Earlier, not far from the territory occupied by the three clans' forces,
beneath the water, several figures hovered a dozen meters deep.
At the forefront stood a burly man with a rugged countenance, adorned in battle-scarred heavy armor, embodying the imposing presence of "Storm Knight" Nicholas Geiki!
"Gorov, how many of the new enemy ships are suitable for attack?"
Their bodies were imbued with spells such as [Underwater Breathing] and [Sound Bubble], allowing them to move and communicate freely despite their aquatic surroundings.
"Wait a moment..."
A middle-aged wizard beside him concentrated, ripples emanating from before him in a wide fan shape, expanding into the distance.
[Detection Wave]!
After a few moments, Gorov replied, "There are two enemy ships with fewer personnel, located in the opposite direction of the periphery, but..."
As everyone's gaze shifted toward him, he continued, "One of those enemy vessels possesses two unusual magical auras, both exceptionally strong!"
Nicholas Geiki's expression sharpened at his words: "Stronger than I?"
Gorov fell silent for a moment, his eyes cast downward as he solemnly stated, "One aura is erratic and unpredictable, while the other... seems to exceed your own strength."
"Is it that individual...?"
The image of Huyan Longzhu flickered in Geiki's mind, a complex expression crossing his face.
He swiftly gathered his emotions and instructed, "I will handle this ship. You all convene the others and attack the other vessel in the opposite direction, seeking an opportunity to break through the blockade and return to Reverse Wind Port!"
"That's out of the question!"
Gorov shot up, protest evident in his tone: "Even with your prowess, it is impossible for you to confront both of those monsters simultaneously! If you stay, you will undoubtedly perish!"
His expertise in [Detection Wave] allowed him to perceive the precise magical fluctuations of targets over a wide range, leveraging the ocean's environment.
Gorov's previous remarks had been quite subtle, omitting mention of the one who was certainly stronger than Geiki, the other erratic aura actually boasted a baseline power slightly higher than Geiki at his peak!
Another subordinate chimed in, "You are still recovering from your injuries, given your condition, it is unwise to confront a powerful enemy. Let us strike the comparatively safer vessel instead! Once reinforcements arrive..."
"Do you all genuinely believe that reinforcements will come?"
Geiki surveyed the group, noting the expressions of confusion on their faces. He spoke firmly, "Lady Maig has been absent from the battlefield for nearly an entire day. With her level of flight magic, she should have already summoned the navy's main force...
Yet the reality is that she has not!
Prepare yourselves for the worst, it is quite possible that Lady Maig was unable to return, and thus, there will be no reinforcements!
Now is not the time for further debate. I will divert the attention of the enemy's stronger forces while you break through from the other side and disperse.
The more of you that escape, the greater the chance that the intelligence from here reaches His Majesty the King...
You bear the fate of the Storm Kingdom!"
Upon hearing this, the group exchanged glances, their expressions laden with sorrow.
Having gone without sleep for an entire day and night, hiding from the pursuit of that monstrous bird overhead, they had spent most of their time submerged.
Even the battle-hardened knights were beginning to succumb to fatigue, let alone the relatively weaker wizards...
Geiki's decision was harsh, yet it was undeniably correct.
If they did not make sacrifices, it would not be long before they all succumbed to exhaustion here!
"I will stay with you."
Wizard Gorov volunteered, and a robust female knight immediately followed, declaring, "I, too, will remain!"
"With Gorov's assistance, that will suffice."
Geiki turned to the female knight, speaking in a tone that brooked no argument: "Kuntina, lead everyone in the breakout! Return and advocate for me to His Majesty the King, recommending Caroline to inherit the title of Storm Knight! This is an order!"
"Yes..."
The knight named Kuntina gritted her teeth in response, suddenly turning to shout, "Follow me!"
The group bowed sadly to Geiki and Gorov before quickly swimming away under Kuntina's command.
This farewell might well be their last...
Geiki glanced at Gorov beside him and teased, "There's still time to reconsider, are you certain you don't want to return with them?"
"At such a time, you still have the energy for jest..."
Gorov sighed in resignation.
As he waved his staff to cast enhancement spells upon Geiki, he asked, "Do you truly believe that waging war against the other civilization is a wise course of action?"
"Not at all, I regret it more than you do."
Layers of shimmering light enveloped Geiki's form as he bitterly shook his head: "But it is too late to lament today, we have deliberately provoked an immensely dangerous foreign power, and the time has come to pay the price..."
In the distance, the aluminum warship drew closer, and Geiki's expression grew grave.
"Prepare to engage!"
Gorov, evidently having coordinated with him many times before, understood the strategy without extensive discussion.
[Greater Arcane Amplification]!
[Water Whip]!
Dozens of water whips coalesced in an instant, emerging from the surface of the sea without warning, ensnaring the side of the aluminum ship and pulling it downward!
They had left only two of them behind, engaging the enemy on deck would be tantamount to suicide.
However, if the opposing crew lacked swimming skills, Gorov's water magic might provide Geiki with greater advantage.
Moreover, if they could capsize the ship and create a commotion, it might draw more enemy vessels and provide cover for Kuntina and the others to break through!
Splash—
The aluminum warship tilted dramatically, catching the three clans' warriors off guard as they tumbled about. Yet Huyan Longzhu, one hand pressed against his spear for balance, wore an exhilarated and savage expression.
"Finally making an appearance? Time to die!"
He leaped over the railing and plunged into the water, spotting the poised Nicholas Geiki below.
Old rivals meeting sparked intense animosity, Huyan Longzhu thrust his spear forward with a flourish!
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Geiki raised his sword and shield, bolstered by multiple enhancement spells and excellent buoyancy, managing to engage Huyan Longzhu in an evenly matched confrontation!
"What a fool, why did he jump down?"
Nearby, Gurumi muttered derisively, quickly restoring her original blue-purple slime form.
Countless gelatinous tentacles extended from her, with some grappling the water whips ensnaring the ship, while others plunged underwater, heading straight for Gorov!
"No wonder the magical aura fluctuates so wildly, this creature is fundamentally not human..."
Gorov recoiled in horror, hastily tossing a mass of iron wire from his [Dimensional Bag] while rapidly reciting a spell.
"Iron Binding!"
The mass of iron wire swelled and elongated as if alive, attempting to keep the creature's tentacles at bay!
Yet Gurumi's tentacles were agile and versatile, slipping through the gaps in the iron wire and swiftly ensnaring one of Gorov's hands before slithering upwards!
"Greater Wizard Protection..."
Before he could finish the incantation, a cloud of blood mist enveloped him, as gelatinous tendrils constricted around his body, tightening rapidly and causing blood to seep from his orifices!
As Gorov's voice fell silent, Nicholas Geiki's eyes gradually reddened, an incredible aura erupting from his being!