Chapter 202: Continuing to Pursue His Receding Figure
Sir, allow me to lead a group or perhaps let the people from the maritime nation handle it. You should remain stationed at the central army.
Little Joey didn't want Roger to go to the frontline. This is not an imperial war. Why should she let her man take risks?
She also empathized with the maritime nation, considering the invasion by the Naga as an unjust war, but her greatest concern was undeniably reserved for Roger.
"Don't worry, I'm quite resilient to blows," reassured Roger as he gently patted her hand, signaling her not to fret.
Very well, sir, if that is what you insist on.
Upon seeing Roger's persistent determination, little Joey, unable to find a solution, immediately descended to make the necessary arrangements.
Soon, a total of nineteen legendary powerhouses were arranged, including two Silver-Sleeved Night Guards, with the rest being all from the maritime nation.
They were also very concerned about Black Shark Fortress. Upon hearing that Roger intended to cross the blockade to investigate the situation, everyone volunteered eagerly, and soon enough, the required number of people was assembled.
"I also want to advance to legendary!" Little Joey, who couldn't accompany them, grumbled indignantly, harboring a determined resolve deep within.
The feeling of being unable to be of assistance is so detestable.
Being a constant support for others doesn't mean she doesn't have a carrying heart.
Margaret and Prince Shack beside her, however, wore peculiar expressions, their eyes following the departure of this formidable team.
Just as Margaret had mocked Roger earlier, criticizing his decision to take risks for the people of the sea nation, he delivered a crushing blow with a single sentence, "If His Majesty were to learn that the Naga were slaughtering innocent civilians, what do you suppose he would do?"
Nicole raising the blood-red flag of massacre was publicly known information, which Margaret, of course, was well aware.
The people of the sea nation are not part of the empire at present, but they will inevitably become so in due course.
It's understandable for two armies to confront each other in battle, but what the Eternal Night Queen cannot tolerate is the mistreatment of civilians, where the weak are taken advantage of by the strong. She will find ways to intervene and prevent such incidents from occurring.
Therefore, once again it is proven that this individual understands the queen better than oneself!
The little fan was unwilling to accept it, yet at the same time, unable to deny it.
Prince Shak, on the other hand, was filled with concerns, a mix of worry and a tinge of resentment, while also experiencing a certain emotion that he himself couldn't quite comprehend.
Shak, at that moment, was so frightened that he cowered on the ground, letting out a wail, and even received a blow. Unfortunately, even the captain of his personal guard, Stedwell, looked on impassively without coming forward to assist him. Instead, he engaged in subsequent strategic discussions with the participating advisors.
Shak couldn't help but realize something.
Fear is useless in such times, as the palace crumbles, every mermaid is exerting all efforts to salvage the decline. There is hardly any time to spare in the desert to console a prince who has lost both courage and responsibility.
When Roger expressed his intention to search for Dahl's whereabouts at the Dark Shark Fortress, Stedwell eagerly volunteered, actively taking part in the endeavor.
Amidst the multitude of affairs at present, there are countless things that hold greater significance than the happiness level of His Royal Highness the Prince.
He is not a child; he is an adult. Tears and wailing won't elicit any sympathy, but only invite others' disdain and mockery.
In the world of adults, if it weren't for his father being the Sea Emperor, who would tend to his emotional well-being.
The country is on the verge of demise, naturally destabilizing the Sea Emperor's position. This so-called prince holds no significance whatsoever, as everyone is busy saving themselves!
In Shaq's eyes, the most devastating blow came from Roger.
Shaq could actually sense that the imperial people, and even many of the generals around him, held a dismissive attitude towards him.
However, he didn't care in the slightest.
He felt that his thoughts were different from theirs, so if they looked down on him, let them look down.
Roger was different, as he consistently regarded Shaq with considerable tolerance.
When Margaret mocked and scorned Shaq, Roger would provide him solace, and subsequently guide him in his growth.
Steady will protect his master to the death, but he doesn't hold any respect towards Shaq, merely due to his loyalty to his mother's family.
Shaq may not be intelligent, but he possesses a sensitive and perceptive heart.
The prince of the maritime kingdom is abundant in wealth that spans across the oceans. He may have as many sycophantic underlings as he desires to please him. However, when it comes to matters of the heart and personal identity, it still requires individuals of sufficient social standing and wisdom to provide such recognition.
Roger happens to meet the criteria of fulfilling Shaq's need for recognition, as he is a significant figure of influence within the empire.
Intriguingly, Roger was once known as a useless younger brother in the capital. He was a parasite who lived off his elder sister's efforts, waiting idly for his own demise.
He has only recently grown in stature over the past two years, earning the trust of the Queen of Eternal Night and accomplishing one astonishing feat after another, shocking not only the empire but the entire world.
Shaq saw in Roger the potential for a dramatic turnaround, and then Roger, in turn, led him to achieve their first victory together, illuminating the torch that casts away the shadows of failure that engulfed the maritime kingdom.
That was the first time since Shaq could remember that he felt the expectations of the ordinary people of the maritime kingdom on him, and saw the approving smiles of his parents...
The feeling was truly wonderful, and now, as he reminisces, a smile naturally graces his lips.
If it were possible, who wouldn't want to be the top of the class in every exam!
However, upon returning to the frontlines and witnessing Margaret command this army in his name, Shaq immediately fell back to reality.
The honors and expectations, as it turns out, merely belonged to him in name, but were not truly of his own creation.
He was merely a spokesperson pushed forward; the empire simply needed him to act under his princely status.
While Shaq was feeling disheartened, it was Roger who once again encouraged him, reminding him that things he didn't know how to do could be learned.
Commanding, managing, boosting morale - Shaq had systematically studied all of these. It had just been too long since he last practiced them. However, given the opportunity to apply them in practice, he would quickly remember and cultivate his confidence.
Gradually, Shaq became somewhat integrated into the frontlines, unconsciously developing a sense of dependence on Roger, akin to that of a mentor and friend.
Although Roger is actually younger than Shaq in age, psychologically, he is much more mature than Shaq.
Shaq felt as if he was overshadowed by his own debauched image. Perhaps someday, he yearned to become a true prince, admired by the masses.
However, did this magnificent wish seem to shatter just like that?
He was shocked and devastated by the news of the fall of the Black Shark Fortress, losing composure and surrendering to despair even before the most low-ranking soldiers.
Meanwhile, when the incident occurred, Roger didn't spare him a second glance, nor offered the comfort of yesteryears; instead, he declared his intention to embark on a search and rescue mission for the Fourth Prince, Daul, at the Black Shark Fortress.
Does this not prove that Daul holds a position in his heart that is even more significant than his own?
Speaking of which, it is quite ironic that while the Sea Emperor lavishes affection upon Daul, Shaq has always remained indifferent.
However, upon hearing that Roger is willing to venture into danger for Daul, he couldn't help but feel a sense of abandonment.
One can only say that arriving early is not as fortunate as arriving opportune.
The image that Roger has always portrayed has once again contributed to the resounding success of Shaq's first military operation, eliciting genuine praise from His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, for the first time in his lifetime.
This is the first time that he has garnered the attention of the entire maritime nation due to accomplishing a certain task.
Instead of him doing something foolish again, causing a mockery and being widely known due to malicious rumors.
This holds great significance for Shaq, as he feels a renewed sense of accomplishment.
However, the battle situation took a sharp turn for the worse, and Roger showed indifference towards him once again, causing dark clouds to once again loom over Shaq's fortune.
Feeling afraid of being abandoned, and also feeling aggrieved by the prospect of being left behind in such a manner.
However, the current situation is urgent, and he doesn't have the opportunity to explain or promise anything to Roger.
Shaquille, in that moment, felt a surge of emotions deep within him, urging him to take action.
A person who doesn't belong to the maritime nation, yet actively contemplates and takes decisive action, ultimately saving the very nation itself.
The true prince of the maritime nation, however, lies on the ground, unable to rise again due to fear.
Although he was indeed physically hurt by Margaret's fierce kick, the most profound pain resided within his heart.
Could it be that he is about to disappoint the last person in this world who trusts him and holds expectations for him?
It turns out that it was not the world that abandoned him, but rather, he failed to keep pace with this era.
Helping someone realize their own mistakes is a daunting task.
However, if a person becomes aware of their own mistakes and resolves firmly to rectify them, then it becomes quite simple.
The initial fall of the Black Shark Fortress has now alleviated the sense of fear experienced by Shaq.
His body regained strength, stepping out of the whale carriage, he watched as Roger lead a team of formidable individuals, while his own sixty thousand men launched an even more ferocious assault towards Nickels' blockade. Suddenly, he understood the weight of responsibility resting on his shoulders.
Even if this maritime nation is on the brink of destruction, he is still the prince of the sea. He would rather die standing than live on his knees.
He is the commander-in-chief of this second defense line. No matter how fearful he may be, he cannot abandon these sixty thousand soldiers and leave them to fight on in dire circumstances. The courage to continue battling in the face of adversity would be rendered worthless without his command.
Even if this battle is truly lost for the maritime nation, we should not lose in such a disgraceful manner that it frightens the prince into becoming a useless person.
He has to stand up, he has to step forward.
He shoulders the responsibility that matches his bloodline and status, diligently seeking opportunities to turn the tide when the maritime nation is at a disadvantage.
Previously, he felt that these significant matters had nothing to do with him. He was merely a mermaid without aspirations, content with a laid-back existence.
However, as he gazed upon the figure of another person walking away, he realized that he has no way out and cannot escape.
Even embracing a laid-back lifestyle requires a secure environment.
Now that the Naga have penetrated the maritime nation, can he still pretend not to see, continuously retreating in cowardice, and remain an ineffectual prince?
He must not!
Even if the entire world lacks confidence in oneself, as long as there is at least one person who believes, one should respond with a miracle!
The complexity and hesitation in Shake's eyes gradually fade away as he gently closes his eyes and reflects upon his life, which can be deemed as a failure, and compares it to the taste of victory.
Then he opened his eyes, revealing longing, gazing towards the battlefield that resembles a meat grinder.
Those ordinary soldiers have not given up yet, so I must not give up either.
Those warriors who fight for the maritime nation are still willing, until this moment to exert their fullest efforts to fight for a possibility; safeguarding the broader territorial waters of the nation and protecting the vulnerable, including the elderly and women.
That is his country, and the luxurious lifestyle he enjoys comes from the output of this nation.
Now that the nation is in distress, how can she stand here trembling, like a coward, waiting for a miracle from heaven?
He is, after all, the prince of the maritime nation. He is determined to personally strive for that miracle, for the sake of the people who are still alive and haven't given up resisting in this country.
The him of the past could have been looked down upon by people all over the world, but at this moment, he also doesn't want that person who once believed in him to be completely disappointed in him.
He wants to prove that he can do just as well as his fourth brother, or even better than him!
Arm me.
Shak suddenly said to his close guard next to him.
"Your Highness? What did you say?"
These guards showed a look of confusion.
Arm me, for I am going to the battle, to shatter the enemy's blockade and rescue the Black Shark Fortress!
Your Highness, the situation in the front line is extremely tense, and you...
Do as I have commanded!
Shak's voice was not loud, yet it possessed a firmness that was previously absent, generating a dignified air from his conviction.
Having been influenced from a young age, he knew what a person of great stature should be like, it's just that he used to be lazy to put on a façade.
"Yes!" The group of loyal guards busied themselves, assisting him in donning a complete set of armor.
Shak is a level thirteen warrior, endowed with a natural ability to manipulate waves akin to magic. Coupled with the armor and weapons specially crafted for him by the Sea Emperor, he is a formidable Tier Three professional with great combat prowess.
However, those belongings were placed at the very bottom of the luggage and had already accumulated a layer of dust.
The people of the maritime kingdom are well aware that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince lacks courage and a clear objective when it comes to taking action, despite possessing talent and strength.
Now, he has found that target, discovered the figure he desires to pursue and emulate.
He brushed off the dust from his sword, straightened his posture, grasped the hilt, and with a flick of his tail, elegantly swam out of the whale carriage.
Margaret looked at the figure rushing out in bewilderment and cautiously asked, "Is that our Crown Prince?"
Little Joey replied, "Yes."
He seems to be somewhat different now?
Perhaps... this is yet another miracle of a little character?
Little Joey tilted his head, revealing a rather expectant smile.
The radiance emanating from Shac's being ignited a sense of great familiarity within her, hinting at the deliberate or inadvertent design of her own superiors, ultimately blossoming and bearing fruit in this very moment.
Just that she wouldn't expose it, the person whom Prince Shac yearned for wasn't some hero, but rather a villain with a malicious disposition...
Lies, sometimes can also be a blessing.
At least in this scene filled with a performance of lies, Shac has transformed into a better prince, hasn't he?
...
...
The blockade line established by Nicol, on the other side.
Originally, this defensive line was already in a precarious state under Shac's continuous attacks.
Although Frankenstein provided them with specialized killing weapons, their efficiency in slaughter remains high, and the production rate of the bio-fish swarm is even higher.
It is precisely these specialized killing weapons that, when faced with seemingly endless hordes of bio-fish, inevitably succumb to exhaustion of energy, depletion of reagents, wear and tear of gears, and eventually become obsolete.
On one side are imported equipment replicated by the Naga, while on the other side are consumables that can be endlessly produced with the backing of the vast sea. This is inherently not a battle fought on the same level.
The unfortunate blockade line dragged into the swarm-infested ocean. Now, Nicol can only rely on the lives of his soldiers to desperately sustain it, completely retreating to the camp and holding steadfast to the defensive fortifications established.
He is completely powerless to intercept small but formidable forces capable of rapid breakthroughs.
In fact, not to mention small but formidable forces, even Shak's troops truly desire to break through this blockade line and reach the main battlefield, which they can now accomplish.
However, it will require enduring significant losses and facing flanking attacks from the enemy once engaged in direct confrontation.
Shak's troops are stationed on the second battlefield. Previously, they adhered to the principle of annihilating the enemy's live forces as much as possible. Daor also reported that the situation at Black Shark Fortress is stable, thus there has been no forceful breakout for support.
The incident at Black Shark Fortress was indeed too sudden. Collins managed to conceal it perfectly, and it suddenly erupted, catching the maritime nation off guard. Shak, on the other hand, was unable to provide support in time.
Now, undertaking reconnaissance once again is actually an exceptionally perilous task, and they cannot ascertain whether the area ahead has already fallen completely under the control of the Naga.
However, Roger couldn't help but feel restless without taking a glimpse. Especially since he believed that Nicole's sole objective now is to cross Black Shark Fortress and seize the landing point, completely disregarding her own well-being.
Therefore, the danger of this journey is actually not high. By the time they arrive, the main force of the Naga expeditionary army should have already moved.
However, if he is truly surrounded, Roger remains unafraid.
With the Illusion Dream Shield on his side, he can retreat and defend, and even call upon the support of the Queen of Eternal Night's firepower. In reality, he actually hopes that the attention of the Naga is focused on himself.
However, he, who faintly guesses the Naga's layout, should not entertain such daydreams.
Finally, they pushed forward through the journey, encountering small groups of Naga reconnaissance units. They directly relied on individual strength to eliminate them, while larger groups were bypassed with maneuverability. They easily broke through to the ruins of Black Shark Fortress.
The ruins were a harrowing sight, with corpses strewn across the field. However, as expected, the main force of the Naga expeditionary army had indeed departed from this place.
Roger knew that his judgment was correct.
