As Wang Hui raised the glass panel at the side, the waters of the ocean and river at the juncture of the two miniature worlds surged skyward.
In a cascade of mist, the water descended once more, forming a dimly shimmering rainbow that, from a microscopic perspective, could only be described as a breathtaking "natural wonder!"
However, for the Storm Navy, the brilliant objects emerging behind the rainbow undoubtedly captured their complete attention.
Ships! They were vessels numbering no less than the dozens on their own side!
The old sailors aboard the **Nicholas** estimated that these ships measured around fifty meters in length, seemingly manufactured in mass according to a uniform template.
What was most astonishing was the material…
The bright silver hulls reflected sunlight, appearing even more radiant and dazzling than the rainbow itself!
"Warships crafted solely from steel? How is this possible..."
The knights stood in shock, particularly those unarmored youths who had merely planned to wield their swords in reckless abandon, instinctively, they took several steps back.
Was the civilization across the sea not one that could not even construct proper seafaring vessels, its soldiers clad in rags?
Look at those ironclad warships, and you dare call this "primitive civilization"?
Squeak, squeak, squeak...
Standing at the bow, Nicholas Gaki clenched the hilt of his sword, producing a creaking sound.
With his keen vision, he could see rows of warriors assembled on the opposing deck, adorned in similarly shimmering silver armor, fully equipped with blades and shields.
Unlike the pure metallic hue of their ships, the warriors' weapons displayed patterns in orange, red, or green, likely signifying their affiliations to different divisions…
Simply by examining this intricate armament, one could discern the impressive craftsmanship and robust economic foundation behind it.
Even if the Storm Kingdom were to consolidate ten years' worth of military funding, they would scarcely manage to assemble such a formidable iron army!
At this moment, the slow-witted Seventh Prince finally grasped the gravity of the situation, his face a mixture of fear and fury as he seized the collar of the nearby wizard, Lanlong, and shouted,
"Open your damned eyes and take a good look! Is this what you described as a primitive civilization? Explain to me, what exactly do you mean by 'primitive civilization'?"
"What I previously saw was not like this at all! I even showed you fragments of their ships, which were certainly not these steel giants..."
Lanlong attempted to explain, on the verge of tears.
What he did not realize was that the small boat he had last seen ferrying Huyan Gui and his companions truly represented the pinnacle of shipbuilding in that time, they could only navigate rivers and would falter the moment they encountered the sea.
But who could have predicted that Wang Hui, standing outside, would elevate the situation to such heights?
Less than a day had passed in the Bay World, while the clan world had prepared for more than two years.
Moreover, with the mature shipbuilding blueprints available from the outside world, coupled with the ample aluminum sheeting Wang Hui provided, the shipbuilding capabilities of the three clans advanced rapidly, enabling them to leap ahead!
When Huyan Gui had stealthily entered the sea with his crew, they avoided drawing attention by not donning ostentatious aluminum armor, instead opting for traditional leather garments from the Huyan clan.
Thus, when seen by wizard Lanlong, it was easy for him to misinterpret the residents of the opposing realm as a primitive civilization, leading to a grave misjudgment of their military prowess…
"This is not the time for blame!"
Nicholas Gaki was infuriated by Lanlong's erroneous intelligence, yet he understood just how perilous their current situation was, he bellowed,
"All knights, don your armor and prepare for battle!"
Upon hearing this, the dazed knights immediately snapped back to focus, hastening to the cabin to don their armor, quickly assembling on the deck's edge to raise their large shields, displaying commendable military discipline.
Nicholas Gaki turned to the witch Mag and said, "Lady Mag, the craftsmanship of the enemy's warships exceeds our own. Your performance, along with that of the younger wizards, is absolutely critical!"
"Rest assured, we shall give our utmost effort."
Mag's earlier carefree and optimistic demeanor was now replaced with seriousness as she nodded and hurriedly departed to confer with her students about strategy.
In naval warfare within the Bay World, the role of the wizards was akin to that of "cannonry."
They would first conduct long-range magical strikes to effectively eliminate the enemy's vital forces, followed by knights engaging in boarding actions or land assaults to clean up the remnants.
Relying on this straightforward yet effective tactic, the Storm Kingdom's navy had enjoyed unmitigated success!
Yet today, no one dared to approach those gleaming iron-clad ships rashly, the best outcome would merely be to frighten them off from a distance using wizards! Forcing a boarding action would be the last resort…
Meanwhile, aboard the three clans' warships.
With Zuo Qiu Tang remaining in the City of Divine Providence to ensure logistical support, the rest of the high-ranking officials had arrived at the front lines, ready to partake in this crucial battle against the invading forces!
"The enemy's general situation aligns perfectly with the intelligence granted by the Divine Lord."
Nalan Xia scanned the surroundings and commanded, "Execute the predetermined plan, fire three volleys from the heavy crossbows, then close in for a boarding action!"
Huyan Qingbai could not help but suggest quietly, "Leader Xia, the enemy shows no signs of hostility, should we not attempt to negotiate before deciding to engage in battle?"
"No signs of hostility? Ha…"
Beside him, Huyan Longzhuo, armed with an eight-foot serpent spear, scoffed disdainfully, glancing at Huyan Qingbai, whose armor strained against his rotund figure, and derided,
"Their ships are practically upon you, and you dare speak of no hostility? You've become so timid after living a life of leisure!"
"I merely…"
Huyan Qingbai felt his face flush, in his youth, he had been known as "Eagle Eye" and was a formidable warrior among the Huyan cavalry.
Yet now, as he aged, he found himself increasingly averse to conflict, always hoping for peaceful resolutions…
He heard Nalan Xia respond coolly, "Without the Divine's guidance two years prior, we would find ourselves facing the enemy fleet in utter ignorance today!
Do you truly believe that an armed foreign army would grant us the privilege of equal negotiation?"
Seeing Huyan Qingbai at a loss for words, Nalan Xia no longer regarded him and raised his hand to order, "Proceed!"
Although none of the three clans had previously engaged in large-scale naval warfare, the salty sea breeze made them somewhat uncomfortable, however, after numerous simulation drills over the past two years, they quickly reacted upon hearing the commands transmitted down the line.
Crack, crack, crack...
The two rows of heavy crossbows installed on each ship adjusted their angles, and Nalan Huaz, with the loudest voice, roared, "Prepare—fire!!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—
Arrows as long as a person's arm and as thick as a forearm launched from dozens of aluminum-clad warships, numbering in the hundreds, soaring toward the enemy vessels with a piercing whistle!
"Defend! Defend!!"
Nicholas Gaki was the first to respond, raising his sword to perform a diagonal slash with great exertion.
Though it was merely a chopping motion, it conjured five streaks of azure sword light!
With a series of muted thuds, he managed to sever five incoming crossbow bolts, executing his renowned technique—the **Five Consecutive Crashes**!
But the others lacked the formidable strength of Nicholas Gaki.
Even the knights who had fortified their large shields were jolted by the forceful bolts, causing blood to splatter from their hands!
And the sailors, lacking protective gear, were directly pierced through, their entrails spilling onto the deck!
Before the surviving crew could catch their breath, the ominous whistling sound echoed once more!