บท 6: [5] Clash of Magic and Steel

The wyverns immediately scattered, forming a defensive formation. Sir Kael quickly spoke in a commanding tone through the magical communication network, "Be careful! These aren't ordinary weapons. All knights, activate your magical shields and maintain formation! We must approach the ship cautiously."

The wyvern squadron adjusted their positions, but the next attack came faster than expected. One of the ironclad ships aimed something resembling a long tube toward the sky. Seconds later, a loud whistling sound filled the air, followed by a projectile speeding toward them at an incredible velocity. One of the closest wyverns attempted to evade, but the projectile exploded nearby, shattering the creature's wing and sending it plummeting into the sea with a long, agonizing scream.

Kael cursed loudly, "What is this?! What kind of weapon are they using?" He quickly issued a new order. "Group one, divert their attention from the sky! Group two, protect the merchant ship! Don't let them get any closer!"

The wyverns under his command maneuvered aggressively, flying low and attempting to attack the ironclad ships with magical fire spewing from their mouths. Although the flames were hot and destructive, Kael quickly realized the metal plating of the ships was too thick to penetrate.

One of the knights shouted through the communication line, "Our attacks are ineffective! The ship is too strong!"

Kael felt panic begin to rise within him. This was no ordinary battle. Pirates or armed merchant vessels had never wielded this kind of power. "Hold steady! We just need to buy the merchant ship some time to escape!"

On the main ship of the ironclad fleet, Arcana Cero watched the wyverns' movements through his spyglass. His eyes narrowed, realizing they were facing something entirely different from what he had imagined.

"System, analyze the objects attacking us," he ordered sharply.

[Analysis complete. The approaching objects are classified as 'wyverns'. The attack is coming from magical energy channeled through these creatures. Risk: High. Recommendation: Focus air-defense fire to neutralize the threat.]

Cero nodded, then turned to Commander Ragner. "Commander, they're attacking from the sky. Order the anti-air teams to focus fire on the wyverns! Don't let them get too close."

"Understood, Sir!" Ragner immediately relayed the order to the defense team. The anti-air crew began targeting the wyverns with automatic cannons, loading the weapons with destructive ammunition. The sound of rapid gunfire soon filled the air, raining down on the sky with fast-moving projectiles.

Cero continued observing the battlefield with the precision of a leader eager for experience. Though this was his first battle against magical creatures, he was growing more certain that this new world would keep throwing unexpected challenges their way.

Meanwhile, Kael was brainstorming, trying to figure out how to handle the situation. "They have long-range weapons that are too powerful. We can't keep this up. All units, focus on their main ship. If we damage it, they may retreat!"

The wyverns under his command surged toward the main ship of Cero's fleet, attempting to close the distance despite the barrage of fire raining down on them. One wyvern managed to break through the defense and spit fire onto the deck, but Cero's crew quickly extinguished the flames with emergency equipment.

On the bridge, Cero remained calm despite the escalating chaos. "We can't let them get any closer. Activate the missile systems, target the wyvern concentration. Let's finish this now."

A missile shot out from the warship RFS Sovershennyy, leaving a trail of smoke in the sky. A massive explosion rocked the wyvern formation, causing several of them to lose control and fall into the sea. The screeches of the creatures echoed, while Kael gritted his teeth, realizing they were outmatched in terms of technological power.

"Retreat! We can't fight them now. Protect the merchant ship and withdraw to the next coordinates!" Kael issued his final order with a heavy heart, and the wyvern squadron began pulling back, leaving the battlefield.

Cero exhaled deeply, his eyes still focused on the horizon where the wyverns were retreating. His calm demeanor concealed the storm of thoughts racing through his mind. The battle had given him a brief glimpse into the power of this new world—flying creatures, magic, and unorthodox strategies. But one thing was clear: there was no room for mercy.

"Don't let them escape," he said quietly yet decisively, turning to Commander Ragner. "Use the missiles. Pursue and destroy them. We can't risk any information about our ship leaking to the other side."

Ragner nodded firmly. "Understood, Sir!" He immediately grabbed the communication device near him and gave direct orders to the missile team on the main ship. "Target the retreating wyvern formation. Prioritize their leader."

Seconds later, the sound of launchers firing filled the air. Two missiles shot from the RFS Sovershennyy, leaving white smoke trails in the sky as they pursued the retreating wyverns. A massive explosion tore through the air, shaking the sky and sending shockwaves that reached the merchant ship.

But before they could relish their victory, Cero's attention was drawn back to the merchant vessel, still sailing frantically ahead of them. The ship had used the chaos to distance itself slightly, but it wasn't far enough to escape Cero's fleet's pursuit.

"Commander, we need to take that merchant ship now," Cero said firmly. "Prepare the marine team to board it. They may have valuable information or cargo."

Ragner immediately prepared his best marine force. A few minutes later, a small boat was launched from the transport frigate. The marine team, fully armed, quickly approached the merchant ship, shielded by warning fire from Cero's fleet artillery.

On the merchant ship, chaos erupted. Captain Hitos' crew, having witnessed the wyverns' destruction in the sky, now seemed to lose hope. They knew they stood no chance against such overwhelming military force. Captain Hitos, his face soaked with sweat, stood on the main deck, gripping his sword tightly.

"Hold fast!" he shouted at his crew, though his voice trembled. "We won't surrender without a fight!"

But before they could act further, a smoke grenade was thrown onto the deck. A small explosion filled the area with thick smoke, blinding the crew of the merchant ship. Cero's marines swiftly boarded, subduing the crew in minutes.

As the marine boat approached the merchant ship, the atmosphere grew even more tense. The crew, speaking the language of this world, began shouting at each other in fear and confusion. But to Cero's marines, it was just incomprehensible noise—a foreign language from this new world.

The marine platoon leader, a tough man named Lieutenant Draz, issued his orders firmly. "Alpha, disable all targets! Prioritize team safety! Don't let anyone escape!"

"Understood, Lieutenant!" the marines responded in unison, preparing their weapons. Their modern assault rifles were loaded with non-lethal ammunition, ensuring that the targets could be incapacitated without causing death unless absolutely necessary.

As their boat reached the side of the merchant ship, grappling hooks were thrown to secure the vessel. The marines moved swiftly, climbing the ship's side using rope ladders. One soldier in front threw a smoke grenade onto the deck, creating a thick curtain of smoke that enveloped the area. The smoke caused the merchant crew to panic, coughing and losing their vision.

"Combat formation! Move quickly!" Lieutenant Draz ordered through the radio, directing the marines to sweep the ship's deck.

On the other side, Captain Hitos stood on the main deck, shouting in his world's language, "Defend the ship! Don't let them board!" His voice was full of fear, but his crew still grabbed whatever weapons they could—swords, spears, even bows—to fight back. They had never faced a threat like this before: modern soldiers moving with military precision.

Amid the chaos, two robed figures stood behind Captain Hitos. They were hired magi, brought to protect this ship. One of them, a woman with neatly tied gray hair, began chanting a low incantation. A glowing magic circle began to form in her hands.

"Captain, we'll handle them," she said in a cold voice.

The other magus, a hard-faced man, added, "These creatures may be strong, but they are not immune to magic."

The woman finished chanting her spell, and immediately a massive fireball formed in her hands. With a swift motion, she hurled it toward one of the marines climbing the rope ladder. The fireball struck the ship's side, triggering a massive explosion that sent the marine flying back into the sea.

"ATTENTION! Active magic detected on the main deck!" one of the marines shouted over the radio.

Draz responded immediately. "All units, be on alert for magical threats! Prioritize targets in long cloaks. Don't let them keep attacking!"

The marines quickly adjusted their tactics. Some began using smoke grenade launchers to obscure the magi's view, while others delivered targeted shots at the ship's crew to incapacitate them. However, the magi were not idle.

A male mage stepped forward, both hands conjuring a wave of energy that slammed into the marines on the deck. Several marines were knocked back, their gear clattering loudly as their bodies hit the ship's floor. Yet, they quickly recovered, their protective armor absorbing most of the impact.

Meanwhile, the female mage unleashed an ice spear that shot through the air, targeting one of the marines. However, modern technology gave the marines an edge. The automatic detection system in the soldier's protective suit alerted him to the incoming attack, allowing him to dodge swiftly. The ice spear struck a mast, shattering it into tiny shards.

"Target them with taser rounds!" Draz shouted. The marines began firing specialized rounds designed to deliver electric shocks. One of the rounds struck the male mage, causing his body to convulse before he collapsed onto the deck, temporarily paralyzed.

Realizing the worsening situation, the female mage raised her hands high, forming a massive magic circle that began solidifying. "If I'm going to die here, I'm taking you all with me!" she screamed in desperation.

Before she could complete her spell, a precise shot from Draz hit her right arm, breaking her concentration. The magic circle dissipated instantly, and she fell to the deck, grimacing in pain.

"All primary targets neutralized! Secure the area!" Draz commanded through the radio.

Within minutes, the resistance from the ship's crew was quelled. The remaining crew surrendered with their hands held high, realizing that further fighting would only lead to their destruction. The Cero marines secured the entire ship, ensuring no threats remained.

Cero, observing the scene from the main ship via surveillance drones, finally decided to board the vessel. With steady steps, he walked among the marines and detained crew. His eyes locked onto Captain Hitos, who now sat slumped on the deck, his face drenched in sweat.