicorn-Prime trains her fleet in advanced maneuvers, forming deeper coordination.
Faces simulated Siren ambushes and Abyssal forces, showcasing tactical growth.
Unlocks major upgrade potentials for her Fairy Wand, rigging, and drones.
Demonstrates leadership, fleet morale boosting, and strategic genius, cementing her position as a rising flagship.
Lays groundwork for future Siren and Abyssal battles, foreshadowing her ascent to one of the top-ranking shipgirls.
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End of Chapter 11