While it hasn't broken due to the constant shifting of ships in our three-layered formation, we are still losing ships and taking massive damage with each passing second, despite all measures we have in place."

"And with how things are going, it won't be long before our main battle line crumbles. All this is happening when they haven't even completely engaged us in full-blown battle."

"Our state is not good at all. It is better that we go with this plan. At least this way, there will be some meaning to our deaths."

"And yes, while there's no guarantee that those few will be able to escape successfully, that doesn't mean we shouldn't try what could possibly be our last chance to achieve something. With this escape, and the information reaching the Council, it won't be long before they come looking for us and quite possibly avenge the fallen with the help of the Star Fleet," he added.

Only then was he able to move the others to accept and act on this plan. They started working on it, but not all of them—if not all—were truly fond of the idea. After all, what kind of plan required them to literally sacrifice themselves just to send a message to their clan that they were being attacked and had fallen?

They were helpless; truly, they themselves couldn't think of any other way to save themselves. Many had entertained the thought of abandoning the star fortress for smaller ships like frigates or corvettes, and then making their own escape.

After all, their original plan had been for the fortress, along with the main battle forces—like the Taurus Prime and its six Dreadnought-class battleships—to hold the fort while others made their escape in whatever direction they could. And if Lady Luck smiled on any of them, they would likely survive, as the probability was higher in that case than if they stayed aboard these few ships, which would not be moving from here at all.

Helran could tell exactly what these few crew members were thinking by the look on their faces. He wouldn't be stopping them from leaving, as it truly wouldn't matter if they stayed or not. But he couldn't help but feel sad. Where was that vow they had taken? That spirit with which they had declared they would rather die fighting than escape when the enemy first appeared?

It looked like, in the face of death, all the vows and fighting spirit crumbled. But he couldn't help but think it was only the logical thing to do. After all, who doesn't want to live for a few more years? He was no different. Why else did he cultivate? And why was he also thinking of escaping in the midst, using a few hidden resources he had on hand?

Meanwhile, as the others continued their planning in their midst, they were still mindful of their tasks.

In a few of the hidden hangars on the back of the star fortress, preparations were underway. In each hangar—small, yet large enough to contain a small frigate—stood no more than two or three specialized, dark-colored corvettes. Minotaurswere running system checks to ensure all crucial systems were working.

The same preparations were happening in about ten similar hangars. No less than a thousand Minotaurs were equally distributed across the eleven hangars, all standing with the lingering fear of death in their eyes. Some were high-level officers, and others belonged to powerful families within the Minotaur Clan, giving them priority for the escape.

Among this group was one individual who was notably calm compared to the others. The Minotaur behind him struck up a conversation, his voice shaking. Despite the battle being distant, the psychological burden was so immense after watching the destruction and death of many fellow clansmen that he couldn't help but shudder, as was the case for many others.

The reason he struck up the conversation was the unusual calmness the person was showing: "Hey, why are you so calm? Which family do you belong to? Do you have any assurance we can make it out of this hellish place?" he asked, launching a barrage of questions at the calm Minotaur.

"Hello. Yes, I come from the Keraunos family," said the calm Minotaur, looking over his shoulder at the person who asked.

**"Hiss! Ker-Ker-Keraunos family! The supreme family! Is this the one you mean, Noble Sir?" the Minotaur asked in surprise. There was a hint of excitement and relief in his eyes, as he clearly thought: If I can somehow gain his protection, maybe there's a chance I can get out of this alive. **

"Yes, the same Keraunos family you are thinking of. But please don't put too much hope on the name of my family, for I am only from a branch family, not the main one. I possess nothing that can actually lead me out of this situation in one piece, or even two," the person said, regret clear across his face.

"Oh," said the other Minotaur, the reverence and excitement immediately cooling as if doused with water. Despite his disappointment, he said nothing displeasing: "I see. No wonder you were sent here. If you had been a main family member, you wouldn't be staying in this tertiary corner of the clan."

"Sigh. To gain some status, I had to join the ranks of the military, and without any serious backing, I could only end up here. But who knew my luck was so bad that we would be invaded by an unknown enemy force," the person said, falling silent, and the other Minotaur followed suit.

Finally, seeing that the other person had lost interest, the 'Noble Minotaur' couldn't help but mutter: "Sigh, it's so hard to act like someone else, and that too, one of such significant status. I should have chosen someone else's face than this." This was Helran speaking. The person was not the actual noble; the true one was killed by Helran, who took his place using a face-morphing technique while leaving a clone in the star fortress's main control room to prevent others from realizing he was making his own escape.