[Book II Chapter 137] WISE: WAR
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There was a deafening roar as Safire’s artillery opened fire. All around them, blazing red comets shot out of the upward-pointed barrels jutting from the city’s densely-packed buildings. These giant cannons, a type of mobile artillery, had been moved into the city’s streets in preparation for today. Their projectiles traveled towards the distant object coming into view behind the light bloom far above. Cloud Fortress Omega Nine.
“The’re fire-based.” Rose commented at the color of the comets. “I would’ve expected lighting, since this Garnen.”
“It’s due to the location.” Wise pointed to the far off lava-covered ground. “The new crust is especially active inside the halos. Outside the Demon World, there is no better place to collect fire-crystals.”
“So that’s the resource the Grey Kingdom is after.” Rose understood. Wise nodded in response.
Their group was stationed on a rooftop observing the pyrotechnics. “Why aren’t they returning fire?” Dawn asked.
“Because there’s no point.” Wise answered. “Safire’s shields are fed by a large underground crystal reserve. They might as well be endless. Any damage that fails to knock them out will be recovered in minutes.”
“The same can’t be said for Cloud Fortress Omega Nine.” He continued. “With enough sustained firepower, it will be forced to retreat. That’s why keeping our artillery online will be our key to victory.”
“Thanks for the explanation, but you don’t need to overdo it. Save your strength for the battle.” Rose advised. She was aware that residue from countless dark crystals was clouding the future. While ordinary foresight is compromised, my sublime vagary is a different story. Besides its answers being less in-depth and comprehensive, all-knowing grasp is operating normally. Too bad I can’t share this with others present.
“This is information I’m looking up for my own sake, not yours.” Wise shrugged. “There’s no harm in sharing.”
This was his first time participating in war and he viewed it as a valuable learning experience. When the time came, he’d employ his foresight to the best of his abilities, even if it was taxing. This would not be the last time he fought with an obscured future.
From behind the approaching Cloud Fortress Omega Nine, a fleet spread out. As if this was some kind of signal, Garnen’s own armada took off to engage it.
I have no idea how this will end, Wise thought sadly. He’d attempted to determine the outcome earlier, but once the abyss troopers entered the city, civilians were placed in danger, frustrating his efforts. With the burden of the crushed dark crystals weighing on him, he’d been forced to give up.
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His long range foresight was weaker than it should be, and the oath he’d sworn in the blood arena was to blame. He recalled his words back then.
I WILL SLAY ALL EVILS BEFORE ME. I WILL DEFEND THE DEFENSELESS.
Whenever he traveled the future and witnessed a tragedy unfolding, he was compelled to intervene. , this made it challenging to peer deeply with all the Dark Age’s chaos. I first ran into this issue when I was tracking the Torak’s disciples who’d left Xarst. I must save the few no matter the overall costs later. To play a role similar to Nero two thousand years ago, he had to shift his perspective towards a greater focus on the big picture.
Despite the hardships, he had no regrets. He’d obtained the strength he needed to ensure everyone’s survival. Spending every waking moment over the last few weeks saving lives was an acceptable price for this boon.
There was a crackling of electricity near the castle and a swarm of lightning dragons sprang up, sparks flying from their wings. These were no ordinary summons. Zaer, the powerful ruling sovereign of the element plane of air, had answered the call of his chosen. Each was an immortal-level threat, albeit on the weaker side. They joined the fleet preparing to face the enemy.
The Grey Kingdom was also beginning its deployment. From Cloud Fortress Nine and the surrounding battleships, a host of armored mechs poured out. Peering closely among them, Wise found what he was looking for. Envy Green, Doom Haunt, Mortal Fusion, Gunhell, Blade Ruin, and War Machine… Only Doom Haunt is unfamiliar to me.
He kept up on the adventures of siblings through his sublime vagary. Since Hope had been training close to Messanic, he’d learned the details of her time in captivity, as well as her account of the engagement at Palos when recuperating Astrolis. Argon’s masterpieces were formidable, especially the one he piloted himself.
Garnen’s own mobile armors took to the field. Leading them was a brightly gleaming figure. The Whitespark Knight, the craft of Nicolas Almight. Its speed and power were rumored to be unmatched.
“Who has the advantage?” Zentrias asked, reminding him he wasn’t alone.
“it’s pretty even.” He replied. “Garnen has more immortals, but they have stronger mechs. Both side are accustomed to aerial combat.”
A monstrous roar signaled the start of hostilities as Safire’s guardian beast, an enormous fire dragon, raced forward to engage. A white flash sped by the creature, slamming into War Machine’s shields. They watched the two legendary mechs battle through the mayhem exploding around them. However, soon their view was blocked by a dark mass heading their way.
“Summons.” Rose sighed. “I suppose its Roxanne’s turn to shine.”
His sister was surprisingly protective of her mentor, insisting the immortal not be deployed to the front lines. As a result, She’d been stationed atop the castle, in charge of shooting down approaching enemies. Already multiple magic circles were forming above her. Torrents of crimson flames streamed out, transforming into a myriad of smaller tendril to better consume the summons.
A metallic, Skeletal bird flew through the host of immolating creatures, nearing at a high speed.
“Be ready.” Wise warned. “That’s Daniel Ryson, the head of Necron. He’ll plant a marker that his Abyss troupers will portal to. From there, they’ll spread out through the city.”
“Maybe Roxanne will stop him?” Rose ventured hopefully.
Wise didn’t bother replying. Above them, Daniel’s half-machine, half-undead ride weaved his way through the flames hunting him down. Once he was a few hundred yards away, he threw a black spear which penetrated straight through Safire’s barrier. Wise felt the workings of powerful necromantic magic.
“Be ready.” He shouted. “It’s our turn.”