Chapter 116: Using Otherworld Adventurers Against Otherworld Adventurers
Along the Yongye River, six large ships filled with players cut through the waves, sailing swiftly downstream.
Close behind, more than twenty small merchant ships carrying water ghosts trailed relentlessly. However, thirteen additional merchant ships, captured by the players, were left behind due to a lack of crew to operate them.
Positioned at the rear of the six large ships, a group of magicians among the players lined up, casting [Frost Arrow] spells over the water. As each icy arrow struck the surface, cold waves rippled out, creating chunks of floating ice.
Some magicians focused their [Frostbolt] and [Ice Cone] spells on specific areas, crafting broad fields of thick, drifting ice. This growing expanse of ice forced the water ghosts' fleet to slow considerably; their light merchant ships struggled to navigate the icy waters without the risk of capsizing.
As the two fleets distanced themselves, Snow Leopard, standing atop one of the ships, observed the scene with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, on the second deck of a warship, Su Yu reported the battle progress to Princess Elizebeth and General Shu He.
"Your Highness, General Shu He, we've successfully driven off this wave of water ghosts. The enemy fleet is now hindered by the floating ice our magicians created, making it nearly impossible for them to catch up."
"Excellent work, Nemesis!" praised Princess Elizebeth.
General Shu He nodded approvingly as well.
"However," Su Yu continued, shifting to a more serious tone, "I suspect this attack was merely a distraction to buy time."
Su Yu elaborated on his theory, explaining his analysis of the enemy's strategy. After listening closely, General Shu He stroked his chin, nodding thoughtfully.
"Your deduction is quite reasonable," he agreed. "I believe Lantilus isn't fully prepared yet; otherwise, he wouldn't have resorted to sending his men on a suicide mission."
The princess turned to General Shu He with a hint of concern. "What should we do, General?"
"Don't worry, Your Highness," General Shu He reassured her with a respectful salute. "I'll order the fleet to move at maximum speed. We'll get you to safety before Lantilus has a chance to fully intercept us."
"Thank you, General," Princess Elizebeth said, breathing a sigh of relief. "When we return to Plantagenet City, I'll inform the king and make sure you and Nemesis are rewarded generously."
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Su Yu and General Shu He replied in unison.
---
At the same time, in Kaixi Town, a key point along the lower reaches of the Yongye River, four figures flew toward the river's waters.
Leading the group was a brawny, blond warrior—Duke Lantilus, the leader of the Calet rebels and a powerful sixth-tier Sanctuary figure. Behind him followed two seventh-tier legends and a sixth-tier space magician.
"This is it," Duke Lantilus said with a sly smile, looking at the picturesque Kaixi Town. "It seems Queen Elizebeth chose a water route as a last-minute change, but it doesn't matter. We'll intercept her here. Master Antonidas, I'm counting on you."
"Leave it to me," replied the elderly space mage, Antonidas, a sixth-tier magician with a long, white beard. He flew ahead over the Yongye River, casting his spells with precise efficiency.
A bright, intricate magic circle formed on the water, radiating light across the river's surface. As the circle shimmered, four large warships suddenly materialized, transported from a distant part of the river.
Seeing these ships, Lantilus nodded with approval. Antonidas's skill in group teleportation was truly exceptional—few magicians could move an entire fleet over such a distance.
Turning to the stern-faced paladin beside him, Lantilus asked, "Lord Turalyon, how is Madeleine's recovery?"
Turalyon, a seventh-tier paladin and a close friend of Madeleine, responded heavily, "Her wounds are grievous. Though I've managed to stabilize her, she'll need at least five years to make any significant recovery, and even then, she may never return to full strength."
"I see," Lantilus replied with a sigh. "Then I'll rely on you to confront Dark Shepherd Sivan this time."
Turalyon nodded, his voice firm. "I'll handle it. Shadows and the Holy Light will never coexist, and destroying the darkness is my duty."
As he spoke, he cast an uncomfortable glance toward the other seventh-tier powerhouse, a young girl draped in black, with an aura steeped in necromantic energy.
"Cursed necromancer," Turalyon muttered to himself, clearly displeased about joining forces with someone from the undead arts.
Noticing his gaze, the girl waved her wand playfully and gave him a teasing smile. "Big guy, don't stare at me like that. I'm here to help Duke Lantilus deal with Morningstar. Keep it up, and I might just get cross with you!"
Lantilus quickly interjected, trying to ease the tension. "Lord Turalyon, this is Master Walnut. Her skills are indispensable in facing the astral cat Morningstar."
Walnut, the little girl, chuckled, giving Turalyon a mischievous wink. He merely frowned, choosing to stay silent.
---
Just then, Antonidas rejoined the group, his magical work complete. Catching part of their conversation, he simply smiled and addressed Lantilus.
"My lord, I heard about Madeleine's loss at Giant Wood Canyon. After analyzing the situation, I believe the core issue was Queen Elizebeth's clever use of 'otherworld adventurers.'"
"Otherworld adventurers?" Lantilus inquired with interest.
"Indeed," Antonidas explained slowly. "These otherworld adventurers have an endless resilience; they revive upon death. While they seem weak now, once they grow stronger, they'll become a formidable force."
Lantilus looked thoughtful. "Then, how do we handle these 'otherworld adventurers'?"
A confident smile spread across Antonidas's face as he stroked his beard. "It's simple. We'll use otherworld adventurers to deal with their own kind!"