As dawn broke the next day, warships departed from every naval base belonging to the Inland Fleet.
Cho Jin-woong, aboard the flagship Ganggyeok (Strong Strike) of the Challenger-class, verified the situation.
“What about the scout ships and communication vessels?”
“They sailed last night, so they should already be in position.”
“And the balloons?”
“We launched them one shichen (about two hours) before the fleet’s departure.”
“I see…”
Nodding slightly, Cho Jin-woong studied the nautical chart and organized his thoughts.
-A battle with around 140 ships on both sides. The space where combat can occur is ultimately limited.
-The Ming fleet deployed this time is much smaller than during the last war. This is partly because most are large warships, but also due to their faith in those enormous vessels called the “Twin-Headed Flame Dragon.”
-Because of their confidence in those massive ships, they’ll insist on a frontal confrontation.
-Furthermore, after annihilating our fleet, they’ll immediately sail up the Han River to make a show of force at Seoul.
“If we consider this…”
Cho Jin-woong jabbed his commanding baton at a small archipelago on the chart.
“Right here, near the Gyeollyeolbi Islands, is the most likely spot.”
When Cho Jin-woong had identified the Gyeollyeolbi Islands vicinity as the probable battlefield during the previous meeting, all the Inland Fleet commanders had agreed.
Consequently, the warships departing from the Inland Fleet’s main naval bases at Seosan, Boryeong, Seocheon, and Gunsan were scheduled to rendezvous near the Gyeollyeolbi Islands.
However, since variables always existed, Cho Jin-woong had launched scout ships during the night, along with communication vessels and balloons—not just the self-propelled ones, but also the older tethered models.
While the scout ships and self-propelled balloons patrolled areas for reconnaissance, the communication vessels and older balloons were tasked with relaying that information back to him.
***
The Empire’s Inland Fleet had converged near the Gyeollyeolbi Islands around the time when sashi (9-11 AM) was transitioning to oshi (11 AM-1 PM).
Two assault ghost ships stood at the front of the fleet, one behind the other, with Challenger-class vessels lined up in formation to their left and right.
The fastest Sea Response-class ships formed a straight-line formation at the rear of the fleet.
“Every time I see it, I’m struck by what a powerful fleet we have. Especially those assault ghost ships.”
The captain of the Ganggyeok nodded at Cho Jin-woong’s words.
“Indeed, sir.”
“I’d like to call it invincible, but that’s been forbidden by imperial decree…”
Cho Jin-woong let his words trail off in apparent regret, and the captain beside him nodded with a similar expression.
***
The Imperial Navy harbored absolute faith in their fleet.
-The Empire’s fleet is invincible! The Invincible Armada!
However, when Hyang heard such talk, he became furious and issued an order.
“The first thing military personnel responsible for national security must guard against is arrogance! Never mention the term ‘Invincible Armada’ again!”
Following Hyang’s resolute command, the phrase “Invincible Armada” officially disappeared from the Imperial Navy.
Some expressed dissatisfaction with Hyang’s actions, while others defended him.
“What’s wrong with calling an invincible fleet invincible?”
“I think it shows how much he treasures it. Don’t people give harsh names to precious children? To ward off bad luck. I think it’s something like that.”
“Still…”
“Let’s just accept it, shall we? Besides, it’s an imperial decree, so we must obey.”
Even as naval officers and sailors grumbled, Hyang remained firm.
“Nothing good ever came to those who called themselves an ‘Invincible Armada’! From Spain’s Armada to Japan’s First Air Fleet!”
***
After briefly expressing his regret, Cho Jin-woong quickly regained his composure and looked at the nautical chart.
“But His Majesty is right. Arrogance must be avoided. Yes, indeed.”
While Cho Jin-woong was collecting himself, an officer from outside rushed in with a report.
“Communication received! ‘Enemy fleet spotted! 150 li (about 60km) west of point Gab! Size approximately 70! Three Twin-Headed Flame Dragons at the vanguard! Approaching in line formation!’ That’s all, sir!”
Upon hearing the officer’s report and examining the chart, Cho Jin-woong clenched his fist.
“As expected! They’re challenging us to a frontal battle! Then we shall oblige them! Raise the command flag! Form the short column formation!”
“Yes, sir!”
The officer who responded loudly to Cho Jin-woong’s order rendered a military salute and rushed outside.
Shortly after, signal flags rose on the flagship’s mast, and light signaling devices flashed their messages.
Soon, signal lights flashed from other vessels, and the fleet’s formation began to change.
The Challenger-class ships that had been lined up on either side of the assault ghost ships began to distance themselves from them, forming two short columns. The Sea Response-class ships at the rear also disbanded their straight-line formation and started to form two short columns.
With this arrangement, the assault ghost ships secured more freedom of movement.
The vessels in the short column formation would move along the flanks of the Ming fleet, using their broadside cannons to attack the enemy.
This was another application of tactics honed through encounters with Japanese pirates, as well as pirates from Ming, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
-Avoid chaotic melee combat while maximizing mobility and firepower to methodically break down the enemy.
This was the Imperial Navy’s fundamental tactic.
With their new formation established, the Imperial Navy passed the Gyeollyeolbi Islands at point Gab and sailed westward. Even during this voyage, the positions of the Ming fleet continued to be relayed through balloons, and the Inland Fleet adjusted its course accordingly, heading directly toward the Ming fleet’s front.
***
After about one and a half shichen (about three hours), the light signal devices on the assault ghost ships and Challenger-class vessels at the front began flashing frantically.
“Enemy fleet sighted! Directly ahead!”
Upon confirmation of the signal, Cho Jin-woong immediately issued orders.
“Order the assault ghost ships to charge! Tell them to begin snake hunting!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Orders to the fleet! Proceed as planned! Eliminate the enemy methodically according to the operation!”
“Yes, sir!”
The signalman who received the orders worked the light signaling device until his wrist nearly broke. Soon, light signals flashed from all directions as the assault ghost ships began to speed up, and a killing intent permeated the entire fleet.
“Hmmph.”
After taking a small breath, Cho Jin-woong turned to the captain standing beside him.
“From here on, it’s in your hands. I’m counting on you.”
“Leave it to me!”
The confident captain grabbed the speaking tube and shouted.
“All hands to battle stations!”
***
Around the same time, the Ming fleet also spotted the Imperial fleet.
“So they were already waiting for us.”
Hearing the report on the bridge of the Great Blessed Ship, Jin Wei smiled bitterly and muttered. The captain standing beside him responded with a similar expression.
“With balloons hovering in the sky since morning, it would have been strange if they didn’t know.”
“True enough. And yet…”
While nodding at the captain’s words, Jin Wei gazed enviously at the self-propelled balloons moving in the high sky.
“The Empire’s craftsmanship is truly enviable. We’re still limited to tethered balloons…”
Balloons were already well-known. Because of this, Ming had also been striving to produce them and had recently begun manufacturing and deploying them.
However, the balloons deployed by Ming were still operated using tethered ropes. They continued to research self-propelled balloons like those used by the Imperial forces, but due to their inferior technological level compared to the Empire, they still had a long way to go.
“By the way, are you alright, General?”
“What do you mean?”
“The commander and the others are all aboard the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon, while you alone are here…”
The captain’s voice trailed off, but Jin Wei understood immediately. He gave a bitter smile and shrugged.
“What can I do? Someone has to command from the outside.”
***
Since his private audience with Jingtai Emperor, Jin Wei had become an outcast.
It had become known that the reason he remained alone was not to be reprimanded but to offer advice.
Whether good or bad, receiving the emperor’s attention affected one’s career prospects. As a result, Jin Wei had no choice but to take command of one of the fleet’s sub-fleets and separate from the main group.
Conversely, the core personnel of the fleet command, including the commander, were all situated on the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon.
The reason Jin Wei was placed on a Great Blessed Ship rather than on the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon, considered the largest and safest of Ming’s warships, was simple.
-Fight hard and die!
***
“Since the battle has already begun, I can only do my best to survive…”
Muttering these self-deprecating words while raising his telescope, Jin Wei chuckled as he looked at the instrument in his hand.
“Damn… even this is made in the Empire. Most things that are still usable are made in the Empire…”
Hiding his complicated feelings, Jin Wei put the telescope to his eye and observed the Imperial fleet approaching in the distance.
“Both of them are indeed there.”
Looking at the two assault ghost ships gradually increasing their speed, Jin Wei muttered in a bitter voice, but suddenly gritted his teeth.
“This is the worst-case scenario!”
The distant approaching assault ghost ships had changed direction. The meaning was clear.
-The Empire’s assault ghost ships aren’t aiming for a frontal confrontation but intend to tear at our flanks!
However, what Jin Wei judged to be the worst situation was the attitude taken by his own Twin-Headed Flame Dragon ships.
Rather than turning their heads toward the assault ghost ships approaching their flanks, they had increased their forward speed.
Seeing the decision of the upper ranks with his own eyes, Jin Wei pounded the railing with his fist in frustration.
“To make such a mistake, relying solely on the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon’s armor without properly understanding the firepower of the assault ghost ships! Captain!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Can we increase our speed beyond this?”
At Jin Wei’s question, the captain answered with a somewhat troubled expression.
“If we push the oarsmen, it’s possible, but we can’t maintain it for long!”
“It doesn’t matter! We just need enough time to block those assault ghost ships!”
“You mean…”
“If the Twin-Headed Flame Dragons are annihilated, we’re finished!”
At Jin Wei’s exclamation, the captain hesitated briefly, then nodded and called for an officer.
“Tell the oarsmen to row as fast as they can!”
“Yes, sir!”
Meanwhile, Jin Wei busily issued orders.
“Relay to the other ships! Use all your strength to block the assault ghost ships!”
“Yes, sir!”
Signal flags carrying Jin Wei’s orders were hung on the mast, and the Great Blessed Ships under Jin Wei’s command began to gradually increase their speed.
As he watched his fleet moving with increased speed, Jin Wei’s eyes were filled with despair.
“Too slow…”
His own ship and the other vessels were far too slow compared to the warships equipped with steam engines.
“Is it already too late…”
***
At the same time, on the bridge of Twin-Headed Flame Dragon No. 1, “Jeongjo” (Conquest of Joseon).
“There are indeed two assault ghost ships.”
Responding to his staff officer’s report, Yellow Sea Fleet Commander Admiral Deng Shulin spoke with an arrogant expression.
“As expected, the Joseon dogs only know how to use tricks. We already anticipated this, so it’s of no concern.”
“Should we turn the bow?”
“No, increase speed and charge.”
“Pardon?”
“Charge forward like this and annihilate the Joseon dogs’ Inland Fleet. We’ll return exactly what they dealt us in the last war!”
“But our flanks will be exposed!”
“The Twin-Headed Flame Dragon’s side armor is 2 chi (about 6cm) thick! And the wooden planking behind it is twice as thick! There’s nothing to worry about! It’s the Great Blessed Ships that are the problem! We need to eliminate as many Challenger-class ships as possible to keep the Great Blessed Ships safe!”
Following Deng Shulin’s decision, the three Twin-Headed Flame Dragon ships increased their speed and began to charge.