Chapter 117: Start of War(11)

• Commander Noah! Commander Luke has successfully defended Southeast territory and is now headed straight to your positions to provide backup!

"It's great to hear that. If there's any new information or reports, let me know right away."

• Understood!

Noah groaned when the call ended. He then turned to see the vast expanse of blue ocean water in front of him. He and his men are currently stationed aboard their ships in the middle of the Southwest territory's ocean. Many people were perplexed as to why they were standing on the ships as if they were waiting for something rather than moving forward and attacking their enemy. Noah is similarly perplexed as to why he is in this position and finds it absurd, but he must wait because his younger brother has commanded him to do so.

'Brother, because the nobility will trust you more than me, it follows that they will join you on the Southwest side rather than the Southeast side with me. And since they're the kingdom's "loving nobility" and "important people," we can't risk a scratch on their noble skin, right? So just set on stand by and wait for me. I'll take care of the marine fight for you. You have to put your faith in me on this one.'

Noah's brow twitched as he remembered Luke's words to him just before he left for the southeast territory. He then also suddenly remembered the combat he had just seen on the screen of a gigantic video device not too long ago. That fight was both horrifying and beautiful to see. Everyone in the room, including the soldiers, was speechless and could only gaze at the screen.

Noah then cast a peek behind him to the nobility who had volunteered to fight alongside him on the southwest front. They were now all trembling with dread and fear. They've been like that since they saw his younger brother, the young commander Luke, fight in an out-of-this-world battle.

He then sighed and combed his jet black hair back while shutting his eyes. He gently opened his eyes again, this time seeing large lines of enemy ships approaching them from afar. His expression became solemn, and he signaled his men and staff to prepare.

His men all nodded in response to his signals and began moving fast. The nobles were all terrified by the sudden moves. One of the nobles with Noah, Duke Reo, took a step forward and grasped for Noah's shoulder, his eyes shaking. Noah recognized him and gave him a blank stare.

"What is it? Duke Reo?"

"Shouldn't we wait for Commander Luke to arrive first? What if those opposing ships, too, had monsters like those in the video? I-I believe it is safe for us to wait for him."

Noah rubbed his temples and closed his eyes. Duke Reo used to be so opposed to Luke, but now that he's seen the genuine perils of war and Luke's true competence and might, he's starting to cling to him like a desperate idiot. This was a source of embarrassment for Noah. He can't believe he had to show Luke this side of nobility, it's absolutely terrible.

"Duke Reo, you chose to come here and join me in defending the southwest. You're attempting to rely on someone who has just returned from grueling combat in the southeast. Don't tell me you're going to back out now. Don't tell me you went into this battle not expecting to be killed? Be a noble with honor. The most respectable thing we could do is defend our kingdom with our life. My brother has already completed his work, and we should follow suit."

"B-but-"

"Enough is enough; if you don't want to participate, you are free to leave."

Duke Reo came to a complete stop and clenched his fist. He was embarrassed in the meeting, and now he is humiliated once more. Duke Reo bit his lower lip and tried to hide his trembling hands. He's terrified. He witnessed the enemy's power and forces, as well as how powerful they were. Luke just makes it appear like defeating them is simple and easy because he has the giants on his side, but what about them? They will undoubtedly perish.

"Mages, get your long-range attack spells ready. Soldiers, get your hooks and your swords ready. Brace yourself."

"Yes, sir!"

The troops instantly moved into position and gripped their swords tighter. Sweat began to drip from their brows in beads. They are now trying to emotionally and physically prepare themselves after seeing the battle in Viscellete territory. This conflict will be unlike any other; it will be full of deadly surprises.

Noah locked his gaze on the approaching enemy fleet. He then brandished his sword and summoned his blue aura. When he spotted fireballs heading their way, his eyes narrowed.

"Mage Team A! Make use of shield magic! Mage Team B ! Go offensive after casting flight magic on Knight Team A! Knight Team B! Protect the ships!"

"Understood!"

The mages placed shields and flying magic on the soldiers, including Noah, as per Noah's commands, and they quickly flew towards the opposing ships. Some of the enemy ships had magical barriers, but the smaller ships didn't, thus Noah and the men were able to quickly take them out.

With a cold face, Noah continued to hack enemy soldiers. He then proceeds to leap from one enemy ship to the next. The aristocrats were taken aback by this. As one would expect from a knight captain and commander! His power is beyond comprehension!

When the nobles observed that something weird was happening on the main enemy ship, they stopped focusing on Noah. The largest enemy ship, which is shielded by a magical barrier was then seen coming forward. That ship is shaking violently right now, making everyone very nervous. They have an uneasy feeling about this...

And they were correct...

BOOOM!

The ship's shield magic was immediately disabled, and smoke began to billow from the ship's top. The aristocrats' knees trembled, forcing them to kneel on the floor. They then looked at the smoke that receded away from the breeze with terror in their eyes.

"T-the monster..."

"One of the monsters is also here..."

"A-and... Why does it appear to be larger than before?"

The creature, which appears just like the one in the video, is now right in front of their eyes... It also appeared to be larger than the five monsters seen in the footage.

Noah and the other knights exchanged wide-eyed stares with the beast. Now that they'd seen it up close, it looked terrible. That, however, is not the issue.

"Bombs... It's going to spit bombs."

As soon as Noah stated that, the monster opened its massive jaws, and three black balls the size of basketballs formed in front of the monster's mouth. This time it's not just one, but three black bombs. Noah scowled and yelled.

"Double the defense! Now!"

The mages flinched and began casting shield magic in a hurry. The magicians then turned to face the three black bombs, which began to fly towards them at high speeds. The wizards clenched their teeth as they noticed the black bombs adhering to their shields, which are now beginning to glow.

BOOOOM! BOOOM! BOOOOM!

The sound of explosions became deafening and extended throughout the entire ocean. At the loud sound and dazzling flash of light, all the nobility and people aboard the ships can do is muffle their ears and close their eyes. They all opened their eyes and plopped down on the ground after the sounds stopped. They then turned their attention to the mana shield that was shielding them and their ship, which was thicker than what they originally cast. This isn't their doing; it's the doings of others.

"It appears that I now need to discipline the Reece mages as well tsk, tsk. Giving up the control of your shield just because you were all afraid was a terrible decision that may have killed you. Honestly, did you all come here to die or fight?"

When the mages looked up, they saw Spencer and the Paliath mages floating above them. They then turned around to see another person floating alongside them. He's not floating with the help of magic; he's floating on his own, with his own wings, holding a child that looks like him in his arms, and with Liam floating alongside him like a loyal knight. It's their commander, Luke. Finally, he arrived.

Luke ignored the troops, magicians, and nobles below, focusing instead on the gigantic beast perched atop a large ship off in the distance. He then let out a sigh.

"Why don't you take a look at that, another fake. And this time it seems even bigger and more destructive."

Luke desperately wanted to scratch his hair out of frustration, but he couldn't since he was carrying a child in his arms, Snow.

Luke's annoyance was observed by Snow, who scratched his head for him. Luke sighed as he realized this.

"Thank you, I'm fine now. By the way, do you have any clue what that creature over there is, Snow?"

Snow then moved her head silently towards the direction of the beast. She then began to speak slowly.

"That monster right there is more powerful than the previous five. Its magnitude and explosion are ten times greater than the five in the southeast territory. We'd be blown away if we tried to approach it with our current troops without the giants."

"Ah, I see."

• Hmph! If only I could be able to reveal myself! I'll annihilate that monster in a matter of seconds!

Snow smiled and nodded as if she agreed.

"You are correct. I can deal with that as well, but my condition isn't ideal right now. And I'm not sure if Dad would even allow us to fight."

"Damn right, you youngsters should be put to a corner for the time being. You've both worked hard enough already, so you should take a break."

Luke then began to descend on the ship under him. He then lowered Snow, who was still holding Nash in her arms, down onto the ship slowly and softly. Luke then turned to face her and patted her on the head.

"Hang on a minute; I'll take care of this first."

Snow nodded slowly and held Nash even tighter. She merely sighed as she saw Luke flying up again.

• Hey Snow! Don't be concerned about dad! If I see even a tiny threat coming his way, I'll defend him! Don't be concerned! I'll defend you as well!

Snow gave a gentle smile.

"Since I'm your big sister, I should be the one to say that."

• Then we'll defend one another! No! We'll both lookout for Dad!

Snow nodded and began walking towards the ship's corner. She sat down on the floor, ignoring the strange looks the nobles and knights were giving her. She then simply began to view the battlefield with Nash while ignoring the adults' disapproving gaze.