章節 660: CHAPTER 816
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***
October 25, 1805.
Five days have passed since Zipfel received a declaration of war from the Red Plutonian tribe. The position of the Vamel Alliance had been communicated to the whole world, and the only remaining task was to verify whether the Red Plutonian tribe would keep their promise.
Naturally, not only Zipfel, as they were potential targets of the Red Plutonian tribe's invasion, but all the major powers were closely monitoring the situation.
Especially, the Vamel Alliance had divided their infiltration team into five groups to infiltrate the federal territory, in accordance with Zipfel's 1st-class Magic Towers.
"It's truly remarkable," Mary said. She, along with Yona and Tona brothers, was stationed near the 1st-class Magic Tower of the Listin autonomous district.
"You're right, elder sister. Just how many battleships are there for each 1st-class Magic Tower? If there are this many battleships stationed at all 1st-class Magic Towers, their production capacity must be many times greater than during the Evil God War."
"Even if we estimate conservatively, it must be over a hundred battleships. And with around fifty battleships stationed at each 2nd-class Magic Tower, their production capacity is beyond any normal understanding. There must be places like the Sota Desert under the ground shipyards to support such production."
"Hehe, the lights from the fleets are beautiful, Mary unnie. It feels like looking at a sky full of stars on a starry night."
"Those are our enemies, elder sister Yona. It's not appropriate to appreciate them like that."
"What do you mean? Say that again, hehe."
"Haha, never mind."
"Yona, Haytona is right."
"If Mary unnie says so, then I guess it's true, hehe. Okay, I'll see them in a bad way. When I see them again, I'll find them overly flamboyant and annoying."
"Sure, sure. You're such a good girl, Yona. And since Tona brothers are flagbearers, should you ignore them like that in front of others?"
"Yes, I'll treat them well!"
The Tona brothers secretly swallowed tears and smiled awkwardly. Despite becoming heroes of the clan and the world after the Evil God War, their treatment from their siblings hadn't changed much.
In truth, Yona was just playing mischievous pranks on them, and Mary admired how they didn't let the fame get to their heads and remained down-to-earth.
"But seriously, do you think the Red Plutonian tribe can easily take down those magic towers, elder sister? There seem to be countless mages of Spectre corp and ghost division on par with transcendent beings inside the Magic Towers."
"That's why we're here to find out. Especially since this 1st-class Magic Tower is the farthest from residential areas, it's likely to be their primary target. They'll attack without any restraints."
From the perspective of the Vamel Alliance, the best-case scenario would be for Zipfel to retaliate with an equal force after their invasion.
The more significant losses both sides suffered, the greater the benefits for the Vamel Alliance.
"If Zipfel keeps suffering defeats like this, then we might end up changing our enemies, from Zipfel to the Red Plutonian tribe."
"That's possible, but it's more likely that they will suddenly form an alliance at some point. They've already been known to form alliances with the remnants of the imperial family, so there's no law that says they won't increase their alliances when pushed into a corner."
"Unless the youngest's brethren are liberated from Laprarosa, that scenario seems really difficult. Well, let's prepare the meal for now."
As the Tona brothers were about to enter the pit they had prepared in advance, Mary suddenly pointed to the sky.
"Stop moving! It looks like it's starting. A dimensional portal has opened in the sky."
"What on earth is that huge thing?"
"Heh? It's beautiful, it feels like looking at the Milky Way sinking down all at once!"
"But they are also our enemies, elder sister Yona."
The dimensional portal that appeared before them was much larger than what anyone who had experienced the Red Plutonian tribe's dimensional portals, including Jin, had seen before.
At a glance, it seemed that about five hundred battleships could easily emerge from the space opening in the sky.
The location was directly above the 1st-class Magic Tower of Listin.
Mary and her group naturally thought that a massive fleet would come out of that dimensional portal. Since the Magic Towers were fully operational, they expected an immediate aerial battle to commence.
"What is that?"
However, what came out of the portal was something so colossal that it could not be simply called a single battleship.
"Is that the aerial fortress that Ms. Ameris mentioned...!"
In ancient times, the power of each faction was evaluated not by their fleet but by the number of aerial fortresses they possessed.
Among them, the Red Plutonian tribe had the most aerial fortresses. There were a total of six, including the five overseen by the Great Battle Kings and one exclusive aerial fortress operated by the Battle God.
One of them was now looming over the Listin's Magic Tower, exuding an imposing presence. Its name was Oos, the aerial fortress operated by the Great Battle King Gaila of the Usrok Castle.
"It's not on the level of the Evil God's Ram, but it's terrifying... Can't they easily take care of a 1st-class Magic Tower with that alone?"
Bang, roar...!
As soon as the aerial fortress Oos appeared, the Zipfel fleet began its bombardment. A protective barrier formed over the entire Magic tower, and the waiting mages unleashed their mana and performed link magic spells.
Even those known as Transcendents would have to risk their lives to break through with a single breath of such firepower.
Mary and her group lay flat on the ground, closely observing Zipfel's response. Even though they were 2.5km away, the heat radiating from the Magic tower was making the wind scorching hot.
"The 1st-class Magic Tower's firepower is even more exceptional than we expected, elder sister."
"The problem is that it seems to have no effect on that aerial fortress from the looks of it. Already from the beginning."
Tona swallowed his dry spit and spoke. As he said, the bombardment and magic pouring out from the Listin's Magic tower were completely ineffective against Oos.
"Full fleet! Increase the power to the maximum. The mages of Spectre Corps and Ghost corps should disengage from the linkage magic formation and prepare to infiltrate the enemy ships!"
The tower master swung his staff and shouted. The mages of Spectre Corps and Ghost corps followed his orders and mounted the dragons, but as they got closer, they only confirmed that the protective shield was still intact.
In other words, the Magic tower was pouring all its power while the aerial fortress appeared, but it posed no threat to the Red Plutonian tribe at all.
Moreover, Oos had not launched a single attack yet. It was simply floating there, seemingly flaunting the gap in power.
{I will give you a chance to surrender. Those who do not wish to fight, raise your hands and come out of the Magic tower. A white flare signal will be considered a sign of surrender, so the commanders of each battleship must decide to surrender within one minute.}
The voice of Great Battle King Gaila echoed throughout the vicinity of the Magic tower.
{Our Red Plutonian tribe always keeps its promises. Those who surrender will be treated as civilians.}
The dragons carrying the mages of Spectre Corps and Ghost corps were unable to approach Oos properly. Only once, they barely touched the bottom of the protective shield, but the spikes that emerged from it pierced through the dragon's body. It was evidently impossible to infiltrate Oos using dragons and battleships.
It seemed that only individuals with the power to tear through the shield alone could infiltrate.
"Tower Master, we need to retreat."
After returning to the Magic tower, the mages of Spectre Corps and Ghost corps proposed retreat to Tower Master. They realized that with the power of only a 1st-class Magic Tower, they couldn't even engage in 'combat' with the aerial fortress.
It was like a battle between a young child and an armed knight.
The disparity between the 1st-class Magic Tower and the aerial fortress was beyond comparison. If it were the Red Fleet that attacked the 2nd-class Magic Tower a while ago, they might have had some chance, but the aerial fortress was an entirely different thing.
Tower Master immediately accepted the suggestion of the mages. The mages who said to retreat were the survivors of the 2nd-class magic tower attack.
"Damn it...!"
Tower Master cursed and fired a retreat signal flare. Similar flares were fired from various points in the fleet.
{If you want to live, you should have fired the white signal flare as I said, you fools.}
Immediately after Gaila's words, the lower part of Oos opened. The Zipfel fleet turned around, and Tower Master, along with the mages of Spectre Corps and Ghost corps, was already boarding small ships and taking off.
The only remaining goal for the Listin's Magic tower was to survive and report the power of the aerial fortress to the higher-ups.
Gaila had no intention of allowing even that.
"Compatriot Shimat, fire."
Gaila poured blood into a glass jar as he spoke. He could see humans futilely fleeing beyond the bridge.
"Compatriot Gaila, I think it's better to acquire and analyze some of the Magic tower rather than completely destroying it."
"At first glance, it looks like a structure built with inferior technology. Is there really a need to go to such lengths?"
"We have to. Even if it's inferior technology, there may be elements that can threaten us. What was the price we paid for underestimating Jin Runcandel and the Vamel Alliance?"
"Hmm... Alright, if that's what Compatriot Shimat wants, then so be it. Let's destroy the Magic tower to a certain extent and retrieve what we need. Everything else must be eradicated. This time, we'll only take those who survived the bombardment aftermath."
"Understood!"
A massive red sphere formed in the lower part of Oos. Just its presence caused the space around the Magic tower to distort, and some mages and dragons were pulled into the sphere and disappeared without a trace.
Like a watermelon being smashed, the Magic tower was breaking into pieces. The shattered fragments were being absorbed into the upper part of Oos.
Soon after the Magic tower was retrieved, Oos fired its main cannon, and it was not a simple straight shot. It was a column-shaped projectile that turned the area into scorched earth, with tentacle-like beams emanating from it, covering the fleeing Zipfel forces.
The personnel fleeing from the Magic tower could do nothing but be massacred by the barrage. They didn't even have a chance to resist.
Watching this scene, Mary and her group couldn't help but shudder.
"...The Red Plutonian tribe probably didn't only attack this place today. I wonder how the situation is on the other side. But if every battle is like this, there's no hope for Zipfel."
The power and devastation displayed by the aerial fortress Oos were awe-inspiring and overwhelming. It made it clear that facing the Red Plutonian tribe's forces head-on would be a daunting task.
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章節 661: CHAPTER 817
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***
At the same time, the Red Plutonian tribe attacked two more locations in Zipfel's territory.
The 1st-class Magic tower in Qyun Autonomous District and the Tower of Stories were both under attack by the Red Plutonian tribe. However, unlike the Listin Autonomous District, the attackers in these regions were not aerial fortresses but a fleet.
"Indeed, Zipfel is still Zipfel, able to fight well despite facing a formidable fleet," Cuicantelle said.
She, along with Valkas and Lata, had infiltrated the Qyun Autonomous District with the help of the Nameless executioner, Bizen.
The Red Plutonian tribe's fleet that attacked Qyun's Magic tower comprised around two hundred battleships, led by the Great Battle King, Rakiman.
On the other hand, Zipfel's fleet stationed at the Magic tower consisted of around 150 battleships, showing that Zipfel was inferior not only in flying ship technology but also in numbers.
However, Qyun had Octavia and her guardian dragon, Salion, on their side. As soon as the dimensional gate opened, Octavia ascended to the top of the Magic tower and unleashed her mana, thwarting the Red Plutonian tribe's fleet.
"It must be because of Octavia," said Valkas.
"If it weren't for her, the tide would have turned quickly. Zipfel's great mages are at their strongest when assisted by guardian dragon and the Magic tower. She has become even stronger than during the Evil God War. She seems to have gained enlightenment."
The situation in Qyun was completely different from what Mary and her group had witnessed in the Listin's Magic tower. The Red Plutonian tribe lacked aerial fortresses, and Zipfel had one of the top-ranked superhumans, Octavia, in its ranks, making the outcome predictable.
Yet, there was only one opponent.
The group marveled at Octavia's power, realizing that her strength alone could determine the outcome of the battle.
"Because you underestimated Zipfel, you now will pay the price for your arrogance and be defeated!"
The flagship of Zipfel's 2nd fleet, Lucia, took off and settled in front of Octavia. Octavia climbed to the forefront of Lucia's battleship, her eyes glowing with determination.
Kwark!
Her powerful spell, Vision magic - Gaze of Crimson Flames, which pushed Jin to his limits at Sword Emperor Castle War, was engulfing the entire sky in flames. The storm unleashed by the dragon Salion was carrying the crimson flames towards the Red Plutonian tribe's fleet. The fleet faltered in the spreading flames, forcing them to concentrate on their defense shields.
For the sake of reinforcing their protective shield, the Red Plutonian tribe had to abandon their dispersed formation and concentrate in one place. Octavia and the Magic tower also concentrated their firepower accordingly.
"Flagship Lucia, charge! I will personally break through their formation and destroy them."
"But, Captain, it's still the initial phase of the battle. Isn't it too risky?"
"We can't win against these guys by fighting cautiously and worrying about the aftermath. The Red Plutonian tribe is an opponent you can't defeat while thinking about the future. They've probably already defeated the other Magic towers. Since the staff of Listin's Tower master sent a signal earlier, indicating that the Listin side has already been defeated. We must win, no matter what!"
"Understood, all members of the Spectre corps, gather at once!"
The scattered members of the Spectre corps, who were spread across each battleship and the Magic tower, swiftly gathered around Flagship Lucia.
Octavia had a look on her face as if she were prepared to face death. The Red Plutonian tribe had declared war, announcing the target area in the first battle. If the entire region lost in this fight, Zipfel had no future.
Her fierce determination only made Octavia even more formidable. The light magic emanating from her staff was infinitely sharp, and the Spectre corps gathered behind her emitted a formidable bloodlust.
There was no Demon's God's Orb here.
Thus, if Octavia and the Spectre corps were killed, there was a high chance they wouldn't be resurrected. Even if they managed to retrieve their bodies for a future resurrection, they would never be whole again.
"5 seconds before the collision! 4, 3, 2...!"
Thud, crack-!
The bow of Flagship Lucia collided with the Red Plutonian tribe's shield. The bow immediately disintegrated, and cracks appeared on the shield.
The Red Plutonians, who had been on the deck, shot red lightning towards them. Octavia and the Spectre corps repelled the lightning attacks with their magic and staves, swiftly boarding the enemy battleships.
"Lucia, keep ramming them until the shield breaks! We'll board their flagship as well!"
The Crimson flames still burned in Octavia's eyes. The ordinary warriors trembled and bent their knees just by making eye contact with her, and even the battle kings seemed hesitant to approach her.
The artillery battle continued fiercely between the two fleets. Both fleets and the ground, receiving the bombardments and their remnants, were vibrating as if they would collapse any moment.
Already, more than 50 battleships had been destroyed on both sides. The Red Plutonian tribe had expected an easy victory, but what they were experiencing now was a fierce and intense battle.
"Not comparable to Jin Runcandel, but she possesses an unimaginable power for a human. Octavia Zipfel, the Captain of Zipfel's Spectre Corps, was it?" Rakiman observed Octavia and the Spectre Corps from the bridge.
"Yes, Compatriot Rakiman. She is Zipfel's second-in-command. Her momentum is fierce, but it seems like reaching this point was too much."
"Compatriot Andolin, you still lack the ability to see through things. Unless I personally end her, this invasion will undoubtedly end in failure."
"But, Compatriot Rakiman, you still have injuries from the last battle."
Rakiman hadn't fully recovered from the injuries he sustained in the previous battle.
"It's for the sake of victory. Even if Compatriot Shimat were here, he would have the same opinion. Disperse the battleships in front of flagship Labiet, and open the bridge. I will personally face her. And all 1st-class Battle Kings on each battleship, prepare to face the Spectres!"
As the battleships that had been lined up in front of Labiet spread out to the sides, Octavia smiled slyly. In the distance, she could see Rakiman's figure.
"I am Rakiman Hog, Great Battle Kings of the Red Plutonian tribe. You have valuable blood, Octavia Zipfel."
"Ah, Rakiman Hog. The fool who rashly challenged the Runcandel's young patriarch and ended up defeated. I suppose you've already written your will beforehand?"
"Hehe… you are also in a position where you can no longer afford to be embarrassed. Unlike that day, there is no room for complacency. It's regrettable for you guys."
"Lucia, charge!"
Boom, crack-!
As soon as the command was given, Lucia accelerated and charged towards the Red Plutonian tribe's battleship where Octavia stood.
The battleship was split in half, and Salion used its wind to anchor Octavia and the Spectres back to Lucia's broken bow.
Lucia continued to advance at full speed towards Labiet, using Salion's wind as propulsion. During this time, Labiet's cannons struck Lucia several times, but their attacks were countered by Octavia and the Spectres' defensive magic.
Finally, Lucia and Labiet collided, creating a tremendous shockwave. Nearby fleets were pushed back, and over half of the crew on both battleships lost their lives in the aftermath.
Octavia and Rakiman looked at each other, engulfed in the sensation of their bodies being torn apart. As their staff and sword clashed, the two battleships could not withstand the pressure and began to descend.
If Labiet hadn't been damaged in the recent battle against Jin Runcandel, Lucia alone would have broken and plummeted.
However, at this moment, the two battleships had similar defensive capabilities. Although the average performance of the fleets favored the Red Plutonian tribe, there wasn't a significant difference in power between the flagship vessels.
Red Plutonian tribe's 1st-class battle kings were storming out of the falling battleships. The Spectres dispersed to face the battle kings, and Octavia focused solely on Rakiman.
Numerous spells and lightning attacks, swords, and staves clashed in the air, distorting the space. Octavia and Rakiman were already covered in numerous scars.
The descent of the battleships was coming to an end. The ground where the two battleships would land was already marked with a huge crater created by the shockwave.
"Spectre corps!, disperse!, avoid the impact!"
"Battle Kings!, spread out!"
Octavia and Rakiman shouted. When their respective battleships hit the ground and exploded, no one else would survive the aftermath.
As the Spectre corps and battle kings threw themselves out of their battleships:
Octavia and Rakiman aimed their weapons at each other, preparing their ultimate techniques.
"Argh, Captain!"
"Compatriot Great Battle King...!"
Crash, boom...!
In an instant, the two battleships plummeted, releasing mana and lightning attacks. Huge pillars of white and red color soared into the sky.
Spectres and battle kings could never withstand such a terrifying explosion. All fleets momentarily stopped their bombardments and watched the spectacle. The colossal battleships were tossed around like rafts in a storm.
The explosion continued for over three minutes. When the heat finally subsided enough for the battleships to be seen with the naked eye, Octavia was the first to emerge from the wreckage.
"Hoo, huk, gasp...!"
Octavia looked at the crater while vomiting blood.
A moment later, Rakiman emerged from the debris on the opposite side. He looked much worse than Octavia. His body was covered in deep wounds, with blood gushing out every time he moved.
However, his illuminating heart was shining even brighter than before. Rakiman grasped the illuminating heart and smiled slyly.
[It's been a while since I used Castle Transformation...]
He had activated his transformation. Now, he was in the form of a red, giant snake-like creature, and unlike before, he showed no sign of fatigue.
[Did you really think you had the upper hand, Octavia Zipfel? Your disappointed expression says otherwise.]
"I still have many tricks up my sleeve, come at me. I'll finish this!"
Octavia spat blood and raised her staff once again.
***
The Tower of Stories.
"The Captain of Spectres is holding her own."
Veradin looked up at the sky and commented. He could assess the situation without directly observing the Qyun's Magic Tower.
In the sky, Zipfel's 1st fleet and the Red Plutonian tribe's fleet were engaged in an artillery battle.
Zipfel's fleet clearly had the advantage in terms of numbers here. The invading Red fleet had around seventy battleships, while the battleships stationed in the Tower of Stories were nearly five hundred.
"Fortunately."
Satrin nodded in agreement, bowing her head.
"That's why we need to deal with them quickly and support the Captain of Spectres. It seems they only came to explore the Tower of Stories today, probably planning to open a dimensional portal and retreat soon."
"That's what I think too, lord patriarch. They sent only around seventy battleships, trusting in a large-scale instant teleportation."
"However, we should also let them know that there is no escape route."
"Do you have a way to restrain them?"
"Open the Tower, consul. I'll manipulate their dimensional portals. Not a single one of those Red Plutonian tribe's battleships will be able to escape from the Tower of Stories today."
[T/L: You can read more chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/punisher87 & https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
[T/L: Join $29 membership on my "buymeacoffee" page and read 55 chapters ahead and daily 1 new chapter update. I have introduced new memberships, and you can read upto 75 or 85 chapters ahead.]
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