Joseph continued to command the 21st when a message came through the Mana Radio, informing them of ships in the distance. He rushed to the balcony only to notice an enemy fleet bearing down on them.
There were twice as many vessels as they had, but he was confident in the Draconian warships designed by the Ironfoot Family. Even with better weapons, it would be a hard fight and they would lose ships.
’Damn! I’m glad Mother taught me how to fight on the sea,’ he thought with determination burning in his pink eyes.
Following that, he turned to his crew and gave out his orders. ’’Prepare for battle! Tell Commander Dagny to engage the enemies with her Tidefangs. She needs to slow them down so we can form up!’’
Moments later, the 21st moved into the line formation, bracing for the impending battle against the advancing Alliance Fleet. Warships adjusted their positions with practice, their black hulls gleaming under the stars.
’What a time to do battle,’ he thought in frustration.
Meanwhile, the transport ships retreated behind the defensive line, seeking safety as the tension thickened thanks to the overwhelming numbers. The silence was soon shattered as a series of explosions rang out.
When Joseph saw the waves of mana shells heading straight for the first rank. This caused him to shout. ’’Bring up the shields now!’’
Soon the sky erupted with a dazzling display of color as mana shells slammed against the fleet’s protection. Each impact sent ripples of brilliant, shimmering light cascading across the barriers.
Blues, purples, and gold intertwined in a mesmerizing dance, the raw power of magic clashing against the shield with a force that shook the sea. The ships groaned under the pressure, but the shields held strong, their brilliance lighting up the battlefield.
Moments later, the 21st returned fire as the cannons erupted at the same time. Thousands of mana shells arched across the gap between the fleets and slammed into the enemy shield, which instantly broke.
Shells rained down on the shocked vessels just as Joseph spotted the Alliance Battleship go up in flames before splitting in half. ’The Tidefangs struck!’ he thought in excitement.
***
The black-haired dwarf, Dagny, received the order from Admiral Joseph to attack, and a grunt of dissatisfaction escaped her lips. ’’A decent strategy at least,’’ she muttered to herself, eyes narrowing. ’’Let’s see how these war machines fare in the heat of battle.’’
With a flick of her wrist, she took control of her squadron. ’’Let’s slow down the enemy fleets so the 21st can prepare!’’ she ordered through the radio.
Moments later, four sleek Tidefangs hummed with power while passing under the allied ships. They streaked through the deep as they moved to safeguard the convoy of transport ships carrying supplies.
The tension increased as the squadron closed in on the enemy fleet. Their mission was critical, but Dagny had no intention of letting the enemy get close. Her yellow eyes burned as the Tidefangs got into formation.
Minutes later, she ordered the crafts to attack the vessels above. With a roar, they broke apart, shooting toward the enemy from different directions. Their engines surged forward as Dagny’s voice cut through the comms like a battle cry. ’’Fire the Mana Missiles!’’
The sea lit up as they unleashed their payload, Mana Missiles streaking through the water like torpedoes and slamming into the underside of the Alliance ships. In an instant, the first missile struck with the force of a thunderclap, sending shockwaves through the hulls.
Brilliant light erupted in every direction that illuminated the battlefield. Enemy vessels buckled under the immense pressure, crumpling as though they were nothing more than paper.
Missiles exploded in a flurry of arcs and sparks, carving through metal. Dagny observed as the enemy fleet shook, the roar of destruction ringing out across the void as the Tidefangs danced around their targets, expertly dodging incoming fire while launching wave after wave of missiles.
’They’re targeting the water!’ she thought while diving deeper and skillfully spinning the craft until facing forward.
Seconds later, a volley of missiles launched from her Tidefang and sliced through the water before connecting with an enemy battleship, causing a massive explosion that tore it in half. ’’Circle and take out the ships that can target us!’’ she ordered through the radio.
***
Joesph watched as the first enemy fleet sank below the waves thanks to the Tidefang Squadron assigned to them by High Command. The 21st Fleet kept firing before plowing through the surviving vessels, which made the sailors’ morale increase.
Following that, the convoy reformed as the transport ships rejoined them once the battle ended and the chaos ended. They continued escorting while fighting off the first problem, which was random pirate groups.
The second challenge came in the form of the Duskfire ships, notorious for their brutal tactics and relentless pursuit. They emerged from the sea like ghosts, intent on halting their advance but were blown away.
Joseph and Dagny tried keeping them away from the fleet, but the battles were fierce as the enemy would attack from different directions. Massive warships unleashed volleys of scorching wildfire, their weapons crackling with mana that burned.
The shields blazed to life, deflecting the barrage, while the fleet’s weapons reciprocated with overwhelming force. Cannons roared, sending projectiles of pure mana hurtling through space.
Tidefangs darted through the water, launching missiles that tore into the Duskfire ships’ hulls, lighting up the night. Each strike sent shockwaves through the enemy vessels, forcing them to retreat, broken and battered.
But this was just the beginning of the chaotic journey to Avidia. As they ventured deeper into the unknown, the 21st Fleet faced an even greater threat, which worried the commanders and other admirals.
Two massive Alliance Fleets had caught wind of them. An even bigger armada of imposing ships appeared on the horizon. The surrounding sky erupted as the fleets collided, the stars themselves seeming to tremble under the weight of the battle.
Thanks to the Tidefangs and new cannons, the Alliance couldn’t stand a chance, even with overwhelming numbers. While the battle was underway, a storm descended upon them, which messed with the enemy’s accuracy.
It didn’t affect their ships, so they took advantage of the situation and started bombarding the enemy vessels. Explosions erupted and lit up the dark as ships sank under waves, but they received some unlucky shots.
Joseph and the Draconian sailors were skilled and got the upper hand in most engagements, but the cost was steep. ’We lost three Battleships, five Cruisers, and Ten Destroyers,’ he thought while gritting his teeth. ’I hope I don’t get punished by High Command over this blunder.’
Following that, the journey to the western coast of Avidia was painful. They made good speed thanks to the ships’ new mana engines. The Alliance kept attacking but vanished when another fleet sunk and the losses were too great.
Days later, the 21st Fleet entered Moonriver’s territory half a day after they sank the last of the pirates. Once the attack was over, they formed up, and another fleet of sleek, elegant ships emerged from the depths.
Joseph was just about to order an attack, but Dagny’s voice erupted from the radio, putting a stop to it. ’’Those are Moonriver vessels! They’ll guide us to the capital.’’
The ships glided through the fleet, which was confusing for the Draconian sailors who were watching the scene with wide eyes. Joseph noticed the water elf vessel’s design was a perfect blend of magic and nature.
After ten minutes, the Moonriver fleet ships formed an escort that moved in perfect harmony and surrounded them. Waves of relief washed over the crews as the constant fighting had taken its toll.
Joseph ordered them to follow the allied ships and after a few hours of sailing, the land came into view, which shocked everyone just as the comms crackled to life as a man’s voice echoed out.
’’Welcome, 21st Fleet. You have arrived,’’ he said.
Moments later, the gleaming spires of Mishimaka came into view, built in between glowing blue rivers that flowed like liquid silver. Joseph, Maria, and Dagny were standing on the bridge as the transport ships docked in port.
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’’So Dagny, when are you joining the king’s harem like your grandmother?’’ Maria asked in a curious tone. Enjoy more content from freewebnovel
The dwarf woman beamed before answering while going through her notes. ’’Soon, but work always keeps me busy.’’
’’Doesn’t it bother you that his with your grandmother? I think the king is a playboy, especially since he took my mother,’’ he asked with a curious expression.
As the words left his mouth, the very air around them seemed to shift. Before Joseph could process it, a fist slammed into his jaw with bone-crushing force. A sickening snap echoed through the bridge as he crumpled to the floor, the world spinning around him.
Towering over him stood Dagny, her yellow eyes burning with raw fury. Maria lunged, fists clenched, ready to strike the dwarf down, but Dagny barely flinched as the punch connected with her cheek.
Instead of staggering or flinching, she grinned before driving her forehead straight into Maria’s skull. The impact sent his fiancee collapsing to the deck, unconscious, before she even hit the ground.
Dagny turned back to Joseph, fire blazing in her gaze. ’’Don’t you ever insult Archer again!’’ she roared. ’’He’s twice the man you’ll ever be, Joseph Anderson! Wait until I tell Liv about this.’’
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