Chapter 817
Episode 204: Declaration of War (4)
At the same time, Jiple was under attack from the Red-Eyed Tribe in two more regions.
The invasion had begun at the first-class magic tower in the Qyoon Autonomous District and the Tower of Stories. Unlike the Lisrit Autonomous District, however, these assaults were carried out not by aerial fortresses but by fleets.
“As expected of Jiple. Even though their fleet strength seems significantly outmatched, they’re holding their ground impressively,” Quikantel remarked. She, Valkas, and Lata had infiltrated the Qyoon Autonomous District with the help of Vizen, the nameless top assassin.
The Red Fleet that struck Qyoon’s magic tower numbered around two hundred ships, led by the Great Battle King, Rakiman.
In contrast, Jiple’s fleet stationed at the tower had about one hundred and fifty ships, meaning Jiple was at a disadvantage both in ship technology and sheer numbers.
But Qyoon had Octavia and her guardian dragon, Salion. The moment the dimensional gate opened, Octavia ascended to the top of the magic tower and unleashed a barrage of spells, demonstrating incredible power that held back the Red Fleet.
“It must be because of Octavia Jiple,” Valkas said.
“Right, Valkas. Without Octavia, the tide would have turned quickly. Jiple’s archmage is at her strongest when supported by her guardian dragon and the magic tower. She’s even stronger than during the Demon God War. Seems she’s reached a new level of enlightenment.”
The battle in Qyoon was unfolding very differently from the Lisrit tower that Merry and her group had witnessed. The Red-Eyed Tribe lacked aerial fortresses here, and Jiple had one of the highest-ranking superhumans in Inse. It was only natural.
Still, despite being the enemy, the group couldn’t help but be impressed by Octavia’s sheer might. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that her power alone was deciding the battle.
“I don’t know how much you fools underestimated Jiple to dare this, but today you will pay dearly for your arrogance!”
The flagship of Jiple’s Second Fleet, Lucia, rose up and took position before Octavia. Octavia stepped forward to lead, her eyes flashing a fierce crimson light.
Crackle!
The Scarlet Flame Eye—an exclusive secret technique that had pushed the Demon King’s forces to their limits during the past war—engulfed the sky in flames.
Salion, the Wind Dragon, unleashed a storm that carried the scarlet wind toward the Red Fleet. The fire spread like a plague, forcing the Red Fleet to hesitate and cease their bombardment.
They had to concentrate their enemy-brain energy on their shields. To maintain the protective barrier’s integrity, the Red Fleet abandoned their scattered formation and clustered together. Octavia and the magic tower responded by focusing their firepower accordingly.
“Flagship Lucia, charge! I’ll break through their formation myself and shatter them!”
“Captain, it’s still the opening phase. Isn’t that too risky?”
“You can’t fight the Red-Eyed Tribe while thinking about what comes after. They’re relentless. Other magic towers are probably under attack too. The tower master’s staff sent a signal earlier—Lisrit must have already fallen. We have to win here, no matter what!”
“Understood! All Phantom Corps, assemble at the flagship immediately!”
Phantom Corps scattered across the ships and towers swiftly converged on the flagship Lucia.
Octavia’s face was grim, as if she had already accepted death. This was a declaration of war—and a warning of the strike zone. If they lost this battle, Jiple had no future.
That fierce resolve made Octavia even more formidable. The magical energy stored in her staff was razor-sharp, and the Phantom Corps gathered behind her radiated deadly intent.
There was no Demon God Stone here.
If Octavia and the Phantom Corps died, revival was unlikely. Even if their bodies were recovered and resurrected later, they would never be whole again. This was no empty threat.
“Five seconds to impact! Four, three, two…!”
Crash!
The prow of the flagship Lucia slammed into the Red Fleet’s shield. The front shattered instantly, and the shield cracked under the strain.
Red-Eyed warriors waiting on the hull fired enemy-brain energy beams. Octavia and the Phantom Corps deflected the blasts with magic and their staffs, breaking through the enemy ship in a single bound.
“Keep ramming, Lucia! Smash them all until we break through! We’re boarding their flagship!”
Octavia’s eyes still burned with scarlet flames. Ordinary soldiers twisted in agony just from locking eyes with her, while the high-ranking Battle Kings barely held their ground but dared not approach her.
The fleet’s bombardment continued relentlessly. The shaking from the cannon fire and debris threatened to tear the battlefield apart.
Over fifty ships from both sides had already been destroyed. The Red-Eyed Tribe had expected an easy victory, but what they faced was a brutal, chaotic fight.
“Not quite like the Jin Runkandel, but she wields power no human should possess. Octavia Jiple, the Phantom Corps commander of Jiple, right?” Rakiman said from the bridge, watching Octavia and the Phantom Corps.
“Yes, Rakiman comrade. She’s effectively Jiple’s second-in-command. Her momentum is fierce, but I doubt you’ll reach her here.”
“Androlin, you still don’t see clearly. If I don’t finish her myself, this invasion will fail.”
“But Rakiman comrade, you’re still wounded.”
Rakiman hadn’t fully recovered from the injuries inflicted by Jin.
“To win, sacrifices must be made. Even Simat would agree. Pull back the ships in front of the flagship Laviette and open the bridge. I’ll face her directly. All first-class Battle Kings on board, prepare to engage the Phantom Corps!”
As the ships arrayed before Laviette spread out, Octavia smiled faintly. Far off, Rakiman’s figure was visible.
“I am Rakiman Hog, Great Battle King of the Red-Eyed Tribe. You carry valuable blood, Octavia Jiple.”
“Ah, Rakiman Hog. The fool who recklessly challenged the Runkandel Bull and got broken. I hope you wrote your will in advance.”
“Heh… I can’t afford any more disgrace. I won’t be careless like that day. That’s unfortunate for you.”
“Lucia, full speed ahead!”
Rumble!
At the command, Lucia surged forward toward the Red Fleet ship where Octavia stood.
The ship split in two. Salion used the wind to anchor Octavia and the Phantom Corps, lifting them back onto the shattered prow of Lucia.
Lucia then used Salion’s wind as propulsion, charging full speed toward Laviette. Laviette’s cannons struck Lucia repeatedly, but Octavia and the Phantom Corps’ linked magic nullified much of the damage.
Finally, Lucia and Laviette collided, sending a massive shockwave through the area. Nearby ships were pushed back, and over half the crew on both vessels perished in the blast.
Even Octavia and Rakiman felt their bodies shudder as if breaking apart, glaring fiercely at each other. When Octavia’s staff clashed with Rakiman’s sword, the two ships, locked together, began to fall slowly, unable to withstand the pressure.
If Laviette hadn’t been damaged recently by Jin’s Sovereign Sword and the Flame of Upheaval, only Lucia would have broken and fallen.
But now, both flagships had similar defensive strength. Though the Red-Eyed Tribe’s fleet was generally superior, the flagships were evenly matched.
As the two flagships plummeted, first-class Battle Kings from the Red-Eyed Tribe rushed in. The Phantom Corps scattered to confront them, while Octavia fixed her gaze solely on Rakiman.
Countless spells, enemy-brain energy blasts, swords, and staffs clashed, warping the air. Both Octavia and Rakiman were covered in countless small wounds.
The flagships’ descent was nearly complete. The impact had already carved a massive crater in the ground.
“Phantom Corps, scatter to avoid the shock!”
“Battle Kings, disperse!”
Octavia and Rakiman shouted. If their flagships struck the ground and exploded, no one nearby would survive.
The Phantom Corps and Battle Kings leapt clear of the ships.
Octavia and Rakiman aimed their weapons at each other, preparing their secret techniques.
“Ugh, Captain!”
“Great Battle King comrade…!”
Clang! Boom!
The two flagships crashed, releasing a massive surge of magical and enemy-brain energy. Towering pillars of white and red shot into the sky.
The horrific explosion was beyond what the Phantom Corps and Battle Kings could endure. All fleets paused their bombardment, watching the spectacle. The massive ships rocked wildly like small boats in a storm.
The blast lasted over three minutes. When the heat finally subsided enough to see the flagships, Octavia emerged first.
“Haah, huff, cough…!”
She spat blood, glaring into the crater. The Phantom Corps and Battle Kings knew the fight was far from over.
Moments later, Rakiman crawled out from the wreckage on the opposite side, looking far worse. Deep wounds exposed his bones, and blood poured from every movement.
But the Radiant Heart was shining even brighter than before. Lakhiman gripped the glowing core and gave a sly smile.
“Castle Flame… it’s been a while.”
He had transformed into the Great Battle King. Now fully transformed, he took the form of a massive, crimson serpent, and unlike before, there was no sign of fatigue on him.
“Did you really think you had the upper hand, Octavia Ziphl? Such a disappointed look on your face.”
“We still have many cards left to play. Come on, let’s finish this!”
Octavia spat blood and raised her staff once more.
At the Tower of Stories.
“The Phantom Commander is holding his ground,” Veradin said, gazing up at the sky. Even without seeing the Qyoon Magic Tower directly, he could assess the battle’s progress.
Above, Ziphl’s First Fleet and the Red Fleet were locked in a fierce artillery duel.
Ziphl’s forces vastly outnumbered theirs. The invading Red Fleet had about seventy ships, while nearly five hundred vessels waited at the Tower of Stories.
“That’s a relief,” Satrin replied, bowing his head.
“Then we must quickly deal with them and support the Phantom Commander. It seems they only came to scout the Tower today. They’ll probably open a dimensional gate and retreat soon.”
“I agree, Lord. They must be relying on large-scale teleportation, which is why they sent only seventy ships.”
“But we should also let them know there’s no way out.”
“…Is there a way to trap them?”
“Open the Tower, Regent. We’ll manipulate their dimensional gate. Not a single one of those seventy Akmyeong clan ships that came to the Tower of Stories today will escape.”